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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Old Lyme, CT

Home Care Old Lyme, CT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Springbank (Old Lyme, Connecticut) 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 Old Lyme, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Old Lyme, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Bob H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Bob R.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Robin Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jeremy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

KEVIN M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Cathy K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Tracy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Anne H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

David L.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

John S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Matt B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Ann B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kimberly O.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Liam M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Denise D.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kaytee S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Belinda F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Karel O.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Martin F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Craig F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Laura
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Beth F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Brenda
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Johnson L.
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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.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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

Claudia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Rachel C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even if I only call them the day before. I’m so glad I was able to find them, because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just lost my sister and she helped me out a lot.”

Donna .
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TESTIMONIALS

“I appreciate that they always accommodate me and have someone here to drive me, even if I only call them the day before. I’m so glad I was able to find them, because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just lost my sister and she helped me out a lot.”

Janey B.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Old Lyme, CT?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Old Lyme, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Old Lyme, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Old Lyme, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Old Lyme, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Ferry Landing State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Old Lyme, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 The Hangry Goose or visit Boxwood Manor, 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.

 In-Home Care Old Lyme, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Old Lyme, CT

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:

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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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 - 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.

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

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 Old Lyme, 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.

 Elderly Care Old Lyme, CT

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
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.
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.
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.
 Senior Care Old Lyme, CT

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 Old Lyme, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Old Lyme, CT

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Old Lyme, CT

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:

  • Ct Assisted Living Associates
  • Old Lyme Town Social Services
  • Browns Lane Group Home
Home Care Old Lyme, CT

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.

 In-Home Care Old Lyme, 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 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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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

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

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Old Lyme, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

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

 Elderly Care Old Lyme, CT

Latest News in Old Lyme, CT

Work Accelerates on 16 Neck Road Development After Request by Old Lyme to Cease Work

OLD LYME — Construction has accelerated on a nine-lot subdivision project at 16 Neck Road more than a week after the town’s Zoning Enforcement Officer instructed the Westport-based developer, Frank Nocito, to halt work until he agreed to supervision by a town-approved engineer.“We asked our engineer Jacobson Associates for a proposal to supervise the work that is being done there. We have received a quote for that proposal and we have provided it to the property owner. We have instructed the property owner not to do ...

OLD LYME — Construction has accelerated on a nine-lot subdivision project at 16 Neck Road more than a week after the town’s Zoning Enforcement Officer instructed the Westport-based developer, Frank Nocito, to halt work until he agreed to supervision by a town-approved engineer.

“We asked our engineer Jacobson Associates for a proposal to supervise the work that is being done there. We have received a quote for that proposal and we have provided it to the property owner. We have instructed the property owner not to do further work until they agree to have a supervisor by Jacobson,” Eric Knapp, the town’s zoning enforcement officer, told CT Examiner on Dec. 21.

As of Jan. 2, Knapp told CT Examiner that he still had not heard from Nocito, who is developing the property as Keystone Capital Corp.

“I have not heard back from him or anybody else regarding the engineering that needs to get done for that site – or the review of the work rather by the engineer – for that site. I am still pressing on this issue and I hope to have news shortly,” Knapp said in response to a query by CT Examiner.

Knapp said that he had not issued a cease and desist to the developer to halt work on the 12.3-acre parcel. “We don’t really issue cease and desists particularly,” in the case of subdivisions, Knapp told CT Examiner.

Knapp said that such work does not need to be inspected continuously but that an engineer needs to check at key points of construction.

“There are certain points where there need to be inspections of certain improvements to make sure they meet the quality and the performance as set forth in the approved subdivision. There are certain things that need to happen regarding the retention basin regarding the base road quality,” said Knapp.

“The point,” Knapp explained, “is that before they get too far along, we want to inspect to make sure that the work has been done correctly. Otherwise, it leads to problems down the road.”

Nocito, who hasn’t responded to questions shared by CT Examiner before the Christmas holiday, was sued by a former partner in a dispute over purchasing the 16 Neck Road property. That lawsuit was later withdrawn.

As Old Lyme CT Properties Corp., Nocito is also named in an unresolved lawsuit filed in August in New London Superior Court by a local family regarding the long-stalled completion of a house in the Lords Meadow Subdivision in Old Lyme.

