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

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

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Babispyce S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor. When my mom was recently in the hospital, I knew it would not be possible for her to be completely on her own right away. She loves where she resides and enjoys all of the activities that are offered. My goal was to get her back into her apartment as soon as possible with the support she needed to increase her strength and return to her prior level of wellness she had before she went into the hospital. She was used to walking a couple miles a day. When I reached out to ABC I made it clear that my mom would need somebody who would be willing to walk with her in the morning, and in the evening enabling her to get back to her baseline. I would like to complement all of the staff at ABC who provided my mom such wonderful support after two weeks she returned to her baseline and remained in her apartment. She really enjoyed all of the staff that were with her , they were professional they encouraged her to walk, drink fluids, eat and were instrumental in assisting her to reach her prior level of independence. I would strongly recommend ABC to anybody who is in need of support for their loved one.”

Robin Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking, decreased appetite, increased incontinence. (Part of the expected declining process per her Dr.) Tara has been wonderful in adapting to Mom’s changing needs as they develop and a very helpful partner in troubleshooting. brainstorming how to adapt to best support Mom. It’s also been helpful in my regular communication with Mom’s Dr, to let her know in detail what has come up and how we have approached. Thank you (again) for your talented staff!”

Jeremy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding care to our aunt. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has an elder family member in need. Also, the staff that helped to set up their services was outstanding as well. They made the decisions easy to understand with no hidden agenda. Thank you again to "ABC!"”

KEVIN M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know that Always Best Care Senior Services is there to help!”

Cathy K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as she would as her own mother. She treats me the way she would like to be treated. We are a good “team” together.”

Tracy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family. My daughters feel she is truly a tremendous caregiver. They know I am in good hands. She acknowledges with commitment of my physical, emotional, and practical needs, my quality of life has excelled due to Diana’s help. I look forward to her presence everyday her attitude is exceptional, Diana comes to work daily with a smile on her face. She enters the front door, singing softly ready to work. She has never taken a day off, I have had many caregivers, but Diana is truly the best!”

Anne H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing but my mom’s best interest at heart. She continues to go above and beyond to care for my mom, and ensure anyone else who may be there also understands my mom’s needs. Tina has even gone so far to rearrange her schedule or give up her free time to stay with my mom to avoid her having someone that doesn’t know her. I can see that she genuinely cares for my mom, and treats her as if she was her own family member. That also goes both ways, my mom lights up when she sees Tina. We consider Tina part of our family.”

David L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's care. Kristine and Taylor are a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgable and had the answers to all our questions. They were able to help with all aspects of the care we needed. I highly recommend them.”

John S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and making sure they receive the best care available. Highly recommended!”

Greg G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”

Liam M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside her service area, she helped to find resources for us. Her commitment to providing outstanding care is only surpassed by her desire to help others. Thank you Kristine!”

Matt B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and her Team at Always Best Care are very caring and professional and exactly who you would want on your side if you have a loved one who needs help!”

Ann B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kimberly O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and has an immense desire to help my father. Reliability is vital trait in Rosemary. When my father was in the hospital and came home she immediately wanted to be by his side. My father has come to rely and depend on Rosemary. She is always on time whether it is giving medication or administering food and often encourages my father and helps my father maintain his dignity”

Denise D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are short staffed. Due to our licensing, we can only have CNAs on the floor and Always Best Care has provided excellent CNAs every time we need some extra help. All of their CNAs have been helpful, willing to go above and beyond for our residents and we always have great responses from our own CNAs and supervisory staff. I am so thankful to Michelle and Wilda who will always staff a shift that I need, even if I call 30 minutes before the shift starts. You’ve been such a huge help!”

Kaytee S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad needed care following a diagnosis of dementia, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone better to call than them. The caregivers that have worked with my dad have been wonderful. They are true saints to my family, allowing us the knowledge that Dad is okay to stay at home. They have navigated all of the changes in his cognitive state with grace and kept my father’s dignity in place. He was always a very active man and the caregivers have managed to keep him active, even as his health declines.”

