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 Spring Lake Clock 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 Spring Lake, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Divine 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 Amelia's By the Sea or visit Spring Lake Historical Society, 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.
Request More Information
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 Spring Lake, 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 Spring Lake, 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 Spring Lake, 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.
Break out the foul weather ponchos; it could be a weekend for the ducks with damp air, rain showers and shifting breezes in the forecast. In other words, it's early spring and the weather is quite cantankerous.Trout season opens Saturday and the Shark River Surf Anglers traditional kids trout contest is still a go, rain or shine. Just make sure to dress the kids warm and keep some hot chocolate in the Thermos. There are tons of trout in the lake though, between the several hundred the club stocked last weekend with the ...
Break out the foul weather ponchos; it could be a weekend for the ducks with damp air, rain showers and shifting breezes in the forecast. In other words, it's early spring and the weather is quite cantankerous.
Trout season opens Saturday and the Shark River Surf Anglers traditional kids trout contest is still a go, rain or shine. Just make sure to dress the kids warm and keep some hot chocolate in the Thermos. There are tons of trout in the lake though, between the several hundred the club stocked last weekend with the help of dozens of kids and the 460 trout added by Fish & Wildlife during the two weeks leading up to Opening Day. That should help keep kids and parents plenty busy.
There is no registration fee as the club puts on the event free for the kids. The club does request that trout anglers not in the contest let the kids have the lake for the morning of the contest, which begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. While the contest has lots of prizes to give away, there can only be one grand prize to the youth angler who catches the heaviest trout. This year, as in years' past, the grand prize is a rod and reel combo, a mount of the winning fish and a trophy.
Elsewhere around the state, Fish & Wildlife deposited 180,000 rainbow trout and larger broodstock in the many trout streams and lakes ahead of opening day. The rainbows average 10 ½ inches and a half-pound in weight. The broodstock, or retired hatchery breeder fish, are between 14 and 26 inches. Some weigh as much as 7 pounds.
Fish & Wildlife will keep stocking trout after the opener until 570,000 trout are added during spring. As far as the regs go, from April 5 to May 31, trout fishermen make keep six fish at nine inches in length per day. The daily limit will be reduced to four trout beginning June 1 and continuing through winter 2026.
The bass were biting at Union Beach and at the mouth of the Raritan River on the high tide Thursday afternoon, said Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Shop in Hazlet said. Sciortino said while they're still waiting for the fishery to ignite in Raritan Bay proper, anglers have being doing alright in the back bay areas. The fish have been mainly interested in bloodworms and plastic swim shads.
Steve Meserve at Lewis Fishery in Lambertville reported his first catch of shad on the Delaware River on Wednesday night. He said they ran 100 yards of net out, and it returned with three shad and one sucker fish. He said the river temp was 48 degrees.
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him at [email protected].
As spring rolls in, it’s only a matter of time before the Garden State starts living up to its name. This time of year, New Jerseyans are surrounded by lush greenery and bright flowers, of which cherry blossom trees are some of the most iconic. There’s a common misconception that Washington D.C. and Eastern Asia are home to the best cherry blossoms, but New Jersey is hoarding a whole bunch of blooms in park...
As spring rolls in, it’s only a matter of time before the Garden State starts living up to its name. This time of year, New Jerseyans are surrounded by lush greenery and bright flowers, of which cherry blossom trees are some of the most iconic. There’s a common misconception that Washington D.C. and Eastern Asia are home to the best cherry blossoms, but New Jersey is hoarding a whole bunch of blooms in parks, arboretums, and trails across the state that you need to check out.
Depending on location, cherry blossoms can bloom at different times each year. In this area, cherry blossoms typically bloom between the second and third weeks of April. However, with warm temperatures coming early, blossoms could bloom as early as the first week of April. Time to keep an eye out! While the blooms are at their brightest for only a few days, the season itself lasts a few weeks. Expect to see cherry blossoms for most of April (maybe even late March *gasp*).
This quick turnaround from barren to budding makes cherry blossoms seem to appear out of nowhere, emerging from the landscape with their lively array of pinks. Since this window is a tight one, make sure to plan your cherry blossom trip to one of these 12 New Jersey locations to make the most of their short season.
Branch Brook Park is the ultimate destination for cherry blossom season in New Jersey. With over 4,000 cherry blossom trees on this Essex County plot, Branch Brook Park outranks every other cherry blossom collection in the world. To celebrate the variety of their blooms, Branch Brook Park will be hosting their annual New Jersey Cherry Blossom Festival. It kicks off on April 2 and will run through April 10, 2022.
Chapel Avenue in Cherry Hill is home to two miles worth of cherry blossoms. Lining the avenue on either side, the blooms spur community events when they come into full force each spring. During the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, Cherry Hill hosted their Cherry Blossom Parade on Chapel Ave. These days American flags fly high, accompanying each tree during the town’s annual 9-11 Remembrance and Patriotic Gratitude celebration.
