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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 Cheshire, CT

Home Care Cheshire, CT

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 Lock 12 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 Cheshire, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Cheshire, CT

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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.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Cheshire, CT?

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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 Cheshire, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Cheshire, CT

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 Cheshire, CT
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 Cheshire, CT
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 Roaring Brook 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
Home Care Cheshire, CT
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 Butcher Bros Steakhouse or visit Cheshire Historic District, 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 Cheshire, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Cheshire, CT

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 Cheshire, CT, 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 Cheshire, CT

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 CT'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 Cheshire, CT

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 Cheshire, CT 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 Cheshire, CT

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 Cheshire, CT

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:

  • Assisted Living Home Care Services
  • Elim Park
  • Marbridge Assisted Living Memory Care
  • Civita Care Center at Cheshire
  • Cheshire House
  • Mulberry Gardens of Southington
Home Care Cheshire, CT

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 Cheshire, CT

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 Cheshire, CT 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 Cheshire, CT

Latest News in Cheshire, CT

Norton School embraces a new year with enthusiasm amid construction plans

Students returned to Norton School in Cheshire, marking the start of a new academic year with excitement over a soon-to-be new building.CHESHIRE, Conn. — Students returned to class Thursday at Norton School, marking the start of a new academic year in Cheshire. Teachers and parents were excited about being back — and looking forward to the school’s future in a new building currently under construction.“So excited to be back. Everybody's back in the groove, excited to be here — especially PE, what I...

Students returned to Norton School in Cheshire, marking the start of a new academic year with excitement over a soon-to-be new building.

CHESHIRE, Conn. — Students returned to class Thursday at Norton School, marking the start of a new academic year in Cheshire. Teachers and parents were excited about being back — and looking forward to the school’s future in a new building currently under construction.

“So excited to be back. Everybody's back in the groove, excited to be here — especially PE, what I do, we get in there and we have a lot of fun,” said Joseph Almeida, a physical education teacher at Norton School.

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade lined up outside the school, many with parents and friends accompanying them. Among them were Elga and Mathew Costello, who had just dropped off their son.

“Very excited, nervous. The ability to watch him go into the school, start a new year — it's something that feels great as parents,” Mathew Costello said.

“We love this school. He's so excited. He's so excited to see his friends, see what friends are in his class — so yeah, we're very excited for him,” Elga Costello said.

Teachers and staff greeted students at the door. Many of them are returning from years of experience. Fran Hauser, a fifth-grade teacher who has worked at Norton for 32 years, said the first day of school is always special.

“It's nice to get to know the kids when they come in the door. They're happy, they're excited. It presents an energy to the room and to see where they are going to grow throughout the year,” Hauser said.

The 2025–26 school year began slightly earlier than in previous years to accommodate construction timelines, which include the new Norton School building.

“We had to make this summer a little bit shorter so that we could make next summer a little bit longer in order to make the move into the new building,” said Assistant Principal Kathy Carlucci.

The new school is being built directly behind the current 70-year-old structure, which will be demolished to make way for new parking and field space.

“Right now, we're about 425 students. Our projections will be about 650,” Principal Jodie Roden said, noting that the upgraded facility will offer more space and modern amenities.

Almeida is particularly enthusiastic about the new gym.

“So excited for a new building. They have a projector that's interactive — so I project something against the wall, and let's say we're doing throwing and there's a target you can throw the ball. It'll pop the target on the wall, and it can track maybe a point or a score or something like that. So it's all interactive,” he said.

Parents said they appreciate how the school involved students in the building process.

“They did a really good job with getting the kids involved. They were able to sign their name last year on a beam, so they're very excited for it as well. It's change, and you know, certain things needed to be upgraded. It's such a blessing to have a new school here,” Elga Costello said.

The new building is expected to be ready for the 2026–27 school year. In the meantime, daily progress continues on-site, and the excitement among students, staff and parents is building right along with it.

Joe Monte is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at . Follow him on for more.

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Cheshire's rising elementary enrollment impacts availability of seats on school buses

Rising enrollment in elementary schools means bus transportation is limited for students within walking distance, which is under a mile.CHESHIRE, Conn. —Some Cheshire parents are learning that their child’s seat on the school bus is no longer guaranteed this year.Jeffery Solan, superintendent at Cheshire Public Schools, said rising enrollment in elementary schools means bus transportation is limited for students within walking distance. Students outside of the walking distance, however, will still receive a s...

