AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Babispyce S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kimberly O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

““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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

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

Bob G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

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

Joe L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.
 In-Home Care Durham, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Durham, CT work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Durham, CT

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Durham, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Durham, CT 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.


Respite Care Durham, CT

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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 Durham,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.

 Caregivers Durham, 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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

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Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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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.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Latest News in Durham, CT

Durham Fair braces for a rainy weekend

Folks planning to head to the Durham Fair over the weekend may want to pack an umbrella.DURHAM, CT (WFSB) - Folks planning to head to the Durham Fair over the weekend may want to pack an umbrella.The 103rd annual fair kicked off with bright and dry days both Thursday and Friday.“It feels so good to finally open the fair and welcome over 200-thousand visitors to the Durham fair,” said Kim Terrill, President, Durham Fair.The weather looked like it would hold out for country singer Lauran Alaina’s c...

Folks planning to head to the Durham Fair over the weekend may want to pack an umbrella.

DURHAM, CT (WFSB) - Folks planning to head to the Durham Fair over the weekend may want to pack an umbrella.

The 103rd annual fair kicked off with bright and dry days both Thursday and Friday.

“It feels so good to finally open the fair and welcome over 200-thousand visitors to the Durham fair,” said Kim Terrill, President, Durham Fair.

The weather looked like it would hold out for country singer Lauran Alaina’s concerted on Friday night.

Saturday and Sunday, however, looked to be a different story with rain forecasted for both days.

“Had to make it down tonight. We were going to spend the whole day here tomorrow, but we decided to come down and spend a little time,” said the Alfano Family, Wallingford.

Channel 3′s meteorologists said that as of Friday morning’s forecast, it won’t rain all day on either day. However, Saturday appeared to be the wetter of the two weekend days.

Non-profit booths and fair organizers have been watching the weather too, but they’re staying open rain or shine.

“You’re going to get fairgoers tomorrow regardless. Hopefully, it’ll be alright and we can keep our heads above the water,” said Derek Cummings, United Churches, Lime Rickey Booth.

Rick Springfield’s 7 p.m. performance on Saturday may be soaked.

Country music legend Lee Greenwood’s 1 p.m. show on Sunday may also require rain gear.

Sunday also marked military appreciation day, where all active military and veterans get free admission.

Hours of operation for the Durham Fair:

The indoor attractions are what the Durham Fair thinks will keep the customers coming.

“Over 200 cows, we have emu this year. We have sow and piglets. You can see goats. And those are all indoors,” Terril said.

The Durham Fair is not the only group staying open, the Bristol Mum Festival plans to weather the storm too.

“We’re here, we’re out, we’re country people. It’s a good event and good cause and we’re not worried about the weather,” said Tony Veneziano, Wolcott.

More information can be found on the fair’s website here.

For updates on the weekend forecast, read the technical discussion from Channel 3′s meteorologists here.

Copyright 2023 WFSB. All rights reserved.

103rd Annual Agricultural Durham Fair to go on rain or shine

DURHAM, Conn. (WTNH) – The 103rd Annual Durham Agricultural Fair is officially underway!Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair goes through Sunday, Sept. 24. Guests can explore multiple exhibit halls, visit a farm museum and enjoy rides and games on the Midway.There’s also no shortage of food or drink options! In fact, the Food Network included the fair’s Lime Rickey mocktail on its “...

DURHAM, Conn. (WTNH) – The 103rd Annual Durham Agricultural Fair is officially underway!

Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair goes through Sunday, Sept. 24. Guests can explore multiple exhibit halls, visit a farm museum and enjoy rides and games on the Midway.

There’s also no shortage of food or drink options! In fact, the Food Network included the fair’s Lime Rickey mocktail on its “50 States of Fair Food” list. The refreshing drink is a combination of freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and seltzer.

Delish.com named The Dough House‘s Original Big Donut as the “best state fair food” in Connecticut. Check out their list here.