Full of history and charm, the New Jersey Botanical Gardens offer a gorgeous variety of outdoor spaces. The gardens are part of the larger Ringwood State Park, and the grounds include an expansive pine tree collection, many walkways, and 10 different gardens each displaying a particular flower or tree. The perennial garden changes with each season, which is where the cherry blossoms bloom for their short cycle every spring.
This slice of nature on the edge of Verona is the perfect combination of park, trails, and scenic views. The area is great for families and offers the ability to go as far in or out of nature as you like. The views in Verona Park take on a pink hue in the spring when cherry blossoms seem to spontaneously emerge from the rest of the foliage.
This expansive park is studded with foliage, a veterans memorial and, of course, lots of cherry blossom trees in the springtime. It really might be one of New Jersey’s most peaceful places. Footbridges, gazebos and walking paths are dispersed throughout Hurd Park, so put your walking shoes on and experience nature’s beauty at its finest.
With an indoor sports pavilion, trails, and gardens galore, Warinanco Park is full of opportunities for activity. On either side of the lake, blush pink cherry blossoms bloom each spring, adding color and vibrancy across this 205-acre plot.
Tucked away inside the massive Holmdel Park, the David C. Shaw Arboretum displays a variety of trees to the public. The aim of the arboretum is to show off the foliage that naturally thrives in New Jersey. Within this range, cherry blossoms play a pivotal role and change the tone of the arboretum each spring, bringing brightness into the woods.
The footbridges in Spring Lake are absolutely iconic. They give the town character, and the residents love them. They’re made even better each spring when the cherry blossoms at the end of the footbridges, and across the area, bloom. This is without a doubt, one of New Jersey’s most serene locations.
Getting its name from the nearby river, Rahway River Park is a fresh open space in the middle of Union County. With ball fields, tracks, and footpaths, the only thing that could make this New Jersey park pop, even more, is cherry blossoms. Sprinkled throughout the park, the cherry blossoms will bring spring air into an urban setting.
This North Jersey jaunt is a display of woody variety. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum is a popular location for local families to take photos and explore fauna. Peppered through the grounds are large cherry blossoms, perfect for spring photo ops.
This unassuming arboretum might seem like any other, but as the seasons change, Reeves-Reed Arboretum comes to life. In this quiet corner of Summit, New Jersey the daffodil bowl, rose garden, and perennial blooms bring a burst of color as the season goes on. Though they don’t have a ton of cherry blossoms, the fauna they do have is stunning.
This picturesque garden looks straight out of a fairytale. The simple gazebo, the bridge with white crisscrossed railings, and the tiny pond will make you feel like Alice in Wonderland at Sayen Gardens. Dotted among the foliage, you’ll find some vibrant pinks and blush tones that mark the cherry blossom blooms.
Where do you go to see the cherry blossoms bloom in New Jersey? Let us know your favorite cherry blossom festivals in the comments below.
Main image by Neil Daftary
Jordan Hutchinson is a second semester senior at George Washington University with aspirations in writing, editing, and publishing. A Jersey girl at heart, she grew up in Morris County and moved down to Atlantic County this past fall.
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.MAIN STREETSeven-minute read0:001:22SPRING LAKE -- Growing up in Galway on Ireland’s west coast and marrying in 1987, Moya and Aidan Rush loved Irish culture and were proud of their heritage.And just over a decade ago, they channeled their passion for Ireland into their purchase of t...
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.
MAIN STREET
SPRING LAKE -- Growing up in Galway on Ireland’s west coast and marrying in 1987, Moya and Aidan Rush loved Irish culture and were proud of their heritage.
And just over a decade ago, they channeled their passion for Ireland into their purchase of the Irish Centre, a renowned Spring Lake-based shop that’s been providing Celtic clothing, jewelry, gifts and “all things Irish” for nearly half a century.
“In the late 1980s there was a recession in Ireland, and Aidan and I decided to come to the U.S. for six months as an ‘adventure,’” recalled Moya, a Wall resident, of their relocation to the Jersey Shore area — a visit which turned into so much more.
“Aidan had friends and family here who offered him a job and I worked in New York City for the first few years, but in 1995 I started working at the Irish Centre, which my cousin Mary Reilly and her husband Jim had opened in 1978,” she said. “I became a store manager and a buyer, and when Mary decided to retire, Aidan and I bought the store from her in 2014.”
Still in its original location on Third Avenue, Rush said that Spring Lake’s historically large Irish population and renowned designation as the area’s “Irish Riviera” have contributed to the now 47-year-old store’s longevity and strong following.
“There are many generations of Irish families throughout Spring Lake, and they hold dear to their heritage,” Rush said. “So many people who have had their ancestry analyzed come to the store excited to share that they’re some percentage Irish.”
