abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

phone-number410-877-3787 lm-right-arrow

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
SUBMIT REQUEST

Home Care In Bel Air, MD

Home Care Bel Air, MD

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bel Air Courthouse Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bel Air, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Bel Air, MD

care-serviceHome Care Services

location Service Areas

Read More
Elderly Care Bel Air, MD Request More Information vector

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Facundo K.
551
Google

“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They”

Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Keith S.
551
Google

“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She”

I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Home Care Services for Alan L.
551
Google

“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always”

I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Non-medical Home Care for Monica C.
551
Google

“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in”

I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.
Read full testimonial
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best care is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.”

Facundo K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.”

Keith S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”

Alan L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”

Monica C.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Bel Air, MD?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Request More Information
Senior Care Bel Air, MD

Types of Elderly Care in Bel Air, MD

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
Request More Information
Respite Care Bel Air, MD
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
Request More Information
Caregivers Bel Air, MD
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bynum Run Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Request More Information
Home Care Bel Air, MD
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Pairings Bistro or visit Hays House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

Request More Information
In-Home Care Bel Air, MD

Benefits of Home Care in Bel Air, MD

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Bel Air, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Bel Air, MD

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MD's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Bel Air, MD

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bel Air, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Bel Air, MD

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Bel Air, MD

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Brightview Bel Air - Senior Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Bel Air Assisted Living
  • Senior Living & Memory Care
  • Brightview Avondell - Senior Independent & Assisted Living
  • Four Seasons Assisted Living
  • Hart Heritage Assisted Living
Home Care Bel Air, MD

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Bel Air, MD

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bel Air, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Request More Information vector
Elderly Care Bel Air, MD

Latest News in Bel Air, MD

Snow Expected To Make MD Commute Messy, 2nd Round Looms

It's been a long wait, but Maryland is likely to see up to 4 inches of snow starting Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, the NWS says.Deb Belt, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 8:39 am ETMARYLAND — It's been more than a year since most of Maryland has had to shovel snow, but the Baltimore-DC region is likely to see up to 4 inches of snow starting Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, the National Weat...

It's been a long wait, but Maryland is likely to see up to 4 inches of snow starting Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, the NWS says.

Deb Belt, Patch Staff

|Updated Tue, Jan 16, 2024 at 8:39 am ET

MARYLAND — It's been more than a year since most of Maryland has had to shovel snow, but the Baltimore-DC region is likely to see up to 4 inches of snow starting Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service says.

And, there's another chance for snow later in the week, Thursday into Friday.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday, the NWS said, with 2 to 4 inches of snow expected in much of north central, northeast and northern Maryland.

"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the afternoon and evening commute," the NWS advisory said.

Snowfall will pick up in intensity Monday afternoon. The snow is expected to continue through the night, before winding down before daybreak Tuesday, the agency said.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Areas included in the weather advisory are: District of Columbia, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Montgomery, Howard, Carroll, Cecil, Baltimore and Harford counties.

"Dangerously cold wind chills are possible late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, especially near and north of Highway 50," the National Weather Service warned.

A hazardous weather outlook is in place for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and I-95 corridor through central Maryland, northern Virginia, and District of Columbia.

A winter storm warning has been issued for Garrett County in western Maryland, where additional snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected.

Monday: Snow likely, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 31. Southeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday Night: Snow. Low around 28. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tuesday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Northeast wind 5 to 13 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. Blustery.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Blustery.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Child injured after tree falls through Bel Air homes during storm

BALTIMORE -- A 9-year-old girl was injured after a falling tree damaged multiple homes in Bel Air Tuesday night during a storm that brought heavy rain, damaging wind, and flooding to the region.Harford County Fire and EMS said the tree fell on the 1900 block of Millington Square. The agency said a person was injured, but their condition was not immediately clear.WJZ spoke with a homeowner Wednesday who told her that her 9-year-old daughter was the person injured.Candice Sexton said her daughter suffered ...