Rising enrollment in elementary schools means bus transportation is limited for students within walking distance, which is under a mile.

CHESHIRE, Conn. —

Some Cheshire parents are learning that their child’s seat on the school bus is no longer guaranteed this year.

Jeffery Solan, superintendent at Cheshire Public Schools, said rising enrollment in elementary schools means bus transportation is limited for students within walking distance. Students outside of the walking distance, however, will still receive a seat.

“This enrollment growth is impacting the availability of open seats for people who live in the walking zone to be able to get an extra seat that’s available on a regularly scheduled bus,” Solan said.

Cheshire buses serve K–6 students who live more than one mile away and 7–12 students more than one and a half miles away. Families who live under a mile are classified as walking distance.

In June, some parents within walking distance were told by the district that their children may not be granted a seat on the bus this year.

"Those available seats may not be guaranteed the same way they have been in the past,” Solan said. “We’ve been holding off that decision until after school starts to make sure we can guarantee a seat for everybody who lives outside of the walking area.”

Solan said families can file an “Available Seat” petition, which has been around for a decade and helps accommodate those walking distance students with bus transportation. The district said that spots are no longer guaranteed and instead the school district will assess what neighborhoods would benefit the most from bus transportation.

"We do guarantee some petitions,” Solan said. “It depends on where you live, what the bus situation looks like in that area. There are certainly neighborhoods where we don’t feel comfortable yet saying there will definitely be an opening here.”

Solan said there has been mixed responses from parents about the decision. He said some parents have been understanding, while others are expressing discomfort with facing the reality of their kids walking to school.

“Most middle school families feel much more comfortable having their child walk than an elementary family may feel,” Solan said. “Sometimes they bring up legitimate concerns about traffic or something. At this point, even though we’re not guaranteeing seats, it’s more so of a ‘wait and see.'”

Two new larger elementary schools are already under construction to help with the spike in enrollment, but they won’t be ready until the fall of 2026. Until then, parents will have to find alternative ways to get their kids to class.

The district said they will continue monitoring ridership to see if more seats can open up, but until those two new schools are built, these transportation woes could stick around for at least another school year.

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Three correctional officers hurt following attack at Cheshire Correctional Institute

CHESHIRE, Conn. (WFSB) - Three correctional officers were hurt following an attack at the Cheshire Correctional Institution.The incident occurred on August 25th at around 11:18 a.m.Officials say an inmate threw searing hot coffee in an officer’s face and then tried to slash, stab, and cut the officer with a shank.Three correctional officers suffered various injuries to the neck, back, and knees while restraining the inmate. They were transported to the hospital for treatment.“This assault is yet anothe...

CHESHIRE, Conn. (WFSB) - Three correctional officers were hurt following an attack at the Cheshire Correctional Institution.

The incident occurred on August 25th at around 11:18 a.m.

Officials say an inmate threw searing hot coffee in an officer’s face and then tried to slash, stab, and cut the officer with a shank.

Three correctional officers suffered various injuries to the neck, back, and knees while restraining the inmate. They were transported to the hospital for treatment.

“This assault is yet another incident in a worrying trend of rapidly deteriorating conditions inside Connecticut’s state correctional institutions. From a crisis-level influx of dangerous drugs to alarming and perilous short staffing, and a dramatic rise in assaults on correctional staff, the state’s refusal to take decisive action puts the lives of staff and inmates at risk every day. These issues are worsened by the fact that correctional officers continue to work in an increasingly dangerous job without the security of a contract in place,” said a spokesperson for AFSCME Council 4, a labor union in New Britain.

A spokesperson for the CT Department of Corrections said the safety and security of their staff and inmates is their highest priority.

"We are grateful for the swift and professional actions of our staff in responding to this incident, which if not for their actions may have been worse. The three staff members that were injured while securing the incarcerated individual, sought medical treatment at an outside facility, were treated and released. There is always the potential for danger when working within a correctional facility. We truly value our staff’s dedication to the Department’s mission of protecting the public," said Andrius Banevicius, Public Information Officer, Connecticut Department of Correction.

