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.
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 Stephen Crane House 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 Asbury Park, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“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”
“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.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“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!!”
“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.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
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.
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Kennedy Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar or visit The Carousel Building, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 Asbury Park, 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.
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:
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 Asbury Park, 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 Asbury Park, 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.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.SchoolsThe exceptional seniors were among the 1.5% of applicants nationwide selected for the scholarship that covers the full cost of collegeHeather Vega, Community ContributorPLAINFIELD, N.J. and ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Two ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Heather Vega, Community Contributor
PLAINFIELD, N.J. and ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Two 2025 graduating seniors from College Achieve Public Schools (CAPS), tuition-free public charter schools serving students across New Jersey, have been named recipients of the competitive Gates Scholarship, placing them among just 750 students selected nationwide from a pool of more than 48,000 applicants.Carlos Mendez, from College Achieve Central, and Gloriann Gonzalez, from College Achieve Greater Asbury Park–both CAPS students since the fifth grade–credit CAPS’ rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, rooted in high expectations and personalized support, for providing the groundwork to receive this honor. Mendez will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the fall, where he plans to study environmental engineering. Gonzalez will attend Rowan University in Glassboro, where she plans to pursue veterinary medicine through the university’s combined B.S./Doctoral program. "When scholars are challenged academically and supported personally, they gain the confidence and skills to achieve at the highest levels,” said Natica Brown, Head of School, College Achieve Central. “At College Achieve, we meet each scholar where they are, while never losing sight of where they can go. Carlos and Gloriann are shining examples of what happens when high expectations are paired with meaningful, individualized support. Their Gates Scholarships reflect not only their incredible effort and resilience, but the power of an education that prepares students to thrive in college and beyond."“When students are challenged with high expectations and provided the resources to support and meet those expectations, they rise—and soar,” said Jasonn Denard, Head of School, College Achieve Greater Asbury Park. “Carlos and Gloriann are examples of what is possible when investing in the enormous potential of scholars and upholding a standard of excellence. The awarding of the Gates Scholarships validates their years of hard work and resilience and the power of a college-preparation education, enhancing the opportunity to attend and excel in universities, and to pursue a lifetime of future achievement.”The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship awarded to exceptional, Pell Grant–eligible, minority high school seniors. Recipients are selected for their academic excellence, leadership ability, personal drive and commitment to service. In addition to covering the full cost of attendance–including tuition, housing and books—this award is made to cover financial aid or family contributions by providing a scholarship and ongoing support through leadership development, mentoring and career resources throughout a scholar’s undergraduate experience.As a network committed to expanding college access, this recognition is a powerful affirmation of a college-going culture and academic model, which requires all high school scholars to complete a minimum of three Advanced Placement (AP) courses to graduate, and with college readiness initiatives beginning as early as elementary school.CAPS consistently graduates seniors to post-secondary institutions, with the majority enrolling in four-year universities. Graduates earned admission to institutions such as Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, Brown and Dartmouth, as well as highly regarded public universities. College Achieve Public Schools (CAPS) is a three charter network of K-12 schools serving Paterson, Plainfield, North Plainfield, Asbury Park and Neptune Township created to serve youth whose potential may be limited by resources. The mission of CAPS is to prepare all students to excel in and graduate from the top colleges and universities in the nation. The CAPS promise is to help students through and through—through high school and through college.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
ClosingsOne of Asbury Park’s best loved restaurants, Moonstruck has been sold to an unnamed buyer after its owners announced that they are retiring. The American-Mediterreanean eatery/bar, featuring live piano music, has been a staple in the community for more than 36 years.“As the phase of this moon wanes, we find solace and hope in the knowledge that Moonstruck is once again in a waxing phase,” the longtime owners, Luke Magliaro and Howard Raczkiewicz, wrote on social media. “We are ...
One of Asbury Park’s best loved restaurants, Moonstruck has been sold to an unnamed buyer after its owners announced that they are retiring. The American-Mediterreanean eatery/bar, featuring live piano music, has been a staple in the community for more than 36 years.
“As the phase of this moon wanes, we find solace and hope in the knowledge that Moonstruck is once again in a waxing phase,” the longtime owners, Luke Magliaro and Howard Raczkiewicz, wrote on social media. “We are passing the torch to new owners who plan to continue and expand the operation while ensuring its legacy lives on.”
This Iberian restaurant, which has been open just under a year, announced it will be closing on May 4. Recently reviewed in New Jersey Monthly, Tasca said many factors went into the decision to close, including quality of life.
“While this past year has been a joyously eventful and ground breaking experience for us, we are saddened to announce that we will be closing our doors at Tasca,” founder/general manager Sergio Moutela wrote on social media.
This NYC-based bakery, known for its Italian-inspired pastries and signature bombolini, has opened its first Garden State location. “We’re excited to bring the Angelina experience to Fort Lee and share our passion for baking with our new neighbors,” the bakery’s team said in a press release. “Our New Jersey debut is a milestone in our journey.”
This new café from local entrepreneur and Chopped contestant Michele Vaccari Harriott has opened in Newark. Backed by Audible and the City of Newark, Sweet Jeans is the latest addition to the city’s revitalized retail corridor. It’s the first retail business to be supported by Audible’s Business Attraction Program.
This popular Louisiana-style fast-food spot—known for its chicken fingers and signature sauce, Texas Toast and crinkle-cut fries—is opening its first North Jersey location this fall. There are currently six Raising Cane’s in South Jersey.
This NJ-based burger joint specializes in smashed burgers, fries and desserts. Montclair will be its third location, joining existing spots in Cliffside Park and Hoboken. A grand-opening date will be announced soon.
