It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic East Haddam Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in East Haddam, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am so grateful to everyone at Always Best Care. The Care Givers treated my”
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking,”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family.”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially”
“I am so grateful to everyone at Always Best Care. The Care Givers treated my parents with compassion, dignity, and respect. I knew my parents were in good hands. Those in the office, whom I spoke with often, were also compassionate and very understanding. When my parents suddenly needed additional care hours, the office worked diligently to ensure those needs were met quickly. When either of my parents was in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital, the office staff and Care Givers were not only concerned for them but for me also. As my Father has passed on and my Mother needs a higher level of care, I will always sing the praises of the staff at Always Best Care. They have been like extended family.”
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in a gap of care for my mom. I called Taylor at ABC on a Thursday and early the next week we had completed the intake process, and Taylor was able to secure 3 caregivers (12 hrs a day for 7 days a week) for my mom. The caregivers (Teresa Rose, Asha, Doreen) were great. Each had their own approach with mom, regardless, they all had empathy, compassion and kindness any time they engaged with mom. The support from ABC give us the time to find a new community that better fit where mom was with her Alzheimer's journey. We are so very grateful for the quick support, the follow up and the care needed in a critical time for us and for mom. THANK YOU ALWAYS BEST CARE!!! You are amazing!!!!”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is admirable, and you are constantly inspired to do great work. I know that under your leadership, not only do you care about the (clients,)but you also care about (us)the caregivers …We will continue to grow. Thank you for your time Have a great and prosperous week. Elsa”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my mother, Gerry Mikulka, during her final weeks of life. In particular, I want to recognize Evelyn, whose exceptional service as a live-in health aide made an immeasurable difference in my mother's end-of-life journey. From the moment Evelyn walked into the house, she created a special bond with our mom. In those first few weeks, Evelyn recognized Mom's need for companionship, spending time with her watching television and working on puzzles together. It warmed our hearts to see Mom so comfortable with someone in the home since she had lived there alone for many years. As Mom's condition progressed, Evelyn's true expertise shined through. She worked beautifully with our family and the hospice nurses, providing invaluable guidance on necessary medical equipment, dietary adjustments, and other modifications to ensure mom's comfort. What touched us most was how Evelyn went above and beyond in Mom's final days. She moved into Mom's room to be there whenever she was needed – day or night. And she had a wonderful way of being there for us too. Whenever we were visiting with Mom, Evelyn would quietly step back, but she was always just around the corner if we needed help. She knew exactly when to step in and when to give us privacy. We never felt alone in caring for Mom because Evelyn was such a steady, caring presence. She managed Mom's pain with real skill while keeping her comfortable and peaceful. I wanted you to know what an extraordinary person you have in Evelyn. We'll always be grateful for the peace of mind she gave us and the tender care she gave Mom. Warmly, Linda Knox”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and kind. My past experiences have been exacerbating to say the least. ABC is the fifth agency I’ve chosen and it’s the last! ABC has what I was looking for. Compassionate, and loving caregivers with my mom. With Always Best Care my mother is treated very well. She’s a person not just another client.”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers along with the office staff are very caring. They do their due diligence in pairing caregivers with clients, they show their appreciation to us for the work we do, they provide us with training so that we are equipped to succeed at our jobs. Working with this company has been an awesome and fulfilling experience.”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is excellent.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and Nicola gave my mother the best care. They cared about my mom. My mother trusted them, as did I. Their excellent care of my mom put my mind at ease. When I needed additional care, it was put in place immediately. I never had to worry about someone not showing up. I appreciate the care Always Best Care gave to my mom.”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how impressive the effort and the results Crystal has displayed over the last several months, how lucky I feel to have her apart of my mother’s weekly life. Crystal has established trust, friendship, and a sincere companionship with my mother who, not so long ago, was so adamantly opposed to having anyone in her house. When speaking with Crystal and my mother, I could hear the excitement in Crystal’s voice when she shared her success in getting my Mom out of the house. Can’t thank you enough!!”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92 and still living on her own. The in-home care they are providing is the best. Without the assistance they are providing us in Enfield this would be overwhelming.”