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 Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, CT 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 Berlin, CT 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.
“Excellent care”
“Michael Carey has been taking care of my Dad for about a month and his”
“I hired Always Best Care for my mother for a short period of time to”
“ABC has been extremely easy to work with. Our caregiver, Linda, has been amazing with”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was a godsend when my dad fell after living independently”
“Ever since we started with Always Best Care, we have received professional and caring staff.”
“I am so grateful to everyone at Always Best Care. The Care Givers treated my”
“Our family has been relying on Always Best Care “ABC” for over 5 years with”
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking,”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family.”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I”
“Excellent care”
“Michael Carey has been taking care of my Dad for about a month and his dedication has been exceptional. We are so pleased to have him be part of my Dad's daily care.”
“I hired Always Best Care for my mother for a short period of time to help her as she was undergoing radiation therapy. Karlene was her aide and she was great. She drove my mother wherever she needed to go and did any chores around the house that my mother requested. We were both very pleased with the services provided. I would not hesitate to recommend Always Best Care.”
“ABC has been extremely easy to work with. Our caregiver, Linda, has been amazing with our mom. Linda is patient and kind, demonstrating a perfect balance of being a friend and companion while being a true professional. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without her.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was a godsend when my dad fell after living independently for so many years and needed assistance in the home. Diana is a wonderful caregiver who treats my father like her own family member. He is able to continue to live on his own with Diana's assistance. He is truly blessed and we could not be happier with the care that he receives daily.”
“Ever since we started with Always Best Care, we have received professional and caring staff. Currently, Audley G. is dad's caregiver, and he is kind, thorough, and a joy to work with. Thank you, ABC for sending Audley to us.”
“I am so grateful to everyone at Always Best Care. The Care Givers treated my parents with compassion, dignity, and respect. I knew my parents were in good hands. Those in the office, whom I spoke with often, were also compassionate and very understanding. When my parents suddenly needed additional care hours, the office worked diligently to ensure those needs were met quickly. When either of my parents was in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital, the office staff and Care Givers were not only concerned for them but for me also. As my Father has passed on and my Mother needs a higher level of care, I will always sing the praises of the staff at Always Best Care. They have been like extended family.”
“Our family has been relying on Always Best Care “ABC” for over 5 years with great success. The caregivers are professional, kind, careful and well trained. Management is attentive and communication and documentation is excellent. Without their assistance my parents would no longer be able to live independently. We can’t thank ABC and their caregivers enough for their support!”
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in a gap of care for my mom. I called Taylor at ABC on a Thursday and early the next week we had completed the intake process, and Taylor was able to secure 3 caregivers (12 hrs a day for 7 days a week) for my mom. The caregivers (Teresa Rose, Asha, Doreen) were great. Each had their own approach with mom, regardless, they all had empathy, compassion and kindness any time they engaged with mom. The support from ABC give us the time to find a new community that better fit where mom was with her Alzheimer's journey. We are so very grateful for the quick support, the follow up and the care needed in a critical time for us and for mom. THANK YOU ALWAYS BEST CARE!!! You are amazing!!!!”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is admirable, and you are constantly inspired to do great work. I know that under your leadership, not only do you care about the (clients,)but you also care about (us)the caregivers …We will continue to grow. Thank you for your time Have a great and prosperous week. Elsa”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my mother, Gerry Mikulka, during her final weeks of life. In particular, I want to recognize Evelyn, whose exceptional service as a live-in health aide made an immeasurable difference in my mother's end-of-life journey. From the moment Evelyn walked into the house, she created a special bond with our mom. In those first few weeks, Evelyn recognized Mom's need for companionship, spending time with her watching television and working on puzzles together. It warmed our hearts to see Mom so comfortable with someone in the home since she had lived there alone for many years. As Mom's condition progressed, Evelyn's true expertise shined through. She worked beautifully with our family and the hospice nurses, providing invaluable guidance on necessary medical equipment, dietary adjustments, and other modifications to ensure mom's comfort. What touched us most was how Evelyn went above and beyond in Mom's final days. She moved into Mom's room to be there whenever she was needed – day or night. And she had a wonderful way of being there for us too. Whenever we were visiting with Mom, Evelyn would quietly step back, but she was always just around the corner if we needed help. She knew exactly when to step in and when to give us privacy. We never felt alone in caring for Mom because Evelyn was such a steady, caring presence. She managed Mom's pain with real skill while keeping her comfortable and peaceful. I wanted you to know what an extraordinary person you have in Evelyn. We'll always be grateful for the peace of mind she gave us and the tender care she gave Mom. Warmly, Linda Knox”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and kind. My past experiences have been exacerbating to say the least. ABC is the fifth agency I’ve chosen and it’s the last! ABC has what I was looking for. Compassionate, and loving caregivers with my mom. With Always Best Care my mother is treated very well. She’s a person not just another client.”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers along with the office staff are very caring. They do their due diligence in pairing caregivers with clients, they show their appreciation to us for the work we do, they provide us with training so that we are equipped to succeed at our jobs. Working with this company has been an awesome and fulfilling experience.”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is excellent.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and Nicola gave my mother the best care. They cared about my mom. My mother trusted them, as did I. Their excellent care of my mom put my mind at ease. When I needed additional care, it was put in place immediately. I never had to worry about someone not showing up. I appreciate the care Always Best Care gave to my mom.”