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 Chester Museum at The Mill in Chester, 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 Chester, 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 George Carini Preserve in Chester, 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 The Brushmill by the Waterfall or visit Old Cemetery, 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 Chester, 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 Chester, 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 Chester, 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.
Chester's WPCA reviewed pump costs, a $247,000 fund balance and sewer plans for Water Street and Middlesex Avenue projects.CHESTER, CT — The Chester Water Pollution Control Authority is preparing its 2026-27 budget after reviewing higher-than-expected pump replacement costs, a fund balance of about $247,000 and plans to purchase additional backup equipment.The authority also reviewed sewer plans for developments at 9 Water St. and 47 Middlesex Ave. during its Aug. 18 meeting. A public hearing on the proposed WPCA budget...
CHESTER, CT — The Chester Water Pollution Control Authority is preparing its 2026-27 budget after reviewing higher-than-expected pump replacement costs, a fund balance of about $247,000 and plans to purchase additional backup equipment.
The authority also reviewed sewer plans for developments at 9 Water St. and 47 Middlesex Ave. during its Aug. 18 meeting. A public hearing on the proposed WPCA budget is scheduled for Sept. 15.
Chairman Ed Meehan reviewed the current WPCA budget and reported that pump replacement work and related expenses have totaled approximately $28,000.
Those expenses include the pump, electrical work, transducers, soft-start costs, engineering and system reprogramming. The capital account, originally budgeted at $10,000, has reached approximately $14,000.
Winn River also performed spring cleaning and cleaned the wet well when a T connection was installed, at a cost of about $3,500 per visit.
The authority is questioning a separate invoice from R.H. White for re-plumbing the T connection. The original quote was $4,800, but the invoice totaled $6,200. Meehan plans to seek clarification about charges for equipment, trucks, labor and materials before the bill is paid.
Despite those expenses, operations and maintenance spending was approximately $13,000 compared with a budget of $16,440, with surpluses in several accounts available to absorb some of the pump costs.
Members also agreed it would be beneficial to purchase a spare pump and motor because the previous backup equipment has been put into service. The estimated cost is $15,000 to $16,000. Meehan plans to obtain quotes and include the purchase in next year's capital budget.
The authority reported that revenue from equivalent dwelling units, or EDUs, was approximately $3,000 above budget, while interest and investment earnings totaled about $8,000.
The WPCA's fund balance is approximately $247,000, compared with the $215,000 estimated in the 2025 budget. Members discussed maintaining the capital nonrecurring fund and noted that some budget accounts, including telephone, tax collection and information technology and data processing, may need increases.
Connecticut Water has been asked to provide usage data covering October 2025 through August 2026. That information will be used to determine EDU rates. No significant change in the number of EDUs is expected, according to the minutes.
The authority has historically spent little of the $6,000 budgeted for shared sewer capital expenses with Deep River. Pete Lewis will be asked to provide anticipated improvements over the next five years.
Meehan will prepare a draft budget for discussion at the September meeting, with the public hearing scheduled for Sept. 15.
The WPCA also reviewed sewer arrangements for a project at 9 Water St.
The development is expected to pay approximately $7,200 in Assessment of Benefit fees. The authority agreed to waive a $2,000 tie-in fee.
The developer has agreed to pay for a Y connection. If the neighboring property, identified in the minutes as the bookstore, connects to the system later, it would be required to reimburse the developer. A contractor estimated that costs associated with the connection could total several hundred thousand dollars.
The owner of 2 N. Main St. may also seek to connect to the system to facilitate converting a barn into an office or accessory dwelling unit, according to the minutes.
The authority also discussed the development at 47 Middlesex Ave. Member Sam Chorches recused himself from that portion of the meeting.
According to the minutes, the developers prevailed in court and a 20-day appeal period was still underway. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously approved a special permit subject to multiple conditions, including WPCA approval.
The WPCA has previously indicated that the project should use a force-main system rather than a gravity system.
Benesch Engineering has been working with local civil and environmental engineering consultants Jacobson & Associates to determine an appropriate system, which will have to be shown to meet applicable requirements. Authority members recommended conducting a hydraulic analysis to determine whether the existing force main can accommodate the additional flows.
