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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.

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Home Care In Somerville, MA

Home Care Somerville, MA

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 Prospect Hill Tower in Somerville, MA 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 Somerville, MA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Somerville, MA

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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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TESTIMONIALS

“They are an incredibly attentive, friendly and truly caring group of people. Everyone from the nursing assistants to the management. Lovely to deal with in an awful time in our journey.”

Michael H.
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“Always Best Care took excellent care of my aunt. Care giver Wendy went above and beyond her duties for her. I trusted them with my family care and they came through. I would recommend them to anyone .”

Richard H.
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“We have had a great experience with Always Best Care. They worked with us to provide home care and personal care to my in-laws. Ashley is a wonderful home care person, very caring and gentle with them. She was a perfect fit and a great support to them. I would highly recommend Always Best Care.”

Mary D.
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“I highly recommend Always Best Care. I knew as soon as I met David that I was in good hands. He carefully listened to my mother’s needs & was incredibly flexible on every detail. Then his office manager followed up closer to the start date and put me completely at ease that care would arrive as requested. The best part was meeting Paula and then Nicole, who cared for my mother as if she was their family. You can’t get better care than ABC Senior Services.”

Susan G.
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“Very professional. Capable caregivers. Saul is the best!”

Dena P.
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“I needed a caregiver to give 24/7 support for three days and two nights while my wife was at a family wedding. Venie was superb at the job. She is kind, articulate, and was able to master some complex tasks quickly. I recommend Venie highly, and hope to see her here again.”

Geoffrey M.
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“My mother lives with us for a season each year and needs company while we’re at work. Once again, David and the team at Always Best Care came through for us. Jessica especially was a great companion. Thank you all very much!”

Rami S.
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“JOSEPHINE cared for my husband while I was away for a 10 day vacation. She stayed at the house 24/7 and took care that he ate, took his medications, and stayed well. It made an amazing difference for me and allowed me peace of mind while I was gone. (I am posting this through my Mom’s account as i don’t have a google account). Cheryl Smith”

Joyce S.
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“Highly recommended! They provided top notch care to my father and we appreciated all you did!!”

Gregory S.
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“Always Best Care supplied me with a tremendous amount of support during a very difficult time. My mom and my entire family appreciate everything your team and caregivers did. Thank you so much!”

Jack C.
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“My sister and I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Stephanie, Pamela and Ruvini. They took incredible compassionate loving care of our father. They are a blessing and we are forever grateful to them.”

Patti M.
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“Yenenesh and Saojoana have been wonderful w/my dad. Making him dinners and hanging out and talking in the evenings. They are both warm, responsible and caring people. My sisters and I are very happy they are able spend time w/our dad.”

Zoe A.
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“The private nursing division helped us out at short notice after my husband underwent unplanned emergency surgery. Bianca Jones was highly professional and extremely capable in all nursing activities - with care, kindness and understanding. She also helped us chose the correct medical supplies and answered our many questions at all hours. Bianca gave us the confidence to meet this unexpected health challenge. I do not hesitate to highly recommend Bianca Jones and her team to anyone in need of home nursing care.”

Beverley
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“Maureen Namubiru was a wonderful, caring, detailed caregiver to both my parents. We would recommend her to anyone.”

Kathy H.
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“Always Best Care in Belmont, MA takes exceptionally good care of it's clients !! Their staff is superior to other agencies & they Always go the extra mile to perform above & beyond expectations!!”

Roger D.
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“Bianca Jones was my post surgical home healthcare nurse and she was excellent: competent, compassionate, and punctual! She was also available for phone and text messages for any added questions that I had. Highly recommend!!!”

katherine B.
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“Always Best Care Private Nursing has never dropped the ball once, consistently providing excellent care and making my family member feel completely comfortable and at ease after a major surgery. I'm so grateful to Monique and the entire team-- couldn't recommend them more.”

Neal M.
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“Always Best Care in Belmont has been wonderful. Their team is kind, attentive, and truly dedicated to meeting individual needs. They kept us informed and made sure our loved one felt comfortable and cared for. Highly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable, compassionate senior home care in the Belmont area.”

Jimmy W.
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“Always Best Care in Belmont provided compassionate, professional support for our family. The caregivers were attentive, kind, and truly cared about our loved one’s well-being. Their team made the process smooth and reassuring. We’re grateful for their dependable service and highly recommend them to anyone needing quality senior care.”

Keith A.
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“Always Best Care has provided our family with quality, experienced and kind caregivers for several years—first for our father and now our mother. They have provided seamless service, they listen and are compassionate. I would recommend them without hesitation!”

patricia H.
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“It has been about 6 months since Toni and Angel became caregivers for our father Matthew Dumont. We wanted to let you know how incredible they both have been and how important they are to our family. Both Toni and Angel are so dependable, capable, professional and caring. We have heard from friends that it doesn't always go like that, so we know we lucked out not with one but both women. Additionally, we have heard the numerous news reports of the healthcare shortage and are so grateful that your agency could place caregivers with us so quickly when we first contacted you last summer. There are no words for the peace of mind these two amazing women provide for us, and we give daily thanks you matched them with our dad. Thank you”

Charlotte A.
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“I let your office know today that I have recovered sufficiently that I don’t require ongoing assistance. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the wonderful service you provided, and the very caring people who were here to help me through the early part of this recovery. I am so grateful.”