BALTIMORE -- A 9-year-old girl was injured after a falling tree damaged multiple homes in Bel Air Tuesday night during a storm that brought heavy rain, damaging wind, and flooding to the region.

Harford County Fire and EMS said the tree fell on the 1900 block of Millington Square. The agency said a person was injured, but their condition was not immediately clear.

WJZ spoke with a homeowner Wednesday who told her that her 9-year-old daughter was the person injured.

Candice Sexton said her daughter suffered only a few scratches after part of a large oak tree fell through their living room, basement, and their daughter's room.

"They were upstairs for about 10 minutes and all of a sudden, we heard — just a crashing noise," Sexton said. "It sounded just like thunder."

A building inspector has been requested, officials said.

Sexton said she and her husband ran upstairs to check on their 9-and 12-year-old daughters.

"I don't know the timeframe of everything just because it happened so fast. So now it's just a blur," said Sexton.

What they saw was a part of a large tree that fell straight through their daughter's room. The tree also demolished their deck, fell into part of their living room and leaned down in their basement.

"My daughter did get a cut on her head and some cut on her feet because she was in the room where the tree fell in," Sexton told WJZ.

Outside in the backyard, debris and tree limbs were scattered. Landscaping and cleanup crews worked to get rid of the two trees that fell on the Sexton's home and two other residences.

"Yes, the one fell into the woods and the one fell onto the houses," said John Darney, an estimator with Harford Tree Experts and Landscaping, Inc. "And you can see, it is about 24 inches in diameter. It fell and kind of split properties --- for all three properties."

"I'm actually a licensed daycare provider," Sexton said. "I provide services to a lot of kids in our community to do before and after care. So, at this point, I've also lost my house. We all lost our house, but I've also lost my income with my job."

While it looks to be a long road ahead, Sexton said she's thankful her family is safe and alive.

"But we're all OK and that's most important, and that's what we keep just saying," Sexton said. "We've made it out OK."

Town-By-Town MD Snowfall Totals, Bitter Cold Moving In

Snowfall tallied about 5 inches in Bel Air to nearly 6 inches in Columbia and 4 inches in Baltimore. See snow totals across MD from the NWS.Most school districts in the Baltimore-DC region canceled classes Tuesday.Snowfall totals ranged from less than 2 inches in southern Anne Arundel County to 5 inches in parts of Montgomery, Prince George's and Howard County. The lowest amount a spotter reported in the state was 1 inch in Lexington Park in St. Marys County.Find out what's happening in Baltimorewith free, real-time u...

Snowfall tallied about 5 inches in Bel Air to nearly 6 inches in Columbia and 4 inches in Baltimore. See snow totals across MD from the NWS.

Most school districts in the Baltimore-DC region canceled classes Tuesday.

Snowfall totals ranged from less than 2 inches in southern Anne Arundel County to 5 inches in parts of Montgomery, Prince George's and Howard County. The lowest amount a spotter reported in the state was 1 inch in Lexington Park in St. Marys County.

Find out what's happening in Baltimorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mount Airy 4.8 Taneytown 4.5 Eldersburg 4.0 Westminster 3.0

Cecil County

Rising Sun 3.5 Elkton 3.2

Harford County

Bel Air 4.7 Aberdeen Proving Ground 4.5 Churchville 4.5 Forest Hill 4.4 Jarrettsville 4.0 Abingdon 3.9

Howard County Columbia 5.8 Elkridge 4.9 Sykesville 4.9 Laurel 4.8 Columbia (2) 4.5 Savage 4.5 Historic Ellicott City 4.3 Clarksville 4.3 Ilchester 4.1 West Friendship 3.5

Montgomery County Montgomery Village 5.2 Damascus 5.2 Takoma Park 4.8 Damascus 4.7 Clarksburg 4.6 North Potomac 4.4 Gaithersburg 4.3 Silver Spring 4.3 Potomac 4.1 Germantown 4.0 Chevy Chase 4.0 Rockville 3.8

