AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

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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

“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

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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

“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

“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
 In-Home Care Hazlet, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Hazlet, NJ work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Hazlet, NJ

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Hazlet, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Hazlet, NJ 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.


Respite Care Hazlet, NJ

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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 Hazlet,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.

 Caregivers Hazlet, 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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

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

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

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.

Latest News in Hazlet, NJ

'They put everything aside': How you can help Hazlet family helping their son fight cancer

Four-minute readThe deliveries come to the Lupo family home in Hazlet twice a week around dinnertime. On Mondays, it’s pizzas. On Thursdays, the smorgasbord includes chicken parmigiana, buffalo wings, subs and salads.A local Italian place, Giuseppe Pizza & Restaurant, sends the goods gratis. It’s a kind gesture to make life a bit easier for 17-year-old Jack Lupo, his parents and three siblings. Jack has been undergoing chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma — a rare cancer found in his right ankle...

Four-minute read

The deliveries come to the Lupo family home in Hazlet twice a week around dinnertime. On Mondays, it’s pizzas. On Thursdays, the smorgasbord includes chicken parmigiana, buffalo wings, subs and salads.

A local Italian place, Giuseppe Pizza & Restaurant, sends the goods gratis. It’s a kind gesture to make life a bit easier for 17-year-old Jack Lupo, his parents and three siblings. Jack has been undergoing chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma — a rare cancer found in his right ankle — and is facing a 16-hour surgery Sept. 6.

Childhood cancer is a gut punch for any family. Adding to the Lupos’ hardship, both of Jack’s parents are out of work. His mother Sarah took leave from her job in radiology to be at Jack’s side through the endless appointments and hospital stays at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York. His father Mike is a painter who’s been largely sidelined by injuries incurred from a fall off a ladder in 2020.

“It’s been rough,” Sarah Lupo said, “but people have been so incredibly generous.”

'Makes my heart glow':Fair Haven girl knows all too well how to help kids with cancer

A community is rallying behind them, from multiple local charities to the alumni of his high school hockey team to the guy delivering chicken parm (Jack’s favorite) on Thursdays. The material help makes a difference, and so does the moral support.

“I can’t even explain how much it’s meant to me,” Jack said. “I’m really thankful for what everyone is doing.”

'He knew I was strong enough'

Through three years as a student at St. John Vianney High School, Jack Lupo was living the dream. He’s posted a 3.9 grade-point average while playing varsity ice hockey and lacrosse and holding a job at Grana Pizza Café in Matawan. In May, right after the Lancers’ final lacrosse game, he experienced ankle pain. At first he chalked it up to soreness from the sport. But later, imaging revealed the bad news: It was Ewing sarcoma, a cancer that begins in a bone or joint and typically occurs in children and young adults.

Jack spent the summer undergoing chemotherapy — three cycles of three weeks apiece. Unable to play hockey or lacrosse, he took up the gentler sport of golf to stay active.

“I’m feeling pretty good right now, just taking it day by day,” he said. “I get a little nauseous now and then.”

Right after his diagnosis, Sarah said, Jack told his family members, “God gave me this because He knew I was strong enough.” He’s handled the numerous challenges — fatigue, nausea, isolation (his immune system is compromised during the chemo cycle) and uncertainty — without complaint.

“He’s always smiling and so positive," Sarah said. “If he had hair, you’d never know there was anything wrong.”

A critical step in Jack’s treatment comes Sept. 6, when he'll undergo a 16-hour bone regeneration surgery to remove and replace his right tibia (the main bone between the knee and ankle) with a metal rod that will help regrow the bone over time. Two follow-up surgeries will be needed, plus 10 more rounds of chemotherapy.

“Once we’re done with this, God willing, he can do whatever he did before,” Sarah said.

As with many families in their position, it bothers the Lupos that less than 5% of federal spending on cancer research is devoted to the pediatric forms of the disease. The good news is that goodwill groups are doing their best to fill the gap.

It takes a village

A day after Bob Heugle got a phone call about Jack’s illness, he was at the Lupo home. Heugle never had met them before, but his Frances Foundation, a Holmdel-based nonprofit that assists local pediatric cancer patients and their families, provided gift cards and offers of further financial assistance.

Heugle has seen it all, but even he was taken aback by the Lupos’ reaction.

“They already, at their very first meeting with me, were telling me about how they want to give back to the Frances Foundation,” Heugle said. “The very first meeting, when their kid is just starting the cycles of chemo. That’s what really struck me.”

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Jack will be among the honorees at the Frances Foundation’s annual gala Oct. 21. His whole family will be guests as well.

