AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“They provide care for Helen. They need to be better at cleaning the house.”

Jeffrey K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They had consistency. They took the caring way of caring for my husband.”

John O.
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“It has done everything it can. The care has been excellent. I like the fact that I don't need Paulette to come as scheduled and she is very accommodating that way. She is also very reliable and made it easier that she just lives down the street.”

Jill D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I like that my mom looks very good because of the care she is getting. I like that they do what they say they are going to do. They keep their word.”

Richard S.
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“The way that they are, the politeness, and the contact people are very helpful. I like the professionalism, the staff and the people that take care of the elderly, they are very polite and concerned.”

Sheldon E.
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“They work with me on being flexible with hours. I like their flexibility.”

Mary A.
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“They are wonderful with her. Except for when she gets a new aide unexpectedly. I like most of the aides.”

Anonymous_6209
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“The caregiver helps her with everything. They help her with bathing and dressing. They also help with eating and making sure she takes medications. They could work on communication with the families and follow up's with the families about staff.”

Jeffrey K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They have helped me the most by being there to help my mom to do exercises and take her to the bathroom. I like that they are always prompt and helpful to my mother.”

Anonymous_5805
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“They've made my experience with them positive by being very friendly. I'd recommend them more if they had caregivers who would take more initiative in helping around the house.”

Jason L.
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“We have several different aides that come help. I would like them to stop having a increase in pay. They have been able to come when I have called needing emergency help.”

Anonymous_4907
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TESTIMONIALS

“They provided the care that my father needed to be able to stay in his house. The quality of substitute aides needs to be improved.”

Lee B.
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“They did everything possible for my Mother. The aid was outstanding.”

Robert F.
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“They have made life easier because I watch out for my grandchildren and they care for her during that time. I like that they come out when they say they will and they let us know if they are running late.”

Elaine R.
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“They make sure that he's safe. I like the owner's response if I ever need anything.”

Angela G.
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“My dad needs companionship, I cannot give it to him. For me what would help would be more cooking. That would be appreciated by my father. I would make sure that they would warm the food and serve it out.”

Shirley A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The aide is exceedingly helpful. I like everything about this agency. The aide is very caring.”

Jan G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Paulette and her team provide the best care, always. They even have a school that trains and certifies caregivers.”

Ruben T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Having more people available when people come in would be good. They weren't really able to help us in our time of need.”

Diane G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“She is difficult to deal with and it can be hard to manage the mood swings. They need to be a little more educated about how to deal with people who have Alzheimer's. They are dependable.”

Debra K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They answer when I call and they help me when I have questions. They review everything. When people can't work they find someone else to cover. The aides are lovely. The woman I deal with is always available. She helps in any what that she can. She is willing to take over.”

Jodi B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have to work so I can't watch John. It is nice that the caregiver is right there all the time. I like Paulette the owner because she is very prompt. She practically answers call herself.”

Barbara R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They help her with everything. They wash her up, they take her to the bathroom, they dress her. They prepare something for her to eat. They are dependable. They are responsible. They always seem to have a good caregiver for my mom.”

Michele M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I always was able to get good service for my dad with Always Best Care of Flanders, New Jersey. Paulette, the owner, is very professional and helpful.”

Erna
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TESTIMONIALS

“The agency was always very good in getting someone to come over even when the regular caregiver could not come.”

Ingrid
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“They take care of my uncle for me. They are reliable. They are respectful. They are very good.”

Joseph C.
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“If I have any questions they come and talk to me and it is convenient and easy to work with. Whenever I call they are very courteous and they answer my question and advise me.”

Martha P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They help with the everyday thing around the house. They take care of personal needs. I like the personal service.”

Harriet B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It gives me peace of mind because I work full time. They are very in tune to what my mother's needs are.”

Linda D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They come and help him with daily living. They fix his bed and give him food. He can't do those things on his own. They could accommodate better for Spanish-speaking people to come into the home a little more. It is difficult with the language barrier sometimes.”

Javier V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They helped her out the most by being here to make sure was safe. They were dependable.”

