It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Cogswell Foundation gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Vernon, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking,”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family.”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially”
“i really like my caregiver, Victor very much. Victor is a very patient and observant”
“Where can I begin? The short review: ABC Caregivers are FABULOUS!! The long review: We landed in a gap of care for my mom. I called Taylor at ABC on a Thursday and early the next week we had completed the intake process, and Taylor was able to secure 3 caregivers (12 hrs a day for 7 days a week) for my mom. The caregivers (Teresa Rose, Asha, Doreen) were great. Each had their own approach with mom, regardless, they all had empathy, compassion and kindness any time they engaged with mom. The support from ABC give us the time to find a new community that better fit where mom was with her Alzheimer's journey. We are so very grateful for the quick support, the follow up and the care needed in a critical time for us and for mom. THANK YOU ALWAYS BEST CARE!!! You are amazing!!!!”
“Thank you for being such a great leader. The way you lead our team is admirable, and you are constantly inspired to do great work. I know that under your leadership, not only do you care about the (clients,)but you also care about (us)the caregivers …We will continue to grow. Thank you for your time Have a great and prosperous week. Elsa”
“I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary care provided to my mother, Gerry Mikulka, during her final weeks of life. In particular, I want to recognize Evelyn, whose exceptional service as a live-in health aide made an immeasurable difference in my mother's end-of-life journey. From the moment Evelyn walked into the house, she created a special bond with our mom. In those first few weeks, Evelyn recognized Mom's need for companionship, spending time with her watching television and working on puzzles together. It warmed our hearts to see Mom so comfortable with someone in the home since she had lived there alone for many years. As Mom's condition progressed, Evelyn's true expertise shined through. She worked beautifully with our family and the hospice nurses, providing invaluable guidance on necessary medical equipment, dietary adjustments, and other modifications to ensure mom's comfort. What touched us most was how Evelyn went above and beyond in Mom's final days. She moved into Mom's room to be there whenever she was needed – day or night. And she had a wonderful way of being there for us too. Whenever we were visiting with Mom, Evelyn would quietly step back, but she was always just around the corner if we needed help. She knew exactly when to step in and when to give us privacy. We never felt alone in caring for Mom because Evelyn was such a steady, caring presence. She managed Mom's pain with real skill while keeping her comfortable and peaceful. I wanted you to know what an extraordinary person you have in Evelyn. We'll always be grateful for the peace of mind she gave us and the tender care she gave Mom. Warmly, Linda Knox”
“I’m very happy to have found ABC Care! The caregivers are very professional and kind. My past experiences have been exacerbating to say the least. ABC is the fifth agency I’ve chosen and it’s the last! ABC has what I was looking for. Compassionate, and loving caregivers with my mom. With Always Best Care my mother is treated very well. She’s a person not just another client.”
“I have been working with this company for 3 and a half years. My employers along with the office staff are very caring. They do their due diligence in pairing caregivers with clients, they show their appreciation to us for the work we do, they provide us with training so that we are equipped to succeed at our jobs. Working with this company has been an awesome and fulfilling experience.”
“High quality, reliable service. Caregivers are selected carefully, are well trained, and office support is excellent.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. This company is professional and caring. Porsha, Sunny and Nicola gave my mother the best care. They cared about my mom. My mother trusted them, as did I. Their excellent care of my mom put my mind at ease. When I needed additional care, it was put in place immediately. I never had to worry about someone not showing up. I appreciate the care Always Best Care gave to my mom.”
“The level of dedication Crystal has to her work is amazing!! I cannot say how impressive the effort and the results Crystal has displayed over the last several months, how lucky I feel to have her apart of my mother’s weekly life. Crystal has established trust, friendship, and a sincere companionship with my mother who, not so long ago, was so adamantly opposed to having anyone in her house. When speaking with Crystal and my mother, I could hear the excitement in Crystal’s voice when she shared her success in getting my Mom out of the house. Can’t thank you enough!!”
“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”
“Always Best Care of Central CT is helping me with my mom who is 92 and still living on her own. The in-home care they are providing is the best. Without the assistance they are providing us in Enfield this would be overwhelming.”