“Even in the best of times, it’s hard,” Heugle said of the financial strain on pediatric cancer families. “All the parents' priorities go to getting that kid well. They put everything aside — that includes jobs.”

Another local charity, Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer, launched an online fundraiser for the Lupos that has raised $42,000 of the $75,000 goal so far. Infinite Love was founded by Middletown resident Andrea Verdone Gorsegner, whose daughter Natalie was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 (Natalie is now 13 and is considered cured).

Earlier this month, participants in the annual St. John Vianney ice hockey alumni charity game dedicated the event to the Lupo family, bringing a big crowd together with Jack in attendance.

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“I want Jack to know how much support he has and how much he inspires other people,” Sarah Lupo said. “I’ll be the first to admit — he is holding us all up.”

The well-worn phrase “it takes a village” certainly applies here. Jack Lupo knows better than anyone. Reflecting on the support from strangers, neighbors, siblings and especially his parents — who set aside everything to help him fight — Jack summarized three brutal months in four wonderful words.

“I truly feel loved.”

You can support the Lupo family fundraiser online at www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTg0MzE4 or by mailing a donation to Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer, c/o "Jack Strong" at P.O. Box 4064, Middletown, NJ 07748.

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at [email protected].

Jersey Shore Work Camp Inspires: Spreading God's love with working hands to make a positive difference in the Bayshore.

Photo Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoThe Jersey Shore Work Camp painted Sylvia Allen's historic home. Photo Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File PhotoPhoto Credit: File Photo...

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

The Jersey Shore Work Camp painted Sylvia Allen's historic home. Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Photo Credit: File Photo

Hundreds of teens from all over the country gather in the Bayshore to help those in need as part of the Jersey Shore Work Camp mission. Photo Credit: File Photo

By Jeanne Wall

PublishedAugust 13, 2023 at 3:07 AM

Last UpdatedAugust 13, 2023 at 3:19 AM

Jersey Shore Work Camp nonprofit is dedicated to providing home improvements to those who have a need in the Bayshore.

HAZLET, NJ: The Jersey Shore Work Camp celebrated its 12th season of service to the Bayshore community in July. Held every other year, the work camp consists of Christian youth groups from churches across the country. The teens come together to provide complimentary home improvement projects for those living in the Bayshore, who could really benefit from a good deed. Their work is all done to honor God's words: "Love One Another."

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Founders of the Jersey Shore Work Camp are Bayshore locals; Bill and Gail Bechtoldt. The couple is known to many locally as the successful owners of Koch Florists in Middletown.

The Bechtoldt's do not want attention for their good work, but instead prefer to shine a light on the hundreds of teens, and adult supervisors who make up the Jersey Shore Work Camp. The couple passionately and quietly orchestrates a movement like no other, that brings hundreds of teens from across the country to deliver good deeds, and improve the living condition for many of the Bayshore's elderly, families in need, veterans, and those who are disabled.

The owner of this TAPinto publication was invited to attend a gathering with the youth participants in the work camp, at Raritan High School, a host partner for the organization. It was a uniquely inspiring experience to watch hundreds of teens, after a long hot day of working to help others, now moving and cheering and singing and dancing together, with a palpable joyful spirit. A tagline of the camp is "Character Produces Hope" and that is certainly true when you witness the character of the teens working together to do good for others.

It was moving.

It wasn't about scrolling on phones and disconnecting from one another. It was time-travel back to the days when teens were connected to one another, and there was real excitement about the simple things and about working together to do good.

VIDEO: Watch a brief video here of the Work Camp teens during mission week last month in the Bayshore:

The dates this year for the work camp, were July 10-14, and the teens performed a variety of projects… everything from pulling weeds to rebuilding a retainer wall to painting inside and outside, to repairing and painting decks, repairing a handicap ramp… and more! The teens are supervised and guided in their work, and it was hard not to catch them smiling and laughing with one another as they worked on the projects together.

So, how did the Bechtoldt's become involved in founding this movement?

It was in 1998, while on a mission trip with youth from St. John's United Methodist Church in Hazlet, when the Bechtoldt's were inspired. They had been doing mission work with youth from St. John’s United Methodist Church in Hazlet for many years. On one trip they got their inspiration from the Group Work Camps in Loveland, Colorado in 1998. Gail said, “let’s do that in NJ” and they were off and running, launching it the following year. They have partnered with the Group Work Camps headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, since 1999.

The Bechtoldt’s grandson, Kyle Johnson, and their daughter, Karrie Johnson, are active participants in the work. When asked what he enjoys most about the program, Kyle Johnson answered “It’s wonderful to meet new people, work along with them and make a difference in people’s lives. I told my grandfather I couldn’t wait to do it again this year.”