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how impressive the effort and the results Crystal has displayed over the last several months, how lucky I feel to have her apart of my mother’s weekly life. Crystal has established trust, friendship, and a sincere companionship with my mother who, not so long ago, was so adamantly opposed to having anyone in her house. When speaking with Crystal and my mother, I could hear the excitement in Crystal’s voice when she shared her success in getting my Mom out of the house. Can’t thank you enough!!”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92 and still living on her own. The in-home care they are providing is the best. Without the assistance they are providing us in Enfield this would be overwhelming.”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor. When my mom was recently in the hospital, I knew it would not be possible for her to be completely on her own right away. She loves where she resides and enjoys all of the activities that are offered. My goal was to get her back into her apartment as soon as possible with the support she needed to increase her strength and return to her prior level of wellness she had before she went into the hospital. She was used to walking a couple miles a day. When I reached out to ABC I made it clear that my mom would need somebody who would be willing to walk with her in the morning, and in the evening enabling her to get back to her baseline. I would like to complement all of the staff at ABC who provided my mom such wonderful support after two weeks she returned to her baseline and remained in her apartment. She really enjoyed all of the staff that were with her , they were professional they encouraged her to walk, drink fluids, eat and were instrumental in assisting her to reach her prior level of independence. I would strongly recommend ABC to anybody who is in need of support for their loved one.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking, decreased appetite, increased incontinence. (Part of the expected declining process per her Dr.) Tara has been wonderful in adapting to Mom’s changing needs as they develop and a very helpful partner in troubleshooting. brainstorming how to adapt to best support Mom. It’s also been helpful in my regular communication with Mom’s Dr, to let her know in detail what has come up and how we have approached. Thank you (again) for your talented staff!”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding care to our aunt. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has an elder family member in need. Also, the staff that helped to set up their services was outstanding as well. They made the decisions easy to understand with no hidden agenda. Thank you again to "ABC!"”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and a joy to work with.”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know that Always Best Care Senior Services is there to help!”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as she would as her own mother. She treats me the way she would like to be treated. We are a good “team” together.”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family. My daughters feel she is truly a tremendous caregiver. They know I am in good hands. She acknowledges with commitment of my physical, emotional, and practical needs, my quality of life has excelled due to Diana’s help. I look forward to her presence everyday her attitude is exceptional, Diana comes to work daily with a smile on her face. She enters the front door, singing softly ready to work. She has never taken a day off, I have had many caregivers, but Diana is truly the best!”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing but my mom’s best interest at heart. She continues to go above and beyond to care for my mom, and ensure anyone else who may be there also understands my mom’s needs. Tina has even gone so far to rearrange her schedule or give up her free time to stay with my mom to avoid her having someone that doesn’t know her. I can see that she genuinely cares for my mom, and treats her as if she was her own family member. That also goes both ways, my mom lights up when she sees Tina. We consider Tina part of our family.”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's care. Kristine and Taylor are a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgable and had the answers to all our questions. They were able to help with all aspects of the care we needed. I highly recommend them.”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside her service area, she helped to find resources for us. Her commitment to providing outstanding care is only surpassed by her desire to help others. Thank you Kristine!”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and her Team at Always Best Care are very caring and professional and exactly who you would want on your side if you have a loved one who needs help!”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and making sure they receive the best care available. Highly recommended!”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and has an immense desire to help my father. Reliability is vital trait in Rosemary. When my father was in the hospital and came home she immediately wanted to be by his side. My father has come to rely and depend on Rosemary. She is always on time whether it is giving medication or administering food and often encourages my father and helps my father maintain his dignity”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are short staffed. Due to our licensing, we can only have CNAs on the floor and Always Best Care has provided excellent CNAs every time we need some extra help. All of their CNAs have been helpful, willing to go above and beyond for our residents and we always have great responses from our own CNAs and supervisory staff. I am so thankful to Michelle and Wilda who will always staff a shift that I need, even if I call 30 minutes before the shift starts. You’ve been such a huge help!”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad needed care following a diagnosis of dementia, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone better to call than them. The caregivers that have worked with my dad have been wonderful. They are true saints to my family, allowing us the knowledge that Dad is okay to stay at home. They have navigated all of the changes in his cognitive state with grace and kept my father’s dignity in place. He was always a very active man and the caregivers have managed to keep him active, even as his health declines.”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I received their information from a close friend of mine that also used their agency. My uncle was a very proud man and did not want help from anyone, including family. Taylor met with me and spent time getting to know the ins and outs of my uncle’s care as well as his personality. She asked about his background so that they could look for a caregiver with similar interests. Although he took a turn for the worse rather quickly, the short time care was provided was wonderful. Thank you for your help and compassion.”
