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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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 Green Pond, NJ

Home Care Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, 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 Green Pond, NJ

Latest News in Green Pond, NJ

Algae found in pond at NJ dog park could be deadly to pets, officials say

Officials are warning pet owners about algae discovered in a pond at a popular New Jersey dog park that could be deadly to animals.On Monday, Camden County officials were notified after the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed a “moderate health level risk” in Timber Creek Pond at Timber Creek Dog Park in Gloucester Township.Officials said they detected cyanobacteria – also known as blue-green algae – in the pond. Cyanobacteria is a microscopic organism found naturally in all...

Officials are warning pet owners about algae discovered in a pond at a popular New Jersey dog park that could be deadly to animals.

On Monday, Camden County officials were notified after the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed a “moderate health level risk” in Timber Creek Pond at Timber Creek Dog Park in Gloucester Township.

Officials said they detected cyanobacteria – also known as blue-green algae – in the pond. Cyanobacteria is a microscopic organism found naturally in all kinds of water that sometimes grows rapidly out of control. When the algae blooms, it can create toxins that are deadly for animals when ingested.

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“Once they’ve been exposed, either eating or drinking the contaminated water it can be fatal within 30 minutes to several hours,” Dr. Cassie Janson, a veterinary criticalist at Mt. Laurel Animal Hospital, told NBC10.

Dr. Janson said exposure to the algae puts them at risk for liver toxicity or neurotoxicity.

“You might see things like convulsions, seizures, tremors, paralysis or collapse,” Dr. Janson said.

County officials posted signs at the park warning pet owners to not let their animals swim in or drink from the pond.

“With this confirmation, we have set up signs around the pond to alert visitors of the situation,” Camden County health officer Paschal Nwako said. “We are working to explore treatments for the lake to avoid this happening in future seasons but for now, please keep pets away from the pond.”

The county Parks Department will work with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension to determine ways to “resolve the bloom in the pond,” officials said. Mike Haberland, a researcher with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, told NBC10 there are ways to quickly kill the algae.

“There are various products we can apply to the water surface that settle down to the bottom,” Haberland said.

The DEP would have to first approve any potential treatment for the algae.

Owners of animals that may have been exposed to the algae should call a veterinarian if their pet has the following symptoms:

If you have any additional questions about cyanobacterial toxin poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Hike to Green Pond and the Boston Mine in Harriman State Park

This moderate-to-strenuous 4.5-mile hike in Harriman State Park goes by Green Pond, one of the few pristine lakes in the park, and reaches the Boston Mine, a 19th-century iron mine carved into the hillside. The hike, which should take about two and a half hours, is not exceptionally difficult (it involves a gain of elevation of about 500 feet), but it is rated “moderate-to-strenuous” because there are several steep climbs and descents, and a few sections traverse very rocky terrain. Dogs are permitted on leash.To get to th...

This moderate-to-strenuous 4.5-mile hike in Harriman State Park goes by Green Pond, one of the few pristine lakes in the park, and reaches the Boston Mine, a 19th-century iron mine carved into the hillside. The hike, which should take about two and a half hours, is not exceptionally difficult (it involves a gain of elevation of about 500 feet), but it is rated “moderate-to-strenuous” because there are several steep climbs and descents, and a few sections traverse very rocky terrain. Dogs are permitted on leash.

To get to the trailhead from Bergen County, take N.J. Route 17 north to the New York State Thruway. Bear left at the fork (following I-87 towards Albany) and take the first exit, Exit 15A (Sloatsburg). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto N.Y. Route 17 north, and continue for 2.5 miles through the Village of Sloatsburg. Just past the village, turn right at the traffic light, following the sign for Seven Lakes Drive/Harriman State Park. Continue on Seven Lakes Drive for 10.3 miles to the Tiorati Circle.

Take the third exit from the traffic circle, which leads to Arden Valley Road. Go around the barricade (it warns, “no thru traffic,” but it is permissible to use Arden Valley Road to access the Elk Pen parking area) and continue on Arden Valley Road for 4.8 miles. Turn left and park in the Elk Pen parking area. NOTE: The bridge that carries Arden Valley Road over the New York State Thruway is closed to vehicular traffic, so the Elk Pen parking area cannot be accessed directly from Route 17. The trailhead is about 40 miles from Teaneck, and it should take about 55 minutes to get there.

From the parking area, proceed east on a grassy woods road across the meadow. You are following the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, with some white blazes on posts. At the end of the meadow, the trail curves to the right. In another 100 feet, the Appalachian Trail leaves to the left, but you should continue ahead, now following the inverted-red-triangle-on-white blazes of the Arden-Surebridge (A-SB) Trail.

