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 East Haddam Historical Society 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 Moodus, 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.
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how”
“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”
“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”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially”
“i really like my caregiver, Victor very much. Victor is a very patient and observant”
““I want to give a huge thank you for the care that Always Best Care”
“Both of Mom’s caregivers are exceptional. They are always professional, calm and extremely patient with”
“They are very caring and easy to deal with. They work with the family and”
“Anything from Always Best Care is good to have. The care from them has given”
“Always Best Care has done a fantastic job in providing us with at-home care for”
“We have been using the services of ABC for almost three years, and I have”
“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even”
“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even”
“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!!”
“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...”
“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.”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is able to get him talking about all aspects and experiences of his life. They go out regularly and she encourages my dad to participate in the activities put on by the community he lives in. They run errands, go out for meals, or go for a drive just to get a change of scenery. I was nervous at first about how my dad would take having a caregiver come in to help him, but he seems so happy and has great things to talk about after his time spent with his caregiver.”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you and your organization operates. From the initial phone and in-person conversations with Taylor, to the ongoing support of my mother's care - it's been thorough, timely and well managed. I am also struck by how the home-health employees conduct themselves. They are reliable/responsive *and* responsible, and making every effort to work through the challenges day to day with my mother. Thanks for the great job you and your organization are doing. It means a lot to me, especially during this trying time! Best Regards”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of your hard work and dedication to their clients. When my parents finally realized they needed help in their home, I chose ABC as the company I felt would be the best fit. Yes, we have had some ups and down, but when you paired Leah with my parents, it was truly a blessing. My parents love her. She genuinely cares for them and they speak highly of her work ethic. As my mom says, “she is too good to be true”. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your working with me to find the right fit. Well on our end, Leah fits like a glove and I hope she feels the same. She is a special person so I wanted to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to my parents. It makes me feel more at ease knowing there is someone coming to the home to properly care for them. Again I want to thank you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband enjoyed having another man to talk to instead of conversation only between him and I. Craig managed to keep him occupied and safe so that I could go and get some time to myself, allowing me peace of mind that my husband was in great hands”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at home. She was diagnosed with dementia and within 3 months she could hardly do much for herself anymore. I was able to continue working full time while my mom received care from Always Best Care. We had the same caregiver from day 1 and she was absolutely amazing. She kept everyone in the loop with any changes my mom experienced and the regular in person and phone check ins were a great added support to myself and my family. Thank you ABC for all the help and compassion that you showed my mom until her passing.”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is on his "next journey" and finally pain free, while he was here with us, his caregiver, Craig, did an amazing job caring for him and was here to help us from our first day of services. Craig always managed to get my husband to share stories from his time in the war that even I had not heard before. It was a great way to get to know more of my husband so his memory can continue with others around him.”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to provide respite care to my mom while we took some time to ourselves for a weekend. Mom’s caregiver, Gloria, was great and she had the perfect disposition to work with my mom. She was attentive and kept mom well fed and engaged during the time we were away. We would definitely call Always Best Care again when we need some time away.”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially to my husband while I spent some time in the hospital and rehab. Our caregiver brought my husband to see me every day while I was at the hospital and at rehab, I knew he was in excellent hands and I could focus on getting stronger again.”
“i really like my caregiver, Victor very much. Victor is a very patient and observant aide who knows when I need his help. I knew from the first day meeting him that we would get along very well.”
““I want to give a huge thank you for the care that Always Best Care provided over the last year and a half. They started out assisting just my dad since he was wheelchair bound and then began providing care to my mom as well who had advanced dementia. The two ladies that helped them both did an amazing job and gave me the confidence that they were being well cared for since I live on the other side of the country. Up to my dad’s passing, his caregivers were there for him to provide comfort and companionship while managing my mom’s emotions as well during the difficult time my dad had. Being a nurse myself and in the healthcare field for a while, I had high expectations which were exceeded by the caregivers and office staff of Always Best Care.”
“Both of Mom’s caregivers are exceptional. They are always professional, calm and extremely patient with my mom. They know how to keep her calm and to manage her anxiety. My whole family is very grateful, knowing that Mom is getting really competent care, great meals and friendly companionship. Thank you.”
“They are very caring and easy to deal with. They work with the family and the patient to see that the patient has what is needed for their care. In all we had a good experience with Best Care.”
“Anything from Always Best Care is good to have. The care from them has given me my life back. I wasn’t expecting a perfect match on the first caregiver, but Always Best Care did a very good job.”
