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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Woodbury, NJ

Home Care Woodbury, NJ

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 Gloucester County Historical Society Museum 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 Woodbury, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Woodbury, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

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“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

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“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

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“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

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“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..”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Woodbury, NJ?

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

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

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

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

 Senior Care Woodbury, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Woodbury, NJ

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Woodbury, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Woodbury, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Edgewater Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

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

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar (Woodbury Lakes - Woodbury) or visit Chew House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Woodbury, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Woodbury, NJ

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Woodbury, 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.

 Elderly Care Woodbury, NJ

Affordable Care

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

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

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

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

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Woodbury, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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

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

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Woodbury, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Woodbury, NJ

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Woodbury, NJ

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:

  • Artis Senior Living of Woodbury
  • New Perspective Senior Living
  • Woodbury
  • Woodbury Senior Living
  • Talamore Senior Living Woodbury
  • Golden Light Assisted Living
Home Care Woodbury, NJ

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Woodbury, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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

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

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Woodbury, 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.

 Elderly Care Woodbury, NJ

Latest News in Woodbury, NJ

Woodbury tops Haddon Township - Boys basketball recap

Boys Basketball New Jersey's Fastest Growing University In-Season Tournament59 FINAL56 Haddon Township 21-10 • 7-3 Colonial...

Boys Basketball

New Jersey's Fastest Growing University

In-Season Tournament

59

FINAL

56

Haddon Township

21-10 • 7-3 Colonial - Patriot

Share: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

Game Leaders

Points

RJ Heigler #11

Woodbury

21

#12 Collin Feeley

Haddon Township

16

Rebounds

RJ Heigler #11

Woodbury

0

#24 Nate Keating

Haddon Township

9

Steals

RJ Heigler #11

Woodbury

0

#3 Axel Mohr

Haddon Township

2

Wed, February 19, 2025, 4:00pm

1 2 3 4 Final

Woodbury (17-15)

15 8 23 11 59

Haddon Township (21-10)

19 10 12 15 56

Player Stats

Woodbury

2PT 3PT FTM FTA PTS REB AST BLK STL GP
RJ Heigler 7 1 4 0 21 0 0 0 0 1
Kevin Williams 1 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 1
Jaden Farmer 5 0 1 0 11 0 0 0 0 1
Mark Koszowski 3 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 0 1
Jasuan Solomon 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1
Devin Williams 5 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 1
Totals: 22 2 6 0 59 0 0 0 0 6

Haddon Township

2PT 3PT FTM FTA PTS REB AST BLK STL GP
Axel Mohr 2 2 0 0 12 4 5 0 2 1
Nate Keating 4 1 0 0 11 9 4 1 0 1
Peter Black 0 1 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 1
Eamonn Sheehan 0 1 0 0 3 1 3 0 2 1
Collin Feeley 6 0 4 0 16 7 1 0 0 1
Sean Crawford 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1
Jaden Haltiwanger 4 0 0 0 8 7 0 0 1 1
Totals: 17 5 4 0 56 28 15 1 6 7

During Visit to Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, Governor Murphy Highlights Support for Phone-Free Schools

Governor Announces Proposed $3 Million Investment in Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Supporting School Districts in Transitioning to Phone-Free Learning Environments WOODBURY – Governor Phil Murphy today visited Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County to promote his support for phone-free schools and a legislative proposal highlighted during his 2025 State of the State Address that would require all school districts in New Jersey to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones in K-12 class...

Governor Announces Proposed $3 Million Investment in Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Supporting School Districts in Transitioning to Phone-Free Learning Environments

WOODBURY – Governor Phil Murphy today visited Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County to promote his support for phone-free schools and a legislative proposal highlighted during his 2025 State of the State Address that would require all school districts in New Jersey to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones in K-12 classrooms. Woodbury Junior-Senior High School implemented its own phone-free school policy at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year that keeps students’ cell phones locked away until the final school bell.

During his visit, the Governor observed a phone-free classroom, spoke with educators about the impact of the school’s new cell phone policy, and participated in a roundtable discussion with students who shared their opinions on the transition to a phone-free school setting. At the roundtable discussion, the Governor announced that his Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal will include a $3 million line item to support phone-free schools grants, which will enable school districts across the state to invest in tools to limit classroom distractions and create healthier learning environments.