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Want to give your dog the beach day of their dreams?These dog-friendly shores offer the perfect setting for fun in the sun and surf. Just remember, responsible pet parenting ensures everyone has a paw-sitive experience.Asbury Park Dog BeachGO: 1738 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712; cityofasburypark.com.Bradley Beach...
Want to give your dog the beach day of their dreams?
These dog-friendly shores offer the perfect setting for fun in the sun and surf. Just remember, responsible pet parenting ensures everyone has a paw-sitive experience.
GO: 1738 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712; cityofasburypark.com.
GO: Glenwood Avenue & The Beach, Wildwood, NJ 08260; wildwoodsnj.com.
WARETOWN — One of the worst wildfires in New Jersey’s history may continue to burn until rain drenches the area, likely on Friday night or Saturday, said New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly.Investigators have determined that the cause of the Jones Road wildfire was an improperly extinguished bonfire.Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown has been charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the wildfire. Investigators charge that Kling set wooden pallets on fire — and then le...
WARETOWN — One of the worst wildfires in New Jersey’s history may continue to burn until rain drenches the area, likely on Friday night or Saturday, said New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly.
Investigators have determined that the cause of the Jones Road wildfire was an improperly extinguished bonfire.
Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown has been charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the wildfire. Investigators charge that Kling set wooden pallets on fire — and then left the area without the fire being fully extinguished, authorities said.
Firefighters were making progress with the blaze — 50% of it was contained as of Wednesday evening — that started as five acres on Tuesday morning and would grow to consume at least 15,000 acres of Pine Barrens, according to the forest fire service.
Thousands were evacuated from their homes, including 5,000 people in Waretown and Lacey alone, according to the fire service.
“New Jersey has some of the most volatile wildland fire fuels in the entire country,” Donnelly explained at an afternoon news conference. “Everybody’s used to seeing California and things like that, that chaparral that burns up the hills and goes crazy. These Pine Barrens out here are the exact same type of fuel model. They’re just like having napalm spread across the ground.”
While no one was injured, three buildings in an industrial park in neighboring Lacey caught fire, with one destroyed. As of Wednesday night, eight structures remained under threat.
Bob Nosti, owner of Liberty Door and Awning, a 39-year-old garage door and awning company in the industrial park since 2012, arrived Wednesday morning to find his business burned to the ground.
A day earlier, the fire had been an afterthought for him: “Earlier in the day … it was a couple towns south of here, all I know is that it moved pretty quick,” Nosti said.
“Then all of a sudden, my building was gone an hour later,” he said. “It’s gut-wrenching for sure, but we’ll be all right. We’ll rebuild – and we’ll build it bigger and better.”
As the evening fell on Tuesday, Jersey Central Power & Light was forced to turn off the electricity to 25,000 customers. Parts of southern Ocean County took an almost apocalyptic vibe as a dark column of smoke moved closer to populated neighborhoods along Barnegat Bay.
An acrid burning smell filled the air and the steady sound of distant emergency vehicle sirens would be a constant companion that would continue through the night.
Motorists trying to return home from work in the rush hour commute found themselves with few options but to sit in gridlock, after authorities closed the Garden State Parkway and a few of the century-old back roads through the Pine Barrens that connect much of southern Ocean County to the outside world.
Almost everyone had been allowed to return to their homes Wednesday and power was restored to a majority of JCP&L customers by the late afternoon. Some homes on Route 532 — called Wells Mills Road in Waretown — were still under risk but the county highway opened to traffic on Wednesday night.
This area of New Jersey is within a “wildland urban interface” that leads to risk, said Shawn LaTourette, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, at a news conference on Wednesday.
The state forest fire service is a division of the DEP. LaTourtte said that while the fire continued to burn, the damage was expected to be confined to the uninhabited wilderness of the Pinelands.
“We’ve truly averted a major disaster,” he said.
LaTourette said the fire could end up becoming the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years.
Earlier, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way — acting governor when Gov. Phil Murphy leaves the state — declared a state of emergency for southern Ocean County.
LaTourette said the fire was “throwing itself” and creating “spot” fires.
“From the main fire on the west side of the parkway, winds were carrying embers that landed in another spot, creating a flanking fire," he said.
Chief Donnelly said fire crews from across the state — from Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Ocean and Monmouth counties — came to the aid of the affected towns.
“I would say it was hundreds of fire trucks, without a doubt here, everywhere you look, there were resources from counties throughout southern New Jersey,” Donelly said.
The fire may continue to burn until — if the forecast remains so — the region gets hit with rain, early in the weekend, he said.
The fire began near the municipal boundary between Waretown and Barnegat. The forest fire service has named the conflagration the Jones Road fire, after the dirt road of the same name in the Brookville section of Ocean Township, of which Waretown is also a section.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at [email protected].
It's no secret that fires are dangerous.Whether a house fire or wildfire, the damage can leave everlasting destruction to homes such as property and smoke damage.Ridding a home from the smell of smoke is a considerable challenge due to the way smoke infiltrates tiny particles that stick to all surfaces and porous — materials with many small holes in which liquid or air can pass through.As the residents of Ocean County affected by ...
It's no secret that fires are dangerous.
Whether a house fire or wildfire, the damage can leave everlasting destruction to homes such as property and smoke damage.
Ridding a home from the smell of smoke is a considerable challenge due to the way smoke infiltrates tiny particles that stick to all surfaces and porous — materials with many small holes in which liquid or air can pass through.
As the residents of Ocean County affected by The Jones Road Wildfire start to return to their homes many may face challenges such as odors that includes toxic smoke, ash and soot that reduces the air quality and become hazardous to inhale.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends residents assess their homes for smoke, soot and ash conditions of each room by walking the entire house and following these steps below:
Here are a few ways to rid your home of the smell of smoke says the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
For light damage in homes with an odor but no traces of ash:
For moderate damage in which you can smell heavy smoke and visible see ash:
732-483-4611