Myrna P.
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“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care consistently goes above & beyond--and we've relied on them for over 3 years now. Very responsive, tireless--proactively supportive. The caregivers are well-trained & warmly attentive. e.g., our current Aide is thoughtful to the point that she often anticipates what's needed next. She's also mindful of my loved one's (elderly, disabled & utterly housebound) need for privacy & independence wherever poss. while still keeping her safe, compliant w/ meds, PT, etc. The ABC team has always given me steady peace of mind.”

Melanie
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“Maggie always arrives early, greeting our family with the most cheerful of hellos. We have come to rely on her and fully trust her to assist Jim with his weekly appointments and personal care. Her dedication is truly appreciated. Thanks to her and to all at Always Best Care!”

Julie Z.
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“I’m so thankful for the care and service I received from David. He picked me up from the hospital after my surgery—despite delays—and was incredibly patient, flexible, and kind throughout the entire process. He later brought me to the airport for my flight home, and both trips were seamless. David was warm, reliable, and truly went above and beyond. You can tell he genuinely cares about the people he helps, and that made such a difference during my recovery. His family-run business reflects that same heart and integrity. I will absolutely reach out to David again the next time I’m in Boston for any future procedures. Highly recommend!”

Alma
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“Always Best Home Care provides excellent services to those needing assistance to stay at home. As an Elder Law Attorney in Belmont, my clients have given me very positive feedback about the care they received from Always Best Home Care. David and Laurie have a fantastic team and I highly recommend them.”

Kathy M.
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“Our care giver was wonderful. Alice was attentive, very helpful and went above and beyond. She was kind and very respectful of our family and my Dad. My Dad and Alice were so well matched!”

Wendy Z.
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“Highly recommend ABC. Outstanding service from dedicated, competent and compassionate professionals! We have had the pleasure of working with: Cecilia A., Nazena P. and Dorah K. And, a MAJOR SHOUT OUT to Fatou D. and Rose N. who have been with us the longest and are like family. Allnof these wonderful women have exhibited the utmost of respect and sincere regard for our needs. They keep me posted, and remain positive and calm even when things go sideways from time to time. We are blessed to be in their good care.”

Paula L.
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“The people here are absolutely amazing!! So kind and personable. Cannot recommend their services enough for your loved ones.”

Sara F.
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“Monique and David were so attentive to my families needs at this stage of our grandparents lives. Would highly recommend their detail oriented support!”

Caroline H.
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“Dear David and Always Best Care team, as you know, our cousin Marylen S. passed away yesterday morning, peacefully, in her apartment in Brookline. She lived for two months under hospice with the outstanding care and devotion of Monica K.. Monica was experienced, calm, wise, and loving, and she and Marylen grew extremely fond of each other in such a short time. Marylen did not expect to last two months after her hospital discharge, but thanks to the wonderful support she received from Ms. K., she was able to enjoy these final weeks, with visits and calls from many. Thank you so much, Always Best Care, for sending us a true angel. Many thanks, Lynn S.”

Lynn S.
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“He was easy application”

Sara T.
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“Dave has been immeasurably helpful to me. Providing transport for my 95 year old Dad. He is 100% reliable, kind and caring. It’s actually a gift to know my dad is with a true professional and generally fantastic human. Does not get any better! Thank you”

Maribeth B.
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“Best company ever, i sugest everyone to choose always best care”

Tuma R.
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“Working with Always Best Care has been a wonderful experiment. The owner David and his team are professional, caring and responsive. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking support for their elderly loved ones. You are in caring hands and I’m so grateful for them.”

Kim C.
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“I've been very pleased with their services over the past almost 10 years. They've been a life saver while I've been deployed overseas.”

Peter G.
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“We've been using Always Best Care for a few months now and have been very happy with their service. Our primary caregiver has been an absolute gem. She has provided my loved one with the care and consistency needed. She also gets along great with pets. The office is also really good about trying to find coverage when things come up outside of our normal schedule with them.”

Logan M.
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“With Always Best Care, I have complete confidence that my loved ones are receiving the highest quality of care, making their daily lives more comfortable and manageable. David and his team are not only attentive and professional, but they also treat my family as if they were their own. Thank you, David, for everything you do.”

G G.
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“The best care in the Boston area! They are always so kind and professional!”

