It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Kelsey House in Newington, CT gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Newington, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am so grateful to everyone at Always Best Care. The Care Givers treated my”
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking,”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family.”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially”
“I am so grateful to everyone at Always Best Care. The Care Givers treated my parents with compassion, dignity, and respect. I knew my parents were in good hands. Those in the office, whom I spoke with often, were also compassionate and very understanding. When my parents suddenly needed additional care hours, the office worked diligently to ensure those needs were met quickly. When either of my parents was in the emergency room or admitted to the hospital, the office staff and Care Givers were not only concerned for them but for me also. As my Father has passed on and my Mother needs a higher level of care, I will always sing the praises of the staff at Always Best Care. They have been like extended family.”
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in a gap of care for my mom. I called Taylor at ABC on a Thursday and early the next week we had completed the intake process, and Taylor was able to secure 3 caregivers (12 hrs a day for 7 days a week) for my mom. The caregivers (Teresa Rose, Asha, Doreen) were great. Each had their own approach with mom, regardless, they all had empathy, compassion and kindness any time they engaged with mom. The support from ABC give us the time to find a new community that better fit where mom was with her Alzheimer's journey. We are so very grateful for the quick support, the follow up and the care needed in a critical time for us and for mom. THANK YOU ALWAYS BEST CARE!!! You are amazing!!!!”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is admirable, and you are constantly inspired to do great work. I know that under your leadership, not only do you care about the (clients,)but you also care about (us)the caregivers …We will continue to grow. Thank you for your time Have a great and prosperous week. Elsa”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my mother, Gerry Mikulka, during her final weeks of life. In particular, I want to recognize Evelyn, whose exceptional service as a live-in health aide made an immeasurable difference in my mother's end-of-life journey. From the moment Evelyn walked into the house, she created a special bond with our mom. In those first few weeks, Evelyn recognized Mom's need for companionship, spending time with her watching television and working on puzzles together. It warmed our hearts to see Mom so comfortable with someone in the home since she had lived there alone for many years. As Mom's condition progressed, Evelyn's true expertise shined through. She worked beautifully with our family and the hospice nurses, providing invaluable guidance on necessary medical equipment, dietary adjustments, and other modifications to ensure mom's comfort. What touched us most was how Evelyn went above and beyond in Mom's final days. She moved into Mom's room to be there whenever she was needed – day or night. And she had a wonderful way of being there for us too. Whenever we were visiting with Mom, Evelyn would quietly step back, but she was always just around the corner if we needed help. She knew exactly when to step in and when to give us privacy. We never felt alone in caring for Mom because Evelyn was such a steady, caring presence. She managed Mom's pain with real skill while keeping her comfortable and peaceful. I wanted you to know what an extraordinary person you have in Evelyn. We'll always be grateful for the peace of mind she gave us and the tender care she gave Mom. Warmly, Linda Knox”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and kind. My past experiences have been exacerbating to say the least. ABC is the fifth agency I’ve chosen and it’s the last! ABC has what I was looking for. Compassionate, and loving caregivers with my mom. With Always Best Care my mother is treated very well. She’s a person not just another client.”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers along with the office staff are very caring. They do their due diligence in pairing caregivers with clients, they show their appreciation to us for the work we do, they provide us with training so that we are equipped to succeed at our jobs. Working with this company has been an awesome and fulfilling experience.”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is excellent.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and Nicola gave my mother the best care. They cared about my mom. My mother trusted them, as did I. Their excellent care of my mom put my mind at ease. When I needed additional care, it was put in place immediately. I never had to worry about someone not showing up. I appreciate the care Always Best Care gave to my mom.”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how impressive the effort and the results Crystal has displayed over the last several months, how lucky I feel to have her apart of my mother’s weekly life. Crystal has established trust, friendship, and a sincere companionship with my mother who, not so long ago, was so adamantly opposed to having anyone in her house. When speaking with Crystal and my mother, I could hear the excitement in Crystal’s voice when she shared her success in getting my Mom out of the house. Can’t thank you enough!!”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92 and still living on her own. The in-home care they are providing is the best. Without the assistance they are providing us in Enfield this would be overwhelming.”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor. When my mom was recently in the hospital, I knew it would not be possible for her to be completely on her own right away. She loves where she resides and enjoys all of the activities that are offered. My goal was to get her back into her apartment as soon as possible with the support she needed to increase her strength and return to her prior level of wellness she had before she went into the hospital. She was used to walking a couple miles a day. When I reached out to ABC I made it clear that my mom would need somebody who would be willing to walk with her in the morning, and in the evening enabling her to get back to her baseline. I would like to complement all of the staff at ABC who provided my mom such wonderful support after two weeks she returned to her baseline and remained in her apartment. She really enjoyed all of the staff that were with her , they were professional they encouraged her to walk, drink fluids, eat and were instrumental in assisting her to reach her prior level of independence. I would strongly recommend ABC to anybody who is in need of support for their loved one.