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 Frank Chamberlain Clark House 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 Medford, NJ 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.
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”
“The service is excellent. The staff is really great. I love Working with Always Best”
“Fabulous team to work with. The best care senior service to work with. Especially Kendra,”
“Always Best Care has provided 24 / 7 Live in care for my mother. They”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Fabulous team to work with. The Best of the Best...... We know that when we”
“They are phenomenal!! Took great care of my not so easy Mom. They have ur”
“Great team to work with!!”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey.. a”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”
“The service is excellent. The staff is really great. I love Working with Always Best Care because they take care of their employees. They work with you to see what hours you could work. When ever I have a emergency and I can not make it they find coverage. They give cases that are most of the time good with you. They work around my schedule. I love Working with ABC.”
“Fabulous team to work with. The best care senior service to work with. Especially Kendra, she is always available and always willing to help anyway she can and will go out of her way to make the patient and family’s experience 100x better. When our families are looking for additional care I know I can count on Always Best Care, to always give their very best. Big thank you to Kendra, Kerry and staff.”
“Always Best Care has provided 24 / 7 Live in care for my mother. They have taken very good care of my mother and I look forward to them continuing my mother’s care.”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Fabulous team to work with. The Best of the Best...... We know that when we refer our families to this "Wonderful" Company that they will take exceptional care of our clients.... Thank you Tammi, Kerri, Kendra and staff..”
“They are phenomenal!! Took great care of my not so easy Mom. They have ur back!!”
“Great team to work with!!”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey.. a Veteran and Woman owned Company.”
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 Bear Creek 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 Porters - Dining At The Depot or visit Geneva Minnesota Historic District, 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 Medford, NJ, 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 Medford, NJ 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.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Medford, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The story broke about a month ago that the Medport Diner in Medford was going to be replaced with a strip of retail stores. One of those anchors in the deal was Chipotle.The talk at the diner now is that Chipotle has pulled out of the deal, leaving the fate of the diner uncertain, but for now VERY OPEN.There was a sign posted next to the cash register this past week that read, "If or when Medport Diner closes, it will be posted 30 days in advance."Some people in the area are already under the impression that it...
The story broke about a month ago that the Medport Diner in Medford was going to be replaced with a strip of retail stores. One of those anchors in the deal was Chipotle.
The talk at the diner now is that Chipotle has pulled out of the deal, leaving the fate of the diner uncertain, but for now VERY OPEN.
There was a sign posted next to the cash register this past week that read, "If or when Medport Diner closes, it will be posted 30 days in advance."
Some people in the area are already under the impression that it has closed already, and they don't want to lose any more customers while it remains open. With a few area restaurants closing abruptly the management wants you to know they are open and will give plenty of notice if and when they close.
The Red Lion Diner a few miles east on Route 70 abruptly closed last September and will reportedly be replaced by a Wawa.
Two other long-term diner staples in the area, the Shamong Diner and the Marlton Diner, have also closed in the last year or so.
Also, the Sage Diner on Route 73 in Mt. Laurel underwent major renovations since closing in 2017 but has never reopened.
The news of the Medport Diner closing broke back in February when the Medford Zoning Board approved a plan to allow demolition of the diner and a variance was needed to allow a Chipotle Mexican Grill to operate in that space.
Since that news became public, according to servers at the restaurant, Chipotle has backed out and the diner will remain open for the foreseeable future.
So if you're a fan of diners and live in that part of Burlington County, you've got some time apparently before this goes away, if ever.
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Dennis Malloy only.
A brewery that will distribute to bars, restaurants and liquor stores and serve its beer in a Main Street, Medford, tasting room and outdoor beer garden was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Medford Planning Board.17 North Main Street LLC, the property owner, will demolish the old Town Hall at 17 North Main Street and build the 8,200-square-foot building, Alexander Barth, of the Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman law firm, told the board. The property, which will front on North Main Street, is bounded by ...
