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Home Care In Hatboro, PA

Home Care Hatboro, 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 Hatboro Main Street 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 Hatboro, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Hatboro, PA

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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

“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.
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Delia F.

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

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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 Hatboro, PA

Types of Elderly Care in Hatboro, 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

Respite Care Hatboro, 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
 Caregivers Hatboro, 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 Hatboro Memorial 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 Hatboro, 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 Pasta Fazool or visit Hatboro Historical Commission, 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 Hatboro, PA

Benefits of Home Care in Hatboro, 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.

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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 Hatboro, 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 Hatboro, 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 Hatboro, 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 Hatboro, 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 Hatboro, 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 Hatboro, 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:

  • Wesley Enhanced Living Upper Moreland
  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Joanna Dunbar
  • Arden Courts - ProMedica Memory Care Community (Warminster)
  • Luther Woods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
  • Gloria Dei Farms
  • Heartis Bucks County Assisted Living
Home Care Hatboro, 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 Hatboro, 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

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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 Hatboro, 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.

 Elderly Care Hatboro, PA

Latest News in Hatboro, PA

$20 Challenge Honors Hatboro-Horsham Teacher's Sister

School spirit is high in memory of the late Kate Amodei, whose sister is an English teacher in the Hatboro-Horsham School District. Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffHATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —It's called the $20 Challenge.This challenge is in honor of a Hatboro-Horsham teacher's sister and her legacy that sparked a "movement of kindness" throughout the school district.When Kate Amodei dre...

School spirit is high in memory of the late Kate Amodei, whose sister is an English teacher in the Hatboro-Horsham School District.

Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —It's called the $20 Challenge.

This challenge is in honor of a Hatboro-Horsham teacher's sister and her legacy that sparked a "movement of kindness" throughout the school district.

When Kate Amodei dreamed of joining the Peace Corps as a child, she embodied a spirit of service that would eventually inspire hundreds of acts of kindness—though not in the way anyone could have anticipated.

Her journey toward helping others took several turns, from exploring a career as a registered dietitian to finding her calling as a paramedic.

But in 2014, just as she was applying for EMT positions, Kate's life was cut short by a tragic car accident.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Among her belongings was a rolled-up wad of cash from her morning shift at a restaurant.

For years, this money remained untouched in a cabinet, a bittersweet reminder of unrealizeddreams.

Then her sister, Kristina Ulmer, an English teacher at Hatboro-Horsham High School,found a way to transform this painful reminder into something beautiful.

The catalyst came in the fall 2018, during a classroom discussion about empathy in Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451," that Ulmer saw an opportunity to connect literature with real-world impact.

She exchanged Kate's restaurant earnings into $20 bills and presented her students with anunexpected challenge: use this money to spread kindness in Kate's memory.

What began as a classroom initiative has blossomed into a movement that captures Kate's compassionate spirit.

Students have demonstrated remarkable creativity in their approaches to giving back.

Some have learned to crochet to make hats for premature babies in the NICU, while others sewed specialized equipment for stroke patients.

One group used their $20 as seed money to bake and sell cookies, ultimately raising enough to cover a shelter dog's adoption fee.

The ripple effects of these actions spread throughout the community. Students cleared libraryfines for peers.

Others started an annual tradition of distributing donuts to strangers, spreadingjoy through simple gestures. Some honored veterans by placing American flags on their graves,while others addressed crucial needs by donating feminine hygiene products to local shelters.

Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movement persisted.

To date, 351 acts of kindness; representing $7,020 in distributed $20 bills have touched countless lives, with an average of 25 students participating each semester.

The profound impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate recipients of these kindacts. It demonstrates how tragedy can be transformed into triumph, and how small gestures ofgoodwill can create lasting change.

Through these actions, Kate's dream of making a difference lives on—not through grand gestures, but through the cumulative power of individual acts of kindness that continue to ripple through the community she left behind.

In a world often overwhelmed by complexity, Kate's legacy reminds us that positive changeoften begins with a simple choice to help others. Her story lives on not just in memories, but inthe countless lives touched by the kindness she inspired.

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Sports Bar Coming, Breakfast Eatery Closing In Montco

This is a weekly summary of recent business news in eastern Montgomery County.Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffMONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA —A popular sports bar in coming to King of Prussia. Meanwhile, a longtime breakfast eatery plans to close after this weekend in Hatboro.These were some of the business stories making news recently in eastern Montgomery County:...

This is a weekly summary of recent business news in eastern Montgomery County.

Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA —A popular sports bar in coming to King of Prussia. Meanwhile, a longtime breakfast eatery plans to close after this weekend in Hatboro.

These were some of the business stories making news recently in eastern Montgomery County:

Popular Sports Bar Chain Opening New Location In King Of Prussia

Tommy's Tavern and Tap, a popular pizzeria and sports bar chain largely based at the Jersey Shore and New York City, is coming to King of Prussia with a summer opening targeted. (Read More)

The Dish, A Longtime Hatboro Eatery, Is Closing

The Dish in Hatboro will not be dishing out breakfast and lunch any longer. After trying to sell the business for over a year, Owner Jackie Evangelista has decided to pull the plug on the South York Road eatery, telling Patch about her decision on Friday afternoon. (Read More)

Montco Feed Mill, In Business For 150 Years, Is Shutting Down

A Montgomery County feed mill is closing after 150 years. Moyer and Sons feed mill, located off Railroad Avenue in Souderton, will begin "winding down" its operations over the coming weeks. The company said that the Moyer Store, its main operation, will continue. (Read More)

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Joseph's Catering Torn Down For Storage Facility

The former Joseph's Catering property in Horsham Township is beginning its transformation into a self-storage facility. Construction has begun to tear down the building and make way for a self-storage facility at 901 Horsham Rd. next to Hatboro-Horsham High School. (Read More)

Prime Property Near Arcadia University Up For Lease

It could be a coffee shop. Or maybe even a retailer or restaurant. Whatever the property may become, a 1.44-acre parcel on South Easton Road in Glenside is available for lease at $5,500 monthly. The property is across from Arcadia University. (Read More)

Boy Scouts Ham and Turkey Supper

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Hatboro-Horsham|Local EventHatboro Baptist Church, NeighborSat, Mar 1, 2025 at 4:00 PMHatboro Baptist Church, 32 N York Rd, Hatboro, PA, 19040...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Hatboro-Horsham|Local Event

Hatboro Baptist Church, Neighbor

Sat, Mar 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Hatboro Baptist Church, 32 N York Rd, Hatboro, PA, 19040

Hatboro Boy Scouts Troop 3 Annual Ham and Turkey Supper

Dine-In and Take-Out Available at Hatboro Baptist Church

32 N. York Road, Hatboro, PA 19040

Saturday March 1, 2025 from 4pm to 7pm

Adult: $18 Child (Age 4-12): $8

More Upcoming Events

Local Event

Mar1

Baby Goat Yoga

Saturday, 9:30 amHatboro-Horsham, PA

Local Event

Mar1

Beginners Yoga Class at Evergreen

Saturday, 10:30 amHatboro-Horsham, PA

Local Event

Mar1

Ham and Turkey Supper - Hatboro Troop 3

Saturday, 4:00 pmHatboro-Horsham, PA

Local Event

Mar2

Afternoon with Spirit with Spirit Medium Karen T. Hluchan at Soul Sisters' Studio!

Sunday, 12:30 pmHatboro-Horsham, PA

Featured Event

Mar2

Independence Sinfonia Concert

Sunday, 3:00 pmUpper Dublin, PA

Local Event

Mar7

Live Theater: Arcadia

Friday, 8:00 pmHatboro-Horsham, PA

Margarita Day at Iron Abbey

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Hatboro-Horsham|Local EventIron Abbey, Local BusinessSat, Feb 22, 2025 at 1:00 PMIron Abbey, 680 Easton Rd, Horsham, PA, 19044...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Hatboro-Horsham|Local Event

Iron Abbey, Local Business

Sat, Feb 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Iron Abbey, 680 Easton Rd, Horsham, PA, 19044
More info here

Margarita Day at Iron Abbey! Join us on Saturday, February 22nd for the ultimate Margarita Day celebration! Enjoy refreshing $7 Margaritas all day—because every sip is a reason to celebrate!

More Upcoming Events

Local Event

Mar1

Baby Goat Yoga

Saturday, 9:30 amHatboro-Horsham, PA

Local Event

Mar1

Beginners Yoga Class at Evergreen

Saturday, 10:30 amHatboro-Horsham, PA

Local Event

Mar1

Ham and Turkey Supper - Hatboro Troop 3

Saturday, 4:00 pmHatboro-Horsham, PA

Local Event

Mar1

Boy Scouts Ham and Turkey Supper

Saturday, 4:00 pmHatboro-Horsham, PA

Local Event

Mar2

Afternoon with Spirit with Spirit Medium Karen T. Hluchan at Soul Sisters' Studio!

