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

“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.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even if I only call them the day before. I’m so glad I was able to find them, because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just lost my sister and she helped me out a lot.”

Donna .
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TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even if I only call them the day before. I’m so glad I was able to find them, because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just lost my sister and she helped me out a lot.”

Janey B.
 In-Home Care East Berlin, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in East Berlin, 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 East Berlin, 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 East Berlin, 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 East Berlin, 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

Attendance and aid 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 East Berlin, 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 East Berlin,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 East Berlin, 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

03

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 East Berlin, CT

GoNetspeed, expanding service across Connecticut, opens state headquarters in Berlin

The high-speed internet access provider GoNetspeed has opened a statewide headquarters in Berlin as it works to build its Connecticut customer list.The Rochester, N.Y.-based company entered the Connecticut market just five years ago and reports it has offered access to about 200,000 home and businesses in about 30 towns and cities.GoNetspeed officially opened the warehouse and office complex at 24 New Park Drive that will be its primary Connecticut facili...

The high-speed internet access provider GoNetspeed has opened a statewide headquarters in Berlin as it works to build its Connecticut customer list.

The Rochester, N.Y.-based company entered the Connecticut market just five years ago and reports it has offered access to about 200,000 home and businesses in about 30 towns and cities.

GoNetspeed officially opened the warehouse and office complex at 24 New Park Drive that will be its primary Connecticut facility. The building houses its construction crews and equipment, field tech teams and sales staff as well as its human resources and other administrative offices.

“We’re passing 200,000 (homes and businesses) and will probably reach 280,000 by the end of the year,” said Tom Perrone, GoNetspeed’s general manager in Connecticut. “We have our sights to build at least 300,000 more (house) passings in another three years. The sky is the limit.”

The company provides high-speed internet through a fiber optic network that provides equally fast download and upload speeds, a feature in growing demand because of a series of trends.

More Connecticut residents are working from home, and public school students are increasingly reliant on broadband for completing schoolwork. In addition to that is the expansion of Ring doorbells and “smart” home features from outdoor video surveillance to remote-access thermostats and lighting systems.

GoNetspeed started building several years ago in Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven, and now every few months it announces a new community where its crews will be installing lines. The roster currently includes Berlin, Bloomfield, Bridgeport, Bristol, Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Enfield, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Hamden, Middletown, Naugatuck, New Britain, New Haven, Newington, North Haven, Plainville, South Windsor, Southington, Trumbull, Vernon, West Hartford, West Haven, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Waterbury, Watertown and Wolcott.

GoNetspeed’s growth in the past two years has coincided with the nationwide broadband initiative by President Joe Biden’s administration, and in some cases has benefitted directly from federal stimulus spending. In New Britain, the city of 74,000 is spending $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to subsidize GoNetspeed’s work to provide access to every home and business.

Late last year, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart called the deal an effective way to end the digital divide, raise competition between internet service providers and lower internet expenses for residents. She noted the company participates in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides $30 a month toward internet connections for low-income homes.

“This partnership will ensure that our residents are able to financially afford internet speeds that will improve their daily quality of life, while also ensuring that all city departments are better equipped to respond to the needs of our community for years to come,” Stewart said at the time.

Stewart and others contend that when competitors like GoNetspeed can offer affordable internet access, the biggest names in the business end up providing discounts or other incentives to customers. They also say that the more extensively residents and businesses can access reliable high-speed internet, the greater appeal of a community to businesses and homebuyers considering moving to there.

“It’s been a heck of a ride. We were founded seven years ago, and it’s not easy to make a household name a household name,” said Perrone, who is also senior vice president of network operations. “We basically selected towns we feel are underserved. In the cities, the cable company and the incumbent phone company had slow speeds and high rates. We feel we played a huge part in disrupting that.

Perrone argues that fiber optic lines will be “futureproof” despite any technology upgrades in the coming years.

“I’m extremely optimistic that this infrastructure will be there longer than coppers (wires), which was there for 100 years,” he said.