Dennis T.
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“I was able to get a good night's sleep and the caregiver was wonderful with my dad. He was very nice and became part of the family for that week. They could improve on their price.”

Giavanni B.
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“They have helped because it makes it so that I don't have to do everything. They could pay the aides more.”

Tammy B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The caregiver we have is very well-trained. They have compassionate care.”

Alan D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They send me nice people, and they give me a peace of mind. I like the owner.”

Anonymous_1680
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TESTIMONIALS

“Paulette was here for a ten hour stretch when I took a trip to New York. We've only used them twice so far, but we've been very pleased. They're able to fit my schedule into their schedule.”

Ron G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I couldn't get through the day without them, they take care of all of her needs when I am gone. The girls that come over are great and take good care of my mother-in-law.”

Joan H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I can't walk, and I am in perpetual care. They respond flexibly to requirements.”

Philip S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They mostly gave her morning care. I have a herniated disc, so that helped. They walked her to the living and made sure she was clean before they left. They were always prompt and took good care of my mother. If they noticed anything out of the ordinary, they let me know.”

Barbara B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“He's more alert and active. He looks forward to seeing the caregiver every day. The caregiver is excellent and very attentive to my dad and my aunt.”

Penny P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“She seemed to like the caregivers. One of the caregivers decided to quit and the second caregiver worked for us for a few days and then she quit. The owner herself gave excellent service. The owners seem to be very conscientious about the kind of service that is provided.”

James W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Knowing I had someone there to take care of her was a big impact and very helpful. I didn't have to be there 24/7. I was still worried because of the few times they didn't get there. They cancelled a few times without letting me know until it was too late and they couldn't get a replacement.”

Connie C.
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“Their reliability has helped the most. They take care of my loved one very well. They have been always been reliable.”

Judith A.
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“My family and I were very pleased with the care provided to my Mother in Law during her last days by Always Best Care. The Care Givers were terrific. They took a very difficult situation and made it much better.”

John E.
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“I am extremely pleased with the care provided by Always Best Care to my husband. Their caregivers were very professional in every aspect of the care. They were compassionate, punctual, and treated my husband and all other family members with respect. They made his passing easier than expected. Thanks again!”

Pam W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“For almost two years, we have been using Always Best Care’s In-Home Care services to aid in my father's care needs. I live around an hour away from his place and can’t see my dad every day. But I am glad that someone reliable is there to take care of him.”

Erin B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“With Always Best Care, I had peace of mind that my dad was cared by someone professional and experienced. I was assured that all his need and demands were fulfilled on time. Thanks to the entire team!”

David R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is very reassuring to know that my mother is being cared for by someone who is so compassionate and understands her needs. She was diagnosed with dementia last year and had almost lost interest in everything. Thanks to the wonderful caregivers of Always Best Care, she is once again smiling and laughing like before.”

Kevin T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care did an outstanding job helping me through the process of understanding all their care options. I appreciate everything they've done and continue to do and I highly recommend them to all.”

Connie M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you Always Best Care for sending Joanna to care for my father post his double knee replacement surgery. Due to my frequent business trips, I wasn’t able to provide him the care he needed. I am glad I found Joanna who is extremely cordial and know her duties well.”

f D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Because of the good care that my parents are receiving, they are able to stay at a nicer facility with a lower level of care. Always Best Care makes up the difference in care. I have referred my friends numerous times because of the office staff.”

Peggy F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is one of the best home care organization whose services I have ever received. Before hiring ABC, I went to so many other institutions but was not satisfied with any of their services. But ABC’s whole staff welcomed me and discussed a detailed plan with me for my mother’s recovery. Thank God. My mother is in safe hands now! Thank you Always Best Care!”

Santiago T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is very reassuring to know that my mother is being cared for by someone who is so compassionate and understands her needs. She was diagnosed with dementia last year and had almost lost interest in everything. Thanks to the wonderful caregivers of Always Best Care, she is once again smiling and laughing like before.”

Jamie N.
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“From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly, the food is good , and they have made some good friends there.”

sana K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I had two different caregivers and they each worked a week. I was not strong enough to provide the care that was needed. I didn't want to restrict him, so I had help to allow him to get up whenever he wanted. I had to work, go to the store, and do my laundry.”

