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

×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Babispyce S.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Kimberly O.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Johnson L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

harry B.
×
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.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Sonia T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Laura
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Elaine G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Bob G.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Joe L.
×
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 Middletown, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Middletown, 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.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light
 Senior Care Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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 Middletown,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 Middletown, 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

01

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

02

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

03

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

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

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

Latest News in Middletown, CT

Middletown permanently changes trash collection process

Middletown is permanently adopting its food scrap, trash separation policy. The city was one of 15 municipalities testing the program this year, but is the first to adopt it permanently.The city said this policy is environmentally friendly and could save residents some money.“We are calling it, ‘Save As You Throw,’ because the less that you throw out the more that you’re going to save,” Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said.The city said it is reducing the annual sanitation bill, dropping from...

Middletown is permanently adopting its food scrap, trash separation policy. The city was one of 15 municipalities testing the program this year, but is the first to adopt it permanently.

The city said this policy is environmentally friendly and could save residents some money.

“We are calling it, ‘Save As You Throw,’ because the less that you throw out the more that you’re going to save,” Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim said.

The city said it is reducing the annual sanitation bill, dropping from $400 to $280 on average. In exchange, people will need to place food scraps in designated, green-colored bags and regular waste in specified, orange-colored bags. Each bag has an associated fee.

By paying for each bag, residents essentially pay for what they use.

“The cost for that is significantly less for the consumer than it costs to dispose of waste the old-fashioned way,” Florsheim said.

A large orange bag, which goes to a landfill cost $1.65 each. Compared to a large green food waste bag, that’s only 25 cents.

The new policy has received mixed reaction as some residents say it’s time-consuming and difficult to measure the cost.

“I don’t keep track of how many garbage bags I go through. I just go through them,” Kathleen Genovese said.

Dora Glinn, however, said her family supports composting and the new policy.

“I think I’m very conscious, and my husband is as well, of the environment in all the trash we’re creating,” she said.

Earlier this year, Middletown was one of 15 municipalities, working with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), asking residents to separate food scraps from regular waste.

According to DEEP, the environmental impact has been measurable in the towns that have participated.

“We’ve seen on average About a 15% reduction in the amount of trash being generated,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said.

The test program followed the closure of a primary trash plant in Hartford. That closure has contributed to rising processing costs as some communities have been forced to ship some waste out of state.

Middletown officials say it’s new policy that will combat those escalating expenses while saving residents money.

According to DEEP, food scraps represent about 22% of the waste that is processed in Connecticut each year. With this program, those scraps will no longer go to a landfill but instead, will be sent to Quantum Biopower in Southington where they will be recycled.

“It’s a winner economically for residents and it’s a winner for our environment,” Florsheim said.

While there have been several municipalities involved with the pilot program, only Middletown, West Haven, Seymour and Ansonia have completed it.

Seymour and Ansonia have decided not to move forward with it and West Haven is still undecided.

Co-Collection Save As You Throw Program

Co-Collection Save As You Throw ProgramA Sustainable Solution With A Positive Environmental ImpactReduce, Reuse, Recycle! Let’s talk about reducing waste. Mayor Ben Florsheim and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes met at Middletown’s Highway Garage on Friday to announce the City’s next step in reducing waste and controlling escalating trash costs. Starting in November 2022, the City of Middletown’s Sanitation Di...

Co-Collection Save As You Throw Program

A Sustainable Solution With A Positive Environmental Impact

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! Let’s talk about reducing waste. Mayor Ben Florsheim and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes met at Middletown’s Highway Garage on Friday to announce the City’s next step in reducing waste and controlling escalating trash costs. Starting in November 2022, the City of Middletown’s Sanitation District conducted a pilot program in which residents who use curbside trash carts were asked to separate food scraps from trash and place both in their carts for co-collection. Beginning November 1, 2023, this program is moving to the next phase. From now on, Sanitation District residents will see their annual fees reduced and are required to use City-issued trash bags. In the “Save as You Throw” system, customers pay only for the waste they generate, just as they pay only for the electricity or water they use. The “Save as You Throw” program is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the single most effective way to reduce waste, mitigate long-term costs, and provide equity for residents. The program is generously funded by a DEEP Sustainable Materials Management grant to Middletown and 13 other Connecticut municipalities. The “Save as You Throw” program has given savings to most property owners in the Sanitation District on their waste management bill. The new discount applies to those who use wheeled carts for waste and recycling, and their average fee went down from $400 to $280 per year. Actual waste-disposal costs are now covered by the purchase of City-issued bags that customers are required to buy: orange for trash and green for food scraps. Here’s how it works:

The state currently ships about 1/3 of its waste out of state to Pennsylvania and Ohio, and according to DEEP, landfill capacity in the Northeast will decrease by nearly 100% in the next 20 years. Over 550 cities and towns in the Northeast already use a Save as You Throw program, and each of these communities produces on average 54% less waste per person than communities with traditional billing. Orange waste bags will be available at grocery stores in three sizes: 33-gallon bags will cost $1.65 each, 15-gallon bags will cost $1.00 each, and 8-gallon bags will cost 65 cents each. Green food scrap bags are less expensive and come in two sizes: 8-gallon bags cost 25 cents and 4-gallon bags cost 15 cents each. Residents who compost their food scraps or use the City’s free drop-offs should not use the Save as You Throw green bags. Many stores are currently selling the bags. These include:

The average home will use only 1-2 orange bags a week, which means that with the discounted fees most residents will pay less for waste. Mayor Florsheim said, “The Save as You Throw program provides a way to reduce trash, lessen the burden on Connecticut’s disposal infrastructure, and reduce the tonnage of waste sent to communities in other states. At the same time, it gives Middletown residents control over their costs. Neighbors in the District have commented that they see some carts overflowing with waste, yet everyone has been paying the same fee per cart—until now. This system incentivizes people to reduce, reuse, and recycle more, saving money each month. This program is the most equitable way to manage waste costs.” Commissioner Dykes added, “I applaud the City of Middletown for its pioneering work in the area of sustainable materials management,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “With its new Save As You Throw program, Middletown is putting cost control in residents’ hands, and providing a mechanism to divert valuable food scraps that can be utilized for positive re-uses including energy, nutrient-rich animal feed, and compost. I applaud the City for its leadership in this area, and for providing an example that other municipalities can look to when considering sustainable waste management options for their communities.” Teams of volunteers and workers paid through a follow-up grant from DEEP have been reaching out to residents and businesses, going door-to-door to provide information on the program and tips on how to handle food scraps. The City encourages landlords to pass the savings on to their tenants, either by discounting rent by about $10 per month for each 96-gallon trash cart, or by providing tenants a reasonable number of bags for their use. For residents who feel they are experiencing financial hardship due to this program, please contact the Public Works Department at (860) 638-4850 for information on options to reduce out-of-pocket costs. For more information on the program, please visit https://reducethetrashct.com/middletown/.

Middletown's Skene adapts to change in roles as quarterback, leader

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateMIDDLETOWN – Consider the Colin Skene of the 2021 and 2022 Middletown football seasons. He was a quiet, baby-faced underclassman and more than a little intimidated by the responsibility of leading an offense reliant on established varsity players who had been there and done that.The situation this fall is reversed. Skene is a battle-tested senior protected by young skill-position players and linemen. He’s spent a lot of time counseling, critiquing and rein...

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

MIDDLETOWN – Consider the Colin Skene of the 2021 and 2022 Middletown football seasons. He was a quiet, baby-faced underclassman and more than a little intimidated by the responsibility of leading an offense reliant on established varsity players who had been there and done that.

The situation this fall is reversed. Skene is a battle-tested senior protected by young skill-position players and linemen. He’s spent a lot of time counseling, critiquing and reinforcing. Mostly, he’s trying to convince them they’ve got this, that they’re going to be OK.

“It’s definitely nerve-wracking as a sophomore to step in and be put in big positions and be told you have to make big plays,” he said.

This hasn’t been easy for Skene. He’s still that same introverted, soft spoken kid today as he was two seasons ago. Only now, when he looks in his teammates’ eyes he can tell that they need him as much as he needs them.

“It’s my natural personality. I’ve always been an introvert,” said the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder. “I’m never the outgoing, yelling guy. I've always been very quiet and to myself, and I still am. It’s just that I do want to tell these younger guys, ‘I have confidence in you,’ because they need that. If they drop a ball, I’m not going to say anything that might make them think they’re not a good player. I speak very positively to them.

“Playing quarterback has made me come out of my shell. Last year and the year before, I never did that at all.”