“The presence of cell phones in our schools presents a significant barrier to student learning. Constant notifications and the temptation to check social media impede the learning process and diminish students’ ability to thrive in the classroom. That is why I am proud to support a new initiative requiring all school districts in New Jersey to take stock of the harmful impact of unrestricted cell phone use during the school day and enact policies conducive to student success,” said Governor Murphy. “Today in Woodbury, we saw how quickly a phone-free environment can transform a school community. As part of our upcoming budget proposal, we are going to provide several millions of dollars in grants to school districts that are interested in making the switch to phone-free schools, so that they too can enjoy the benefits of distraction-free classrooms. I look forward to working with our legislative partners, educators, parents, and – most importantly – students to empower our children to succeed in school.”

“Implementing our cell phone-free policy has allowed us to regain control of the learning environment, ensuring that time spent in the classroom is focused on teaching and learning, not distractions. By removing barriers to engagement, we are creating a space where all students can thrive academically. Most importantly this was a huge step in the direction of ultimately closing the achievement gap for Black and Brown students and setting them on a path to long-term success,” said Andrew Bell, Superintendent of Woodbury City Public Schools.

The Governor’s endorsement of this proposal comes amid a staggering youth mental health crisis that has been felt across the nation. Frequent social media use can increase the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, in children and adolescents.

The Governor was joined on his visit to Woodbury Junior-Senior High School by Assembly Members Rosy Bagolie and Cody Miller who sponsor a bill (A4883/S3695) that would direct the Department of Education to develop guidelines for school districts to consult in creating their own policies on non-academic cell phone use while under school supervision. Additional sponsors of the measure include Senator Paul Moriarty, Senator Kristin Corrado, and Assemblywoman Carmen Morales.

“Cellphones are a big part of today’s society, but excessive use can have negative effects on the academic performance and mental health of school-aged children,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “This law will give school districts the ability to adopt policies for the best use of cellphones and social media so that students aren’t distracted and their educational experience isn’t disrupted. Classrooms are for learning.”

"The time has come to do more about the distracting influence of cell phone usage during the school day. We need to empower our educators and administrators with the tools to ensure that unnecessary cell phone or social media use is not adversely impacting learning, student behavior or morale in our schools,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “Families and taxpayers alike invest heavily in the nation's best public schools so it’s only right that students are focused exclusively on learning, and not what's happening on social media. I look forward to reviewing the legislation and the thoughtful debate in the days to come."

“Unrestricted cell phone use in our classrooms has become a major distraction that disrupts learning and negatively affects the mental health of students,” said Senator Paul Moriarty. “Cell phone and social media usage have been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as sleep disruption. I would like to thank Governor Murphy for recognizing the importance of this issue as we begin to take a common sense approach to dealing with it more directly.”

“In today’s day and age, cell phones and social media have advanced far from their original concepts and, unfortunately, have been widely reported as heavy contributors to the youth mental health crisis,” said Senator Kristin Corrado. “With this policy, students will be able to better focus on their schoolwork and we can help ensure our children do not fall victim to the perils of social media at such a young age.”

“New Jersey schools remain among the best in the nation because we’re always willing to reexamine and adjust our methods,” said Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie. “Cell phones and the advantages and detriments they bring to the education system continue to evolve. That is why I look forward to working with educators and parents to find a balance between learning without distractions and making sure our students can reach out or be reached in times of need.”

“At the end of the day, our classrooms must continue to be places where our students can thrive,” said Assemblyman Cody Miller. “This legislation is about creating a space where education comes first. By limiting distractions and keeping phones off during class, we’re giving our students the best chances at leading a successful life.”

“As an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how smartphones affect students, not just in their day-to-day work but also their memory and recall. This can make it difficult for students to build on lessons, which can lead to challenges in understanding schoolwork and lowered test scores,” said Assemblywoman Carmen Morales. “This bill would help develop solutions for regulating cell phones and social media in schools, ensuring policies are age- and grade-appropriate, while supporting both communication and focus in the learning environment.”

New Jersey school that helps individuals with special needs welcomes its first-ever therapy dog

A South Jersey school that helps individuals with special needs is welcoming its first-ever therapy dog.Georgia, a 2-year-old bernedoodle, comes several days a week to Durand School in Woodbury, which serves students 5 to 21 with autism and developmental disabilities.The school held a welcoming party for Georgia on Thursday in honor of National Love Your Pet Day. Students came to the gym to shower Georgia with love and treats."I was just pettin...