All participants receive three meals a day prepared by the staff at the Hazlet Middle School. School staff are retained for security, cleaning, and food preparation. The camp is held every two years as it takes that long to do the planning and raise the funds needed to house, feed and transport the workers during their time in New Jersey. The budget for one week exceeds $50,000 and participating youth also pay a small fee to be a part of the project.

This year there were 225 student participants who arrived on Sunday July 9, and were served a nice meal at the Hazlet Middle School by the Holmdel and Keyport Kiwanis Clubs. They received their lodging assignments and met later that afternoon for their work assignments.

In the evening, after dinner, they had an evening devotional and then off to bed with temporary boys’ and girls’ dormitory facilities set up at the Hazlet Middle school. Each day they rose by 6:30 a.m., had breakfast and then went with their supervisors to their assigned projects. They were provided with food and beverages for the day and usually worked from 9:30 to 3:30, returning to their lodging in time for dinner and, as on the first night, an evening devotional and feedback on the day’s activities.

Sylvia Allen, a Holmdel resident who runs Sylvia’s Children and Allen Consulting, was one of the recipients of the work done by these students. “I was THRILLED with the work they did and … with such gusto, enthusiasm and ’can do’ attitude! They painted my 1720 house, the carriage house and even the garage! I told these kids that if they ever needed reference letters, I should be the first one they called! THEY WERE GREAT!”

The response from the students was just as enthusiastic as they expressed how they felt about the experience including how much they learned, what a great opportunity to meet others from the United States and other churches, and how rewarding it was to be a part of a team. When asked if they would do it again, they unanimously and energetically answered, “ Yes!!!”

For more information on the Jersey Shore Work Camp if willing to donate time, Call Bill at 908-692-2039. Donations can be sent to Jersey Shore Work Camp at 1870 Route 35, Middletown, NJ 07748 (Koch Florist) or drop off during business hours. You can also follow them on the Jersey Shore Work Camp Facebook page.

What's Open, Closed In The Holmdel-Hazlet Area On Labor Day 2023

HOLMDEL-HAZLET, NJ — Labor Day is just around the corner, and many of us in the Holmdel-Hazlet area are looking forward to a long weekend celebrating American workers at gatherings or barbecues.Luckily, most retailers and grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Target and ShopRite have what you need for any kind of event.But what happens when Labor Day comes and something is missing from your elaborate end-of-summer soiree?It's almost inevitable that specific condiments, paper plates, charcoal, or a case of beer...

HOLMDEL-HAZLET, NJ — Labor Day is just around the corner, and many of us in the Holmdel-Hazlet area are looking forward to a long weekend celebrating American workers at gatherings or barbecues.

Luckily, most retailers and grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Target and ShopRite have what you need for any kind of event.

But what happens when Labor Day comes and something is missing from your elaborate end-of-summer soiree?

It's almost inevitable that specific condiments, paper plates, charcoal, or a case of beer will be forgotten on Monday, Sept. 4, the official Labor Day holiday.

Fortunately for last-minute shoppers, the majority of retailers and grocery stores in and near Holmdel and Hazlet will still be open for that last-minute assist.

Grocery Stores

Most chain grocery stores will be open on Labor Day, but Costco won’t be. Store holiday hours are subject to change, so call ahead before heading there.

Acme: Stores in Fair Haven, Little Silver, Freehold and Wall are open on Labor Day, but call or go online to check specific store hours.

ALDI: Stores are open limited hours on Labor Day. Use ALDI’s store locator to confirm hours at your local store.

Costco: As it is on most holidays, Costco will be closed on Labor Day.

CVS: Most stores will be open regular hours, though some pharmacies may be closed or have reduced hours depending on location. Visit cvs.com to confirm local store and pharmacy hours.

Dearborn Market, Holmdel: Hours are as usual, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck: Closed Mondays, including Labor Day.

SuperFoodtown of Red Bank: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Food Emporium, Marlboro: Regular hours, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lidl: Open but check online because normal hours may vary.

QuickChek: Stores with fuel are generally open 24 hours, but that can vary. Go online to check the store near you.

Rite Aid: Most stores and pharmacies will be open but could have varying hours of operation.

ShopRite: Area ShopRite stores are independently owned and operated, but will be open on Labor Day. However, call or check your preferred store online to confirm Labor Day hours.

Stop & Shop: Historically, most locations are open regular hours on Labor Day, though pharmacies may have limited hours. Visit StopandShop.com and click on "Find a store" to check local hours.

Target: Stores will be open regular hours. Check your preferred location for specific hours.

