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

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

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Babispyce S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Robin Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jeremy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

KEVIN M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Cathy K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Tracy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Anne H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

David L.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

John S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Greg G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Liam M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Matt B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Ann B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kimberly O.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Denise D.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kaytee S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Belinda F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Karel O.
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“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

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

Brenda
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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

harry B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kathleen F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claudia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Rachel C.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Joe L.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Sarah C.
 In-Home Care South Glastonbury, CT

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

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

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

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

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 Senior Care South Glastonbury, CT

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

Comfort
Comfort

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

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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

Independence
Independence

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

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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

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

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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

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

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

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

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

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

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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


Respite Care South Glastonbury, CT

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

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

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

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

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

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

 Caregivers South Glastonbury, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

An assessment of your senior loved one

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

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

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

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

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

Latest News in South Glastonbury, CT

Glastonbury passes ‘Right To Farm’ Ordinance

Recognizing that farming is an integral part of the Glastonbury community, the Glastonbury Town Council recently passed a ‘Right to Farm’ ordinance, which became effective Aug. 11.The ordinance recognizes that, as farms operate, they produce odors, noise, and dust, as well as the use of chemicals, irrigation, and water management.Council member John Cavanna said it is a good first step in supporting the town’s agriculture businesses, especially given the ...

Recognizing that farming is an integral part of the Glastonbury community, the Glastonbury Town Council recently passed a ‘Right to Farm’ ordinance, which became effective Aug. 11.

The ordinance recognizes that, as farms operate, they produce odors, noise, and dust, as well as the use of chemicals, irrigation, and water management.

Council member John Cavanna said it is a good first step in supporting the town’s agriculture businesses, especially given the flooding that damaged crops this summer and caused significant losses.

“If there has been a bad year to be a farmer in Connecticut or the Northeast, it’s been this year,” Cavanna said. “I’d like this to be a first step in a continuing set of stairs that we can try to build and do something better to help the farms out in this community.”

“I love this idea,” said council member Mary LaChance. “My neighborhood, when I was growing up, had a cornfield next to it. There were certain times of the year when it was a little stinky, but it was really great to have farms within the town. I think it’s the least that it can do for the farmers this year.”

Council member Whit Osgood pointed out that the ordinance does not supersede any zoning regulations or other ordinances, so it has no teeth.

“In other words, in my opinion, this is basically virtue signaling,” Osgood said. “We already have state law that provides for protections for farming. This does nothing to the state law. So, is it really the council’s need to address something that we don’t need to address, when we have pressing matters that are costing the town millions of dollars, that we are probably inadequately addressing? I think we should be spending our time more wisely.”

Council member Jake McChesney disagreed with Osgood.

“I am very happy spending my time supporting our farming community,” McChesney said, adding that his family comes from Vermont and has a history of farming.

“Part of the reason why we moved to Glastonbury is the strong farming community,” he added. “It’s a draw in town, it’s a huge feature in town, and it’s a part of our history. To the extent this is virtue signaling that we value our farms in town, I’m perfectly fine with that. I also think it has value substantively. I also think there is value to signaling to our farming community that we are here with you.”

Councilman Kurt Cavanaugh said he wishes more could be done to aid farmers who have crops destroyed by natural disasters.

“I find it quite shocking that farmers are given the opportunity for low-interest loans, but when banks fail, they get bailed out,” he said. “I’d like to see the same bailout opportunity for farmers up and down the Connecticut River and all along the East Coast.”

Council Chair Tom Gullotta offered that the ordinance could be changed or added to, and agreed that having it in place is a good starting point.

“Let’s put this in place this evening,” Gullotta said. “Let’s go forward with this. As with so many things, it doesn’t say it can’t be revisited.”

For more information, visit www.glastonburyct.gov.

