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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Deep River, CT

Home Care Deep River, CT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Deep River Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Deep River, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Deep River, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”

Babispyce S.
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“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.”

Robin Y.
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“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!”

Jeremy H.
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“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!"”

KEVIN M.
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“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”

Daniel S.
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“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!”

Cathy K.
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“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and a joy to work with.”

Daniel S.
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“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.”

Tracy H.
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“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!”

Anne H.
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“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.”

David L.
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“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.”

John S.
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“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!”

Greg G.
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“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...”

Liam M.
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“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!”

Matt B.
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“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!”

Ann B.
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“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”

Kimberly O.
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“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”

Denise D.
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“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!”

Kaytee S.
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“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.”

Belinda F.
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“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.”

Karel O.
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“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.”

Martin F.
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“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”

Anna T.
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“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.”

Craig F.
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“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.”

Brenda
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“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.”

Heather R.
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“i really like my caregiver, Victor very much. Victor is a very patient and observant aide who knows when I need his help. I knew from the first day meeting him that we would get along very well.”

Johnson L.
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““I want to give a huge thank you for the care that Always Best Care provided over the last year and a half. They started out assisting just my dad since he was wheelchair bound and then began providing care to my mom as well who had advanced dementia. The two ladies that helped them both did an amazing job and gave me the confidence that they were being well cared for since I live on the other side of the country. Up to my dad’s passing, his caregivers were there for him to provide comfort and companionship while managing my mom’s emotions as well during the difficult time my dad had. Being a nurse myself and in the healthcare field for a while, I had high expectations which were exceeded by the caregivers and office staff of Always Best Care.”

harry B.
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“Both of Mom’s caregivers are exceptional. They are always professional, calm and extremely patient with my mom. They know how to keep her calm and to manage her anxiety. My whole family is very grateful, knowing that Mom is getting really competent care, great meals and friendly companionship. Thank you.”

Kathleen F.
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“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.”

Beth F.
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“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”

Sonia T.
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“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.”

Laura
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“They are very caring and easy to deal with. They work with the family and the patient to see that the patient has what is needed for their care. In all we had a good experience with Best Care.”

Elaine G.
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“Our caregiver is the absolute best, you all got lucky finding her.”

Bob G.
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“Anything from Always Best Care is good to have. The care from them has given me my life back. I wasn’t expecting a perfect match on the first caregiver, but Always Best Care did a very good job.”

Claudia B.
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“We have been using the services of ABC for almost three years, and I have worked personally with John, Kristine, Taylor, Michelle and Wilda, as well as the many wonderful caregivers who have attended to my mother’s needs with great care and attention. Throughout this time, my mother’s care needs have changed many times, and they have always been very responsive to any requests, including the directives of the hospice nurses that work in concert with all of them. Taylor and Michelle are incredibly diligent about keeping on top of issues that arise day-to-day, and running their questions and concerns by me. I remain a loyal customer to ABC because I feel that my mother is getting really great care, and will continue to see the warm, friendly faces she has come to know and trust today and every day. At 94 yrs old, my mother is quite dependent on the care providers for almost all her needs, and they always show up and make her feel safe and secure.”

Rachel C.
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“It has been a true pleasure working with you and your organization. You all demonstrate empathy and compassion in caring for frail elderly family members and insure distant families are comforted knowing you are there.”

Steve S.
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“Mom’s caregiver is a part of the family, we absolutely love her!”

Joe L.
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“Always Best Care has done a fantastic job in providing us with at-home care for my step-mother while we prepared for her transition to move permanently to a skilled nursing facility. With their help, she was able to spend a full six months at home before moving. We would not have been able to do it without them. All the caregivers we have met and used have been kind and attentive, frequently going the extra mile, whatever that may be on any given day. The office staff is friendly, empathetic and very diligent in keeping all parties informed of all aspects of day-to-day care. They are knowledgeable, respectful and efficient. I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone who is looking for help in keeping their loved one at home for as long as possible.”