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 Volkspark Friedrichshain in Berlin, CT 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 Heising or visit Pariser Platz, 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 Berlin, CT, 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 Berlin, CT 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 Berlin, CT 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.
September's employment numbers have just dropped for Berlin via the Connecticut Department of Labor.BERLIN, CT — Berlin's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in September, up from 3.7 percent in August, according to data released Monday by the Connecticut Department of Labor.The town's rate remained below Connecticut's, which held at 5.1 percent for a second straight month. The state's rate has now topped the national rate of 4.2 percent for nine consecutive months.Of Berlin's estimated labor force of 11,341 re...
BERLIN, CT — Berlin's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in September, up from 3.7 percent in August, according to data released Monday by the Connecticut Department of Labor.
The town's rate remained below Connecticut's, which held at 5.1 percent for a second straight month. The state's rate has now topped the national rate of 4.2 percent for nine consecutive months.
Of Berlin's estimated labor force of 11,341 residents in September, 10,871 were employed, and 470 were unemployed, the data show. That is 59 more unemployed residents than in August. The August estimates, published last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, counted 411 unemployed out of a labor force of 11,092.
The town figures come from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics program and are not seasonally adjusted. On that same unadjusted basis, the statewide rate in September was 5.1 percent, with 96,521 of Connecticut's 1,907,124 labor force participants out of work.
Of the state's 169 towns, 45 had a lower rate than Berlin's 4.1 percent, and 114 had a higher one.
Among its neighbors, Berlin's rate was higher than in Rocky Hill (4 percent) but lower than in Newington (4.2 percent), Southington (4.4 percent), Middletown (4.8 percent), Meriden (6 percent) and New Britain (7 percent). It matched Cromwell at 4.1 percent.
Statewide, town rates ranged from 2.8 percent in Warren to 8.5 percent in Waterbury.
Berlin's rate was 3.3 percent in September 2025, so the town's jobless rate is up eight-tenths of a percentage point over the year. Last year, the rate held at 3.3 percent in both August and September.
Berlin is part of the Hartford labor market area, which added 2,000 jobs in September, a 0.3 percent increase, to 624,100, leading the state's five major areas. The area is up 6,000 jobs, or 1 percent, from a year earlier.
Connecticut's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in September, the same as in August, the department said. A year earlier, the rate was 4.2 percent.
The state's employers added 1,400 jobs in September, a 0.1 percent increase, bringing nonfarm employment to 1,731,600. The department said that's a new all-time high. Over the year, the state has gained 15,200 jobs, or 0.9 percent.
Last month's report had put August's job loss at 300. With Monday's revision, the department now says the state lost 600 jobs that month.
Six of the state's 10 major industry sectors added jobs in September. Education and health services led with 2,200, followed by manufacturing with 900 and trade, transportation and utilities with 800.
Professional and business services lost the most, 2,700 jobs. Other services lost 600, and information lost 400. Construction and mining were unchanged.
"Payroll jobs hit a new all-time high in September. Manufacturing has added more jobs than any other industry so far this year, and construction remains at its highest level since May 2008," Patrick Flaherty, director of the Office of Research at the Connecticut Department of Labor, said in a statement. "The unemployment rate has been stable since late spring and unemployment insurance claims are below last year's level."
First-time unemployment claims averaged 1,842 a week in September, down 64.9 percent from September 2025, the department said.
Private sector average hourly earnings rose 2.1 percent over the year to $40.06. That trailed inflation: the national consumer price index was up 3.7 percent over the same period.
