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

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

Robin Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jeremy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

KEVIN M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Cathy K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Tracy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Anne H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

David L.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

John S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Greg G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Liam M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Matt B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Ann B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kimberly O.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Denise D.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kaytee S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Belinda F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Karel O.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Martin F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Anna T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Craig F.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Brenda
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Heather R.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Johnson L.
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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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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

“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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TESTIMONIALS

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

Laura
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Elaine G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Bob G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Claudia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Rachel C.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Steve S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.
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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.
 In-Home Care Unionville, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Unionville, 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 Unionville, 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 Unionville, 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 Unionville, 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

Attendance and aid 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 Unionville, 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 Unionville,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 Unionville, 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

03

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

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

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

Latest News in Unionville, CT

Hiking through the history of an abandoned Unionville amusement park

By Hartford Courant |PUBLISHED: April 26, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. | UPDATED: April 26, 2019 at 4:06 p.m.In this week’s Nature column, Peter Marteka describes a visit to Suburban Park and the Unionville Lions Club’s Memorial Park, in the Unionville section of Farmington.The Bottom Line: A beautiful hike through a deep forest, past the remnants of an abandoned 20th Century amusement park, glacial kettle holes and along the ban...

By Hartford Courant |

PUBLISHED: April 26, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. | UPDATED: April 26, 2019 at 4:06 p.m.

In this week’s Nature column, Peter Marteka describes a visit to Suburban Park and the Unionville Lions Club’s Memorial Park, in the Unionville section of Farmington.

The Bottom Line: A beautiful hike through a deep forest, past the remnants of an abandoned 20th Century amusement park, glacial kettle holes and along the banks of the scenic Roaring Brook.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult, with a few steep climbs to the top of a hill and undulating paths. The path along Roaring Brook is narrow and close to the water. Watch for tree roots during the hike.

Total Mileage: There are approximately 4 miles of trails circulating through the properties. Visit http://www.farmington-ct.org/home/showdocument?id=2619 for a map of the property.

Directions: I-84 to Route 4. Follow Route 4 into Unionville and take a right on Route 167 at Sanford and Hawley Inc. Take a quick left on Keyes Street and a right on Cottage Street. There is also parking on Park Pond Place off Route 4, just to the north of the intersection with Route 167.

Parking: Small parking area on Park Pond Place, but a larger parking lot at Memorial Park.

Pet-friendly? Dogs need to be leashed and cleaned up after.

I first visited Suburban Park in the autumn of 2017. It was neat to see the remnants of Suburban Park, an amusement park that operated from 1895 to 1905 on top of one of the highest points in town. As I hiked the trails, I saw old foundations, remnants of an old fountain and paths that climbed and dipped over glacial eskers and kettle holes. Although impressed by the park, I left scratching my head along with a quizzical look about exactly what I had seen.

And then last fall and earlier this spring, Timmy Germano came to the park for his Eagle Scout project. A member of Boy Scout Troop 170 in Unionville, Germano organized work days and dozens of volunteers to clear and mark the paths with wooden signs, as well as install informational boards that included archival photos and a detailed history of each of the park’s remaining structures. Signs showcase the former ice cream parlor, the location of the “flying horses” — merry-go-round, in modern terms — electric fountain, dance pavilion and other historical must-sees.

The work is now complete and those who have visited the park in the past will feel like this is their first time. The trails are easy to follow and well-marked, and it is hard to miss any of the forgotten amusement park features, like the foundation of the ice cream parlor where, according to the kiosk, lemonade and Besse’s ice cream was served, using an underground cold storage cellar for refrigeration.

The trails at the top of the park and from the neighboring Hillside Cemetery provide wonderful seasonal views across Unionville. A sign notes this part of Farmington was once called “Langdon’s Quarter” and “Union District,” where mills produced items including oyster tongs, wooden screws and caskets.