After that lawsuit was filed, William Pitt Sotheby’s Realty in Old Lyme continued to sell and advertise projects in the Lords Meadow Subdivision.

Questions asked prior to the Christmas holiday regarding the company’s business practices, and the decision to continue its business relationship with Nocito, were not returned by William Pitt Sotheby’s.

Asked earlier in June about the apparent lack of erosion controls on the 16 Neck Road parcel, which drains into the Connecticut and Lieutenant Rivers, two town commissions – Planning and Inland Wetlands – placed the burden of enforcing erosion controls on the zoning enforcement officer.

Knapp explained to CT Examiner at the time that enforcement in the case of a subdivision would be a matter for the town’s Planning Commission.

“The remedy would be to bring the developer back to planning and to revoke the subdivision,” Knapp said. “But we are hoping not to get there.”

Cate Hewitt is a reporter and Deputy Editor for CT Examiner. Hewitt covers planning and zoning issues.

Old Lyme Hit With Second Lawsuit After Vote to Reject Storage Units on Shore Road

OLD LYME — Claims that the Zoning Commission had decided to reject a project for storage units on Shore Road before properly considering the application, were among the complaints in a lawsuit filed last week against the town.Kids Realty LLC and Pond Realty LLC filed an appeal in state Superior Court on Jan. 23 of a second denial on Jan. 8 by the Zoning Commission. If ...

OLD LYME — Claims that the Zoning Commission had decided to reject a project for storage units on Shore Road before properly considering the application, were among the complaints in a lawsuit filed last week against the town.

Kids Realty LLC and Pond Realty LLC filed an appeal in state Superior Court on Jan. 23 of a second denial on Jan. 8 by the Zoning Commission. If that decision is overturned, the developers plan to construct three 28-foot storage facilities on a 3.77-acre site at 250 Shore Road zoned for commercial use across from the town’s residential beach communities.

In the lawsuit, the developer noted that during the application process, the commission’s monthly agenda included a discussion of a moratorium on storage units or potential regulation changes to prohibit or limit storage structures. These discussions were included on the same agenda as the applicant’s “receipt of application” in September and subsequent public hearings in October, November and December, as well as the Jan. 8 meeting.

The lawsuit also alleges that an illegal public meeting was called on Nov. 10, a national holiday, to review drainage adjacent to 250 Shore Road and included a number of town officials, but excluded the applicant’s engineer, Bob Doane of Doane Engineering, who had requested to be included.

The meeting, which was not publicly noticed, was attended by a quorum of the Board of Selectmen — then-First Selectman Tim Griswold and then-Selectman Martha Shoemaker. Also present were Ed Adanti, public works director, Eric Knapp, land use coordinator, and Jeff Jacobson of Jacobson Engineering, the town engineer.

The suit states that the town’s public works director, Ed Adanti, called the meeting and that he had spoken in opposition to the project at the October hearing.

According to the Oct. 10 minutes of the Zoning Commission, Adanti “expressed concern about the enforcement of hazardous material restrictions and the resulting spillage or runoff going into the local waterways. Mr. Adanti recommended the Town Engineer review the plan and go back to the Zoning Commission with a recommendation.”

But in an email to CT Examiner on Jan. 30, Knapp said the meeting “was definitely called by Martha. She wanted Ed, Jeff and me to see the extent of the water under the overpass and talk about solutions.”

In a phone call with CT Examiner, Shoemaker said that the purpose of the meeting was to observe the flooding under the Cross Lane railroad bridge and to follow the flow of the water across Shore Road to Swan Brook.

By phone, Griswold said the meeting was intended to bring Shoemaker, who was soon to be sworn in as First Selectman, up to speed on flooding and water issues in that area.

Griswold acknowledged that the meeting probably violated public meeting laws, but said the meeting itself was immaterial.

“It was not to conduct business, it was just an informational thing,” he said. “There were no matters to be voted on then or afterward about the thing. It was just an introduction as to what was going on there.”

In addition to its Jan. 23 lawsuit, the developers’ appeal of the commission’s previous application denial on May 8 is pending.

The developer withdrew its initial application in 2021 after more than 100 residents signed a petition opposing the project, citing concerns about traffic, the management of hazardous materials and children’s safety at a nearby school. According to a town hall spokesperson, there also wasn’t enough time within the 65-day application period to comply with conditions required by the town engineer and the state Department of Transportation.