Sunday, 12:30 pmHatboro-Horsham, PA

Featured Event

Mar2

Independence Sinfonia Concert

Sunday, 3:00 pmUpper Dublin, PA

Student-Painted Mural Promotes Inclusivity In Hatboro-Horsham

A new Hatboro-Horsham High School mural focuses on artists for Black History Month.Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffHATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —When students walk through Hatboro-Horsham High School, they will see a brand-new mural featuring prominent Black artists.With Black History Month winding down, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) teamed up with the Black Student Union(BSU) to plan and paint the ...

A new Hatboro-Horsham High School mural focuses on artists for Black History Month.

Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —When students walk through Hatboro-Horsham High School, they will see a brand-new mural featuring prominent Black artists.

With Black History Month winding down, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) teamed up with the Black Student Union(BSU) to plan and paint the mural.

“Because we have such a diverse group of students in our school, we wanted to start a five-year project of creating murals to help students see themselves visually represented in our school, seeing role models to look up to, and imagery from their culture represented,” said Leah Ellert, art department chair and co-sponsor of NAHS with Bob Zellman.

BSU was the first on NAHS’s list because they helped Ellert think of the idea and wanted tocollaborate on a design. They also spoke to Choir Director Charlie Masters, who plans the BlackHistory Month concert every February and came up with the mural theme of “Black Voices in theArts.”

The mural features eight Black role models: musicians, Paul Robeson and Rosetta Tharpe;actors, Chadwick Boseman and Cleo Sylvestre; artists, Jean-Michel Basquiat and FaithRinggold; and writers, James Baldwin and Maya Angelou.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“From this mural, BSU hopes students not only gravitate more toward the fine arts but alsobecome inspired by the fact that there were greats who came before them who also looked likethem,” said Ellisa Sadler, BSU leader and 12th-grade student. “This mural reinforces theimportance of representation in our community, as it is important to display empowering figures,specifically for our Black student body to see.”

The eight artists were narrowed down from a list of about 50.

NAHS and BSU students came together for a planning meeting and researched people who not only excelled in their content area but also were good citizens who supported their communities.

After creating a list of possibilities, students were assigned a person or two to look up and present a spotlight on at the next meeting.

“It was a completely student-driven list and decision process,” Ellert said. “It was reallyincredible to see them all come together and then make an argument of why their person wouldbe a great choice for the mural.”

After students voted to select the eight individuals, NAHS officers began digitally designing themural based on powerful portraits. They projected the design onto the wall – located in asecond-floor hallway near the library – and began tracing the design.

“We intentionally chose that spot because it’s such a high-traffic area,” Ellert said. “We want thestudents to see themselves in the school, so we wanted it to be somewhere they would passoften.”

Because the mural is in such a busy area, it was difficult to work on during the school day, so

NAHS students and a few BSU students painted after school and on weekends.

“These kids are coming into school when they don’t have to, to work on this mural and arehaving a great time,” Ellert said. “We play music, bring snacks, and they keep asking me tocome in on more Saturdays because it’s such a fun time.”

NAHS students fundraise at community events to raise money for the mural’s art supplies.Painted with acrylics, the mural also features an educational map, so students can scan the QRcodes and learn more about each individual.

The mural was unveiled to the public at the high school’s Black History Month concert last Saturday.

“This is probably my favorite mural that we’ve done so far because the kids are such a fantasticdriving force,” Ellert said. “It’s really fun and beautiful to watch the students work on somethingthat they feel so passionate about.”

The new mural is one of about 50 in Hatboro-Horsham High School.

While they differ in size and subject matter, the art department usually creates one a year.

The idea for the mural was also kickstarted by last year’s project when NAHS collaborated with professional muralist and El Salvadorian native, Calo Rosa. The design incorporated a lot of South & Central American culture including native plants and vibrant colors.

“A lot of students said, ‘This reminds me of home,’” Ellert said. “We want to link up with morestudent organizations, starting with some of the minority groups, so they can also feel that sliceof home and feel welcomed in our school community.”

In addition to involvement with the mural and Black History Month concert, BSU visited thedistrict’s elementary schools to read in classrooms and facilitate group activities. Elementarystudents also participated in assemblies, hands-on crafts, and visits from artists to gain a deeperunderstanding of African Americans’ contributions.

Keith Valley Middle School students engaged in various activities, including a Black HistoryMonth Door Decorating Contest. Students created informative displays highlighting influentialhistorical figures, pivotal events, and cultural contributions.

(Hatboro-Horsham School District)

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