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 Trumbull Historical Society 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 Trumbull, 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,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 Old Mine 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 Prime One Eleven or visit Old Mine Park, 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 Trumbull, 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 Trumbull, 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 Trumbull, 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.
For people who don't want the hassle of cooking a big turkey dinner, a number of restaurants in Trumbull are open on Thanksgiving Day.RJ Scofield, Patch StaffTRUMBULL, CT — For people who don’t want the hassle of cooking or cleaning up after a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in and around Trumbull are open on Thanksgiving Day, which is on Nov. 28 this year.Among Trumbull area restaurants taking reserva...
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
TRUMBULL, CT — For people who don’t want the hassle of cooking or cleaning up after a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in and around Trumbull are open on Thanksgiving Day, which is on Nov. 28 this year.
Among Trumbull area restaurants taking reservations on Thanksgiving Day, according to Open Table, are:
A number of additional local restaurants have also announced on social media they will be open on Thanksgiving. Residents are encouraged to check their favorite local eatery's social media to see if they will be open on Nov. 28.
Several national chain restaurants with a presence in Connecticut will also be open on Thanksgiving Day, according to lists curated by delish, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. They offer a range of dining experiences, from fine dining to fast casual to fast food. In some cases, you’ll need to make a reservation, so plan ahead as much as possible.
As always, Patch encourages you to call any restaurant on this list in advance to double-check hours on Thanksgiving Day, as many vary by location.
Applebee’s: Hours and participation varies by location.
Black Angus Steakhouse: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. with a limited menu that includes a turkey dinner.
Bob Evans: Most stores will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen: Restaurants are open regular hours and will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner along with an ala carte menu with Italian favorites. Order-ahead options are also available.
Brio Italian Grille: Restaurants will be open from 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Hours may vary by location.
Burger King: Hours may vary by location.
Chart House: Three-course meal options on the restaurant’s Thanksgiving menu include a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the trimmings. Order-ahead options are available.
Cracker Barrel: The restaurant will be open during normal hours, with a limited Thanksgiving menu starting at 11 a.m. Order-ahead options are available.
Del Frisco’s Grille: Most locations will be open from 12 p.m.-9 p.m. In the past, the restaurant has offered a three-course turkey dinner. Order-ahead options are available.
Domino’s Pizza: Stores aren’t required to, but some individual locations may choose to be open on Thanksgiving.
Denny’s: The restaurant will be open during regular hours.
Eddie V’s: The prime seafood restaurant will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. In the past, the restaurant has had a special Thanksgiving menu with turkey and pumpkin pie.
Firehouse Subs: Hours may vary by location.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar: Restaurants are open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fogo de Cha?o: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Golden Corral: The buffet will offer all-you-can-eat fresh carved turkey and other Thanksgiving fare.
Hooters: Hours may vary by location.
IHOP: Hours may vary by location.
Maggiano’s Little Italy: The restaurant will be open during regular hours for dine-in and carryout, but also offers catering options.
McCormick and Schmick’s: In addition to its regular dinner menu, the restaurant will offer a traditional turkey dinner. Order-ahead options are available.
McDonald’s: Hours may vary by location.
Morton’s the Steakhouse: The restaurant is offering a four-course Thanksgiving meal for dine-in guests, as well as order-ahead and catering options.
Popeyes: Hours may vary by location.
Red Lobster: Hours may vary by location.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Reservations are strongly encouraged as the restaurant observes extended hours on Thanksgiving. Guests can choose a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner or order from the steak menu. A complete Thanksgiving meal or sides can be pre-ordered.
Seasons 52: The restaurant will be open regular hours and offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal for dine-in or pre-order.
Sizzler: Most locations will be open and will serve a traditional turkey dinner.
Sonic: Many, but not all, locations will be open.
Steak ’N Shake: Stores are open regular hours.
STK Steakhouse: The special Thanksgiving dine-in menu showcases seasonal flavors, including turkey alongside signature steaks, sides and desserts. Pre-order take-out options are available.
Subway: The chain’s locations are individually owned, so you’ll need to call ahead.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and will serve a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner as well as its signature items. Pre-order options are available.
Taco Bell: Hours may vary by location.
TGI Fridays: Hours may vary by location.
Waffle House: Restaurants are open regular hours, as they are every other day of the year.
Wendy’s: Most locations are open regular hours.
Whataburger: Most locations are open regular hours.
White Castle: Stores will be open until 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Trumbull|Local EventTue, Nov 12, 2024 at 8:30 AM190 Shelton Road Trumbull,CTWe are delighted to welcome you into our vibrant community at SCSS. Here, we believe we are more than just a school—we are a family. Our mission is to instill a lifelong love of learning and achieve academic excell...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Trumbull|Local Event
We are delighted to welcome you into our vibrant community at SCSS. Here, we believe we are more than just a school—we are a family. Our mission is to instill a lifelong love of learning and achieve academic excellence while nurturing each child’s spiritual growth and well-being. In a caring and supportive environment, we are committed to fostering a strong sense of community where every student can thrive.
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.As Senior Advisor at Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, Rhonda Stasulli will guide individuals and families through the complexities of aging.WALTHAM, Mass. – EPOCH Senior Living, a premier provider of exceptional senior living services throughout the Northeast, is proud to announce the appointment of Rhonda Stasulli as a new Senior Advisor at Bridges® by...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
WALTHAM, Mass. – EPOCH Senior Living, a premier provider of exceptional senior living services throughout the Northeast, is proud to announce the appointment of Rhonda Stasulli as a new Senior Advisor at Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, located in Trumbull, CT.
