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

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

phone-number215-914-5055 lm-right-arrow

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

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

Home Care In Jenkintown, PA

Home Care Jenkintown, PA

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 Benjamin Lay Gravestone (PA Historical Society) 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 Jenkintown, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Jenkintown, PA

care-serviceHome Care Services

location Service Areas

Read More
Elderly Care Jenkintown, PA Request More Information vector

The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Bill H.
551
Facebook

“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take”

Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Jasmine P.
551
Facebook

“”

Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Home Care Services for Delia F.
551
Facebook

“”

Read full testimonial
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”

Bill H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“”

Jasmine P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“”

Delia F.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Jenkintown, PA?

lm-check

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

lm-check

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

lm-check

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

lm-check

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

Request More Information
Senior Care Jenkintown, PA

Types of Elderly Care in Jenkintown, PA

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

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

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
Request More Information
Respite Care Jenkintown, PA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
Request More Information
Caregivers Jenkintown, PA
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 Cedar Street Moretti Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Request More Information
Home Care Jenkintown, PA
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 Marzano Ristorante or visit Old York Rd Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

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

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

Request More Information
In-Home Care Jenkintown, PA

Benefits of Home Care in Jenkintown, PA

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

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

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

With the help of elderly care in Jenkintown, PA, 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 Jenkintown, PA

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 PA'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 Jenkintown, PA

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 Jenkintown, PA 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 Jenkintown, PA

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 Jenkintown, PA

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:

  • Rydal Park
  • Rydal Waters
  • Caring Senior Service
  • Visiting Angels
  • Hillside Building Rydal Park
  • Sunrise of Abington
Home Care Jenkintown, PA

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 Jenkintown, PA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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

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

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

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

Request More Information vector
Elderly Care Jenkintown, PA

Latest News in Jenkintown, PA

Jenkintown has a new cocktail bar that specializes in mead. Just don’t call it a meadery

When Melissa Hager and Mike O’Donnell went to name their new bar in Jenkintown, they decided against celebrating mead, the honeyed spirit they’re making.“From a marketing perspective, it was just silly to make that the core focus,” O’Donnell said of the idea of calling the bar a meadery. “The first thing people [say is], ‘Oh, you’re a butcher? You’re a meatery? What kind of meats do you have?’”That’s how Yorkway Place, Jenkintown’s most-charming pedes...

When Melissa Hager and Mike O’Donnell went to name their new bar in Jenkintown, they decided against celebrating mead, the honeyed spirit they’re making.

“From a marketing perspective, it was just silly to make that the core focus,” O’Donnell said of the idea of calling the bar a meadery. “The first thing people [say is], ‘Oh, you’re a butcher? You’re a meatery? What kind of meats do you have?’”

That’s how Yorkway Place, Jenkintown’s most-charming pedestrian alley, came to be home to the Keep Easy, a cozy bar serving up dry, house-made mead plus Pennsylvania wine and cocktails. The former reading room’s interior maxes out at 20 people, but there’s seating for 30 on its front patio, set back from Route 611 traffic in a pre-war shopping arcade. It opened in July.

O’Donnell and Hager have lived in Jenkintown for more than eight years. The couple had a tea lounge called the Herb Shop at 747 Yorkway Place since March 2020 but decided to pivot to something more lucrative in the last year. They landed on making mead.

Mead is ancient and simple — made from honey and water — but outside the Renaissance Faire circuit, it’s almost stubbornly obscure. In an age that’s embraced fermentation of all kinds, more people are familiar with kombucha than mead.

And that’s partly why Hager and O’Donnell chose it. They considered making beer or spirits, but the brewery market felt oversaturated and the overhead on a distillery seemed out of reach. Mead, by contrast, requires relatively little equipment. Plus, “not a lot of people know about this,” O’Donnell said.

“It’s basically the same fermentation process as wine, but instead of fruit, we’re using honey,” he explained.