Casey S.
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“Always Best Care is an excellent agency. Their 24/7 care allowed us to fulfill my mom's wishes to stay home and never go into a facility. They have a deep enough bench to always provide a caregiver when someone calls in sick, etc. Kathy is a great client manager, always responding quickly and being helpful with good solutioms to any issies we had. Rosie (aka Rosita), Cecilia, Julie, Immaculate, and Rose were kind, patient, and diligent with my mom and with our family as we navigated this journey together. My mother, a retired nurse, told Rosie she was fanatastic when she helped her move even when she was scared to fall. She said Ceclia would be a wonderful nurse one day, with her calm and observant manner. Julie established a great rappore with my mom, grerting her cheerfully each time she worked with her. She listened to her and joked with her, brightening her life and always remaining positive. Immaculate and my mom would always greet each other with warmth and joy. I came home more than once to Rose and my mom laughing together or singing. All of them couselled us about end of life, what was normal and what to expect, helping us to support out mom the best way we could and for all these reasons, I am immensely grateful.”

Sara D.
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“Always Best Care is always on the ball with great service, compassionate personnel, and helping find the right caregiver for you. Eloise Shaw is a model caregiver. She is a treasure in every way — caring, conscientious, energetic, honest, sincere, takes the initiative, and is creative in finding solutions when a client is difficult. We feel so very fortunate and blessed to have our mother in Eloise’s care.”

Debra G.
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“Following up on a previous review(below) as a still very pleased customer of Always Best Care — they’ve provided steady, reliable care for my loved one for about 3 years now! One of our newer caregivers, Venie, is a shining star: she’s especially kind, conscientious and attentive to every detail. Her warm demeanor simply lights up any room she’s in—we look forward to seeing her every week! Thank you, Venie ! ———— Always Best Care is simply exceptional. I turned to them more than a year ago, after another agency’s disappointing, ethically questionable service. And what a difference! In their caregiving and all interactions, ABC is proactive, professional, reliable and compassionate. (Those qualities aren't easily found bundled together). They are also always quick to respond, routinely going above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of my loved one, and my own peace of mind.”

Melanie J.
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“I’ve been using Always Best Care for about 2 months now. The office staff has been great and my caregiver Chalandy is extremely helpful and a very caring person. She makes my life a little easier and I appreciate that. :) I’m very happy with my experience using ABC and highly recommend them.”

V V.
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“We’ve worked with Always Best Care for years and have always been happy with the service and the care received. Adrina Bradford has been our designated caregiver for more than a year and takes very good care of my wife.”

K D.
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“Always Best Care has provided services for both my parents over the last few years. They have staff that are caring and professional. Kameron, Sania and Samantha are just some of the staff who recently provided significant support during the final days of my mother’s life. They have gotten to know the family and made the service as personal as possible for my parents. It’s much appreciated.”

Laurie V.
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“Always Best Care took of a family member after he had back surgery. The caregivers were on time, professional and compassionate. They helped with everything from light housekeeping to making meals. I always recommend them to friends and family!”

Florence H.
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“ABC has provided outstanding care for my loved one. Tamika Jackson, in particular, has gone above and beyond in her role as our daytime caregiver. Her compassion and experience bring us a lot of comfort.”

Marc E.
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“Our caregiver, Gem, provides excellent care to my wife and I. She is pleasant and we enjoy having her here.”

Henry S.
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“We are so pleased that we decided to partner with Always Best! They sent Nykosha Harley to be a helper for us. We are both so happy with her help and companionship. She is always pleasant and kind, and very thorough with any tasks I ask her to do.She makes my husband her first priority, and he enjoys her company. I am so grateful, and could not be more pleased.”

Jackie H.
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“My mom (96 years old) was completely independent until she fell and broke her hip. She needed help & wasn't happy about it. In fact, she was frustrated and depressed and lonely, until two caregivers from Always Bet Care - Zapphora and Angela - entered her life. They were both excellent. Patient, funny, warm and kind - just what you want in a person to be with your parent. They also were very knowledgeable - my family learned so much from them. We feel very lucky to have these two women in our lives. Always Best Care brought them to us.”

Patricia M.
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“Jessica has been helping us take care of my mom. She has been a blessing. We couldn’t have asked for anyone kinder, more helpful, and like family.”

liz M.
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“In January 2024, I needed to find caregivers to help my mother continue to live at home. I was referred to Always Best Care by the social worker at Mt Auburn Hospital. The agency has been an incredible help to my family. David Robinson immediately made himself available to discuss the best options for my mother. Kathy’s thoughtfulness helped to coordinate caregivers who are a perfect fit for my mother. Their nurse Beth has also been a great resource for us. The caregivers who come each day are wonderful people who look after my mother as they would their own family. I once over heard my mother and her caregiver Nadine W laughing like longtime girlfriends and chatting about a TV show! I would highly recommend ABC without reservation.”

pgvicenzi
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“We have been delighted with ABC’s assistance as we navigate this life chapter. Jun is an invaluable helper for George and me. He always arrives early and is thoughtful and caring. We have come to depend on his cheerful assistance.”