Ginny M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our caregiver is excellent but I don't think they get enough support from the office. The services give me peace of mind knowing my loved one is being cared for properly.”

Anonymous
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TESTIMONIALS

“My only problem with the agency is that my caregivers call out every other week, so I don't have someone for two weeks. Since I had a stroke and I had to go on disability, I had to give up my car, so they drive places for me.”

Loretta R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care was involved with the JACC Program, and now they aren't. My last caregiver was wonderful, so it'd be good if they were all like that. The caregiver I had was wonderful and did an excellent job.”

Shirley C.
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“From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly, the food is good , and they have made some good friends there. - Sana Kniess”

Sana K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“From what I received as a feedback from my parents the staff is very friendly, the food is good , and they have made some good friends there.”

Sana K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a good company. They provided quality care for me. I had a caregiver that was excellent through Always Best Care. She was perfect for what I needed, and she definitely improved my life.”

Dario D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful. - Leta J.”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I truly believe that without the help of Always Best Care, keeping my mother at home alone would have not been possible. Their caregivers take care of my mother exactly the way I would have if I was home. They help my mother with her bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, walking, and more. When my mother falls asleep, they take care of chores like dusting and vacuuming. When they are with my mother, I never feel worried. In such a short span of time, they have become a part of our family. Always Best Care has definitely surpassed my expectations. I highly recommend their services.”

Dean J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very good senior care service. Very dedicated and competent people, I am happy I have the pleasure of knowing and working with them. I recommend their home care service in Flanders.”

Korry S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The people from Always Best Care are very accurate, very concerned and very caring people. They listen to my needs and concerns as well as my mother's wants. Then they offer the exact person I need for my mother's care. This is the first time that I had somebody who is the owner and a nurse that shows up unexpectedly to check out that everything is doing well and that I think is wonderful. I recommend them to everybody.”

Debbie39
 In-Home Care Cedar Grove, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Cedar Grove, NJ work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Cedar Grove, NJ

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Cedar Grove, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Cedar Grove, NJ 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Cedar Grove, NJ

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cedar Grove,NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers Cedar Grove, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

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Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

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.

Latest News in Cedar Grove, NJ

Cedar Grove football rides dominant second half to top Ramsey

NorthJersey.comWESTWOOD — When Cedar Grove and Ramsey stepped onto the field for the last of the five games in the Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic, it was a matchup of experience vs. inexperience. More times than not, that experience will pay huge dividends in the beginning of a season.It certainly did for the Panthers of Cedar Grove, who got through a slow start before coming on and playing dominantly in the second half of a 34-7 football win over the Rams in the season opener for both teams Saturday.It ...

NorthJersey.com

WESTWOOD — When Cedar Grove and Ramsey stepped onto the field for the last of the five games in the Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic, it was a matchup of experience vs. inexperience. More times than not, that experience will pay huge dividends in the beginning of a season.

It certainly did for the Panthers of Cedar Grove, who got through a slow start before coming on and playing dominantly in the second half of a 34-7 football win over the Rams in the season opener for both teams Saturday.

It took about a quarter for Cedar Grove to find itself, as Ramsey’s youngsters played a spirited game with what at times looked like a Grand Central Station approach offensively, rotating three, four or five players in and out.

Jim Grasso Kickoff Classic:Westwood football enjoys dream start vs. South Plainfield

That helped keep the game scoreless into the second quarter and the Rams actually got the first points of the game following an Andrew McDade interception of a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage.

Two first downs set up a nice stretch play, with Christian Fojon cutting off the right tackle and finding the seam on the way to a 27-yard touchdown run. That would be the last highlight moment for the Rams, however.

The Panthers, a pass-first offense, finally got their timing down, and they answered back with a quick march that culminated on a nice hitch-and-go route by Nick Russo, with quarterback Stephen Paradiso hitting him stride in the back of the end zone down the left sideline,

Cedar Grove grabbed the lead for good on the final play of the first half, with Sebastian Kovacs drilling a 40-yard field goal with room to spare, making it 10-7. That pumped up CG, and they took the second-half kickoff and went right down the field, with a Paradiso to Nick Iannacone 25-yard pass putting them on the 1-yard line. Paradiso snuck it in from there.