He and Hager buy 20-gallon batches of honey from a Lancaster farm, haul that home, and dilute it with water, and add yeast. It can take six months to a year for the yeast to fully consume the sugars in the mixture; from there, the meadmaker can age the spirit further to let the flavors mellow and meld. O’Donnell declined to say how long they age their mead but said they ferment out all the sugar they can.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Keep Easy Cocktail Bar (@thekeepeasy)

That means, despite some first-time customers’ expectations, the Keep Easy’s mead is not sweet. “It’s actually very dry,” O’Donnell said. “Depending on the yeast I use, it’s somewhere between a wine and a Champagne.” For customers who’d like a sweeter beverage, he offers to mix in a little agave.

The couple began making mead together in 2022 and got a Pennsylvania winery license (allowing them to serve any Pennsylvania-made booze) earlier this spring. The menu features their own mead served neat, hot, over ice, or by the flight (other flavors include turmeric, hibiscus, and yerba mate — inspired by their tea-shop past). They also mix up a number of carefully calibrated mead cocktails, including a surprisingly dry meadtini, a frothy mead sour, and a muddled mead old-fashioned.

The Keep Easy also has an extensive traditional cocktail list, from a gin fizz to the dark & stormy, all made from scratch. They’re sourcing from several Pennsylvania distilleries — Bluecoat, New Liberty, Resurgent, Thistle Finch, Dad’s Hat, Manatawny Still Works, Bluebird, Jacquin’s, and more — giving them a deep arsenal to shake or stir up whatever drink you might want. The bee’s knees and a pineapple mint julep are the best-sellers so far.

Food offerings are limited by the small space’s kitchen, but there’s tinned fish and snack boards, cheese and crackers, chips and salsa, and cake.

Hours are noon to 11 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The Keep Easy joins a growing number of more modern spots in Jenkintown, including Human Robot, Newbolds, Pizza Wheel, and Via 417 as well as standbys like Buckets and the Drake Tavern, where Hager and O’Donnell met 10 years ago. (He’s from Exton, she’s from the Northeast.)

“Jenkintown’s just awesome,” O’Donnell said. “It could be a Doylestown, it could be a New Hope once more businesses come in ... We wanted to be a part of that, too.”

Jenkintown Night Market’s vendor lineup for tonight

The Jenkintown Night Market is held each Tuesday in Town Square, 703 Greenwood Avenue, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.This is their vendor lineup for tonight:Endless Mountain Maple (Rome, PA) The Russell family has been tending to their family farm and making delicious maple products in Rome, Pennsylvania since 1796. Now we can enjoy their products in Jenkintown!...

The Jenkintown Night Market is held each Tuesday in Town Square, 703 Greenwood Avenue, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

This is their vendor lineup for tonight:

Endless Mountain Maple (Rome, PA) The Russell family has been tending to their family farm and making delicious maple products in Rome, Pennsylvania since 1796. Now we can enjoy their products in Jenkintown!

Nutty Novelties (Telford, PA) Nutty Novelties has a line of nut butters comprising of 18 different varieties, all with the philosophy in mind to keep them high in protein, low in sugar, all natural and made by hand, by them, right in Telford PA. (Weekly Vendor)

High Acres Farm (Marticville, PA) Fresh, local produce from less than 100 miles away. Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Eggplant, Green Peppers, Fairytale Eggplant, Green Beans, Yellow Beans, Peaches, Sweet Corn, Cantaloupe, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes, Okra, Potatoes, Green and Yellow Zucchini, Cucumbers, Pickles, Shiitake Mushrooms, Cremini Mushrooms, Spring Mix, Spinach, Eggs, Canned Goods, Pastured Beef, Chicken and Pork (Weekly Vendor).

Settantatre Pasta Company (Milmont Park, PA) Settantatré is a pasta company born from the idea everyone should enjoy fresh hand made pasta. GF and conventional styles available. (Weekly Vendor)

Lost Bread Co. (Fisthtown, Philadelphia, PA) – Lost Bread is a bakery and mill in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Weekly Vendor)

Stone and Key Cellars (Montgomeryville, PA) Winemakers at Stone and Key have patiently and artfully crafted multiple award winning wines. The grapes are sourced from some of the finest regions of California, Washington, and Chile. (Weekly Vendor)

Human Robot Brewery (Jenkintown, PA) Jenkintown’s own brewery will be at the market with four packs and single beers of Dreams of Orgonon IPA, Polotmavy 12 Czech Garnet Lager, Dinkel Heu Spelt Lager (Weekly Vendor)