Sarah C.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Deep River, CT?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Deep River, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Deep River, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Deep River, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Deep River, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Deep River Landing with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Deep River, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Landing & Main or visit Deep River Landing, 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.

 In-Home Care Deep River, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Deep River, CT

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Deep River, 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.

 Elderly Care Deep River, CT

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Deep River, CT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Deep River, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Deep River, CT

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Deep River, CT

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:

  • Riverview Lodge Residential Care Home
Home Care Deep River, CT

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.

 In-Home Care Deep River, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

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Concerns Grow Over Delayed Mold Cleanup at John Winthrop Middle School

CHESTER/DEEP RIVER/ESSEX — Board of Education members questioned a timeline that could return students to John Winthrop Middle School as early as January, and expressed frustration with the delay in hiring experts to clean up the mold.Students, staff and teachers from the middle school were all moved to Valley Regional High School in September after mold was di...

CHESTER/DEEP RIVER/ESSEX — Board of Education members questioned a timeline that could return students to John Winthrop Middle School as early as January, and expressed frustration with the delay in hiring experts to clean up the mold.

Students, staff and teachers from the middle school were all moved to Valley Regional High School in September after mold was discovered in the building. An indoor air quality report from the firm EnviroMed Services, Inc. found “significant” levels of mold on surfaces and mold in about 30 percent of the air samples taken in the building.

The district has since been searching for engineering firms to find the source of the mold, and has asked EnviroMed to provide a “cleaning spec,” or a document that will outline what a remediation company would need to do in order to make the building habitable for students.

Region 4 Schools Superintendent Brian White told board members on Monday that he believed John Winthrop Middle School could be ready for students to return to as early as January, but warned this would be an “aggressive” timeline and necessitate contracting a remediation firm with enough staff to do the job quickly.

White said the district had received 12 proposals from project managers and engineering firms interested in working on the project, and that they expected to have a company selected by Nov. 6. White estimated the district would be “well underway” with the analysis and the mold remediation by mid-November.

“Early to mid-December will be for us a decision point in terms of how we want to proceed, specifically if we’re feeling confident that a safe reentry is possible in January,” White said.

But board members expressed skepticism that the students could return to the building within three months.

Board member John Stack criticized EnviroMed for the delay in receiving the cleaning spec.

“I do not get why that spec is taking so unbelievably long,” Stack said. “They’ve had more than enough time to have that in our hands right now.”

Without the cleaning spec, Stack said, the board cannot ask companies for remediation cost estimates. He also said the district should prepare for remediation companies to tour the building as soon as the cleaning spec was finished.

While the cleaning spec is expected to be ready by Nov. 10, other board members said that was too late.

“There’s a certain amount of frustration. I’m sorry about that. I’m sure you feel it too, but we’re in a crisis,” board Chair Kate Sandmann said. “It’s a priority, so everything that can be done to share that urgency with the people we are paying to help us, I think would be appreciated.”

Board member Rick Daniels said he didn’t see how it would be possible to allow students back to John Winthrop in January.

“You’re not going to have all that timeline in place until December and you’re going to expect to get it done in a month — in a little over a month — to get the kids back in school in January? It’s not going to be a quick solution. October’s over,” Daniels said.

Board member Alex Silva asked the district to provide legal analysis from Shipman and Goodwin, the district’s attorneys, about why they needed to go through an extensive remediation project to bring students back into the building.

“It’s just hard for people to quantify why we’re treating the building as if it’s Millstone in a meltdown, to use one phrase,” Silva said. “And I tend to agree. I’m not an expert in this stuff, and I do want to defer to them. But as a jurist here, if you will, the case to me hasn’t necessarily been made that the most conservative approach to this is the right one.”