“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor. When my mom was recently in the hospital, I knew it would not be possible for her to be completely on her own right away. She loves where she resides and enjoys all of the activities that are offered. My goal was to get her back into her apartment as soon as possible with the support she needed to increase her strength and return to her prior level of wellness she had before she went into the hospital. She was used to walking a couple miles a day. When I reached out to ABC I made it clear that my mom would need somebody who would be willing to walk with her in the morning, and in the evening enabling her to get back to her baseline. I would like to complement all of the staff at ABC who provided my mom such wonderful support after two weeks she returned to her baseline and remained in her apartment. She really enjoyed all of the staff that were with her , they were professional they encouraged her to walk, drink fluids, eat and were instrumental in assisting her to reach her prior level of independence. I would strongly recommend ABC to anybody who is in need of support for their loved one.”
“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking, decreased appetite, increased incontinence. (Part of the expected declining process per her Dr.) Tara has been wonderful in adapting to Mom’s changing needs as they develop and a very helpful partner in troubleshooting. brainstorming how to adapt to best support Mom. It’s also been helpful in my regular communication with Mom’s Dr, to let her know in detail what has come up and how we have approached. Thank you (again) for your talented staff!”
“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding care to our aunt. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has an elder family member in need. Also, the staff that helped to set up their services was outstanding as well. They made the decisions easy to understand with no hidden agenda. Thank you again to "ABC!"”
“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and a joy to work with.”
“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”
“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know that Always Best Care Senior Services is there to help!”
“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as she would as her own mother. She treats me the way she would like to be treated. We are a good “team” together.”
“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family. My daughters feel she is truly a tremendous caregiver. They know I am in good hands. She acknowledges with commitment of my physical, emotional, and practical needs, my quality of life has excelled due to Diana’s help. I look forward to her presence everyday her attitude is exceptional, Diana comes to work daily with a smile on her face. She enters the front door, singing softly ready to work. She has never taken a day off, I have had many caregivers, but Diana is truly the best!”
“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing but my mom’s best interest at heart. She continues to go above and beyond to care for my mom, and ensure anyone else who may be there also understands my mom’s needs. Tina has even gone so far to rearrange her schedule or give up her free time to stay with my mom to avoid her having someone that doesn’t know her. I can see that she genuinely cares for my mom, and treats her as if she was her own family member. That also goes both ways, my mom lights up when she sees Tina. We consider Tina part of our family.”
“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's care. Kristine and Taylor are a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgable and had the answers to all our questions. They were able to help with all aspects of the care we needed. I highly recommend them.”
“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside her service area, she helped to find resources for us. Her commitment to providing outstanding care is only surpassed by her desire to help others. Thank you Kristine!”
“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and her Team at Always Best Care are very caring and professional and exactly who you would want on your side if you have a loved one who needs help!”
“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”
“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”
“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and making sure they receive the best care available. Highly recommended!”
“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and has an immense desire to help my father. Reliability is vital trait in Rosemary. When my father was in the hospital and came home she immediately wanted to be by his side. My father has come to rely and depend on Rosemary. She is always on time whether it is giving medication or administering food and often encourages my father and helps my father maintain his dignity”
“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are short staffed. Due to our licensing, we can only have CNAs on the floor and Always Best Care has provided excellent CNAs every time we need some extra help. All of their CNAs have been helpful, willing to go above and beyond for our residents and we always have great responses from our own CNAs and supervisory staff. I am so thankful to Michelle and Wilda who will always staff a shift that I need, even if I call 30 minutes before the shift starts. You’ve been such a huge help!”
“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad needed care following a diagnosis of dementia, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone better to call than them. The caregivers that have worked with my dad have been wonderful. They are true saints to my family, allowing us the knowledge that Dad is okay to stay at home. They have navigated all of the changes in his cognitive state with grace and kept my father’s dignity in place. He was always a very active man and the caregivers have managed to keep him active, even as his health declines.”
“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I received their information from a close friend of mine that also used their agency. My uncle was a very proud man and did not want help from anyone, including family. Taylor met with me and spent time getting to know the ins and outs of my uncle’s care as well as his personality. She asked about his background so that they could look for a caregiver with similar interests. Although he took a turn for the worse rather quickly, the short time care was provided was wonderful. Thank you for your help and compassion.”
“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is able to get him talking about all aspects and experiences of his life. They go out regularly and she encourages my dad to participate in the activities put on by the community he lives in. They run errands, go out for meals, or go for a drive just to get a change of scenery. I was nervous at first about how my dad would take having a caregiver come in to help him, but he seems so happy and has great things to talk about after his time spent with his caregiver.”