Belinda F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I received their information from a close friend of mine that also used their agency. My uncle was a very proud man and did not want help from anyone, including family. Taylor met with me and spent time getting to know the ins and outs of my uncle’s care as well as his personality. She asked about his background so that they could look for a caregiver with similar interests. Although he took a turn for the worse rather quickly, the short time care was provided was wonderful. Thank you for your help and compassion.”

Karel O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is able to get him talking about all aspects and experiences of his life. They go out regularly and she encourages my dad to participate in the activities put on by the community he lives in. They run errands, go out for meals, or go for a drive just to get a change of scenery. I was nervous at first about how my dad would take having a caregiver come in to help him, but he seems so happy and has great things to talk about after his time spent with his caregiver.”

Martin F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you and your organization operates. From the initial phone and in-person conversations with Taylor, to the ongoing support of my mother's care - it's been thorough, timely and well managed. I am also struck by how the home-health employees conduct themselves. They are reliable/responsive *and* responsible, and making every effort to work through the challenges day to day with my mother. Thanks for the great job you and your organization are doing. It means a lot to me, especially during this trying time! Best Regards”

Anna T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of your hard work and dedication to their clients. When my parents finally realized they needed help in their home, I chose ABC as the company I felt would be the best fit. Yes, we have had some ups and down, but when you paired Leah with my parents, it was truly a blessing. My parents love her. She genuinely cares for them and they speak highly of her work ethic. As my mom says, “she is too good to be true”. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your working with me to find the right fit. Well on our end, Leah fits like a glove and I hope she feels the same. She is a special person so I wanted to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to my parents. It makes me feel more at ease knowing there is someone coming to the home to properly care for them. Again I want to thank you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.”

Craig F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to provide respite care to my mom while we took some time to ourselves for a weekend. Mom’s caregiver, Gloria, was great and she had the perfect disposition to work with my mom. She was attentive and kept mom well fed and engaged during the time we were away. We would definitely call Always Best Care again when we need some time away.”

Brenda
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TESTIMONIALS

“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially to my husband while I spent some time in the hospital and rehab. Our caregiver brought my husband to see me every day while I was at the hospital and at rehab, I knew he was in excellent hands and I could focus on getting stronger again.”

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

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

harry B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kathleen F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is on his "next journey" and finally pain free, while he was here with us, his caregiver, Craig, did an amazing job caring for him and was here to help us from our first day of services. Craig always managed to get my husband to share stories from his time in the war that even I had not heard before. It was a great way to get to know more of my husband so his memory can continue with others around him.”

Beth F.
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“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband enjoyed having another man to talk to instead of conversation only between him and I. Craig managed to keep him occupied and safe so that I could go and get some time to myself, allowing me peace of mind that my husband was in great hands”

Sonia T.
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“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at home. She was diagnosed with dementia and within 3 months she could hardly do much for herself anymore. I was able to continue working full time while my mom received care from Always Best Care. We had the same caregiver from day 1 and she was absolutely amazing. She kept everyone in the loop with any changes my mom experienced and the regular in person and phone check ins were a great added support to myself and my family. Thank you ABC for all the help and compassion that you showed my mom until her passing.”

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

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

Bob G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Claudia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Rachel C.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Joe L.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Sarah C.
 In-Home Care Killingworth, CT

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

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Killingworth, CT

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

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

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Killingworth, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Killingworth, CT gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

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

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Killingworth, CT

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Killingworth,CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers Killingworth, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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

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

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

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

Latest News in Killingworth, CT

Haddam-Killingworth Face $200+ Million School Construction Costs

HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH — The Board of Education is debating how to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades for the district’s four schools — a plan which could include closures of the elementary school campuses and moving students into new or renovated buildings on consolidated campuses.The goal of the master plan, which has been under discussion for over two years, is to update the in...

HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH — The Board of Education is debating how to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades for the district’s four schools — a plan which could include closures of the elementary school campuses and moving students into new or renovated buildings on consolidated campuses.

The goal of the master plan, which has been under discussion for over two years, is to update the infrastructure of the school district’s four buildings, which have an average age of 52 years. All the buildings except Haddam-Killingworth Intermediate Middle School are over half a century old.