Sam’ Rubs and Spices, LLC (Telford, PA) Gourmet, flavor-packed line of spices made from natural and organic products with no hidden ingredients. (Weekly Vendor)

The A-Frame Apiary (Boyertown, PA) The A-Frame Apiary is a honeybee apiary with a dedication to the restoration of pollinator habitats. With apiaries located in fruit orchards and wildflower meadows, the honeybees have access to a variety of pollen and nectar sources throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall. Enjoy unique raw wildflower honey from each season, a seasonal selection of infused honey made with amazing local ingredients, decadent honey butter, raw bee pollen, and so much more. Fresh HONEYCOMB just harvested last week!!! (Weekly Vendor)

Heckler Hot Sauce (South Philadelphia, PA) BACK THIS WEEK! Heckler Hot Sauce is a local small batch hot sauce producer. We have unique hot sauce that are sure to please (Bi-Weekly Vendor).

Aunt Orphia’s Delicious Homemade Pound Cake Company (Jenkintown, PA) BACK THIS WEEK! Aunt Orphia’s Pound cake Company is bringing your favorite Butter, Pineapple & Strawberry Pound Cakes. Also Introducing new our Pound Cake Kits & Pound Cake kabobs.

Chizfit LLC (Lansdale, PA) BACK THIS WEEK! Specializes in creating delicious plant-based, non-dairy desserts using all organic plant-based ingredients. Tonight look for Fudge Brownies, Mixed Berry Chia Muffins, Citrus Immunity shots, Cookies(Peanut butter chocolate chip and Bluberry oatmeal raisin), Gluten Free Blueberry Donuts Mango Tumeric Kombusha bread (BI-WEEKLY VENDOR)

Pawlifornia (Ambler, PA) BACK THIS WEEK! Vegan cookies for people and pets. (Bi-Weekly Vendor)

For more on tonight’s market, you can click here.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

History with Mike: Jenkintown’s Strawbridge & Clothier, John Wanamaker Department Store through the years

According to local historian Mike Leibrandt, Jenkintown’s iconic Strawbridge & Clothier building at the corner of Old York Road and Rydal Road was built in 1931 and underwent a renovation in 1954.Four years later and just down the road, the second suburban branch of the John Wanamaker Department Store (pictured above) opened for business in what is now Cheltenham Township. It sold in 1978 for $60 million and the Township was provided with a giant eagle statue in its honor. Strawbridge and Clothier moved to the Willow Grove P...

According to local historian Mike Leibrandt, Jenkintown’s iconic Strawbridge & Clothier building at the corner of Old York Road and Rydal Road was built in 1931 and underwent a renovation in 1954.

Four years later and just down the road, the second suburban branch of the John Wanamaker Department Store (pictured above) opened for business in what is now Cheltenham Township. It sold in 1978 for $60 million and the Township was provided with a giant eagle statue in its honor. Strawbridge and Clothier moved to the Willow Grove Park Mall in 1988.

Today, the Wanamaker building is called the Noble Town Center and is occupied by PetSmart, Ross Dress for Less, Bed Bath & Beyond, and AFC Fitness. The Strawbridge building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and is now called Jenkins Court. It houses an Outback Steakhouse.

Wanamaker, a merchant, philanthropist, and former United States Postmaster General under President Benjamin Harrison, lived in Jenkintown (today it is a Cheltenham address). A neoclassic mansion was constructed when his original Victorian Lindenhurst (pictured above) burned in 1907, destroying much of his art collection. A railroad station, Chelten Hills (no longer in existence), was constructed on the property in addition to his mansion. The campus of Salus University is today on part of the former estate.

From Salus’ campus history:

In 1868, John Wanamaker, a well-known Philadelphia merchant, religious, civic and political figure, purchased 50 acres of Mather’s property. Wanamaker went on to name the property Lindenhurst, because of all the Linden trees that naturally grew there. Wanting to create a one-of-a-kind landscape, Wanamaker also brought flowers, trees, and shrubs from all over the world onto the property and later erected his estate, known as the Magnificent Mansion on the property. In 1889, the 23rd president of the U.S., Benjamin Harrison, and his wife were guests on the Lindenhurst property and made several visits. Wanamaker continued to develop the Lindenhurst property, adding the now iconic manmade lake, bridge, and gazebo – all of which still exists today on the campus. His own private railroad station on the Reading Railroad, Chelten Hills, provided a direct transportation link between his city home and the summer residence at Lindenhurst.