The labor department's monthly comparison of state and national unemployment rates shows Connecticut's seasonally adjusted rate at 5.1 percent in both August and September.
The state's rate climbed through the first half of the year, from 4.5 percent in January to a peak of 5.2 percent in June and July. It then eased to 5.1 percent in August and held there in September.
The national rate moved the other way last month. The U.S. rate rose to 4.2 percent in September from 4.1 percent in August, its first increase since February, according to federal figures in the state's comparison.
As a result, the gap between Connecticut and the nation narrowed to nine-tenths of a percentage point in September, down from a full point in August. The gap was widest in July, at 1.1 points.
Connecticut's rate has been higher than the national rate in every month of 2026, starting in January at 4.5 percent compared with 4.3 percent. A year ago, the state's rate was lower than the nation's: 4.1 percent compared with 4.3 percent in August 2025, and 4.2 percent compared with 4.4 percent in September 2025.
The comparison has no figures for October 2025. They weren't produced because of the 2025 federal government shutdown.
| Month (2026) | Connecticut | U.S. | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.5 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.2 points |
| February | 4.7 percent | 4.4 percent | 0.3 points |
| March | 4.8 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.5 points |
| April | 5.0 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.7 points |
| May | 5.1 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.8 points |
| June | 5.2 percent | 4.2 percent | 1.0 points |
| July | 5.2 percent | 4.1 percent | 1.1 points |
| August | 5.1 percent | 4.1 percent | 1.0 points |
| September | 5.1 percent | 4.2 percent | 0.9 points |
State and national rates are seasonally adjusted; town rates are not, so direct comparisons should be made with caution. All figures are preliminary and subject to revision. The department will release its preliminary October report on Thursday, Nov. 19.
MiddletownBlue Dragons10-4-1Monday, Oct 26, 2026BerlinRedcoats5-5-1Middletown Boys Varsity Soccer @ BerlinGame InfoThe Middletown varsity soccer team has an away conference match @ Berlin (CT) on Monday, October 26 @ 6p.MatchupGame DetailsScoring AveragesFinal12Middletown2.90.00.7Berlin2.50.31.3...
MiddletownBlue Dragons10-4-1
Monday, Oct 26, 2026
BerlinRedcoats5-5-1
Game Info
The Middletown varsity soccer team has an away conference match @ Berlin (CT) on Monday, October 26 @ 6p.
Matchup
Game Details
Scoring Averages
| Final | 1 | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown | 2.9 | 0.0 | 0.7 |
| Berlin | 2.5 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
Rankings
Connecticut
#28
#39
Connecticut Class L
#4
#7
Hartford & New Haven
#23
#30
Season Recap
Overall Record
10-4-1
5-5-1
League
7-3-1
4-5-1
Non-League
3-1
1-0
Head to Head
1-0
0-1
Home
5-2-1
4-2-1
Away
5-2
1-3
Neutral
0-0
0-0
Common Opponent
7-3-1
4-4-1
Playoff
0-0
0-0
In-State
10-4-1
5-5-1
Out-of-State
0-0
0-0
Win %
.700
.500
League %
.682
.450
GF
43
28
GA
18
18
Common Opponents
Cromwell
1-0
0-0
Glastonbury
0-1
0-0
Farmington
1-0
1-0
Hall
0-0
0-1
Tolland
0-1
0-1
Platt
1-0
1-0
Southington
0-1
1-0
Rocky Hill
1-0
0-0
Newington
1-0
0-1
New Britain
1-0
0-0
Plainville
1-0
1-1
Head-to-Head
09/15/2026
3
2
10/26/2026
--
--
Christopher Edge, long one of Connecticut’s most vocal and enthusiastic economic development directors, quietly resigned from his post with the Town of Berlin in late April.He has been replaced by Kevin Bielmeier, who most recently spent nine months as vice president for development for a Fairfield County nonprofit theater company after six years as economic development director for the Town of Southbury. Bielmeier is also president of the Connecticut Economic Development Association.Edge spent more than a decade leading ...
Christopher Edge, long one of Connecticut’s most vocal and enthusiastic economic development directors, quietly resigned from his post with the Town of Berlin in late April.
He has been replaced by Kevin Bielmeier, who most recently spent nine months as vice president for development for a Fairfield County nonprofit theater company after six years as economic development director for the Town of Southbury. Bielmeier is also president of the Connecticut Economic Development Association.
