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 Main Street Historic District in Cromwell, 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 Cromwell, 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.
“I am so grateful to everyone at Always Best Care. The Care Givers treated my”
“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”
“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 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.”
“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...”
“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.”
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 Pierson Park in Cromwell, 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 Cafe Fiore - Cromwell or visit Sage-Kirby House, 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 Cromwell, 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 Cromwell, 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
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More than 100 school bus drivers in Connecticut could go on strike starting Monday morning, with the potential to upend student pickups and drop-offs at multiple school districts.Here's what families need to know about the looming strike.What's happening?An Oct. 6 school bus workers strike hinges on contract negotiations between Teamsters Local 671, the union representing more than 100 bus drivers and monitors in the Cromwell and Middletown school districts, and their employer, DATTCO.The union agreed to continu...
More than 100 school bus drivers in Connecticut could go on strike starting Monday morning, with the potential to upend student pickups and drop-offs at multiple school districts.
Here's what families need to know about the looming strike.
An Oct. 6 school bus workers strike hinges on contract negotiations between Teamsters Local 671, the union representing more than 100 bus drivers and monitors in the Cromwell and Middletown school districts, and their employer, DATTCO.
The union agreed to continue negotiations with DATTCO until Sunday, Oct. 5.
"Teamsters Local 671 awaits DATTCO’s last, best and final offer to Middletown and Cromwell school bus workers, after having agreed to contract extensions for the third – and final – time," union officials said in a news release Oct. 1.
About 110 school bus drivers and monitors in the Cromwell and Middletown school districts would go on strike.
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Because the picket line could extend to five more bus yards — where the union represents about 70 drivers in East Hartford, 45 in Bloomfield, 15 in Coventry, 12 in Hebron and 40 in Windsor — about 292 bus workers in total could participate in the strike or honor the picket line and not work.
That could impact multiple school districts.
Some school district officials have already warned families that the strike could cause disruptions.
So far, the Middletown, Cromwell and East Hartford school districts have all said the strike could jeopardize school transportation.
East Hartford Public Schools drivers approved a new contract on Oct. 1, but they, and drivers in other towns, could still walk off the job in the coming week in solidarity with the Middletown and Cromwell drivers and monitors.
Districts have acknowledged that finding alternative school transportation would be difficult, and officials in Cromwell and East Hartford told families they were working on plans for accommodating early drop-offs and late pickups at the schools. Middletown is also working to develop contingency plans that could be implemented if a strike occurs, the district said.
Families in districts where the picket line may be extended should check with their local district to see how they may be affected.
Ahead of the strike, here are a few options to keep in mind, based on some of the district-issued guidance.
The union agreed to a contract extension with DATTCO until Oct. 5 at midnight.
If a contract agreement isn't reached, the Middletown and Cromwell school bus drivers and monitors would go on strike starting Monday, Oct. 6, from 5:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., according to union officials.
This would take place at the DATTCO bus yard at 131 Tuttle Road in Middletown.
Natasha Sokoloff is a reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group covering education across the state. She reports on both K-12 schools and higher education, from federal and state policy impacts to inequities and other issues in Connecticut schools. She is originally from Southern California and graduated from the University of Richmond with a double major in journalism and leadership studies. Natasha previously covered the Farmington Valley area and has experience covering local news, public affairs and politics, art, education and social justice issues.
Families across several central Connecticut school districts may have to brainstorm back-up plans for the school commute this week due to a looming school bus workers strike that could extend to seven towns.More than 100 school bus drivers and monitors in the Cromwell and Middletown school districts plan to go on strike on Oct. 1, so the districts are bracing for potential interruptions to students' transportation. In Cromwell, district officials have begun warning families of the impending strike."Such a strike would sign...
Families across several central Connecticut school districts may have to brainstorm back-up plans for the school commute this week due to a looming school bus workers strike that could extend to seven towns.
More than 100 school bus drivers and monitors in the Cromwell and Middletown school districts plan to go on strike on Oct. 1, so the districts are bracing for potential interruptions to students' transportation. In Cromwell, district officials have begun warning families of the impending strike.
"Such a strike would significantly disrupt transportation services for our students and create hardships for many of our families," Cromwell Public Schools Superintendent Enza Macri wrote in a Sept. 25 letter to families.
The plan to strike comes as the drivers and monitors' union, Teamsters Local 671, and their employer, New Britain-based DATTCO, have yet to reach a contract agreement since the workers' previous contract expired in July.
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"The company has decided to put profits over the well-being of the essential workers transporting students to and from school every day," union officials said in a Sept. 24 announcement. Teamsters officials said in the news release that "school bus workers in Middletown and Cromwell have been left with no choice by DATTCO but to strike" if their employer still does not accept the union's proposed contract terms.
Those aren't the only Connecticut school districts that could be affected should the strike happen.
The union will extend the picket line to five more DATTCO bus yards, including in Bloomfield, East Hartford, Windsor, Coventry, and Hebron, according to the news release. "Teamsters have the legal right to honor the picket line and not go to work," Teamsters officials said in the release.