Glastonbury Farm That Opened In 1908 Fades Into 'Retirement'

The owner of Rose's Berry Farm in Glastonbury is retiring and the farm will shut down at least for the near future. GLASTONBURY, CT — A cultural and business staple that has been around South Glastonbury for more than a century is closing, at least for the near-future.Rose's Berry Farm's current matriarch, Sandi Rose, posted on social media that the farm would be closing because of "retirement."The farm on Matson Hill had been a popular pick-your-own venue in South Glastonbury that opened in 1908. It wa...

The owner of Rose's Berry Farm in Glastonbury is retiring and the farm will shut down at least for the near future.

GLASTONBURY, CT — A cultural and business staple that has been around South Glastonbury for more than a century is closing, at least for the near-future.

Rose's Berry Farm's current matriarch, Sandi Rose, posted on social media that the farm would be closing because of "retirement."

The farm on Matson Hill had been a popular pick-your-own venue in South Glastonbury that opened in 1908. It was considered one of the largest blueberry farms in Connecticut with more than 20 acres of blueberry plants.

The farm also had featured seasonal favorites like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins.

It hosted the popular "Breakfast-With-A-View" events on Sunday mornings throughout the picking season. The farm was also a wedding and event venue that was open from mid-May to mid-October.

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The farm stand at 1200 Hebron Ave. could continue if another farmer takes over, Sandi Rose said.

Sandi Rose sent out a heartfelt message on social media:

Dear Friends of Rose’s Berry Farm and Family:
It is with both a heavy and happy heart, that I am announcing my retirement from the Farm life.
Along with my late husband Henry (2008), and more recently my partner, Mark, I have enjoyed working on the farm, and appreciate all the help over the years from all our employees, the Jam Ladies, The Men – Winnie, Agustin, Elpidio, Ramiro, Carlos and more…(our Mexican help) – who I could not have done this without, all of our Seasonal help, Farmers’ Market Workers and especially Michael Draghi and Pedro Aviles.
Rose’s Berry Farm (RBF) is a magical place, where families and friends made memories, PYO Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries choosing a Christmas Tree, enjoying Fall Festivals, Hayrides, pumpkins, Apple Season, School Tours and Sunday Breakfast with a View (thank you to all my Sunday Staff!).
Thank you to my many tenants who rented the several homes on the Farm. Thanks for looking out for us when we are not here!
Over the past 10 years we have also enjoyed hosting weddings, bridal and baby showers and parties. We have also welcomed hundreds of RV’ers who stay here with the Harvest Host organization. In 2021-22 we also started an Airbnb which has introduced new people to the farm and area.
Thank you to all our vendors and suppliers and repairmen who supported us.
Our Stand at 1200 Hebron Avenue, which is rented from the Catholic Cemetery, may continue in 2023, depending on whether they find another farmer. Thank you to all our loyal customers who made that location a great success and to Winnie/Pedro and Staff.
I have been fortunate to grow up and live my life in South Glastonbury. After college and some business experience, I left the corporate world to work side-by-side with Henry as we expanded the vision and offerings at Rose’s Berry Farm. This beautiful enclave in the hills of South Glastonbury, holds so many family’s pasts and futures. This area was settled in the early 20th century by immigrants from Northern Italy who came to cut railroad ties and stone. RBF started in about 1908. Their ancestors have done a great job keeping all these farms going.
But all things much change, and I am grateful to both the Town of Glastonbury, and private buyers who have allowed me to step-aside and know that our legacy will continue and be kept beautiful.
We will be living primarily in North Carolina, where we have a home on beautiful Lake Norman, just north of Charlotte, near family. Part of us will always remain here, with our friends, families, and memories of all that we shared.
Thank you for all the love, friendship, and support over the past 40 years!
Love to all,Sandi Rose

There is a movement afoot fr the town to purchase part of Rose's Berry Farm. See the details here.

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CT’s Lamont seeks emergency USDA help for farms that were under water. $21M in sales already lost.

After losing 35 of 92 acres in this spring’s flooding, Chris Bassette is glad the state is seeking federal relief for her south Glastonbury farm.“We’re still waiting for the USDA to turn around and let us know if we can harrow stuff,” Bassette, an owner of Killam & Bassette Farmstead, said Monday.“And, really, we’re trying to get into the field just to harrow so we can have good agricultural practices and the disease an...

