It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Oxford Castle & Prison gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Oxford, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lily Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Folly Restaurant or visit Martyrs' Memorial, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Oxford, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Oxford, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Oxford, CT 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.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Oxford|Local EventKBrozek, NeighborNov9Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 AMOxford United Church of Christ, 3 Academy Rd, Oxford, CT, 06478...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Oxford|Local Event
Nov9
Start your holiday shopping, enjoy a delicious lunch, and make a day of it in the beautiful center of Oxford. Holiday crafts, delicious baked goods, lucky draw, nearly new (good stuff cheap!), and hot luncheon. Handicap accessible parking directly in front of the church with additional parking in Academy Road lot.
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Crews are keeping an eye out on multiple brush fires in the state, including one at Seymour Reservoir #4 in the Naugatuck State Forest."We’ve been pumping water on it all afternoon,” said Oxford Fire Chief Scott Pelletier....
Crews are keeping an eye out on multiple brush fires in the state, including one at Seymour Reservoir #4 in the Naugatuck State Forest.
"We’ve been pumping water on it all afternoon,” said Oxford Fire Chief Scott Pelletier.
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He says they arrived around 1 in the morning, left around 6:30 in the morning, and returned shortly after, when the fire started again.
As the day continued, their crew, Beacon Falls Fire, and the Department of Energy and Environmental protection were working on digging up hot spots.
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“With high winds coming out later tonight and tomorrow that will find hot spots - that will cause fire to spread if we don’t get to them,” said Pelletier.
He says the fire is roughly 8 to 10 acres but have yet to do an official mapping.
The chief says he will be investigating the cause of the fire in the next day or so.
"We have several of these fires throughout the year here but not with these conditions,” said Pelletier.
As of last night, DEEP was watching 9 brush fires of different scales. The biggest is the Hawthorne Fire, spanning roughly one hundred acres.
As of this afternoon, Governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency due to critical fire weather conditions.
People in Connecticut are encouraged to keep all flammable items away from leaves and twigs, have firefighting tools handy, and to never leave a fire unattended.
“The recommendation is to not have fire whatsoever. The condition is that bad. So - lighting a campfire, going out thinking you're going to burn leaves, which you're not supposed to do in the state of Connecticut, or burn brush - please don't do it,” said Pelletier.
Published: Oct. 25, 2024 at 8:50 AM PDT|OXFORD, CT (WFSB) - Crews responded to a brush fire in the Naugatuck State Forest in Oxford on Friday.The fire was found in the area of Route 42 and Old Litchfield Turnpike.Oxford’s fire chief says they have a good handle on the fire, but crews are still there to monitor and respond to any hotspots after getting called to the brush fire 16 hours ago.The forest is a popular spot with hikers.“We just love getting out in nature,” said Kevin Worthington,...
Published: Oct. 25, 2024 at 8:50 AM PDT|
OXFORD, CT (WFSB) - Crews responded to a brush fire in the Naugatuck State Forest in Oxford on Friday.
The fire was found in the area of Route 42 and Old Litchfield Turnpike.
Oxford’s fire chief says they have a good handle on the fire, but crews are still there to monitor and respond to any hotspots after getting called to the brush fire 16 hours ago.
The forest is a popular spot with hikers.
“We just love getting out in nature,” said Kevin Worthington, Beacon Falls.
Kevin and Ann Worthington were worried to hear that just up the road from where they were enjoying mother nature, another section of the popular forest was burning.
A thin veil of smoke could be seen rising above the tree line.
“It’s very upsetting, very concerning for our community,” Ann said.
Oxford firefighters were called to the state forest around 1 a.m.
The brush fire burned around eight to ten acres near Reservoir Number Four as firefighters from Oxford, Beacon Falls, along with the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and even a crew from Rhode Island, worked to get a handle on it.
“We probably have a couple of thousand feet of forestry hose out there with crews on them, hitting all the hot spots, crews out there raking, creating a fire line around the fire to hopefully keep it contained,” said Chief Scott Pelletier, Oxford Fire Department.
That is not easy as the state deals with an elevated fire risk, thanks to the dry conditions, the wind, and all the leaves falling to the ground.
It is also why Chief Scott Pelletier is asking for a little cooperation.
“With this dry weather, no rain, use common sense. No outside fire, don’t light a campfire, don’t burn garbage, don’t burn brush, it’s a recipe for disaster,” he said. “We just ask the public to be vigilant and be mindful because it’s tough, tying up a lot of people to come out here and put out a brush fire, especially if someone was careless with a campfire, even a cigarette, with this type of environment now, it’s not good.”
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SOUTHINGTON, CT — Racing royalty was in the house Sunday afternoon at the Aqua Turf Club, as a legend of NASCAR returned to Connecticut to pay tribute to a longtime friend and colleague upon his receipt of a special award from members of the state's sports media.Bob Cuneo, recently-retired founder of Chassis Dynamics in Oxford, was presented the President's Award at the 82nd annual Gold Key Dinner. Organized by the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance (CSMA), the dinner has been among the most prestigious sports ceremonies in the N...