A South Jersey school that helps individuals with special needs is welcoming its first-ever therapy dog.

Georgia, a 2-year-old bernedoodle, comes several days a week to Durand School in Woodbury, which serves students 5 to 21 with autism and developmental disabilities.

The school held a welcoming party for Georgia on Thursday in honor of National Love Your Pet Day. Students came to the gym to shower Georgia with love and treats.

"I was just petting her and I gave her shake hands, and it was pretty cool, to be honest," 17-year-old student Hayden Rossi, who has autism, said.

Gym teacher Kelli Schaefer, the dog's owner, said students are developing deep connections with Georgia.

"Some of the students have anxiety and some behaviors, and when she walks through the door, I feel like she just changes the whole mood for everyone, staff included," Schaefer said.

Georgia was actually Schaefer's pet before stepping into this new role. School officials said it would have cost $10,000 to train Georgia to become a therapy dog, but the training came at no cost to the school thanks to Mark Eberle, the founder of a nonprofit called Paws Healing Heroes.

"What the dogs give is unconditional love and support," Eberle said. "There's no hidden agenda with these animals."

Principal Jennifer Amoroso is filled with gratitude for Eberle's generosity. She said Georgia, nicknamed Georgie, is easing students' stress, building their confidence and boosting their communication skills.

"A lot of our students are saying Georgie's name, which we haven't seen before, so that's wonderful," Amoroso said.

Georgia brings a smile to students' faces and gives them something to look forward to. She has become a beloved member of the Durand family.

Madeleine Wright

Madeleine Wright is a bilingual general assignment reporter for CBS News Philadelphia who is fluent in Spanish. She joined the team in January 2022 and was named the Delaware County reporter in July 2023.

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NJ cellphone ban in schools: How one school is making it work

Phone-free school push continues in NJNew Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visited Woodbury High School to see more of how their cellphone-free school is evolving as the push for the program statewide continues.The BriefAbout a month after Governor Phil Murphy proposed a statewide ban on cellphones in school classrooms, Wednesday he visited Gloucester County, where a school a...

Phone-free school push continues in NJ

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visited Woodbury High School to see more of how their cellphone-free school is evolving as the push for the program statewide continues.

The Brief

About a month after Governor Phil Murphy proposed a statewide ban on cellphones in school classrooms, Wednesday he visited Gloucester County, where a school already put that ban in action.

The initiative keeps students’ phones locked away until the final school bell.

What we know:

Woodbury Junior-Senior High School started a policy in September where students put their phone in a locked pouch the entire school day.

Governor Murphy says his budget proposal will include $3 million for grants for other districts to adopt a similar policy.

What they're saying:

"Obviously, it’s a big adjustment for the entire school, but we’re able to, as seniors, live more in the moment," says Kaitlyn Wink, a senior at Woodbury High School. "I was really attached to my phone and sometimes when I would feel a buzz, I would just take it out, and I wasn’t even thinking about it. We weren’t really too excited about it when it first came in, but when September came around, and we were actually starting, it was better."

"You’ve got a mental health crisis among youth that was only exacerbated by the pandemic," Governor Murphy stated. "If we can envision reversing that, bending that curve in the right direction, you can see huge positive impacts, less stress, less mental health challenges, better performance academically, better social skills."

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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has proposed a statewide ban on smartphones in K-12 classrooms during his final State of the State address Tuesday afternoon.

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Principal Dwayne Dobbins Jr. says they have already seen positive impacts.

"We have less fights, less cyber harassment, less distractions in general," he says.

Dobbins Jr. says students keep the pouch with them and can access a base to unlock it, which are across the school, in the event they need to call home.

"We have these on the wall, or we have these bases here, in strategic places, where they unlock your phone," he says.

School officials say some concerns about emergencies have been their biggest pushback.

"I know that’s a very legitimate concern, particularly in this day and age where you have so much tragedy around schools in America, but I felt like they really thought this through," says Governor Murphy.

What's next:

Wednesday’s visit and roundtable discussion comes as a bill moves through the legislature that would require the Department of Education to develop guidelines for districts to make their own policies on cell phone use in school.