You are heading south along the Arden Road, built by Edward Harriman in the 1890s. In places, the old road has narrowed to a footpath. You will notice remnants of an old wire fence on the right. This fence was built to enclose an area once inhabited by elk brought from Yellowstone National Park in 1919. The elk did not thrive, and the small remnant of the herd was relocated in 1942. The area formerly enclosed by the fence, though, is still known as the Elk Pen.

In a third of a mile, the A-SB Trail turns left, leaving the road, but you should continue ahead along the road, now following the Stahahe Brook Trail, marked with red-horizontal-stripe-on-white blazes. In another third of a mile, you’ll reach Stahahe Brook, with attractive cascades on the left. The road formerly crossed the brook on a stone-arch bridge, but the bridge was washed away during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

Follow the Stahahe Brook Trail as it turns left and begins to climb on a footpath parallel to the brook, visible below to the right. In about 0.4 mile, after a brief descent, the Stahahe Brook Trail ends at a junction with the white-blazed Nurian Trail.

Turn left onto the Nurian Trail, which climbs on switchbacks. From the crest of the rise, the trail descends to cross the outlet stream of Island Pond, with a cascading waterfall on the left. It then turns left and begins to parallel the stream, passing more cascades and waterfalls. At the top of the ravine, it goes through the Valley of Boulders—a narrow passage between large rocks.

After climbing some more, the Nurian Trail bears left and runs along a long, sloping rock, with limited west-facing views. A short distance beyond the end of the rock, you’ll reach a junction with the yellow-blazed Dunning Trail. Turn right, leaving the Nurian Trail, and follow the yellow blazes.

The Dunning Trail soon reaches a rock ledge overlooking Green Pond. This pristine pond—one of the very few in the park that was not enlarged by the construction of dams—is surrounded by reeds. You’ll want to take a break here to enjoy the wild beauty of this special spot.

The trail continues along the north shore of Green Pond, following a rugged, rocky route. At one point, the trail passes beneath an overhanging rock. The trail bears right at a fork and continues along the east shore of the pond. After moving away from the pond, the Dunning Trail crosses the white-blazed Nurian Trail, then turns left onto Island Pond Road, a woods road. Soon, the yellow-blazed trail turns right, leaving the road, and—in about 150 feet—reaches the entrance to the Boston Mine. This mine, which was last worked in 1880, is cut into the hillside, with a water-filled pit at the northern end. The mine entrance is usually quite wet, and caution should be exercised. (Do not approach the water-filled pit.)

After taking a look at this interesting mine, go back to Island Pond Road and turn right. There are no blazes to guide you along this stretch of the road, but the route is clear and unmistakable. The road gradually descends through hemlocks and mountain laurel. After about a third of a mile, the A-SB Trail (inverted red triangle on white blazes) joins from the right. You’ll be following this trail for nearly the rest of the hike.

Just beyond, you’ll reach a fork, where you should bear left, continuing to follow the red-triangle-on-white blazes. A short distance beyond, the red-triangle-on-white blazes bear left again, leaving Island Pond Road, and descend to cross the outlet stream of Island Pond. The trail continues around the southern end of Green Pond Mountain and comes out in an area where young hemlocks and pines are beginning to revegetate an area damaged by a forest fire. Just before the trail begins a steep descent, an unmarked side trail on the right leads to a limited west-facing viewpoint from open rocks.

The A-SB Trail now turns right and begins to run along a ledge, with a fairly steep drop to the left. Soon, it turns sharply left and begins a rather steep descent on switchbacks, passing a huge overhanging rock on the left. At the base of the steep descent, it bears left and crosses a stream. It then turns right, climbs a little and levels off, passing an interesting rock formation on the right. Soon, it again begins to descend, but on a more moderate grade.

After crossing another stream, you’ll reach Arden Road. Turn right and follow the road, now retracing your steps. Where the A-SB Trail ends, turn left and follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail across the meadow to return to the Elk Pen parking area, where the hike began.

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Green Ponder helps bears and community

What began as a summer job has now taken young Brennan McVey to the steps of the Rockaway Township Municipal building and the mayor's office. Known by his neighbors and the township as the "Garbage Can Concierge," McVey was honored with a special proclamation during the regular Rockaway Township Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25, for his work to help his neighbors and prevent unwanted run-ins with the local bear population."Our children are our future, and when a child can respond to the needs by making...