Editor’s note: The project would construct three 28-foot-tall buildings, not 35-foot. This story has been updated.

Cate Hewitt is a reporter and Deputy Editor for CT Examiner. Hewitt covers planning and zoning issues.

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‘Deficient’ Road Quality Tests Put Hold On Housing Development in Old Lyme

OLD LYME — Road quality test results at the 16 Neck Road subdivision have returned as “deficient,” which will result in a delay in certification of a house foundation until the road quality is brought up to town standards.Eric Knapp, the town’s land use coordinator, clarified Wednesday that the portion of the subdivision building permit under his jurisdiction is on hold, but other areas that fall under the building official or the Ledge Light Health District, for example, are not.“The zoning respon...

OLD LYME — Road quality test results at the 16 Neck Road subdivision have returned as “deficient,” which will result in a delay in certification of a house foundation until the road quality is brought up to town standards.

Eric Knapp, the town’s land use coordinator, clarified Wednesday that the portion of the subdivision building permit under his jurisdiction is on hold, but other areas that fall under the building official or the Ledge Light Health District, for example, are not.

“The zoning responsibilities within the building permit are on hold,” he said.

However, he noted, putting a hold on this step will prevent approvals further down the list.

“There’s a limit to how far we can go down the chain with me placing a hold here,” Knapp said, referring to the list of items on the building permit.

Knapp said the developer, Frank Nocito of Keystone Capital Corp., submitted the surveyor certificate for the foundation of one of the houses, but his approval is on hold until road quality tests meet town standards.

The next step for Nocito is for his paving company, Anton Paving, to bring the road up to town standards.

Knapp said a representative from Jacobson Engineering should be present when the road samples are taken, which did happen the first time. He said the road material must immediately be sent for testing to verify that it meets the town’s standards.

“Theoretically, if we were doing this properly, we would have a representative from Jacobson out there to make sure that as it’s going in, it’s going in per our standards,” he said. “The goal is essentially our person is there witnessing that material being taken out of the sample and then being sent off to the lab. … But again, having someone from Jacobson there witnessing is the best insurance to make sure it gets done properly.”

Knapp said Nocito submitted a partial payment for Jacobson’s services in overseeing the work.

“What they have done is we showed them the bill that Jacobson has already provided us, that we’ve already paid, and they have reimbursed us for the amount of the bill that Jacobson has already sent us,” Knapp said.

He emphasized that road quality was of key importance to his areas of jurisdiction.

“Ultimately, it’s on them now to demonstrate that the road is of sufficient quality and in data core samples from very specific locations. … But it’s going to be on them to demonstrate that when they’re done, the road, in its entirety, meets the town’s standards,” he said.

The town’s Planning Commission approved Nocito’s application for a subdivision on 12.3-acre parcel in 2022. Nocito was ordered to install proper erosion controls in January after six months of disagreements about which town department had jurisdiction.

Cate Hewitt is a reporter and Deputy Editor for CT Examiner. Hewitt covers planning and zoning issues.

[email protected]

Frustration Grows as Funding Delays Stall Lymes’ Senior Center Renovation

OLD LYME — Due to delays in state funding and risk insurance, the Lymes’ Senior Center $5.5 million renovation is at least five months behind schedule, leaving frustrated community members to question why the facility was closed last October when it could have remained open.According to a June presentation, construction was slated to begin last September, with a return date of Oct. 1, 2024, to the fa...

OLD LYME — Due to delays in state funding and risk insurance, the Lymes’ Senior Center $5.5 million renovation is at least five months behind schedule, leaving frustrated community members to question why the facility was closed last October when it could have remained open.

According to a June presentation, construction was slated to begin last September, with a return date of Oct. 1, 2024, to the facility that serves seniors of Lyme and Old Lyme.

On Wednesday, the Lymes’ Senior Center Building Committee announced the new groundbreaking date would be in March, with a hope of moving back in by Dec. 31.

Committee Chair Jeri Baker explained that the delays were, in part, a result of awaiting approval for $500,000 in Small Town Economic Assistance Program grants to Old Lyme and Lyme. The grant applications were submitted in August and were just approved two weeks ago.

“They didn’t publish the grant until Aug. 1, and we had one month to do it,” Baker said.