Board members also discussed renting three units of portable office space for teachers to use for lesson planning and other needs. Finance Director Bob Grissom said the cost would be $10,000 to rent the space, $20,000 for a generator and some additional costs that could bring the total between $45,000 and $50,000. White told the board that the district sent the paperwork to Deep River, which could take up to 30 days to approve the units.

Niki Waz, a Chester Elementary School teacher and president of the Region 4 Education Association, told the board that teachers felt supported by the building principals and that the situation had improved.

“The music teachers are no longer teaching in the hallway — fantastic. Kids have their lockers back. No more grab-and-go lunches,” Waz said.

But Waz noted the teachers were also looking for a clearer timeline on remediation and when they could return to the building.

“Unfortunately, teacher morale is still suffering a bit. There’s so many competing interests at this point, between the two faculties. … A problem gets solved for one group and then 10 problems arise for another,” Waz said. “I’m specifically the most concerned about preserving what I really feel is a really strong staff right now. I want the district to retain its people, and I want us to assure them that … yes, it’s caused an interruption, but the Board of Ed, the administration, the experts that have been procured, we’re working to resolve it in the quickest way possible.”

Emilia Otte covers health and education for the Connecticut Examiner. In 2022 Otte was awarded "Rookie of the Year," by the New England Newspaper & Press Association.

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Essex-Chester-Deep River Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving Day 2023

Don't feel like cooking this Turkey Day? There are plenty of local options and chain spots who are open and ready to serve you a meal.ESSEX-CHESTER-DEEP RIVER, CT — For people who don’t want to spend hours or even days cooking and cleaning up from a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in Essex-Chester-Deep River are open Thanksgiving Day.Restaurants open for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 23, offer a range of dining experiences, from fine dining to fast casual to fast food. In some cases, you’ll need to m...

Don't feel like cooking this Turkey Day? There are plenty of local options and chain spots who are open and ready to serve you a meal.

ESSEX-CHESTER-DEEP RIVER, CT — For people who don’t want to spend hours or even days cooking and cleaning up from a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in Essex-Chester-Deep River are open Thanksgiving Day.

Restaurants open for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 23, offer a range of dining experiences, from fine dining to fast casual to fast food. In some cases, you’ll need to make a reservation, so plan as much as possible.

As always, Patch encourages you to call any restaurant on this list in advance to double-check hours on Thanksgiving Day, as many vary by location.

Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Applebee’sBoston MarketBuffalo Wild WingsBurger KingChart HouseCracker BarrelDel Frisco’s GrilleDenny’sDomino’s Eddie V’sFleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarFogo de Chão Golden CorralIHOPKona Grill Maggiano’s Little ItalyMcCormick and Schmick’sMcDonald’s Popeye’sRed LobsterRomano’s Macaroni GrillRuby TuesdayRuth’s Chris Steak HouseSeasons 52 SonicSTK SteakhouseSubwaySullivan’s SteakhouseT.G.I. FridaysWendy’s

Hours and services may vary by location, so be sure to call ahead.

Essex-Chester-Deep River area restaurants or eateries not on this list but wanting to be included should send an email with the appropriate link information, including name and hours on Nov. 23, to [email protected]

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Smith & Wesson to close Connecticut factory, lay off 129 workers

Firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson will begin laying off 129 employees at its Deep River factory starting in August as part of the company's 2021 announcement that it was closing the Bridge Street facility.Rachel Reel, the company's human resources director, notified officials with the Connecticut Department of Labor last week that the first round of layoffs at the 12 Bridge Street factor...

Firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson will begin laying off 129 employees at its Deep River factory starting in August as part of the company's 2021 announcement that it was closing the Bridge Street facility.

Rachel Reel, the company's human resources director, notified officials with the Connecticut Department of Labor last week that the first round of layoffs at the 12 Bridge Street factory will begin Aug. 4 and continue you through the end of 2024. Reel's letter to state officials was made as a requirement of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.

