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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 Barry Lakes, NJ

Home Care Barry Lakes, 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.

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 Barry Lakes, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Barry Lakes, 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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TESTIMONIALS

“Liz and her team are the consumate professionals when it comes to providing quality care for our seniors. They provide compassionate and competent care without forgetting about empathy and dignity for those entrusted in their care. Providing exceptional care...and then some...isn't what they do, it's simply who they are. Thank you, Liz, for providing such exceptional leadership to your team!”

Ron P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Liz…. Is simply the Best ! Her professionalism is amazing …”

Lincoln A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Liz is beyond TOP NOTCH at what she does, and the services she provides. We had a difficult family situation, and she handled it with grace, and provided my family with service, and advice above and beyond what I expected to receive!!! Thank you!!!”

Rick M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“When Always Best Care was referred to us by a friend, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Meeting the charming and charismatic Liz the owner and her smiling staff at the agency however put our hearts and minds at ease although we were in the middle of the pandemic. They are down-to-earth caring, compassionate and professional and our aunt could not ask for anything more. I truly recommend Always Best Care.”

Maria F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent service, Always Best Care takes care well of your loved one. They are professionals and certified which makes them on top of everything. Just call Liz Johnson and she will help and goes above and beyond. I would highly recommend them.”

Mel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for the right team to help you provide in-home care for your loved one, Always Best Care should be your first call. Liz and her team are trustworthy, caring, and compassionate. They go above and beyond for their clients and their families! They are truly exceptional!”

Nick S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Liz and her staff are hands down the best!!!”

John C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services and CEO Liz Johnson, provide compassionate and qualified care for seniors and patients recovering from surgery. Liz has a heart for families who need to make those tough choices and is a knowledgeable resource for those in need. She addresses questions and concerns with advice and solutions based on her professional acumen and life experience. I would recommend Liz wholeheartedly. Make her your first call when you need support for a loved one!”

Kristine P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provides the highest level of in home care for your loved ones. I have used this agency to provide in home care for several family members and loved ones. Their aides provide compassionate care and have allowed my family members to age in their home with dignity and grace. Highly recommend !!!”

Carmen D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent company! They care deeply for each person they work with and I highly recommend them. Very reliable and quick to respond. The owner is just amazing!”

Christian M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“You will always get the best care and service. Liz is so compassionate and attentive and treats everyone as if they were family. I highly recommend!”

Karen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“When my special needs son broke his femur we called Liz for help. Although she specializes in Senior Care, we knew her company would take great care of our pre-teen. We can never thank Liz and her company enough for the kindness and great care they provided not just for our son, but for our entire family! What a relief it was to know he was being well cared for with such kindness and compassion. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”

Dan G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care have been a good company,and they always check on the workers,and make everything so easy for me,I never have bad experience wit them,I like my supervisor Mrs Leslie and the Coordinator Esoma bcos they always check on us wit my client and confirm if everything is working so good wit us,please all I want to say to them,is to keep the good work contine,may the company continues to be bless wit good people and so caring about the Aides....thank you so very much”

Rashidat O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was referred to Always Best Care by a close friend when I was searching for an assisted living community for my parents. I found the staff extremely professional and helpful right from our first meeting. What I appreciate the most is their prompt service and flexibility. Since I have my job in another city, I wasn’t able to take care of my parents and eventually had to make the difficult decision to move them to assisted living. Thanks to Always Best Care for speeding up the whole process according to my schedule. Highly Recommended!”

Nick J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Quick and reliable assistance from the skilled team at Always Best Care played a major in my father’s recovery from osteoporosis. The assigned caregiver was extremely patient and supportive. He helped my father with all sorts of exercises. I strongly recommend Always Best Care for the well being of your beloved elders.”

Mustafa H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We found Anna through Always Best Care to take care of my ailing mother-in-law. She is honest, reliable, and goes out of her way to help my mother-in-law with her daily chores. I never have to worry that she wouldn’t show up on time or would find excuses for not doing some tasks. She is also very funny and keeps us laughing all day long. We are really happy with the services offered by Always Best Care. The attentiveness and quick response of their staff has made things quite easy for us. We know that they are there to address our needs no matter what time of the day we call them. They genuinely care about the health and well-being of their clients. And that’s what makes them so much better than other agencies.”

Rambo J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“After my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we looked at all of the different companies in the marketplace. We received great care from our caregiver and really appreciated the patient approach they took with my dad. With much gratitude to the team at Always Best Care!”

Connie M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nicky provided ten months of excellent care to my 82 years old mother who had dementia. She was caring in every possible way which was exactly what the family wanted for her. She passed away last month, but peacefully and with dignity. Thank you so much Always Best Care for the amazing service.”