The fair also has several performers on four stages, including its Main Stage, which returned after a three-year hiatus. Some artists scheduled to perform include Lauren Alaina, Rick Springfield, and Lee Greenwood.

The Durham Agricultural Fair will be taking place rain or shine this weekend, as long as conditions are not deemed unsafe.

Kim Terrill, the president of the Durham Agricultural Fair said organizers expect that all of their entertainment will perform in the rain.

“Don’t be afraid to get wet. Rick Springfield said he’s going to be on if it’s raining as long as it’s not deemed unsafe… but we definitely expect all of our entertainment will go on,” she said.

The fair has been going on since 1916 and it’s only been closed four times.

That was during the Hurricane of 1938, twice during World War II, and once during COVID. So they certainly hope they won’t be adding this weekend to that record.

“The apple crisp and the hot cider are definitely going to keep you warm in the rain. So definitely come out for that,” said Heather Castiglia of Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services.

Her agency will be serving up its famous apple-infused treats. It is among 30 non-profits that set up shop at the fair.

Here is more information you need to know for this year’s fair.

Parking

Parking will be available at Durham Fair-operated lots for $5 per day. These lots include:

Shuttle buses are available to take visitors from the parking lots to the fairgrounds.

Admission

One-day tickets for the fair are $18, with active military and children 11 and under being free. Tickets for Seniors 62 and over are $10.

Those who want multi-day tickets can purchase four-day passes for $40.

To learn more about the Durham Fair, click here.

Durham Fair taking place for the next 4 days rain or shine

DURHAM, Connecticut — The Durham Fair which is Connecticut's largest agriculture fair in Durham kicked off Thursday at 4 p.m.It marked the last full weekend in September and it is when the fairgrounds come alive. This year, it is expected to reach new heights.An 'udder' day .... an 'udder' dollar for the cows at Cow Palace. Some of them squeezed in a brief nap before the gates opened to the public."When it’s busy...

DURHAM, Connecticut — The Durham Fair which is Connecticut's largest agriculture fair in Durham kicked off Thursday at 4 p.m.

It marked the last full weekend in September and it is when the fairgrounds come alive. This year, it is expected to reach new heights.

An 'udder' day .... an 'udder' dollar for the cows at Cow Palace. Some of them squeezed in a brief nap before the gates opened to the public.

"When it’s busy here, we’re crowded. Wall-to-wall people want to come see the cows," said Kathy Robinson, coordinator of livestock.

Cow Palace is home to hundreds of dairy and beef cattle at the 103rd Durham Fair.

Robinson encouraged families, especially children to educate themselves on the importance of agriculture.

"They need to know where their food comes from. Kids think oh we go to the store to buy a bottle of milk. They don’t understand what’s behind the scenes of that. Without the farms, we won’t eat," added Robinson.

Aside from being one of the largest fairs in North America, the Durham Fair has over 1,700 volunteers and they welcomed more than 200,000 people.

"It’s a big reunion. You see so many people that you only see once a year at the Durham Fair," said Kim Terrill, president of the Durham Fair.

While this weekend is expected to be a washout, the Fair Association said that is no excuse to not dabble in on some fun.

"The great thing about the Durham Fair is a lot of our buildings, we have beautiful buildings so our displays are inside, so even if it is raining, you’re able to come and still walk through," added Terrill.

There is always a bright side if the rain hits.

"Don’t stay away, maybe the lines won’t be as long!" added Robinson.

"Whoo! We do a lot of business here!" said Jeff Grenier of the Coginchaug Benchwarmers.

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Rain or shine, the Coginchaug Benchwarmers are ready for the crowds.

"One of the things about this booth, you’re going to walk by. We’re usually yelling out to people. We’re chanting. We’re just having a good time. You can tell from the hat. We don’t take things that serious!" added Grenier.

The Durham Fair is from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her onFacebook and X.