Gaby W.
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“We are so thankful for Raven, who is taking care of my sister, Teresa, on the weekends. She is so attentive and engaging with Teresa, even though Teresa has had a stroke and has a lot of trouble speaking. Raven is invested not only in helping Teresa with her care, but also her recovery. Raven helps her with speech apps and workbooks. They color together, work puzzles and spend time outside. She is laterally always at Teresa’s side. Last night I told Teresa that Raven would be here this morning. Teresa started, “I love her”.”

Eva B.
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“My Dad needed help taking care of my Mom so we consulted with Always Best Care Senior Services in Belmont. After the home assessment, we were matched with Ashley O’Brien. My Mom was very resistant to having someone come into the home to help since she did not think it was necessary. Ashley initially came two days a week to help my Mom with getting dressed, going to medical appointments and doing laundry and light housework. My parents decided to add another day so now Ashley comes three days per week. Ashley is kind, thoughtful and she is a problem solver. She will adjust her hours or even change her day to help when my parents have medical appointments. Ashley is a good listener and she keeps my Mom company. We have been extremely happy with Always Best Care Senior Services and the care that Ashley has provided.”

Ellen M.
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“Very pleased with the care provided to my parents from Darianne MacGillivray. She is a tremendous asset helping them with their day to day living needs and removes much of the worry from us siblings. They have grown quite fond of her.”

Bud K.
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“June Puttnam is the best caregiver we could ask for. She took care of my mother and helped my father for a very difficult year until my mother passed away. She never stopped working; caring for my mother’s needs with extreme competence and compassion. She cleaned, cooked, and talked current events with my mother. She treated my mother as a whole person. My family is incredibly grateful. We are also grateful to Kathy Chambers for her kindness and ability to help us manage this time. She helped us transition my mother from rehab to home. She helped make it possible for my parents to spend time in the Cape. Kathy was always available and ready to assist.”

Katharine K.
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“I want to send in another huge appreciation for Eloise Shaw and her incredible kindness and caring for our Mother. The ways in which she takes care of Mom, which are numerous on any given day, are so lovingly given. When we call and check in on Mom, it is obvious to the depth of her attention. And Mom is 98 and always says she loves her. We are so grateful she is with us and from the very beginning. We could not ask for a more considerate and loving caregiver”

Bhimi C.
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“Always Best Care has been amazing! Highly recommend for anyone seeking compassionate and reliable care.”

Kailey C.
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“Thanks so much to Always Best Care and all of the wonderful aides who help provide 24/7 care to my father in Birmingham. We are especially grateful to Debbie, who provides exceptional care and companionship 5 days a week, helping my father and all of us through a difficult time. Thank you!”

Susan H.
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“With the many challenges even post pandemic, ABC has consistently gone above recent call of duty to ensure excellent and prompt care and attention to my elderly mother. Clearly this is more than just a job to ABC and for the caretakers involved. This is care and love. I couldn't be more confident and comfortable with their helping us through her transition years”

Mark R.
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“I’ve used the services of Always Best Care for almost a year. My husband has Alzheimer’s, and, after a few trials, the perfect match was found and became available. Georgetta Harris is our “visiting angel”! As my needs expanded, the group has sent others for special occasions. The follow up and constant communication is evidence of the caring staff. I’m so grateful to all involved! Alice Schleusner”

Alice S.
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“We have some great sitters that treat my mom and dad like they are their own! I feel safe when I have to be away knowing they are so well cared for. Sylina is here Monday through Friday, 12 hours each day, rarely misses a day and is considered one of the family! We as a family could not do this without her! ❤️????????”

Pam D.
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“Always Best Care have been supporting me for the past year and I couldn’t be happier. The caregivers have been terrific and Krystle, the staffing manager has been kind, responsive and patient with my occasional scheduling changes. I highly recommend Always Best Care for anyone seeking senior care for themselves or a loved one.”

Norma R.
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“David Robinson and his team are the best in the business. I have collaborated with them for years and highly reccomend them for anyone seeking senior care in the Greater Boston area.”

New E.
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“Among the several provider agencies who have served us, Always Best Care is the best. We are so fortunate to have Hakim Bugembe in our lives. His expertise, professionalism, and kindness are exactly what we need. He anticipates my husband’s needs and he has taught me how to be a better caregiver. We both look forward to Hakim’s arrival on his days with us. Always Best Care helps me when I have questions and is always very responsive and easy to reach. We are so grateful for all that Hakim and Always Best Care does for us, thank you. -Joan Stefano”

Joan S.
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“Always Best Care has been a tremendous resource for my family for the past six months as we help my husband recover from serious medical issues and surgery. The agency has been responsive to scheduling requests, maintain clear and open communication. All care staff have been very competent, caring, and reliable. We are so pleased that Sarah B is able to be a regular in our weekly schedule bringing grace and good cheer with her every day.”