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor. When my mom was recently in the hospital, I knew it would not be possible for her to be completely on her own right away. She loves where she resides and enjoys all of the activities that are offered. My goal was to get her back into her apartment as soon as possible with the support she needed to increase her strength and return to her prior level of wellness she had before she went into the hospital. She was used to walking a couple miles a day. When I reached out to ABC I made it clear that my mom would need somebody who would be willing to walk with her in the morning, and in the evening enabling her to get back to her baseline. I would like to complement all of the staff at ABC who provided my mom such wonderful support after two weeks she returned to her baseline and remained in her apartment. She really enjoyed all of the staff that were with her , they were professional they encouraged her to walk, drink fluids, eat and were instrumental in assisting her to reach her prior level of independence. I would strongly recommend ABC to anybody who is in need of support for their loved one.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking, decreased appetite, increased incontinence. (Part of the expected declining process per her Dr.) Tara has been wonderful in adapting to Mom’s changing needs as they develop and a very helpful partner in troubleshooting. brainstorming how to adapt to best support Mom. It’s also been helpful in my regular communication with Mom’s Dr, to let her know in detail what has come up and how we have approached. Thank you (again) for your talented staff!”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding care to our aunt. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has an elder family member in need. Also, the staff that helped to set up their services was outstanding as well. They made the decisions easy to understand with no hidden agenda. Thank you again to "ABC!"”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and a joy to work with.”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know that Always Best Care Senior Services is there to help!”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as she would as her own mother. She treats me the way she would like to be treated. We are a good “team” together.”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family. My daughters feel she is truly a tremendous caregiver. They know I am in good hands. She acknowledges with commitment of my physical, emotional, and practical needs, my quality of life has excelled due to Diana’s help. I look forward to her presence everyday her attitude is exceptional, Diana comes to work daily with a smile on her face. She enters the front door, singing softly ready to work. She has never taken a day off, I have had many caregivers, but Diana is truly the best!”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing but my mom’s best interest at heart. She continues to go above and beyond to care for my mom, and ensure anyone else who may be there also understands my mom’s needs. Tina has even gone so far to rearrange her schedule or give up her free time to stay with my mom to avoid her having someone that doesn’t know her. I can see that she genuinely cares for my mom, and treats her as if she was her own family member. That also goes both ways, my mom lights up when she sees Tina. We consider Tina part of our family.”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's care. Kristine and Taylor are a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgable and had the answers to all our questions. They were able to help with all aspects of the care we needed. I highly recommend them.”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside her service area, she helped to find resources for us. Her commitment to providing outstanding care is only surpassed by her desire to help others. Thank you Kristine!”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and her Team at Always Best Care are very caring and professional and exactly who you would want on your side if you have a loved one who needs help!”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and making sure they receive the best care available. Highly recommended!”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and has an immense desire to help my father. Reliability is vital trait in Rosemary. When my father was in the hospital and came home she immediately wanted to be by his side. My father has come to rely and depend on Rosemary. She is always on time whether it is giving medication or administering food and often encourages my father and helps my father maintain his dignity”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are short staffed. Due to our licensing, we can only have CNAs on the floor and Always Best Care has provided excellent CNAs every time we need some extra help. All of their CNAs have been helpful, willing to go above and beyond for our residents and we always have great responses from our own CNAs and supervisory staff. I am so thankful to Michelle and Wilda who will always staff a shift that I need, even if I call 30 minutes before the shift starts. You’ve been such a huge help!”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad needed care following a diagnosis of dementia, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone better to call than them. The caregivers that have worked with my dad have been wonderful. They are true saints to my family, allowing us the knowledge that Dad is okay to stay at home. They have navigated all of the changes in his cognitive state with grace and kept my father’s dignity in place. He was always a very active man and the caregivers have managed to keep him active, even as his health declines.”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I received their information from a close friend of mine that also used their agency. My uncle was a very proud man and did not want help from anyone, including family. Taylor met with me and spent time getting to know the ins and outs of my uncle’s care as well as his personality. She asked about his background so that they could look for a caregiver with similar interests. Although he took a turn for the worse rather quickly, the short time care was provided was wonderful. Thank you for your help and compassion.”