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 Makens Bemont House 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 Hartford, 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 Great River 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 Max Downtown or visit Isham-Terry House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in East Hartford, 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 Hartford, 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 Hartford, 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.
EAST HARTFORD — At 6 p.m. on the dot Saturday, the UConn football team faced a fourth-and-1 situation while protecting a fourth-quarter lead against Ball State. Cam Edwards gave the Huskies 32 yards and some breathing room, streaking down the right side for a touchdown.A half-hour later, 6:30 on the dot, UConn began a drive with 3:25 remaining on the game clock and, again, holding a one-score lead. Edwards was handed the ball on three consecutive plays — right for three yards, left for two more, then left for 67, racing pa...
EAST HARTFORD — At 6 p.m. on the dot Saturday, the UConn football team faced a fourth-and-1 situation while protecting a fourth-quarter lead against Ball State. Cam Edwards gave the Huskies 32 yards and some breathing room, streaking down the right side for a touchdown.
A half-hour later, 6:30 on the dot, UConn began a drive with 3:25 remaining on the game clock and, again, holding a one-score lead. Edwards was handed the ball on three consecutive plays — right for three yards, left for two more, then left for 67, racing past the Huskies’ sideline and into the end zone yet again.
“I'm just trying to put the game to bed,” Edwards said.
He did. Edwards carved up the Ball State defense throughout, particularly in key moments, finishing with a career-high 194 rushing yards while pushing UConn to a 31-25 victory at Rentschler Field.
“I think, overall, I've worked very hard and I feel like I deserve those type of things,” Edwards said. “We still have a long season ahead, but when the moment presents itself, I try to show up.”
For Edwards, showing up at UConn didn’t require much help from a map or GPS, even if his journey to a place of trust and production within the offense has been a complicated trip.
As a standout running back at Norwalk High, he was the 2021 Gametime CT player of the year and finished his career with 2,349 rushing yards and 44 total touchdowns. He then headed 90 miles up state to Storrs, where coach Jim Mora’s initial plans were to use him as a defensive back. Edwards returned to a running back role midway through his freshman season, his redshirt year.
Now, arguably, Edwards is one of the best ball carriers in the nation and, inarguably, has a knack for reminding us all about the way a state player can help the state university. This is the most refreshing turn of events in era of NIL, transfer portal, rev-share, and everything else fueling annual roster overhauls.
College football has become so transactional, its experience so transitory and impersonal, and here you have Edwards darting into the end zone and afterward talking with such pride about what he’s doing and where he’s doing it and where he’s from.
“They don’t really respect CT people,” Edwards said. “CT players, they don't really get the shine that they should. I'm just trying to make it out of here and make CT proud. … Sky’s the limit for CT.”
Edwards, a redshirt junior, is off to an electrifying start this season, with 500 yards on 74 carries (a 6.8 yard average). He had 115 yards, including a 73-yard touchdown, in an opening victory against Central Connecticut, 75 yards in an overtime loss to Syracuse and 116 and two touchdowns in another overtime loss to Delaware.
UConn (2-2) couldn’t close out two games that it probably should have – the way it did on Saturday against lowly Ball State (1-3). Edwards, with the most yards by a UConn running back in 15 years, couldn’t be contained.
A UConn player has rushed for 200-plus yards in a game 18 times, led by Nick Giaquinto's record 277 against Holy Cross in 1976. No one has rushed for more than 194 since quarterback David Pindell had 197 against South Florida in 2018. No running back has had more than 194 since Jordan Todman put up 222 against Pittsburgh in 2010.
“He's dependable, he's a warrior, he's tough, he's gritty, he’s resilient,” Mora said of Edwards. “You want guys like that on your team, that you can count on. You love those stories, kids from this state, playing for this university, doing big things.”
There was a time, three years ago now, when Mora had some doubts about this marriage between player and program.
“He was a little bit immature,” Mora said. “I didn't know if he was going to make it. I didn't know if I really wanted him here, the way he conducted himself. He's grown up fast. I know things haven’t come easy for him. I think he's had to fight. And I love that. As he goes, we go. Mentally and physically, he is freakin’ tough. It's been a rewarding experience for four years now, watching that kid, what he's turning into.”
Edwards had a team-high 830 yards last season, sharing backfield duties mostly with Mel Brown, who broke a collarbone against Delaware and will miss at least most of the rest of the season. Edwards will be depended on now more so than ever, this kid from Connecticut — with another, Bristol’s Victor Rosa, part of the rotation.