After losing 35 of 92 acres in this spring’s flooding, Chris Bassette is glad the state is seeking federal relief for her south Glastonbury farm.

“We’re still waiting for the USDA to turn around and let us know if we can harrow stuff,” Bassette, an owner of Killam & Bassette Farmstead, said Monday.

“And, really, we’re trying to get into the field just to harrow so we can have good agricultural practices and the disease and the bugs don’t get into the good crops we got left,” she said. “Because the USDA doesn’t know what they’re doing in Connecticut. They have no inspectors, which we found out on Friday.”

On Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont visited Killam & Bassette to announce he had submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking a federal disaster declaration for all eight counties because of the heavy rainfall this spring.

The declaration would make farms eligible for federal disaster-assistance programs, including emergency loans, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

Loans wouldn’t satisfy Bassette, however. “I hope it’s not only done in low-interest loans or no interest, because we still have loans that we’re paying off from 2011 and 2017,” when there were severe weather events, she said. “So if there’s funding that could help us, that would be phenomenal. You want just even to recoup what we lost, not looking to make a profit, just to be able to get going again next year.”

“Some of these farmers are at a point … that they’re almost going to throw in the towel,” Bassette said. “I know I talked to one who has quite a few acres over 300, and he said if he didn’t owe so much money for all those low-interest loans he would be out of it already, but he’s got too much that he’s got to pay back. This is from 2011 and 2017 and 2008.”

According to the state Agriculture Department, 27 farms are estimating losses of 1,500 acres and nearly $21 million in sales, according to the statement. There also were severe frosts in February and May, in which 1,077 acres suffered $8.4 million in losses.

In his letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack, Lamont said Connecticut has received 10.74 inches of rain in July, 423% of the normal rainfall for the month.

“My administration has been in regular contact with farmers from across Connecticut who are experiencing an incredible amount of losses due to the severe and abnormal weather we have experienced just in these first several months of 2023 that is having a major impact on their ability to operate,” Lamont said in the statement.

“Farms are small businesses that provide the food we rely on and also employ a significant number of workers,” he said. “The approval of this declaration will help these farmers continue supporting their businesses.”

Lamont previously said the state would help farmers with money from an $8.8 million fund devoted to climate change impacts and the $150 million Boost Fund to help small businesses through low-interest loans.

Bassette said her business is struggling because most of her crops are uninsurable under the regular USDA program, forcing her to take out insurance from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, known as NAP, which she called “horrible insurance for crops that are uninsurable.”

“Corn and tomatoes and tobacco, those are all insurable,” Bassette said. “And when you get into all the things that people like, like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, peppers — every kind of pepper — kohlrabi, bok choy, Swiss chard, lettuces, beets, radishes, those are all uninsurable. Nobody insures them. The USDA in their wisdom came up with this NAP coverage.”

NAP “is so cumbersome and hard for us as farmers to get coverage to get paid out on,” she said. “The governor being there and sending the awareness, let me tell you, it’s been awesome.”

Bassette said she hopes farmers can get funds “to supplement the 50% of the average over the last three years, which is NAP, which we don’t know if we’re going to be getting … It’s so cumbersome, it’s not even funny. We needed everything yesterday, and I know (Lamont is) doing what he can to facilitate it. And hopefully we get this disaster declaration.”

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., visited Killam & Bassette Monday to promote the disaster declaration and a reform of crop insurance programs because of the problems Bassette addressed.

“I’ve seen firsthand the absolute devastation to farms, businesses, homes, roads, bridges, literally all around the state where I’ve visited over the past 10 days,” Blumenthal said.

“This catastrophic impact really is the result of a perfect storm, combining huge amounts of water, a real deluge, but also the geographic extent of it, going to Vermont and New Hampshire and causing additional swells to rivers coming down to Connecticut, and also the time of year when farms were about to harvest crops,” he said.