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is able to get him talking about all aspects and experiences of his life. They go out regularly and she encourages my dad to participate in the activities put on by the community he lives in. They run errands, go out for meals, or go for a drive just to get a change of scenery. I was nervous at first about how my dad would take having a caregiver come in to help him, but he seems so happy and has great things to talk about after his time spent with his caregiver.”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you and your organization operates. From the initial phone and in-person conversations with Taylor, to the ongoing support of my mother's care - it's been thorough, timely and well managed. I am also struck by how the home-health employees conduct themselves. They are reliable/responsive *and* responsible, and making every effort to work through the challenges day to day with my mother. Thanks for the great job you and your organization are doing. It means a lot to me, especially during this trying time! Best Regards”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of your hard work and dedication to their clients. When my parents finally realized they needed help in their home, I chose ABC as the company I felt would be the best fit. Yes, we have had some ups and down, but when you paired Leah with my parents, it was truly a blessing. My parents love her. She genuinely cares for them and they speak highly of her work ethic. As my mom says, “she is too good to be true”. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your working with me to find the right fit. Well on our end, Leah fits like a glove and I hope she feels the same. She is a special person so I wanted to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to my parents. It makes me feel more at ease knowing there is someone coming to the home to properly care for them. Again I want to thank you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband enjoyed having another man to talk to instead of conversation only between him and I. Craig managed to keep him occupied and safe so that I could go and get some time to myself, allowing me peace of mind that my husband was in great hands”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at home. She was diagnosed with dementia and within 3 months she could hardly do much for herself anymore. I was able to continue working full time while my mom received care from Always Best Care. We had the same caregiver from day 1 and she was absolutely amazing. She kept everyone in the loop with any changes my mom experienced and the regular in person and phone check ins were a great added support to myself and my family. Thank you ABC for all the help and compassion that you showed my mom until her passing.”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is on his "next journey" and finally pain free, while he was here with us, his caregiver, Craig, did an amazing job caring for him and was here to help us from our first day of services. Craig always managed to get my husband to share stories from his time in the war that even I had not heard before. It was a great way to get to know more of my husband so his memory can continue with others around him.”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to provide respite care to my mom while we took some time to ourselves for a weekend. Mom’s caregiver, Gloria, was great and she had the perfect disposition to work with my mom. She was attentive and kept mom well fed and engaged during the time we were away. We would definitely call Always Best Care again when we need some time away.”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially to my husband while I spent some time in the hospital and rehab. Our caregiver brought my husband to see me every day while I was at the hospital and at rehab, I knew he was in excellent hands and I could focus on getting stronger again.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Devil's Hopyard State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Gelston House or visit Palmer-Warner House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in East Haddam, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in East Haddam, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in East Haddam, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The wheelchair aims to help more people enjoy the preserve, according to The Nature Conservancy. EAST HADDAM, CT — A new all-terrain wheelchair is now available for the public’s use at the local Burnham Brook Preserve.The wheelchair is designed to make it possible for more people, including those with mobility challenges, to enjoy the preserve’s natural beauty. It allows users to navigate different types of terrain and inclines on trails.The “track chair,” another name for the wheelchair, ...
EAST HADDAM, CT — A new all-terrain wheelchair is now available for the public’s use at the local Burnham Brook Preserve.
The wheelchair is designed to make it possible for more people, including those with mobility challenges, to enjoy the preserve’s natural beauty. It allows users to navigate different types of terrain and inclines on trails.
The “track chair,” another name for the wheelchair, is available to visitors of all ages, according to The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut, which is based in New Haven.
According to the organization, its 1,122-acre Burnham Brook Preserve features scenic woodlands, grassy fields, vernal pools and waterways. It is home to diverse wildlife, with more than 180 bird species spotted there.
Austin Wheaton recently tested the wheelchair and navigated it along a wooded path.
“All of it was fun because I’ve never done it before,” Wheaton said.
Visitors may use the track chair on some existing trails, but Burnham Brook plans to create more in the future. Plans are in the works for a future path that will connect to a scenic overlook.
The all-terrain wheelchair was made available for the public’s use earlier this summer, and The Nature Conservancy is trying to raise awareness about its availability.
