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Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

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Elderly Care for Facundo K.
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“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.
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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.
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Home Care Services for Alan L.
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“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.
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Non-medical Home Care for Monica C.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
In-Home Care Darlington, MD

How does In-home Senior Care in Darlington, MD work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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.

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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Darlington, MD

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Darlington, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Darlington, MD 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.

Respite Care Darlington, MD

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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 Darlington,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.

Caregivers Darlington, 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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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.

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.

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Latest News in Darlington, MD

HCPL Holds Ribbon-cutting, Grand Opening For New Darlington Library

New Library includes many first-in-the-system features including 24/7 exterior locker pick up, tablet tower & exterior patio with fireplace.Community ContributorHarford County Public Library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening for the new Darlington Library October 19.Located in a repurposed, upcycled building at 3535 Conowingo Road in Street, the new library offers more than 4,000 square feet of space and is located on 1.9 acres at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 136, just five miles from the pr...

New Library includes many first-in-the-system features including 24/7 exterior locker pick up, tablet tower & exterior patio with fireplace.

Community Contributor

Harford County Public Library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening for the new Darlington Library October 19.

Located in a repurposed, upcycled building at 3535 Conowingo Road in Street, the new library offers more than 4,000 square feet of space and is located on 1.9 acres at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 136, just five miles from the previous location in Darlington Village.

Attending the ceremony were Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, Library CEO Mary Hastler, Dr. William B. Allen, chair of the Harford County Public Library Board of Trustees, and other local dignitaries.

The new Darlington Library offers three first-in-the-system features -- 24/7 exterior locker pick up for books and materials; a tablet tower for customers to read magazines and explore apps; and an exterior patio with fireplace for community gatherings.

Other features include a whimsical fence/gate; hitching rail for customers’ four-legged friends; “story walk" along the outdoor walking trail leading to the Harford County Agricultural Center; pre-school learning area; two small conference rooms off the foyer; several book drops; drive-through window service; public computers, printing and copier services; free Wi-Fi access throughout the property; and FocalPoint Biofiltration System, a customer-focused, environmentally committed system.

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

“The new Darlington Library will be a community gathering place,” said Mary Hastler, CEO of Harford County Public Library. “Repurposing a vacant building into a state-of-the-art public library supports our mission of creating a wonderful resource for the community.”

The property was purchased for $850,000 in 2020 by Harford County Government and Harford County Public Library. Through the support of the Harford County Public Library Foundation, the property was secured and is located at the intersection of Conowingo Road (Route 1) and Route 136, a highly traveled route in the county with a strong historical heritage.

The building was originally constructed in 1996 as a Wawa, before the convenience store acquired a larger piece of property across the street and relocated. A few banks operated out of the building until it was purchased by the County and Library in 2020.

The community expressed a desire for the Library to retain the original building’s footprint, and the Library and County incorporated the community’s wishes in the planning.

The funding to renovate the interior and exterior of the building was $2.6 million and includes all associated mechanical, electrical, plumbing and site work. In addition, a budget of $500,000 was allocated for furnishings, shelving, new technology and other features. The Library recruited and hired additional staff in anticipation of a larger library and additional services.

Funding for the project came from Harford County Government, Harford County Public Library, Harford County Public Library Foundation, Friends of Harford County Public Library, Katherine and Bryan Kelly, and the Morris Mechanic Foundation.

Replacing the Darlington Library is part of Harford County Public Library’s 2018 Master Plan. The Darlington Library was previously located in a modular structure in Darlington Village. It was a small branch (just 1,473 square feet), woefully undersize and unable to adequately serve the needs of the community. Building a new library in the Village was not feasible because of several issues including limited property availability.

For more than 75 years, Harford County Public Library has provided its communities with access to ideas that inform, entertain and inspire. Last year the library interacted with its residents more than 12 million times – borrowing free materials, visiting branches and the website, using free WiFi, and attending classes and events. In 2021 Harford County Public Library was named a Star Library by Library Journal. For more information, visit HCPLonline.org.

Darlington Apple Festival 2021 Draws Crowds

DARLINGTON, MD — Every year, families come from near and far to celebrate the first Saturday in October at the Darlington Apple Festival. Due to the coronavirus, the festival did not happen last year.In 2021, it felt like "Indian summer," with temps topping out around 80 degrees on festival day, according to the Whistler Road band, which served up rock and soul for an audience sitting on hay bales.Apple products were the stars of the show, from fritters and pies to dumplings. The Darlington Volunteer Fire Compan...