Within their quaint 1,500-square-foot shop, which is open seven days a week, “we offer everything from Aran knitwear, tweeds, coats and men’s hats to traditional foods imported straight from Ireland, including blood puddings, breakfast bacon and sausage, fresh homemade brown bread, soups, jams, salty snacks and Irish-made Cadbury chocolate,” Rush said.
“We carry beautiful baby gifts and sweaters, Waterford crystal, Simon Pearce glass, Guinness merchandise and a broad range of jewelry featuring such key Irish themes as the trinity knot, Celtic cross, claddagh symbol (which represents friendship, love, and loyalty), and lucky shamrock," she continued. "We also carry religious items such as saint medals, pins and Celtic crosses in metal and even in mahogany as well as a large selection of cards, books and CDs.”
With over 9,000 products from more than 50 different vendors in the store, Rush said that there’s something for everyone and every budget at the Irish Centre.
“You can purchase a Celtic cross or pin for a jacket for as little as $6 or a silver claddagh ring for $75, all the way up to a claddagh ring with precious gems like diamonds, emeralds or sapphires for $5,000,” she said. “We offer items for all stages of life, from baby and confirmation gifts to engagement gifts, wedding bands and more.”
Ultimately, “we see ourselves as ambassadors of Ireland,” Rush said. “We love to promote Irish culture, music and food and we encourage people to visit Ireland and especially to explore the countryside and fun places off the beaten path. It’s great to get lost in Ireland and we encourage people to take a trip there and soak in the culture.”
Based on the Rushes’ commitment to authenticity, “over 85% of the merchandise we sell is from Ireland and we’re proud to source our T-shirts, wooden signs, art, wool clothing and more from some of the country’s best small crafters and artisans, including one of our most beloved vendors, a skilled 87-year-old knitter from Donegal,” she said. “I travel to Ireland several times a year to attend trade shows, participate in ‘meet the maker’ tours, and visit knitwear mills to stay on the forefront of what’s happening.”
That continued attention to new products and local vendors has long resonated with the Irish Centre’s clientele.
“We have a lot of repeat customers and feel lucky to have such a loyal clientele that we’ve built relationships with over the generations,” Rush said. “Spring Lake is a little mecca at the Jersey Shore and our store warms our customers’ hearts and brings them back to when they were growing up.”
Among trends, Rush said that the stiff and uncomfortable Irish knitwear of the past has gone by the wayside.
“There are no more itchy sweaters,” she confirmed. “These days, more and more products are made of merino wool that’s soft and light, and the basic Irish crewneck sweater has now become more chic with side zippers and different types of collars in a wide variety of colors.”
What hasn’t changed is the pride and quality with which products carried at the Irish Centre are made.
“Irish tweeds can last forever, and our manufacturers are committed to outstanding quality and workmanship,” Rush said.
Among challenges, Rush said that shipping costs have become challenging for the store, especially since so much of their inventory is imported.
“Most of our products are air-freighted in from Ireland and shipping costs have quadrupled since the pandemic, which has been difficult to manage,” she said.
“In addition, while it was easy to get merchandise during the pandemic when there was no tourism, tourism in Ireland has since exploded and it’s been hard for Irish suppliers to keep up with both their own domestic demand and demand from U.S. buyers like our store,” Rush said. “For that reason, we have to stock up early for the spike in business that we experience around Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. There are 32 St. Patrick’s Day parades in New Jersey, so we try to buy as much merchandise as soon as we can for those events.”
Supported by their dedicated staff of four part-time associates, most of whom hail from Ireland, “I do all of the buying, ordering and pricing, while Aidan takes care of all of our back-office activities, store supplies and online presence,” Rush said. “Most of our customers live within 30 minutes of our store, but we ship to customers all over the U.S. through our e-commerce site.”
Looking ahead, the Rushes are excited to continue promoting all that makes the Emerald Isle so special.
“We run a Belleek-signing event at the store every November and host Christmastime appearances by jewelers who create new jewelry with Swarovski crystals for us each year,” Rush said. “We also co-chair Spring Lake’s Irish Festival every June and are excited to give back to the community and support the many great Irish organizations in the area.”
Among her favorite parts of running the Irish Centre, “we love our wonderful customers and the relationships we’ve built with them over the years, and it’s also exciting when children and teens come into the store to get their first claddagh ring, sweater or hat,” Rush said. “We love to see the generations continuing to keep their ancestry alive; they’re the future and we want them to embrace their heritage, appreciate where their ancestors came from, and fall in love with Ireland.”
As for the experience at the Irish Centre, where lively Celtic music is always on tap, “Ireland is a warm, welcoming culture and that’s the feel in this store,” Rush said. “We love celebrating all things Irish at the Jersey Shore.”
Location: 1120 Third Avenue, Spring Lake
Phone: 732-449-6650
Owners: Moya and Aidan Rush
Opened: 1978
Website: irishcentre.net
732-483-4611