There was a big CT vibe in East Hartford Saturday. Tyquan King, a linebacker out of West Haven, had eight tackles. Milford’s John Neider, the 2023 Gatorade Connecticut player of the year as a quarterback, making a circus catch and further solidified a role for himself at receiver.
“Ya'll see that catch?” Edwards said. “Shoutout, John.”
“Connecticut,” much more so than “UConn” is the branding of choice around the football program. The end zones at Rentschler read “Connecticut” and “Huskies.” The full 11-letter state name is all over football facility walls in East Hartford and Storrs. Edwards said Connecticut players on the team talk about state pride quite often.
Durante Jones once called Ridgefield linebacker Jackson Mitchell, one of the best defensive players in UConn history and now an assistant coach with the Huskies, "Mr. Connecticut." Edwards won't give himself that label. It's fine, though, if anyone wants to give it to him.
“I want to be the guy,” said Edwards, who has 1,950 career rushing yards in college. “And I want to get this job done.”
The U.S. Department of War recently awarded a $670 million contract modification to Pratt & Whitney to work on F135 engines that power F-35 fighter jets.The contract modification was disclosed this week on the War Department’s website. Pratt’s facility in East Hartford will handle 97% of the work, with the project expected to be completed in December 2028, according to the department.In a joint statement released Friday, U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, John Larson and Joe Courtney said the contract boosts the state&rsq...
The U.S. Department of War recently awarded a $670 million contract modification to Pratt & Whitney to work on F135 engines that power F-35 fighter jets.
The contract modification was disclosed this week on the War Department’s website. Pratt’s facility in East Hartford will handle 97% of the work, with the project expected to be completed in December 2028, according to the department.
In a joint statement released Friday, U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro, John Larson and Joe Courtney said the contract boosts the state’s economy and protects union jobs.
“This $4.6 billion contract for Pratt & Whitney is a testament to Connecticut’s status as a leader in defense technology. This contract protects union jobs while strengthening our national defense and boosting Connecticut’s economy. This is a win for Pratt & Whitney and the skilled and dedicated workers in Middletown and East Hartford who are the backbone of this industry, and who demonstrate time and again that the best jet engines in the world are made in Connecticut,” the joint statement said.
“The F135 is the most advanced, reliable and capable production fighter engine the world has ever known. We are proud to have led and won the fight against special interests attempting to replace the F135 with an expensive, wasteful and risky alternate engine. Connecticut’s valued defense companies play a pivotal role in providing our armed forces with the technology and equipment they need to keep our country safe and secure, and we are proud to support them.”
Back in May, the company’s approximately 3,000 Connecticut-based machinists went on strike, delaying work on the F135 engine. The work stoppage was resolved when the machinists approved a new four-year contract on May 27.
The $670 million contract modification was awarded to procure spares for the F135 engine, which powers the F-35 aircraft, bringing the total value of its current contract to $4.6 billion, according to the War Department. The new announcement follows a number of other recent contract modifications for Pratt & Whitney, including one announced last month for F135 production that is worth about $2.9 billion, the department said.
DeLauro, Larson, and Courtney said they fought to defend the F135 engine from special interests seeking to replace it. In 2023, DeLauro and Larson said they convinced the Biden administration to drop support for funding an alternate engine development project. In 2024, they said they secured language in government funding legislation prohibiting the use of federal funds for any alternate engine for the F-35.
“This $670 million contract modification is a huge win for the talented machinists at Pratt & Whitney and our national defense,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in a statement. “Pratt’s F135 engines are top of the line and power the world’s most dynamic fighter jets. I am thrilled to see yet another vote of confidence for Connecticut made products and will keep fighting to support our local defense manufacturers.”
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected].
East Hartford is stepping up to help people when it comes to filling their fridge and pantry.That’s where a new food pantry could make a difference and it is located in the East Hartford Community Center.While there are other pantries in East Hartford, this is the first run by the town.“We still heard from our partners, those that operate those pantries, as well as some of the residents it's not enough. There's a need for food support. We have a high level of food insecurity still,” Laurence Burnsed, Ea...
East Hartford is stepping up to help people when it comes to filling their fridge and pantry.
That’s where a new food pantry could make a difference and it is located in the East Hartford Community Center.
While there are other pantries in East Hartford, this is the first run by the town.
“We still heard from our partners, those that operate those pantries, as well as some of the residents it's not enough. There's a need for food support. We have a high level of food insecurity still,” Laurence Burnsed, East Hartford Director of Health and Human Services, said.
That’s something we heard when we talked to people in the community.
One man said he goes to soup kitchens and places that give out free food.
“It's important. Very important. A lot of people don't have nothing,” Phil Collins, of East Hartford, said.