Edge spent more than a decade leading Berlin’s economic development efforts, working with developers and local businesses while relentlessly promoting the town. Much of that work was aimed at promoting mixed-use apartment developments along the heavily traveled Berlin Turnpike.
His work earned statewide recognition. In 2023, Edge was named “Member of the Year” by the Connecticut Economic Development Association. In 2018, he received the organization’s “President’s Award” after stepping in midyear to chair its Policy Committee.
Edge resigned April 27, leaving the town “on good terms,” Town Manager Ryan Curley said Thursday. Curley said he was unaware whether Edge had secured other employment but praised his contributions.
“Chris did a lot of great work for the town of Berlin for 11 years,” Curley said. “We wish him the best and I know he is going to be successful at whatever he does next.”
Bielmeier was one of four finalists interviewed for the economic development director position and received the unanimous endorsement of the search committee, Curley said.
“He has a great energy,” Curley said. “Chris was a presence as well and did a fantastic job for the town. Of the candidates we interviewed, Kevin stood out for being able to continue that legacy.”
Bielmeier, a Stratford resident, began the job July 6 with an annual salary of $112,323, matching Edge’s pay.
His career spans several decades and multiple industries, including cruise director, marketing and nonprofit development before focusing on economic development roles in Connecticut. He spent two years as economic development director in New Milford and almost two years with the Connecticut Economic Development Center. Through the center’s municipal services division, he served in part-time economic director roles in East Granby, Suffield and Clinton.
Bielmeier said Berlin retains significant development potential because of its available development sites and local officials’ commitment to smart growth. The town’s passenger rail station on the New Haven-Springfield corridor creates opportunities for transit-oriented development, he said, while existing incentive programs add to Berlin’s appeal.
“The fact the town has a tax abatement policy on the books demonstrates we are in the market for development,” Bielmeier said.
Bielmeier said he plans to work closely with the Connecticut Main Street Center and the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority. He has also begun discussions with the Connecticut Department of Transportation about future development opportunities around the Berlin train station.
BHS received a multi-year Lemelson-MIT grant to develop three invention education programs beginning in 2027-28.BERLIN, CT — Berlin High School has received an undisclosed, multi-year grant from the Lemelson-MIT Program to expand educational opportunities that teach students how to identify real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.The Lemelson-MIT Program announced the multiyear grant Thursday, Oct. 15, to support Berlin High School's efforts to establish new invention education programs and incorporate hand...
BERLIN, CT — Berlin High School has received an undisclosed, multi-year grant from the Lemelson-MIT Program to expand educational opportunities that teach students how to identify real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.
The Lemelson-MIT Program announced the multiyear grant Thursday, Oct. 15, to support Berlin High School's efforts to establish new invention education programs and incorporate hands-on problem-solving into its science curriculum.
The Lemelson-MIT Program, part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's School of Engineering, selected Berlin High School as part of a regional initiative designed to help students develop technical skills, creativity, and collaboration.
Berlin High School plans to introduce three programs during the 2027-28 school year:
• Inventor's Forge: A program for students in grades 10-12 focused on invention and problem-solving.
• Innovation and Applied Science Pathway: An academic pathway designed to incorporate invention education into science learning.
• Berlin Science Research Program: A program intended to expand opportunities for student research and innovation.
The school also plans to provide professional development for educators, establish community partnerships, and build districtwide support for invention education.
Invention education encourages students to work in teams to identify problems they consider important and develop prototypes of potential solutions.
The approach combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with skills such as communication, empathy, critical thinking, and collaboration.
"We believe every student can exceed expectations when challenged with solving real-world problems and discovering solutions that can make a positive difference," Berlin High School Principal Katie Amenta said.
"Invention education goes beyond the traditional classroom, giving students a platform to build essential skills and turn their creativity into tangible solutions," Amenta said. "Additionally, students learn how to apply critical thinking and collaboration skills, which provides authentic readiness for future careers and life outside of high school."
Berlin High School is one of five educational institutions selected for the Lemelson-MIT Program's Massachusetts-Connecticut regional cohort.
The participating schools and colleges are:
• Berlin High School, Berlin.
• Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Cambridge, Mass.
• New Covenant School, Lexington, Mass.
• Watertown High School, Watertown, Mass.
• Westfield State University, Westfield, Mass.
The Massachusetts-Connecticut region was selected following a nationwide search. Two additional regions, Tennessee and Northern California, were also chosen.
The Lemelson-MIT Program will work with participating institutions to develop and evaluate educational experiences that encourage students to apply STEM knowledge to practical challenges.