“We’re going to fight tooth and nail for as broad a disaster declaration as possible, with expanded aid — not just loans but also cash in hand — so that the businesses and farms can get back on their feet,” he said.

Blumenthal said his call for insurance reform would address the issue of uninsurable crops.

“Essentially, the problem is that the federal crop insurance program is designed to help Midwestern farms, not New England ones,” he said.

“They are for farms of thousands of acres, big farms that grow a single crop, whether it’s wheat or barley, and the lion’s share of the crop insurance goes to these mega-farms owned by huge corporations, not the New England farmers, who may have anywhere from 70 to a few hundred acres or more, but they grow multiple crops.”

Small farmers are shut out, he said, because insurance agents sell to the biggest farms with the highest premiums and the amount of insurance is limited.

“It’s an important reform, and we have a good coalition in support of it,” Blumenthal said. “I’m hoping all of the Northeastern senators will join it because it really is Northeastern farms that are affected most heavily.”

Ed Stannard can be reached at [email protected].

Glastonbury Resident Sentenced In $6 Million Investment Fraud Case

GLASTONBURY, CT — A Glastonbury resident was one of two men sentenced Thursday in federal court in Boston for a multi-year fraud scheme that caused more than $6 million in losses to investors, according to the FBI.Thomas D. Renison, 69, of South Glastonbury, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. to four years in prison and three years of supervised release, FBI officials said. Renison was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $526,120 and restitution of $6,240,983. In October 2020, Renison pl...

GLASTONBURY, CT — A Glastonbury resident was one of two men sentenced Thursday in federal court in Boston for a multi-year fraud scheme that caused more than $6 million in losses to investors, according to the FBI.

Thomas D. Renison, 69, of South Glastonbury, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. to four years in prison and three years of supervised release, FBI officials said. Renison was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $526,120 and restitution of $6,240,983. In October 2020, Renison pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of filing false tax returns.

Timothy J. Allcott, 65, of Peabody, MA, was sentenced by Judge O’Toole to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Allcott was also ordered to pay forfeiture of $5,052,661 and restitution in the amount of $6,098,173. In July 2020, Allcott pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

In January 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Allcott and Renison with fraudulently misleading investors in connection with the same conduct.

According to case records, Renison was the former owner of ARO Equity LLC, a privately-held investment company that purportedly pooled money from investors and then invested it in various New England-based businesses. Between 2015 and 2018, Renison and Allcott fraudulently raised and solicited funds for ARO Equity LLC by misrepresenting to victims how their money would be invested, ARO’s investment track record and the safety of the investments, according to case records.

Allcott and Renison also concealed Renison's ownership interest and affiliation with ARO because the SEC and regulators in Maine had previously barred Renison from working in the securities industry, according to case records.

Over the course of the scheme, ARO took in more than $6 million from investors, but only invested half of that amount, according to case records. Of the investments that ARO actually made, the substantial majority yielded "significant losses," case records indicate.

Despite these losses, Allcott and Renison failed to inform the victims of the poor performance of prior investments, prosecutors said. Instead, they told the victims on many occasions that the investments were doing well and remained safe, they added..

ARO paid required monthly payments to earlier investors using funds raised from later investors, according to prosecutors.

The defendants generally told victims that ARO would use their investments to fund one of three different businesses, but Renison and Allcott paid themselves exorbitant commission fees, satisfied monthly interest obligations to other investors and invested in different undisclosed businesses, according to case records.

As part of the scheme, Allcott and Renison disguised commissions paid to Renison as loans to Renison's wife, which allowed them to continue to conceal Renison’s ownership stake in the company, according to prosecutors. In addition, Renison failed to declare more than a half-million dollars of commission income and failed to pay more than $150,000 in taxes, prosecutors said.

Glastonbury’s Open Doors Outdoors is helping veterans make the transition to post-military life one hike at a time

For returning military veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be challenging. In addition to coping with physical injuries, military veterans are often dealing with mental health issues, including symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.“That transition can be really tough,” said Justin Walters, a U.S. Navy veteran who recently moved from Glastonbury to Colorado. “The biggest thing you lose is camaraderie and that sense of teamwork. You don’t really get that in the civilia...