“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you and your organization operates. From the initial phone and in-person conversations with Taylor, to the ongoing support of my mother's care - it's been thorough, timely and well managed. I am also struck by how the home-health employees conduct themselves. They are reliable/responsive *and* responsible, and making every effort to work through the challenges day to day with my mother. Thanks for the great job you and your organization are doing. It means a lot to me, especially during this trying time! Best Regards”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of your hard work and dedication to their clients. When my parents finally realized they needed help in their home, I chose ABC as the company I felt would be the best fit. Yes, we have had some ups and down, but when you paired Leah with my parents, it was truly a blessing. My parents love her. She genuinely cares for them and they speak highly of her work ethic. As my mom says, “she is too good to be true”. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your working with me to find the right fit. Well on our end, Leah fits like a glove and I hope she feels the same. She is a special person so I wanted to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to my parents. It makes me feel more at ease knowing there is someone coming to the home to properly care for them. Again I want to thank you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.”
“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband enjoyed having another man to talk to instead of conversation only between him and I. Craig managed to keep him occupied and safe so that I could go and get some time to myself, allowing me peace of mind that my husband was in great hands”
“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at home. She was diagnosed with dementia and within 3 months she could hardly do much for herself anymore. I was able to continue working full time while my mom received care from Always Best Care. We had the same caregiver from day 1 and she was absolutely amazing. She kept everyone in the loop with any changes my mom experienced and the regular in person and phone check ins were a great added support to myself and my family. Thank you ABC for all the help and compassion that you showed my mom until her passing.”
“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is on his "next journey" and finally pain free, while he was here with us, his caregiver, Craig, did an amazing job caring for him and was here to help us from our first day of services. Craig always managed to get my husband to share stories from his time in the war that even I had not heard before. It was a great way to get to know more of my husband so his memory can continue with others around him.”
“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to provide respite care to my mom while we took some time to ourselves for a weekend. Mom’s caregiver, Gloria, was great and she had the perfect disposition to work with my mom. She was attentive and kept mom well fed and engaged during the time we were away. We would definitely call Always Best Care again when we need some time away.”
“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially to my husband while I spent some time in the hospital and rehab. Our caregiver brought my husband to see me every day while I was at the hospital and at rehab, I knew he was in excellent hands and I could focus on getting stronger again.”
“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.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Dart Hill Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Beni's Restaurant, Bar & Banquet or visit Talcottville Iron Bridge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Vernon, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Vernon, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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.
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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.
VERNON, CT — Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne Tuesday essentially called state officials' decision to end Rockville General Hospital's century-long run as a full-service hospital a stab in the back.The state Office of Health Strategy on Friday, while most of north central Connecticut was clearing out for the long holiday weekend, approved parent company Prospect Medical Holdings' request to seek consolidation of the hospital licenses of RGH and Manchester Memorial Hospital.MMH was established in 1920 and RGH opened in 1921....
VERNON, CT — Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne Tuesday essentially called state officials' decision to end Rockville General Hospital's century-long run as a full-service hospital a stab in the back.
The state Office of Health Strategy on Friday, while most of north central Connecticut was clearing out for the long holiday weekend, approved parent company Prospect Medical Holdings' request to seek consolidation of the hospital licenses of RGH and Manchester Memorial Hospital.
MMH was established in 1920 and RGH opened in 1921.
The full decision can be viewed here, but in essence, once the licenses are consolidated into a new Connecticut Department of Public Health license, RGH must have a 24-hour emergency department while also offering in-patient behavioral health services for three years.
Prospect must also give advance notice to the Office of Health Strategy of any decisions to relocate inpatient beds or relocate outpatient services, and they must be relocated within 30 miles of the Rockville General campus, according to the decision. The public must also be informed of any service terminations via a circulated publication and via the RGH website. All potential bids in an ongoing bankruptcy case must be divulged, according top the decision. Prospect filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January to "advance a strategic pathway to realign organizational focus."
Vernon officials said they found out about the decision Friday evening. The settlement between Prospect and the state Office of Health Strategy does not require Prospect to restore services it cut without state permission and in violation of state law.
