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Home Care In Perry Hall, MD

Home Care Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall Mansion 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 Perry Hall, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Perry Hall, MD

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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.

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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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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.
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Non-medical Home Care for Monica C.
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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.
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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.
×
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 Perry Hall, MD?

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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Senior Care Perry Hall, MD

Types of Elderly Care in Perry Hall, 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
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Respite Care Perry Hall, 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
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Caregivers Perry Hall, 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 Snyder 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
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Home Care Perry Hall, 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 Conrad's Seafood Restaurant, 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.

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In-Home Care Perry Hall, MD

Benefits of Home Care in Perry Hall, 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.

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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 Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall
  • Cottages of Perry Hall
  • Victory Assisted Living
  • Charter Senior Living
  • Ma Maison Senior Assisted Living III
  • Town Square Perry Hall - Adult Day Care
Home Care Perry Hall, 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 Perry Hall, 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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Perry Hall, 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.

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Elderly Care Perry Hall, MD

Latest News in Perry Hall, MD

Roachiest Cities: MD Town Among Nation's Most-Infested

Patch manager Deb Belt originally posted this story.BALTIMORE, MD — As families across Maryland gather for the holidays, there is one guest that is never welcome: the cockroach.Nevertheless, it's an alarmingly frequent visitor. Pest Gnome, a company that speciali...

Patch manager Deb Belt originally posted this story.

BALTIMORE, MD — As families across Maryland gather for the holidays, there is one guest that is never welcome: the cockroach.

Nevertheless, it's an alarmingly frequent visitor. Pest Gnome, a company that specializes in connecting people to pest exterminators in their area, ranked the most roach-infested cities in the United States. Four California cities made it into the top 25 cities for cockroach service calls.

In Maryland, residents in Baltimore call for help with roach infestations at higher rates than anywhere else statewide. The city ranked No. 16 among U.S. cities for its level of creepy-crawly bugs.

Overall, several densely-populated metro cities made the list, which was determined using data from the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Houston topped the list, with 37 percent of homes showing signs of cockroaches in the past 12 months, the study said. Houston is known for its high heat and humidity, and Pest Gnome reported that roaches thrive in such conditions.

Here's the full list:

“Cockroaches are known to transfer disease pathogens, such as the various bacteria that produce ‘food poisoning’ in humans, by contaminating food, food preparation surfaces, dishes and eating utensils,” the Illinois Department of Public Health said on its website.

Why do I have a cockroach problem?

Cockroaches typically find their way into homes while foraging for food or after being accidentally introduced from hiding in or on another object. Cockroaches that are living on your property often find their way inside through cracks in the foundation and exterior walls, spaces around utility entrances, spaces underneath doors, or through vents. Cockroaches can be brought into a home unknowingly in used appliances or furniture, packages, and potted plants.

Where will I find cockroaches?

Wherever there are people, food, and shelter, there is the potential to find cockroaches. Depending on their exact species, cockroaches often live around dumpsters or trash cans, behind tree bark, in compost piles, in gardens, in sewers, and under mulch.

Want to tell people about an upcoming event? Add it to our calendar.

To prevent roaches from roaming in your home, Pest Gnome recommends sealing any points of entry, cleaning up any stray crumbs, fixing leaky pipes and using Raid and roach motels. If all else fails, call an exterminator.

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Layoffs Rise In MD, Seasonal Hiring Falls: Report

Patch reporter Michelle Rotuno-Johnson wrote this story. Manager Deb Belt contributed reporting.MARYLAND — Seasonal hiring is at the slowest pace since 2013, and employers in Maryland and nationwide have cut almost 400,000 more j...

Patch reporter Michelle Rotuno-Johnson wrote this story. Manager Deb Belt contributed reporting.

MARYLAND — Seasonal hiring is at the slowest pace since 2013, and employers in Maryland and nationwide have cut almost 400,000 more jobs so far this year than in 2022, a new report said.

From January through October, employers nationwide have announced plans to cut 641,350 jobs, according to the report from outplacement and coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

That is a 164 percent increase from the 243,338 layoffs announced in the first ten months of 2022, though it is much lower than the number of job cuts through the first 10 months of 2020 (2.16 million).

In Maryland, employers have cut 9,791 jobs from January through October 2023, compared to 6,510 in that period last year. That included 2,327 layoffs in October. Companies that have announced major layoffs this year in Maryland include Hunter Douglas, Sikorksy, Macy's, General Dynamics Information Technology, and Giant Delivers.

California (171,530) and New York (74,237) have reported the most job cuts this year, according to the latest data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

And though the month-to-month rate of job cuts slowed in October, the total is still the second-highest in the last dozen years, the report stated. Many of the cuts were due to restructuring, or because a business’s location was closing, data shows. Hiring slowed more than 40 percent from this time last year, the firm reported, as forecasts for holiday hiring also look less than cheery.