Dr. Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program, said the initiative builds on nearly 25 years of work with educators across the country.
"We have learned that invention education can benefit all students, especially when students can experience learning through the invention process across multiple grade levels," Couch said.
The program aims to make invention education available during regular school hours, beginning in elementary grades and continuing through higher education.
"Employers benefit from graduates that have the types of capabilities they need but have trouble finding," Couch said. "Invention education connects students' knowledge and passions with the technical and durable human skills employers are looking for."
According to the Lemelson-MIT Program, student teams participating in its InvenTeams initiative have earned 24 U.S. patents.
Founded in 1994, the Lemelson-MIT Program is funded by the Lemelson Foundation and administered through MIT's School of Engineering.
Berlin Turnpike — Approximate Site of Proposed Car WashGoogle Street ViewA long-vacant CVS building at the corner of Berlin Turnpike and Deming Road is one step closer to becoming a car wash, after the Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-3 to approve a zoning change allowing car washes in part of the Planned Shopping-B zone. The text amendment permits car washes by special permit on lots of at least 1.5 acres, opening the door for Splash Car Wash to move forward with plans for the site.Splash ...
Berlin Turnpike — Approximate Site of Proposed Car WashGoogle Street View
A long-vacant CVS building at the corner of Berlin Turnpike and Deming Road is one step closer to becoming a car wash, after the Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-3 to approve a zoning change allowing car washes in part of the Planned Shopping-B zone. The text amendment permits car washes by special permit on lots of at least 1.5 acres, opening the door for Splash Car Wash to move forward with plans for the site.
Splash Car Wash is under contract to buy three adjoining lots at 272, 280, and 308 Berlin Turnpike, which together total 6.48 acres at the corner of Deming Road, according to Hartford Business Journal. The parcels are owned by General Financial Services Inc., per town records cited in the report, and had been listed for $4.5 million. The proposal reportedly drew no opposition at the meeting where commissioners cast their votes.
Splash still needs to secure a special permit and site plan approval before any construction can begin, the outlet notes. Andrea Laviero Krawiecki, who works for East Coast Real Estate Associates, said the next step is moving forward with the site plan approval process. Dennis Ceneviva, based in Meriden, said the car wash would be only one part of a larger development planned for the property, though the application filing does not specify what else would be built there.
The 10,112-square-foot CVS building at 308 Berlin Turnpike was constructed in 2000 and has sat vacant for about three years, reflecting a broader pattern of shuttered suburban pharmacy locations across Connecticut. The Berlin Turnpike, designated CT Route 15, carries roughly 40,000 vehicles daily, while the intersecting Deming Road handles about 13,500 vehicles per day, according to Connecticut Department of Transportation data cited by the same Hartford Business Journal report. That traffic volume helps explain why the corner parcel has drawn interest for a commercial drive-through reuse.
The site sits within a stretch of the turnpike that Berlin officials have actively tried to revitalize. In September 2019, town planners approved a $10 million to $12 million development for 72 apartment units and 18,000 square feet of retail at 196 Berlin Turnpike, near Deming Road, under a new town floating zone ordinance meant to encourage diverse corridor reuse. More recently, developer Calco Construction proposed a separate mixed-use project in September 2025 spanning 466 Deming Road and 337 Berlin Turnpike, combining fast-food, retail, and warehouse space.
Splash Car Wash was founded in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1981, and by the time private equity firm AEA Investors acquired a majority stake in 2025, the chain had grown to more than 65 locations across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont, with additional expansion into Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Splash had previously been backed by Boston-based Palladin Consumer Retail Partners, which bought into the chain in October 2018 when it had just 18 locations, according to Private Equity Professional. When AEA took over in April 2025, 22-year company veteran and COO Dan Petrelle was named chief executive, succeeding co-founder Mark Curtis, who moved into the role of board chairman.
Per trade publication Professional Carwashing & Detailing, as reported by Private Equity Professional, Splash ranks as the 19th largest car wash operator in the United States, washing more than one million vehicles annually. Since partnering with AEA, the company has moved quickly on acquisitions across the Northeast, picking up Auto Wash in New York in August 2025, Spiffy Car Wash in Commack, and Five Star Car Wash in East Northport this past March, according to the International Carwash Association.
The Berlin proposal fits that broader growth pattern, pairing a private equity-backed chain hunting for high-traffic sites with a town eager to fill a vacant storefront. With the zoning hurdle cleared, the project's fate now rests on the special permit and site plan reviews still ahead, where traffic, design, and environmental questions tied to the Deming Road corner will be weighed in detail.
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