Larry K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”

Waylon C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your approach and calming demeanor are truly a gift and personal calling! You have helped more than you will ever realize”

Robbie M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great Agency! Esoma The Coordinator is the best in the field! So caring about the Aides! Thanks again!”

Betty M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider My ninety year old grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few months ago. Without the in home care provided by Always Best Care, I do not know how we would have managed everything. I am grateful for the dedicated service they have provided to us.”

Allen B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It has been a delightful experience to work with Always Best Care. Over the last three years, I have had a few caregivers come in to care for my mother who has Alzheimer’s. When she was diagnosed with the condition, I had little hope of her getting back to her normal self again. She had almost stopped smiling. But after I had the wonderful caregivers to care for her, I saw a great improvement in her health. She seems not only healthier, but happier too. Thank you Always Best Care.”

Cindy R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I really liked the caregiver who came to help my mom during her recovery from a major surgery. She took great care of her and ensured a quick recovery. A hearty thanks to Always Best Care.”

Christoper W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”

Stephen B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”

Waylon C.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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.

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 Barry Lakes, 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. 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 Barry Lakes, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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.

Home Care Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, 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 Barry Lakes, NJ

Latest News in Barry Lakes, NJ

Vernon Council approves Barry Lakes dam assessment

VERNON -- Barry Lakes homeowners will receive a special assessment this month for the $394,105 cost to rebuild the second of two dams that the state Department of Environmental Protection ordered rebuilt more than a decade ago.The assessment, which the Township Council approved in a resolution Monday night, will total $648 per homeowner and go toward the eight-year repayment of a DEP loan whose total amount, with the 2 percent interest rate included, will come to $469,800.The low-interest dam restoration loan was...

VERNON -- Barry Lakes homeowners will receive a special assessment this month for the $394,105 cost to rebuild the second of two dams that the state Department of Environmental Protection ordered rebuilt more than a decade ago.

The assessment, which the Township Council approved in a resolution Monday night, will total $648 per homeowner and go toward the eight-year repayment of a DEP loan whose total amount, with the 2 percent interest rate included, will come to $469,800.

The low-interest dam restoration loan was made possible by a co-borrowers agreement between the township and the Barry Lakes Community Property Owners Association, which requested the township's assistance in 2009.

Scott Ghysels, president of the association, thanked township officials Monday for their cooperation in enabling the project's completion.

"I just want to thank the council, the mayor, the business administrator, (Municipal Assessor) Lynne Schweighardt, and (former Chief Financial Officer) Elke Yetter for helping us out with the adoption of the resolution," Ghysels said. "It's been a long journey ... and here we are so many years later."

Vernon Municipal Assessor Lynne Schweighardt, in a brief presentation Monday, noted that although the township is responsible for collecting the money and facilitating the loan's repayment, the assessment is not a township tax but rather a state-mandated obligation of New Jersey's Safe Dam Act, which requires municipalities to serve as co-applicants when community lake associations undertake the repair of privately owned dams.

The terms of the Safe Dam Act are spelled out in a state statute, 58:4-12.

Barry Lakes property owners will have the option of paying the $648 assessment in full or in eight yearly installments of $81 each. The first payment will be due Aug. 28, with subsequent years' payments due the same date with a 30-day grace period allowed.

Under the assessment, and as provided for under the Safe Dam Act, those who fail to make payment by the end of the 30-day grace period will have the full remaining balance of their assessments due immediately.

The recently completed repair of the dam, which is located along Barry Drive North near Fern Lane, follows the 2016 repair of the south dam between the two lakes, located behind Lakeshore Drive and Pine Terrace.

The repair of that dam, which was financed at a cost of $375,849, was followed by an April 2016 special assessment to Barry Lakes property owners of $501.30 each. The assessment was made payable over 10 years in the amount of $50.13 annually.

Schweighardt, the tax assessor, indicated the payments due under the new assessment have been structured so that both loans will be paid off by the year 2025.

The terms of both assessments dictate that the loan repayment costs are to be divided equally among all Barry Lakes properties, of which there are about 750.

Eric Obernauer can also be contacted on Twitter: @EricObernNJH or by phone at 973-383-1213.

Six Vernon communities sue for 'egregious' underfunding of snow removal

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Six homeowners' associations in the largest and most populous municipality in Sussex County are suing a host of township officials, claiming for over a dozen years they "egregiously" underfunded what could be up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs for the removal of snow and other obstructions from roadways.

Officials in Vernon Township, a mountainous ski resort town home to around 25,000 residents, have since 2008 intentionally neglected their duties under state law to either provide services or reimburse costs to the communities, the private associations claim in their lawsuit filed last month in Sussex County Superior Court.