Several miles of trails wind over glacier-carved eskers and kettle holes on the back side of the park. The park paths connect with the Lion Club’s Memorial Park and wind along the banks of the scenic Roaring Brook. Paths at the Memorial Park have been named “Lovers Lane” and “Brookside Path” and run for a good distance along the clear-running brook that undulates over large rocks. The white pines tower above visitors adding a fairy tale quality to the walk.

Germano also included some fascinating history about the neighboring Memorial Park, with its man-made canals to Punting Pond where flat bottomed wooden boats were rented out for dates or family fishing trips. Have trouble imagining that? Don’t worry, there’s an archival photo or two to help.

Germano and his Eagle Scout Project has breathed new life into this park, which was saved from development – a mining operation and 50 houses were proposed -when the town purchased it in 1999. By showcasing the town’s past, Germano has preserved the present and future of the site of one of the state’s first amusement parks and its electrifying fountain.

Peter Marteka can be reached at [email protected].

Farmer’s Cow Calfé and Creamery expanding

By Hartford Courant |PUBLISHED: November 16, 2022 at 12:29 p.m. | UPDATED: November 16, 2022 at 9:01 p.m.The Farmer’s Cow recently completed negotiations with independent Connecticut-based Full Service Markets for the hosting of the Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery within a number of markets located on Connecticut’s roadways.The recently finalized agreement calls for the Farmer’s Cow, in partnership with the Full...

By Hartford Courant |

PUBLISHED: November 16, 2022 at 12:29 p.m. | UPDATED: November 16, 2022 at 9:01 p.m.

The Farmer’s Cow recently completed negotiations with independent Connecticut-based Full Service Markets for the hosting of the Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery within a number of markets located on Connecticut’s roadways.

The recently finalized agreement calls for the Farmer’s Cow, in partnership with the Full Service Markets’ owners, to initially co-locate and co-operate one of the company’s Calfés & Creameries in Unionville, Connecticut, on Farmington Avenue.

The required build-outs, including staffing, logistics system management, and training are scheduled for completion in November.

“In researching all of the possible partnering and franchise options available to us over this past year, we loved the fact that the Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery had both great food and great ice cream,” said Markets owner Marwan Tawfik. “And the fact that it is a part of the local Farmer’s Cow brand, sourced from local farms supporting local communities and economies, made it the perfect choice for us.”

“The Farmer’s Cow brand sources the freshest and healthiest products from not only their own Collective-based family farms, but also from other select local farms engaged in sustainable farming practices, which provide local lettuce, local bacon and pulled pork, local fruits, and local one-of-a-kind drinks…,” reads a press release announcing the expansion.

The Farmer’s Cow brand is known for offering the highest-quality local ingredients, and operates through distribution channels that include their own fast-casual, farm-to-table calfés and kiosks, as well as regional and national chains and grocery stores (including Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, and Big Y).

“The Farmer’s Cow Collective is also leading the farming industry in the development of innovative technologies and environmental sustainability – from developing new pollution-capturing processes to producing clean energy systems that can power and fund numerous projects and programs – their own as well as community-based organizations seeking clean and renewable energy,” reads the release.

The Farmer’s Cow and the Markets’ owners are next scheduled to co-locate a Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery at numerous additional Markets located throughout Connecticut.

“Our next deployment with the Markets’ owners is already scheduled for build-out and co-operation, and all that that entails,” stated Edwin Molina, FC Development Corp., and Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery CEO.

“Once we finalize the physical build-out and officially engage in the co-operation of the Unionville location in November, we then will initiate the co-location and co-operation of the Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery at a number of additional Markets in eastern, southern, and western Connecticut – following that with additional locations throughout all of the state,” continued Molina.

Further expansion of this partnership is being planned not just in Connecticut, but also in other areas throughout New England and beyond.

According to Steven Lane, chief development officer at FC Development Corp., a management and development entity for the Farmer’s Cow brand of companies, the current agreement includes three additional locations in Connecticut, on major roadways.

“We are in discussions with additional partners to develop similar agreements,” said Lane.