Martha Rice, the organization’s volunteer coordinator in Connecticut, said staff worked hard to launch the program.
“We are excited to connect people from all communities to nature and the opportunity to enjoy a trip into the woods, sit by a vernal pool, or simply appreciate the beauty and quiet of the Burnham Brook Preserve,” Rice said.
The Community Foundation of Middlesex County contributed funding for the wheelchair, and Athletic Brewing Company’s Two For the Trails conservation grants program is providing support for trail development.
Learn more about the track chair, and go online to reserve it at nature.org/trackchairct.
Besides its rich history, fascinating fall foliage, and charming coastal beauty, there's much more to the New England state of Connecticut. In fact, there is a lot to discover beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes and colonial past. While most tourists are used to the quaint, laid-back, and almost faultless facade of its small towns, dig deeper and you'll come across low-key communities with traditions that defy the concept of normal. Their personalities, quirky, unconventional, and delightfully offbeat, showcase a side of the Constitution ...
Besides its rich history, fascinating fall foliage, and charming coastal beauty, there's much more to the New England state of Connecticut. In fact, there is a lot to discover beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes and colonial past. While most tourists are used to the quaint, laid-back, and almost faultless facade of its small towns, dig deeper and you'll come across low-key communities with traditions that defy the concept of normal. Their personalities, quirky, unconventional, and delightfully offbeat, showcase a side of the Constitution State that many tourists didn't expect.
From attending a medieval-themed festival in Lebanon to hunting for paranormal activities in Southington, Connecticut, is home to places that go against the norm without fear of rebuke or ridicule. Whether you're a curious traveler or a local looking for something unexpected, Connecticut is home to eight of the most eccentric towns you'll likely every come across.
This tiny village in the town of Montville, New London County, hosts one of the most eccentric festivals in New England. At the Mohegan Sun Expo Center, residents celebrate the Connecticut Pickle Festival, which features everything pickles. Participants indulge in pickle-themed fun and activities, from sampling pickle martinis and taking pickle shots to eating pickle pizza and drinking Kool-Aid pickles. You also get a Pickle Eating Contest and the popular Pickle Juice Challenge, while the Pickle Pablo Mascot is always on hand to entertain the young festival goers.
Beyond its pickle festival, Uncasville is home to the country's oldest Native American-owned and operated museum. A tour of the Tantaquidgeon Museum exposes the story and heritage of the Mohegan tribe, with tours conducted by Native tribe members. Furthermore, you can take a trip down memory lane at the Fort Shantok Archeological District, a Native American historic site dating back to the 17th century.
This small town in Hartford County promises guests one of the quirkiest escape room experiences in the country. Wethersfield is home to the infamous Lara's Labyrinth, an elaborate escape that thrusts guests into an alternate world of fantasy, mystery, and adventure. Participants have to get into character and venture down a series of abandoned cabins with challenging puzzles and fun themes. Each experience lasts about one hour and is curated for kids and adults alike. The Webb Deane Stevens Museum allows tourists to travel back in time to the 18th century in a period mansion that pays tribute to the American spirit. Meanwhile, those who wish to reconnect with nature can visit the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center for a rich lesson in ecology and native wildlife species.
About 65 miles from Stamford, classic horror film fans and paranormal investigators visit Southington to relive one of the most chilling scenes in movie history. This vibrant town in Hartford County is home to the Snedeker House, which earned its infamy after the claims of paranormal activity and ghostly activities by the Snedeker family. This led to an attempted exorcism in the 1980s, which inspired "The Haunting in Connecticut." Today, it retains its eerie feel, and a dark cloud seems to hover over it, although there haven't been reports of hauntings by subsequent owners.
A pint of freshly crafted beer at Witchdoctor Brewing Company promises to shake off the fright and relax your mind after the paranormal tour. Alternatively, you can take a relaxed picnic on the pristine shores of Crescent Lake to revel in the paradisiacal scenery or dips in the water.
This quaint village in Middlesex County stands out from the crowd with its unusual townscape, punctuated by quirky architectural attractions. It is famous for hosting the Gillette Castle, whose rustic and medieval appearance turns heads. Rising high above the Connecticut River, the 24-room mansion was designed by the celebrated American actor and playwright, William Gillette, who portrayed Sherlock Holmes. This only adds to the allure of the 184-acre property, with guests coming to admire the rough building design and to explore the story behind it.
