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

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Home Care In Monmouth Beach, NJ

Home Care Monmouth Beach, NJ

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort Monmouth 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 Monmouth Beach, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Monmouth Beach, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

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

susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

laura K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Monmouth Beach, 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 Beach Tavern or visit Twin Lights State Historic Site, 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 Monmouth Beach, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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:

  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Janet Wheeler
  • Complete Care at Monmouth
  • Artis Senior Living of Eatontown
  • Shore Pointe Care Center
  • Arbor Terrace Shrewsbury
  • Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care
Home Care Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, 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 Monmouth Beach, NJ

Latest News in Monmouth Beach, NJ

2 Monmouth, 1 Ocean County beach named Best in New Jersey: USA Today 10BEST list

Can you feel it?Summer is just around the corner and it's time to head to the beach.USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards has announced the winners for the Best Beach in New Jersey and three Jersey Shore — our Jersey Shore — spots made the top 10.Long Beach Island, Asbury Park and Avon-by-the-Sea placed Nos. 6, 7 and 10, respectively.The awards celebrate top picks in travel, food & drink and life...

Can you feel it?

Summer is just around the corner and it's time to head to the beach.

USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards has announced the winners for the Best Beach in New Jersey and three Jersey Shore — our Jersey Shore — spots made the top 10.

Long Beach Island, Asbury Park and Avon-by-the-Sea placed Nos. 6, 7 and 10, respectively.

The awards celebrate top picks in travel, food & drink and lifestyle. Each week, industry experts nominate their favorite attractions. 10BEST editors then review these nominations and present a curated list for the public to vote on for four weeks.

Long Beach Island

According to USA Today:

Long Beach Island features idyllic beaches, charming seaside communities, and an abundance of recreational opportunities for beachgoers of all ages. Whether you're surfing the waves, fishing off the shoreline, splashing in the shallow water, or napping on your beach blanket, Long Beach Island provides a quintessential beach experience. The island is primarily residential, although parking and amenities are located at main beach entrance points along the island.

Asbury Park

USA Today writes:

Famous for its vibrant boardwalk and live music scene, Asbury Park offers a dynamic coastal experience for beachgoers of all ages. It’s fun to soak up the sun on the expansive sandy shores, go surfing, and take a dip in the refreshing ocean waves. Everything here is close by — you can easily rent beach chairs and umbrellas, browse shops, and grab a snack at the beachfront eateries. Afterwards, catch some live music steps away from the ocean.

Avon-by-the-Sea

USA Today says:

Avon-by-the-Sea enchants visitors with its quaint coastal charm, featuring tree-lined streets, historic Victorian homes, and a low-key stretch of scenic beaches ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Avon-by-the-Sea is known for its low-key vibe, and it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking relaxation without the bustle and crowds of neighboring beaches.

Also in the running was Belmar Beach, Island Beach State Park, Manasquan, Monmouth Beach, Sandy Hook – Gateway National Recreation Area, Sea Girt, Seaside Heights and Spring Lake.

Best beach in New Jersey

New Jersey Beaches That Don’t Have an Admission Fee

New Jersey is known for a lot of things, especially the Jersey Shore area and its surrounding beaches. Going to a New Jersey beach in the summer is the perfect idea for a bucket list. However, when it comes to beaches, some of them require beach tags, whether for a daily, weekly, or monthly fee. Don’t fret, because there are actually beaches in New Jersey that are completely free for New Jersey residents. Re...

New Jersey is known for a lot of things, especially the Jersey Shore area and its surrounding beaches. Going to a New Jersey beach in the summer is the perfect idea for a bucket list. However, when it comes to beaches, some of them require beach tags, whether for a daily, weekly, or monthly fee. Don’t fret, because there are actually beaches in New Jersey that are completely free for New Jersey residents. Read on for a list of New Jersey beaches that have no admission fee.

The Atlantic City beaches are famous for a reason. The destination boasts casinos, restaurants, shopping, concerts, a fun boardwalk, and of course, expansive beaches. Beach and boardwalk activities include surfing, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing.

Read More: Fun Summer Road Trips Near Northern New Jersey

This Lower Township beach in Cape May stretches from West Miami Avenue to Lincoln Boulevard and has free admission and also permits food. This space is peaceful and has a lot of wide open space.

This spot is located in Great Egg Harbor Bay in Upper Township. The waters are calm here, and this is a popular kayaking spot.

This state park is tranquil and quiet, with freshwater meadows. Locals can visit the Cape May Lighthouse, which does require a fee, and enjoy its free beach. It’s a great spot to walk along the coast and spot some birds.

Established in 1969, the shoreland was preserved from development, resulting in a beautiful beach. The area is known for hiking, boating, interpretive tours, saltwater fishing, and crabbing. Locals also canoe and kayak.

This Stafford Township spot on Manahawkin Bay has no admission fee. During the summer, there’s also a lifeguard from 9AM to 5PM.

These scenic beaches overlook the skyline of Lower Manhattan. Keansburg is also home to a fun amusement park and water park, making it a full day of outdoor activities. Just be warned: beaches have no lifeguards.

These two Middletown Bay beaches are great spots for a chill afternoon. There aren’t restaurants or boardwalks in the area, so locals are not going to see the crowds that other beaches draw.