It’s not as if a switch suddenly flipped for Skene, Middletown coach Josh Rosek said. When he looks in the direction of his quarterback, Rosek sees what the course of time and maturation has yielded.

“He’s made a huge improvement not only from when he was a sophomore but to last year and coming into this year,” Rosek said. “He’s taken a leadership role, he’s helped new guys. It’s taken him some time. Every kid is different. Some kids jump on (the leadership aspect of their development) right away, for others it takes time.

“One of the purposes of this program is to develop kids as leaders not only on the field but off the field. To Colin’s credit he’s embraced it, taken off with it, and it’s helped him as a quarterback to gain a bigger picture vision.”

Middletown won just four games in Skene’s sophomore year. Last season, the Blue Dragons lost their first five games but built momentum for 2023 by finishing 4-1 in the second half of the schedule.

In his final season, Skene has wrestled with yet another slow start. After a twice-delayed and unfinished opener against Conard, Middletown lost the handle on a fourth-quarter lead against Glastonbury and couldn’t overcome an early deficit against New Milford despite forcing three second-half turnovers.

Middletown is 1-3 after a 12-7 win at Manchester this past weekend.

“We’re a really young team in a lot of ways,” he said. “We have young sophomores who have had to step up. I like our odds because the progress they have shown these last couple of games is amazing. We’ve gone against some pretty good teams. Unfortunately, we’ve come up a little bit short, but I’m really proud of them. A lot of them play both ways, which is a big deal.”

Skene was mostly a pocket passer as a sophomore and junior. This year, he’s also had to use his legs to help Middletown move the ball. He is averaging double digits in carries per game and has rushed for two touchdowns.

“This year he’s a pocket passer and more importantly he’s a runner,” offensive coordinator Jason Coleman said with a clear emphasis on the fact Skene is also running. “Colin is able to run the ball like a running back, which is huge. It’s a credit to him that we’re relying a lot on him making good decisions with RPO (run-pass option). He gets us lined up, we make a call and he has different reads he has to make. A lot of different reads. It’s not easy. He’s coach Colin and quarterback Colin. He’s doing a hell of a job."

Coleman underscored the added dimension of Skene educating and energizing his younger teammates, especially in the heat of the moment.

“In general, his mental capability of picking up the game and also bringing his teammates along with him with his talent, it’s just very impressive,” Coleman said. “He’s playing with a bunch of new receivers. He’s had to develop a lot of kids and bring them up to his level, which is one of the good traits he has this year. With a young line and young receivers and a senior quarterback, it makes my job easier because it’s almost like he’s a coach on the field.”

This is a lot for one young man’s plate.

“Kind of, but I feel I got really lucky that I’ve had a lot of good coaches around me to help comfort me in those times that I was nervous and thrown into the fire as a 14-year old,” he said. “Looking back now, I’m just glad I had those coaches to support me.”

Skene had a solid football education coming into the program. His father Kyle was a tight end and punter for the Blue Dragons at the start of the Middletown/Woodrow Wilson merger era under John Skubel and Rich Rosek, Josh’s father. The field at Middletown High bears their names.

“We always have great conversations about when he played and his brother Neil played,” Skene said. “Uncle Neil won a title at Middletown in 1987. Whenever (Rich) coach Rosek comes to watch us, he’ll give me a big fist bump.

“My dad has always been very supportive. I love having that from him. We’ll talk about the entire game and everything that’s happened and he’ll ask me questions. It’s always productive.”

Skene also punts for the Blue Dragons, and there’s more versatility in his game that’s not seen on Friday nights, Josh Rosek said.

“One of things a lot of coaches want, when we took him to summer camps they tried him all over the place,” the coach said. “He played at quarterback, at wide receiver, and some had him at safety. He’s just trying to show people that he’s a football player. A lot of time kids get locked in to ‘I’m an X.’ You have to sell yourself. Colin was willing to go to a camp and be a quarterback for half of it and work at another position in the other half. It can make things happen.”

Which is exactly what Skene is doing with this young Middletown team – leading in the moment and maximizing his impact on the Blue Dragons.

“I’ve talked to the younger receivers like Rayjon (Buttram) about when I was 14 playing at the varsity level,” he said. “I tell them, ‘it’s nothing you can’t handle. This will only make you better, to get that experience at a younger age. That way, the next two years you’re super prepared and you’ll be leaders for the next wave of younger guys.”