As you browse the new pantry, you’ll find all sorts of food items – with special nutrition labels - along with some personal things, too, like shoes.
And it’s open to Connecticut residents who meet certain income guidelines.
We’re told the growing demand for help is due to several reasons.
“Higher grocery prices recently has been a difficulty that we're hearing from residents. Inflation with other items and costs, over the last several years, has been challenging for some to make ends meet,” Burnsed said.
A recent AP-NORC poll found 86% of people are stressed about the cost of groceries.
And a new USDA report predicts prices will keep going up this year.
“Inflation prices are going up for, like, just the basic necessities that we need, like milk, eggs, bread. Like just stuff that we buy every day is costing probably maybe like a dollar, maybe $2 more than it normally would have,” Andre Henriques, of East Hartford, said.
The new pantry operates with the help of donations and grants.
EAST HARTFORD – The names may change but the standard remains the same when it comes to the Maloney football team.The Spartans, who have reached the postseason in the past seven seasons and won a Class L state title in 2021, rolled to a 42-6 CCC victory at East Hartford on Friday night behind big plays on both sides of the ball.First-year starting junior quarterback Eli Showerda threw three more touchdowns. He now has six scoring tosses and no interceptions in Maloney’s 2-0 start.First-year starting junior ru...
EAST HARTFORD – The names may change but the standard remains the same when it comes to the Maloney football team.
The Spartans, who have reached the postseason in the past seven seasons and won a Class L state title in 2021, rolled to a 42-6 CCC victory at East Hartford on Friday night behind big plays on both sides of the ball.
First-year starting junior quarterback Eli Showerda threw three more touchdowns. He now has six scoring tosses and no interceptions in Maloney’s 2-0 start.
First-year starting junior running back Devan Bacote scored twice – showing off his strength to cap off the Spartans’ opening drive from 3 yards out, and then his speed via a 70-yard screen pass from Showerda that gave the Spartans a 35-6 lead at halftime.
Senior Keenan Armstong then stepped in front of a swing pass for a pick-six that ended any chance of a Hornets’ comeback and put Maloney up 42-6 with 7:29 left in the third quarter.
Armstrong’s touchdown also instituted the CIAC’s running clock that didn’t stop the rest of the way.
“It’s my turn,” said Showerda. “The guys in the past taught me a lot. I was coming through the program as a freshman and I just learned a lot from the older guys.”
“I want to win; that’s all I want to do,” Showerda added.
Maloney left little doubt about the outcome Friday night, holding the Hornets to less than 200 yards of total offense.
The Spartans, meanwhile, scored early and often. With East Hartford punting and fumbling on its opening two possessions, the Spartans led 14-0 after the first quarter. It was then 28-0 lead on Showerda’s second touchdown toss from 39 yards out to sophomore wideout Jayden Soto.
After the Hornets got within 28-6 on a 19-yard pass from Anthony Carvallo to Curtis Barber, Bacote took a screen pass from Showerda 70 yards two plays later for a 35-6 advantage with 2:35 left in the half.
“After having Jesus (Martell) and Dante (Kelly) leave I knew somebody would have to fill that role,” Bacote said. “I knew I had to make that transition. Be the next guy up.”
Maloney won the game’s opening toss and elected to put its potent offense on the field. The Spartans methodically marched down the field with Bacote capping off an eight-play, 69-yard drive with a 3-yard TD run.
Senior Trayvan Harrell’s 56-yard scamper on fourth down then put Maloney up 14-0 just over eight minutes into the game.
The Spartans punted on their next possession, but Showerda tossed TD passes of 12 and 39 yards on Maloney’s next two possessions. Bacote then turned a Showerda screen pass into a 70-yard TD and 35-6 lead.
“It was just straight green,” Bacote said of his sprint through the Hornets’ defense.
Showerda’s second TD pass came after the Spartans recovered a surprise onsides kick midway through the second quarter. Two plays later, Maloney was up 28-0 on Showerda’s third TD toss of the second quarter.
“It’s always a good thing to start off hot; start fast,” said Maloney head coach Kevin Frederick, whose Spartans have become a staple in the Class L football playoffs.
Maloney also reached the 2022 state title game, the 2023 semifinals and last year’s quarterfinals.
“We always want to come off the bus and take it to teams,” Frederick added.
“But I told the guys, it’s never about one individual. It’s about the team,” Frederick continued. “We want to be a professional program in my eyes. We treat it like that. And this is the results you get.”
Eli Showerda, Maloney — The junior quarterback threw three second-quarter touchdowns as the Spartans broke open the game to lead 35-6 by halftime. Stowerd now has six touchdown passes and no interceptions in his first two varsity starts.