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking, decreased appetite, increased incontinence. (Part of the expected declining process per her Dr.) Tara has been wonderful in adapting to Mom’s changing needs as they develop and a very helpful partner in troubleshooting. brainstorming how to adapt to best support Mom. It’s also been helpful in my regular communication with Mom’s Dr, to let her know in detail what has come up and how we have approached. Thank you (again) for your talented staff!”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding care to our aunt. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has an elder family member in need. Also, the staff that helped to set up their services was outstanding as well. They made the decisions easy to understand with no hidden agenda. Thank you again to "ABC!"”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and a joy to work with.”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know that Always Best Care Senior Services is there to help!”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as she would as her own mother. She treats me the way she would like to be treated. We are a good “team” together.”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family. My daughters feel she is truly a tremendous caregiver. They know I am in good hands. She acknowledges with commitment of my physical, emotional, and practical needs, my quality of life has excelled due to Diana’s help. I look forward to her presence everyday her attitude is exceptional, Diana comes to work daily with a smile on her face. She enters the front door, singing softly ready to work. She has never taken a day off, I have had many caregivers, but Diana is truly the best!”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing but my mom’s best interest at heart. She continues to go above and beyond to care for my mom, and ensure anyone else who may be there also understands my mom’s needs. Tina has even gone so far to rearrange her schedule or give up her free time to stay with my mom to avoid her having someone that doesn’t know her. I can see that she genuinely cares for my mom, and treats her as if she was her own family member. That also goes both ways, my mom lights up when she sees Tina. We consider Tina part of our family.”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's care. Kristine and Taylor are a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgable and had the answers to all our questions. They were able to help with all aspects of the care we needed. I highly recommend them.”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside her service area, she helped to find resources for us. Her commitment to providing outstanding care is only surpassed by her desire to help others. Thank you Kristine!”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and her Team at Always Best Care are very caring and professional and exactly who you would want on your side if you have a loved one who needs help!”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and making sure they receive the best care available. Highly recommended!”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and has an immense desire to help my father. Reliability is vital trait in Rosemary. When my father was in the hospital and came home she immediately wanted to be by his side. My father has come to rely and depend on Rosemary. She is always on time whether it is giving medication or administering food and often encourages my father and helps my father maintain his dignity”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are short staffed. Due to our licensing, we can only have CNAs on the floor and Always Best Care has provided excellent CNAs every time we need some extra help. All of their CNAs have been helpful, willing to go above and beyond for our residents and we always have great responses from our own CNAs and supervisory staff. I am so thankful to Michelle and Wilda who will always staff a shift that I need, even if I call 30 minutes before the shift starts. You’ve been such a huge help!”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad needed care following a diagnosis of dementia, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone better to call than them. The caregivers that have worked with my dad have been wonderful. They are true saints to my family, allowing us the knowledge that Dad is okay to stay at home. They have navigated all of the changes in his cognitive state with grace and kept my father’s dignity in place. He was always a very active man and the caregivers have managed to keep him active, even as his health declines.”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I received their information from a close friend of mine that also used their agency. My uncle was a very proud man and did not want help from anyone, including family. Taylor met with me and spent time getting to know the ins and outs of my uncle’s care as well as his personality. She asked about his background so that they could look for a caregiver with similar interests. Although he took a turn for the worse rather quickly, the short time care was provided was wonderful. Thank you for your help and compassion.”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is able to get him talking about all aspects and experiences of his life. They go out regularly and she encourages my dad to participate in the activities put on by the community he lives in. They run errands, go out for meals, or go for a drive just to get a change of scenery. I was nervous at first about how my dad would take having a caregiver come in to help him, but he seems so happy and has great things to talk about after his time spent with his caregiver.”