The Goodspeed Opera House is another architectural spectacle along the Connecticut River. Sporting a conspicuous white facade, this popular cultural hub has staged various theatrical presentations since the 1870s, birthing iconic musicals, such as Shenandoah and Annie. East Haddam boasts a rich natural scene and invites first-timers to take advantage of birdwatching and hiking opportunities in the serene wilderness of Devil's Hopyard State Park.
Plainville boasts a vibrant downtown district that houses a thriving business environment with plenty of family-friendly entertainment venues. However, the laughter can easily turn into a scream for families visiting the Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum. This unusual location exhibits a collection of movie props and life-size wax figures that bring life to classic movie monsters. The facility pays homage to characters and effects artists who contributed to the fantasy film legacy. While it is a low-key fun experience, you can always expect a gasp or yelp here and there.
Paderewski Park is the go-to spot for outdoorsy visitors in Plainville, offering a serene green space with grassy lawns and walking trails along a pristine pond. Meanwhile, one of the best times to visit the town is during the annual Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival, which draws hundreds of high-spirited attendees.
About 35 minutes from New Haven, Rocky Hill earns a mention among the most eccentric towns in Connecticut thanks to the motherlode of prehistoric treasures it houses. This quaint river community is known for Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum, which attracts dinosaur enthusiasts and other curious tourists year-round. The 80-acre site is believed to harbor one of the country's largest dinosaur tracks, believed to originate as far back as 200 million years. Besides the footprints, guests can also browse interactive exhibits and rare fossils, providing a vivid glimpse of the Mesozoic era.
There are more archaeological discoveries to make at Dividend Pond, which offers a charming blending of historical ruins and spectacular natural beauty, featuring a 28-foot waterfall. Finally, remember to board the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry for a laid-back cruise down the calm Connecticut River to soak in the pleasant scene.
Nothing seems to be going on in this sleepy Tolland County village until you get to this one-of-a-kind diner, 31 miles from Hartford. Union is home to the Traveler Restaurant, known to serve delicious burgers and seafood, but with a twist. After a meal, patrons receive up to three books of their choice as part of the meal package. The best part about eating here is that bibliophiles can turn it into their personal library and indulge their love for reading books after a hearty meal in a welcoming atmosphere.
Despite its small population, Union boasts a rich heritage dating back more than 290 years. Its captivating backstory is preserved and shared by the Union Historical Society, where you can peruse a vast catalog of archives, photos, and artifacts. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers make the most of a 516-acre playground at Bigelow Hollow State Park, which opens doors to picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping, and other adventures.
This adorable village in Litchfield County impresses visitors with its New England charm and a one-of-a-kind museum. The whimsical Lock Museum of America displays an extensive collection of locks, some dating back to the early ages. It features around eight rooms full of keys, handcuffs, locks, plates from safes, padlocks, and a curious 4,000-year-old wooden lock from an Egyptian tomb. Besides the exhibits, guests can indulge in the Lock Museum Adventure, a unique escape room experience where you have to solve complex puzzles in the form of safes and locks.
The Eli Terry Jr. Waterwheel is a vital landmark in the town and offers a unique perspective of 19th-century industry and engineering. Meanwhile, those who wish to step outside can relax by golfing at Pequabuck Golf Club.
From Rocky Hill's prehistoric fossils to Union’s bibliographic restaurant, these eccentric towns in Connecticut prove that the best experiences await where you rarely expect. Each quirky destination offers a unique blend of history, creativity, and local charm that defies the ordinary. Whether you're drawn to odd museums, whimsical architecture, or one-of-a-kind festivals, these towns invite you to explore an alternate world bursting with oddities in the United States. So pack your curiosity and take the scenic route to Connecticut’s most eccentric spots.
EAST HADDAM — Set deep within the woodlands of East Haddam, the I-Park international artists-in-residence program will hold two public gatherings next month.An open studios will take place Sept. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 428 Hopyard Road, when guests are invited to meet I-Park’s seven artists-in-residence.Between 2 and 3:30 p.m., the artists will be present in their private studios, according to a press release. They will share their recent work, discuss their creative explorations, and "impart insights" into ...