Karen S.
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“David Robinson shared his expert knowledge of the profession of senior care with me with such compassion as a leader in his field. His insight to my abilities and true interest were right on target. I am sure he runs his agencies, Always Best Care with the same exactness and grace.”

Lori A.
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“Such a great and reliable place. Staff is very friendly and attentive. Very obvious they truly care about the people they are providing for.”

Ashley M.
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“We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Best Care Senior Services. David Robinson was able to provide us with excellent service on very short notice. He also was able to accommodate our timing needs based on our personal sleep schedule. Mike our home aide was responsible, kind and attentive to my husband and his needs. I could not recommend this team more highly!”

Leslie A.
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“Plenty of parking space. Very friendly and welcoming staff”

sulaiman N.
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“Starting with my first, very pleasant contact with the “boss”, David Robinson and his daughter, Monique, and proceeding through the telephone interface with the office staff, color me pleased and grateful. But the rubber hits the road with the care providers. And both were great. I don’t know if anyone had been briefed about me, but formerly with the UN and speaking several languages as well as being an unrepentant foodie, I hit the jackpot with Neseline who, like me, spoke French and Spanish and then LaToya, also like me, who loves to cook and likes hot food. Both were medically informed and delightful companions. I don’t know whether other ABC patients will be as lucky as I but they should know that ABC bends over backwards to meet one’s needs, be they medical, rehab, or scheduling. Last minute changes are accomodated with a minimum of fuss. Future patients, especially old ones like me, will be grateful. Peter Higginson”

Peter H.
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“I'm sincerely grateful for the knowledge David shared with me with respect to caring for my family. His valuable thoughts, ideas, and experiences helped guide me. I highly recommend David and his team!”

K&A
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“I have known Always Best Care led by David Robinson for several years. The entire team is professional and caring all of the time. Excellent caregivers managed by skilled supervisors. I highly recommend Always Best Care for the quality of their care!”

Howard G.
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“I’m always looking to grow my network of home care companies and how lucky was I to come across David and ABC! I’ve been working with him on/off for about a year now and he has been THE BEST. Always there to answer my questions, explain things, and do whatever he can to help me; a great mentor. It’s apparent right away how much David cares about his team, clients, and overall just educating people in general about proper home care protocol. I’m so relieved to know someone local, reputable, and knowledgeable who I know will care for my clients like family when the time comes. Thank you, David!”

Annie M.
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“David and his team are solid, caring folks, "always" willing to step in and do what's necessary, kind, and important to their fragile and vulnerable clients. I've worked with Always Best Care for over 5 years - always a great experience!”

Monica S.
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“we used always best care for a week, post shoulder replacement surgery. the aids were lovely -- kind competent and caring. helped me shower, dress, and figure out how to manage a complicated sling. also did laundry, made us lunch, and unpacked groceries Highly recommend!”

Jennifer L.
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“I’ve worked for Always Best Care since November of 2022 and I can tell you first hand how caring the owner, David Robinson, is. He has a no pressure sales approach and is always willing to provide resources to people whether or not that garners business for himself. He genuinely cares for people and their wellbeing. This sentiment goes beyond our clients and on to our caregivers as well, as he is constantly telling staff how important our caregivers are and encourages us to do what we can to make sure they are happy and taken care of. David, alongside others in leadership roles, are not above working alongside our caregivers. David will work in and outside of business hours to give people rides, run to the store for them, drop off supplies, and has even done a few handyman tasks to clients who ask. His dedication has no limit. The phrase “I really want to help them.” is one I’ve come accustomed to hearing in the office. David loves people and he loves to help where and when he can. I cannot express enough how good it feels to work for someone with this attitude, especially in a field that has so much burn out. David is genuine, kind, and caring. And I can tell you, he expects nothing less from those of us that work with him. I am proud to be part of such a wonderful team.”

JeAndra O.
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“David, Kathy, and Beth lead a phenomenal team. ABC truly stands out as one of the top senior services providers in the greater Boston area. We have loved working with them to provide exceptional care to mutual clients.”

Tyler D.
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“I used Always The Best Care on two occasions to help place my elderly mother in an assisted living facility. I also hired them to place 24/7 nursing assistant care for a 5 week period. They delivered great value at all steps. It’s clear ABC has a great culture throughout their organization. I highly recommend their services! Warren D Belmont, MA”

Warren D.
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“I am so grateful to David Robinson and his staff. ABC came highly recommended to me by various medical professionals when I didn't know where to turn for help in caring for a loved one. During our initial meeting, David's warmth, accessibility, and assurances immediately provided me with confidence in a viable future. With ABC I am not alone in navigating the challenging world of aging. I have since recommended ABC to friends in need and they are as pleased as I am. ABC provides peace of mind and quality of life through its compassionate, exemplary care. Thank you.”