She said the awards were announced on Sept. 23, 2023, and the governing body for the grant – the Department of Economic and Community Development – was not designated until Oct. 23, 2023.

During this time, Baker said the committee also had to obtain site approval from the State Historic Office of Preservation.

Additionally, she said the committee was currently soliciting bids for a builder’s risk policy, which covers materials in the building during the project.

“The insurance industry is crazy. We’re facing a premium that we might not have anticipated,” Baker told the committee.

The 5,400-square-foot facility center was completed in 1996 at 26 Town Woods Road in Old Lyme and is shared between Old Lyme and Lyme, with each town paying 75 percent and 25 percent of the costs, respectively. The center claims to have 1,100 members aged 55 or older, and offers meals and wellness programs, as well as a range of activities like yoga, dance, arts and crafts, card games and trips. The renovation would add about 3,500 square feet and create flexible spaces with movable walls.

According to the June presentation, Old Lyme will contribute $4,158,407 to the project, and Lyme will pay $1,386,136.

“We still need to codify how funding will take place in Old Lyme, but Lyme is up to date on that,” Baker said.

Baker said at their Jan. 16 meeting, the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen will discuss funding options to recommend to the Board of Finance that evening.

B.J. Bernblum, committee member and the Old Lyme Board of Finance chair, said the town had approved the “aggregate expenditure,” but had discretion on whether to take the amount from the general fund.

“If we use bonds or borrow money, then we will need additional authorization,” he said.

First Selectman Martha Shoemaker, a member of the committee, said Old Lyme will need to hold a town meeting to approve financing.

During public comment, Old Lyme resident Jane Folland told the committee that the delays and lack of access to the building had negatively affected the center members’ sense of community and emotional health.

“It’s not really about going to yoga class, playing cards and that’s it. We really had a nice building where we could meet up with old friends, meet new friends, form new relationships, have a cup of coffee, talk, and I’d like to see that going forward,” Folland said. “So I just wanted you to be aware that any delays to the schedule don’t just impact your project plan, but also impact the senior members of both towns.”

Folland said communication from the towns and the building committee about the project had been poor and sporadic.

“What I would really like to see from the committee is a regular update to the senior center members. It would be great if you could summarize what is happening on a monthly basis and publish it in the senior center newsletter,” she said.

Folland added that a lack of communication has resulted in rumors circulating about the project.

“What I’ve heard from several people is that it runs the gamut, that the project was stalled will never happen. There were just lots of rumors. … So it’d be great if we could get some good messages,” she said. “And if there are delays, don’t be afraid to let us know that there’s a delay. We just want to know what’s happening.”

Deborah Fazzino, of Old Lyme, noted that many senior residents do not own the technology that the town might typically use for communications.

“A lot of people of that generation do not have computers, no email, no smartphones, they don’t have any of that,” she said. “It’s word of mouth information, and when that’s not correct …”

Baker agreed that the newsletter would be an effective way to communicate project updates.

Foland’s spouse, Bill Folland, also said there lacked a “critical path” schedule identifying major milestones in the project.

“Who’s generating this critical path? Are we where we are today because we did not generate a critical path?” he said. “We are 25 percent behind schedule and we’re not going in the right direction.”

Bill questioned where the preconstruction phase would fit in the schedule. Committee member Ken Biega responded that PointOne architects, the firm that designed the renovation, had been hired for preconstruction and that Newfield Construction would complete the next phase.

Bill also asked why the center had been shut down in October when contracts had not been signed, the bid package hadn’t gone out, the project management team hadn’t been selected and construction had not been scheduled.

Committee member Alan Sheiness, chair of Lyme’s Board of Finance, explained that the committee did not control the STEAP grant process and could not have anticipated asking for insurance quotes last summer.

Danielle Couture, project manager of Newfield Construction, said the deadline for requests for proposals is Jan. 25 and that bids would open during a public meeting on Feb. 6.

The committee also discussed tactics for private fundraising and finding donors who would be listed on a plaque at the center. Bernblum, Sheiness, Lyme Selectman John Kiker and committee member Rick Goulding agreed to form a working group for fundraising.