Middletown Bakery Makes The Hard Decision To Close

MIDDLETOWN, CT — After opening a storefront three years ago and seven years of operating a food truck, Cake, Batter & Roll Bakery is closing and selling everything.According to a post on Facebook, Cake, Batter & Roll is closing, and their last day is Oct. 29 at 124 College Street in Middletown. On social media, the bakery/food truck describes itself as "Our...

MIDDLETOWN, CT — After opening a storefront three years ago and seven years of operating a food truck, Cake, Batter & Roll Bakery is closing and selling everything.

According to a post on Facebook, Cake, Batter & Roll is closing, and their last day is Oct. 29 at 124 College Street in Middletown. On social media, the bakery/food truck describes itself as "Our food truck slings Liege waffles topped with sweet and savory items. Our bakery makes a variety."

Cake, Batter & Roll stated on Facebook they have grown less than they needed to survive, and after taking time to assess the business and weigh the pros and cons, they decided to close their doors.

Cake Batter & Roll stated they will still fulfill custom orders through the Oct. 29 weekend, and if they receive custom orders after the 29th, they will reach out to the customer.

"That’s 7 years of living my dream. My dream to be my own boss, have creative control and form relationships with my customers. In that time, I introduced many people to the “Liege Waffle” and welcomed many more through the doors of the bakery," the owners posted on Facebook, while adding that they poured their heart and soul into the business.

They added in a social media post that their customers "feel like family and friends," and that they will miss seeing them come in for breakfast and lunch.

One person responded to the news by posting on Facebook, "What a loss to the Middletown community. You have always been above and beyond - incredible customer service - a delight to support - and brought a lot of happiness to my kid at college. This is a real loss."

Another person wrote on Facebook, "I’m so sad to hear it, but so proud of what you’ve accomplished. It takes as much guts and intelligence to know when it’s time to move on as to start a business in the first place. I can’t wait to see your next creative endeavor and I hope for my sake that it’s as delicious as this one."

According to the Facebook post, after Cake, Batter & Roll Bakery closes, they are selling everything, including the food truck. (For more information on all the available items for sale, click here.)

Middletown Receives Sustainable CT Designation

"We are thrilled to be recognized for all our sustainability efforts in Middletown," Mayor Ben Florsheim said.MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown has become one of the 16 Connecticut municipalities to be recognized by Sustainable CT for achieving 2023 certification.“We are thrilled to be recognized for all our sustainability efforts in Middletown,” Mayor Ben Florsheim said. “It truly takes a team and strong city partnerships with residents, organizations and businesses to reach Sustainable CT’s...

"We are thrilled to be recognized for all our sustainability efforts in Middletown," Mayor Ben Florsheim said.

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown has become one of the 16 Connecticut municipalities to be recognized by Sustainable CT for achieving 2023 certification.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for all our sustainability efforts in Middletown,” Mayor Ben Florsheim said. “It truly takes a team and strong city partnerships with residents, organizations and businesses to reach Sustainable CT’s ambitions and goals.”

“We look forward to keeping Middletown focused on being a leader in the state and beyond,” Florsheim added.

Sustainable CT, a statewide non-profit initiative that inspires and supports communities to become more efficient, resilient and equitable, celebrated this year's certified communities at a ceremony held on Oct. 17 at the American Mural Project in Winsted, Conn.

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Middletown stated they demonstrated accomplishments in 12 impacted areas. They ranged from enhancing community inclusivity, promoting a thriving local economy, supporting vibrant arts and culture, improving transpiration options and encouraging diverse forms of housing.

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The sustainable CT process motivated us to take stock of what we have achieved since our 2019 certification, to redouble our efforts on current initiatives and set demanding goals for the future,” Krishna Winston, chair of Middletown’s Recourse Recycling Commission, said. “I can’t say enough in praise of the members of our small team for their hard work, creativity and unwavering dedication to putting sustainability front and center in all our undertakings.”

In its application, Middletown stated they successfully completed actions such as promoting pollinator-friendly plantings, reducing waste and encouraging additional recycling, conducting an energy-efficiency campaign for homeowners, and providing space for small-scale urban farming that furthers environmental and social justice.

“Congratulations to our certified communities,” Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT, said. “We are all inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all of us.”

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Middletown

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.