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you and your organization operates. From the initial phone and in-person conversations with Taylor, to the ongoing support of my mother's care - it's been thorough, timely and well managed. I am also struck by how the home-health employees conduct themselves. They are reliable/responsive *and* responsible, and making every effort to work through the challenges day to day with my mother. Thanks for the great job you and your organization are doing. It means a lot to me, especially during this trying time! Best Regards”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of your hard work and dedication to their clients. When my parents finally realized they needed help in their home, I chose ABC as the company I felt would be the best fit. Yes, we have had some ups and down, but when you paired Leah with my parents, it was truly a blessing. My parents love her. She genuinely cares for them and they speak highly of her work ethic. As my mom says, “she is too good to be true”. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your working with me to find the right fit. Well on our end, Leah fits like a glove and I hope she feels the same. She is a special person so I wanted to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to my parents. It makes me feel more at ease knowing there is someone coming to the home to properly care for them. Again I want to thank you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband enjoyed having another man to talk to instead of conversation only between him and I. Craig managed to keep him occupied and safe so that I could go and get some time to myself, allowing me peace of mind that my husband was in great hands”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at home. She was diagnosed with dementia and within 3 months she could hardly do much for herself anymore. I was able to continue working full time while my mom received care from Always Best Care. We had the same caregiver from day 1 and she was absolutely amazing. She kept everyone in the loop with any changes my mom experienced and the regular in person and phone check ins were a great added support to myself and my family. Thank you ABC for all the help and compassion that you showed my mom until her passing.”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is on his "next journey" and finally pain free, while he was here with us, his caregiver, Craig, did an amazing job caring for him and was here to help us from our first day of services. Craig always managed to get my husband to share stories from his time in the war that even I had not heard before. It was a great way to get to know more of my husband so his memory can continue with others around him.”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to provide respite care to my mom while we took some time to ourselves for a weekend. Mom’s caregiver, Gloria, was great and she had the perfect disposition to work with my mom. She was attentive and kept mom well fed and engaged during the time we were away. We would definitely call Always Best Care again when we need some time away.”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially to my husband while I spent some time in the hospital and rehab. Our caregiver brought my husband to see me every day while I was at the hospital and at rehab, I knew he was in excellent hands and I could focus on getting stronger again.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mill Pond Park in Newington, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Kellogg-Eddy House & Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Newington, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Newington, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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Two Starbucks locations in Connecticut are closing amid a turnaround "focus" for the coffee giant.The wrath of Starbucks has hit the shops at 995 Main St. in Newington and 132 Federal Road in Danbury.The threat of closures hovered over the Connecticut Starbucks stores Friday morning as the Seattle-based coffee chain announced a "focus" on a turnaround, CEO Brian Niccol wrote in a letter to employees a day earlier. About 200 stores could close nationwide, according to the letter.On Friday, a staffer ...
The wrath of Starbucks has hit the shops at 995 Main St. in Newington and 132 Federal Road in Danbury.
The threat of closures hovered over the Connecticut Starbucks stores Friday morning as the Seattle-based coffee chain announced a "focus" on a turnaround, CEO Brian Niccol wrote in a letter to employees a day earlier. About 200 stores could close nationwide, according to the letter.
On Friday, a staffer at the 995 Main St. location, in a sad voice, said the store will close Saturday. Ironically, the location was remodeled roughly two years ago. The closest Starbucks are in Newington at 14 Fenn Road and two on the Berlin Turnpike — at 3575 and 3265 (inside Target).
Danbury also has multiple Starbucks, but with a sigh, a staffer at the Federal Road location said that Saturday was also the final day there.
Niccol did not say in his letter which stores could be shuttered, but he did say about 900 non-retail partner roles will be eliminated, and many open positions will be closed.
There are approximately 130 Starbucks locations in Connecticut, according to a 2022 estimate.
The coffee chain was to notify employees whose positions are being eliminated early Friday and said that it plans to close an undetermined number of stores in North America in the coming days.
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That turned out to be the coming day in Newington and Danbury
Starbucks said Thursday that it expects to end its fiscal year with 18,300 stores in North America, down 124 from last year.
Niccol, a turnaround specialist who was brought to Starbucks a year ago to give the brand a jolt, said in the letter that a review of Starbucks locations revealed that many are falling short of financial performance targets or are failing to create the environment customers expect.
The owners of a new "emo-themed" café in Connecticut are hoping to take guests back to a "simpler time in their lives."Not A Phase Café opened Sept. 12 at its location on 1100 Main St. in Newington. Jared Linn, who co-owns the café with his wife, Kim Parker, said they have always been into the punk rock music scene and thought it would be a good theme for a café. The café has purple lighting and there is an art piece of an "emo" raccoon with facial piercings, whic...
