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 Holmes Hendrickson 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 Holmdel, 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.
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“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
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“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
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“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 Holmdel 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 Patricias of Holmdel or visit Dailey Monument, 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 Holmdel, 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 Holmdel, 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 Holmdel, 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.
HOLMDEL, NJ — A new bakery café has come to Monmouth County, and on Saturday, the location will host their official grand opening for the community.Paris Baguette, a bakery café concept with over 4,000 units worldwide and over 200 open cafés in North America, has opened its Holmdel location off NJ-35 and will host the cafe's grand opening ther...
HOLMDEL, NJ — A new bakery café has come to Monmouth County, and on Saturday, the location will host their official grand opening for the community.
Paris Baguette, a bakery café concept with over 4,000 units worldwide and over 200 open cafés in North America, has opened its Holmdel location off NJ-35 and will host the cafe's grand opening there on Saturday.
According to the café website, customers can choose from a variety of menu options, including specialty cakes, pastries, donuts, beverages, sandwiches and more.
The cafe's development is being led by the franchise group Jackson Pan and Co., officials said, whose history with Paris Baguette goes back over a decade.
According to officials, one of the partners’ wives worked at the first Paris Baguette in Queens 15 years ago, and the group’s shared history with the brand led them to franchising.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Paris Baguette to Holmdel and share a brand that’s meant so much to us personally,” Pan said. “From the quality of the food to the warm, inviting atmosphere, Paris Baguette has always felt like home — and we can’t wait to create that same experience for our community.”
The opening of Paris Baguette’s Holmdel location also marks a milestone for the brand, as officials said it's their 24th café in New Jersey.
As their growth continues, officials said they’re looking to reach the 1,000-unit mark in the U.S. and Canada by 2030, and are working to expand through partnerships with local entrepreneurs who show interest in uniting neighbors through connections over freshly baked goods and artisan coffee beverages.
“We’re on a mission to re-establish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community across the U.S., and we’re excited to see Jackson and his partners bring this to life in their local trade area,” said Darren Tipton, chief executive officer of Paris Baguette.
“In our cafes, we like to say, ‘Happy to see you. Happier to serve you,’” Tipton continued. “And we know Jackson will wholeheartedly embrace this approach in their neighborhood.”
The grand opening events for Paris Baguette’s Holmdel location will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and special offers for guests on Saturday.
To learn more, you can visit Paris Baguette’s Holmdel café website.
Paris Bageutte’s Holmdel café is located at 2111 NJ-35 Ste 25A, Holmdel.
Looking for something new to do? Here's what's happening around Monmouth County:Sara Winick, Patch StaffMONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The spring season is here, and this weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with seasonal events around Monmouth County.Whether you’re looking to do some local shopping, enjoy Easter activities, or see a film screening, there’s plenty of spring events you can check out....
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The spring season is here, and this weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with seasonal events around Monmouth County.
Whether you’re looking to do some local shopping, enjoy Easter activities, or see a film screening, there’s plenty of spring events you can check out.
Here’s five things happening around Monmouth County this weekend:
Fresh Saturday MarketLooking to go shopping this week? You can shop from local creators at Bell Works’ Fresh Saturday Market from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Attendees can enjoy shopping in the main atrium and hear live music from the Black Ties Duo from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
To learn more, you can visit the Bell Works website.
Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.
Spring Craft ShowSupport over 40 homegrown artists and artisans at Monmouth County’s Spring Craft Show at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center on Saturday.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can shop for home decor, jewelry, pet items, pottery and more at the show.
To learn more, you can visit the Monmouth County Parks System website.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center is located at 2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls.
Spring CelebrationA new season has arrived, and on Saturday, Pier Village will host a special event to celebrate.
At their Spring Celebration, attendees will be able to join Pier Village for a day of activities, including a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, live music and games with DJ JoJ, face painting, a bubble show and more.
To learn more about the event, you can visit the Pier Village website.
Pier Village is located at 50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch.
Easter Celebration At Allaire VillageThis Saturday, you can celebrate Easter at Allaire Village. Attendees will be able to enjoy a day in the park with live animals, a bubble magician, crafts and more.
To learn more or purchase tickets, you can click here or visit the Allaire Village website.
Allaire Village is located at 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale.
Discover the Real Frida Kahlo On Sunday, viewers can take a journey through Frida Kahlo’s life at the Middletown Arts Center’s screening of “Discover the Real Frida Kahlo.”
The screening will take place at 2 p.m. at the Middletown Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for guests.
To learn more or reserve tickets, you can visit the Middletown Arts Center website.
The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street, Middletown.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Holmdel-Hazlet|Local EventSat, Apr 5, 2025 at 12:00 PMPet Supplies Plus Hazlet, 3150 NJ-35, Hazlet, NJ, 07730More info hereB...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Holmdel-Hazlet|Local Event
Bring the pets, bring the family! All are welcome. Pic below is from last week's session. $20 donation, 2 high resolution professional photos. Walk ins are welcome, however, reservations take precedence. Reserve your 10 minute session today! (Link below)
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Tuesday, 6:30 pmWoodbridge, NJ
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Wednesday, 10:00 amHolmdel-Hazlet, NJ
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Wednesday, 6:00 pmHolmdel-Hazlet, NJ
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Apr16
Wednesday, 6:00 pmHolmdel-Hazlet, NJ
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Wednesday, 7:00 pmHolmdel-Hazlet, NJ
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Thursday, 1:00 pmHolmdel-Hazlet, NJ
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The weekend has officially arrived.As the weather gets warmer and we approach the first day of spring, there’s plenty of fun events happening around Monmouth County for you to check out.Here are five things happening this weekend:Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop FairFor those looking to shop animal-related goods or adopt a pet, you can check out the Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop Fair at Bell Works on Saturday.From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 40+ vendors will be selling anim...