"This decision by state healthcare regulators to allow these draconian cuts in services at Rockville General Hospital hurts Vernon, surrounding communities, hospital employees and Connecticut," Champagne said. "By endorsing the illegal actions of Prospect Medical Holdings in cutting services at Rockville General Hospital, and its granting of Prospect’s desire to end Rockville General Hospital’s 100 years of history as an acute care hospital, state government has turned its back on dedicated and hard-working healthcare professionals who work at Rockville General Hospital, and the people of Vernon and surrounding communities the hospital serves."
Champagne continued, "The state Office of Health Care Access and its current incarnation as the Office of Health Strategy are complicit in the killing of Rockville General Hospital, first by not holding Prospect accountable for its illegal service cuts at RGH and then for its irresponsibly long review of the proposed merger of Eastern Connecticut Health Network and Yale New Haven Health.
"We can’t help but wonder what other forces were at work in forcing the absurdly long review of the merger application. Connecticut officials knew they were dealing with private equity vampires in Prospect Medical Holdings and that unnecessary delay would place the merger and our hospitals at risk, while also preventing the respected Yale New Haven health system from establishing a presence in north central Connecticut, long the domain of Hartford Healthcare and Trinity Health of New England. The people of Vernon, eastern Connecticut and elsewhere did not matter to state bureaucrats and leaders in this process."
Vernon Town Administrator John Kleinhans, who grew up with RGH, also took the announcement personally.
"As a Vernon native, I understand the critical role Rockville General Hospital has played in the healthcare of generations of area residents. I am disappointed in our state government's inability to understand the need for local hospitals to continue to provide essential healthcare services to our residents."
Champagne was skeptical even with the comnpromise.
“I have little faith in the assurances of the Office of Health Strategy commissioner that Rockville General Hospital must maintain emergency services for three years,” Mayor Champagne said. “And the fix is clearly in on the behavioral health services RGH now offers. The utter failure of state government to properly regulate Prospect-owned ECHN and to complete a timely review of the ECHN-Yale New Haven Health merger doomed Rockville General Hospital. Prospect will not be satisfied until it has abandoned Rockville General Hospital and eliminated an essential full-service acute care hospital for Vernon and the surrounding communities."
State Sen. Jeff Gordon, a doctor himself also delivered a heated response.
"This decision by Office of Health Strategy (OHS) Commissioner (Deidre) Gifford once again highlights how out of touch with reality our state government is regarding local health care needs in Connecticut," he said. "It took years before OHS investigated the unauthorized closure of needed patient care services by Prospect Medical Holdings at Rockville General Hospital. Now, it sides with an out-of-state private equity firm that puts profits over patients? Terrible.
He continued, "Where is the Governor? Where is the Attorney General? Where is the Comptroller? As a State Senator and a doctor, I have been fighting for the people of Connecticut. I proposed meaningful reform of certificate of need and OHS, not only to prevent private equity from destroying the hospitals it owns, but also to preserve good paying health care jobs and provide proper oversight. The people of Connecticut deserve better than this."
Schools will be wary of their policies if new state cellphone in the classroom legislation is passed. VERNON, CT — Cellphones are not so evil if used properly, Vernon's top educator said Wednesday in response to Gov. Ned Lamont applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for approving legislation a day earlier that requires all school districts statewide to adopt a policy on the use of smartphones by students in K-12 public schools as part of an effort to "promote distraction-free learning in the digital age."...
VERNON, CT — Cellphones are not so evil if used properly, Vernon's top educator said Wednesday in response to Gov. Ned Lamont applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for approving legislation a day earlier that requires all school districts statewide to adopt a policy on the use of smartphones by students in K-12 public schools as part of an effort to "promote distraction-free learning in the digital age."
The legislation, which is included in section five of House Bill 7009, as amended, directs local and regional boards of education to use the policy guidance document crafted by the Connecticut State Department of Education in the development of their local smartphone policies. Districts will be required to adopt a policy in time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year and continue having an approved policy each school year thereafter.
"Young people learn best when they are actively listening to classroom instruction and interacting with their teachers and peers, not swiping, clicking, and scrolling," Lamont said. "In this day and age when technology is causing addictions and distracting people from developing social skills in interpersonal communication, school districts should have policies that promote a healthy balance on the use of personal devices. The state has developed guidance that provides a clear framework, and this legislation requires each school district to review that document and adopt their own local policies on this issue. I applaud the bipartisan members of the Connecticut House of Representatives for approving this legislation, especially the leadership of Education Committee co-chair Representative Jennifer Leeper, and I urge the Senate to pass it in concurrence with the House so that I can sign it into law."