The owners of a new "emo-themed" café in Connecticut are hoping to take guests back to a "simpler time in their lives."
Not A Phase Café opened Sept. 12 at its location on 1100 Main St. in Newington. Jared Linn, who co-owns the café with his wife, Kim Parker, said they have always been into the punk rock music scene and thought it would be a good theme for a café. The café has purple lighting and there is an art piece of an "emo" raccoon with facial piercings, which was created by local artist Kevin Boudreau, on the wall.
"(That kind of music) has been a big part of our lives over the years," Linn said. "I hope that it brings people back to a simpler time in their lives. Brings them back to high school, growing up and having fun, going to shows, just a more carefree time in their lives."
Taste of Connecticut
The café offers beverages like hot and iced coffee, iced tea and energy drinks. Customers can choose from a variety of flavors and options (like cold foam). It also offers food items like bagels, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, pancakes and muffins.
Those walking into the café can hear music from an ever-growing playlist, featuring artists like My Chemical Romance, Silverstein, Fall Out Boy, Blink-182 and Slipknot.
"The playlist is growing by the day. Everybody who works here is contributing toward it," Linn said. "Punk rock, emo music, tattoo, skateboard culture, underground art — all of that are big influences for sure."
Linn added that they plan to do some "homegrown art shows" at the café. He added that they have been in touch with a few local tattoo shops about doing pop-up events at the parlors.
(NEWINGTON, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced a major increase in funding for Connecticut’s Town Aid Road (TAR) grant program, with state support rising from $60 million under the previous biennial state budget to $80 million for fiscal years 2026-2027. This funding boost represents a 33% year-over-year increase that will directly support the state’s municipalities with the costs of local road paving, maintenance, and safety operations.Speaking alongside Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner G...
(NEWINGTON, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced a major increase in funding for Connecticut’s Town Aid Road (TAR) grant program, with state support rising from $60 million under the previous biennial state budget to $80 million for fiscal years 2026-2027. This funding boost represents a 33% year-over-year increase that will directly support the state’s municipalities with the costs of local road paving, maintenance, and safety operations.
Speaking alongside Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, local officials, and legislators at a news conference that was held today at the Newington Highway Department, Governor Lamont emphasized the impact the increased funding will have on improving the quality and reliability of local roads and infrastructure.
“Everywhere I go in this state, people just want to know that we’re paving the damn roads — and I’m here to tell you, we’re getting that job done,” Governor Lamont said. “This increase in state funding for our municipalities is a real, boots-on-the-ground investment that helps towns repair roads faster, improve safety, and respond better to severe weather. It’s one more way our state is partnering with municipalities to improve the quality of life for residents and communities.”
The $80 million allocation marks the program’s largest investment in over a decade, reflecting strong bipartisan support for local infrastructure needs.
“With this increase, municipalities can do more paving, more repairs, and more preventative maintenance,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “This funding boost for towns and cities will improve road conditions and keep people safe across Connecticut.”
The TAR program provides direct funding to all 169 towns and 4 boroughs, with no local match required. Municipalities use the funds for a wide range of transportation-related needs, including road and bridge repair, snow plowing, tree trimming, traffic signal upgrades, and essential public transit services. Each municipality determines how to prioritize and deploy its TAR funding.
In Newington, where today’s news conference was held, TAR funding rose more than 35% in FY 2026-2027, from $411,996 to $557,838. Similar increases are being distributed statewide based on population and road mileage, ensuring all communities benefit from the expanded investment.
For more information on the TAR program, visit portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/town-aid-road-grants.
This article includes language that may not be suitable for all readers.Melanie Depamphilis, a firefighter for the Newington Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD), recently filed a lawsuit against the Town and its Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC), alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. It’s the second sexual harassment lawsuit brought against Newington’s BOFC since 2023.“Over the course of Ms. Depamphilis’ career, she has witnessed, and has been personally subjected to, a hostile work envir...
This article includes language that may not be suitable for all readers.
Melanie Depamphilis, a firefighter for the Newington Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD), recently filed a lawsuit against the Town and its Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC), alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. It’s the second sexual harassment lawsuit brought against Newington’s BOFC since 2023.
“Over the course of Ms. Depamphilis’ career, she has witnessed, and has been personally subjected to, a hostile work environment, gender/sex harassment and discrimination, and retaliation by male members of the Board of Fire Commissioners for the Town of Newington (“BOFC”) and the NVFD,” reads the suit.