Prince Georges County

Beltsville 5.0 Greenbelt 3.9 College Park 3.7 Bowie 3.5 Suitland 3.0 Upper Marlboro 2.3 Fort Washington 2.0

Here's the latest Maryland forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 17. Northwest wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 31. West wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. West wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 40. Light and variable wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Snow, mainly after 8am. High near 36. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night: Snow likely before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. Blustery.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Blustery.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 36.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Weather Decision Updated For Wednesday Classes: Harford County Schools

Updated at 8:08 a.m. WednesdayHARFORD COUNTY, MD — Harford County Public Schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday.The district was originally scheduled to open two hours late. The school system re-evaluated and announced the change Wednesday around 6:30 a.m.Related: ...

Updated at 8:08 a.m. Wednesday

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Harford County Public Schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday.

The district was originally scheduled to open two hours late. The school system re-evaluated and announced the change Wednesday around 6:30 a.m.

Related: Town-By-Town MD Snowfall Totals, Bitter Cold Moving In

"This decision is a result of continuing conditions that make travel unsafe on many roads for students and staff," HCPS said on Facebook. "Thanks to our Transportation staff for sharing some of these photos of the roads our buses regularly travel!"

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Harford County Public Schools was also closed Tuesday for the snow.

Many cities were covered in 4 to 5 inches of snow by Tuesday morning and bitter cold will soon follow the storm into the state. Low temperatures will drop into the low teens the next two nights, the National Weather Service said. Most school districts in the Baltimore-DC region canceled classes Tuesday.

Here's the latest Maryland forecast from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 31. West wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. West wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 40. Light and variable wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of snow, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Snow, mainly after 8am. High near 36. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday Night: Snow likely before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. Blustery.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Blustery.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 36.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Meet Steve Chizmar, Candidate For Bel Air Board Of Commissioners

Meet Steve Chizmar, candidate for Bel Air Board of Commissioners. Four candidates are running for three seats on the board.Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch StaffWhat ways can people contact you with questions?Email: [email protected] website?https://stchizmar.wixsite.com/......

Meet Steve Chizmar, candidate for Bel Air Board of Commissioners. Four candidates are running for three seats on the board.

Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff

What ways can people contact you with questions?Email: [email protected]

Campaign website?https://stchizmar.wixsite.com/...Age as of election day?67 years old

Place of residence?Bel Air, MD

Family members?Wife Karen; Children Maggie, Eric and Kate

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?Not currently, but I am retired from the Department of the Army.

Education?St. Margaret SchoolBel Air High SchoolBachelor of science in electrical engineering, University of Delaware.

Occupation?Retired electrical engineer with the Department of the Army for 40+ years, 29 years in aleadership position

Previously held elected or appointed political positions?Vice chair of Bel Air Historic Preservation Committee (8 years)Member of Bel Air Board of Ethics (11 Years)

