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 Bradley-Wheeler House 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 Westport, 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 Pasacreta 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 Cottage or visit National Hall Historic District, 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 Westport, 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 Westport, 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 Westport, 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.
"Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing fires."Patch StaffNews release from Westport Fire Department:WESTPORT, CT — In response to several recent structure fires, Fire Marshal Terry Dunn is urging homeowners to take extra precautions as they begin spring cleaning and home renovations."With the change in seasons, we often see an increase in...
Patch Staff
News release from Westport Fire Department:
WESTPORT, CT — In response to several recent structure fires, Fire Marshal Terry Dunn is urging homeowners to take extra precautions as they begin spring cleaning and home renovations.
"With the change in seasons, we often see an increase in home improvement projects and decluttering efforts," said Fire Marshal Dunn. "However, improper storage of flammable materials, overloaded electrical outlets, and spontaneous combustion of oily rags can all lead to devastating fires."
The recent structure fires have been linked to common hazards, including improperly discarded chemicals, electrical malfunctions, and combustible materials being stored too close to heat sources. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported, but the fires have caused significant property damage.
Fire Prevention Tips
The Westport Fire Department urges residents to follow these safety measures to prevent garage and structure fires:
Additionally, the Connecticut State Fire Marshal recommends the importance of having working smoke detectors and multiple exit plans to enhance home safety. While fire-related fatalities have declined compared to last year, continued vigilance is essential.
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Materials
Proper disposal of hazardous materials is critical in preventing fires. Residents are encouraged to participate in Westport's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day to safely dispose of items such as oil-based paints, solvents, and chemicals. Improper disposal can increase fire hazards and lead to environmental contamination.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Details:
This event is free of charge for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich. For more details, visit the Westport Household Hazardous Waste Collection page.
"Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing fires," Dunn added. "If you have concerns about fire safety in your home, our department is always available to provide guidance."
For more fire safety information, visit westportct.gov/fire or contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 341-5020.
WESTPORT — One person was injured after a fire at a home on Tarone Drive Friday, the Westport Fire Department said in a news release.Westport Firefighters were dispatched at 3:41 p.m. Friday for fire at the house, and first responders found a fire in an attached garage, Westport Assistant Chief Brett Kirby said in a news release. All occupants had left the building before fire crews arrived, Kirby said.Crews were able to r...
WESTPORT — One person was injured after a fire at a home on Tarone Drive Friday, the Westport Fire Department said in a news release.
Westport Firefighters were dispatched at 3:41 p.m. Friday for fire at the house, and first responders found a fire in an attached garage, Westport Assistant Chief Brett Kirby said in a news release. All occupants had left the building before fire crews arrived, Kirby said.
Crews were able to reduce the spread of the fire and kept it from reaching the main part of the house, Kirby said.
One of the house's occupants was injured, and they were transported to Norwalk Hospital for evaluation, Kirby said. The extent of the victim's injuries is unclear, Kirby said.
The last fire department unit left the scene at 5:14 p.m., Kirby said.
The Fairfield and Wilton fire departments provided mutual aid station coverage and responded to other calls in Westport, Kirby said. The Norwalk Fire Department also responded to the fire, he said.
Westport's Fire Marshal's office is investigating, Kirby said.
March 7, 2025
Hearst Fellow
Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow in Connecticut. She spent the first part of her fellowship at the Houston Chronicle.
Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants.
The Rolling Stones guitarist and songwriter, who lives in Connecticut, received the award from Gov. Ned Lamont at an event in Westport.Alfred Branch, Patch StaffWESTPORT, CT — Keith Richards, the Rock n' Rock legend who has called Weston home for decades, was presented with the first Connecticut Governor's Award of Excellence on Wednesday, ...
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
WESTPORT, CT — Keith Richards, the Rock n' Rock legend who has called Weston home for decades, was presented with the first Connecticut Governor's Award of Excellence on Wednesday, during a ceremony at The Westport Library.
He was presented with the award by Gov. Ned Lamont, who said Richards "has been an amazing member" of the Connecticut community while living in the state.
"I've been inspired by the Rolling Stones for 50 years, I hope you have as well," Lamont said. "Keith Richards is an amazing member of our community. We're so proud that he's here, and I'm so proud to have the opportunity to give him this Award of Excellence."
Richards, who has lived with his family in Weston since 1985, is being honored "for his deep commitment to supporting the local community.
"Through his generosity and dedication to organizations like SPHERE, which enhances the lives of adults with disabilities, and The Prospector Theater, which provides meaningful employment through the magic of film, Richards has used his influence to uplift and empower others.
"Richards has also been an advocate for arts, education, and accessibility initiatives throughout the state, further exemplifying his dedication to making a lasting impact."
Bill Harmer, executive director of The Westport Library, said Richards is a fitting recipient of the inaugural award.
"The Connecticut Governor's Award of Excellence is a new and prestigious award that celebrates Connecticut residents who embody the state's core values of creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamicism and generosity," Harmer said, who also presented Richards, a fan of libraries, with a Westport Library card. "So, it's only fitting, isn't it, that Keith Richards is the first recipient of this award."
Richards thanked the governor and the residents of Connecticut.
"I've been here for 40 years, and it's been a great place for me," Richards said. "Brought the kids up here. We thought we have to get the kids out of New York City before they don't get any fresh air at all, so we moved up here. Ever since then, we've had a great life here, the family. We're incredibly happy about everything, especially about things like this, because you don't get them every day."
Fashion designer and "Project Runway" host Christian Siriano will close his Westport store The Collective West and relocate it to New York City.Siriano announced the closure in a video on The Collective West's Instagram in December and in February announced a moving sample sale of clothing, furniture and art."We really had an amazing time t...