Maria L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“David Robinson's Always Best Care office is an established, reliable home care agency--one of the best in the Boston area. As a colleague and fellow owner of a home care agency in the community, I can honestly say that Always Best Care provides excellent care and attention to clients and their families. David and his team more than pass the key test, "would I let his office take care of my Mom?". Absolutely. And that is why we are happy to refer cases which we can not cover outside our area.”

Steve S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“David Robinson's Always Best Care office is an established, reliable home care agency--one of the best in the Boston area. As a colleague and fellow owner of a home care agency in the community, I can honestly say that Always Best Care provides excellent care and attention to clients and their families. David and his team more than pass the key test, "would I let his office take care of my Mom?". Absolutely. And that is why we are happy to refer cases which we can not cover outside our area.”

Steve S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our family was understandably anxious about moving our mother to an assisted living facility, but David from Always Best Care made the process smooth and totally stress free.The community David introduced us to is clean, comfortable and most importantly, our mom LOVES it. Thank you for helping us to make the right decision for her!”

Mark D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Belmont provided timely and compassionate care for my mom after her surgery. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking a world class caregiving organization on the Boston area.”

Tomi L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our family was understandably anxious about moving our mother to an assisted living facility, but David from Always Best Care made the process smooth and totally stress free.The community David introduced us to is clean, comfortable and most importantly, our mom LOVES it. Thank you for helping us to make the right decision for her!”

Mark D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Belmont provided timely and compassionate care for my mom after her surgery. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking a world class caregiving organization on the Boston area.”

Tomi L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC is truly the most passionate, respectful, and kind group of care providers I’ve seen. They have an attentive team that’s always responsive and willing to help. Thank you again to ABC!”

Paul G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“A very positive atmosphere with great staff and endearing caregivers. Staff is always working together to ensure the best care for each client. A wonderful place to work :)”

Rachael D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Home Care has consistently been responsive, compassionate, and professional. On two separate highly stressful occasions, when I needed immediate support while trying to get a family member home from the hospital, David showed up within a few hours, sat with me and explained everything and had care in place immediately. All the carers have been kind, patient, and skilled. I highly recommend Always Best!”

Jessica M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful caregivers, and wonderful, responsive, caring managers. They know my parent well, and make timely, helpful suggestions for prevention & well-being. Nurse follow-up is stellar. Everyone really cares! As a retired doctor who used to work in a geriatric group,, I can say their care is excellent. Highly recommend!”

Camilla P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been working with always best care for 12 years now, it’s the best company to work with”

Jane M.
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“I was completely satisfied with the level of care and service my grandparents r received from Always Best Care. I highly recommend Always Best Care for anyone seeking support for the elderly in the Belmont area!”

Chris G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“David and team, thank you for the amazing work that you do for our residents and the support you provide to our team at HallKeen/ and in particular Brigham House Assisted Living Community. You have one of the most caring and dedicated staff I’ve ever worked with in the industry. Always Best Care is like an extended family in our communities and most trusted in their field. Thank you for your wonderful service to our residents. I recommend you highly and will continue to do so. Maria Barbosa-Santos, former Executive Director and Regional Sales HallKeen Management.”

Maria B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Cheryl did an excellent job in cleaning my house .She was very proiicient in what she did ,making beds, vacuum, washing bed sheets. Also did Food shopping . I would definitely recommend her specifically for future help & the organization”

Joe B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“David Robinson and his team at Always Best Care are a true pleasure to work with. They are very responsive, professional, flexible and caring. I recommend them without reservation.”

Jo W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was in Rehab after hip replacement surgery at Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA (which was successful), but the rehab wasn't working out; evaluations but only 1 OT session by the 3rd day, no PT sessions. Also, since I had to use a walker for any functions, very slow to no response to call button. I was put in touch with David Robinson at Always Best Care in Belmont, MA and he immediately came to the Rehab facility to meet me, drove to our home in Wayland, MA to see our house and meet my wife, and arranged for 24 hour home care for me starting the next day. David picked me up at the Rehab and took me home. I and my wife are both 83, and I'm far from being debilatated. But, the several days of 24/hour care were just what was needed to get me over the initial recovery hump and moving around pretty well at home. The at home PT and OT were excellent. My wife, who had a mild stroke a couple of years ago, would have found it very hard to attend to me right out of Rehab. It was an unexpected cost for us, which in retrospect seems like quite a value.”

Tom L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My highest recommendation for Always Best Care. They took great 24/7 care of my mother for five years. The PCAs were caring and skilled and developed great relationships with my mother.”

Mark V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Prompt, caring service. Highly recommended.”

Peter K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“David Robinson helped me and my sister with our mother's gradual and sometimes-difficult transition from her townhouse to independent living, and later into assisted living. David spent a lot of time getting to know all of us, and then most importantly in making our mother feel comfortable with this intense process. His knowledge about and connections with people/facilities is vast and savvy. I think for most people, there is not much of a way to be prepared for this and the overwhelming anxiety it brings, especially when time can be of the essence. David and his staff were sensitive to all that, which made us, especially our mother, feel much more at ease. Even now that our mother is settled (and we don't need his services at the moment), she still feels she can rely on his friendly support and advice, should anything come up. That sense of security is priceless.”