EAST HADDAM — Set deep within the woodlands of East Haddam, the I-Park international artists-in-residence program will hold two public gatherings next month.
An open studios will take place Sept. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 428 Hopyard Road, when guests are invited to meet I-Park’s seven artists-in-residence.
Between 2 and 3:30 p.m., the artists will be present in their private studios, according to a press release. They will share their recent work, discuss their creative explorations, and "impart insights" into their respective creative disciplines, it said.
These include music composition, visual arts, interdisciplinary practice and creative writing. Then, from 3:30 to 4 p.m., select presentations will be followed by light refreshments.
Another program, "Memory Reconsidered Reprise" will take place Sept. 13 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. "This under-the-radar" art and nature memorial park will open to the public for the final time in 2025, the statement said.
This is a ticketed event with proceeds going to benefit I-Park’s 2026 Composers + Musicians Collaborative Residency. Tickets are $20 per adult.
Guided tours of the grounds, including a printed program booklet, are $50 for adults. Because of limited parking capacity, tickets are limited.
Sichong Xie is multidisciplinary artist whose site-specific works weave movement, material and memory, "inviting reflection on identity, politics and cross-cultural experience," I-Park saidWeihui Lu is an installation artist who explores how landscapes shape one's inner worlds, "blending narrative, place-making and the diasporic experience."
Maxim Loskutoff is a novelist and short story writer whose works, including "Old King" and "Ruthie Fear," "capture the wild beauty and complexity of the American West," the news release said.
Ranger Liu is a Seattle-based artist and astrophysicist who "transforms cosmic and mathematical ideas into poetic visual, sonic and sculptural works." Liu is pursuing a PhD in the search for "extraterrestrial intelligence," I-Park said.
Eli Greenhoe is a composer, producer and conductor whose "luminous, inventive" works have been performed at festivals from Bang on a Can to Ostrava Days.
Theo Chandler is a composer who creates music of "lyrical beauty and emotional depth, merging expressive melodies with intricate orchestration."
Lydia Conklin is a fiction writer whose work "blends wit, empathy and insight into the complexity of human relationships." Conklin is a Stegner Fellow, four-time Pushcart Prize winner and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University.
For more information, visit i-park.org.
Connecticut’s natural terrain got a little easier to navigate for those with mobility issues as the Nature Conservancy in Connecticut has introduced a all-terrain wheelchair that is now available to visitors of all ages.TNC 's Burnham Brook Preserve, located in East Haddam, joins Madison's playground at Surf Club Park, Clinton Town Beach in Clinton, Short Beach in Stratford and more providing accessibility in nature. This past July accessibility mats were installed throughout Surf Club Park to afford everyone the ability to visi...
Connecticut’s natural terrain got a little easier to navigate for those with mobility issues as the Nature Conservancy in Connecticut has introduced a all-terrain wheelchair that is now available to visitors of all ages.
TNC 's Burnham Brook Preserve, located in East Haddam, joins Madison's playground at Surf Club Park, Clinton Town Beach in Clinton, Short Beach in Stratford and more providing accessibility in nature. This past July accessibility mats were installed throughout Surf Club Park to afford everyone the ability to visit its playground and the entire beach. The mats extend from the parking lot to the playground to the concessions and to the beach.
Now visitors to the preserve can travel through some of the existing trails for up to two hours in the new all-terrain wheelchair or track chair, as it’s also called.
“Our staff has worked hard to get the program off the ground, and we are excited to connect people from all communities to nature and the opportunity to enjoy a trip into the woods, sit by a vernal pool or simply appreciate the beauty and quiet of the Burnham Brook Preserve,” said TNC's volunteer coordinator in Connecticut Martha Rice in a press release.
Though the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers all-terrain wheelchairs at several state parks including Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam and Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middlefield/Middletown, Burnham Brook is currently the only TNC preserve in Connecticut where this is opportunity is offered, according to TNC.