A facilities assessment completed by the firm Tecton in 2021 estimated that — with state reimbursement — the district would still need to spend between $115 million and $120 million to make the necessary fixes to equipment and code upgrades for ADA accessibility to the schools. At a joint meeting of the towns and the Board of Education on Thursday, Jeff Wyszynski, principal-in-charge at Tecton, described several additional proposals that would further renovate the buildings or rebuild them from the ground up.

While the least expensive option would involve simply fixing the mechanical issues and making code upgrades, several people noted this would not include making improvements to the quality of the educational spaces. Wyszynski also estimated that the cost would likely be much higher with inflation, given that they would be replacing the equipment over a period of 30 years.

Renovating or rebuilding all four of the buildings is estimated to cost between $204 million and $231 million with state reimbursement. Another option would be to close one of the elementary schools and transition to a three-school configuration — a cost of $206 million with state reimbursement.

A fourth would move Burr Elementary to the high school campus and Killingworth Elementary to the middle school campus – a cost of about $215 million. The last option would create a two-school configuration, with pre-K through sixth grade at one school and seventh through 12th grade at another school, for a total of $146 million with state reimbursement.

Wyszynski said that the idea of a “modern” classroom would emphasize flexibility and open space, with a lot of natural light. These spaces would have access to functioning science labs, STEM resources and music programs.

“The quality of their space absolutely impacts their performance,” Wyszynski said.

Board of Education Chair Suzanne Sack said despite having hosted three “community conversations,” she did not feel the board received much feedback from the community.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say we have by and large community input on this,” Sack said.

A survey sent to community members found that 81 percent of the approximately 300 people who responded believed Haddam-Killingworth High School was the top priority for renovations. The high school has been cited by the national accrediting body for high schools for having old mechanical systems, a lack of compliance with the ADA and nonfunctioning science classrooms.

Board members said they still don’t know how the community would react to the idea of moving the elementary schools onto the secondary school campuses.

Kate Anderson said she believed parents would be open to the idea, particularly since the towns had lost a lot of recreational opportunities.

“I have found that most people are totally open to the idea of combining at that age,” she said.

But others expressed doubt.

Killingworth Board of Finance member Annie Stirna said she wanted to ensure that closing and consolidating schools wouldn’t mean that the district would sacrifice programming or educational excellence. She questioned how consolidating the elementary schools would improve educational outcomes.

“From my experience just with [Killingworth Elementary School], people are very happy in Killingworth with KES as a school and the teachers and the setup,” Stirna said. She added that the district needs to invest in the teachers and programs.

“If we don’t invest … in our educators and our staff and our paras, it doesn’t matter what the schools look like,” she said.

But Sack said she didn’t believe combining elementary schools would improve or worsen educational outcomes, and that investing in one didn’t prevent investment in the other. She also pointed out that any operational savings — like eliminating duplicative positions in administration — could be reinvested into education or returned to taxpayers.

Board of Education member Lisa Connelly said the plans that involved renovations or rebuilding would be an improvement to the current educational system.

Haddam Selectwoman Kate Anderson said having two schools rather than four could save money, because the overall cost of running the buildings would lessen over time.

Sack noted that the district saved $1.2 million when it closed Haddam Elementary School, most of which came from staffing. She said the plan reducing four schools to two would likely be the greatest cost-saver in the long run.

Wyszynski underscored that the master plan would be rolling out over a series of decades, so the costs presented would be subject to inflation.

Sack said she believes the community will ultimately settle on a price they are comfortable with and seek the design that best fits within that price.

“When you take $50 [million] or $80 million and add it onto the tax rolls of these two communities, I think it’s going to be a big impact,” Sack said.

Town officials and the Board of Finance plan to have another meeting on Nov. 2 to further discuss the options.

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

[email protected]

Officials step in to help Killingworth mobile home residents fight raising rates

Jackie Vece lives in Beechwood Community Mobile Home Park in Killingworth. Residents here don’t own the land their houses are on.The land is owned by Sun Communities, a billion-dollar, publicly traded real estate investment trust that is headquartered in Michigan.So, when sewage begins to back up onto her property and at least 10 of her neighbors in the over 55 community, the landlords can appear to be hard to reach — and without a plan to make necessary repairs.“Until our group got involved and started...