Company officials announced plans to close the Deep River Factory in October 2021, but they had not provided a timeline for the closing nor said how many workers would lose their jobs as a result of the factory being shut down.

The majority of those Deep River factory workers, 85 of the 129 employees who are losing their jobs, will remain with Smith & Wesson through September 2024. The final round of layoffs will occur during the first week of December 2024 when 71 workers will lose their positions.

The Deep River factory is a plastic injection molding facility that makes precision components for Smith & Wesson's firearms. The company acquired the factory when it bought what was then known as Tri-Town Precision Plastics in May 2014 in a $22.8 million deal.

Company officials did not respond to a request for comment on reasons for closing the Deep River factory. But when the plans to close the facility were first announced in 2021, Swith & Wesson officials said work done at the factory was being relocated to a new factory being built in Tennessee.

The company also announced at that time that it was relocating its headquarters from Springfield, Mass. to Maryville, Tenn. because that state's laws are more supportive of firearms makers.

Deep River First Selectman Angus McDonald Jr. was not available for comment on Thursday about the company's more detailed closing plans. But State Sen. Norman Neddleman, D-Essex, called the closing of the factory, which is located in his district, "a big loss."

"They were one of the town's largest employers and the loss of any company in a small town hits hard," Needleman said. "But there is still quite a labor shortage in the area and my hope is that the people employed there will be able to find other jobs if they haven't already."

The Nest Coffee House in Deep River, 'a place to belong' for folks with autism, developmental issues

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateDEEP RIVER — Covered in yellow and white paint, head to toe, volunteers worked together on a recent Saturday to paint walls and ceilings to prepare for the expansion of The Nest Coffee House.Open since 2019, this cafe, in the heart of Deep River, has welcomed more to their flock and outgrown the space they occupy at 162 Main St.Under the umbrella of A Little Compassion, Inc., the coffee shop employs individuals with autism, intellectual and development di...

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DEEP RIVER — Covered in yellow and white paint, head to toe, volunteers worked together on a recent Saturday to paint walls and ceilings to prepare for the expansion of The Nest Coffee House.

Open since 2019, this cafe, in the heart of Deep River, has welcomed more to their flock and outgrown the space they occupy at 162 Main St.

Under the umbrella of A Little Compassion, Inc., the coffee shop employs individuals with autism, intellectual and development disabilities.

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When the new space is completed, in mid-March, some 400-square-feet of the total 700-square-foot space will be dedicated to Nest Gatherings, with offices occupying the remaining area. This is twice the space that they utilize now.

A sliding barn door will connect it to the existing café.

The expansion will allow more people to enjoy get togethers for games, trivia, open mic nights and painting and drawing.

“There’s so much to be done and there’s so much more we could do, but this is our thing,” said Jane Moen, executive director of A Little Compassion, Inc. and The Nest Coffee Shop. “I can provide this.”

Within the shop there is the Possibilities Boutique, with artwork handmade by employees for sale, in addition to a combined dining area and spot for Nest Gatherings.

Patrons can enjoy their enjoy lattes, homemade sandwiches, smoothies, ice cream and baked goods, perusing the retail boutique or relaxing in the dining area.

The Gatherings program precedes the coffee shop.

“We knew that that was a huge need,” said Moen. “That idea of belonging and feeling like you fit in and finding friends. It’s such a lonely thing, especially when you get out of high school.”

“High school provides a lot of programming, but once you get past that, they refer to that as ‘falling off the service cliff,” she said.

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When the program first started, Moen recalls six to eight people attending. That has increased to 15-20 and expected to rise, with the expanded space, to 25 attendees.

“We’re never going to try to get bigger than that for our social programs because the whole point is to have it be sensory friendly and comfortable,” said Moen.

These events are open to the whole community and free of charge.

Grant funding comes from The Community Foundation of Middlesex County, American Savings Foundation, Liberty Bank and NBC Connecticut.

“It’s for anybody who’s looking for that soft place to land with likeminded folks,” she said.