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Press Pool Coverage: Governor Murphy Visits Woodbury Junior-Senior High School; Highlights Support for Phone-Free Schools

PRINTGov. Phil Murphy toured Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County Wednesday morning to promote the school’s cellphone ban and announce $3 million in his fiscal year 2026 budget proposal to support school districts seeking competitive grants to enact similar policies.The governor was joined by Assemblymembers Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie and Cody Miller who sponsored a bill that would direct the state Department of Education to develop guidelines for school districts to create cell...

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Gov. Phil Murphy toured Woodbury Junior-Senior High School in Gloucester County Wednesday morning to promote the school’s cellphone ban and announce $3 million in his fiscal year 2026 budget proposal to support school districts seeking competitive grants to enact similar policies.

The governor was joined by Assemblymembers Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie and Cody Miller who sponsored a bill that would direct the state Department of Education to develop guidelines for school districts to create cellphone use policies.

“Alright, what do I do?” Murphy asked, as the school’s acting co-principal Dwayne Dobbins, Jr. and Superintendent Andrew Bell directed him to turn his phone off, place it in a Yondr pouch and lock it for the tour, similar to what the students do. “Here we go.”

The administrators explained that students lock their phones in the pouches from the school’s day first bell to its last bell, at 2:37 p.m. The students keep the pouches on them all day and find one of the 20 nozzles stationed around the school to unlock the pouch at the end of the day.

“That’s awesome,” said Murphy.

This is the first full school year the school has implemented the policy.

The governor and legislators visited a freshman Algebra 1 class where students were working in groups of two and three on a study guide for a test the next day. Math teacher Charlene Aboyme called one student, ninth-grader Karelyne Morales-Rivera, up to the smart board to solve a graphing problem.

“Ta-da,” said Morales-Rivera, when she successfully solved the problem.

After the class, Gov. Murphy and the assemblymembers joined Aboyme and four other teachers in the school to discuss the impacts of the cellphone ban. The teachers reported positive impacts, including fewer distractions in the classroom and increased attention spans.

One of the teachers said the students are “major phone addicts” and students are now checking out library books in lieu of checking their phones. Another teacher said it’s a “pleasure” to redirect students who are distracted by talking to their friends, instead of using their phones.

“And as the superintendent said, this may not work for everyone. There may be different flavors that work,” said Murphy. To implement the policies, officials have proposed legislation and are now “putting chum in the water” in regards to the $3 million in proposed funding announced today.

Murphy and the educators acknowledged parents’ concerns about not being able to reach their children, but said the school was staffed with security guards and officials have emergency procedures in place. Parents can also easily call the main office.

Assemblywoman Bagolie, who also serves as the principal and superintendent of East Newark, said her district also has a cellphone ban, but instead of using pouches, students place their phones in bins that educators lock for the school day.

“Is the bell to bell the real magic here?” Murphy asked the teachers, who agreed the full length of the school day was key.

Implementing the Yondr pouches at the Woodbury Junior-Senior High School cost roughly $30,000, school officials said.

The governor, legislators and district superintendent also held a roundtable discussion in the school’s library with eight high school students to discuss the policy. All of the students said they appreciated the policy and reported positive impacts, including stronger social bonds with peers and teachers, less distractions and better grades, even if some students admitted they did not initially like the policy. One student reported having a “free mind” and “peace” with the policy’s implementation.

“That was a heck of an endorsement,” Murphy said to two different students reporting positive impacts.

One student said her father doesn’t like the policy, since he can’t reach her during the day and it’s just the two of them in their household. She said she reminds him he can call the main office any time and they’ll pick up the phone.

Another student said it’s nice that people can no longer film TikToks during the day, blocking the school hallways.

“I do believe that the pouches have been really, really beneficial even if not everybody uses them correctly. I think there’s a lot of ways to get around it,” said Colin Flynn, a senior at the high school. “There are a lot of problems with the system, but I think just the fact that kids are like held to a higher standard, to not have their phones out at all throughout the entire day, that extra enforcement allows the kids to then have those benefits that come from not having their phones.”

Murphy said as the former ambassador to Germany, he’s an “anomaly” and used to keeping his phone tucked in a bin or not into classified meetings for security purposes.

“We can’t do every district,” he said, but said “we’re going to put several million” in the budget for districts to enact similar cellphone policies. Murphy said he first learned of Woodbury’s policy through reading a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Brianna Kudisch, NJ.com

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PHOTOPhil Murphy’s albums | FlickrRich Hundley III/Governor's Office

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