“We are continually exploring new avenues of community support and sustainable development with all of our operations,” said Tawfiq. “And having a partner like the Farmer’s Cow and all that their combined companies bring to the table in regard to food sustainability, environmental sustainability, energy sourcing, and pollution abatement – combined with an unparalleled record of community service initiatives – supports both on-the-ground and high-level applications of our combined vision, mission, and goals.”

The Farmer’s Cow, originally established in 2003 in Connecticut, serves many local and regional communities throughout nine states, including throughout New England. The six farms making up the Farmer’s Cow Cooperative are: Cushman Farm, in Franklin; Fairvue Farms, in Woodstock; Fort Hill Farms, in Thompson; Graywall Farms, in Lebanon; Hytone Farm in Coventry; and Mapleleaf Farm, in Hebron.

Puente Pub, an 'American-Latino' restaurant, now open in Farmington

Puente Pub is now open in the Unionville section of Farmington, bringing what owners Luis and Kerry Vazquez call "American-Latino" fare to the area.The restaurant opened earlier this month at 81 South Main St., following the closing of Taprock Beer Bar & Refuge.Puente will offer a mix of Latin Americ...

Puente Pub is now open in the Unionville section of Farmington, bringing what owners Luis and Kerry Vazquez call "American-Latino" fare to the area.

The restaurant opened earlier this month at 81 South Main St., following the closing of Taprock Beer Bar & Refuge.

Puente will offer a mix of Latin American cuisines, with dishes featuring Puerto Rican, Spanish, Mexican, Argentinian, Cuban and Venezuelan flavors, Vazquez told Hearst Connecticut in May. The menu will also have classic American preparations using Latin ingredients, and vice versa, he said.

The dinner menu features several small plates, including a twist on chili fries, with yuca, picadillo, cheddar curds and pickled cherry peppers; and "margherita pizza" empanadas inspired by the tomato sauce and cheese-stuffed empanadas Vazquez ate growing up. Other dishes include chicken tinga taquitos, pork belly "lollipops," octopus ceviche, chicken pot pie "croquetas," choripan (Argentine sausage sliders) and provoleta, an Argentinian dish of molten provolone served with crostini and chimichurri.

Taste of Connecticut

"Stay a while" large plates and entrees include chicken and sausage rice, NY strip with chimichurri, swordfish marinated with cilantro, garlic, and Mexican oregano; and pork and chicken pinchos (kabobs.) Fish n' chips are served New England style with traditional batter, or "Puente" style, crusted in plantain chips. A "Papi Chulo" plate is Puente's take on a Colombian paisa plate, with sirloin steak, grilled sausage, chicharron, rice, beans, sweet plantain and fried egg.

Puente's cocktail list also features American-Latino influences, like the Farmington River Water with brewed tea, Evan Williams Honey Bourbon, lemonade, muddled mint and honey; and a Cuba Libre "made the way Chef Luis and his cousin Dario drink them in Puerto Rico" with chilled Don Q Rum, crushed ice, Coke and lime. A red sangria is available on tap, and other cocktails feature tequila and pineapple rum.

A longtime chef who helped open Farmington's Butchers & Bakers restaurant in 2017, Luis Vazquez grew up in Puerto Rico and attended culinary school there, later becoming an executive chef for the governor's residence. He also previously served as executive chef at Mohegan Sun's SolToro. Kerry Vazquez worked for the former Apricots restaurant in Farmington, later joining the team at Simsbury's Metro Bis.

This is Luis Vazquez's first ownership experience, which has been a dream of his for "a long time," he told Hearst Connecticut last month.

"We were driving by when we saw the place was for sale, and Kerry said, 'We've got to call it Puente,'" he said. "It just clicked in our brain, because 'puente' means 'bridge' in Spanish."

"...There's a little metaphor there about what this bridge symbolizes as far as connecting people with the food and connecting people with each other, you know, and and just try to enjoy the restaurant experience again after a very rough couple of years."

