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

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

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Home Care In Freehold, NJ

Home Care Freehold, 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 Historic Welcome to Freehold “My Hometown” Sign in Freehold, NJ 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 Freehold, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Freehold, 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!”

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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!!”

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

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Freehold, 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 Freehold, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Michael J. Tighe Park in Freehold, NJ 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 Freehold, 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 La Cipollina or visit Craig House, 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 Freehold, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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:

  • Monmouth Crossing Assisted Living
  • Mattison Crossing at Manalapan Avenue
  • Applewood
  • Millennium Memory Care at Freehold
  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Christina Sclafani
  • Golden Age Rest Home
Home Care Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, NJ

Latest News in Freehold, NJ

Fogo de Chão plans fourth New Jersey restaurant

The basics:Popular Brazilian restaurant chain Fogo de Chão is planning a fourth location in New Jersey.After signing a lease agreement at Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, the international brand expects to launch an 8,000-square-foot restaurant, according to property owner and operator Macerich.At the Route 9 mall, Fogo de Chão will take space within the outdoor village by the center court entrance. Macerich did not announce an opening date.Founded in 1979, Fogo de Chão serves grilled, sea...

The basics:

Popular Brazilian restaurant chain Fogo de Chão is planning a fourth location in New Jersey.

After signing a lease agreement at Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, the international brand expects to launch an 8,000-square-foot restaurant, according to property owner and operator Macerich.

At the Route 9 mall, Fogo de Chão will take space within the outdoor village by the center court entrance. Macerich did not announce an opening date.

Founded in 1979, Fogo de Chão serves grilled, seasoned meats cooked churrasco-style on skewers and then carved at the table by gaucho chefs. Its menus for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and group dining also feature chicken, lamb, pork, seafood and salads.

The Dallas-headquartered concept currently has over 110 restaurants worldwide.

On NJ’s menu

After its successful in-state debut two years ago at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, Fogo de Chão added restaurants at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne and Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater.

As part of an ongoing expansion effort, the company expects to launch 14 to 16 new outposts this year.

The plan announced in January noted the chain also intends to open a site in Princeton. It will reportedly be located near the MarketFair shopping center.

Additionally, Fogo de Chão aims to open in Cherry Hill, Patch recently reported. The brand wants to take over a shuttered Italian restaurant on Haddonfield Road, that outlet said.

A spokesperson for the chain did not immediately respond to a request for details on Cherry Hill and Princeton.

More locations on the horizon

Freehold Raceway Mall is the latest Macerich property that Fogo de Chão will join. The chain recently announced plans for Green Acres Valley Mall in Valley Stream, N.Y., and Crabtree in Raleigh, N.C.

Macerich Senior Vice President of Leasing Eric Bunyan said, “We’re thrilled to have Fogo de Chão joining Freehold Raceway Mall. Fogo is a well-respected brand with a loyal following, and we’re confident it will resonate with both our local community and visitors. We’re looking forward to seeing the restaurant become part of the mall’s continued growth.”

Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan said the brand is excited to continue its growth across New Jersey with a spot at Freehold Raceway Mall.

He went on, “As one of the region’s premier shopping and lifestyle destinations, the center aligns perfectly with our upscale dining experience and commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality. We look forward to introducing guests to the warmth, tradition, and refined culinary excellence of Southern Brazil that have defined our brand for more than 46 years.”

Major Warehouse Fire Prompts Emergency Response In Monmouth County

The fire broke out late Friday night at the transfer station of a waste management site on Route 33.Updated Mon, Aug 3, 2026 at 4:03 pm ETSmoke from the fire at Freehold Cartage Inc. (Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)Authorities responding to the fire at Freehold Cartage Inc. (Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)FREEHOLD, NJ — A major warehouse fire prompted a large-scale emergency response in Freehold Township on Friday night.Around 10 p.m. on Friday, the East Freehold Fire Company was dispatched to t...

The fire broke out late Friday night at the transfer station of a waste management site on Route 33.

Updated Mon, Aug 3, 2026 at 4:03 pm ET

Smoke from the fire at Freehold Cartage Inc. (Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)

Authorities responding to the fire at Freehold Cartage Inc. (Monmouth County Sheriff's Office)

FREEHOLD, NJ — A major warehouse fire prompted a large-scale emergency response in Freehold Township on Friday night.

Around 10 p.m. on Friday, the East Freehold Fire Company was dispatched to the fire (Transfer Station) at Freehold Cartage Inc. at 825 NJ-33 in Freehold.

Once units arrived, Assistant Chief Bailey upgraded the response to a box alarm, which was later escalated to a third-alarm fire due to the size and complexity of the incident.

According to a report from NJ.com, employees at the scene of the fire were evacuated.

Multiple fire companies from across Monmouth and Ocean Counties responded to the incident, alongside Freehold EMS, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, Monmouth County Haz-Mat, Monmouth County Public Works, the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Monmouth County Communications (Dispatchers), FTPD and the Canteen Unit.

According to a post from Freehold Emergency Medical Services, EMS units on scene operated for about 14 hours before being released.

The scene was cleared at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The fire is currently under investigation.