In addition to the approximately 110 bus drivers and monitors in Middletown and Cromwell, Teamsters represents about 70 drivers in East Hartford, 45 in Bloomfield, 15 in Coventry, 12 in Hebron and 40 in Windsor, according to union officials. That brings the total number of bus workers that could participate in the strike or honor the picket line and not work to 292.
And as the planned Oct. 1 strike date approaches, the school districts served by those seven bus yards are caught in the middle.
"We are not part of the negotiation process between DATTCO and the Teamsters, and regret that a dispute between those parties is jeopardizing our ability to transport all students on a daily basis," according to a statement from Middletown Public Schools. "It is our hope that before the impending strike date, both parties can come to a mutual agreement that will not impact student learning, nor will create further barriers to families in our school community."
A spokesperson for the Middletown school district could not provide further information regarding if the district will have any alternative transportation methods in place.
The other school districts served by bus yards where the picket line may be extended did not respond to CT Insider requests for comment.
In recent messages to families, Cromwell Public Schools and East Hartford Public schools officials have also noted that the districts have no role in the negotiation process, as the bus drivers are employees of DATTCO and not the district.
"While we are hopeful both parties will come to an agreement in the best interests of our students, we must also prepare for the possibility of a strike disrupting bus transportation services and creating a challenge for many families," East Hartford Superintendent Thomas Anderson wrote in a Friday letter to district families. "We are actively exploring opportunities to minimize the effects of this potential strike. However, due to the short timeline, arranging transportation with other providers may not be possible."
In addition to Middletown and Cromwell, the Teamsters and DATTCO have been negotiating new contracts for bus drivers in the Bloomfield and East Hartford school districts, which also expired on July 1. It's possible the Teamsters in Bloomfield and East Hartford, who are still working under their old deals, could vote on their own strike as well, according to union officials.
In the Friday letter, Anderson recommended that East Hartford families should create a plan for how to get their students to and from school in the event of a strike, listing options like carpooling, walking and biking, as the district continued to monitor the situation and explore options. "We understand the inconvenience this situation may cause and will do everything we can to support our families during this time," he wrote.
In Cromwell, the strike may impact the district's ability to provide bus transportation, including for athletic trips and late buses, according to the superintendent's letter.
"We are actively exploring every possible option to reduce disruption and maintain reliable transportation," Macri wrote. "Because of the short timeline, arranging alternate transportation with other providers will be very challenging. Therefore, we want to give families as much notice as possible so that you can begin to prepare contingency plans."
If the strike happens, Cromwell Public Schools will open schools earlier and keep them open later to help accommodate family drop-off and pick-up, according to Macri's letter.
Similarly, East Hartford Public Schools was also working to accommodate early drop-offs and late pick-ups at the schools, according to the Sept. 26 letter. Anderson also said that absences and tardies due to disruptions in transportation services will be excused.
The Cromwell school district will also work with local Regional Educational Service Centers and bus companies to explore short-term transportation alternatives, according to the letter. Cromwell students who receive specialized transportation within or outside of the district, as well as students involved in athletics will receive further updates from school officials about the situation and possible changes to game locations or schedules, according to the letter.
In Coventry, one of the towns that the picket line could extend to, the school district dealt with a similar situation in 2023, when M&J Bus Co. drivers represented by the Teamsters went on strike for almost a week. The strike ended after the company and the union representing school bus drivers in town reached an agreement.
Natasha Sokoloff is a reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group covering education across the state. She reports on both K-12 schools and higher education, from federal and state policy impacts to inequities and other issues in Connecticut schools. She is originally from Southern California and graduated from the University of Richmond with a double major in journalism and leadership studies. Natasha previously covered the Farmington Valley area and has experience covering local news, public affairs and politics, art, education and social justice issues.
About 110 school bus drivers and monitors in the Cromwell and Middletown school districts plan to go on strike on Oct. 1, if their employer does not accept their union's proposed contract terms, the union announced Wednesday.The announcement of the strike plan indicates that the drivers' and monitors' union, Teamsters Local 671, and their employer, New Britain-based DATTCO, remain far apart in contract negotiations. Since the workers' previous contract expired on July 1, DATTCO has “consistently presented proposals that fall far...
About 110 school bus drivers and monitors in the Cromwell and Middletown school districts plan to go on strike on Oct. 1, if their employer does not accept their union's proposed contract terms, the union announced Wednesday.
The announcement of the strike plan indicates that the drivers' and monitors' union, Teamsters Local 671, and their employer, New Britain-based DATTCO, remain far apart in contract negotiations. Since the workers' previous contract expired on July 1, DATTCO has “consistently presented proposals that fall far below industry and area standards, showing blatant disrespect for Middletown and Cromwell school bus workers,” Teamsters officials said in a news release on Wednesday.
They also alleged that the company has “continued its attempts to undermine critical provisions regarding union security, subcontracting protections, wage standards, health benefits, retirement security and basic workers’ rights.”