The developer will be responsible for Jacobson's costs.
The minutes also note that property owners on Gilbert Hill could potentially seek connections because they are within the Green Zone and a manhole is located across from Gilbert Hill.
With the appeal period still open, however, the WPCA reported that it remains on "stand by" regarding the project.
Meehan also reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a small coffee roasting shop in the Colt Building at 45-47 Main St.
The Health Department raised the question of whether the business would need a grease separator. Because the operation is not expected to produce significant fats or grease, officials determined that a separator is not currently necessary. The requirement could be reconsidered if the menu or use changes.
The WPCA budgets $4,000 annually for fats, oils and grease inspections, which is paid to Jacobson rather than the Health District.
The authority unanimously approved its July 21 meeting minutes and adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Connecticut's countryside holds small towns where you can slow down and skip the crowds. Cornwall sits in the Berkshire foothills with more than half its land kept as forest. Canterbury sits in the eastern "Quiet Corner" with barely 5,200 residents. Kent opens onto waterfalls and covered bridges along the Housatonic River. Putnam fills its old mill blocks with antique shops and a riverside trail. These 10 towns reward a slow weekend well away from the tourist rush.More Connecticut Towns Worth The Drive...
Connecticut's countryside holds small towns where you can slow down and skip the crowds. Cornwall sits in the Berkshire foothills with more than half its land kept as forest. Canterbury sits in the eastern "Quiet Corner" with barely 5,200 residents. Kent opens onto waterfalls and covered bridges along the Housatonic River. Putnam fills its old mill blocks with antique shops and a riverside trail. These 10 towns reward a slow weekend well away from the tourist rush.
More Connecticut Towns Worth The Drive
Willimantic is known as "Thread City" because it used to be site of several major textile mills belonging to the American Thread Company. Today, Willimantic preserves its history with its notable collection of Victorian-era buildings and museums in its Prospect Hill district, including the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum and the Windham Textile and History Museum, featuring antique sewing machines and recreations of worker housing complexes.
Another main attraction is Thread City Crossing, a.k.a. "Frog Bridge." Four bronze frogs perched on giant thread spools stand right above the Willimantic River, a tribute to the bizarre "Battle of the Frogs" from the 1750s, when residents of nearby Windham went into a panic over strange nighttime noises that turned out to be bullfrogs. Visitors can learn even more about this Windham County suburb at the Mural Trail, which portrays key events from Willimantic's history, and the 1906 Willimantic Footbridge, closed to foot traffic in 2025 for repairs, is billed as the only footbridge east of the Mississippi to span a river, railroad tracks, and a roadway while linking two state highways.
Putnam is an antique lover's dream. Visitors can dig through relics from more than 130 dealers at the Antique Marketplace, which displays pottery, glassware, furniture, jewelry, artwork, books, and more from the 18th to the 20th century across three full floors of booths. Just a short walk away lies the Bradley Playhouse, a former vaudeville theater hosting a steady schedule of plays throughout the year. Recent productions include "Calendar Girls" and Roald Dahl's "Matilda".
Putnam also puts its literary history on display with the Boxcar Museum, a tribute to Gertrude Chandler Warner, the author of "The Boxcar Children" series. When you're ready to experience the depth of Putnam's rural scenery, the 3-mile Putnam River Trail takes you around the Quinebaug River and through Putnam's famous antique shopping district. For dinner afterwards, many Putnam locals would likely recommend Elizabeth's Farmhouse, a cozy eatery with an outdoor patio known for its steak, burgers, and authentic New England clam chowder.
If you're in the mood for arts and culture, Chester will have your days and nights fully booked. Located along the western bank of the Connecticut River, Chester is filled with offbeat galleries, breweries, and musical venues. Some of the more popular galleries include Lief Nilsson Spring Street Studio, Lori Werner Studio and the aptly-named Chester Gallery. Just up the street you'll find Lark, one of the most eclectic and versatile gift shops in the state.