"We thank all mutual aid partners and support agencies for their professionalism, coordination, and teamwork in safely bringing the incident under control," the East Freehold Fire Company said in an online post.

"Large-scale emergencies such as this underscore the strength of our regional mutual aid system and the dedication of all personnel involved...Together, we are stronger."

Spring Freeze Cancels Pick-Your-Own Apples At Battleview Orchards

FREEHOLD, NJ — Battleview Orchards will not have Pick-Your-Own Apples this fall due to a spring freeze, the orchard recently announced.In an update posted to Battleview's Facebook page on Friday, the orchard said that while they won't host Pick-Your-Own Apples this fall, they have been fortunate enough to source apples from their neighbors in New York."Our first pressing of apple cider took place this week and is now available in our Country Store," Battleview said. "We also have several varieties of fresh ...

FREEHOLD, NJ — Battleview Orchards will not have Pick-Your-Own Apples this fall due to a spring freeze, the orchard recently announced.

In an update posted to Battleview's Facebook page on Friday, the orchard said that while they won't host Pick-Your-Own Apples this fall, they have been fortunate enough to source apples from their neighbors in New York.

"Our first pressing of apple cider took place this week and is now available in our Country Store," Battleview said. "We also have several varieties of fresh apples available. The varieties will change throughout the season, so be sure to keep checking back for your favorites!"

While Battleview won't host Pick-Your-Own Apples for the fall season, their Sunflower Field will be open for Pick-Your-Own starting in September, and pumpkins will open in Mid-September along with hayrides.

The orchard thanked customers for their "continued patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging season."

Find out what's happening in Freeholdfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Fall will look a little different at Battleview this year, but we will still have all the fall favorites you love — hot apple cider donuts, fresh pies, baked goods, hot cider, cider slush, seasonal specialty goods, Halloween carving kits, and so much more!"

"We are looking forward to making the best of the Fall season with all of you!"

News of Battleview cancelling Pick-Your-Own Apples for the fall season comes after the orchard announced a "near total loss" in fruit crops in the spring.

According to the orchard, an extreme fluctuation in temperature toward the end of April led to the loss of the farm’s fruit crops.

While they were hoping that some of the fruit would survive, Battleview said their sour cherry, peach, nectarine and apple crops suffered a “near total loss.”

Battleview Orchards isn't the only farm to suffer the loss of its fruit crops either.

Toward the end of May, Governor Mikie Sherrill sent a letter to Secretary Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking to unlock federal relief for New Jersey growers facing “devastating losses following an unprecedented April freeze event.”

According to Sherrill, the state experienced an “unusual weather sequence that devastated the agricultural sector” in mid-April.

A prolonged warm spell was followed by a “sharp temperature drop,” with lows in the 20s recorded across parts of New Jersey between April 19 and April 22.

This timing was particularly destructive, as crops were in a critical development stage when the freeze hit, Sherrill said.

This resulted in “severe injury to blossoms and newly forming fruit.”

To see the full Fall 2026 update from Battleview Orchards, you can click here.

Battleview Orchards is located at 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold.

8-foot Burmese python found under couple’s backyard shed after eating opossum

FREEHOLD, N.J. (WABC) - A New Jersey couple got quite the surprise when an 8-foot-long Burmese python made itself at home in their backyard.Edward Daley says his wife was watering flowers near a shed in their Freehold backyard when an 8-foot Burmese python went slithering past. The Daleys called the Monmouth County SPCA, but even animal controls officers couldn’t believe it.“The homeowner sent us a video of what we were actually dealing with, and when we all saw it, our jaws kind of dropped a little because that is ...

FREEHOLD, N.J. (WABC) - A New Jersey couple got quite the surprise when an 8-foot-long Burmese python made itself at home in their backyard.

Edward Daley says his wife was watering flowers near a shed in their Freehold backyard when an 8-foot Burmese python went slithering past. The Daleys called the Monmouth County SPCA, but even animal controls officers couldn’t believe it.

“The homeowner sent us a video of what we were actually dealing with, and when we all saw it, our jaws kind of dropped a little because that is a Burmese python, which definitely does not belong out in the wild in new Jersey,” said Scott Crawford with the Monmouth County SPCA.

Animal control officers say the python had taken shelter beneath the floor of the Daleys’ shed. But the biggest problem they faced with capturing it was the snake’s full belly, meaning it weighed 40 pounds.

“He had eaten a meal prior to going under there. So now, due to the size of him, unfortunately, we couldn’t just pull him back out through the hole he came in,” Crawford said.

The Daleys called in a contractor friend, who tore up the shed’s floorboards, and even then, the belly still got in the way.

“So, we had to dig around him a little bit to free him up. Still couldn’t tell exactly where his head was,” Crawford said.

Once they finally got the python out, the Monmouth County SPCA’s medical staff examined it and learned it had recently eaten a large opossum.

“It poses a risk to local wildlife and people’s domestic pets,” Crawford said. “Something like that is the adequate size for it to become a meal, unfortunately, for this animal.”