Jono K.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Somerville, MA?

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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.

 Senior Care Somerville, MA

Types of Elderly Care in Somerville, MA

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

Respite Care Somerville, MA
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
 Caregivers Somerville, MA
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 Sylvester Baxter Riverfront Park in Somerville, MA 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
Home Care Somerville, MA
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 Field Vine or visit Somerville 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.

 In-Home Care Somerville, MA

Benefits of Home Care in Somerville, MA

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 Somerville, MA, 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 Somerville, MA

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 MA'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 Somerville, MA

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 Somerville, MA 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 Somerville, MA

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 Somerville, MA

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:

  • VNA Senior Living
  • Cadbury Commons
  • The Residence at Watertown Square
  • Little Sisters of the Poor
  • Neville Place Assisted Living at Fresh Pond
  • The Cambridge Homes
Home Care Somerville, MA

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 Somerville, MA

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 Somerville, MA 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.

 Elderly Care Somerville, MA

Latest News in Somerville, MA

‘This is just the beginning’: Nonbinding Israel divestment ballot question passes in Somerville

A nonbinding ballot question on whether Somerville should divest from companies supporting Israel’s actions in Palestine passed overwhelmingly Tuesday night, unofficially results indicated.Question 3 asked voters whether Somerville officials should divest from companies that “engage in business that sustains Israel’s apartheid, genocide and illegal occupation of Palestine,”The question passed with 11,489 votes, or 55.7 percent of the votes, according to unofficial election results.According to uno...

A nonbinding ballot question on whether Somerville should divest from companies supporting Israel’s actions in Palestine passed overwhelmingly Tuesday night, unofficially results indicated.

Question 3 asked voters whether Somerville officials should divest from companies that “engage in business that sustains Israel’s apartheid, genocide and illegal occupation of Palestine,”

The question passed with 11,489 votes, or 55.7 percent of the votes, according to unofficial election results.

According to unofficial election results, 38.4 percent, or 7,920 people, voted against the question, while 5.8 percent, or 1,203 voters, left the question blank.

The ballot measure, prompted by grassroots group Somerville for Palestine, received more than 11,000 signatures, Sara Halawi, a leader of Somerville for Palestine, told Boston.com before polls closed on Tuesday.

Halawi said Somerville for Palestine group members were feeling “extremely encouraged” and embracing the lively, anticipatory energy of election day.

“For question three for Palestine, people are ready to come out and vote in solidarity with Palestine to end Somerville’s complicity in Israel’s genocide, apartheid, and illegal occupation of Palestine,” Halawi said.

The “Yes on 3 for Palestine” campaign faced several hurdles in its journey to get on the ballot, namely from Anti-Defamation League-funded group Somerville United Against Discrimination.

The group, which says on its website it’s made up of Jewish and non-Jewish residents of Somerville against Question 3, filed a lawsuit against the City of Somerville on Oct. 14 — the group’s second attempt to remove the question from the ballot.

The group’s first effort to eliminate Question 3 included paying for mailers distributed at Somerville residents’ doorsteps urging them to vote against the ballot measure on Nov. 4, according to.

“The ballot question ignores the problems here in Somerville, creates tension and fear, and pits neighbors against neighbors. That’s not justice for anyone,” the group’s website states.

The lawsuit, as well as all other requests by the group, was denied by Middlesex Superior Court Justice Sarah Weyland Ellis on Oct. 30. Ellis also denied a request for a 150-word opposition statement on the ballot, court filings show.

Somerville United Against Discrimination did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.

Rob Leikind, regional director of the American Jewish Committee New England, said in a statement Tuesday night after the ballot question passed that the “resolution will do nothing to help Palestinians as its authors claim.”

“Rather than focus on the real issues of Somerville, BDS proponents used local government to advance a crass narrative that promotes false, baseless claims about the only Jewish state,” Leikind said. “What it will do, and what it has already done, is sow division within the Somerville community, divert time and energy away from real local issues, and further isolate Jewish residents already struggling with a surge of antisemitism and anti-Israel activity.”

Halawi said getting the measure on the ballot was a “community effort” fueled by hundreds of volunteers collecting signatures, as well as several rallies at City Hall and lobbying visits with city councilors.

“This is really, truly a grassroots Somerville community. It’s people in Somerville saying ‘enough is enough,’ Halawi said. “We’ve watched genocide live streamed for two years, and we don’t accept any more, and we want to end Somerville’s complicity in it.”

The ballot question aims to send a directive to Somerville officials to divest and boycott from companies supporting Israel, Halawai said. The next step, she said, is for Somerville leaders to “put it into practice.”

“We want to see ordinances. We want to see our pension divested. We want to see HP out of our schools. We want to end all of our pension shares in Lockheed Martin. So there’s a lot of work to do,” Halawi said.