After a failed fourth down by Ramsey, Cedar Grove made it 24-7 on a 15-yard Paradiso to Iannacone TD strike. Kovacs added his second field goal from 28 yards out, giving the Panthers a 27-7 lead going into the fourth quarter, and a Paradiso 13-yard run closed out the scoring.

What it means

For Cedar Grove, it was a validation that they are ready to once again make noise in the North Group 1 championship picture. The Panthers went almost exclusively with the pass in the first half, running only three times, but they had a better mix in the second half and were able to use the run time off the clock.

For Ramsey, it sets the needle for what has to happen as they move on to the next game, a mere five days away on Thursday against Pascack Valley. With a sophomore quarterback making his debut and many pieces on both sides of the ball also in their inaugural varsity game, it’s all about getting better. It was not a lack of effort by the Rams, simply a case of the opponent being much further along thanks to their veteran status.

Turning point No. 1

This one is easy. It was the Kovacs field goal to close the half. The Panthers were not at their best in the opening half ("We got a little caught up in opening day jitters and simply needed to get rolling,” head coach Rob Gogerty said), but they were able to walk off with a lead and a huge momentum swing, Coming right out and scoring to open the second half emphasized the positive shift.

Turning point No. 2

Facing a fourth-and-five at their own 37 with just under 5:30 to go in the third quarter and trailing 17-7, Ramsey coach Adam Baeira gambled and went for it. Perhaps a better way of stating it is, he showed his team that he had faith in them. They had quarterback Justus Favata roll right and the running back release from a block into the flat. The pass hit him in the hands beyond the first-down marker with room to run, but it was dropped.

“We practice that play over and over,” Baeira said. “It set up like we expected but we just didn’t execute it. Hey, we’re going to have to own it, know that when that situation comes up again that we’ll do a better job of making the play.”

By the numbers

Paradiso was 18 of 29 passing for 285 yards and a pair of touchdowns and one interception. Iannacone was the favorite target, snaring 8 balls for 139 yards. Jackson Morrice was the deep threat, catching 4 for 97 yards and Russo, the tight end, had 3 grabs for 51 yards as well as a 12-yard run on a receiver reverse. The Panthers had a 316-203 advantage in total yards over the Rams.

Favara was 12 of 21 passing for 81 yards and an interception in his first game as a starter, with tight end Noah Magnus on the receiving end of four balls for 38 yards. Van Schoening had 3 catches for 14 yards and 41 rushing yards on 13 carries. Fojon had 50 yards on 5 runs and Favata 34 on six carries.

Softball: Florre’s inside-the-parker, unearned runs vault No. 6 Cedar Grove to G1 final

At the highest level of any bat-and-ball sport, taking advantage of your opponent’s mistakes can be the difference between moving on and seeing your season end.Complete Box Score »Cashing in sure made the difference for Cedar Grove on Tuesday.Scoring two unearned runs and achieving a rare feat in the form of an inside the park home run, Cedar Grove – No. 6 in the ...

At the highest level of any bat-and-ball sport, taking advantage of your opponent’s mistakes can be the difference between moving on and seeing your season end.

Complete Box Score »

Cashing in sure made the difference for Cedar Grove on Tuesday.

Scoring two unearned runs and achieving a rare feat in the form of an inside the park home run, Cedar Grove – No. 6 in the NJ.com Top 20 – notched a 3-1 victory over Weehawken in Group 1 semifinal action at Weehawken’s scenic Waterfront Park.

Seeking its first state title since 2019, Cedar Grove (26-3) will take on defending Group 1 winner Clayton in Saturday’s title game at Kean University. Weehawken, the Hudson County champion which won the school’s first back-to-back sectional titles in any sport since 1955 this year, finished a highly successful season at 26-3.

The victory was a bit of revenge for Cedar Grove, which fell 2-1 to Weehawken on its home field last year in the Section 2, Group 1 final. The two squads were in different sections this year with Cedar Grove landing in Section 1, and both ran into each other anyway.