Depamphilis claims the harassment was retaliatory in nature, occurring after she provided testimony in a suit filed by Meghan Manke, another former Newington firefighter who alleged sexual harassment in 2023. Depamphilis states she was subpoenaed to appear at a deposition for Manke’s suit around June 9, 2023.
Per Depamphilis’ suit, Manke accused the fire commission and a fellow member of the fire department, of ?”retaliation, hostile work environment, sex harassment and gender discrimination in connection with her receipt of a package in the mail from a fellow male member of the NVFD containing a chocolate penis with a note telling her to ‘Eat a Dick.’”
Depamphilis named Fire Chief Jeffrey Trommer, Deputy Chief Craig Stegmaier, and Firefighter Bryan Whalen as co-defendants in the suit. She said the retaliation against her began on July 4, 2023, when Trommer “became extremely angry, aggressive, and belittling towards Ms. Dephamphilis at a fire call incident.” Around the same time, Depamphilis reported her leather Captain’s helmet as being taken from her locker. She was accused of losing the helmet, an accusation she asserts was false.
“An investigation was never undertaken and she was never given a replacement helmet,” read the suit.
On July 11, Depamphilis was told that Whalen was holding onto pornography in his firehouse locker. As Depamphilis was a Captain, and the materials violated the firehouse rules and the Town’s sexual harassment policies, she told Whalen to “immediately remove” the material from his locker. When she asked her first and second lieutenants to confirm that Whalen complied, Whalen “became extremely aggressive in response,” per the suit.
“Concerned for the safety of NVFD members, Ms. Depamphilis asked Whalen to calm down,” read the suit. “Whalen became aggressive, angry and belligerent and screamed at Ms. Depamphilis, ‘You’ll be sorry for doing this’ and ‘You’re gonna wish this didn’t happen,’ and ‘I will have your job for this.’”
The next day, Depamphilis submitted a Memorandum of Firefighter Conduct to Deputy Chief Stegmaier, outlining Whalen’s behavior leading up to and during the incident. A week later, she asked Stegmaier to investigate Whalen’s actions, “as she was concerned for her safety, and was being subjected to continuing harassment and a hostile work environment.” According to the lawsuit, she also followed up with fellow officers, Deputy Chief Jack Nesklada and Assistant Chief Tom Lapierre.
“The BOFC and NVFD did not conduct any investigation unto Ms. Depamphilis’ hostile work environment and discrimination complaint,” read the suit. “The actions of Whalen, members of the NVFD, and the BOFC created a pervasive and hostile work environment characterized by unlawful harassment of a sexually based nature, which permeated the Plaintiff’s workplace.”
On July 18, 2023, Depamphilis was called into a meeting with Stegmaier and Lapierre, which she assumed was for the purpose of discussing the incident with Whalen. Instead, Depamphilis says Stegmaier used the meeting to inform her that Trommer requested she be disciplined regarding her conduct at the July 4 fire call, and for an incident that allegedly occurred at an awards event held by the department on June 3rd.
Depamphilis claims that she was not aware of any discipline for either event prior to the meeting, and again requested Stegmaier address her earlier concerns.
“Despite Ms. Depamphilis’ best efforts to continue to lead her Company in such a harassing, hostile, and retaliatory environment, Trommer and other male members of the NVFD belittled her authority as a Captain, and refused to properly communicate with her, putting her safety, as well as the safety of her Company and the public, in jeopardy,” read the suit.
On Aug. 3, Whalen filed a hostile work environment and harassment complaint against Depamphilis. On Aug. 7, the suit claims, Stegmaier sent an email to then mayor, Beth Kinsey DelBuono, and an unnamed member of the Town Council, accusing Depamphilis of “circumventing the chain of command with respect to Whalen,” and of “portraying the NVFD in a negative light due to ‘personal vendettas.’”
On Aug. 9, a disciplinary notice for the alleged June 3rd incident was placed in Depamphilis’ personnel file. Depamphilis said that she was never informed of this notice, and that it “falsely stated” that a meeting occurred on Aug. 9 to discuss the incident, a meeting Depamphilis claims never happened.
On Aug. 10, Depamphilis sent an email to Stegmaier, DelBuono, and “various members” of the department and BOFC, saying she was being harassed and subjected to a hostile work environment in retaliation for her involvement in Manke’s suit, her investigation into Whalen, and for the Aug. 9 disciplinary notice. She requested that the retaliation end, though it is unclear if she ever received a response.
