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

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

Philip S.
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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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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“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 Fairfield, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield,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 Fairfield, 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 Fairfield, NJ

Jersey Distilleries Are Giving Kentucky a Run for Its Money

Move over, Kentucky. New Jersey’s liquor distilleries are catching the eye (and palate) of tipplers inside the state and out. Jersey Spirits Distilling Co., based in Fairfield, is distinguished by its natural products made entirely with fresh Garden State–grown ingredients. Below, founder and master distiller John Granata shares his “pure Jersey” approach with us.[RELATED: ...

Move over, Kentucky. New Jersey’s liquor distilleries are catching the eye (and palate) of tipplers inside the state and out. Jersey Spirits Distilling Co., based in Fairfield, is distinguished by its natural products made entirely with fresh Garden State–grown ingredients. Below, founder and master distiller John Granata shares his “pure Jersey” approach with us.

[RELATED: An Insider’s Guide to 25 New Jersey Distilleries]

How did you come to be a distiller and owner of Jersey Spirits? There’s no set career path to becoming a distiller. I took the long road and made a big switch around 10 years ago. I’d been an independent TV producer, but after the ’08 recession, the streaming companies got so big they were producing everything in-house. Their newly minted executives thought they were creatives, and I didn’t love the business anymore. For my next role, I wanted to do something that, like production, combines creativity with technology, science with art. But I didn’t know what.

Did you have an aha moment? I absolutely did. I found my inspiration while on vacation with my wife, Susan, in Park City, Utah. At a whiskey tasting at High West Distillery, we were bowled over by the subtlety and smoothness of the liquor. We got very interested in distilling and started to volunteer at distilleries in Kentucky, New York, Vermont and Florida. We learned everything we could about distilling, which is very scientific and precise, and I got into it.

We opened in 2015, and our production has quintupled since then. Today I’m a master distiller, and our daughter Noël is our operations manager and a distiller, too. Susan does sales and marketing, and designs our bottles and Jersey-centric labels.

Did you have a background in food and beverage? Well, I grew up Italian, in Bloomfield. My grandfather was a longtime chef at Perry’s in Newark, and we were all into food. I grew up feeling that the kitchen was the place to be, and that good food with distinctive flavor is a great achievement. I remember being four or five and climbing up to the roof of my grandma’s house in Spring Lake to flip over her sun-drying tomatoes.

As an adult, I got into baking. I once owned a restaurant, Evergreen, in Upper Montclair, and was very involved in the cooking, with the goal of developing the flavor of every dish. The venture didn’t last, but owning another food or beverage business was always in the back of my mind.

What’s the concept behind Jersey Spirits? For one thing, the timing was good, as New Jersey relaxed its regulations regarding craft distilleries in 2013, opening the door to small-batch producers of under 100,000 [750-ml] bottles annually. Susan and I created our brand and our spirits very consciously. After we appraised all the liquors out there, we put flavor at the top of our wish list. We came to feel that smoothness isn’t enough, even for vodka and gin, and we saw a place for really nice-tasting alcohol, with perceptible flavor as part of the mix.

We also wanted to make our spirits taste, and be, as natural as possible, coming from fresh, real fruit or honey or what have you. It was shocking to discover that nearly all the flavored liquors on the market are made from chemical-laden syrups or outright synthetic flavorings. We New Jerseyans know what good is, with a palate that’s sky-high. Susan and I were certain there was a need for great-tasting liquor with none of the off-taste and aftertaste of fake ingredients.

And finally, we wanted to celebrate our state and its brilliant food and agriculture scene. Our name, Jersey Spirits, reflects what we think of as the actual Jersey spirit—that swagger of self-confidence and pride in our richly historic, varied, delicious place, from spectacular beaches to beautiful old towns to pioneering organic farms. New Jerseyans are second to no one.

Our products are not only made here, but all our ingredients are made from Jersey-grown crops or fruit, fresh and raw. And we’ve been winning gold and silver medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York International Spirits Competition. In New Jersey, we do it right.

Why did you base Jersey Spirits in Fairfield? I’ve lived in Essex County my whole life: Bloomfield, West Caldwell, West Orange. I’ve tried and failed to leave! And Fairfield is the liquor capital of New Jersey—seriously, with the most alcohol licenses of any town in the state. Three distilleries, two breweries and a winery. Fairfield is a cool place.