After you're done shopping, grab a pint at Little House Brewing Company, or take a relaxing ride through Connecticut's history on the colonial-style Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, running since 1769. Local residents like to do their hiking at Cockaponset State Forest, which holds a network of winding trails and wide summit views. Late August is a great time to visit Chester because of the Chester Fair, a massive summer event featuring delicious, locally-made food and wine along with amusement park rides, games, petting zoos, and of course, an epic pie eating contest.
Kent might look like a sleepy town, but its history and lush surroundings are anything but boring. The first stop for visitors is usually Kent Falls State Park, which takes its name from a breathtaking group of waterfalls cascading into the Housatonic River.
A few miles south, the historic Bulls Covered Bridge carries a lane over the Housatonic River, its current 109-foot span built in 1842 on the site of a 1760 crossing that gave the bridge its name. Just up the road lies the 2,300-acre Macedonia Brook State Park, renowned for its incredible views of the Catskill and Taconic Mountains.
Heading into town, the Eric Sloane Museum brings you inside the former studio and antique tool collection of celebrated landscape painter Eric Sloane. Likewise, the Morrison Gallery provides a striking collection of modern art pieces. If you feel like concluding your day with an ice cold IPA or farmhouse ale, drive another fifteen minutes to the highly acclaimed Kent Falls Brewing Company, situated on 52 acres of majestic farmland.
More than 300,000 tourists flock to East Haddam every year in search of Gillette Castle State Park. This medieval-style stone castle overlooks the Connecticut River and is surrounded by wooded gardens visitors can stroll through and camp overnight. Silent film star William Gillette specifically designed the 24-room, 14,000-square-foot mansion to resemble a mind-bending puzzle, with eccentric features like built-in couches, light switches made of carved wood, and a variety of hidden doors and secret passageways.
More natural wonders can be found at the densely wooded Devil's Hopyard State Park, home of Chapman Falls. This 60-foot waterfall plunges into a cluster of rock formations containing deep, mysterious pockets, and local legend says they were made by the Devil himself.
East Haddam's theatrical legacy is also preserved by the Goodspeed Opera House, a Victorian theater built in 1876 that served as the first venue for several major Broadway shows, namely "Annie" and "Shenandoah." Fans of colonial architecture will have just as much fun at the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, where American founding father Nathan Hale worked as a teacher before joining the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War.
Essex presents a host of fascinating attractions, making it particularly ideal for families with young children. The Essex Steam Train takes passengers on a 2.5-hour narrated journey on the Connecticut River Valley in a restored 19th-century locomotive, pointing out important historic sites along the way. Nearby, the Connecticut River Museum chronicles the evolution of shipbuilding with artwork, artifacts, and model ships. Guests can even view a replica of the Turtle, the first submarine used in warfare.
For a taste of elevated New England cuisine, look no further than the legendary Griswold Inn, one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the United States. Built in 1776, the inn also holds one of the largest private maritime art collections in the country, including the largest private collection of works by Antonio Jacobsen along with pieces by Norman Rockwell and James Bard. If you're still hungry for dessert, head down Main Street for the award-winning Chocolate Geeks, world famous for their ginger snap dragees.
Where Main Street Still Steals The Show
Sitting in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, Cornwall is known as the "greenest town in Connecticut." Almost half of the town is covered by state forests or protected by conservation easements. Mohawk State Forest is known for its sweeping summit views and challenging hiking trails, much like the nearby Housatonic State Forest, which provides fantastic views of the Housatonic River Valley via the Pine Knob Loop Trail. Another popular spot for photos is the West Cornwall Covered Bridge, a 172-foot wooden bridge built in 1864 that remains fully operable.
Cornwall's town also attracts visitors with its plentiful concentration of independently owned businesses like The Wish House, which sells clothing, furniture, houseware, and gifts made by craftsmen all over the world. If you work up an appetite during your shopping, RSVP French Cuisine offers an intriguing menu of French-inspired cuisine in an intimate, rustic space.
Canterbury is a village of just over 5,200 people located in the eastern Connecticut countryside, a.k.a. the state's "Quiet Corner." Visitors will immediately notice the abundance of antique buildings with colonial-era architecture, many of which have been turned into private museums. The Prudence Crandall Museum, for example, is located in the building that once served as the first school for African-American girls in the United States. Automobile enthusiasts would be wise to check out Canterbury's Haul of Fame Trucking Museum, where they can peruse hundreds of vintage trucks, tractors, cars, and fire engines.