As a mother of five, Halawi said she wants to raise her children in a Somerville where her taxes don’t support “companies that profit off of this horrible, horrific oppression.”

“This is just the beginning,” Halawi said. “But this will send a clear, unignorable message to the leaders of Somerville that it’s time to act in solidarity with Palestine now.”

Somerville to decide on mayoral term extension and major charter overhaul in November

Two ballot measures aim to modernize the city’s 126-year-old charter and extend the mayor’s term to four years.Two questions will appear on Somerville’s Nov. 4 general election ballot: one proposing to extend the mayoral term from two years to four, and the other proposing updates to the city charter, which has remained largely unchanged since 1899.If approved, the mayoral term extension would take effect beginning in 2028. The charter would be approved upon passage by city residents.The mayoral term ...

Two ballot measures aim to modernize the city’s 126-year-old charter and extend the mayor’s term to four years.

Two questions will appear on Somerville’s Nov. 4 general election ballot: one proposing to extend the mayoral term from two years to four, and the other proposing updates to the city charter, which has remained largely unchanged since 1899.

If approved, the mayoral term extension would take effect beginning in 2028. The charter would be approved upon passage by city residents.

The mayoral term extension ballot question, while initially included in the proposed city charter and later removed, will be voted on separately from the charter. Although Mayor Katjana Ballantyne was in favor of including the extension in the proposed charter, the City Council ultimately voted to exclude it.

“This change would bring Somerville in line with other regional communities that have four- year mayoral terms … to create a foundation for better advancing multi-year efforts with consistent leadership,” Grace Munns, deputy director of communications for Ballantyne’s office, said.

The new charter features modern language, the elimination of outdated policies, increased oversight powers for the City Council, a reformed budgeting process and a requirement for regular charter review every 10 years, among other changes. It also mandates the creation of two committees: one to explore the potential implementation of ranked-choice voting and another to explore publicly financed campaigns.

“We did a wholesale rewrite of the charter,” Ona Ferguson, a member of the Charter Review Committee, said. “It’s organized completely differently, and it uses modern language, whereas our existing charter is over 100 years old.”

The simplification of the charter’s language is intended to enhance government transparency in Somerville, a shared priority of both the mayor and the City Council.

“I think if you went and tried to read the charter … you’d probably have a hard time understanding what it even means,” Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin said. “We’re trying to use plain language now to make it accessible to everyone.”

The current charter also reflects outdated practices, such as failing to recognize women as voters and defining the census as counting only voting-age men.

“That alone is a good reason to think about redoing this,” McLaughlin said.

Councilors also sought to increase their authority in the new charter. The current charter provides the council with limited checks on the mayor, leaving their oversight powers largely ineffective.

The proposed charter mandates annual independent audits by certified public accountants, conducted on a set schedule and presented to the City Council. In the existing charter, the mayor had discretion over whether to conduct an audit and who performed it.

“Let’s say we have a mayor who is corrupt … one way the mayor is going to hide that if they’re stealing city funds is by having their own audit, having their own person do it,” Beverly Schwartz, a resident chosen by the City Council to serve on the Charter Review Committee, explained. “The independent audit is incredibly important for an accountable government.”

If the proposed charter is adopted, it will also grant the City Council greater power in confirming mayoral appointments. Under the old charter, the council’s confirmation rights were largely ineffective, as the mayor could extend temporary appointments indefinitely and leave vacancies open.

“The charter has very explicit deadlines, and the City Council can choose to extend a temporary appointment if that’s needed,” Schwartz said. “But if it’s just the mayor trying to get around confirmation, the City Council can say, ‘No, time to put somebody real in there.’”

“In the past, we’ve rejected an appointment and the mayor got to keep them indefinitely,” McLaughlin said.

He added that even with expanded oversight powers, Somerville will still operate under “a ‘strong mayor’ form of government, with some [provisions] to make sure that the City Council is not completely ignored.”

If approved, the charter will also create a committee to develop a ranked-choice voting system for future Somerville elections, a reform widely supported by residents. In 2020, 72.6% of Somerville residents voted in favor of ranked-choice voting in a statewide Massachusetts ballot question, which ultimately did not pass.

The Charter Review Committee considered directly adopting ranked-choice voting in the revision but instead chose to mandate the formation of a committee to discuss implementation.

“We didn’t think we had enough information about how [ranked-choice voting] would play out,” Ferguson said.

The new charter would also create a study committee to prepare recommendations for the public financing of elections in Somerville, with the goal of “making running for office in the city more accessible to potential candidates,” Schwartz said.

The proposed charter will also reform the city’s budgeting process. It will require two public hearings, one at the start of the process and one at the end, giving residents an opportunity to provide input both before the budget is drafted and when it is presented.

The ballot is expected to provide voters with a summary of the charter changes, and the city will also conduct outreach, according to McLaughlin.

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