Editor’s note: In a later communication with CT Examiner, Baker clarified that the STEAP grants were announced on Sept. 23 — not on Sept. 9 — and that DECD was designated as the governing body on Oct. 23, 2023. Also, the Board of Selectmen, rather than Baker, will discuss funding recommendations that will be sent to the Board of Finance on Jan. 16. In addition, Rick Goulding’s name was previously omitted from the list of committee members forming a working group for fundraising.

Editor’s note: According to a June 2023 presentation about the Lymes’ Senior Center renovation, the center currently has more than 1,100 members aged 55+, not 1,600 members over the age of 70 as previously written. This story has been updated.

Cate Hewitt is a reporter and Deputy Editor for CT Examiner. Hewitt covers planning and zoning issues.

[email protected]

Local Developer Plans 189-Unit Apartment Complex With Affordable Units in Old Lyme

OLD LYME — Three years after proposing an apartment complex requiring a tie-in to sewers, Mark Diebolt is back with an affordable housing project relying instead on septic.The state’s affordable housing statute allows developers to largely bypass local zoning approvals in towns where less than 10 percent of the housing stock qualifies as affordable. According to the 2022 Housing Appeals List, 1.57 pe...

OLD LYME — Three years after proposing an apartment complex requiring a tie-in to sewers, Mark Diebolt is back with an affordable housing project relying instead on septic.

The state’s affordable housing statute allows developers to largely bypass local zoning approvals in towns where less than 10 percent of the housing stock qualifies as affordable. According to the 2022 Housing Appeals List, 1.57 percent of Old Lyme’s housing stock meets state rules of affordability.

Diebolt is planning six buildings of 30 to 32 units each. Of the total 189 units, 57 would be affordable for people earning 50, 60 or 80 percent of the area median income, which was $113,889 in 2021, according to census data.

The buildings would be built on Diebolt’s 20.6-acre parcel at 49 Hatchetts Hill Road and a 16.25-acre adjoining parcel at 54-6 Four Mile River Road that he recently purchased and where he plans some of the septic.

Diebolt, engineer Seamus Moran and investors from Port One Companies presented the outlines of the proposal to the Planning Commission during an informal discussion on Thursday, in part to secure the commission’s approval to subdivide the two existing lots into six lots to fulfill state septic requirements.

The Hatchetts Hill property was zoned for multifamily use under a special exception in 2005 when a developer purchased the land from Diebolt with plans to build 16 luxury condos. That project was never built and Diebolt eventually regained ownership.

Peter Bartash, CEO of Port One Companies and a licensed architect, told the commission that the location for the project – in a mixed industrial and residential setting with easy access to the highway – would have very little impact on the town.

“It really stood out to us that we could look at doing something that has a little bit larger scale here from an overall project perspective without compromising the character integrity of the town,” he said.

Moran told the commission that subdivision was the first step in moving the project forward.

He said that testing of the soil in the 54-6 Four Mile River Road parcel showed it was “very nice sand and gravel that would be great for septic systems,” and he estimated that each building would need 7,500 gallons of sewage capacity a day, the limit allowed for approval by Ledge Light and the Department of Health.

Moran said that except for the septic area, the lower property would be dedicated open space with walking trails.

Commission member Jim Lampos questioned whether the well on the site could provide sufficient water for the residents.

Moran acknowledged that a well on site produces 50 gallons per minute, but said the buildings would have water storage tanks to meet demand at peak flow.

He also emphasized that the design was in its early conceptual phase. “We’re at about two and a half percent of the design.”

Bartash said the construction is planned for two phases over a two or three year period, first with 60 units closer to the Hatchetts Hill Road entrance, followed by 129 units in the second phase built toward the back of the parcel.

The site is close to a pump station for the East Lyme sewer system, but Diebolt was unable to gain permission in 2020 to use 50,000 gallons of 300,000 gallons designated for the town and the beach communities in an agreement with New London. The beach community sewer project, estimated at $14.1 million to $21.1 million, is still on hold while the town awaits word on a $17 million forgivable loan from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story stated that Diebolt was unable to gain permission from the Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) to use 50,000 gallons of 300,000 gallons designated for the town and the beach communities, but the WPCA did not have the authority to grant that permission due to its agreements. Also, “Four Mile Creek Road” has been corrected to “Four Mile River Road.” This story has been updated.

Cate Hewitt is a reporter and Deputy Editor for CT Examiner. Hewitt covers planning and zoning issues.

[email protected]

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