Stasulli is a seasoned professional who specializes in new business development and market expansion, and she recently held several positions in senior living facilities in Connecticut. With more than two decades of experience, Stasulli’s extensive background includes roles in sales and development, making her an ideal fit to support the mission of Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull in delivering exceptional services to its residents and families.
As Senior Advisor at Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, Stasulli will guide individuals and families through the complexities of aging and memory impairment, including making the transition to memory care. As a Certified Dementia Trainer, she will guide residents and families who are looking for support during this important time in their lives. In her new position, Stasulli will play a key role in ensuring that seniors with memory loss live fulfilling, engaging lives in a comfortable and supportive environment.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rhonda to our team,” said Trish McKay, Executive Director of at Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull. “Her background working in senior living facilities, and her experience in areas like sales, marketing, and business development make Rhonda a great fit for Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull. I know she will be a tremendous asset here, and her work as a Senior Advisor will help our residents and their families receive expert care from day one.”
About EPOCH Senior Living
Waltham-based EPOCH Senior Living has been a leader in New England senior living since 1997. Known for delivering outstanding experiences and purpose-built properties, the organization currently operates 11 Bridges® by EPOCH communities and five Waterstone Senior Living communities throughout the Northeast. EPOCH is committed to providing premier residences, high-touch services and wellness opportunities that enable seniors to enjoy comfortable, healthy and dignified lifestyles in gracious settings. Bridges® by EPOCH is New England's largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
TRUMBULL — Hillcrest Middle School officials said teachers have to go to great lengths to meet their students' needs due to the building's lack of resources.Principal Bryan Rickert said the 117,000-square-foot building is bursting at the seams and staff are forced to convert various spaces into other uses against their original design."We've used up every ...
TRUMBULL — Hillcrest Middle School officials said teachers have to go to great lengths to meet their students' needs due to the building's lack of resources.
Principal Bryan Rickert said the 117,000-square-foot building is bursting at the seams and staff are forced to convert various spaces into other uses against their original design.
"We've used up every inch of space we have," he said.
There is referendum vote looming on Tuesday to decide if the town can build a new school. The question on the ballot says "Shall the $142,375,000 appropriation and bond authorization for the planning, design and construction of a new Hillcrest Middle School be approved?"
If the majority of residents vote yes, the project can move forward and officially begin. And if not, construction can't happen and the process would have to start all over again.
Given the coming vote, Rickert expressed the dire state the current building is in.
"Our students deserve it, our families deserve it and our teachers deserve it," he said of a new school. "I can't wait to see what our students can do once our teachers have all the resources they need to provide an even greater opportunity for this 21st century we’re in."
Rickert said sometimes a classroom is converted for more storage space, and other times a tiny makeshift classroom is created in the hallway for students who need extra support.
"Every year it gets harder, and it will continue to get harder," Rickert said. "What we don’t ever want to have happen is our students at this school to be at a disadvantage because it can’t support what our teachers can do."
During a walkthrough of the building on Oct. 18, students' bags were lined up along the hallway of the music department because the classrooms were too cramped with seats and instruments.
The boys' locker room had an area sectioned off with gym equipment, including bicycles and golf clubs, while sections of its damaged floors were patched up with pieces wood and duct tape.
In the girls' locker room, desks and seats were stacked up in showers that haven't been used in decades. Rickert said the showers were there since the school's inception in 1967.
Michaela Durand, the school's technology innovation specialist, said her daughter, a seventh grader, attends Hillcrest. Durand said her 69-year-old father also attended the school back when it was a junior high.
Durand said despite the generations between the two, the school hasn't changed at all, besides a paint job or two.
"When you think about what a school building looked like in the 1960s, this is it," she said. "When Hillcrest opened, this was the new building. Now to think that after all this time, it hasn’t improved at all, but so much about teaching has changed."
Madison Middle School was formerly Trumbull High School in 1960, according to records from the Trumbull Historical Society.
The records also showed Hillcrest and Middlebrook were the town's two junior high schools, until a new high school was built on Strobel Road in 1971, where it still stands.
Superintendent Martin Semmel said, since Madison Middle School was originally designed as a high school, it has more suitable amenities than Hillcrest does, like more space for an auditorium and more classes.
"It’s important to note that right now, Hillcrest, I would say, is at a slight disadvantage to Madison Middle School," Semmel said. "Madison Middle School is an old high school, and therefore, contains some things that Hillcrest Middle School doesn’t."
He said, although a new Hillcrest building would be ahead aesthetically, its programmatic needs would be catching up with what Madison already has.
Jeff Wyszynski, principal at Hartford-based Tecton Architects. designed Trumbull's District Master Plan, which breaks down structural issues among all 13 schools and lists each one by order of greatest need.
He said Booth Hill Elementary School and Madison Middle School are both being looked as next in line if the referendum is approved. But determining which one would come next is still up in the air.
"I think what’s most important about the master plan is it has that flexibility," he said. "A few years from now, some of the priorities might change a bit, depending on what that need is."
According to the town charter, a referendum vote is required for projects that exceed $15 million.
The Hillcrest project costs approximately $142,375,000 and the town would pay around $82.5 million.
Earlier this year, First Selectman Vicki Tesoro announced that Rep. Sarah Keitt helped secure a 44 percent reimbursement rate from the state, which drastically decreased the cost of the project to taxpayers.
Semmel said if the referendum isn't approved, the cost to taxpayers will be much higher.
"If the referendum does not pass, there’s going to be a significant cost due to the updates that need to happen here," he said. "We are coming to a crossroads where the buildings need to be updated. And if we don’t start with one ... we're going to end up with more and more costs for all."
Nov 1, 2024
General Assignment Reporter
203-877-1377