“So, anybody can come, but they have to agree that it’s a non-judgmental, accepting space,” she said.

The front of the shop is dedicated to the display of handmade artwork.

“This, to me, is a way of fulfilling our mission,” said Moen, standing in the middle of the boutique.

She said this endeavor is the silver lining of COVID.

“Everything had to be takeout when we finally reopened,” said Moen. “So, I would come out here every day and I would just start to cry.”

“The whole point was to gather people together, and we couldn’t, it gives me goosebumps, we couldn’t do it,” she said.

Brian Cunningham, with his wife, Kelly and daughter, Molly, was visiting the café for the first time and enjoying the whole vibe.

“Anytime a place brings in persons of special needs, gives them opportunity to work and then has caring and compassionate people around them, for me it makes me feel better about the place that I can go to,” said the Hebron resident. “It would make me come back.”

Murray Newton creates scroll sawing artwork.

“I make wood puzzles and I’ve been doing this, this is a hobby, for maybe 36 years,” he said, holding a paint roller as he took a break from applying white paint to the ceiling.

The 56-year-old Deep River resident was happy to be helping to prepare the new area.

“It’s part of giving back. She’s been so good to me, I wanted to help as much as I can,” he said, standing next to Moen.

Working alongside Newton was Donna Krell, employee Aaron Krell’s mother.

She is grateful to have her son working at The Nest.

“It definitely builds confidence and he’s grown in the way that’s he’s able to take feedback from a boss and learn how to work cooperatively with others,” she said of her 28-year-old son with autism.

Aaron Krell sells his hand-colored bird cards at the boutique and is also solely responsible for making Doggie Barks, cookie treats for four-legged friends.

When the expansion is complete, a corner of the café’s kitchen will be outfitted with two new ovens and be designated for this project.

The treats have four ingredients including “spent grains,” peanut butter, flour and eggs.

The spent grains, a byproduct of the beer brewing process, are donated by Little House Brewing Company, Chester; High Nine Brewing, Deep River and Surfridge Brewing Company, Essex.

The process for making the Doggie Barks is labor-intensive.

“You mix it up, you spread it out on these big sheet pans, you put them in the oven for a half hour, you take them out, cut them into triangles and then they have to go back in the oven for another two hours,” Moen said. “So, it takes the whole kitchen and Aaron likes his space.”

In addition to The Nest, the treats are sold locally at Cilantros Food Specialty, Guilford; Animal Hospital of Old Saybrook, Foodworks and Pasta Vita, Old Saybrook; Adams Hometown Market, Deep River and East Lyme; Pet's Choice, and Deep River Hardware, Deep River; Coffees Country Market and Catering, Old Lyme; Simon’s Marketplace, Chester Market, Chester Veterinary Clinic, Little House Brewing Company and The Wayfinder Society, Chester; Surfridge Brewing Company and Gracie's Corner, Essex; River Valley Provisions, Haddam and Montville Florist , Montville.

The designated Doggie Barks kitchen has been made possible with a grant from the Department on Disability Services.

“It’s wonderful, it’s a safe space for him to be and to grow,” Donna Krell said. “It’s a community for him to belong to, which is really important.”

Sam Wollschleager makes sandalwood, lavender and coconut scented melt and pour soaps for the boutique.

“Soap is fun,” said Sam Wollschleager. “Me and mom had done it for, I think, eight years.”

He also attends The Gatherings. His favorite event is woodworking.

“I love working with wood and, two, I also did wood shop in high school,” he said, referring to his days at Valley Regional High School.

Kim Wollschleager, worked alongside her son, Sam, who has Down Syndrome. She is grateful for The Nest and all its offerings.

“It’s just a place to belong,” she said. “It’s a place with respect.”

“He’s making friends here, that means a lot,” she said. “To come here and have friends to talk to is great.”

“He came home awfully excited the first time he did bingo,” she said. “It was wonderful. I want him to be independent, too.”