A brewery that will distribute to bars, restaurants and liquor stores and serve its beer in a Main Street, Medford, tasting room and outdoor beer garden was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Medford Planning Board.
17 North Main Street LLC, the property owner, will demolish the old Town Hall at 17 North Main Street and build the 8,200-square-foot building, Alexander Barth, of the Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman law firm, told the board. The property, which will front on North Main Street, is bounded by Post Office Lane and Charles Street.
The property owner is a unit of Magnify Brewing LLC, which operates a brewery and tasting room in Fairfield, New Jersey, said principal Eric Ruta, who said he is the founder and owner of Magnify Brewing.
Besides selling beer in its tasting room, the Fairfield operation distributes its beer to 350 commercial customers in New Jersey and other states, Ruta said.
The board gave the project preliminary and final site plan approval. No variances were sought for the site, which has been designated an Area in Need of Redevelopment by Township Council.
17 North Main LLC will purchase the property from the Township for $218,000 and the total cost of the project will be $2,593,000, according to Magnify Brewing's redevelopment agreement filed with the Planning Board.
Because of the redevelopment designation, 17 North Main Street LLC would be eligible for a property tax abatement, according to the Township redevelopment plan. Council may negotiate long-term financial agreements that could include a five-year tax abatement, the redevelopment plan states.
EARLIER 70AND73.COM COVERAGE:
Medford brewery pub plan on former Town Hall site on Main Street.
Some neighbors speaking during the public testimony part of the board meeting asked if the 16 parking spaces on the site would be enough. The developer said its employees would park elsewhere in town.
"I do think parking is a huge concern," said Dr. Bill Stiles, a dentist whose office is next door to the future brewery.
Traffic would increase by 116 in and out trips in the peak evening hour on Saturdays and by 50 in and out trips during the weekly evening peak hour, according to traffic estimates in the developer's filing.
Board planner Scott Taylor of Taylor Design Group told board members that municipal lots are in the area and on-street parking also is available. "The town is also looking at other potential expansions of parking," he said.
During his presentation, owner Ruta explained that state regulations prohibit the North Jersey brewery from supplying beer to the Medford one. He expects to employ nine people at the Medford brewery, including two beer production workers and seven involved in the taproom.
The hours would be Sunday through Wednesday, from noon to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday, from noon to 11 p.m., he said.
Although the Township redevelopment plan has been approved by the state Pinelands Commission, the brewery's proposal now needs to be approved by the state commission.
They want you to know they’re open for business. But things may be changing for a New Jersey diner that’s been around for almost half a century.Diners in the Garden State aren’t exactly an endangered species, but a number have closed in recent years. According to a story on nj.com eyes are now on the Medport Diner in Medford.J&J Development ...
They want you to know they’re open for business. But things may be changing for a New Jersey diner that’s been around for almost half a century.
Diners in the Garden State aren’t exactly an endangered species, but a number have closed in recent years. According to a story on nj.com eyes are now on the Medport Diner in Medford.
J&J Development Group LLC of 701 Route 70 in Marlton is the developer of the Medport Diner property. That developer has a proposal before the township zoning board that if approved would see the diner demolished.
It would be replaced by a nearly 14,000 square foot multi-tenant retail shopping center. Among the tenants would be a Chipotle. Just what New Jersey needs, something homogenized and national to replace local character.
The Medport Diner is at 122 Route 70 in Medford. It’s been there since 1979. The structure was once the Ponzio’s Diner in Cherry Hill but was moved to Medford that year.
The proposal is on the agenda to be heard by the Medford Zoning Board of Adjustment at a February 21 meeting. If this goes through, the 45-year-old Medport Diner will join a growing list of South Jersey diners that closed. The Red Lion Diner in Southampton, Cherry Hill Diner in Cherry Hill, and the Marlton Diner in Marlton all closed in the last two years.
Before the pandemic both the Penn Queen Diner in Pennsauken and the Sage Diner in Mount Laurel went away. Still others have closed around the state in recent years.