“We always preach that we want to put the ball in play, because good things usually happen when you do,” said Panthers coach Nikki Velardi. “Savanna (McHale, the standout pitcher for Weehawken) is an awesome pitcher and we knew our opportunities would be limited. We took advantage of them.”

The go-ahead blow came in the top half of the third in a 1-1 game.

Cedar Grove leadoff batter Gabrielle Florre got up there with two outs, fell behind in the count, but reversed the tables by roping a slicing ball down the third base line.

Weehawken’s left-fielder fully extended to try and make a diving grab, but the ball got past and skipped all the way to the wall, allowing the speedster Florre to cross home plate standing and give the Panthers the lead again.

“I was running as hard as I could, but when I saw Coach Pete (Velardi, Nikki’s father and Panthers assistant) waving me home as hard as he could, I knew I was going to score,” said Florre.

But it was Weehawken would draw first blood in the bottom of the first.

Katherine Thompson was struck by a Kayce Kavakich offering with one out to get on and took second shortly after on a wayward pitch.

Weehawken catcher Envey Duran – one of the more promising sophomores in the state – then came up with a line drive single up the middle to score Thompson and put the Indians ahead 1-0.

But Kavakich, who struck out 14 and only allowed one other hit in the game, settled in well and wound up striking out 14 batters, including the side on two different occasions.

Cedar Grove would respond quickly and level things up at 1-1 in the second. The rally started when Marina Bryant doubled to deep left-center with one out. Then, disaster struck the Indians when a dropped routine fly ball allowed Bryant to reach third.

Daniella D’Angelo made Weehawken pay by launching a fly ball to center field to score Bryant, charging an unearned run to McHale’s ledger.

Cedar Grove would tack on an insurance run in the fifth, when catcher Ava Oeckel singled in Isabella Stolz with two outs. Stolz reached base on another fielding mishap in the outfield that cost Weehawken dearly.

“We didn’t play our best today, and when you make mistakes against a great team like (Cedar Grove), they’re going to score,” lamented Weehawken coach Raquel Roder. “But this team is still very young, seven starters are back, and to only lose 3-1 despite that shows how close we are right now.”

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Cedar Grove softball makes it look easy on way to another sectional title

CEDAR GROVE - Seven minutes.That’s all the time Cedar Grove needed to return to the top. By the time the first inning was over in Saturday’s North 1, Group 1 sectional softball final, the Panthers led 5-0 and were nearly celebrating another monumental accomplishment.Top-seeded Cedar Grove, the reigning Essex County Tournament champions, cruised to a 10-0 victory over No. 2 seed Emerson in five innings in the NJSIAA North 1, Group 1 final at Panther Park.It’s the Panthers' first state sect...

CEDAR GROVE - Seven minutes.

That’s all the time Cedar Grove needed to return to the top. By the time the first inning was over in Saturday’s North 1, Group 1 sectional softball final, the Panthers led 5-0 and were nearly celebrating another monumental accomplishment.

Top-seeded Cedar Grove, the reigning Essex County Tournament champions, cruised to a 10-0 victory over No. 2 seed Emerson in five innings in the NJSIAA North 1, Group 1 final at Panther Park.

It’s the Panthers' first state sectional crown since 2019 and fourth in the last six seasons. (There was no season in 2020.)

Cedar Grove (25-3) will meet Weehawken (25-2) in the Group 1 semifinals on Tuesday in Hudson County. The Indians shut out Whippany Park, 3-0 Saturday in the North 2. Group 1 final.

Sophomore hurler Cayce Kavakich threw a one-hit gem, striking out 11 batters in five innings of work. Emerson’s only hit of the game came from Sarah Mokrzecki with two outs in the first inning. After that, Kavakich retired the next 13 batters and struck out the side in both the second and third innings.

“I didn’t expect to have a big lead that early in the game. I actually expected a longer game. But when we got that lead, I was so much more comfortable and I was able to trust myself,” Kavakich said. “We’re such a close team. We’ve all grown up together and played together for so long. We’re a family, sisters and it makes it so much fun.”