“I think we have a solid program. It’s never about rebuilding at Maloney, we are going to reload every year. We have it rolling. But it all starts in the offseason. We have 60-70 guys who buy into it during the offseason. There will never be a drop in my eyes because we work too hard.” — Maloney head coach Kevin Frederick
MALONEY 14 21 7 0 — 42EAST HARTFORD 0 6 0 0 – 6
M – Devan Bacote 3 run (Madison Huskes kick)M – Trayvon Harrell 56 run (Ayden Carrero kick)M—Sean Boles 12 pass from Eli Showerd (Huskes kick)M – Jayden Soto 39 pass from Showerd (Carrero kick)EH — Curtis Barber 19 pass from Anthony Caravallo (Pass failed)M—Bacote 70 pass from Showerd (Huskes kick)M – Keenan Armstrong 64 interception return (Carrero kick)Records: Maloney 2-0, East Hartford 0-2
The pantry was launched after the need for food outpaced available resources. It is open three days a month and is the seventh food pantry in operating in town.EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Most food pantries are run by churches or nonprofit groups — but in East Hartford, the town itself is stepping in to fill the gap.Local leaders said the demand for help was outpacing what area organizations could provide, so they established a town-run pantry inside one of their own buildings.Before the new food pantry opened up ...
The pantry was launched after the need for food outpaced available resources. It is open three days a month and is the seventh food pantry in operating in town.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Most food pantries are run by churches or nonprofit groups — but in East Hartford, the town itself is stepping in to fill the gap.
Local leaders said the demand for help was outpacing what area organizations could provide, so they established a town-run pantry inside one of their own buildings.
Before the new food pantry opened up this month in the East Hartford Cultural Community Center, the town already had six food pantries and four mobile food share locations. The new pantry makes seven food pantries in town.
The new food pantry is on the smaller side, but it's filled with hundreds of items, and it's serving a large need already.
"We had several families that came in, that had young children with them, and and in a couple of cases, they had multiple children. We had a family that said they had a family of seven that they were accessing food resources for," Director of East Hartford's Health and Human Services Laurence Burnsed said.
He said the town's always worked closely with other food pantries to evaluate their needs, and many of them are ran by faith organizations who are struggling to keep up with the need.
"There are some days to where they're operating 60 to 100 plus individuals on a single day that are asking for food assistance, and in some cases to where it's fully depleting the inventory that they had available," Burnsed said.
In the first month the food pantry's been open- he said they've already served about 50 people, and as the word's slowly getting out, they expect to see a quick increase in the number of people walking through their doors.
"We're a site that allows for residents to come in and identify the items that they want to pick up from the shelves. So, it's a self-select model, which means that individuals kind of feel like they're shopping for, for the resources that they want to pick that suits their needs," Burnsed added.
One must be a resident in Connecticut, and at least 18 years old, to shop at the food pantry for free. Staff have people fill out an intake form first, which gives them access to a variety of foods and hygiene products.
The food pantry's also collected some items like blankets and shoes for other essential needs at the weather gets colder in Connecticut.
"You know, we recognize that this is going to be a greater community benefit to our residents, which means that we need that community support," Burnsed said.
While this pantry's working with Connecticut Foodshare- they're also encouraging donations, volunteers and businesses or organizations to host food drives, which will all go back to supporting local neighbors in the community.
"We try to be a site that is obviously serving residents with dignity and respect," Burnsed said.
The East Hartford food pantry is open three days a month- the second and fourth Thursday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the third Monday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
They encourage everyone to bring their own bags to bring their items home in, and items are served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
How to donate:
Those who would like to help the pantry with donations of food or hygiene products can drop off items at the Youth & Social Services Division office located on the lower level of the EH Community Center at 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT 06108. If you need assistance with bringing in donations, please contact the Youth & Social Services main number at (860) 291-7248 and ask to speak with the food assistance coordinator to arrange your donation drop-off.
Donations are accepted during normal town operations hours; Monday through Wednesday 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
For monetary donations, individuals can mail a check to the Town of East Hartford, Youth & Social Services Division, 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT 06108. Please specify the donation is for the food pantry. Individuals can also drop off their donation at the Youth & Social Services office. If you prefer to make an online donation, please access the Youth & Social Services Donation Program.
Below is a list of their donation needs
Below is more information on volunteer opportunities
You can find hours and information on the other food pantries and mobile Foodshare locations in East Hartford at this link.
Solen Aref is a Multi-Skilled Journalist at FOX61 news. She can be reached at [email protected].
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