Officials are now working to find the python an appropriate long-term home. It may end up in a zoo or in the private ownership of a proper expert, but one place it won’t end up is back at the Daleys’ house.

“I’m not a big snake person myself,” Daley said.

While it’s not illegal to own a Burmese python in New Jersey, permits for ownership are required. Officials suspect someone may have released this snake into the wild because they either didn’t have a permit or it got too big for them to handle.

Fogo de Chão Is Coming to Freehold Raceway Mall as Its Major Transformation Continues

The Freehold Raceway Mall has been transforming itself from a mall into a destination built around shopping, dining and entertainment. The most recent announcement brings Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão to the mall’s Outdoor Village.Churrasco is a Portuguese and Spanish word for fire-roasted meat. Found in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, the style of grilling involves cooking large cuts of chicken, lamb, pork and steak on skewers over an open flame. Fogo de Chão (pronounced fogo-dee-shown) follows the Brazi...

The Freehold Raceway Mall has been transforming itself from a mall into a destination built around shopping, dining and entertainment. The most recent announcement brings Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão to the mall’s Outdoor Village.

Churrasco is a Portuguese and Spanish word for fire-roasted meat. Found in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, the style of grilling involves cooking large cuts of chicken, lamb, pork and steak on skewers over an open flame.

Fogo de Chão (pronounced fogo-dee-shown) follows the Brazilian style, which is influenced by how gaúchos (southern cowboys) grilled meat over pits of fire. When you eat at your table, servers bring skewers of freshly grilled meats and carve them tableside. You’ll also have a 360-degree view of an open churrasco grill, where you can watch gaúcho chefs butcher, hand carve and grill over the open flame. For kids, there’s plenty of action to watch, and plenty to eat.

The newest Fogo will have 8,000 square feet of dining space, and be located in the Outdoor Village by the Center Court entrance to the mall.

Aside from red meat and poultry, there are plenty of seafood options, including smoked salmon, chilled lobster and shrimp, blistered branzino and a jumbo lump crab cake.

The Seasonal Market Table is more than a traditional salad bar, with charcuterie, antipasti and exotic fruits and vegetables.

You can also order shareable side dishes served family-style, including caramelized bananas, feijoada (black bean stew with sausage served over white rice), burrata with roasted tomatoes and lobster mac & cheese.

Brazilian-inspired sweet cornmeal cake, Belgian waffles, Greek yogurt parfaits, braised beef rib hash and made-to-order omelets are part of the weekend brunch menu. There’s also all-day happy hour at the bar.

Desserts include papaya ice cream, key lime pie, molten chocolate cake and tres leches cake.

There’s no date yet for when the restaurant will open.

Owned and operated by Macerich, Freehold Raceway Mall has more than 190 stores, restaurants and entertainment options. Over the past year or so, the mix has expanded, with the opening of GAP (returning to the mall last weekend after several years), Chinese sensation Pop Mart, and Swiss chocolatier L’Aderach.

Other recent openings include Freehold Athletic Club, Dick’s House of Sport (which has batting cages, golf simulators, a rock climbing wall, a collectors clubhouse and an outdoor field), the relocation of Master Park’s Black Belt America Martial Arts, and Kura Revolving Sushi Bar.

Kid-friendly entertainment options include Dave & Buster’s, the Level Up Skate Park, Slime World, the Pups of War Nerf battleground, Go Playland jungle gym, Dream Racer RC car racing, Color Me Mine Pottery Painting and a two-level carousel; while AMC Freehold 14 movie theater is a short drive from the main building.

Families are also waiting for Kids Empire, an indoor play center with a ball pit, climbing structures and more, to open.

The mall is also becoming a destination for pop-up events and festivals.

LuminoCity Dino Safari just wrapped up its 2-month run in the parking lot near the former Dick’s Sporting Goods standalone building (Dick’s House of Sport is now attached to the mall itself). Up next is Cirque Italia: Water Circus Atlantis, bringing its tent to the same space from September 11 to 14.

Dick’s House of Sport will host a Health & Performance Night on August 19 before offering tailgate games on its outdoor field before a free showing of “Remember the Titans” on September 11.

During the year, you’ll also find special events like visits with the Easter Bunny in the spring, the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation Vendor Fair every June, and photos with Santa come holiday time.

The Freehold Raceway Mall also launched a brand-new School Cents program, where every purchase you make at the mall grants points to local schools. That means all of your back to school shopping, dinners out, salon visits and holiday purchases, etc., now through March 31, 2027, help support the community. All you have to do is download the School Cents app and snap a photo of your receipts.

Ten local schools were chosen to participate this year, competing for a shared prize of up to $15,000 based on the points they accumulate. Schools will be able to put the money toward classroom technology, curriculum supplies, student resources and more.

This year’s partner schools are:

There are School Cents kickoff launch parties scheduled for Saturdays, August 22 and 29, and September 5, from 12 to 2 pm at the Lower Level Zara Court. 94.3 The Point will help kick off the program with giveaways and activities for back to school.

The Freehold Raceway Mall is located at 3710 Route 9 in Freehold Twp.; there is also an entrance to the complex off of Route 537/West Main Street.

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