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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 Spring Lake, NJ

Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

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 Spring Lake Clock 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 Spring Lake, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

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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

“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”

susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”

laura K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”

Pamgoldberg
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Spring Lake, NJ?

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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 Spring Lake, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Spring Lake, NJ

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 Spring Lake, NJ
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 Spring Lake, NJ
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 Divine 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 Spring Lake, NJ
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 Amelia's By the Sea or visit Spring Lake 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.

 In-Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Spring Lake, NJ

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 Spring Lake, NJ, 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 Spring Lake, NJ

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 NJ'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 Spring Lake, NJ

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 Spring Lake, NJ 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 Spring Lake, NJ

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 Spring Lake, NJ

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:

  • The Arbors at Spring Lake
  • Wellington Estates Assisted Living
  • Spring Lake Home Care LLC
Home Care Spring Lake, NJ

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 Spring Lake, NJ

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 Spring Lake, NJ 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 Spring Lake, NJ

Latest News in Spring Lake, NJ

10 Great Dog-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey (2025 Update)

Heading to the beach with friends is always a good time, but as a dog owner, you likely want to include your furry buddy in your beach excursions—at least every once in a while. Fortunately, there are several beaches located in the Garden State that happen to be dog-friendly, so you can spend a fun day on the sand and in the ocean with your canine friend. Here are 10 great New Jersey dog-friendly beach spots to consider.The 10 Great Dog-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey...

Heading to the beach with friends is always a good time, but as a dog owner, you likely want to include your furry buddy in your beach excursions—at least every once in a while. Fortunately, there are several beaches located in the Garden State that happen to be dog-friendly, so you can spend a fun day on the sand and in the ocean with your canine friend. Here are 10 great New Jersey dog-friendly beach spots to consider.

The 10 Great Dog-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey

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A post shared by Ruth Barker Ginsburg (@notoriousarfbg)

????? Address: Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08244
???? Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: Yes
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A post shared by ????The House That Doggies Built???? (@ldettore)

????? Address: Taylor Ave. Beach Haven, NJ 08008
???? Open Times: Sunrise to sunset from September 16 to May 14
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: No
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A post shared by @miss_luna_bella_the_doodle

????? Address: 3000 Boardwalk. Wildwood, NJ 08260
???? Open Times: 24 hours
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: Yes, only in the enclosed dog park area
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A post shared by Navy (@itzznavy)

????? Address: Asbury Park, NJ
???? Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., September 15 to May 15; before 8:30 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m., May 16 to September 14
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: Yes
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A post shared by ???? Olive (@olivewiththesnout)

????? Address: New Jersey 08204
???? Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: No
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A post shared by Lucky Duck & The Golden Goose (@luckygooselife)

????? Address: 1738 Ocean Ave N. Asbury, NJ 07712
???? Open Times: 24/7, September 15 to May 14
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: Yes, only in the designated dog beach area
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A post shared by Penny (@pennytheitaliansausage)

????? Address: 26 Hudson Rd, Highlands, NJ, US, 07732
???? Open Times: 6 AM to 9 PM Mon-Sun (All year, bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove)
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: No
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A post shared by Laura (@meandmybruno)

????? Address: Spring Lake, NJ 07762
???? Open Times: Sunrise to sunset, October 1 to May 14
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: Yes, in the fenced dog area
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A post shared by Poochy & Simba (@the_super_lab_bros)

????? Address: 383 3rd Ave. Manasquan, NJ 08736
???? Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: No
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A post shared by Sean Cleary (@its_a_face_wig_)

????? Address: County Hwy 619. Ocean City, NJ 08214
???? Open Times: Sunrise to sunset, September 16 to March 31
???? Cost: Free
???? Off-leash: No

Conclusion

There is no shortage of outdoor fun when spending time with your dog in New Jersey. Whether you want to just hang out at the beach, go hiking, or watch your canine play around with their peers, all the dog-friendly beaches on this list have something exciting to offer.

Irish Centre brings a bit of the Emerald Isle to Spring Lake for nearly half a century

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.MAIN STREETSeven-minute read0:001:22SPRING LAKE -- Growing up in Galway on Ireland’s west coast and marrying in 1987, Moya and Aidan Rush loved Irish culture and were proud of their heritage.And just over a decade ago, they channeled their passion for Ireland into their purchase of t...

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MAIN STREET

Seven-minute read

SPRING LAKE -- Growing up in Galway on Ireland’s west coast and marrying in 1987, Moya and Aidan Rush loved Irish culture and were proud of their heritage.

And just over a decade ago, they channeled their passion for Ireland into their purchase of the Irish Centre, a renowned Spring Lake-based shop that’s been providing Celtic clothing, jewelry, gifts and “all things Irish” for nearly half a century.

“In the late 1980s there was a recession in Ireland, and Aidan and I decided to come to the U.S. for six months as an ‘adventure,’” recalled Moya, a Wall resident, of their relocation to the Jersey Shore area — a visit which turned into so much more.

“Aidan had friends and family here who offered him a job and I worked in New York City for the first few years, but in 1995 I started working at the Irish Centre, which my cousin Mary Reilly and her husband Jim had opened in 1978,” she said. “I became a store manager and a buyer, and when Mary decided to retire, Aidan and I bought the store from her in 2014.”