Cheshire’s Latest Employment Data Released, Here's What The Numbers Reveal

New employment data numbers have just dropped for Cheshire via the Connecticut Department of Labor.CHESHIRE, CT — Connecticut added an estimated 700 jobs in July, while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.In July, Cheshire's unemployment rose to 3.5 percent, from 2.8 percent in June, based on the preliminary data from the CTDOL.The report, released Monday, showed that June’s job growth figures were revised downw...

New employment data numbers have just dropped for Cheshire via the Connecticut Department of Labor.

CHESHIRE, CT — Connecticut added an estimated 700 jobs in July, while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.

In July, Cheshire's unemployment rose to 3.5 percent, from 2.8 percent in June, based on the preliminary data from the CTDOL.

The report, released Monday, showed that June’s job growth figures were revised downward slightly, from an estimated 6,300 to 6,100. The state's unemployment rate has now remained below 4 percent for three consecutive years, a threshold economists generally consider representing full employment.

Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said the state continues to offer opportunities for jobseekers, with about 80,000 positions currently available. She encouraged residents to use resources offered by the state’s American Job Centers, which provide assistance with resumes, navigating hiring software and artificial intelligence systems, and preparing for the job market.

“After the rapid post-pandemic growth, it’s taking longer to find a job than it did a few years ago, but CTDOL has resources to help,” Bartolomeo said.

The report showed private sector payrolls at 1,482,500, just 500 below the record high set in January. Professional, scientific and technical services gained 1,300 jobs in July, while health care and social assistance lost 900, a decline officials said may be seasonal. Federal government employment was unchanged.

The state’s labor force declined by 2,500 in July, following a drop of 3,700 in June. Officials noted the decreases could reflect normal fluctuations in an aging workforce or impacts from federal immigration policies. Connecticut’s labor force participation rate, at 64.7 percent, remains higher than the national rate of 62.2 percent.

Unemployment claims filings fell slightly to just over 31,000.

Patrick Flaherty, the agency’s director of research, stressed the importance of employers returning payroll surveys on time to ensure the accuracy of initial job estimates, which are regularly revised as more data becomes available.

Cheshire students head back early as district pushes construction projects

CHESHIRE, CT (WFSB) - More than 4,200 students in Cheshire returned to class earlier than usual this year as part of an effort to keep a major school construction project on schedule.The district moved up the start date to August 21 to allow more time for the ongoing construction of two new elementary schools, Norton and Barnum, which are central to a multi-year plan to modernize Cheshire’s aging school buildings.“Oh my goodness, we’re going to start a little early,” said Francis Yage, a se...

CHESHIRE, CT (WFSB) - More than 4,200 students in Cheshire returned to class earlier than usual this year as part of an effort to keep a major school construction project on schedule.

The district moved up the start date to August 21 to allow more time for the ongoing construction of two new elementary schools, Norton and Barnum, which are central to a multi-year plan to modernize Cheshire’s aging school buildings.

Oh my goodness, we’re going to start a little early, said Francis Yage, a senior at Cheshire High School.

According to Superintendent Jeff Solan, the early start minimizes disruption and helps ensure the construction stays on track.

“When this school year ends, our students will be moving into this building, and we have to demolish the existing Norton School to be ready for next year,” Solan explained.

The two new buildings are set to open in Fall 2026. Solan said the updates are long overdue.

“Our newest building opened in 1971, the same year as Disney World, so we were ready,” he added.

Students have already had the chance to observe the progress.

Solan noted that the construction has become an educational opportunity itself, including a beam-raising event last spring where students cheered as a steel beam was lifted into place.

In addition to construction, the district is also focusing on student well-being.

This year, schools are placing added emphasis on mental health, social-emotional growth, and encouraging students to spend more time offline.

“[We’re] trying to break away from all the time that they’re spending engaged in social media and stuff like that, and trying to spend more time with each other,” Solan said.

That extra support is welcome for students like Yage, who are taking on a heavy course load.

“It’s gunna be a little hard. I took a lot of really hard classes, but I think I’m gunna get through this… I’ve been through junior year!” he said.

Looking ahead, the district also plans to redistrict and shift the school calendar so that the 2026 school year begins after Labor Day.

Another key change for some families, due to increased enrollment, the district said some students living less than a mile from their school may not be assigned a bus seat this year.

District officials said more information will be available in the coming weeks, once ridership is confirmed.

Classes at Cheshire High School began at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.

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