Sam Wollschleager beamed as he talked about working on the new space.

“It actually makes me feel a lot better,” he said, “and, two, it’s almost getting done.”

The Nest Coffee House, 162 Main St., Deep River, 860-322-3090; thenestcoffeehouse.org, alittlecompassion.org; Facebook The Nest Coffee House; Instagram Nest Coffee House.

The Spot Bubble Tea Shop in Deep River a destination for smoothies, acai bowls, boba tea

DEEP RIVER — Just like its name, The Spot seems to be “the spot” in town to get your bubble tea.For the uninitiated, bubble tea is a cold drink with floating soft tapioca pearls that burst with the sweetness of caramelized brown sugar. A super-wide straw is used to suck up the round “boba.”On a recent sunny winter afternoon, a steady stream of customers came in to order their specialty drinks.END OF YEAR SALE: 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢! Start 2024 as a digital subscriber. While the...

DEEP RIVER — Just like its name, The Spot seems to be “the spot” in town to get your bubble tea.

For the uninitiated, bubble tea is a cold drink with floating soft tapioca pearls that burst with the sweetness of caramelized brown sugar. A super-wide straw is used to suck up the round “boba.”

On a recent sunny winter afternoon, a steady stream of customers came in to order their specialty drinks.

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While the sun seemed to bring people out, dreary days can also entice a crowd into the bright space, where proprietress Kate Bergeron aims to create a “home away from home vibe.”

Since it opened in 2021, the little tea shop is “kind of a destination” both for its offerings and the inviting atmosphere.

“I want people to put their feet up, grab a blanket, read a book,” she said, smiling.

But the big draw are the bubble tea and acai bowls.

“Bubble tea is very trendy — people will travel for their bubble tea and acai bowls,” Bergeron said. “We get people from Colchester, Old Lyme and Branford, Middletown.”

They also offer a special bubble tea with a “popping boba which bursts in your mouth,” especially popular with tweens and teens.

All tea is cold brewed and unsweetened and the selections are varied. Boba or bubbles can be added to any drink they serve — cold brew coffee, sparkling water or ginger beer.

“We don’t like artificial sweeteners,” said Adam Plott, who is engaged to Bergeron and makes the acai bowls.

To order a fruit-based bubble tea, customers choose their fruit puree — the most popular is mango puree — and pick their tea, black, green or raspberry hibiscus.

The tea shop also serves milk teas such as Organic Chai, Matcha Latte and their signature “Date Flame” and offers nondairy options such as almond, oat and coconut milk. Hot drinks are also offered such as coffee, lattes, mochas, hot tea and cocoa.

Longtime customer Tom Cowager is a big fan of The Spot: “It starts with Kate’s welcome, and extends to a varied healthy-for-you menu,” he said in a text message.

“The atmosphere is fun, welcoming and feels a bit like home. I can enjoy it with friends and family. Even my grandchildren love it because there are games, puzzles,” he added.

“Rainy days equals comfy, cozy game day here,” Bergeron said with a grin. “We break out the Jenga and the games,” which may include Bananagrams, board games such as Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, Mancala or cards.

Patrons are also welcome to strum her ukulele that hangs on the wall or the Kalimba thumb piano, an African instrument.

The Spot came about through synchronicity when Bergeron returned home to Deep River four years ago with her four children after a divorce. She ended up renting a house her parents own, where she lives with her daughter Eloise, 15, son Julian, 11, and the twins, 8-year-olds James and Vivian.

Before opening The Spot, the single mom worked odd jobs waiting tables, refinishing furniture and doing crafts which she sold on Etsy.

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“First COVID was going on,” she recalled. “I was at home, home-schooling four kids, I had no income. ... It was a struggle.”

Walking downtown Deep River with Eloise, they noticed the vacant storefront, which she always loved.