Still in its original location on Third Avenue, Rush said that Spring Lake’s historically large Irish population and renowned designation as the area’s “Irish Riviera” have contributed to the now 47-year-old store’s longevity and strong following.

“There are many generations of Irish families throughout Spring Lake, and they hold dear to their heritage,” Rush said. “So many people who have had their ancestry analyzed come to the store excited to share that they’re some percentage Irish.”

Tweeds, claddagh rings and more

Within their quaint 1,500-square-foot shop, which is open seven days a week, “we offer everything from Aran knitwear, tweeds, coats and men’s hats to traditional foods imported straight from Ireland, including blood puddings, breakfast bacon and sausage, fresh homemade brown bread, soups, jams, salty snacks and Irish-made Cadbury chocolate,” Rush said.

“We carry beautiful baby gifts and sweaters, Waterford crystal, Simon Pearce glass, Guinness merchandise and a broad range of jewelry featuring such key Irish themes as the trinity knot, Celtic cross, claddagh symbol (which represents friendship, love, and loyalty), and lucky shamrock," she continued. "We also carry religious items such as saint medals, pins and Celtic crosses in metal and even in mahogany as well as a large selection of cards, books and CDs.”

With over 9,000 products from more than 50 different vendors in the store, Rush said that there’s something for everyone and every budget at the Irish Centre.

“You can purchase a Celtic cross or pin for a jacket for as little as $6 or a silver claddagh ring for $75, all the way up to a claddagh ring with precious gems like diamonds, emeralds or sapphires for $5,000,” she said. “We offer items for all stages of life, from baby and confirmation gifts to engagement gifts, wedding bands and more.”

Ultimately, “we see ourselves as ambassadors of Ireland,” Rush said. “We love to promote Irish culture, music and food and we encourage people to visit Ireland and especially to explore the countryside and fun places off the beaten path. It’s great to get lost in Ireland and we encourage people to take a trip there and soak in the culture.”

Based on the Rushes’ commitment to authenticity, “over 85% of the merchandise we sell is from Ireland and we’re proud to source our T-shirts, wooden signs, art, wool clothing and more from some of the country’s best small crafters and artisans, including one of our most beloved vendors, a skilled 87-year-old knitter from Donegal,” she said. “I travel to Ireland several times a year to attend trade shows, participate in ‘meet the maker’ tours, and visit knitwear mills to stay on the forefront of what’s happening.”

That continued attention to new products and local vendors has long resonated with the Irish Centre’s clientele.

“We have a lot of repeat customers and feel lucky to have such a loyal clientele that we’ve built relationships with over the generations,” Rush said. “Spring Lake is a little mecca at the Jersey Shore and our store warms our customers’ hearts and brings them back to when they were growing up.”

Among trends, Rush said that the stiff and uncomfortable Irish knitwear of the past has gone by the wayside.

“There are no more itchy sweaters,” she confirmed. “These days, more and more products are made of merino wool that’s soft and light, and the basic Irish crewneck sweater has now become more chic with side zippers and different types of collars in a wide variety of colors.”

What hasn’t changed is the pride and quality with which products carried at the Irish Centre are made.

“Irish tweeds can last forever, and our manufacturers are committed to outstanding quality and workmanship,” Rush said.

Among challenges, Rush said that shipping costs have become challenging for the store, especially since so much of their inventory is imported.

“Most of our products are air-freighted in from Ireland and shipping costs have quadrupled since the pandemic, which has been difficult to manage,” she said.

“In addition, while it was easy to get merchandise during the pandemic when there was no tourism, tourism in Ireland has since exploded and it’s been hard for Irish suppliers to keep up with both their own domestic demand and demand from U.S. buyers like our store,” Rush said. “For that reason, we have to stock up early for the spike in business that we experience around Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. There are 32 St. Patrick’s Day parades in New Jersey, so we try to buy as much merchandise as soon as we can for those events.”

Keeping the Irish heritage alive

Supported by their dedicated staff of four part-time associates, most of whom hail from Ireland, “I do all of the buying, ordering and pricing, while Aidan takes care of all of our back-office activities, store supplies and online presence,” Rush said. “Most of our customers live within 30 minutes of our store, but we ship to customers all over the U.S. through our e-commerce site.”

Looking ahead, the Rushes are excited to continue promoting all that makes the Emerald Isle so special.

“We run a Belleek-signing event at the store every November and host Christmastime appearances by jewelers who create new jewelry with Swarovski crystals for us each year,” Rush said. “We also co-chair Spring Lake’s Irish Festival every June and are excited to give back to the community and support the many great Irish organizations in the area.”

Among her favorite parts of running the Irish Centre, “we love our wonderful customers and the relationships we’ve built with them over the years, and it’s also exciting when children and teens come into the store to get their first claddagh ring, sweater or hat,” Rush said. “We love to see the generations continuing to keep their ancestry alive; they’re the future and we want them to embrace their heritage, appreciate where their ancestors came from, and fall in love with Ireland.”