The Panthers collected 14 hits as a team, five off of Emerson ace Natalie Graham and nine off of reliever Mokrzecki. Kavakich helped her own cause with a game-high three hits and four RBIs. Five other Panthers had two hits apiece.

“We were hungry after what happened to us last year. Our goal was to get back here and finish the job,” Cedar Grove coach Nikki Velardi said. “But our work isn’t done yet. We still have the group tournament to play.”

What it means

Cedar Grove is a sectional champion for the first time in four years after winning three straight titles from 2017-2019.

The Panthers will begin their quest for a third Group 1 title starting Tuesday against Weehawken in the state semifinal round. Cedar Grove last claimed group championships in 2017 and 2019.

Cedar Grove extended its win streak to 18 straight. Its last loss came against Mount St. Dominic, a 3-1 setback on April 21.

Emerson (25-4) closed out a successful campaign, reaching a state sectional final for the second time in three years. It also marked the third straight season the Cavos won 20 or more games. This season’s 25-win total is the most since going 23-4 in 2017. Over the last three years, the Bergen County school is 67-13.

Big inning

Cedar Grove broke out the bats early with a five-run first inning and never looked back.

Leadoff batter Gabriella Florre reached base on an error and scored the Panthers first run on a Kavakich RBI single two batters later.

Gia Fernandez followed with a single before Marina Bryant cleared the bases with a two-run RBI triple to make it 3-0.

Madison Lemongello then doubled to drive in Bryant and Daniella D’Angelo singled on a fly ball to center field to make it 5-0.

They said it

“I thought this game was going to be close. But we came out strong the same way we’ve been doing it since the county tournament. We kept it going. My job is to get on base and once that happens, I know I’m going to score.” – Florre.

“I stress our history and tradition to the girls every year. We have a championship mindset and the culture is great. We prepared all week for this game. The big thing about this team is grit. We have grit and they’re hungry to win.” – Velardi.

Baseball: Wood-Ridge wins first sect. title since 1968, downs Cedar Grove in NJS2G1 final

Top-seeded Wood-Ridge is partying like it is 1968 after capturing its first sectional title in 55 years and defeating second-seeded Cedar Grove 6-3 in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 finals in Wood-Ridge.The score was knotted up at three in the bottom of the sixth inning before Sal Catanzaro’s RBI single put Wood-Ridge (21-8) ahead by one run. Eric Barton’s base hit allowed two more runs to score for a Blue Devils squad looking to exorcise a demon of their own.“I couldn’t be any happier for this gro...

Top-seeded Wood-Ridge is partying like it is 1968 after capturing its first sectional title in 55 years and defeating second-seeded Cedar Grove 6-3 in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 finals in Wood-Ridge.

The score was knotted up at three in the bottom of the sixth inning before Sal Catanzaro’s RBI single put Wood-Ridge (21-8) ahead by one run. Eric Barton’s base hit allowed two more runs to score for a Blue Devils squad looking to exorcise a demon of their own.

“I couldn’t be any happier for this group of kids,” Wood-Ridge head coach Mike Carcich said. “They were the definition of a true team and that’s why we won this sectional final.”

If 55 years of waiting was not enough, the Blue Devils had some added motivation after losing to Waldwick in the same spot last season.

“It’s truly an honor to be the coach of this high school baseball team,” Carcich continued. “This town bends over backward to support you in every way and the foundation of this sectional championship is set by the school, town, recreation, and families. They’ve been waiting for a while and I’m glad we could give it to them.”

Carcich also applauded his team’s ability to adapt to whatever situation arose, including Mike Marchitelli who ended the game by striking out Cedar Grove’s Nicholas Droge.

“He was a starter for most of the year but, due to some injuries and everyone coming back healthy, accepted the role of a relief pitcher and got the win on the mound,” Carcich said.

Marchitelli also contributed to a major turning point in the game when he struck out catcher Nicolas Russo with the bases loaded in the sixth to keep the game tied at three.

Wood-Ridge jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to RBI singles from Braden Negro and Devin Arce. However, Cedar Grove (19-10) answered with a run in the third and two in the fifth.

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