What began as a summer job has now taken young Brennan McVey to the steps of the Rockaway Township Municipal building and the mayor's office. Known by his neighbors and the township as the "Garbage Can Concierge," McVey was honored with a special proclamation during the regular Rockaway Township Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25, for his work to help his neighbors and prevent unwanted run-ins with the local bear population.

"Our children are our future, and when a child can respond to the needs by making a decision that gives a community a chance to improve its quality of life, it represents a great moment for our township. Brennan is a shining example of a positive and motivated individual. He identified a community need and through his entrepreneurial spirit rose to the occasion," Mayor Michael Dachisen read before the public when he presented the proclamation.

The 10-year-old Green Pond resident had a vision this past summer to help stop bears in his neighborhood from becoming endangered "nuisances" by helping his neighbors take out the trash the morning of pickup.

McVey, who is a fifth grader at Katherine D. Malone Elementary School, noticed that some of his neighbors would leave the garbage out the night before, an open invitation to bears.

"I saw a lot of bears in the neighborhood and I thought I could help," he said.

On collection day, McVey gets up early on the morning and heads to the houses of the neighbors who agreed to pay a small fee to have the young entrepreneur bring out their trash to the curb.

"We had a lot of bear sightings in our community. This is one way to stop the bears from coming in by keeping the food source away," the mayor added.

McVey has turned the Garbage Concierge into a business, posting fliers around Green Pond and soon his neighborhood took to the idea.

Joined by his mother, Denise, and stepfather, Peter Blasevick, Brennan sat in the front row during the council meeting waiting to hear his named called by Mayor Dachisen. They had learned of the honor a month ago, and were contacted by the township.

In addition, Angi Metler, director of the Bear Education Resource Center, and executive director of the Animal Protection League of New Jersey, presented McVey with a certificate of appreciation for his work to use the Garbage Concierge as a way to "protect" the bears.

During public comments, resident Eleanor Hoffman spoke before the council on the recent bear hunt in Rockaway Township. She expressed her concerns of the check-in station being within public view where hunters weigh the remains. In doing so, she referenced the killing of Pedals, the popular bi-pedal bear who was hunted down earlier this fall.

"It simply adds insult to injury to have the check-in station put the bears on public display," Hoffman said. "It's been all over the newspapers, Facebook and Internet media about Pedals being on display at the Rockaway Township weigh station on Green Pond Road. That is not a proud moment for Rockaway Township. Kids see these images as they drive past in buses and cars, they shouldn't have to.

Hoffman called on the council to take action and work with the State of New Jersey to have the station closed down.

"Nothing is impossible," Hoffman said. "I'm far from the only resident feeling this way."

In response, Council President Stephen Antonelli said they will look into the matter but echoed that the check-in station is run by the State of New Jersey, and there may not be much they can do about it.

"I know past mayors and residents have tried to address the issue with the bear check-in station, but they've been told it's (state) property. We have soccer fields near that property, and I know they moved the check-in station away from the road somewhat. We will follow up with the state. There was a time three or four years ago during the first or second bear hunt, the state talked about using it only temporarily, but they've continued to use it," Antonelli said.

The council wrapped up the night discussing support for a Verizon Cell Tower at the Route 15 South maintenance yard for the New Jersey Department of Transportation. NJDOT, along with Verizon Wireless, has identified the maintenance yard as a potential location for a 150-foot monopole that would be on a 50-foot by 50-foot area that currently houses storage containers on the property. Access would be restricted to Verizon only off Union Turnpike.

The council would like to see that residents on Union Turnpike be notified, and, possibly, hold a public meeting on the topic.

Waging a $13.5 million battle against pond scum in N.J.’s lakes

Last June, the waters of New Jersey’s Lake Hopatcong were poisoned by pond scum.At first, the bloom of blue-green algae was limited to a few near-shore areas on the water. But as summer 2019 progressed, the bloom spread across the entire lake, bringing with it a musty smell … and a perilous surprise.The blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, limited oxygen in the water and released powerful toxins into the North Jersey lake. That rendered the lake unusable for fishers, swimmers and boaters and endangered th...

Last June, the waters of New Jersey’s Lake Hopatcong were poisoned by pond scum.

At first, the bloom of blue-green algae was limited to a few near-shore areas on the water. But as summer 2019 progressed, the bloom spread across the entire lake, bringing with it a musty smell … and a perilous surprise.

The blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, limited oxygen in the water and released powerful toxins into the North Jersey lake. That rendered the lake unusable for fishers, swimmers and boaters and endangered the wildlife that used it as a water source.