“Always Best Care has done a fantastic job in providing us with at-home care for my step-mother while we prepared for her transition to move permanently to a skilled nursing facility. With their help, she was able to spend a full six months at home before moving. We would not have been able to do it without them. All the caregivers we have met and used have been kind and attentive, frequently going the extra mile, whatever that may be on any given day. The office staff is friendly, empathetic and very diligent in keeping all parties informed of all aspects of day-to-day care. They are knowledgeable, respectful and efficient. I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone who is looking for help in keeping their loved one at home for as long as possible.”
“We have been using the services of ABC for almost three years, and I have worked personally with John, Kristine, Taylor, Michelle and Wilda, as well as the many wonderful caregivers who have attended to my mother’s needs with great care and attention. Throughout this time, my mother’s care needs have changed many times, and they have always been very responsive to any requests, including the directives of the hospice nurses that work in concert with all of them. Taylor and Michelle are incredibly diligent about keeping on top of issues that arise day-to-day, and running their questions and concerns by me. I remain a loyal customer to ABC because I feel that my mother is getting really great care, and will continue to see the warm, friendly faces she has come to know and trust today and every day. At 94 yrs old, my mother is quite dependent on the care providers for almost all her needs, and they always show up and make her feel safe and secure.”
“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even if I only call them the day before. I’m so glad I was able to find them, because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just lost my sister and she helped me out a lot.”
“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even if I only call them the day before. I’m so glad I was able to find them, because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just lost my sister and she helped me out a lot.”
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 Machimoodus State Park (Entrance) 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 Tavern On The Hill or visit Nathan Hale Schoolhouse East Haddam, 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 Moodus, 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 Moodus, 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 Moodus, 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.
MOODUS, CT — Moodus, CT, Post Office earned first place in a national USPS retail challenge, which began last October and lasted for five weeks. The contest was designed to determine the nation’s Post Office with the best customer service.Similar to many sports championships, there were rounds of elimination and opportunities to move ahead. The Post Offices who received the highest number of Point-of-Sale (POS) surveys from its customers progressed in the challenge.The finals featured four Post Offices in four diffe...
MOODUS, CT — Moodus, CT, Post Office earned first place in a national USPS retail challenge, which began last October and lasted for five weeks. The contest was designed to determine the nation’s Post Office with the best customer service.
Similar to many sports championships, there were rounds of elimination and opportunities to move ahead. The Post Offices who received the highest number of Point-of-Sale (POS) surveys from its customers progressed in the challenge.
The finals featured four Post Offices in four different states: Moodus, CT; Midlothian, TX; Lawndale, CA; and Lakeside, CA.
The last round was between Moodus and Lawndale with Moodus prevailing as national champion.
At a March 6 award ceremony, Moodus was presented with a traveling trophy. In attendance were USPS VP Retail and Post Office Operations Elvin Mercado, USPS Area VP Retail and Delivery Scott Raymond, Connecticut District Manager Carissa Laino, Postmaster Sandra Gamberale and Sales and Service Associate Sunish Thomas.
Thomas is the lead Sales and Service Associate at Moodus and knows all his customers by name. “I really enjoy when the customer is happy – when they leave with a smile on their face, that gives me job satisfaction,” said Thomas.
“I was thrilled to attend this event to honor the remarkable achievements of our team at the Moodus Post Office. Recognizing their hard work and commitment not only reflects my appreciation but also inspires continued excellence and fosters a culture of acknowledgement and motivation across our organization. I extend my gratitude towards each and every one of the team members at Moodus for their outstanding contributions and dedication, particularly as we align with the Delivering for America Plan. We are truly fortunate to have such an incredible team,” said Mercado.
The traveling trophy will stay at Moodus Post Office until next year’s national champion is crowned.
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EAST HAMPTON — Mysterious shaking and noises reported by some local residents this week were caused by a small earthquake, the United States Geological Survey said.The magnitude 1.7 earthquake was recorded 2 kilometers — about 1.2 miles — east of East Hampton on Wednesday. It happened around 8:24 a.m.Twenty-three people told the USGS they'd felt the quake.In a Facebook post, East Hampton officials ...
EAST HAMPTON — Mysterious shaking and noises reported by some local residents this week were caused by a small earthquake, the United States Geological Survey said.
The magnitude 1.7 earthquake was recorded 2 kilometers — about 1.2 miles — east of East Hampton on Wednesday. It happened around 8:24 a.m.
Twenty-three people told the USGS they'd felt the quake.
In a Facebook post, East Hampton officials attributed the quake to "Moodus Noises," geological activity that occurs in the area south of the Salmon River they said has been happening for centuries.