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Durham Fair, CT HorrorFest: 25+ things to do in Connecticut this weekend, Sept. 22-24, 2023

This weekend Connecticut residents will be able to get in the Halloween spirit at CT HorrorFest, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and attend festivals.Here are 25+ things to do this weekend in Connecticut:Durham FairDurhamThe Durham Fair returns this weekend featuring live performances from Rick Springfield, L...

This weekend Connecticut residents will be able to get in the Halloween spirit at CT HorrorFest, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and attend festivals.

Here are 25+ things to do this weekend in Connecticut:

Durham Fair

Durham

The Durham Fair returns this weekend featuring live performances from Rick Springfield, Lauren Alaina and Lee Greenwood. Guests will also be able to enjoy food, carnival rides, animal-themed events and more.

More information on the fair here.

Old Dominion

Uncasville

Country band Old Dominion will be performing at Mohegan Sun on Friday.

More information on the band here.

The Australian Pink Floyd

Uncasville

The Pink Floyd tribute band, “The Australian Pink Floyd” will be taking on the stage at Mohegan Sun on Saturday.

More information on the concert here.

Wolcott Country Fair

Wolcott

Guests visiting the Wolcott Country Fair this weekend will be able to enjoy pony pulls, live music and crafts exhibits.

More information on the fair here.

Jurassic Quest

Uncasville

Check out life-size animatronic dinosaurs at the Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo and Convention Center this weekend. The exhibit allows guests to get up-close to "true-to-detail and size" dinosaurs.

More information on the convention here.

The Price is Right Live!

Ledyard

Foxwoods Resort Casino will be hosting "The Price is Right!,” a live rendition of the game show, this weekend.

More information on the show here.

Jordan Davis

Ledyard

Country singer Jordan Davis will be performing at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Saturday.

More information on the concert here.

T.J. Miller

Bridgeport

Comedian T.J. Miller will be taking the Vinnie Brand’s Stress Factory stage Friday and Saturday.

More information on the comedy show here.

Apple picking

All across Connecticut

Celebrate fall by picking apples at orchards around Connecticut this weekend.

Check out our guide on where to go to pick your own apples.

Old Crow Medicine Show

Ridgefield

Country band Old Crow Medicine Show will be performing at Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday.

More information on the band here.

Newtown Arts Festival

Newtown

The Newtown Arts Festival will be taking place this weekend. The festival showcases different forms of art and will feature local talent in art, dance, music and food.

More information on the show here.

'Running for Office'

Hartford

The Connecticut Democracy Center is exhibiting "Running for Office: Candidates, Campaigns, and the Cartoons of Clifford Berryman" this weekend through Nov. 13. The exhibit features editorial cartoons by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Clifford Berryman who produced cartoons from 1896 to 1949.

More information about the exhibit here.

Explore a corn maze

All around Connecticut

Corn mazes around Connecticut feature themes like “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and Sherlock Holmes this fall.

Check out our roundup of corn mazes to see what you can explore this fall.

Rhythm and Rumba Salsa Nights

Stamford

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by taking free salsa dance lessons at Mill River Park fountain. The first lesson is scheduled for Friday and will go on until Sept. 29.

More information about the nights here.

East Hartford Latin Festival

East Hartford

The town of East Hartford is hosting its 2023 Latin Festival on Saturday at Alumni Park. Attendees can enjoy games, inflatables, food trucks and live music.

More about the festival here.

Visit a National Historic Landmark

Hartford County

Hartford County is filled with historical landmarks ranging from the Mark Twain House to the Old New-Gate Prison. Many of these landmarks are open to the public as museums.

Find out the landmarks you can explore in Hartford County here.

Norwalk Boat Show

Norwalk

Boat dealers and manufacturers will bring their vessels to the Norwalk Cove Marina this weekend at the Norwalk Boat Show. The event will feature free boat rides, vendors, games and more.

More information on the boat show here.

CT HorrorFest

Hartford

The CT HorrorFest at the XL Center will features actors from horror films on Saturday and Sunday. "Elvira's" Cassandra Peterson, "Terrifier's" David Howard Thornton and "Friday the 13th's" Kane Hodder will be special guests and signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.