“Beaches closed when cyanobacteria cell counts reached 20,000 cells/mL [the state’s criteria for public health advisory warnings],” said Colleen Lyons, consultant for the Lake Hopatcong Commission, the panel created by the state that is charged with protecting the lake’s water quality and preserving its natural, scenic, historical and recreational resources. “The lake received less visitors, and businesses around the lake, including restaurants and marinas, were impacted.”

The toxic algal blooms affected freshwater lakes across New Jersey, including in and around Asbury Park. They dissipated in the fall, but the environmental and economic impact to those lakes and surrounding communities remained.

This summer, scientists say, it’ll be different.

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What makes `bad’ algae bad?

Located 30 miles from the Delaware River in Morris and Sussex counties, Lake Hopatcong is New Jersey’s largest freshwater body. Starting this month, it’s also New Jersey’s testing ground for possible solutions to the problem of harmful algal bloom statewide.

To understand the prevalence of that algal bloom, it’s important to understand the difference between what scientist Fred Lubnow, of the environmental service Princeton Hydro, calls “good algae” and “bad algae.”

“The good algae are the ones that are very small, they’re the base of the aquatic food web,” Lubnow explained. “But the bad algae are the cyanobacteria, they’re the ones that have the potential to generate cyanotoxins and make the nasty scums.”

Those “bad algae” require three key factors to bloom: warmer water temperatures to stimulate their growth; still water conditions to ensure their stability; and high phosphorus concentrations to provide them with nutrients. Most algae use phosphate, the biologically available form of phosphorus, as a source of energy and food. Excessively high concentrations of phosphates can prompt dense “bad algae” growth, which both sucks oxygen out of the water — killing fish and other small organisms — and can produce potent and harmful cyanotoxins.

In 2019, above-average spring rainfall, combined with a summer of intense storms followed by still, sunny days, created a confluence of those factors for cyanobacteria to thrive in New Jersey’s freshwater lakes. The state recorded 40 harmful algal blooms last year, worrying residents and devastating the local economy; several even persisted through the mild winter. The outbreak prompted the Department of Environmental Protection to hold a series of public meetings, develop local projects to address and lessen future algal risk, and release a color-coded health alert system to inform residents which lakes are safe to swim and boat in.

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Hunting down solutions, with no ‘magic bullet’

State officials announced a $13.5 million initiative last winter. The Lake Hopatcong Commission has since been given a grant of $500,000, plus $330,000 from local government and nonprofit stakeholders, to support its efforts to evaluate possible ways to prevent, reduce and/or control those blooms. This summer, it’s trying out a number of different solutions, including shoreline aeration, processed-wood absorbent material, a non-copper algaecide, floating wetland islands and a product called Phoslock.

The Phoslock solution is notable, Lubnow said, because its implementation on a 50-acre stretch of Lake Hopatcong makes it the largest-scale Phoslock treatment to occur in the northeastern U.S. so far. Developed by an Australian science agency, the clay-based treatment is distributed by boat, releasing a muddy slurry that sinks toward the lake bottom. There, it collects and suspends the phosphate, and thus keeps it from dispersing in the water.

If Phoslock turns out to be a cost-effective water treatment, the commission may consider implementing it in other areas of the lake, or using it as an algal bloom prevention treatment moving forward. It’s already being used by Princeton Hydro in other nearby areas, including multiple lakes in the Pennsylvania Poconos. Other bodies of water affected by toxic cyanobacteria in the past include Lake Mohawk in Sussex County, New Jersey, and Greenwood Lake in Orange County, New York.

The proliferation of algal blooms has become an increasingly urgent problem. Climate change prompts changing weather conditions that encourage cyanobacteria; New Jersey is one of the fastest warming states in the nation, NJ.com reports, and increasingly higher average temperatures make it easier for the blooms to thrive throughout the year. An influx of phosphorus, often caused by agricultural fertilizer and organic waste in sewage and industrial overflow, develops the cyanobacteria until it grows large enough to take over entire freshwater bodies — for example, a little over 80% of Lake Hopatcong’s phosphate load comes from stormwater and septic systems.

That’s why no water treatment solution can act as a “magic bullet,” Lubnow said. Even as his team works to mitigate algal blooms, it’s key that counties implement stormwater and septic management plans to reduce phosphorus load.

“Meanwhile, these in-lake projects for the HABs [harmful algal blooms] are sort of the short-term measures, the stop-gaps, until we can get a better handle on the nutrient load going into the lake,” Lubnow said.

Right now, he’s hopeful. While the blue-green blooms had devastatingly negative effects on the lake last year, the variety of treatment options — and their past effectiveness in other water bodies — suggest that change is possible. But there’s a lot riding on that possibility.