“Our union has submitted our last, best and final offer to DATTCO. This offer represents the minimum standards that our bus drivers, monitors and special transportation drivers deserve and have fought for, and there will be no further negotiations,” Anthony Lepore, principal officer of Teamsters Local 671, said in a statement included in the news release. “We are drawing a line in the sand. We will not agree to substandard terms that diminish the hard-fought gains our members have secured over many years. And we will not allow DATTCO to create a second-class tier of Teamsters in Connecticut. The company now has a clear choice: accept our final offer and move forward with a fair contract, or face the consequences of continued disrespect toward our membership.”
In response to an inquiry from CT Insider, a Teamsters spokesperson said in an email that “no bargaining sessions are scheduled between now and Oct. 1.”
School officials in Cromwell and Middletown said that they were aware of the planned strike.
“We are not part of the negotiation process between DATTCO and the Teamsters, and regret that a dispute between those parties is jeopardizing our ability to transport all students on a daily basis,” Middletown Public Schools officials said in a written statement. “It is our hope that before the impending strike date, both parties can come to a mutual agreement that will not impact student learning, nor will create further barriers to families in our school community.”
Cromwell Superintendent of Schools Enza Macri said in a written statement: “The Cromwell Public Schools are not a party to the contract under negotiation and the DATTCO bus drivers are not Cromwell employees. No matter what issues may arise between DATTCO and its employees, the Board of Education remains steadfast in its position that DATTCO must provide adequate transportation services in accordance with its contract with the district. We appreciate the good work of the Cromwell bus drivers, and a prompt settlement will permit these bus drivers to continue to serve the students and families in Cromwell.”
The Teamsters and DATTCO have also been negotiating new contracts for bus drivers in the Bloomfield and East Hartford school districts, where the union, respectively, represents about 45 and 70 drivers. The previous agreements for the drivers in those two districts, expired on July 1. Like their counterparts in Cromwell and Middletown, they have been working under their old deals, according to Teamsters officials.
Teamsters officials added that if their members go on strike at any DATTCO bus yard — the union also represents DATTCO-employed school bus drivers in Coventry, Hebron and Windsor — then the union will extend the picket line to the five other DATTCO yards, “where Teamsters have the legal right to honor the picket line and not go to work.”
The bus drivers and monitors in Cromwell and Middletown, who work out of the same yard, had previously signaled their willingness to move forward with a work stoppage when they voted Aug. 25 to authorize a strike option.
Paul Schott is a business reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group, writing about the issues affecting small- and medium-sized businesses and large corporations based in Connecticut. He previously covered education for Greenwich Time and general assignments for the Westport News. Paul welcomes readers' ideas and suggestions and strives to cultivate a robust dialogue with Hearst Connecticut Media's audience.
MIDDLETOWN, CT (WFSB) - Middletown and Cromwell bus drivers have reached an agreement with DATTCO to avoid a strike on Monday morning.This agreement came after months of negotiations.According to the Teamsters union, 82% of the drivers voted to approve the new contract which included an increase in wages, benefits, and insurance.“Teamsters fight. Teamsters win. We did this. We did it,” said Angela Caban, Middletown school bus driver.Bus drivers approved a new four-year contact after months of back and ...
MIDDLETOWN, CT (WFSB) - Middletown and Cromwell bus drivers have reached an agreement with DATTCO to avoid a strike on Monday morning.
This agreement came after months of negotiations.
According to the Teamsters union, 82% of the drivers voted to approve the new contract which included an increase in wages, benefits, and insurance.
“Teamsters fight. Teamsters win. We did this. We did it,” said Angela Caban, Middletown school bus driver.
Bus drivers approved a new four-year contact after months of back and forth.
The 110 unionized drivers for the two school districts were arguing for higher pay, retirement security, and union health insurance, which they said was achieved.
“We won this fight, DATTCO didn’t just hand it to us. We won it and we fought it and we finally did it. Everyone is going to benefit, the entire community, all of our kids, it’s a really good feeling,” explained Caban.
She has been driving the same route in Middletown for 15 years.
Caban’s mother, Rebecca Gilbert, has been driving her own route for 20 years.
Both of them were excited by the outcome.
“So happy... I get to see my kids, my families that I’ve already grown to love,” added Gilbert.
The chief operating officer of DATTCO, Kyle Devivo, said the new wages put these drivers closer to what others are paid in the company.
He wrote in a statement, “Our employees provide an essential service to all of the communities that we serve, and while we attempt to be conscious of the quickly rising costs of student transportation that are ultimately paid for by the taxpayers of each community, we are also thrilled to deliver these wages and benefits.”
DATTCO said they hoped this new contract would attract new drivers as they’ve been dealing with a shortage since COVID-19.
“You really have to love being a school bus driver and I think this will definitely bring people in and I can’t wait to see it,” Gilbert said.
The superintendent of Middletown Public Schools released a statement saying they were grateful for the agreement.
“Bus routes will run normally throughout the district, and families will continue to receive the safe, reliable transportation they depend on to get students to and from school each day,” said Dr. Alberto Vázquez Mato, Middletown Schools Superintendent.
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