"After checking the area of the south end of the town and having no specific reports of issues or problems at this time, we, too, attribute the situation to the 'Moodus Noises,'" the post said.
The post said the "noise and shaking" occurred a little before 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Robert Thorson, an earth sciences professor at the University of Connecticut, said booms, rumblings and rattling have been recorded in the East Hampton area, including the nearby village of Moodus, for centuries, dating back well before a larger earthquake, recorded on May 16, 1791, knocked down stone walls and chimneys.
In fact, Moodus is short for “Machimoodus” or “Mackimoodus,” which means “place of bad noises” in the Algonquian dialects once spoken in the area. A local high school has even nicknamed their teams “The Noises,” in honor of that history.
The occurrences were frequent enough that the federal government, worried about the possible effect of seismic activity on the nearby, now-decommissioned Haddam Neck Nuclear Power Plant, conducted a study of the “Moodus Noises” in the late 1980s, Thorson said.
What they found was that the noises were the result of small but unusually shallow seismic displacements within an unusually strong and brittle crust, where the sound is amplified by rock fractures and topography, he said.
“There is something about Moodus that is tectonic that is creating these noises there,” Thorson said. “And then there is something acoustic that is amplifying or modifying the noises and we don’t really have a good answer for the cause of either.”
Thorson said there could be a series of underground fractures or hollows in the area that help amplify the sounds made by pressure on the crust.
“That’s going to create crunching noises,” he said. “You know what this is like when you hear ice cubes break.”
It doesn’t mean the area is in danger of a big quake, he said.
“Rift faults that we used to have here (millions of years ago) are gone,” he said. “We replaced that with a compressional stress.”
That stress, he said, has led to the crunching and occasional bangs and small quakes associated with the “Moodus Noises.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The Connecticut River is a magical place in the fall, and the autumn epicenter might just be where the majestic Gillette Castle proudly protrudes from a leafy hilltop in East Haddam. The medieval-looking marvel and the state park that bears its name are reason enough for a visit, but there's plenty more to do, and places to eat, shop and even stay in the area to make it a full day trip, an overnight or a long weekend. Scroll down to find out the best of what Gillette Castle State Park and the surrounding area has to offer.Find more au...
The Connecticut River is a magical place in the fall, and the autumn epicenter might just be where the majestic Gillette Castle proudly protrudes from a leafy hilltop in East Haddam. The medieval-looking marvel and the state park that bears its name are reason enough for a visit, but there's plenty more to do, and places to eat, shop and even stay in the area to make it a full day trip, an overnight or a long weekend. Scroll down to find out the best of what Gillette Castle State Park and the surrounding area has to offer.
Find more autumn adventures at these Connecticut state parks and surrounding areas: Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury, and Hidden Valley Preserve in Washington.
Topper photos, clockwise from top left: One of our state's most spectacular structures, Gillette Castle is even more magical amid the colors of autumn. Courtesy of the Friends of Gillette Castle State ParkGillette Castle Courtesy of the CT Department of TourismThe Goodspeed Opera House Yinga Cai/ShutterstockBrushmill by the Waterfall Frank Dinardi
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Taking to the Connecticut River via the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, aka Selden III, is a beloved way of enjoying fall foliage. The vessel, which turns 75 in 2024, runs April 1 through Nov. 30, providing ample opportunities to hop aboard and check out the kaleidoscope of colors reflecting off the water.
There’s something else, too. Up on a clifftop, a castle lures with the promise of even more spectacular views. This is Gillette Castle, former home to actor William Gillette of Sherlock Holmes fame.
After five years of construction, Gillette completed the castle, named the Seventh Sister estate, in 1919. Renovations continued through 1926. Though tours inside the castle concluded for the season in September, make a mental note for a return after it reopens on May 27, as seeing Gillette’s unique designs (the castle doors are remarkable works of art and engineering) gives excellent insight into the Hartford native’s imagination.
The state purchased the 122-acre property in 1943 and opened it to the public as Gillette Castle State Park the following year. The drive to the park is lush with trees. Near the park entrance are many spots for lingering, including a lily pond.
Drawing closer to the castle, it’s possible to spy remnants of Gillette’s 3-mile-long, narrow-gauge railroad. Nearby, the railroad’s “Grand Central Station” is still a gathering place. The railroad’s route has lent itself to some excellent walking trails, along with some paths Gillette created that feature wooden trestles and stone-arch bridges. Two hikes to consider include a 2.2-mile easy loop leading to a river cove just right for skipping stones. There’s also a .6-mile quick jaunt during which one encounters a rock wall with a tunnel.