Ron Smith, chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission, agreed. “Our lake community cannot sustain another year like 2019,” he said.

Where Are They Now: Lou Benfatti

Catch Up with the Jets Legend and 1994 Draft Pick from Penn State NYJETS.COM CONTRIBUTORAn injured spinal cord shortened Lou Benfatti's career and didn't allow the defensive tackle to make his mark with the Jets as he would have liked.That isn't the case in his second career as a middle school principal.An All-American at Penn State, Benfatti, who was raised in Green Pond in Rockaway Township, NJ, was chosen by the Jets in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft."Becoming a professional athlete, being...

Catch Up with the Jets Legend and 1994 Draft Pick from Penn State

NYJETS.COM CONTRIBUTOR

An injured spinal cord shortened Lou Benfatti's career and didn't allow the defensive tackle to make his mark with the Jets as he would have liked.

That isn't the case in his second career as a middle school principal.

An All-American at Penn State, Benfatti, who was raised in Green Pond in Rockaway Township, NJ, was chosen by the Jets in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft.

"Becoming a professional athlete, being drafted by the Jets, was absolutely phenomenal," Benfatti said. "I mean, I've reached the part of the chapter of my life, where that goal was accomplished, and it was like, OK, now you've got to make the team."

Benfatti made the team, but was only able to play half of the season for Pete Carroll, in his only year as the head coach, because of a knee injury. However, those games wearing the Green & White for the first time, is something that he'll never forget.

"When you're running out, people are screaming your name and you recognize some that you've either gone to school with or people that lived in your community that know you. So, it was really special," Benfatti said. "And you're looking across and see the Dan Marinos, the John Elways, that you, growing up, thought to yourself, 'Wow, these guys are really special.'

"Yeah, it was just a dream come true. You hear that cliché all the time, but it was satisfying because I worked hard during the course of my college, and when I was able to accomplish this, it was fun. They're paying you to play football. It was wonderful."

Heading into his third season, Benfatti's playing days came to an unfortunate end during the final preseason game of the 1996 campaign in Oakland.

"I fractured my C-4 and C-5 (vertebrae), and had a career-ending neck injury," Benfatti said. "I was making a routine tackle, and as the pile was falling to the left, my head hit the thigh pad of a teammate and kind of ricocheted my neck a little bit.

"I did speak with (former Jets defensive lineman) Dennis (Byrd, who had suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury during a game four years earlier). It was a special moment being able to share a conversation about similar injuries."

And while he wouldn't be able to play any longer, Benfatti looks at the times when he was able to take the field for the Jets fondly because he could share them with his family.

"Being able to have my mom and my dad, my sisters and my brothers, all share the experience and be able to come and watch, we were only 50 minutes away from my home in New Jersey when we played at the stadium," Benfatti said. "And just being able to be a part of a great organization. It's really a dream come true when you look at it from a young boy's standpoint.

"The platform that I was able to serve as a professional athlete for those three years has still affected my life 25 years later, while I'm in the field of education. Those years were so special and they're at the top of that career profession of being an athlete. I was able to take those years and put them in a little showcase and relate them to the students of today.

"I'm currently a principal at Hopatcong Middle School in North Jersey, and I'm able to utilize some of the same work ethics, some of the same strategies, some of the same concepts that go into preparing for a football game to prepare the staff to teach the kids of today."

Benfatti's career in the field of education began as a phys ed and health teacher.

"In my sixth year, I was just getting the itch of wanting to really be a leader within the district. When that came about, I wanted to aspire and do something more," Benfatti said. "And there was an opportunity coming down the pike for a vice principal job at the middle school. So, once I got my certification, I interviewed for the job and went from teaching to becoming an administrator in the same district."

Initially becoming a principal in 2009, because of COVID, this past year has been a challenge for Benfatti, his staff, and the students.

"There are many obstacles just as there are with football. We're trying to adopt new game plans in virtual education and our teachers are working extremely hard to develop their platforms of how they are communicating the standards for science and social studies and math and English via Google Meets," Benfatti said.

"It's amazing how much we can learn in a short amount of time. Education has changed. We're making history with what we're doing, and it's evolving into something that's so totally different from when you and I went to school.

"Until you're able to witness it, and observe the incredible amount of stress our kids are going through with organization, with trying to keep all of those assignments organized… It is a huge, huge pendulum shift as to what they're going through right now."

Making their home in North Jersey, Benfatti and his wife, Jodi, have four children. Cole and Drew, who are students at Franklin & Marshall College, where they play football. Danae, who is pursuing a career as a dental hygienist. And Gavin, who is a junior at Jefferson High School.

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