What's better than a free item at your favorite New Jersey fast or quick food spot? With so many loyalty programs, it can be tough to keep up, so we did the work for you.
Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.
You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.
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MEDFORD, N.J. (CBS) -- A wildfire that broke out in Medford, New Jersey Saturday morning is now 100% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service says. The fire threatened 40 homes and one shed was destroyed.There is a smoke advisory in the area.Officials say the 210-acre wildfire broke out in the area of Elderberry Dr. & Jackson Rd. in Medford, Burlington County overnight and the staff will stay on the scene to monitor the area.In a final update Saturday night, NJFFS says Jackson Road reopened to local traffic only...
MEDFORD, N.J. (CBS) -- A wildfire that broke out in Medford, New Jersey Saturday morning is now 100% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service says. The fire threatened 40 homes and one shed was destroyed.
There is a smoke advisory in the area.
Officials say the 210-acre wildfire broke out in the area of Elderberry Dr. & Jackson Rd. in Medford, Burlington County overnight and the staff will stay on the scene to monitor the area.
In a final update Saturday night, NJFFS says Jackson Road reopened to local traffic only and remains closed to thru traffic.
"Due to predicted weather conditions, smoke from the Flatiron Wildfire burning in Medford, Burlington County, is expected to hang low to the ground and reduce visibility during the evening and overnight hours," NJFFS said. "The most severe smoke impacts are expected to the west, south and in the immediate proximity of the Flatiron Wildfire. The fire is located in the area of Elderberry Dr. & Jackson Rd."
No injuries were reported and the cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
Flames broke out in the Flatiron, a dense wooded area of the Pinelands near Medford after midnight, Chief Greg McLaughlin of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in a news conference earlier Saturday.
Officials say the containment area has strong fire barriers including roads and streams.
The fire happened in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) - a transitional area between woods and residential areas. Firefighters were working to establish containment lines to stop the fire from reaching homes.
"They were able to move the fire away from the homes, that work was successful," McLaughlin said. "Today, last night, this morning, we were really lucky. This is a highly developed area and there's a lot of interface here, there's a lot of people that live here, there's high potential for property damage, structure damage."
Medford-Jackson Road is closed from Gravelly Hollow Road down through the St. James Gate area as a result of this fire.
Residents were told to remain in their homes and firefighters worked to conduct backfires and burnout operations to move the fire away from the homes.
Photos from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection showed firefighters at work overnight.
Tom Gerber, a veteran fire warden and the incident commander for the fire, said the fire broke out in a "very explosive" area of the Pine Barrens that hasn't burned since 1954 and is dense with trees and brush that could fuel a fire.
In addition, the area has developed over the years and has homes nearby.
"We had fire coming towards the properties on Elderberry, so we did our indirect attack, which was actually working right in the folks' backyards," Gerber said.
Medford's Fire and EMS Chief said "we put fire trucks in just about every driveway in front of every single house" in the area.
On the other end of the county, firefighters were making progress on the Allen Road fire in Bass River State Forest. That fire has grown to 5,950 acres and is approaching 100% containment, McLaughlin said.
This week, smoke from the Allen Road fire was leading to air quality alerts in New Jersey and Delaware.
After the driest May on record, New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to nine major fires this year.
A "major" fire is anything over 100 acres, McLaughlin said. A typical year has maybe three or four - but this week alone, crews have battled the Box Turtle fire in Gloucester County, the massive Bass River State Forest fire and now this Flatiron fire.
"It's been really dry, it's been several weeks without significant rainfall," McLaughlin said.
Crews are being rotated in from less busy areas to give firefighters some relief.
"We have a couple things going on, it's been a little bit of a long week with some long nights and some long days, and we're seeing some higher temperatures that we're not really acclimated to yet. So we're starting to see some fatigue set in," McLaughlin said.
In addition, wildfire season is starting earlier and extending later as the climate changes.