“Job cut plans have slowed significantly since the first half of the year, and consumers have continued to spend, even in the face of high inflation,” said Andy Challenger, senior vice president of the firm. “Pandemic savings and higher wages have gotten many workers through economic uncertainty.

“That said, hiring has also slowed, workers are less likely to quit their jobs, and many companies are beginning to recognize the potential for artificial intelligence in their workforces,” Challenger added.

The technology industry has been cutting positions at the highest rate, the report said. Tech companies have cut 158,513 positions, a 462 percent increase from the 28,207 cuts announced through Oct. 2022.

Financial companies announced the second-highest number of cuts in October with 3,419, for a total of 47,094 layoffs so far this year. Employers in the retail sector have announced 72,182 cuts through October, a 258 percent increase from last year.

Major retailers and the U.S. Postal Service are again seeking hundreds of thousands of seasonal workers across the country, though the number of planned hires has dropped off 46 percent from last year. Companies added 573,300 seasonal positions so far this year, compared to 597,600 in 2022 and 966,300 in 2021.

The majority of these are for Amazon (250,000, which is an increase from 2022), Target (100,000), and UPS (100,000). Macy’s plans to add 38,000 seasonal workers, and Bath & Body Works said it wants to hire 30,000 workers. Additionally, 1-800-Flowers.com plans to hire about 8,000 people, Reuters reported.

Reach more customers! Check out the new Patch local business guide.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Postal Service said it plans to hire 10,000 seasonal employees this year, after converting more than 150,000 pre-career workers into career positions over the last three years.

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Routine Testing Uncovers Microscopic Parasite In Baltimore's Druid Lake Reservoir

BALTIMORE COUNTY - During routine testing, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) identified low levels of Cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite, in the Druid Lake Reservoir.The microorganism, often found in lakes and rivers, can potentially cause gastrointestinal issues, especially in the immunocompromised, elderly, or children.This discovery affects only a fraction of the Baltimore region's water system, covering Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County. An Interactive Map has been provided for resid...

BALTIMORE COUNTY - During routine testing, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) identified low levels of Cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite, in the Druid Lake Reservoir.

The microorganism, often found in lakes and rivers, can potentially cause gastrointestinal issues, especially in the immunocompromised, elderly, or children.

This discovery affects only a fraction of the Baltimore region's water system, covering Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County. An Interactive Map has been provided for residents to ascertain if they reside within the impacted regions.

DPW has emphasized that the water remains safe for general consumption and that this finding does not parallel previous water-related challenges faced by the region.

Cryptosporidium, while not posing an immediate threat to public health, is known for its resistance to chlorine treatments. This characteristic means secondary treatments, common in hospitals, may not significantly reduce its levels.

The Baltimore City Health Department advises that due to the low risk, most residents only need to take further precautions if they have immunocompromising conditions. Those with suppressed immune systems, including patients with HIV/AIDS, inherited immune diseases, cancer, and transplant recipients, should consider drinking bottled water, boiling tap water for a minute before consumption, or using specialized filters that adhere to the ANSI/NSF 53 or 58 standards.

This detection results from the recently modified Administrative Order on Consent between Baltimore City and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It mandates the testing for Cryptosporidium and Giardia at the city's exposed finished reservoirs.

The latest sampling from Druid Lake Reservoir was collected on September 19, 2023, indicating 0.09 Cryptosporidium Oocyst/Liter.

It's crucial to note that the source water, coming from Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy reservoirs and the Susquehanna River during drought conditions, has not been affected by this parasite. The DPW continues to treat this source water for Cryptosporidium before it reaches the finished water reservoirs.

In response to the discovery, DPW announced that it will increase the frequency of testing for Cryptosporidium at the city's finished water reservoirs and keep the public informed on the results.

Reach more customers! Check out the new Patch local business guide.

For those seeking more in-depth information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided resources detailing general information about the parasite and specific guidelines for immunocompromised individuals.

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Proposed Legislation Would Auction Historic Perry Hall Mansion, Provide $250,000 For Restoration

PERRY HALL - Baltimore County Council Member Julian E. Jones has proposed legislation to pave the way for the historic Perry Hall Mansion's auction and restoration.Constructed in the 1770s, the Perry Hall Mansion was once the heart of a vast plantation in Baltimore County. Established by Harry Dorsey Gough, the mansion's name pays homage to his family's ca...

PERRY HALL - Baltimore County Council Member Julian E. Jones has proposed legislation to pave the way for the historic Perry Hall Mansion's auction and restoration.