Berlin apartment complex near Eversource campus will help town reach 10 percent ‘affordable housing’ goal

By Don Stacom | [email protected] | Hartford CourantListen to this articleMetro Realty is building an 88-unit apartment building near Eversource’s campus in Berlin, with a significant share of the building dedicated to workforce housing.Bulldozers and earthmovers are working on land along Deming Road about three-quarters of a mile east of the Berlin Tu...

By Don Stacom | [email protected] | Hartford Courant

Listen to this article

Metro Realty is building an 88-unit apartment building near Eversource’s campus in Berlin, with a significant share of the building dedicated to workforce housing.

Bulldozers and earthmovers are working on land along Deming Road about three-quarters of a mile east of the Berlin Turnpike.

The Deming Ridge project will have one- and two-bedroom apartments, and Metro Realty is promoting it as convenient to employers and retailers. Plans show 11 two-story buildings on the nearly 12-acre site at 883 Deming Road, with individual patios or balconies as well as a communal patio and grill area. The company is also advertising that it will include a fitness center.

Farmington-based Metro Realty operates the Fieldstone Crossing complex on the opposite side of Deming. The company cleared the mostly wooded property and will connect the apartments to municipal water and sewer systems.

The town and state gave permits for the project last year, and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority approved nearly $12 million in financing to aid development.

CHFA noted that all of the apartments will be set aside for tenants making no more than the area median income, which currently is $112,700 for a family of four under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines. Of the 88 units, 18 will be designated for tenants making up to half of that figure, and another nine will be set aside for those making up to 60% of it.

Those 27 apartments will count toward Berlin’s state-mandated affordable housing goal, which has become a major effort for the town.

The state is pressing all 169 municipalities to ensure that at least 10% of their housing is available at affordable rates. Generally, affluent suburbs and small, rural towns have well under the 10% goal. Brookfield, for instance, is at about 5.6 %; Granby is under 4%, and Westport is 3.7%. The pattern is the opposite for larger, poorer cities; New London and Waterbury each report more than 20% affordable housing rates, for instance.

Jim Mahoney, Berlin’s economic development coordinator, said in a report earlier this year that the town has surpassed the 9% mark, and is getting closer to 10%. He cited Deming Ridge as one of three new projects that will help.

The town managed to get the level up by from about 7% in 2011 to 9.02% two years ago, he said.

“This increase in the supply of affordable housing is a result of intentional efforts by the town over the past two decades to expand the supply of affordable housing in Berlin,” he wrote.

In the case of Deming Ridge, the planning and zoning commission modified its regulations in 2019 and 2020 to provide for workforce housing on the site.

The town has a need for affordable housing, Mahoney wrote, noting that nearly half of renter households in town earn less than the area median income.

“These households often experience housing instability, may rely on housing assistance, and typically spend more on housing as a percentage of their overall income than higher income households,” he wrote.

“The rental supply is tight at both the lowest end and high end of the income spectrum. For extremely low-income renter households, the supply of affordable and available units is especially limited,” he wrote. “There are 505 units that are likely rented by households with lower incomes who are likely spending more than they should on housing costs.”

Parishioners save altar artifacts following fire at church in East Berlin

EAST BERLIN, CT (WFSB) - Firefighters battled an early morning fire at a church on Main Street in East Berlin.According to officials, firefighters from East Berlin, as well as many surrounding towns, were on scene of the structure fire at 139 Main St., the United Methodist Church.The road was closed near the incident while crews dealt with the fire.A parishioner who responded to the scene told Channel 3 that they were able to save some sacred artifacts from the altar area.“The firemen went through a side doo...

EAST BERLIN, CT (WFSB) - Firefighters battled an early morning fire at a church on Main Street in East Berlin.

According to officials, firefighters from East Berlin, as well as many surrounding towns, were on scene of the structure fire at 139 Main St., the United Methodist Church.

The road was closed near the incident while crews dealt with the fire.

A parishioner who responded to the scene told Channel 3 that they were able to save some sacred artifacts from the altar area.