Funding from Middletown-based Community Foundation of Middlesex County afforded TNC the opportunity to take this from an idea to an official addition. And support from the Athletic Brewing Company’s Two For the Trails conservation grants program helped to assist with further trail development for the project. Students from Franklin Academy in East Haddam also helped with trail prep while learning about the safe use of hand tools and proper pruning techniques, according to TNC.
Before the track chair went live this summer a test run was done through different types of terrain and inclines, through leaves, dirt etc. by local friends of the preserve and community partners.
“You have no idea how nice it is to get outside and have this control,” said Deb Lees, who tested out the track chair.
David Gephard, who tested out the track chair, noted that the preserve has a lot to take in no matter the season and he couldn’t wait to return and experience a visit in the track chair at different times of the year.
Track chair adventurers may also get to see more of the preserve in the near future as Burnham Brook plans to create more trails over time that lead to different areas (including a future path that will connect to a “stunning” overlook), according to the release.
Ciara Hooks is a reporter with the Record-Journal. She has been with Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2024. When not working, she can be found trying out the many great restaurants in the state, shopping, listening to music and spending time with family.
EAST HADDAM — Venture Smith, who lived from 1729 to 1805 and became the first Black man to document his capture in Africa and life as an enslaved person, will be memorialized for the 29th year during a Connecticut Freedom Trail celebration Sept. 6.The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. in the First Church Cemetery at 499 Town St., where Smith is buried.Smith was captured in about 1736 when he was 7, and sold for “4 gallons of rum and some calico” to the steward of a Rhode Island slave ship, according to a press r...
EAST HADDAM — Venture Smith, who lived from 1729 to 1805 and became the first Black man to document his capture in Africa and life as an enslaved person, will be memorialized for the 29th year during a Connecticut Freedom Trail celebration Sept. 6.
The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. in the First Church Cemetery at 499 Town St., where Smith is buried.
Smith was captured in about 1736 when he was 7, and sold for “4 gallons of rum and some calico” to the steward of a Rhode Island slave ship, according to a press release. He grew up enslaved on Fishers Island, New York, it continued.
He lived and worked on Long Island to raise money to purchase the freedom of his wife and children. During these years, he cut wood, farmed, fished, and spent seven months on a whaling voyage, the news release said.
In 1774, Smith, "well-known and respected," sold all his land on Long Island and in Stonington and moved his family to East Haddam, where he began purchasing land on Haddam Neck along the Salmon River Cove. His grave is one of the original sites on the Freedom Trail.
This year's speakers include Akeia de Barros Gomes, director of the Edward W. Kane and Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History at the Newport Historical Society, who will present “There's a World of Something in This: Enslavement, Identity, Freedom-Making in Newport, Rhode Island.”
She leads the development and implementation of the Center for Black History at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House in Newport, and is also a visiting scholar and adjunct lecturer at Brown University’s Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice.
Trained genealogist John Mills, president of the the Connecticut-based nonprofit Alex Breanne Corp., will present “Refocusing the Lens of Reverence.” In his talk about the Black experience in Connecticut, he will highlight the impacts of the "erasure," and benefits to be gained by sharing untold stories, the statement said.
East Haddam municipal historian Karl P. Stofko, a Smith family genealogist since the 1970s, will talk about “What’s New with Venture & Three Justices of the Peace Who Assisted Venture in His Land Purchases.” Stofko, who received the 2022 Award of Merit for Individual Achievement from the Connecticut League of History Organizations, co-authored “A Brief History of East Haddam, Connecticut.”
He is also a member of the Freedom Trail Committee and chairman of the annual Venture Smith Day celebrations.
Also, The Sisters in Stitches Joined by the Cloth of eastern Massachusetts will return to show off their African American quilts. Smith’s family genealogy, family photos and artifacts from their trip to Ghana will be on display. A wreath-laying ceremony by the descendants of Smith and the family reunion photograph will take place in the cemetery by his grave.
All ages are encouraged to attend. For questions, call 860-873-9375. To review the original Venture Smith Narrative, go to docsouth.unc.edu.
A new Smith exhibit is on display at the East Haddam Historical Society and Museum, 264 Town St., which will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 6.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on outside. Refreshments will be served following the event. For more information, visit easthaddamhistory.org.
860-533-9343