What’s Jersey Spirits’ product range?We make it all. Vodkas, rums, gins, whiskies, bourbons—the first bourbon distilled in the state since Prohibition. We even produce a single malt whiskey and a grappa. You can see our specific offerings on our website. Everything is pretty unique, such as vodka flavored with Jersey produce: hot pepper, cucumber that’s amazing in a vodka tonic, a horseradish vodka for an incredible Bloody Mary. [There are cocktail recipes, too.]

Our Jersey Hooch liquor is really popular, with complex, not-over-sweetened flavors, so you can taste the Jersey fruit and spices in our Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Cherry Smash, PB & J Sandwich, peachy Beach Tea and more. Jersey Hooch is low-alcohol, around 40 proof, so you can sip it without worrying it’ll go right to your head.

Where can Jersey Spirits be bought and tasted? We’ve gotten a warm reception from retailers statewide and are sold in close to 200 stores, which you can find on our interactive map. We’re at Total Wine, Bottle King, many Buy-Rites and ShopRite liquor stores, and lots of independent shops. We also sell at our distillery, including curbside pickup. You can taste Jersey Spirits in more than 50 bars and restaurants across the state. And our distillery has a tasting room, plus an outdoor area serving shots, flights and cocktails. No reservation; open Wednesday through Sunday.

No one knows New Jersey like we do. Sign up for one of our free newsletters here. Want a print magazine mailed to you? Purchase an issue from our online store.

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Fairfield VFW Post 7925 Launching 'Freedom Rocks' Program and Building a Garden

FAIRFIELD, NJ -- Fairfield’s VFW Post 7925 is planning to build a “Green Space” for the community as a sign of appreciation to its Fairfield residents and to promote a program called “Freedom Rocks,” post commander Brian Gallagher announced.Recognizing the community’s support in enabling the VFW post to remain open and supplying help in refurbishing of the facility, the post has teamed up with local contractors to build an “impressive garden area” on its grounds for the public to enjoy s...

FAIRFIELD, NJ -- Fairfield’s VFW Post 7925 is planning to build a “Green Space” for the community as a sign of appreciation to its Fairfield residents and to promote a program called “Freedom Rocks,” post commander Brian Gallagher announced.

Recognizing the community’s support in enabling the VFW post to remain open and supplying help in refurbishing of the facility, the post has teamed up with local contractors to build an “impressive garden area” on its grounds for the public to enjoy said Gallagher.

The garden will be named Schlapfer Gardens after one of the post’s founding members, World War II Veteran Warren Schlapfer. He and other WWII Veterans chartered the new post in 1946.

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Schlapfer was a local resident of Fairfield before and shortly after WWII. He passed away in 2022 and was laid to rest with military honors in Fairfield.

To honor his legacy of his belief in family and community, the post is hosting a community-first project called “Freedom Rocks” through the assistance of Fairfield residents Ashli Antonakos and Nicole Sudol.

Any Fairfield resident who wishes to participate will be given a small decorative stone that they will be asked to paint in honor of any veteran they may know or just to paint a simple patriotic design in honor of all veterans. The rocks are available for pickup any Wednesday or Friday at the VFW between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. There is no cost for the rocks.

The decorated stones will be placed in Schlapfer Gardens by each individual contributor during the unveiling of Schlapfer Gardens on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. There are potential plans to place each of the stones in a cement pathway to ensure each stone will be placed in perpetuity.

“Participating families are not only invited to attend the unveiling of the new garden, but are strongly encouraged to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity to create these decorative stones that signify the strong foundation of community that VFW Post 7925 believes in,” stated Gallagher.

In a statement to TAPinto West Essex, Gallagher said, “We wanted to give back to the Fairfield community for their support over the years as well as honor one of our founding members. Schlapfer Gardens will be a place where our residents can enjoy a place of tranquility to remember and reflect. We cannot thank Sponzilli Landscaping Group enough for taking on this project and leading the charge to make this a reality.”