The legislation will next be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration. That chamber must approve the bill by the end of the 2025 Regular Session, which concludes on June 4.
Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said he was happy with Vernon's current policy, which promotes responsible academic use. Phones in high school "can be used as a tool for learning," he said.
Macary said that in most cases, the use of phones in elementary schools is "inappropriate," and use in the middle school is usually reserved to communicate for after-school activities.
But phone could be a good thing at the high school level, once students understand that some platforms waste academic time.
"And we certainly know that phones in school are not to be used for cyber-bullying," Macary said.
But for the right purposes, phones can be the right tool, in addition to school-issued laptops, he said.
"Remember 40 years ago when calculators came out? They weren't liked in the classrooms but things evolved," he said. "The same with phones. They can be a used as a quick way to look things up. and now you even need them for the SAT."
Macary said that, during a recent academic visit to Dubai, he experienced students using phones to quickly translate different languages.
"With global learning and things like artificial intelligence, (phones) can be the way of the future in the classrooms," he said.
The town of Vernon has been given a major certification from Sustainable CT.VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon has achieved gold certification from Sustainable CT, a voluntary program that recognizes "thriving and resilient municipalities."Vernon earned Sustainable CT’s silver certification in June 2022 and November 2019. At the time, silver certification was the highest achievement possible.To be eligible for Sustainable CT certification, municipalities complete a range of sustainability actions, fr...
VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon has achieved gold certification from Sustainable CT, a voluntary program that recognizes "thriving and resilient municipalities."
Vernon earned Sustainable CT’s silver certification in June 2022 and November 2019. At the time, silver certification was the highest achievement possible.
To be eligible for Sustainable CT certification, municipalities complete a range of sustainability actions, from community building to enhancing local economies and fostering arts and cultural institutions. Vernon also achieved Climate Leader designation for its efforts to use renewable energy, enhance the efficiency of energy infrastructure, and to be good stewards of the environment.
"So much of what Sustainable CT urges communities to do is compatible with our goals of creating acommunity where people want to live and work," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "I always urge our departments to serve our residents efficiently and effectively, and in ways that foster innovation,collaboration and inclusiveness."
Sustainable CT reviewers recognized Vernon for a variety of achievements, such as creating an open space inventory and efforts to expand town-owned open space, the Live Here Love Trees program to educate property owners and add trees in the Rockville area, invasive plant management practices, watershed management efforts, providing free rides to the Vernon and Ellington farmers markets for people lacking transportation, and for sharing information residents can use to enhance energy efficiency in their homes.
Shaun Gately, Vernon’s director of development services, and his department led the effort to meet the gold certification requirements. All town departments played a role taking actions to help Vernon achieve gold certification.
Vernon joins Fairfield, West Hartford and Glastonbury in achieving gold certification.
"The Sustainable CT process is difficult, but rewarding in that it helps us look for ways to ensure we are making information and programs accessible to as many people in our community as possible,” Gately said. " It also gives us an added perspective to consider as we carry out our daily duties.”
Said Sustainable CT Executive Director Jessica LeClair, "We’re thrilled to celebrate Vernon for its impressive achievement. "Its certification and climate leadership exemplify the dedication and innovative spirit that are essential for building a sustainable future. We congratulate Vernon for its hard work and commitment to making Connecticut a better place to live, work, and visit."
VERNON, Conn. — The town of Vernon has been recognized by Sustainable CT, which recently awarded the municipality with its gold certification.According to the town, Vernon previously received Sustainable CT’s silver certification in November 2019 and June 2022. On both occasions, the silver certification was the highest achievement possible at the time.Sustainable CT is a voluntary program that recognizes resilient communities...
VERNON, Conn. — The town of Vernon has been recognized by Sustainable CT, which recently awarded the municipality with its gold certification.
According to the town, Vernon previously received Sustainable CT’s silver certification in November 2019 and June 2022. On both occasions, the silver certification was the highest achievement possible at the time.
Sustainable CT is a voluntary program that recognizes resilient communities that are thriving across Connecticut. To become eligible for the gold certification, municipalities must complete multiple sustainability efforts, ranging from community building to strengthening the local economy to fostering arts and cultural institutions.