Update: According to Thomas Wieckowski, Chairman of the Cheltenham Township Historical Commission, John Wanamaker did not build a private railroad station. He writes:

This myth is perpetuated in a zilion places such as the quoted Salus brochure. The Chelten Hills Station of the North Penn Railroad (not the Reading) at Washington Lane was an original station of the North Penn Railroad constructed in 1855. It is shown on the railroad’s original route maps and schedules and was in use extensively to transport recruits to Camp William Penn further up Washington Lane during the Civil War. (1863-5) Besides, John Wanamaker did not build Lindenhurst until 1882 so he could not have built Chelten Hills Station. After the Jenkintown station (there was no “Wyncote” yet) was constructed in 1859 with a road leading to Jenkintown, Chelten Hills became a flag stop and Wanamaker undoubtedly was a prime user of the stop, thus contributing no doubt to the erroneous myth.

Fun Facts #1: According to local historian Chuck Langerman, on June 14, 1900, Cheltenham High School’s Class of 1900 held its graduation exercises at the Ashbourne Presbyterian Church in Elkins Park. The commencement address was delivered to the graduates by Mr. John Wanamaker. Diplomas were conferred by Cheltenham Superintendent Charles Wagner to 11 graduates: six boys and five girls.

Fun Facts #2: John Wanamaker’s first store, Oak Hall, opened during the Civil War in 1861, and the first store to open in his name was in Philadelphia in 1876. The Philadelphia location was one of the first department stores to utilize price tags, and also laid claim to the largest fully operational pipe organ in the world as well as the legendary “Crystal Tea Room.”

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

Feature image: Sketch of John Wanamaker’s Jenkintown branch store by architects Massena and dePont of Wilmington, courtesy of Temple University Libraries; other photos courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Quantum Healing Room Opens in Jenkintown, Bringing the Innovative Energy Enhancement System to the Greater Philadelphia Area

Jenkintown, PA, November 15, 2023 --(PR.com)-- Quantum Healing Room, the exclusive authorized center in the Unifyd Healing network for the Greater Philadelphia area, is scheduled to open in December 2023 at 615 West Ave., Jenkintown, PA.This pioneering center is set to introduce the transformative Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) to the public, offering a unique combination of health and wellness technologies. Situated in a vibrant community known for its active art...

Jenkintown, PA, November 15, 2023 --(PR.com)-- Quantum Healing Room, the exclusive authorized center in the Unifyd Healing network for the Greater Philadelphia area, is scheduled to open in December 2023 at 615 West Ave., Jenkintown, PA.

This pioneering center is set to introduce the transformative Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) to the public, offering a unique combination of health and wellness technologies. Situated in a vibrant community known for its active arts scene, retail shops, restaurants, and yoga studios, Quantum Healing Room aims to complement the area's wellness-focused lifestyle.

The EESystem, developed by Dr. Sandra Rose Michael, is recognized for its bio-active life-enhancing technology. It generates scalar waves and other energy fields, contributing to cell regeneration, immune function enhancement, pain relief, body detoxification, mood enhancement, and brain hemisphere balance. This technology launched Unifyd Healing's global initiative, which seeks to make this advanced healing method accessible and affordable.

Supporting its effectiveness, extensive research and clinical studies are available on the EESystem website, providing a scientific basis for these claims. Furthermore, the Unifyd Healing website hosts numerous testimonials from individuals who have reported significant benefits from using the EESystem, offering personal accounts of its transformative impact.

A Commitment to Holistic Well-being

The association of Quantum Healing Room with Unifyd Healing incorporates it into a worldwide network of over 300 centers focused on holistic health. This affiliation underlines a dedication to promoting unity, love, and compassion within healing practices.