SOUTHINGTON, CT — Racing royalty was in the house Sunday afternoon at the Aqua Turf Club, as a legend of NASCAR returned to Connecticut to pay tribute to a longtime friend and colleague upon his receipt of a special award from members of the state's sports media.
Bob Cuneo, recently-retired founder of Chassis Dynamics in Oxford, was presented the President's Award at the 82nd annual Gold Key Dinner. Organized by the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance (CSMA), the dinner has been among the most prestigious sports ceremonies in the Nutmeg State since its inception in 1940.
Cuneo was recognized for his work in developing an American-made bobsled that would be engineered to compete with the best in the world. Prior to his involvement, the United States had not captured a single Olympic medal since 1956, and had not won gold since Harry Truman was in office in 1948.
On an inspection visit to the Olympic training facility, NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, winner of the 1986 Daytona 500, discovered the sleds being used by the American teams were purchased second-hand from its competitors in Europe, particularly Germany and Switzerland. He contacted Cuneo, a longtime friend from their days on the New England auto racing circuit, and the result was formation of the Bo-Dyn Project ("Bo" for Bodine, "Dyn" for Chassis Dynamics).
The new sleds debuted at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, but it wasn't until the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan that an impact was first felt. The American four-man team placed fifth, just 0.02 of a second from a bronze medal. That set the stage for the 2002 competition in Salt Lake City, where the U.S. won the gold medal in the inaugural two-woman event, and four-man teams took home silver and bronze medals.
The two-woman team earned a silver medal in the 2006 Olympiad in Turin, Italy, then the ultimate peak was conquered in 2010 in Vancouver, when the collaboration led to construction of the "Night Train" sled, the fastest sled in the world. An American four-man team knocked off perennial powerhouse Germany that year to win the country's first men's gold medal in 58 years.
A native of Trumbull who graduated from Fairfield Prep and Northeastern University, Cuneo was inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in 2021.
Bodine flew in from his home in Florida to introduce Cuneo, who then briefly addressed the audience of more than 400 guests, including more than 40 employees of the nearby Ansonia Steel Fabrication Company.
In his low-key manner, Cuneo, 77, said his only regret was that his wife, Karen, was not able to see him receive this accolade. The two met nearly 60 years ago at Northeastern and were inseparable since; unfortunately, she passed away on June 23. He dedicated his acceptance of the award to her memory.
Flash flooding that took three lives and wrecked state and local roads across Connecticut in August was caused by several simultaneous weather factors, according to a new report from the National Weather Service — a rare combination that’s becoming more frequent because of ...
Flash flooding that took three lives and wrecked state and local roads across Connecticut in August was caused by several simultaneous weather factors, according to a new report from the National Weather Service — a rare combination that’s becoming more frequent because of climate change.
The report, titled “Destructive Connecticut and Long Island Flash Flooding,” details the meteorological conditions that created catastrophic flooding here and in Long Island Aug. 18-19 and highlights their extraordinary nature.
A jet streak, or pocket of strong winds aloft, was oriented from the southeast to the Middle Atlantic region, putting Connecticut in the crosshairs for enhanced upward motion or lift. Closer to the surface, a channel of deep, tropical moisture stretched from the southeast coast to the northeast.
As a slow-moving cold front approached the state on Aug. 18, weak high pressure was building down from the northeast over New England. It brought drier and cooler air that tried to move south into Connecticut. Unfortunately, a strong southerly flow of moisture was nudging northward, ultimately positioning a warm front over the state that helped target the southwest portion of the state for devastating flash flooding.
“Training thunderstorms” developed, producing rainfall rates estimated to be as high as 3.5 inches of rain per hour. Training occurs when several thunderstorms travel in succession over the same area, like multiple train cars traveling over the same track.
The floods made the National Centers for Environmental Informational list of significant climate anomalies and events for August. The nearly 15 inches of rain that fell in 24 hours near Oxford is being reviewed by a State Climate Extremes Committee to see if it officially broke Connecticut's 24-hour state rainfall record. If verified, it will have shattered the old record of 12.77 inches set on Aug. 19, 1955, from Hurricane Diane.
It would also qualify as a 1-in-1,000-year extreme rainfall event, according to NOAA’s point precipitation frequency estimates.
Some of the major impacts listed in the NWS summary for Connecticut include the following:
In Long Island, many buildings and communities flooded, people had to be rescued and travel on the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Jefferson Branch and the Long Island Expressway was affected.
The release of this report coincides with one recently published in Phys.org about the increase in the frequency of extreme floods.
The Phys.org report is based on data collected by Albert Kettner, the director of the DFO Flood Observatory, which tracks worldwide flooding from 1985 to 2020. Kettner said he believes the main basic causes of catastrophic floods are climate change and human changes to the landscape.
According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), precipitation in the Northeast is increasing for all seasons. What is especially concerning for Connecticut is that extreme precipitation events have risen by nearly 60 percent in the Northeast, the biggest jump for any region in the United States.
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