Vernon was also awarded the Climate Leader designation for its work to use renewable energy, enhance the efficiency of its energy infrastructure and be good stewards of the environment.
RELATED: Vernon educator named Connecticut Elementary Principal of the Year
Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said that much of what Sustainable CT encourages communities to do aligns with the town’s goals of creating a place where people want to live and work.
“I always urge our departments to serve our residents efficiently and effectively, and in ways that foster innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness,” Champagne said.
Vernon was recognized by Sustainable CT reviewers for creating an open space inventory, working to expand town-owned space, implementing invasive plant management practices, engaging in watershed management efforts and providing free rides to Vernon and Ellington farmers markets for people who lack transportation.
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The town was also awarded for sharing information residents can use to support energy efficiency in their homes and facilitating the Live Here Love Trees program, which educates property owners and adds trees in the Rockville area.
Shaun Gately, Vernon’s director of development services, led the effort to meet the gold certification requirements along with his team. All town departments ultimately played a role in earning the designation.
Vernon joins Fairfield, West Hartford and Glastonbury as Connecticut communities that have received the gold certification.
RELATED: Short but historic Memorial Day parade in Vernon honors veterans
Honored to be chosen among a select few, Gately acknowledged that the Sustainable CT process is difficult but rewarding.
“It helps us look for ways to ensure we are making information and programs accessible to as many people in our community as possible,” Gately said. “It also gives us an added perspective to consider as we carry out our daily duties.”
Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT, said she is thrilled to celebrate Vernon’s noteworthy achievement.
“Its certification and climate leadership exemplify the dedication and innovative spirit that are essential for building a sustainable future,” LeClair said. “We congratulate Vernon for its hard work and commitment to making Connecticut a better place to work, live and visit.”
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
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A senior at Rockville High School has earned the Bo Kolinsky Memorial Sports Media Scholarship from the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance.Posted Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 2:13 pm ETVERNON, CT — An enterprising young sports media content producer from Vernon has been selected to receive a $3,000 scholarship to continue his pursuit in college.Kyle Clark, a senior at Rockville High School, will be the recipient of the Bo Kolinsky Memorial Sports Media Scholarship from the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance (CSMA). He and o...
Posted Tue, Jun 3, 2025 at 2:13 pm ET
VERNON, CT — An enterprising young sports media content producer from Vernon has been selected to receive a $3,000 scholarship to continue his pursuit in college.
Kyle Clark, a senior at Rockville High School, will be the recipient of the Bo Kolinsky Memorial Sports Media Scholarship from the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance (CSMA). He and other award winners will be feted at the prestigious 83rd Gold Key Dinner in October.
"Kyle has worked hard to become a respected young sports media content creator - photography and videography," scholarship committee chair John Holt said.
Clark's biggest project to date is a 4-part video docu-series, "Rockville Football - Restoring the Rock," chronicling the resurgence of the Ram gridiron program. His work includes national travel and paid opportunities with the Albany City Rocks AAU program. He has covered several CIAC state championship events, including basketball at Mohegan Sun Arena and football at Rentschler Field.
"My content has generated hundreds of thousands of likes and millions of views, helping me sharpen my skills and grow my network in the industry," the UConn-bound Clark said. "Covering CIAC state championship events are experiences that gave me a real glimpse into the world of professional sports media. Despite my young age, I’ve had the chance to work alongside experienced journalists, reporters and content creators, learning valuable lessons along the way. As I begin my next chapter at the University of Connecticut, my goal is to continue telling compelling stories, spotlight underrepresented athletes and contribute meaningfully to the local sports media scene. Through hard work, creativity and dedication, I hope to build a lasting career in sports media."
Gold Key recipients for 2025 are former Masuk High School and Louisiana State University softball pitcher Rachele Fico, former Stratford High School football star and Super Bowl champion Nick Giaquinto, longtime Yale University men’s basketball coach James Jones, World Series champion pitching coach Dave Wallace and NCAA, WNBA and Olympic basketball champion Kara Wolters.
Previously-announced award winners are Peter King, longtime senior NFL writer for Sports Illustrated (President’s Award), Dolores Sawchuk of Colchester (Bo Kolinsky Special Recognition Award) and Wayne Norman of WILI radio (Bob Barton Excellence In Media Award). More honorees will be revealed in the coming weeks.
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