Canterbury is also known for its active agricultural community, giving travelers plenty of local farms and culinary establishments to visit like Wicked Cow, a family-owned ice cream shop offering more than 30 flavors to choose from. Visitors who want to take full advantage of Canterbury's scenic location might consider hiking or even camping at Kinne Preserve, a 28-acre wooded property with a relaxing, family-friendly trail.
Winsted is the original hometown of former presidential hopeful Ralph Nader, who honored his roots by creating the American Museum of Tort Law, the only museum in the country devoted exclusively to civil justice. Just a short walk away lies the American Mural Project, an indoor mural measuring 120 feet in length and five stories in height. One of the largest indoor collaborative art projects in the country, the American Mural Project provides a visual history through the lens of American workers from different industries such as medicine, mining, farming, construction, and ironwork.
After hitting these landmarks, visitors often head to Little Red Barn Brewers for one of their signature small batch IPAs. With rotating food trucks, live music, and trivia nights, the brewery is a popular weekend spot. For a real sit-down dinner, simply continue down Main Street and grab a nice juicy steak at The Tributary before capping the night off with an ice cream cone at the Railway Cafe.
Woodstock's village green is a marvel to behold, surrounded by pristine white churches and vintage New England-style homes. At the center lies Roseland Cottage, a coral pink Gothic Revival house featuring original Victorian interiors and, interestingly enough, one of the oldest indoor bowling alleys in the United States. Another top attraction is Chris Mark Castle, an 18,000 square-foot medieval fortress built in 2010 combining luxurious modern amenities with antique finishes and intricate wrought-iron gates, windows, and staircases. Although it is a private residence and not directly open for public visits, those interested can apply for a visit through the website. For a more peaceful daytime hangout, head to Woodstock Orchards for seasonal apple picking and fresh cider donuts.
Finally, Woodstock has hosted the Woodstock Fair during Labor Day weekend since 1858. Spanning five days, the fair features an array of livestock and agricultural shows along with rides, games, and live performances from platinum-selling artists like Trace Adkins!
The Quirkiest Towns In ConnecticutThose who venture into these unique towns will find themselves immersed in an experience unlike any other.
These 10 towns expose a side of Connecticut beyond its traditional reputation. They may be small and remote, but their historical legacies and hiking trails rival the most well-known tourist attractions in the state. So, when you're planning your next trip across Connecticut, make sure to explore the countryside, where old world architecture, quiet suburban charm, and other nostalgic relics of our country's past are still alive and well.
Some Connecticut towns are worth a whole trip on the strength of a single thing they do better than anywhere else in the state. A few keep a working maritime tradition alive instead of putting it in a display case. Others build their entire late-summer identity around one weekend on the fairgrounds. The towns on this list earn the "can't-miss" label not because they check every box, but because each one commits fully to what it is best at. That focus is what makes a day in any of these seven feel like the point of the trip rather t...
Some Connecticut towns are worth a whole trip on the strength of a single thing they do better than anywhere else in the state. A few keep a working maritime tradition alive instead of putting it in a display case. Others build their entire late-summer identity around one weekend on the fairgrounds. The towns on this list earn the "can't-miss" label not because they check every box, but because each one commits fully to what it is best at. That focus is what makes a day in any of these seven feel like the point of the trip rather than a stop along the way.
Where Connecticut's Small-Town Charm Really Lives
Every year around Memorial Day weekend, Westport turns its downtown over to the Westport Fine Arts Festival. Main Street and Elm Street fill with juried work from more than 150 painters, photographers, sculptors, and glass and ceramic artists, and the pieces are there to buy. The festival is free, and many of the artists stand with their own booths, so a conversation about a painting often happens with the person who made it.
The town keeps its arts calendar going the rest of the year too. The Westport Country Playhouse, running since 1931, stages a season that mixes drama and comedy. In the warm months, the Levitt Pavilion runs an outdoor series of live music, dance, and theater along the Saugatuck River, much of it free to the public.