Puente is currently open for dinner only: Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. The restaurant will add lunch, brunch, takeout and delivery in the coming weeks.

FOOD & DRINK

Every year, Connecticut Magazine asks readers and experts for the state's best dining spots. This year we asked our panel of experts to give some extra love to those restaurants where amore is on...

Developer wants to build 24 apartments, retail in place of Farmington office building

By Don Stacom | [email protected] | Hartford CourantListen to this articleIn what could be another change for Farmington’s Unionville section, a developer is proposing to replace a two-story office building with a three-story complex of apartments and retail.The plan by SR Unionville II LLC would take down the current building at 30 Mill St. and replac...

By Don Stacom | [email protected] | Hartford Courant

Listen to this article

In what could be another change for Farmington’s Unionville section, a developer is proposing to replace a two-story office building with a three-story complex of apartments and retail.

The plan by SR Unionville II LLC would take down the current building at 30 Mill St. and replace it with a longer, taller one with more frontage directly along Mill Street.

The company is planning a 7,100-square-foot retail space on the first floor, and 24 apartments on the second and third floors.

SR Unionville II is scheduled to discuss details of the apartments including floor plans and estimated rental rates when it appears at a Plan and Zoning Commission hearing Dec. 12. The public will be able to offer comments.

Advocates for the project contend that it will bolster Unionville’s resurgence and fit into the long-term plan for a compact village center in the heart of the section.

Unionville section has been undergoing significant change over the past decade.

Around 2013, Walgreen’s built a pharmacy at 5 Mill St. on a corner lot that for year had been a rock pile. Walgreen’s ultimately shut down during the pandemic in 2020, but Dollar Tree this year opened a location in the same building.

About the same time that Walgreen’s opened, developers restored the long-blighted Upson Nut Co. mill along the Farmington River.

The 19th century brick building was remodeled and upgraded to become the Upson Market Place, with shops, a restaurant and businesses along with about a half-dozen one- and two-bedroom townhouses. The building is roughly across the street from 30 Mill.

Several restaurants at Upson or nearby have closed over the years, most recently Pomona Pete’s. But others have thrived, and town leaders see Unionville as on the upswing.

“The businesses there did a decent job getting through COVID compared to a lot of our neighboring towns,” Town Council Chairman C.J. Thomas said.

“We’re continuing to fill up businesses there. Unionville has come out of the pandemic in a pretty good state,” he said. “And the Unionville Village Improvement Association has done a great job of keeping the historic feel of Unionville.”

Elsewhere in Unionville, New Horizons is building a 22-unit addition to its New Horizons Village apartment complex for adults with disabilities. The nonprofit operates 68 single-occupancy and shared apartments at its Unionville campus.

Potentially the biggest new project for Unionville is Old Mill Commons, a 268-apartment plan that was approved years ago but never constructed. Some neighbors have expressed concern that if developers ever revive the dormant plan, it would severely change Unionville’s atmosphere because of its size.

The plan would use Perry Street property that has stood vacant since the Charles W. House & Sons felt factory shut down nearly 20 years ago. The factory and several connected buildings opened in 1908; the only one left standing is a gutted two-story brick structure alongside Union School.

The SR Unionville II plan is of a vastly smaller scale. It would raze the nondescript two-story building that’s currently home to the eBenefits Group and formerly a yoga studio.

Built in 1969, the building and its two-third-acre lot are owned by R & R Realty Investors LLC.

The proposal is to replace it with a modern three-floor building with maximum retail frontage along the Mill Street sidewalk.

The first floor would be smaller than the other two, with enough unused room for 11 parking spaces beneath the second floor, according to plans filed with the Plan and Zoning Commission.

The property is in the Unionville Center and Village District zones, which mean it will be subject to architectural review by the town as well as the usual zoning and safety reviews.