Jackie Vece lives in Beechwood Community Mobile Home Park in Killingworth. Residents here don’t own the land their houses are on.

The land is owned by Sun Communities, a billion-dollar, publicly traded real estate investment trust that is headquartered in Michigan.

So, when sewage begins to back up onto her property and at least 10 of her neighbors in the over 55 community, the landlords can appear to be hard to reach — and without a plan to make necessary repairs.

“Until our group got involved and started making all of this public, Sun would be telling people that you know it was their responsibility,” Vece said. “People have put out their own money to get the septic problems fixed.”

Many Beechwood residents live on fixed incomes and pay a monthly rental fee to keep their mobile homes on the property. Unlike the name suggests, many of the homes are immobile due to their age or were never designed to be relocated.

Vece said Sun Communities has also been increasing their land rent every year since they purchased Beechwood in 2019 — which means abandoning their homes due to infrastructure problems is a costly and unlikely situation.

“The land does not belong to us and is not our responsibility,” she added.

The residents and the state attorney general’s office have urged lawmakers to pass a bill to cap the amount of rent increases for mobile home parks in the state at 2.5%, to ensure residents on fixed incomes can afford to stay in their homes.

Attorney General William Tong submitted testimony to the state Housing Committee on Tuesday that residents at Beechwood are being treated unfairly.

“The rents are only going up dramatically, but the services have gone down,” Tong later told WSHU. “And so, you’ve got people who don’t have a lot of money, they don’t have the ability to pay for repairs out of pocket when they depend on Beechwood and Sun Communities to keep for example the septic system and the sewage system operational, and we’re hearing that sewage is backing up in people’s homes and it's very unsafe and unsanitary.”

Tong said his department will use the full weight of the law to make Sun Communities comply with their legal obligations to repair their property. In a letter to Sun Communities, Tong also cites state statutes requiring mobile home park management to maintain common areas in a “clean and safe condition” and the maintenance of water and sewer lines in “good working order.”

He has also referred complaints to the state Department of Consumer Protection, which handles inspections, licensing, and investigates complaints from mobile home park residents.

“One disabled resident complained of a large beehive in front of her porch. The management company said they did not have money in their budget to remove it. The tenant paid herself to get it removed,” Tong said in his testimony. “Another tenant complained that her stairs lacked rails and were loose. She reported that maintenance agreed they were dangerous, but management has yet to fix them.”

Sun Communities did not respond to requests for comment. The management company owns several properties in Connecticut, including Southington, Westbrook, Storrs, Uncasville, Old Mystic, and Danbury.

Nationally, private investors like Sun have purchased mobile home communities, “replacing local ownership and management with out-of-town corporate executives who report to boards of directors and shareholders,” Tong said in his testimony.

He said mobile home communities are supposed to be more affordable housing choices, particularly for low-income seniors.

July 4th Fireworks 2023 Around Haddams-Killingworth

HADDAMS-KILLINGWORTH, CT — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Haddams-Killingworth for 2023.We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Haddams-Killingworth so you can start planning now.Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Haddams-Killingworth:Norwich Harbor FireworksWhat: The 2023 No...

HADDAMS-KILLINGWORTH, CT — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Haddams-Killingworth for 2023.

We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Haddams-Killingworth so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Haddams-Killingworth:

Norwich Harbor Fireworks

What: The 2023 Norwich Harbor Fireworks will be cap off Rose Arts Weekend with a night of celebrating our country’s independence.

Where: Howard T. Brown Park, 100 Chelsea Harbor Drive, Norwich

When: Sunday, July 2, from 5 to 10 p.m.

More information: Go to Norwich Harbor Fireworks' Facebook page.

Groton Fourth of July Parade

What: This hometown event to celebrate America's independence brings together dozens of local businesses, civic, youth sports and other organizations for an old-fashioned parade with fire engines, marching bands and antique cars.

Where: Poquonnock Plains Park in Groton

When: Tuesday, July 4, at 10 a.m.

More information: Go to the Town of Groton's website.