As for the experience at the Irish Centre, where lively Celtic music is always on tap, “Ireland is a warm, welcoming culture and that’s the feel in this store,” Rush said. “We love celebrating all things Irish at the Jersey Shore.”

Irish Centre

Location: 1120 Third Avenue, Spring Lake

Phone: 732-449-6650

Owners: Moya and Aidan Rush

Opened: 1978

Website: irishcentre.net

Annual trout contest for kids returns to Spring Lake, NJ

It's that time once again to break out the fishing rods. The 2025 New Jersey trout season is just around the corner, officially beginning on April 5 at 8 a.m.Once again, Spring Lake will be kicking off what has become a local tradition for kids all over The Garden State. Even before trout season is underway, the municipality gets the lake ready with help from New Jersey’s youngest residents.A week before the opening day of trout season, kids from all over the state are invited to gather at Spring Lake to help get the lake...

It's that time once again to break out the fishing rods. The 2025 New Jersey trout season is just around the corner, officially beginning on April 5 at 8 a.m.

Once again, Spring Lake will be kicking off what has become a local tradition for kids all over The Garden State. Even before trout season is underway, the municipality gets the lake ready with help from New Jersey’s youngest residents.

A week before the opening day of trout season, kids from all over the state are invited to gather at Spring Lake to help get the lake ready for the upcoming 2025 season. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, trucks will arrive loaded with around 500 trout ready to be stocked.

It's a great bonus event where kids get to be hands-on throughout the entire process of stocking the lake with the very fish they'll be trying to catch one week later. It all takes place at the intersection of East Lake and Mercer Avenues in Spring Lake, NJ.

Check out the photos below from one of the past year's events to see just how they do it, followed by details on this year's Shark River Surf Anglers 2025 Trout Contest for Kids.

Ever wonder how lakes are stocked? These NJ kids show you how at Spring Lake

Such a great event for kids to get involved with ahead of New Jersey's trout fishing season.

The annual Shark River Surf Anglers 2025 Trout Contest for Kids is taking place on Saturday, April 5, 2024, beginning at 8 a.m. sharp along Spring Lake, in Monmouth County, NJ.

Just for participating, all kids will walk away with something for their future fishing adventures. But for those who do hook a fish, there will be additional prizes to be won including trophies, rods, and more.

One word of advice though if you're thinking of taking part in the contest. Make sure you arrive early if you want to grab the best fishing spots.

The contest ends at 1:30 p.m., with prizes being awarded by the club tent near the intersection of East Lake and Mercer Avenues beginning at 2 p.m.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.

An Evening with David Baldacci! ???????? Bestselling Author Comes to Spring Lake – Reserve Your Spot Now!

Join bestselling author David Baldacci for an exclusive evening at Spring Lake Theater, featuring a discussion on his latest novel, Strangers in Time, plus a book signing and more!"Photo Credit: Spring Lake LibraryGetting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Jim LonerganPublished March 22, 2025 at 7:28 PMSpring Lake, NJ – Fans of acclaimed author David Baldacci are in for a ...

Join bestselling author David Baldacci for an exclusive evening at Spring Lake Theater, featuring a discussion on his latest novel, Strangers in Time, plus a book signing and more!"

Photo Credit: Spring Lake Library

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Jim Lonergan

Published March 22, 2025 at 7:28 PM

Spring Lake, NJ – Fans of acclaimed author David Baldacci are in for a special treat as Spring Lake Library, in collaboration with Thunder Road Books, proudly presents an exclusive evening with the bestselling writer at the Spring Lake Theater.

Meet One of America’s Most Beloved Thriller Writers

David Baldacci is a master of suspense, known for his gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and fast-paced storytelling. With over 150 million books sold worldwide, his novels have been published in more than 45 languages and adapted for film and television.

Since his debut in 1996 with Absolute Power—a political thriller that became a major motion picture starring Clint Eastwood—Baldacci has continued to dominate the literary world. His expansive bibliography includes fan-favorite series such as Amos Decker (Memory Man), The Camel Club, John Puller, Atlee Pine, and The Will Robie Series, as well as numerous standalone bestsellers.

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Beyond his literary achievements, Baldacci is also the founder of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy and education across America. His commitment to storytelling extends beyond fiction, as he uses his platform to advocate for access to books and learning opportunities for all.

An Unmissable Literary Event

This event offers a rare opportunity to hear Baldacci discuss his latest novel, Strangers in Time, and the creative process behind his bestsellers. Attendees will gain exclusive insight into his work, writing journey, and what’s next for one of the most prolific authors in modern literature.

Event Highlights

???? Pre-autographed copy of Strangers in Time for all attendees???? Additional books available for purchase?? Post-presentation personalization – Get your book personally signed by David Baldacci!???? Engaging discussion on storytelling, thrillers, and his latest work

Reserve Your Spot Today!

This highly anticipated event is expected to fill up quickly, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

???? Date & Time: Arpil 16th, 7:00 PM, doors open at 6:15???? Location: Spring Lake Theater, Spring Lake, NJ

Don’t miss your chance to experience an evening with one of the most celebrated authors of our time.

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