“The firemen went through a side door and they were able to save our Bible baptismal from a little church building, which is meaningful to us, that we put our birthday money in an we collect for the food bank in there,” explained Deb Brennan, an East Berlin United Methodist Church parishioner.

The church itself, however, had significant damage.

“When we first arrived we could see smoke pouring out of the roof and the three ladder trucks were already up to the building,” Brennan said. “We started crying, all of us were crying, before we even got into the car.”

The bulk of the damage appeared to be on the roof area and front of the building.

Firefighters reported a power outage in the area around midnight.

The fire was reported around 4 a.m. on Friday. Neighbors were the ones who noticed it and dialed 911.

There’s no word on if the outage and the fire are related; however, investigators said they are looking into whether there was a power surge.

“The power was out here for a number of hours, it came on around midnight,” said Steve Waznia, Berlin fire marshal. “I believe the neighbor woke up early saw the fire across the street. It was already getting into the ease of the structure.”

The fire marshal told Channel 3 that the building is salvageable despite the damage.

No injuries were reported.

“Our spirit is still here,” Brennan said. “We will be ok.”

Just last week, the church hosted a well-attended vigil for Ukraine.

Crews battled a fire at a church in East Berlin on Friday morning.

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Berlin football beats Bristol Eastern to improve to 5-0, but still has work to do

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateBERLIN — The Berlin Redcoats football team improved to 5-0 on Friday night, but not many Redcoats are pleased with the team’s performance.Coming off an emotional three-point win over Bloomfield in the final seconds last week, the Redcoats didn’t execute the way they wanted to, despite beating Bristol Eastern 39-6 on Friday night at Sage Park.“Walking in after you improve to 4-0 off a huge win and you face a team that is 0-4 on paper, we ...

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BERLIN — The Berlin Redcoats football team improved to 5-0 on Friday night, but not many Redcoats are pleased with the team’s performance.

Coming off an emotional three-point win over Bloomfield in the final seconds last week, the Redcoats didn’t execute the way they wanted to, despite beating Bristol Eastern 39-6 on Friday night at Sage Park.

“Walking in after you improve to 4-0 off a huge win and you face a team that is 0-4 on paper, we didn’t have the right mindset to start the game off with,” senior Josh Grimm said. “Eventually we pulled out with the win, which is all that matters in the end.”

The Redcoats were moved down to CCC Tier III this season and have started the season unbeaten, with three close wins over Platt, Fitch and Berlin. When the team returns from the bye, they will be facing teams that they have not lost to — on the field — in almost two decades.

Since 2004, Berlin is 40-1 — on the field — against Tolland, Avon, Farmington, Plainville and Middletown. Two of those wins were turned into losses when Berlin forfeited its first nine games of the 2015 season.

Berlin coach Joe Aresimowicz is happy with the team’s 5-0 start, their first since 2018, and admitted that he is nervous about his team looking too far ahead.

“It’s hard, I think I am nervous,” he said. “Middletown is a really good squad, Farmington is better than people are giving them credit for and Tolland is always a tough matchup.

“We have to move forward with the (mindset) the only team that could beat us, is us.”

Senior quarterback Lorenzo Miele reiterated Aresimowicz’s words.

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“We know we should beat them and that is always the standard, so we are always sticking to that,” Miele said. “Never taking opponents lightly is the biggest thing, any team can go out there and make plays, everybody has athletes. Never doubt them and go out and play our game.”

The Redcoats have played their game, which is to feed the hot hand.

Six different players have rushed for a touchdown and six have each caught a touchdown pass.

“Last year, we had Jamie Palmese, who just could just take over a game on his own,” Aresimowicz said. “(This year) we don’t have Jamie Palmese, but we have 14 kids that are really good and as long as they keep working hard the sky is the limit.”

On Friday night, it was the time for Luke Maguder and Mason DiMaruo to shine.

Maguder took the opening kickoff 90 yards for a score and after Bristol Eastern moved the ball around the redzone, DiMauro stepped in front of pass and took it 82 yards for another score.

“To be down two scores early was not the ideal way to start,” Bristol Eastern coach Anthony Julius said. “But I am proud of the way the kids fought and battled.”