Great for surfing, fishing, and hiking, Strathmere Beach is a must-visit. The town is located in Upper Township in Cape May County and is known for its grand Victorian houses.

Union Beach is in Monmouth County, and its salt marshes are a great place to see birds and go for walks along the bay shore.

A visit here is practically a rite of passage for Jersey natives. The Wildwood beaches span over five miles. The spacious sand areas are a great space for beach sports like volleyball, frisbee throwing, soccer, and more. The boardwalk is one of the best in the state, boasting rides for adults and kids alike, as well as restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Founded in 1910, Wildwood Crest is a borough in Cape May County. Swimming, sailing, and sunsets are what visitors experience at Wildwood Crest Beach. Locals are also able to jet ski, fish, and ride in sailboats. The atmosphere is peaceful and family-friendly.

See More: The Best Jersey Shore Boardwalks to Visit This Summer

This beach is located in Somers Point, sprawling between Higbee and New Jersey Avenues. It has lifeguards, restrooms, free parking, outdoor showers, a children’s playground, and a fishing pier.

My Kitchen Witch owner in Monmouth Beach is selling after 20 years; what will happen?

MAIN STREETFour-minute readAsbury Park PressMONMOUTH BEACH -- Karyn Jarmer, who has led My Kitchen Witch...

MAIN STREET

Four-minute read

Asbury Park Press

MONMOUTH BEACH -- Karyn Jarmer, who has led My Kitchen Witch through recessions, Superstorm Sandy and a pandemic, will sell the restaurant and catering business to an employee next month and step away, she said Friday.

Jarmer, 60, said she has been battling atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can leave her feeling like she has run a marathon, and finally decided to act on her doctor's advice to reduce her stress.

"I still love this business so much, and I can't give up writing menus and such, but it's the way the world is right now," she said. "It's making it very hard."

The sale to Lisa D'Averso marks the end of a chapter for the Beach Road business that has made a name by offering healthy comfort food, a witch-themed decor (more like a good witch than a bad witch), and a catering service that focuses on television and film productions.

Jarmer has managed to survive in a notoriously difficult industry in part through determination. During COVID-19, she and her masked-up staff took orders, put meals in customers' trunks, made deliveries and kept the restaurant afloat. She built a loyal following.

"Everybody goes there for coffee, everybody goes there for lunch, everybody goes there sometimes for special dinners," said Carl Gross, 79, who has lived in Monmouth Beach with his wife, Mary, since 1983. "Other things come and go, but Karyn's a fixture. It's home, you know?"

Jarmer lives in Red Bank with her wife, Melissa McConnell. A Neptune High School graduate, Jarmer began a catering business in New York City in 1995, building a high-profile client list that included the "Sally Jesse Raphael Show" and "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee Show."

Jarmer, however, began to worry about her safety after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and decided to move to Monmouth Beach full-time, where she had a home. One day after a run, she stopped in Acuna Cafe for breakfast, looked around, and, on a whim, asked the owner if he wanted to sell the restaurant.

He said no. But he called the next day with a change of heart. Jarmer bought the restaurant and, while thinking of a name, recalled the time she was catering for "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," when she got a last-minute phone call from the staff telling her Madonna was going to be there and would need a vegan breakfast.

Jarmer panicked. She wondered how she would pull it off.

"Well, you're the kitchen witch, aren't you?" a staff member told her.

Jarmer opened My Kitchen Witch May 13, 2005 — a Friday the 13th — and slowly found her stride. She started with scrambled eggs and omelets, before adding toast and expanding the menu. She opened seven days a week. She added Friday night dinners, a juice bar, a market and another catering business.

"Once I got my rhythm, I would say within a month or two, people really started spreading the word," Jarmer said. "And it was kind of like, be careful what you wish for. Because we were busy, and I started having waits for brunches on Saturday and Sunday for an hour."

Jarmer overcame obstacles. When Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, she moved her catering business to Freehold within 48 hours and continued to operate while My Kitchen Witch — and the rest of Monmouth Beach — recovered from the flood. She reopened the restaurant nine months later.

The business continued to thrive, surviving the pandemic and taking advantage of a spike in television and film crews in New York and New Jersey that needed catering. Among the clients: the movie "Anora," which recently won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Jarmer, however, said the stress was taking a toll. Diagnosed with AFib, her doctor told her five years ago that she needed to take a step back. She began to talk to D'Averso, who had worked for Jarmer for 12 years and helped build the catering operation, about buying the business.

D'Averso agreed. "I’m honored to be handed the torch of My Kitchen Witch and look forward to bringing it up to levels beyond your expectations," D'Averso said in a statement. "This seems like a natural step for me.”

Jarmer said she would help behind the scenes for the next three years — while devoting more time to pickleball, feeding deer at her home and tending to her garden — before walking away.

Officially, the sale is expected to be complete on May 13, 20 years after My Kitchen Witch opened.

"I hate the word 'retirement' because it sounds like I'm quitting," Jarmer said. "I'm passing it on so it can continue to grow. I'm just not going to work as hard. And, pretty soon, not at all."

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter at the Asbury Park Press. He has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry since 1999. He can be reached at [email protected].

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