More information about CT HorrorFest here.

Greater Danbury Irish Festival

Danbury

Guests visiting the Greater Danbury Irish Festival on Saturday and Sunday will be able to enjoy live music, Irish dancing, games and more.

More information on the festival here.

Places to have tea

Across Connecticut

Let's slow down, savor a scone and take a sip of a warm, soothing cup of tea at any of these six Connecticut tea houses this weekend.

'Haunted' cocktail pop-up

Greenwich

Guests at the Bush-Holley House can grab some “haunted” cocktails this weekend. Some of the cocktails include "poison appletini," "final encore," "crimson gemini" and "tavern martini."

More about the pop-up here.

Mystic Mermaids

Mystic

Grab your mermaid costumes and visit mermaids at Mystic Aquarium starting this weekend.

More information on the mermaids here.

Woof Woof the Shadow Puppet

Darien

"Woof Woof the Shadow Puppet" tells the story of a girl who finds encouragement through Woof Woof, a shadow puppet. The show is playing this weekend at the Darien Arts Center.

More information about the show here.

Glow Wild Lantern Festival

Bridgeport

The Glow Wild Lantern Festival is back at the Beardsley Zoo. Visitors can stroll among the illuminated animals sculptures that are on view Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 2.

More information about the festival here.

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience

Hartford

An exhibit spotlighting the life of King Tutankhaten, commonly known as King Tut, is at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford this weekend.

More information about the experience here.

More for you

Jailene Cuevas is a statewide Trending Reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media Group. She is passionate about all things entertainment and pop culture. She graduated from SCSU with a B.S. in Journalism. Prior to Hearst, she worked at a local news station in Connecticut.

Durham Fair hopeful for strong weekend despite forecasted rain

“71,” she said with a laugh. That’s the number of fairs she has been to in her life. She used to live at the top of the fairgrounds.“But it's my fair, I grew up here," King said.King said she aims to hit the fair three times each year, and has been faithful rain or shine, only missing one in those 71 years. With a wet forecast for the weekend, she has already put her rain boots and jacket in her car.Others decided to head out to the fairgrounds Friday night so they didn’t have to deal w...

“71,” she said with a laugh. That’s the number of fairs she has been to in her life. She used to live at the top of the fairgrounds.

“But it's my fair, I grew up here," King said.

King said she aims to hit the fair three times each year, and has been faithful rain or shine, only missing one in those 71 years. With a wet forecast for the weekend, she has already put her rain boots and jacket in her car.

Others decided to head out to the fairgrounds Friday night so they didn’t have to deal with wet weekend weather.

“I saw the noon forecast and we decided, 'Hey, let’s just do it now, you’ve got until 10 p.m.,'" said Sue Kies of East Hartford.

People like Dominic Abbatiello are on night two of fair food and festivities, but nights three and four will be subject to the weather.

“Hopefully we don’t get rained out, I want to see truck pulls and tractor pulls, that’s what I'm really here for," Abbatiello said.

But the fair president, Kim Terrill, is hopeful a chance of rain won’t scare away patrons.

“It has been raining all summer, we cannot stop our lives because of a little bit of weather, we are happy to welcome people here," Terill said.

The fair offers eight indoor buildings filled with crafts, exhibits, collections and animals when the rain comes through. When the rain stops…

“When it clears, you can head outside and hit the vendors," Terrill said.

The vendors are also hopeful for a strong weekend showing. Groups like the Coginchaug Little League rely on the fair weekend for big fundraising money.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year,” said Rick Quirk with the league. “We do a couple of other ones, but this is usually the biggest one of the year.”

Quirk said the league raises between $12,000 and $15,000 annually at the fair. He, like fair organizers, doesn’t want to see rain scare away customers.

“Definitely, definitely come out, there is still stuff to go through, and hopefully everyone comes out and everyone makes money," Quirk said.

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