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— PetePaguaga Twitter

The Redcoats jumped to a 26-0 lead at halftime, with Maguder catching a touchdown pass to end the half.

Maguder caught another touchdown and DiMauro ran one in, in the fourth.

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Berlin’s Luke Maguder and Mason DiMauro — Maguder started the game with a kickoff return for a touchdown and caught two touchdown passes. DiMauro had an interception return for a score and ran another one in.

QUOTABLE

“I think what we saw sneak in tonight is ‘we’re 4-0, they’re 0-4, this game is going to be a cakewalk.’ Hats off to Bristol, they brought it to us. They ate the whole third quarter running one or two plays.” — Berlin coach Joe Aresimowicz.

Editor's note: An earlier version of the story incorrectly stated that Berlin was 41-0 against its next five opponents, when in fact Berlin is 40-1.

BERLIN 39, BRISTOL EASTERN 6

BRISTOL EASTERN 0 0 6 0 — 6BERLIN 12 14 0 13 — 39

B — Luke Maguder 90 kick return (kick missed)B — Mason DiMauro 82 interception (two-point failed)B — Michael Fitzsimmons 23 catch from Lorenzo Miele (Josh Grimm kick)B — Luke Maguder 3 catch from Miele (Grimm kick)BE — Jaiden Fore 1 run (kick missed)B — Maguder 16 catch from Miele (Grimm kick)B — DiMauro 16 run (two-point failed)Records: Berlin 5-0, Bristol Eastern 0-5

Lifeguards Needed at Community Pools and State Parks This Summer

Lifeguards are in high demand. As the weather gets warmer, more is being done to make sure public pools and state parks are well-staffed.Sadly, a community pool in East Berlin won't see much activity this summer.Town leaders made an announcement on social media last week, saying the pool can't open due to "a lack of adequate staffing."But other towns are doing all they can to gear up for the summer. East Hartford has big signs, encouraging people to become a certified lifeguard."We have around five ...

Lifeguards are in high demand. As the weather gets warmer, more is being done to make sure public pools and state parks are well-staffed.

Sadly, a community pool in East Berlin won't see much activity this summer.

Town leaders made an announcement on social media last week, saying the pool can't open due to "a lack of adequate staffing."

But other towns are doing all they can to gear up for the summer. East Hartford has big signs, encouraging people to become a certified lifeguard.

"We have around five pools, so we need to hire around 50 lifeguards per summer," said Sean Dywer, East Hartford's assistant parks and recreation director.

Dwyer says it's a process to recruit enough lifeguards. So far, he has about 40 in total. By next week, he is hoping to be fully staffed.

"It's a constant, constant battle. You know just last week or maybe two weeks [ago], we were at maybe 30. So, we were able to pick up another 10 through various reasons," said Dwyer.

Starting pay is $15.50 in East Hartford. In Bloomfield, it's $16 an hour.

"We're doing fairly well. We look to hire up to 20 lifeguards this year. Right now, we have 15 that are ready to go," said David Melesko, Bloomfield's Parks and Recreation leisure services director.

While lifeguards must be at least 16 years old, S.B. 1090 works to change the minimum age to 15. The bill's co-sponsor, Rep. Henry Genga, says it's to help communities hire more staff.

"Last year, parks programs and swim programs and the YMCAs had a shortage of lifeguards. Because of that shortage, many of the constituents weren't able to get as much service from them," said Genga.

Lifeguard positions are open at all eight state parks as well.

Sarah Battistini, Connecticut's water safety coordinator, says they need about 110 lifeguards in order to be fully staffed. Right now, they're about half-way there.

A new incentive this year is starting pay, which has increased to $20 an hour.

"It's more reflective of the caliber of lifeguard that we need to work in these open water beach locations," said Battistini. "We need very strong swimmers. We need people that are able to run distances to cover our shoreline areas and we also give them a higher level of training. All of our guards get 80 hours."

State lifeguards will be on duty starting Memorial Day weekend. Pools in some towns open for the season on June 17.

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