Bringing Advanced Healing to the Community

Quantum Healing Room's inauguration is a pivotal step in bringing state-of-the-art health technology to the general public. Equipped with a 12-unit EESystem, the center is expected to serve as a key destination for individuals exploring alternative methods to enhance their health and well-being.

Expanding Global Health Initiatives

As a member of the Unifyd Healing network, Quantum Healing Room plays a role in a broader endeavor to democratize health and wellness technologies. This collaborative effort aims to extend the reach of the EESystem technology globally, making it available regardless of individuals' economic circumstances.

Anticipating the Grand Opening

Quantum Healing Room is preparing to announce its formal grand opening. Details will soon be available on the center's website and through its social media channels. Meanwhile, interested parties are invited to visit Quantum Healing Room’s website to explore further information and take advantage of an introductory offer for pre-booking sessions.

About Quantum Healing Room

Quantum Healing Room, located in Jenkintown, PA, is committed to providing advanced healing technologies in a tranquil and supportive environment. As a proud member of the Unifyd Healing network, Quantum Healing Room is at the vanguard of a global health movement. For more information, visit www.quantumhealingroom.org/

Quantum Healing RoomFredric Schwartz215-821-7095https://www.quantumhealingroom.org/

Contact

Stouffer’s frozen foods was once a restaurant chain with a location in Jenkintown

Before it became synonymous with Lean Cuisine and French-bread pizza, Stouffer’s began as an Ohio-based restaurant chain with a location at 100 Old York Road in Jenkintown.Stouffer’s Jenkintown opened around 1960, though the company’s first restaurant was called the Stouffer Lunch in 1924.The family-run company began as the Stouffer’s Cottage Creamery Company of Medina, Ohio in 1898. Stouffer introduced frozen foods in the 1950s and calorie-controlled products in the 1980s, including frozen entrees, side...

Before it became synonymous with Lean Cuisine and French-bread pizza, Stouffer’s began as an Ohio-based restaurant chain with a location at 100 Old York Road in Jenkintown.

Stouffer’s Jenkintown opened around 1960, though the company’s first restaurant was called the Stouffer Lunch in 1924.

The family-run company began as the Stouffer’s Cottage Creamery Company of Medina, Ohio in 1898. Stouffer introduced frozen foods in the 1950s and calorie-controlled products in the 1980s, including frozen entrees, side dishes, the Lean Cuisine line, and popular French bread pizzas.

In 1967, the Stouffer Corporation was purchased by Litton Industries, which had a large share of the microwave oven market. In 1973, Litton sold Stouffer to Nestlé. The Stouffer Corporation celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 24, 1974.

By the 1990s, frozen entrees began to lose appeal among American families and Stouffer’s sales dipped.

In 1991, the Federal Trade Commission issued a complaint that Stouffer Foods had misrepresented sodium content in their Lean Cuisine entrees by stating that they were low in sodium. Stouffer’s argued that the campaign had focused on good taste and controlled sodium, fat, and calories. They also argued that the sodium claim was relative, reflecting a lower amount of sodium, not necessarily that the entrees were low sodium. However, the Administrative Law Judge ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission.

Today the Stouffer Corporation is still the United States’ leading manufacturer and marketer of more than 150 varieties of frozen prepared foods.

From the June 1959 issue of Chain Store Age, page E46:

Stouffer to open fourth restaurant

The first phase of a nearly $3-million expansion program of the Stouffer Corp. was recently completed with the opening of its fourth restaurant in Philadelphia. The two-level unit has 625 seats with an area of 26,000 square feet.The lower level of the restaurant is built out from beneath a plaza walk and faces on a garden court section of the concourse.The second step of the program is scheduled for completion this month with the opening of a $1.5 million dollar unit in Jenkintown, Pa.Vernon Stouffer, president of the chain, noted that the two new restaurants would bring the total in the Philadelphia area to five, more than in any other city in which the chain operates. “The management food service and frozen food service divisions of the chain are also due for expansion,” Mr. Stouffer added.

Pictured below is the Abington Room with Stouffer’s, which was used for business meetings, functions, and private parties.

100 Old York Road is still an apartment complex today.

For more on Stouffer’s history, you can click here.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

Disclaimer:

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