Stroll to the cliff’s edge to take in the fall’s magnificence reflected on the Connecticut River below. Cutting its way across the gold and russets along the water — the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry.
Phone: 860-526-2336
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The Salmon River deserves some admiration, too, and Machimoodus is a great park for taking in its glory. A trio of ponds shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The 300-acre park has two recommended trails; one even lends itself to horseback riding. While taking in the colorful foliage, one might just spy an eagle or two in this popular birding area.
Phone: 860-526-2336
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Visit the 860-acre park’s official website, and these words will spur a hike, “Chapman Falls drops more than sixty feet over a series of steps in a Scotland Schist stone formation.” Who can resist a trek to a waterfall? Especially one where pothole formations were once believed to be the work of a cranky devil.
Phone: 860-526-2336
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Even the parking lot of this restaurant is picturesque. Trees sprinkle a colorful path of leaves en route to a bridge. Cross the bridge, and the presence of the waterfall will soon make itself known. As wonderful as it is to bask in the outdoor ambiance, there are fall vibes indoors, as well. Homage is paid to the venue’s past with décor relaying the story of its history as a brushmill. Warming hands and hearts is a stone fireplace. In the kitchen, chef Joseph Roberto and chef de cuisine Adam Boyd are creating dishes with local farm ingredients. An autumnal entrée to order: the oven-roasted half-chicken with corn miso, guajillo sauce, jalapeño escabeche and queso-stuffed corno di toro peppers.
Phone: 860-526-9898
This East Haddam coffee shop is fun, funky and has art displays and live music. Plus, the coffee, pastries and soups hit the spot.
Phone: 860-615-6112
A young lass named Maddie cooks up family breakfast and lunch specialties that have earned fans since the café’s 1934 opening. Craving a vegan breakfast burrito? You’re in luck. Also try a Happy Drink made with black cherry seltzer and a splash of cranberry black cherry juice.
Phone: 860-526-4122
Standing out from nature’s red, orange and yellow leaves are the bright blues and green of this charming café that lets its stance on peace and inclusivity be known right off the bat. The breakfast and lunch menus are a tip of the hat to the resident cats (give them a “meow” while there). One item to consider: the grilled chicken Et Tu Bruno wrap.
Phone: 860-891-8446
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Referring to Pandemonium as merely a thrift shop feels erroneous. After all, the massive, well-stocked shop has a charitable mission to help exotic animals. A favorite haunt here is Ella’s. Grab coffee and a snack from this small café to enjoy in the adjoining brick-walled library. One of the resident cats (they’re all named after rock stars) might just join you in this endeavor. Live music might also be underway. Explore the building, where everything from ephemera to vintage clothing awaits.
Phone: 860-767-2889
Lovers of acoustic instruments will find it easy to get lost amongst this collection of guitars, bass guitars, mandolins, banjos and ukuleles. There are even some museum items that aren’t for sale.
Phone: 203-458-8353
Fashion is at the forefront of this boutique that carries men’s and women’s clothing, along with jeans, specialty beauty items and candles. Just right for fall is the Gravenstein Apple & Clove handcrafted bar soap from Three Sisters Apothecary.
Phone: 480-335-4171
Glass artist Rob Wallace has garnered fans in Connecticut with his work that has been found in Lyme’s Arch One Glass, as well as The Space in Chester. He’s just opened his own spot, where his freeform glasswork is available. He’s also offering classes. Wallace is also showcasing artisans he collaborates with, including an animal driftwood artist, metal sculptor, oil painter and stone specialist.
Phone: 860-575-5033
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If you time it right, you can catch a show after leaving the castle property of William Gillette, one of Connecticut’s great thespians of yesteryear. In fact, you’ll pass right by the majestic Goodspeed Opera House just over the swing bridge as you make your way to and from the castle. In store at the Goodspeed is The 12 through Oct. 29. Currently playing a short distance away at the Goodspeed’s sister theater in Chester, The Terris, is Private Jones, which runs through Nov. 5.
Phone: 860-873-8668
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When exploring accommodation options, someplace in the woods seems in keeping with a fall-foliage outing. This one fits the bill. Located in Moodus, this 86-acre campground features 45 cabins that take full advantage of the wooded views. There’s a small dog park for off-leash time. A one-mile nature path meanders through the property. Promised: leaves aplenty!
Drive up to this 1854-built, Federal-style inn, and a sigh escapes. All the trappings for a getaway are present, especially in outdoor seating areas that call for canoodling. Seven rooms are available for booking. A highlight is the daily breakfast.