Should an association receive even partial repayment for contracting or doing their own services, payment from the township is delayed by years, according to the lawsuit.

Municipalities are required under law to reimburse private communities for various services including snow, ice and fallen tree removal or provide their own services as they would on public roadways.

"These services go to the very purpose of the existence of government in that it must ensure the health, safety and welfare of its citizens," Ronald Israel, the attorney representing the homeowner associations in the suit, said in a statement.

The six associations that contract for their own services encompass around 60 miles of roadway in the 70-square-mile exurb with nearly 3,400 homes and 100 condos: Highland Lakes, the largest private community in Vernon with 31 miles of roadway; Hidden Valley; Lake Glenwood; Lake Wallkill; Barry Lakes; and Lake Panorama.

While Israel declined to state the amount the township owes, a 2011 evaluation made at the behest of the township council by a professional engineer gives an idea of the snow plow costs for each private community per year, beginning in 2005 and ending in 2009.

In 2009, the engineer evaluated total costs for snow plow removal for just the six communities at around $644,000, with Highland Lakes alone nearly half that amount. While it is unknown what partial or even full reimbursements have been made each year by the council, the amount owed in total over the past dozen years could reach into the millions.

Vernon's attorney did not respond to a request for comment, but township council minutes over the past decade shed light that reimbursement issues between the council and the associations were a point of conflict since the 1990s.

The township was sued in 1998 by the Stonehill Property Owners Association, known as Great Gorge Village, for allegations they failed to comply with the Municipal Services Act. An appeals court affirmed a Superior Court judge's decision that the township not only failed to properly reimburse costs to the association but the judge also enhanced the reimbursement per mile owed by 50% due to the additional difficulties of the roadways.

In November 2010, the then-township attorney noted there were outstanding debts owed to several private communities from 2009 and 2010, noting, "the policy and procedures over the years have changed and good records were not kept."

As was the case with the lawsuit filed by Great Gorge, the associations believed the township was under-reimbursing and, according to Israel, "misrepresenting what the township's true costs of removing snow, ice and other obstructions" were.

The arguments by the associations claimed, like Great Gorge, that Vernon's topography was much different than across the state or even other towns nearby and that a calculation based off the "difficulty factor" of each road was inaccurate.

The township has around 38 inches of snow per year, 40% more than the state as a whole, according to the lawsuit. Due to significant elevation changes in the township, some areas may receive rain while higher elevations get ice or snow, the suit states.

The township has also failed to reimburse costs of clearing grit from roadways and fallen tree limbs, the associations claim.

The communities, Israel said, have suffered damages from the township's conduct that has impacted their finances. Each lake community collects due from their residents.

Lori Comstock can also be reached on Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH, on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LoriComstockNJH or by phone: 973-383-1194.

Pet goose inspires Vernon author

By KATHY [email protected] — Before his interview, Oliver showered and then preened for a while. He then was helped into a blue bowtie that brought out the color of his eyes.The chatty fellow murmured as he waddled into the room, looking soft as down and quite dapper at the same time. It might’ve been the bowtie, or perhaps it was the colorful polka-dot diaper on his other end that gave him a neat appearance.Oliver is the pet goose of Barry Lakes resident Leesa Beckmann....

By KATHY STEVENS

[email protected]

VERNON — Before his interview, Oliver showered and then preened for a while. He then was helped into a blue bowtie that brought out the color of his eyes.

The chatty fellow murmured as he waddled into the room, looking soft as down and quite dapper at the same time. It might’ve been the bowtie, or perhaps it was the colorful polka-dot diaper on his other end that gave him a neat appearance.

Oliver is the pet goose of Barry Lakes resident Leesa Beckmann. He is a Sebastopol goose with fluffy, white feathers that curl over his body. Those fancy feathers take away his ability to fly, though he is so well cared for and attached to Beckmann that a short stroll along the street by her side suits him just fine.

Though not an Easter “chick” himself, he became Beckmann’s pet due to a family Easter story.

About 41/2 years ago, Beckmann found a photograph of herself and her sister, Linda, with a duck. Neither remembered having a duck, but their mother told them that Linda had found some other children trying to drown a duck that they had gotten for Easter because they could not keep it. The duck was rescued and lived with Beckmann’s family for a while until it was given to a farm. The duck imprinted on Beckmann’s mother, following her up and down the street and waiting outside when she visited a neighbor for a cup of coffee, quacking a greeting when she came out of the house.

Beckmann was delighted by the story and decided she would get a duck for a pet. But after doing some research, she concluded a goose was the better option, of which Sebastopol geese are one of the calmest breeds.