DARLINGTON, MD — Every year, families come from near and far to celebrate the first Saturday in October at the Darlington Apple Festival. Due to the coronavirus, the festival did not happen last year.

In 2021, it felt like "Indian summer," with temps topping out around 80 degrees on festival day, according to the Whistler Road band, which served up rock and soul for an audience sitting on hay bales.

Apple products were the stars of the show, from fritters and pies to dumplings. The Darlington Volunteer Fire Company was even selling apple pies and crumb cakes in the parking lot where people could board the shuttle bus.

Attendees were required to wear masks on the shuttle bus — which traveled from the Chesapeake Harley-Davidson (which closed for the day due to the festival), Darlington firehouse and High's parking lots to the gathering on Shuresville Road.

"We recommend the masks be worn on the festival grounds, but this is not required," Darlington Apple Festival organizers said.

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

Here are some scenes from the 2021 Darlington Apple Festival:

When To Go: The Darlington Apple Festival is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. The apple pie contest award winners will be announced at noon at the Haybale Auditorium.

What Not To Bring: Neither pets nor alcohol is permitted.

Where Is It: The festival is at 2120 Shuresville Road in Darlington. See the festival map.

When Is The Apple Pie Contest: Submit pies from 9 to 10 a.m. at Darlington United Methodist Church, 2118 Shuresville Road. Drop them off in the basement. Read the contest rules. The contest is free to enter.

Who's Playing: Check out the live music schedule below.

Guide To 2021 Darlington Apple Festival

What Kind Of Vendors: Booths will be set up for those selling everything from apples to yoga mats to Thanksgiving flower arrangements to feather hairpins. See the vendor list.

What Activities Are There: Hayrides, pony rides and cornhole, to name a few. The cornhole contest is free to enter.

Where To Park: People can park off site and take a shuttle to the festival from Chesapeake Harley-Davidson (4600 Thunder Court), the Darlington firehouse (2600 Castleton Road) and the field across from the High's gas station (4585 Conowingo Road).

Where Is Handicapped Parking: This is on the grounds of Darlington Elementary School. To get there from MD Route 161/Darlington Road, take a right onto Old Quaker Road and then proceed on School Road. Signs for handicapped parking will be posted.

How Old Is It: The festival started in 1986. It is run by volunteers.

The Darlington Apple Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2.

Darlington Barn Destroyed By Fire

DARLINGTON, MD — Part of a former dairy farm dating to the 1800s was completely destroyed Monday morning by fire, officials said. The two-alarm barn fire required two hours to control, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reported.At 5:41 a.m., crews were dispatched to the 2100 block of Trappe Church Road for a working barn fire, according to Rich Gardiner, spokesman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.According to investigators, a neighbor had discovered the fire and notified authorities.Abou...

DARLINGTON, MD — Part of a former dairy farm dating to the 1800s was completely destroyed Monday morning by fire, officials said. The two-alarm barn fire required two hours to control, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reported.

At 5:41 a.m., crews were dispatched to the 2100 block of Trappe Church Road for a working barn fire, according to Rich Gardiner, spokesman for the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association.

According to investigators, a neighbor had discovered the fire and notified authorities.

About 50 firefighters from the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding agencies worked to bring the fire under control for two hours. The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company reported that its crew was at the scene supporting the firefighting operations for three-and-a-half hours.

The fire marshal said the structure that housed the 19th-century Winstone dairy farm was a complete loss, with $20,000 in damage; there was $10,000 in structural damage to the barn, while $10,000 worth of items inside the barn were lost in the fire as well.

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

"The fire department did a fantastic job," Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire told Patch. "They prevented the fire from spreading."

A guest house and main residence on the property were untouched by the flames, he said.

Nobody was injured, according to the fire marshal, who reported the origin and cause of the blaze remained under investigation.

Because of the damage caused by the fire, Alkire said the cause and origin may never be found.

"The barn collapsed in on itself," Alkire said, which destroyed evidence that could provide an idea of what happened. "That's going to greatly hinder our ability to [find] our area of origin" of the fire.

As of Tuesday, he said there were no indications that there was anything suspicious. But because of the total destruction of the barn, he said: "This could be a case where it’s undetermined" what caused the fire to start.

Photo above courtesy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Main photos of the fire courtesy of John Gallagher, Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

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