For returning military veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be challenging. In addition to coping with physical injuries, military veterans are often dealing with mental health issues, including symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“That transition can be really tough,” said Justin Walters, a U.S. Navy veteran who recently moved from Glastonbury to Colorado. “The biggest thing you lose is camaraderie and that sense of teamwork. You don’t really get that in the civilian world.”

Walters first heard of the local veteran nonprofit organization Open Doors Outdoors while taking part in a pull-up challenge organized by the owner of Mission Fitness, Matthew Mund, to raise money for the group.

The Glastonbury-based nonprofit serves veterans, their families and young people by taking them into the outdoors for a shared sense of connection, healthy activity and healing, according to their website.

“When I first heard about the organization, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Walters said. “Once I met the team, we immediately clicked. From there, I started hiking with them and I really got back that sense of camaraderie I had lost.”

Open Doors Outdoors was founded by Glastonbury resident Davey Edwards, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and mortgage banker. Edwards, an ultra-runner who ran across Connecticut in 2019 and 2022 (both times in 41 hours), started the organization on a journey of personal healing.

“I was in a bad place,” Edwards said. “About seven years ago, I was going through a divorce and landed on a rough patch financially. I had a 5-year-old son then and we would go hiking together. I realized it was the form of connection and therapy I needed at that point in my life.”

After taking several hikes across the state, Edwards got the idea for the organization after realizing some of his fellow veterans were also going through similar challenges.

“It really just made sense,” Edwards said, “so I started to organize hikes all across New England and eventually more veterans joined just through word of mouth. We’ve done a lot of hiking since.”

In 2021, Open Doors Outdoors completed 36 outings and had 122,124 feet of elevation gain, which is equivalent to hiking from the base camp on Mount Everest to its summit almost 10 times, according to their website.

“I found a community in this organization,” said Martin Sheridan, a U.S. Army veteran who joined the organization earlier this year. “When you are hiking, there’s a lot of similarities to the military. On the hike, you’ve got veterans from all branches of service working together. You get that shared sense of purpose by coming together and accomplishing a tough hike or overcoming a physical challenge. That’s what makes it so rewarding.”

Edwards said that a lot of the new veterans who join the organization and aren’t that accustomed to hiking will sometimes not realize how challenging some of the elevation and terrain can be. Edwards ensures that each hike is tailored to how experienced each veteran is, holding several hikes throughout the year with varying degrees of difficulty.

“You’ll see a lot of times some newer members struggle with some of the hikes,” Edwards said, “but we encourage everybody and work together as a team. The focus is to cheer each other on. Our veteran hikes are designed to take small groups of veterans out on the trail together. The veteran hiking program is designed to have hikes which increase in difficulty as the individual becomes comfortable on the trail and sometimes includes hikes out of state.”

In addition to hiking, the group just received a $25,000 grant from the Sestero family of Glastonbury and The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to purchase a 2021 Polaris General XP 4 1000 Utility Terrain Vehicle. This UTV will be used to take veterans, families and children into the outdoors around a dedicated tract of farmland in South Glastonbury. The group, which started the UTV program in 2021, has already seen it explode in popularity.

Walters, who has two children on the autism spectrum, said seeing them ride on the UTV was a very positive experience.

“They loved it,” Walter said. “They could just go be themselves, relax and let their guard down a bit. There’s no rush or line or anything to overwhelm them. It’s a shared experience where parents don’t have to worry about watching their kids and can sit back and enjoy it as well.”

Any resident of Glastonbury with children can apply to ride on the UTV through an application on the organization’s website.

“Our UTV program has truly blossomed,” said Edwards. “Their response was simply amazing. It was clear this could help many more children. This Sestero grant will not only benefit more kids on the autism spectrum but also families who can participate in these activities together.”

Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]

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