She found Oliver at the R & B RURU Ranch in Missouri, purchasing him from Sebastopol breeder Barb Rudolph. Oliver arrived in Vernon via the U.S. Postal Service May 19, 2010, at a time in Beckmann’s life when personal and health issues caused her to need “something” that the fluffy bird provided.

“He is the best thing that ever happened to me,” she said. “It is so much more than I dreamed. It is a great bond.You don’t know the bond you can have with a duck or a goose until you have one.”

She chose the name Oliver because she liked the sound of it, and the sound of the nickname “Ollie” as well.

“Oliver just so special in his personality,” Rudolph said, noting that Oliver bonded with Beckmann from the start.

Shortly after Oliver came into her home, Beckmann heard him snapping up dandelions, and thus was born her first self-published children’s book, “Oliver’s Dandelion Wishes,” which describes in rhyme Oliver’s munching on dandelions. She has since self-published three other books: “A Million Monarchs Munching Milkweed and a Goose,” “Oliver’s Search for Miss Matilda and her Murky Mud Puddle,” and “You Can’t Potty Train a Goose!”

The first three books contain computer-manipulated photos on colorful pages. The fourth, “You Can’t Potty Train a Goose!,” is a cartoon, Beckmann’s first artwork since she graduated from Parsons New School of Design in New York City many years ago. She also writes the rhyme, which is edited by a friend, Linda Ukson, also of Vernon.

Each book takes six months to a year for her to complete. Her goal is to inspire children to read and write about what they are passionate about.

Oliver spread his wings when he did some “performance art” during the recent opening reception for the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council’s exhibit “Metamorphosis”, which is on display in its Newton gallery through April 28. Four

panels from Beckmann’s “A Million Monarchs Munching Milkweed and a Goose” are in the exhibit, and Oliver attended the opening

wearing a pair of Monarch butterfly wings.

“Everybody loved him,” said council Executive Director Mary Jo Mathias. “He stole the show.”

Oliver and Beckmann have visited local schools, libraries, camps and nursing homes with his stories and pictures. “You Can’t Potty Train a Goose!” is a hit with the kindergarten and first-grade children, Beckmann said. Oliver is not potty trained, but wears colorful diaper covers designed by Beckmann that contain a

disposable diaper inside. When reading the“Potty Train”story to children, Beckmann brings a stuffed goose she also designed that is wearing the same polka-dot diaper as Oliver.

When he is not the subject of books, visiting schools and nursing homes or reveling in the attention from people who are petting him, Oliver enjoys a swim in the pool with Beckmann, snuggling in front of the TV (he likes to watch the “Ice Age” movies, Beckmann said), short strolls with Beckmann and road trips to local garage sales, where he often will come home with a new toy. In fact, one of those toys, a child-size blue Jeep, ended up in Beckmann’s photo illustrations for “Miss Matilda and the Murky Mud Puddle,” which is about Oliver’s search throughout Vernon for a Matilda the Mastodon, a prehistoric skeleton that was found in Highland Lakes in the 1950s.

A vegetarian, Oliver eats lettuce, grass and fruit in addition to a commercial poultry mix. He does not need any vaccines and is a “very hardy waterfowl,” who could live 25 years, Beckmann said. He sleeps in the bathtub on a towel with a bucket of water that he uses to preen himself in the morning. He also showers twice a day, preening for hours afterward, and has his own pillow on the floor of the livingroom.

He has four “siblings”: three Chihuahuas named Cleo, Charlie and Dunkin, and a cockatiel named Simon, making for an interesting household.

Oliver is also on Facebook (Oliver Sebastopol Goose) and is the subject of several videos on YouTube, posted by Beckmann. This gander is certainly not

camera shy.

“Leesa has done a wonderful job at training Oliver, and Oliver is a super smart little fellow. He poses for pictures for people when he see a camera. His father, Sammie, did that also. ... People do not realize just how smart geese can be,” Rudolph said in an email.

Oliver and Beckmann will be at Vernon Earthfest on Sunday, April 27, at Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon. The event is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Beckmann at 973-919-6988 or by email, [email protected].

Bear encounter in Sussex County shows that education works

To the Editor:Today (June 22) a hiker encountered a bear while sitting on a boulder along the Stairway to Heaven trail in Sussex County. The hiker calmly backed away as the young black bear walked past them only feet away without looking at the hikers again.The bear encounter in Sussex County on the Stairway to Heaven trail shows that bear education works. The hikers did what they were supposed to do by calmly backing away, and we need to be doing more of that.Even though there are only a few thousand bears there ...