Why are you running for office?The current Commissioners have not listened to their constituents on several major issues confronting the town. It seems that four of the commissioners are forcing their agenda on the citizens even when the citizens express strong opposition. Some of the recent actions by the Board of Commissioners include: the rezoning of properties on the Maryland Historic Trust’s Inventory of Historic Properties on East Broadway to allow 4 story retail and apartments; their refusal to accept your petition of referendum to allow you to vote on the Broadway rezoning; their insistence on connecting East and West MacPhail Roads through the campus of Homestead-Wakefield Elementary to relieve congestion while at the same time refusing to stop large high density building, which would only increase traffic: their refusal to stop development when Bel Air Elementary and Homestead-Wakefield Elementary schools are over 110 percent capacity, allowing developers to maximize profits while our children are forced to learn in increasingly overcrowded schools; and their desire to allow short term rentals (Vrbo’s) in residential areas.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Secondly, Ms. Hughes has ignored what her constituents have to say. Ms. Hughes voted in favor of rezoning historic properties along East Broadway to allow for a 4-story residential/retail project in view of strong public opinion against the rezoning. When a petition for referendum was presented to the Board of Commissioners to put the rezoning to a vote of the citizens, Ms. Hughes voted three times to denied the citizens their right to vote. If elected, I will listen to the people and I will accept the petition when it comes back to the Board of Commissioners after the Town’s appeal of the citizens lawsuit is resolved. If elected, I will host town hall meetings where there can be a meaningful dialog between the commissioners, residents, businesses and communitygroups on the issues, challenges and visions they see facing the town, so we can address them together.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community(or district or constituency)?The current commissioners have failed the community by propagating their own agenda at the expense of the citizens wishes. From the denial to accept the petition of referendum on the Broadway rezoning; to their insistence on putting a road through the Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School campus to relieve congestion while at the same time allowing high density housing into town; to the proposed legislation to allow short term rentals (AirBnB’s and Vrbo’s) in all residential neighborhoods. The community has voiced overwhelming opposition to these decisions to no avail. They just don’t hear us. We need new leadership which will hear our citizens voices and work with the community; not just push their own agenda.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. What accomplishments in yourpast would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?I have attended many town meetings over the past two years and although each meeting has an agenda, the agendas from meeting to meeting do not have any focus. The commissioners need to develop a plan or vision which looks out a year of so which guides their overall efforts. This plan needs to be developed with input from citizens, businesses, business groups, community groups and the town staff. Once developed and tasks or goals prioritized, the plan should be published for the public to see and provided to the town administrator to execute, who would provide status reports back to the Commissioners in order to track progress. Periodically, this plan would be reviewed and updated to reflect changing demands.

We need to televise our town meetings. We need to have transparency in our government and by televising meetings it will hopefully garner more public interest in our town government. I want feedback from the citizens. I want to know what the citizens think, what concerns they have, what challenges they think the town is facing.

We need to mend our relationships with Harford County Government and the Harford County Board of Education. The town has been operating more or less in isolation. We need to work with Harford County government to help us revitalize Main Street. Harford County has significantly more resources in to help with economic development that the Town. Bel Air is part of Harford County, so what’s good for Bel Air, is good for Harford County and vice versa. The town’s insistence on putting a road through Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School has soured the town’s relationship with the school board. We need to mend that relationship because our elementary school children are going to the only two schools in the county that are over 110 percent capacity. We need the school boards help to fix. Electing new commissioners who did not vote for the road will go a long way to mend this relationship.

My life long experiences provide me the skills and knowledge to serve as a town commissioner. I have served a total of 19 years on two town committees: the town’s Historic Preservation Committee and the Board of Ethics. I understand how the town government operates and I’m familiar with the services each department provides. Also, as a 40+ year employee of the Department of the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, I was in a leadership role for over 29 years, responsible for the development and execution of a budget ranging from $8 to $15 million a year. I supervised anywhere from 10 – 25 scientists and engineers, conducting studies and analyses of Army weapon systems to support Army leadership decisions. I understand how to deal with complex problems and how to simplify them. I understand how to deal with large amounts of information, mine the real nuggets of data that matter, and make a defendable decision based on facts. I will bring that knowledge and experience to bear on addressing the challenges of our town.

The best advice ever shared with me was:Early in my career with the Department of the Army, one of my mentors told me: “Listen. When you talk, you don’t learn anything.” It has served me well throughout my career and I plan to heed that advice as commissioner.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?I lived in Bel Air my entire life and I love this town. That is why I have never left. I have given back to the community as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), youth sports coach, and school PTA and Booster member, and member of two town committees. I’m vested in this town. Along with my wife, we have renovated a historic home that will turn 100 years old in a couple years. We raised three children in this home and this is a prime example of how to repurpose an old, nearly condemned structure, to one of the beauties on the street. Our entire block has done the same to their homes, and we have a friendly and vibrant neighborhood. This is how we can keep our town’s identity and stay relevant in today’s times.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.