Fashion designer and "Project Runway" host Christian Siriano will close his Westport store The Collective West and relocate it to New York City.
Siriano announced the closure in a video on The Collective West's Instagram in December and in February announced a moving sample sale of clothing, furniture and art.
"We really had an amazing time the last three years. This is not fully the end," Siriano said in the video posted to Instagram. "We will see you for a couple more months, until we transition into our New York store."
A representative for Siriano did not provide further details on the closure, and the store's voicemail states that the business is open by appointment Monday through Wednesday.
"There will be many more moments to say goodbye in the next few months," Siriano said in the December post's caption. "This is bittersweet."
The Collective West opened at 940 Post Road East in 2022 with a star-studded party attended by model Coco Rocha and actors Laura Linney, Debra Messing and Katie Holmes among other guests.
In addition to selling clothes, accessories, interior furnishings and art by Siriano at the Westport store, Siriano has also held New York Fashion Week parties and pop-up art shows there.
"What I'm trying to bring to Connecticut and Westport in general is like a little bit of fashion, a little bit of glamour, things you miss from (New York City)," Siriano told CT Insider in August last year. "You still want some of that style. That's what we're bringing."
Siriano moved to Westport in 2020, after he purchased a house there prior to the pandemic. He told Vogue in 2022 that he appreciates Westport’s art scene and its "cool, cultured group of creators and talent."
Although The Collective West is leaving Westport, Siriano's design work will still be on display in the town. The designer partnered with Delamar Hotels to design the interior of its new Westport hotel, which is set to open this year, according to Delamar Hotels' website.
Gov. Ned Lamont will present the Rolling Stones guitarist with the Governor's Award of Excellence at an event in Westport this week.Alfred Branch, Patch StaffNews release from Gov. Ned Lamont's Office:WESTPORT, CT — Governor Ned Lamont [on Monday] announced that legendary guitarist, longtime Connecticut resident, founding member of the world-...
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
News release from Gov. Ned Lamont's Office:
WESTPORT, CT — Governor Ned Lamont [on Monday] announced that legendary guitarist, longtime Connecticut resident, founding member of the world-renowned rock band the Rolling Stones, and community philanthropist Keith Richards will be the first recipient of the Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence – a prestigious new honor celebrating Connecticut residents who epitomize the state’s core values of creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamism, and generosity.
Established in 2025, the Governor’s Award of Excellence celebrates individuals whose contributions enrich Connecticut’s cultural and civic life. The award consists of a custom-designed medallion — crafted by Connecticut State Trooper Danny Carvalho and manufactured by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) — along with a ribbon designed and sewn by Enfield-based fashion designer Justin Haynes. In addition to the award, Governor Lamont will present Richards with a proclamation offering him the “Key to the State.”
The honor will be presented to Richards during a ceremony that will be held at The Westport Library on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Due to the space limitations of the intimate venue and anticipated interest, this event is open to invited guests and media only. The library will be closed from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the ceremony.
“Connecticut has long been home to some of the world’s most innovative minds, boldest artists, and most generous hearts,” Governor Lamont said. “This award was created to honor those whose creativity, resourcefulness, and passion have made a lasting impact on our state and beyond. Keith Richards is the epitome of these values — not only as one of the most influential musicians of all time but as a dedicated supporter of the arts, education, and community causes right here in Connecticut.”
A Connecticut resident since 1985, Richards is being honored for his deep commitment to supporting the local community. Through his generosity and dedication to organizations like SPHERE, which enhances the lives of adults with disabilities, and The Prospector Theater, which provides meaningful employment through the magic of film, Richards has used his influence to uplift and empower others. Richards has also been an advocate for arts, education, and accessibility initiatives throughout the state, further exemplifying his dedication to making a lasting impact.
“When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you,” Richards said. “The public library is the great equalizer.”
“The Westport Library is beyond thrilled to host this momentous occasion honoring Keith Richards, a true cultural icon whose influence transcends generations,” Bill Harmer, executive director of The Westport Library, said. “As a library that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the transformative power of the arts, we couldn’t imagine a more fitting place for this historic event. Keith’s legacy is woven into the fabric of music history, and we are honored to provide the stage where Connecticut will recognize his immeasurable contributions. This is not just a celebration of an artist, but of a life lived boldly, authentically, and with an undeniable passion for inspiring others.”
Richards is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of music. His career with the Rolling Stones dates back over seven decades, to the early 1960s, and his songwriting partnership with Stones frontman Mick Jagger is heralded as one of the most successful and prolific in rock history. Among his signature songs are “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Start Me Up,” “Happy,” “Miss You,” “Brown Sugar,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Wild Horses,” “It’s Only Rock n’ Roll (But I Like it),” and “As Tears Go By,” to name a few.
Richards has also scored great success as a solo artist, with albums including “Talk Is Cheap,” “Live at the Hollywood Palladium,” “Main Offender,” and “Crosseyed Heart,” and hits such as “Take It So Hard,” “You Don’t Move Me,” “Wicked as It Seems,” and “Eileen.”
Onscreen, Richards played a solider in the 1969 film “Man on Horseback,” himself on “The Simpsons” in 2002, and appeared in two “Pirates of the Caribbean” films as Captain Teague, the father of main character Jack Sparrow, who was notably loosely based off Richards. In 2015, he released his Netflix documentary, “Keith Richards: Under The Influence,” which was partially filmed in Connecticut.
Richards has also penned two books. He released his memoir “Life” to critical acclaim in 2010, and later released a children’s book, “Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar,” in 2014.
Richards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993, and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, among his many honors.
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