Constructed in the 1770s, the Perry Hall Mansion was once the heart of a vast plantation in Baltimore County. Established by Harry Dorsey Gough, the mansion's name pays homage to his family's castle near Birmingham, England.

Despite its illustrious past and recognition as a "sister" house to the nearby Hampton Mansion, the centuries have not been kind to the historic Perry Hall residence. Never utilized by any County department, the mansion is in dire need of comprehensive maintenance and restoration.

Baltimore County purchased the mansion in 2001, intending to transform it into a museum and community hub. Initial restoration efforts in 2004 garnered an award from the Preservation Alliance of Baltimore County, recognizing it as an "outstanding public project." However, the momentum didn't sustain, and the hope now is that a new owner, backed by the county's support, will restore the Perry Hall Mansion to its former glory.

Council Member Jones has proposed two resolutions that could change the mansion's fate. Resolution No. 21-23 gives the county the nod to sell the mansion via auction, and Resolution No. 22-23 offers the future owner substantial grants to help with renovation costs.

The property is under a historic preservation easement with the Maryland Historical Trust, mandating the protection and preservation of the landmark property. Additionally, future owners must provide limited public access and obtain prior approval for any changes or alterations.

The Baltimore County Government hopes that placing the mansion into the hands of a party committed to its rehabilitation will not only preserve its history but also reintroduce it to the tax rolls.

The proposed legislation would provide a financial cushion to the mansion's future owner, offering a $250,000 grant to mitigate renovation costs. These funds are especially important given the high price of adhering to preservation requirements set by the Maryland Historical Trust.

The resolutions are slated for discussion at the County Council's Work Session on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 4 p.m. A final reading and vote will occur during the Legislative Session on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving Traffic: Best Times To Drive In Maryland

MARYLAND — There are about 55 million reasons to plan ahead for Thanksgiving travel this year, according to AAA. That’s the number of people expected to travel at least 50 miles between Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 26, including the more than 49 million expected to do so by vehicle.This year’s Thanksgiving forecast represented an increase of 2.3 percent over last year, AAA said, and ...

MARYLAND — There are about 55 million reasons to plan ahead for Thanksgiving travel this year, according to AAA. That’s the number of people expected to travel at least 50 miles between Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 26, including the more than 49 million expected to do so by vehicle.

This year’s Thanksgiving forecast represented an increase of 2.3 percent over last year, AAA said, and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000.

Maryland highway officials shared suggested times and days to travel over the Bay Bridge and the Nice/Middleton Bridge and when to drive I-95 and the Fort McHenry Tunnel. (See the full list below.)

In the Baltimore-DC region, peak congestion is expected to peak around 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, on the northbound Baltimore-Washington Parkway between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, AAA said. To travel that route, drivers and passengers ought to expect to spend 1 hour 13 minutes hours in the car that day, a 71 percent increase.

Overall, the busiest day to drive will be Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 2 to 6 p.m. For those looking to reduce their time in traffic, the best time to drive that day will be before 11 a.m.

Here are the best — and worst — overall times to drive, according to AAA.

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23

Friday, Nov. 24

Saturday, Nov. 25

Sunday, Nov. 26

Choose the wrong time or day to travel, and you can spend your holiday trip sitting in traffic for hours trying to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The Maryland Transportation Authority suggests travel times for its major routes during the holiday period.

RECOMMENDED TIMES TO DRIVE

Bay Bridge travel times to avoid the most congested periods are:

Eastbound:

Westbound:

Weather and traffic permitting, two-way operations will be implemented to help ease eastbound delays at the Bay Bridge. Two-way operations may be limited based on westbound traffic volumes, as bridge officials strive to mitigate delays on both sides of the bridge. Two-way operations are prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog/limited visibility or times of precipitation, and may be prohibited during incidents.

I-95 (JFK Memorial Highway and Fort McHenry Tunnel) best times to travel include:

The I-95 travel plazas — Chesapeake House in Cecil County at mile marker 97 and Maryland House in Harford County at mile marker 82 — will be open 24/7 with food, plus indoor and outdoor seating. Fuel and electric vehicle charging stations are available.

Nice/Middleton Bridge (US 301) between Maryland and Virginia has suggested drive times of:

Two metro areas can expect to spend about four hours behind the wheel this holiday season: Atlanta and Houston. Meanwhile, Detroit and San Francisco families can expect to spend at least three hours in the car.

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement Monday. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

This year, people are generally paying less for domestic travel compared to last year, and more on international vacations, AAA said. The one notable exception is airplane tickets, which are slightly pricier for domestic flights this season and a bit lower for international flights.

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The average price for a domestic flight is $681, according to AAA. That’s up 5 percent from 2022. However, domestic hotel prices are down 12 percent from last year to an average stay of $598.

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