Madison sits on the Long Island Sound shoreline within easy reach of Hartford, and its centerpiece is Hammonasset Beach State Park. This is the state's largest shoreline park, with two miles of sand, a boat launch, and more than 550 campsites for anyone who wants to stay the night. Inside the park, the Meigs Point Nature Center runs a saltwater touch tank and live animal programs where children can meet the local reptiles and shore birds up close.
A few minutes inland, RJ Julia Booksellers has anchored downtown for decades and ranks among New England's best-known independent bookstores. The shelves run deep across fiction, children's books, and local writing, and the shop hosts a steady schedule of author events. It is an easy place to lose an hour before or after the beach.
Essex grew up on shipbuilding and the railroad, and it still trades on both. Sitting on the banks of the Connecticut River, the town runs the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, which pairs a vintage rail trip with a cruise on the river so you see the valley by land and by water on one ticket. Back in the village, the Connecticut River Museum walks through the region's shipbuilding and maritime past, including a replica of the first American submarine.
In June, Essex hosts the Connecticut Sea Music Festival, a family-friendly weekend of traditional maritime music spread across the town green, local churches, and the river museum. Daytime workshops and concerts are free, with ticketed evening shows and sails on the Connecticut River rounding out the schedule.
At the end of August, Chester throws one of the area's biggest weekends with the Chester Fair, a late-summer agricultural fair packed with livestock competitions, tractor pulls, midway rides, and food booths. It is a fixture of the local calendar and a last hurrah for kids before school starts. The town lies just north of Essex along Route 148.
Outside fair weekend, Chester stays busy. The Terris Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals' second stage, develops and premieres new musicals a short walk from the village center. And a couple of miles out on Turkey Hill Road, Chakana Sky Alpacas opens its small herd to visitors by appointment, so families can book a guided farm tour and meet the animals.
Mystic has held onto its seafaring identity better than almost anywhere on the coast. At the Mystic Seaport Museum, you can board preserved 19th-century ships and walk through a recreated coastal village staffed by costumed interpreters. Just up the road, the Mystic Aquarium keeps the region's only beluga whales, alongside sand tiger sharks, African penguins, and a saltwater touch pool.
Shopping in Mystic has a period feel of its own at Olde Mistick Village. The open-air center is laid out to resemble a 1720s New England town, and its walkways are lined with boutiques and specialty shops where you can pick up a souvenir from the visit.
Washington is the town where Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino stayed when she dreamed up the fictional Stars Hollow, and fans still make the trip to see the place that sparked the show. The real draw, though, is the landscape. Steep Rock Preserve carries hikers across a suspension bridge and through an old rail tunnel on trails that turn brilliant in autumn when the fall foliage comes in. For a quieter kind of green, the Hollister House Garden lays out formal hedges and flower borders along winding paths.
Downtown rewards a slow browse as well. The Hickory Stick Bookshop has served Washington Depot readers for decades, and its deep, well-curated shelves make it easy to walk out with an armful, Rory Gilmore style.
Up in the Quiet Corner, Woodstock spreads across rolling farmland dotted with vineyards and historic homes. Taylor Brooke Winery pours its estate-grown wines from a tasting room and covered pavilion overlooking the vines on a 44-acre farm, with a sister brewery just down the hill. For a walk in the open air, Roseland Park runs paths along Roseland Lake, with a playground for children and a gazebo set out over the water.
Woodstock also caps the summer with the Woodstock Fair, one of the oldest and largest agricultural fairs in the state. Held over Labor Day weekend, it fills the fairgrounds with livestock shows, concerts, a midway, and competitions that draw crowds from across northeastern Connecticut and beyond.
Main Streets Still Doing the Job They Were Built For
What ties these towns together is how differently each one spends a visitor's afternoon. Essex and Mystic lean on the water and the maritime trades that built them, Chester and Woodstock save their biggest energy for the late-summer fairs, and Washington and Westport turn toward gardens, theater, and the arts. Madison sits comfortably between the two, part shoreline, part bookshop town. Pick the one that matches the day you want, and the rest keep well for the next trip.
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