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The weekend has officially arrived.
As the weather gets warmer and we approach the first day of spring, there’s plenty of fun events happening around Monmouth County for you to check out.
Here are five things happening this weekend:
Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop FairFor those looking to shop animal-related goods or adopt a pet, you can check out the Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop Fair at Bell Works on Saturday.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 40+ vendors will be selling animal-related goods and many local rescues and shelters will be on-site with a diverse range of adoptable animals, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and more.
To learn more, you can visit the Bell Works website.
Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.
Antique, Vintage & Collectibles MarketplaceLooking to collect some antiques? You can join the Middletown Arts Center for their Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Marketplace on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The marketplace will have over four dozen vendors on hand and attendees can shop from a huge selection of antique, vintage and collectible merchandise. Admission is $5 for adults.
To learn more, you can visit the Middletown Arts Center website.
The marketplace will take place at 36 Church Street, Middletown.
St. Patrick’s Day CelebrationThis Saturday, you can join Pier Village for live music, drinks, shopping and more for their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
To learn more, you can visit the Pier Village website.
Pier Village is located at 50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch.
A Tribute To Woodstock PerformanceThis Sunday, you can enjoy a “recreated Woodstock” experience at Monmouth County Library HQ from 2-3:30 p.m. The concert is free and seating is on a first come, first seated basis.
To learn more, you can visit the Monmouth County Library website.
Monmouth County Library HQ is located at 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan.
Freehold Borough Arts Council St. Patrick’s Day ParadeThis Sunday, the Freehold Borough Arts Council will host their St. Patrick's Day Parade, with step-off set to begin at 12:30 and run down Main Street.
To learn more, you can visit the Downtown Freehold website, the parade event page, or read Patch’s previous reporting.
Funds from the agreement will go toward assisting the financial needs of Holmdel schools relative to the board's 2025-2026 budget.Sara Winick, Patch StaffHOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel Township and the Holmdel Board of Education (BOE) entered into a $600,000 shared services agreement after the Township Committee unanimously approved it during a meeting on Monday night.The agreement will provide the board with one-time fundin...
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
HOLMDEL, NJ — Holmdel Township and the Holmdel Board of Education (BOE) entered into a $600,000 shared services agreement after the Township Committee unanimously approved it during a meeting on Monday night.
The agreement will provide the board with one-time funding of $600,000 and will be payable through equal installments to the board’s maintenance fund on Aug. 1 and Nov. 1, according to the agreement listed on the agenda.
Funding from the agreement will go toward supporting students, staff and community members of Holmdel schools, as well as continuing the district’s courtesy busing and ensuring that Holmdel recreational groups have continued access to district facilities.
“On behalf of the Holmdel Board of Education, I want to thank the Township Committee for their financial contribution of $600,000 towards our schools,” Board Vice President Alison LoPresti said at Monday’s meeting. “We sincerely hope this marks the beginning of a more collaborative effort to invest in the future of our students and schools, which is one of the six pillars of our community.”
“Strong schools mean a strong and successful Holmdel,” LoPresti continued. “We’ve been transparent in that there are both short- and long-term financial challenges ahead, but we will get through them like we always do. We look forward to continued dialogue and greater collaboration to ensure the long-term success of our schools and strength of our community.”
Board of Education President Christian DiMare and Superintendent Scott Cascone were also in attendance at Monday night’s meeting and thanked the committee for their contribution to Holmdel schools.
According to DiMare and Cascone, the board and administration have been compiling 15 years of historical data that they’ve been sharing with the community and plan to continue sharing so residents know how the district has been operating and what financial challenges they're facing.
By entering into this shared services agreement, the board hopes to further ensure the safety and services of Holmdel students, staff and community members.
“This is how I envision Holmdel,” DiMare said. “With community leaders stepping up to the plate, listening to each other and strategizing on how we can collaborate to move this town forward — and that’s exactly what happened here.”
Though the Township Committee approved the motion to enter into a shared services agreement with the board, some residents took to the floor to voice their concerns about how the agreement was presented.
Instead of being listed as a separate item on the meeting agenda, the agreement was included in the meeting's consent agenda, which typically holds routine meeting items like approval of previous meeting minutes and bills payable.
“You have a consent agenda item for $600,000 for the BOE,” Ron Emma said. “The consent agenda is for staples, printers, garbage cans — why is a $600,000 item on a consent agenda? It should be up for public discussion.”
Other meeting attendees agreed with Emma’s point throughout the night, with some residents citing previous times where an expensive item was included in the consent agenda rather than listed as a separate item.
One resident, Jay Yanello, proposed the committee come up with a number or limit for items that can be put on the consent agenda so they can have an established criteria going forward.
In response to residents’ concerns, Mayor Brian Foster said Yanello proposed an “excellent idea” and that Committeeman DJ Luccarelli also suggested reaching a number where items will not be on the consent agenda.
Following the first round of public comment, the committee introduced and passed a motion to remove the shared services agreement from the consent agenda, making it an individual meeting item instead.
To see the full recording of Monday night’s meeting, you can click here.
To see the full meeting agenda, you can click here.
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