Phone: 860-526-2014
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Seismologists with the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 1.7 magnitude earthquake in East Hampton during morning rush hour Thursday.|Updated Fri, Mar 8, 2024 at 6:19 am ETEAST HAMPTON, CT — The U.S. Geological Survey has confirmed the noise you heard and the rumbling you felt just before 9 a.m. Thursday was, indeed, an earthquake.Town officials took to ...
|Updated Fri, Mar 8, 2024 at 6:19 am ET
EAST HAMPTON, CT — The U.S. Geological Survey has confirmed the noise you heard and the rumbling you felt just before 9 a.m. Thursday was, indeed, an earthquake.
Town officials took to social media to point their fingers at "Moodus noises," but the seismologists at the USGS were able to hang some numbers on the rumblings.
The scientists tracked the epicenter of the 1.7 magnitude earthquake to 2 kilometers, or about 1.24 miles, east of the center of town.
"Micro-earthquakes" that small are not usually felt, according to USGS, but there are millions of them recorded each year on seismographs.
The thunderings and crashings that seem to originate somewhere around Mount Tom, located in what is now Machimoodus (Algonquian dialect, "place of bad noises") State Park, have been rattling teacups for centuries. The Native Americans attributed the noises to a god named Hobbamock, while many of the European colonists who followed later chalked the ruckus up to the Devil.
See also: UConn Student Dies After Fall
Is It Over?
According to The Northeast States Emergency Consortium, Moodus earthquakes tend to be concentrated in swarms, when many small events are heard and felt over the course of several weeks or months.
During the 1980s, several earthquake swarms rattled Moodus, each lasting a few months, and all consisting of more than 100 small quakes.
Occasionally, the ground beneath Connecticut may not be the source of the quake, but the state will still shake down pretty well. In 2019, seismologists recorded a 4.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Ocean City, MD, but the effects of it were felt widespread, including Connecticut.
This area of the state is known for its seismic activity and noises.Credit: AP Photo/Pat Eaton-RobbMachimooodus State Park, in Moodus, Conn. after an earthquake hit East Hampton on 3/6/24. Seismic sounds have been reported in the area for centuries.EAST HAMPTON, Conn. — A 1.7 magnitude earthquake was detected about a mile outside of East Hampton on March 6, the U.S. Geological Survey reported....
This area of the state is known for its seismic activity and noises.
Credit: AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb
Machimooodus State Park, in Moodus, Conn. after an earthquake hit East Hampton on 3/6/24. Seismic sounds have been reported in the area for centuries.
EAST HAMPTON, Conn. — A 1.7 magnitude earthquake was detected about a mile outside of East Hampton on March 6, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
There were no reports of damage or injuries caused by the earthquake, which occurred at approximately 1:24 p.m. east of the town. The earthquake was the state’s first since one registered 1.2 on the Richter Scale on Oct. 15, 2022, less than a mile southwest of Stamford.
“It was like a sonic boom,” East Hampton resident Donna Lindstrom told the Associated Press. “It was a real short jolt and loud. It felt deep, deep, deep.”
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According to experts, earthquakes registering less than 3.0 magnitude cannot be felt by people. Only eight quakes of any size have been reported in the state over the past five years, the largest registering 2.2 magnitude in 2020.
Throughout the centuries, however, small seismic activity has often been heard in this area.
Connecticut’s largest recorded earthquake happened on May 16, 1791, in Moodus, a village in the town of East Haddam, fewer than 10 miles from East Hampton. Two quakes struck Moodus that day, knocking down stone walls and chimneys and damaging homes. History has it that the shocks could be felt as far north as Boston and as far south as New York City.
Native Americans named the village of Moodus as Machimoodus or Mackimoodus, meaning “place of bad noises” in the Algonquian language once spoken in the region. Today, the nearby Nathan Hale-Ray High School nicknames their athletic teams “The Noises”, to commemorate local history.
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UConn Earth Sciences Professor Robert Thorson told the Associated Press that small but untypically shallow seismic displacements within an unusually strong, brittle crust cause the bangs and rumblings. The sound is amplified by rock fractures and topography.
“There is something about Moodus that is tectonic that is creating these noises there, and then there is something acoustic that is amplifying or modifying the noises, and we don’t really have a good answer for the cause either,” Thorson said, noting that the phenomenon creates “crunching noises.”
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Thorson said the region is not in danger of a larger, catastrophic quake, as the rift faults that were present millions of years ago have been replaced with compressional stress, leading to the infamous “Moodus Noises.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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