The commission’s Dec. 12 hearing is set for 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

After mild winter, Connecticut seeing a lot more hungry wildlife — including moose

Humans like mild winters. Animals do, too. They are more likely to survive a temperate season than a cold one. So if Connecticut humans notice that their local wildlife is more visible and lively than usual right now, they’re right.The recent string of hot days — reaching up to the 90s in the past week, unusual for April in Connecticut — made sightings of frisky woodland creatures even more common.“A lot of things that were hibernating are active, already out and about. There is a really high level of ac...

Humans like mild winters. Animals do, too. They are more likely to survive a temperate season than a cold one. So if Connecticut humans notice that their local wildlife is more visible and lively than usual right now, they’re right.

The recent string of hot days — reaching up to the 90s in the past week, unusual for April in Connecticut — made sightings of frisky woodland creatures even more common.

“A lot of things that were hibernating are active, already out and about. There is a really high level of activity,” said Jenny Dickson of the Wildlife Division of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“Animals are trying right now to find food to put on weight, or trying to set up territories and find mates. They are making themselves very obvious to everyone, not just to other foxes or other killdeer,” Dickson said.

It isn’t just animals who are out in abundance. Humans are, too, enjoying the warm weather with outdoor activities, often with their school-aged kids during spring break. More people outside naturally leads to more animal sightings.

“Warm weather makes it all seem more obvious and abundant to us,” she said. “When you’re outside paying attention to things it increases the likelihood that you’ll see things.”

The usual suspects of Connecticut’s animal kingdom are enjoying the sunshine: bears, deer, rabbits, bobcats, foxes, fishers, shrews, snakes, raccoons, coyotes, rodents and birds.

Increasingly, moose are part of the state’s zoological mix.

The DEEP issued a warning on Thursday for motorists to be on the lookout for New England’s largest land mammal, after a moose was spotted within five miles of I-91 in East Granby.

“Though Connecticut’s moose population is small (about 100 individuals), moose can pose a serious threat to public safety if they wander onto roadways,” the DEEP news release states. “During this time of year young moose may be dispersing long distances in search of new areas to occupy, making them more of a public safety concern.”

Moose, deer and bear collisions with vehicles should be reported to DEEP at 860-424-3333.

Away from roads, Dickson said close encounters between humans and animals can be avoided and far-away encounters can be fun reminders we live in a state full of natural wonders.

“An animal walking through your backyard minding its own business is something to enjoy and appreciate. Connecticut has an amazing diversity of wildlife. We get to see it. It’s a cool experience,” she said.

If a person wants to keep wildlife at a distance from houses and pets, there are strategies. Most of them center around food, which all animals are searching for constantly.

“Bring bird feeders in for the season. Don’t put the trash out until collection day. Don’t store pet food outdoors. Don’t put food on the ground. If you scatter corn for birds and squirrels, it may attract bears and coyotes,” Dickson said.

Most creatures aren’t strong enough to break a screen. But bears are. If a bear smells food through a screen door, it might come into the kitchen. One did last year in West Hartford, when a homeowner left marshmallows and crackers on the counter. The bear came back the next day, wanting more.

“If bears want in, they will get in,” Dickson said.

There were 67 bear home entries in Connecticut last year, and two attacks, according to DEEP. Bears have become so numerous in the state that an annual bear hunt was proposed in a bill in the state General Assembly. The bear hunt idea was nixed by the Environment Committee.

Also last year, a bear became an Instagram star after he was found hibernating under a porch in Plainville. Many human families would find that more unsettling than Marty’s family did. There are strategies to stop that from happening, too.

“When managing backyards, it’s always important to look at places where animals could crawl, under a shed, under a deck,” Dickson said. “To keep them out, make sure you have tight fencing put up around those spaces.”

When walking a pet outside, the pet is safest on a leash in case of a wildlife encounter.

“Make sure the animal is aware you’re there. Then get yourself and your pet to safety,” Dickson said. “Animals think of each other in different terms than we think of them. They have instinctive reactions to one another that can cause problems sometimes.”

People who see wildlife and want to report it for DEEP records, can visit the DEEP website.

Susan Dunne can be reached at [email protected].

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