Trader Joe’s: Locations will be open regular hours, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Uncle Giuseppe's Market Place: The store in Tinton Falls is open regular hours, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m..

Walgreens: Stores will be open regular hours, though some pharmacy hours may be reduced. Check your local store hours.

Walmart: Stores will be open regular hours. Check your preferred location for specific hours.

Wawa: Stores are open regular hours on Labor Day.

Wegman’s: Stores will be open regular hours on Labor Day.

Whole Foods: Stores in Wall and Middletown will be open regular hours, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Retailers

Forget something other than food? These retailers will also be open on Labor Day if you need some sunblock, lawn chairs, or an extra package of toilet paper.

Hours were compiled from company websites, Offers.com and RetailMeNot.com unless otherwise noted.

Meals On Wheels Program Starts Monday At Hazlet Senior Center

Group lunches at the Hazlet Senior Center or delivered lunches will be available to residents, nonresidents age 60 and over as of July 17.|Updated Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 6:33 pm ETHAZLET, NJ — The closest thing to having a home-cooked meal - with all the fun and none of the prep work - is coming to the Hazlet Senior Center starting Monday.That's when the Interfaith Neighbors' Meals on Wheels lunch program gets underway in town.The first lunch will be served at noon on Monday, July 17, at the James J. Cullen ...

Group lunches at the Hazlet Senior Center or delivered lunches will be available to residents, nonresidents age 60 and over as of July 17.

|Updated Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 6:33 pm ET

HAZLET, NJ — The closest thing to having a home-cooked meal - with all the fun and none of the prep work - is coming to the Hazlet Senior Center starting Monday.

That's when the Interfaith Neighbors' Meals on Wheels lunch program gets underway in town.

The first lunch will be served at noon on Monday, July 17, at the James J. Cullen Center, 1776 Union Ave. The lunches are served Mondays to Fridays. You can see the menu here.

And all Hazlet residents - and nonresidents - age 60 and over are encouraged to join in the group or "congregate" lunches, or to participate in a meal delivery program.

There is a donation of $3 per meal - but it is just a donation, said Senior Center Director Denise Bucciero. Payment is not required.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One requirement, though, is that you need to call by 11 a.m. the day before a lunch to confirm your attendance the next day.

You can call Interfaith Neighbors at 732-888-4876 or the Senior Center at 732-217-8683 to reserve. For the first day, you should call by this Friday at 11 a.m. to get started in the program.

And Bucciero is looking forward to all the good things that can come from the group meals.

"It can be lonely at home. The congregate meals are social," said Bucciero. The meals are a great way to "meet friends and have conversation." And membership in the Senior Center is not required, she added.

Bucciero was familiar with the Interfaith Neighbors program in other towns, and was instrumental in making the arrangements with the organization to bring it to Hazlet. The service comes at no cost to the township, she noted.

Interfaith Neighbors says its program provides a nutritionally balanced noonday meal for approximately 3,500 senior citizens annually. It operates several "congregate" sites, now including Hazlet.

And Cheryl Schmelzle of Hazlet is the other special ingredient in making all of this happen: She will do the cooking.

Schmelzle said she has worked in similar programs in Bayshore towns and was first a volunteer and now a longtime employee of Interfaith Neighbors, which is based in Asbury Park.

The congregate meals are cooked fresh by her at the Senior Center. she said. The delivered meals are prepared in the Asbury Park kitchens and frozen for distribution, she added.

She said there is a brief referral process to go through for the delivered meals, which Interfaith Neighbors volunteers bring to homebound seniors.

Those who want to register for the delivered meals can contact Maria at Interfaith Neighbors at Nutrition Client Intake, 732-775-0525, ext. 221 or email your request to the Nutrition Program Senior Manager, Dante Agresti at [email protected].

Schmelzle said that once she gets started preparing lunch on Monday, diners can just visit her in the kitchen and let her know what other days they plan to attend.

"This way I get to know everyone," Schmelzle said, adding that diners also can still call in advance.

Plated lunches will be served weekdays at noon. Homebound seniors can order meals through the program and they will be delivered to their homes.

Daily lunch is a $3 donation and should be ordered 24 hours in advance. Special requests are a $4 donation and should be ordered seven days in advance, the township says on its website.

Schmelzle noted that "special" might mean a grilled cheese, rather than the planned meal. She does not prepare meals for special dietary needs, she said. The menu is subject to change, she added, based on food availability.

But Schmelzle doesn't seem worried about the prospect of cooking lots of lunches starting next week.

She said she's worked in programs all around the Bayshore, and often had to switch locations on a day's notice.

"I can adjust just fine!" she said.

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