Independence Day at Mystic Seaport Museum

What: Reenactors from several Connecticut and British Regiments will take over our quaint seaport town at Mystic Seaport Museum for a day. The museum invites you to witness what it was like to be a member of a Continental Regiment or British Regiment during these tumultuous times in American history.

Where: Village Green

When: Saturday, July 1, parade kicks off at noon

More information: Go to Mystic Seaport Museum's website.

Celebrate East Lyme 2023

What: Niantic’s Main Street will transform for this celebration by the sea, filled with food, fun, and activities. More than 200 vendors, live music, and a Dominion fireworks display over Niantic Bay.

Where: Main Street in Niantic

When: Saturday, July 15

More information: Go to Celebrate East Lyme's Facebook page.

Clinton Summerfest and Fireworks

What: Food, fun, beer garden, music, and fireworks.

Where: Andrews Memorial Town Hall and Clinton Town Beach

When: Saturday, Aug. 26, starting at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.

More information: Go to Clinton Summerfest and Fireworks' Facebook page.

Sailfest New London

What: Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, ships, and over 200 vendors lining the streets.

When: Saturday, July 8, and Sunday, July 9

Where: Downtown New London

More information: Go to Sailfest New London's website.

GREAT KIDS: Girl in Haddam-Killingworth rises to rank of eagle scout

A member of the boy scout troop in Haddam-Killingworth has earned the rank of eagle scout.HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH, CT (WFSB) - A member of the boy scout troop in Haddam-Killingworth has earned the rank of eagle scout.She is a high school senior whose journey to the rank started when she created her own path.Georgia Brown is now the female eagle scout in a mostly boy scout troop.It was a ceremony fitting for its purpose.Georgia Brown said it was a journey that started with a simple desire and dogged determinatio...

A member of the boy scout troop in Haddam-Killingworth has earned the rank of eagle scout.

HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH, CT (WFSB) - A member of the boy scout troop in Haddam-Killingworth has earned the rank of eagle scout.

She is a high school senior whose journey to the rank started when she created her own path.

Georgia Brown is now the female eagle scout in a mostly boy scout troop.

It was a ceremony fitting for its purpose.

Georgia Brown said it was a journey that started with a simple desire and dogged determination.

“I can do this,” Georgia Brown said. “I’ve seen how much fun my older brother had.”

Georgia Brown used to be girl scout; but she opted out in 2019 to join the same boy scout troop of her older brother.

“They just kind of accepted me,” she said. “They would tease me because, you know, they were boys. It was mainly like they just saw me as my brother’s little sister. And when I joined, they just saw me as another scout.”

Her parents helped her navigate the unique transition after the governing body of the Boy Scouts of America made a rule change.

“In 2019, boy scouts allowed for girls to join BSA, scouts BSA, which is totally separate from Girl Scouts,” said Jason Brown, Georgia Brown’s father.

Her parents stood right be her side when she got her eagle scout badge.

“I’m very proud of her,” said Kathy Brown, Georgia Brown’s mother. “She definitely is an over-achiever. When she puts her mind to something she does it.”

The proof was on display at her pinning ceremony.

“Georgia joined Boy Scouts, not as a 5th grader when boys usually start, as an 8th grader, simply because that’s the earliest she could.

That made her journey to eagle scout a bit rushed.

“So, I had half the amount of time,” Georgia Brown explained. “Yeah, it was. It was a lot.”

Her project focused on helping the local food pantry, which included a drop box she made with help from her dad for non-perishable food pantry items, and covered picnic table.

It was a project she said that taught her how to lead.

“I’m not naturally a leader,” Georgia Brown said. “I can if I have to, but I’m not the one to volunteer for it. When I started it, I was like ‘this will be another project, but it became more than that,’ and I learned that I like doing things like this.”

The reluctant leader, now an eagle scout, helped changed her community and ended up bettering herself.

If you know of a great kid that we should know, email Channel 3′s Wendell Edwards at [email protected]

Copyright 2023 WFSB. All rights reserved.

CT’s Haddam-Killingworth High School principal named National Principal of the Year. It’s no surprise to those who know her to lead ‘with children’s best interests at heart.’

Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Donna Hayward is noted locally for being “truly a courageous leader.”Now, she is known on a completely different level as the National Principal of the Year for 2023, so named by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.Hayward has been at the helm of District 17’s high school for four years, and previously spent 10 y...

Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Donna Hayward is noted locally for being “truly a courageous leader.”

Now, she is known on a completely different level as the National Principal of the Year for 2023, so named by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Hayward has been at the helm of District 17’s high school for four years, and previously spent 10 years as an assistant and then principal at Rocky Hill High School and six years as principal at Suffield High School.

“Principal Hayward is a proven leader with an unwavering commitment to her students, families, and educators in her school and beyond,” said Ron Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

“Donna has innovated strategies to inspire a love of learning and a true sense of belonging in her students and staff. There is no doubt in my mind that Donna will represent the unique perspectives of school leaders and serve as a force to be reckoned with when advocating for the profession,” he said.

Hayward was earlier named Connecticut’s Principal of the Year last spring, which she called a “once in a lifetime honor.” In October, she was notified by Nozoe that she was one of three finalists for the national award. California and Texas administrators were the other two. The three were asked to come to Washington, D.C. to go through interviews and panel discussions with state departments of education.

“Then, we were all sent home, and didn’t know the outcome,” Hayward said. “All 50 principals came back for the national celebration, which happened to be Veterans Day weekend. The celebration is a very formal gala… at the end of the dinner they made the announcement that I was the national winner. It was stunning… kind of surreal.”

“Donna is truly a courageous leader,” said Jeffrey Wihbey, Regional School District 17 Superintendent of Schools. “She always leads with children’s best interests at heart, and is never afraid to advocate for student-centered decisions.”

The national title’s written application process included approximately a dozen essays, covering topics including school security, student voice, raising academic achievement, human resources management, equitable division of resources, and other topics. In the interviews, they asked data-driven questions around those topics.

While the writing and interviews were grueling, Hayward said she also found it enjoyable, because there was nothing she didn’t know how to answer.

“I’ve been doing this my whole life. This is my profession. I know what I think about these topics. I know what my experience is. They’re not asking me anything I don’t know. I just have to express myself and tell my story,” she said.

The honor comes with the new job of being a national spokesperson for principals everywhere. She spoke with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, who she has known for years, and he told her that he is looking to elevate principals’ voices.

“There are 100,000 principals across the United States, and someone has to speak for them,” she said. “He told me, ‘Think about what you’re passionate about, Donna, because I’m going to be looking to you to tell your story.'”

Hayward said there are many things that make her feel like she’s successful at her job, including visits from grads who talk about their successes, or when she sees new teachers find their successes. Naturally, when school test scores go up, she is happy, but she’s more concerned with the overall school culture, and when students make a positive impact in the community.

Going forward, Hayward said she hopes to use her new platform to help with the challenges educators are facing, including the lingering effects of the pandemic and unfavorable perceptions of educators.

“Educators were on the front line. Schools had to figure out how to ‘do school’ differently than we’ve ever done it before,” she said. “The post-COVID effects are numerous. Among them are, we no longer have subs. A lot of our sub pool was retired teachers. That’s the population that was the most afraid of COVID.”

While post-COVID effects are still being felt in many industries, some media outlets, she said, aren’t helping with people’s perceptions of educators.

“Some of our news channels have segments called ‘The Trouble With Schools’ or ‘Crisis in the Classroom,'” she said. “I don’t hear ‘Crisis in the Dentist’s Chair’ or ‘Trouble with Your Accountant.’ I do feel like sometimes the media has been negative about educators and education, and social media is a real issue. Anybody can say anything, anytime, about anyone. I’ve been a victim of it, we’ve all been victims of it.”

Hayward said she’s delighted that schools are open, and people are attending events. Kids are going to dances, games, and other events, so there is a great deal of positivity on which to build as well.

She said she is “incredibly humbled” to receive this honor and hopes to make the most of the opportunity to make positive change.

“I am beyond humbled,” Hayward said. “I feel a tremendous responsibility to speak for principals across the country. That’s a responsibility I take seriously.”

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