McLaughlin said so far this year, NJFFS has responded to 2,000 incidents, 1,400 of which were wildfires. Those fires have burned 26,000 acres.
Southern New Jersey Commissioner Jonathan Young released a statement Saturday evening about the fire and its impacts on the air quality in Camden County:
"In some parts of central and southern Camden County this morning, residents may have woken up to the smell of smoke and seen small flickers of ash from the Flatiron Wildfire. That said, the Camden County Office of Emergency Management has been monitoring the situation in Medford Township through their peers in Burlington County and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The last report we received is what started out as a brush fire has grown into a working wildfire encompassing about 180 acres. Our latest report was that the fire was approximately 60% contained now and the fire service was making good progress. Nevertheless, the fire is not physically near our county, but the wind has carried some of the smell and ash our way.
That said, tonight, depending on the force and trajectory of the wind, residents may continue to smell more smoke during the shifting atmospheric conditions. Based on that, know that the source of the forest fire is far away, and that Camden County is not under any threat. We will continue to monitor this situation and brief the public if more pertinent information is relayed back to us from our partners."
Nikki DeMentri and Brandon Goldner contributed to this report.
Joe Brandt has been a digital content producer for CBS News Philadelphia since 2022. He is a Temple University graduate and was born and raised in Pitman, NJ.
Medford, NJ (February 14, 2024) – Over a dozen kids were hurt in a school bus crash that occurred in Medford on Tuesday afternoon, February 13. Police say the wreck occurred when a 59-year-old school bus driver was trying to turn left from Hawkin Road onto Skeet Road just before 3:00 p.m. when a utility bucket truck was headed south on Skeet Road. Both vehicles crashed in the intersection, investigators said. Police report that 14 kids were injured in the crash and transported to area medical centers after being released to thei...
Medford, NJ (February 14, 2024) – Over a dozen kids were hurt in a school bus crash that occurred in Medford on Tuesday afternoon, February 13. Police say the wreck occurred when a 59-year-old school bus driver was trying to turn left from Hawkin Road onto Skeet Road just before 3:00 p.m. when a utility bucket truck was headed south on Skeet Road. Both vehicles crashed in the intersection, investigators said. Police report that 14 kids were injured in the crash and transported to area medical centers after being released to their parents. One student was hospitalized and treated for injuries to his head and ribs, sources said.
We hope for the full recovery of those with injuries.
No further information has been reported at this time.
In one recent study, commercial buses were involved in about 5% of all reported large vehicle crashes throughout the nation. Approximately 14% of all large vehicle crashes in New York involved buses in that study, which covered a period of one year. A study concerning bus wrecks during that same time period revealed that 40 buses were involved in 39 accidents that ended in severe injuries and fatalities for those involved.
Research shows that approximately 50% of those crashes were caused partially or completely by bus drivers. Bus accidents are usually caused by:
Public carriers like bus drivers possess a professional duty to abide by a certain standard of care in operating their vehicles. Bus companies are required to maintain their vehicles in proper and safe working conditions for their passengers. When bus drivers fail to do this, they put themselves and all of the people they transport at serious risk of sustaining severe injuries or even losing their lives.
After a severe bus crash, victims may be sent to the hospital for extended periods of time while they try to recover from serious crash-related injuries. The physical, emotional, and economic consequences of any traffic crash are usually cumulative. Injured accident victims and their families should not have to fight for fair compensation. If you were hurt in a bus accident caused by negligence, you should contact a bus accident lawyer who can help you recover. A lawyer from Metro Law can help you get the financial compensation you need and deserve during this trying time.
Those who sustain injuries in bus crashes usually require ongoing medical care that can last for months or longer. These treatments can be extensive and expensive and take up a lot of time, money, and energy. Contact an experienced bus accident attorney in Medford at (800) 469-6476 to find out what compensation you could be entitled to if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a commercial bus accident.
856-574-4308