On Aug. 16, Trommer filed a complaint against Depamphilis, accusing her of creating a hostile work environment, defamation of character, and harassment. The suit said that the complaint included “over 28 allegations against Ms. Dempamphilis that dated back as far as 2016.” On Aug. 17, Depamphilis was placed on administrative leave as a result of Whalen’s and Trommer’s complaints, and was locked out of the firehouse, her email and her file access.
“The discipline imposed on Ms. Depamphilis by the BOFC was a pretext to cover up the discriminatory and retaliatory conduct to which she had been continually subjected,” reads the suit.
On Sept. 1, 2023, the Town hired a third-party to investigate the complaints against Depamphilis, and seventeen people were interviewed. The suit alleges that the investigation ended on Sept. 28, and the written report cleared Depamphilis of any wrongdoing. As a result, Depamphilis said she “requested on numerous occasions” to be taken off administrative leave, but both the BOFC and NVFD refused to do so.
On Oct. 10, 2023, Depamphilis says she was told that the BOFC intended to go into executive session at an Oct. 12 board meeting, and that she, Whalen and Trommer would be asked to join them. Depamphilis was not told what the purpose of the meeting would be, and she requested the conversation occur during the open meeting portion. On Oct. 11, she was told she would not have to attend because “the [third-party] investigation had not been completed.”
The BOFC changed the meeting agenda to say that the reason for the executive session was to discuss an update to the final investigative report. Whalen and Trommer were invited to attend the executive session, along with the third-party investigating attorney, but Depamphilis says she was not allowed to join. On Oct. 14, Depamphilis says she was told that BOFC Commissioner Kent Stoddard was requesting her interview recording from the investigation, and was given two days to accept or deny this request.
That same day, she says she told the BOFC that she couldn’t sign off on the request without knowing the reason for it, “as the investigative summary was marked attorney-client privileged, and contained personal and confidential information.” She also requested, again, that she be taken off administrative leave. The BOFC did not respond to Depamphilis’ request for clarity on the investigation interview or change in work status.
Depamphilis claims in the suit that the BOFC’s refusal to take her off administrative leave prevented her from applying to the position of Deputy Fire Chief, a position that NVFD posted on Oct. 23. On Oct. 30, she sent another letter to the mayor, town attorney, and BOFC, requesting she be taken off administrative leave. On Nov. 6, she was finally notified that she was removed from leave, and would return to her position as Fire Captain, but was also notified that she was being placed on one-year probation.
The letter informing her of this said it was due to “‘issues related to the morale at Company 2’ and ‘actions and behavior’ not becoming of an officer of the FD,” per the suit. The BOFC also admitted in the letter to have listened to the interviews conducted in the third-party investigation, and Depamphilis claims that she was “at no time” interviewed or “given the opportunity to respond to any of the baseless allegations made against her.”
The letter also went on to accuse her of having “discrepancies” between her resume and the State Fire Training Academy, and requested she provide copies of her certifications to Stegmaier within 30 days. The suit states that Depamphilis had never had her qualifications questioned prior to the letter, and that the certifications requested of her had already been provided to the department when she first applied for the job, and had been reviewed several times thereafter. On Dec. 12, she attended a meeting in which she provided all copies of her various certifications they requested of her, but on Dec. 18, she was told she was being demoted “on the grounds that she did not have the Fire Officer 1 class certification.”
The suit claims that not only did Depamphilis have this certification and provide proof of it at the Dec. 12 meeting, but that various other high-ranking members of the department didn’t have it and retained their positions. Depamphilis was demoted again on Dec. 20, with the decision allegedly being made by the BOFC behind closed doors in an executive session at a special meeting.
“At no time did Ms. Depamphilis receive notice of the December 20, 2023, Special Meeting,” reads the suit. “The removal of Ms. Depamphilis as Captain and demotion to firefighter on the basis that she was not qualified for the position because of her lack of proper credentials was a pretext to cover up the discriminatory and retaliatory conduct to which Ms. Depamphilis had been continually subjected to.”
Depamphilis alleged that the discrimination against her has caused her to “suffer from emotional distress, physical and psychological harm, including but not limited to anguish, loss of sleep, damage to reputation, anxiety and humiliation,” and that she has “suffered economic losses, including a loss of pay and benefits.”
Inside Investigator reached out to Stegmaier and Trommer for comment. While Trommer is currently out of office, Stegmaier told Inside Investigator that “due to the pending claims, court filings, and this being a personnel matter, I am unable to comment on this matter.”
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