To the Editor:

Today (June 22) a hiker encountered a bear while sitting on a boulder along the Stairway to Heaven trail in Sussex County. The hiker calmly backed away as the young black bear walked past them only feet away without looking at the hikers again.

The bear encounter in Sussex County on the Stairway to Heaven trail shows that bear education works. The hikers did what they were supposed to do by calmly backing away, and we need to be doing more of that.

Even though there are only a few thousand bears there are over one-hundred thousand people living in bear country. An effective bear education program can help prevent serious injury or possible death for people either hiking or camping. Sierra Club runs almost 100 hikes every year in bear county and we have no problems because no one brings food with them during the hike and we keep our distance. It shows that education works.

New Jersey needs a real bear management plan, one that includes strong education and uses warning signs in the region, educational materials at trail heads, enforcing not feeding the bears, and garbage management. According to a report by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Bear Activity Report, sightings of bears dropped by 80%, and Damage and Nuisance reports dropped by 70% since 2009. Encounters with aggressive bears tied the lowest total since 2010 with two in 2017. Despite this data, there was a second phase of the bear hunt for 2019.

There needs to be warning signs in bear country with posts at all trailheads with do’s and don’ts. These will do a lot more in managing the bear population than having an unnecessary hunt. If bears start seeing houses as sources of food, we will see more bear human conflict and more problems.

Bears will change from a nuisance bear to an aggressive bear and will be put down. This will justify the hunt. Whether there is a hunt or not, there’s no real management plan in place. The black bear is a symbol that we still have wild places left in the state and that we haven’t completely given over to sprawl. We need Governor Murphy to create a real education and keep his commitment to put a moratorium on the hunt.

Jeff Tittel, Director

New Jersey Sierra Club

It’s not too late to enroll in these awesome NJ day camps

Looking for a place for your kids to run around all day while you’re at work or doing chores? Why not summer camp? While summer camps may have been on a slight pause the past several years they seem to be back and better than ever this summer.Some of these camps have even already begun but can take campers halfway through the summer, or even make an exception. Not sure which camp to choose? Here are a few of the top in New Jersey.Located in Warren, Camp River Bend has been running since 1962. Activities range between swim...

Looking for a place for your kids to run around all day while you’re at work or doing chores? Why not summer camp? While summer camps may have been on a slight pause the past several years they seem to be back and better than ever this summer.

Some of these camps have even already begun but can take campers halfway through the summer, or even make an exception. Not sure which camp to choose? Here are a few of the top in New Jersey.

Located in Warren, Camp River Bend has been running since 1962. Activities range between swimming, field sports, rock climbing, pedal carts and river activities. If you have children who aren’t quite sure what their favorite summer activities are, this place will help them figure it out. They also have a day-trippers program where children can opt to take trips every day and go on adventures nearby.

Harbor Hills sits on a massive plot of land in Mendham and is unique compared to other camps due to its international staff. Many of the counselors are from the U.K. or Australia and come to America for the summer to experience American culture. The camp is sport-heavy, so if your child is looking to run around all day it’s the perfect spot. There’s also horseback riding, which not many other camps offer.

Lake activities are never-ending at Willow Lake, located in Hopatcong. Between water sports, ziplines, and rope towers this camp is a dream come true for adventurous children. They also have a day trip program where campers can go to sports games, waterparks and other summer spots.

Spring Lake in Ringwood has racked up numerous awards since its opening back in 1989. Among normal camp activities, they also have leadership programs for children above 8th grade who are interested in counselor positions but are still campers at heart.

Over at Sussex County lives Jeff Lake Day Camp, where several sessions are offered for campers for the summer. Jeff Lake has been operating for over 60 years and has a wide variety of programs depending on what your child is interested in doing for the summer. The camp is best known for its massive lake where campers can partake in several activities they would not be able to try elsewhere.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

You can now listen to Dennis & Judi — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite best friends anytime, anywhere and any day of the week. Download the Dennis & Judi show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.

Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.

One of the Top 50 Candy stores in the US is right here in Jersey

Black River Candy Shoppe in Chester New Jersey was selected in Food Network Magazine's “America’s 50 Best Candy Stores” a couple of years back and the story went viral online earlier this year.

I decided to take a trip down there for myself to see what they had to offer. Right, when you walk in you feel like you are Charlie about to take over the chocolate factory. Black River Candy Shoppe is a cute little candy shop offering hundreds of different types of candy.

They have old-school childhood candy as well as an incredible selection of newer candy varieties. Candy is displayed in old whiskey barrels, and a lot of their candy is sold in bulk by the pound. It is located in downtown Chester right off of Main Street. Check out the photos from my recent visit:

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

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