“This spot just called to me,” she recalled. But it was Eloise who told her, “‘Mom, oh, my gosh, we need bubble tea in Deep River!’”

Though not a fan of bubble tea because of the artificial flavors and powdered milk commonly used, she quickly came around: “That’s a genius idea.”

After research, Bergeron became a true convert. She fell in love with the bubble tea served at Loose Leaf Boba Co. in New Haven. “This changes everything,’” she recalled.

“This I can get onboard with — it was natural, it wasn’t too sugary — you could tell they used fresh real ingredients,” she said.

She came up with her own recipes; the fresh fruit puree is her own twist, “It’s actually a serving of fruit, it’s not too sweet, it’s refreshing," she said. Fruit puree flavors include strawberry, raspberry, peach and mango.

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Their homemade boba is cooked in a pressure cooker and kept warm. The sweetness comes from “that brown sugar caramel-ly flavor” that “intensifies all the other flavors,” Plott said.

The Spot makes its smoothies with fresh frozen fruit. “It's literally just frozen fruit and acai,” she said.

And the other unique ingredient is spirulina, a colorful, nutrient dense form of algae, which Bergeron calls a “superfood.”

“It’s beautiful,” she added. The smoothies and protein drinks, such as the Superhero use blue spirulina, while the Powerpuff has beet root. One of the most colorful drinks, “The Mermaid Tail, is this beautiful blue,” she said.

Though Bergeron opened in the middle of the pandemic, she chose the popular weekend of the Deep River Muster and was mobbed her first day.

“It was a pretty wise move,” she said. “But I still had no idea what I was really doing. Two weeks later I added on the smoothies and the acai bowls.”

In winter she expanded the menu. Cold-weather favorites are made to order grilled cheeses, such as Swiss and portabella mushroom on whole grain, sourdough or gluten-free bread. They also serve gourmet soups, such as vegan chili from Penny Lane Pub in Old Saybrook.

Since opening, she has put her stamp on the place. A vintage jukebox plays a mix of oldies from the ’60s and ’70s, top hits and reggae in the summer.

Adding to The Spot’s retro vibe are its original painted tin ceiling and old orange Formica booths from a beloved roller rink in Middletown that closed in the 1980s.

“There was initials carved into them, there was bubble gum stuck to the bottom,” Bergeron said. “I just left it — it’s nostalgic, it’s history."

As the tea shop was coming together, she met Plott. “It was like instant, and we just knew.” Plott and his daughter, Trinity, now live with Bergeron’s family.

The couple recently launched a new food truck, which Plott, who teaches automotive technology at Porter and Chester in Bridgeport, is outfitting with custom convertible interiors that can be swapped in or out to suit the needs of each event.

The food truck’s next event is a Valentine’s pop-up craft market at Myrcene Ale’s Taproom and Brewery in Old Saybrook on Feb 11, and in the spring will visit Stony Creek Brewery.

Bergeron wanted The Spot to become a local hangout for kids: “I pictured this place bustling with kids,” she said.

To bring more teens in, she and Plott reached out to local high schoolers and held a contest to design a T-shirt for the cafe. The couple teamed up with Valley Regional High School teacher Chris LeQuire, who teaches graphic design, and got his students involved in the competition.

While the winning design was done by senior Mackenzie Parker, with a $200 prize, they are also selling the second- and third-place winners' designs. The pair will be donating $5 per T-shirt to the graphics program at Valley Regional High School.

The couple helped make the shirts with the students. “It was really fun, neat way to get the kids involved — they were excited and to see what they came back with,” she said.

The couple is excited about the shop’s future. “We’ve made this our mission and want to do this together. We want to be able to do this full time,” Plott said.

The tea shop’s COVID-delayed grand opening will take place 10 a.m. Feb. 22 at a ribbon-cutting with the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce.

The Spot Bubble Tea Shop, 159 Main St. Deep River. Website: https://thespotdr.com/. On Facebook: thespotdeepriver.

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