For additional information, visit http://www.vfwevents.org and or email [email protected]

Fairfield Voters Face Three School District Proposals on November Election Ballot

FAIRFIELD, NJ -- Fairfield voters in November’s election will vote on three spending proposals that could reinstate programs and staff that were cut in September due to lack of funds in the 2023-24 school budget.If all three proposals are passed, the average homeowner will pay an additional $43.39 a month in taxes.“If these proposals are not voted in by Fairfield voters, the education of Fairfield children will suffer,” said Frank LaMorte, a concerned parent.Sign Up for FREE West Essex Newslette...

FAIRFIELD, NJ -- Fairfield voters in November’s election will vote on three spending proposals that could reinstate programs and staff that were cut in September due to lack of funds in the 2023-24 school budget.

If all three proposals are passed, the average homeowner will pay an additional $43.39 a month in taxes.

“If these proposals are not voted in by Fairfield voters, the education of Fairfield children will suffer,” said Frank LaMorte, a concerned parent.

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Tyler Masterson, another concerned parent, told TAPinto West Essex, “I dropped off my ballot today and left with knots in my stomach, in fear that members of this community do not understand and recognize the dire need the school district is in, and how crucial it is for our residents to pass the three budget proposals on the ballot. The school district is at a tipping point.”

The school board said that these proposals must pass for the betterment of the students. At a previous Fairfield Board of Education (FBOE) meeting, board member Anthony DePascale said an outreach committee was formed to push the message. The FBOE is not legally allowed to do this. They are relying on the outreach committee, Fairfield Education Foundation, and the Fairfield Home and School Association.

LaMorte is on this outreach committee. He explained the board selected a few parents and HSA members to get the word out to the community about the FBOE and what is going on with the schools and Board.

The FBOE adopted its 2023-2024 budget, but in order to maintain the state mandated 2 percent cap, the new budget includes a reduction in staff and program cuts.

Some of the cuts being made include the termination of two general education teachers, one special education teacher and one library media specialist position. As of now, the budget does not include continuing the instrumental band and orchestra programs for grades 4-6 or before and after school clubs in both schools. Field trips for grades K-6 are not in the budget, and some lunch aide positions have not been restored, along with an occupational therapist assistant position.

The first proposal would raise an additional $930,008 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively to reduce general education class size in grades K through 6; reduce special education class size; reinstate the media program for grades K through 6; continue the instrumental band and orchestra program for grade 4 through 6; employ two part-time district registered nurses; employ a full-time technology/network administrator; reinstate before/after school clubs in Adlai E. Stevenson School and Winston S. Churchill School; expand district-wide security; add a full-time custodian; add a full-time speech teacher. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. The proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards. If passed, this proposal will cost the average homeowner $19.44 a month.

The second proposal for additional funds would raise an additional $235,916 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively to increase classroom supplies; purchase new computers and technology at Winston S. Churchill School; purchase of digital software; restore field trips for grades K through 6; restore seven lunch aide positions; restore the occupational therapist assistant. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. The proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards, and if passed, this second proposal will cost the average homeowner $9.88 a month.

The third proposal would raise an additional $540,000 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively for employment and/or contracting of bus aides. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. The proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This third proposal will cost the average homeowner $14.07 a month.

Masterson described the situation saying that over the last several years conditions have changed. The fifth-graders were moved out of the school building and into trailers, and the district cut courtesy busing. She said, “These were changes we could see. There have been many more detrimental changes over the last year that aren’t so obvious, but they are starting to compound, and it’s adding up. Our amazing teachers and staff have done all they can to make do, but many lessons and students are starting to fall through the cracks. How can we turn it around and start to improve?” The answer is first by voting on the ballot questions. This will restore the positions and programs we had in place last year, but more importantly, it will prevent further devastating cuts, which are inevitable if the budget doesn’t pass.”

LaMorte stated, “The teachers and administrators in Fairfield have voiced many concerns about the loss of funding for various programs and challenges with reductions in staff. Without the passing of at least ballot questions 1 and 2, I feel this will negatively impact students’ overall educational experience and achievement levels. This can be a red flag for parents researching schools in our area and a direct impact on our property values.”

Realtor Janice Corsilli said, “One of the reasons our family moved to Fairfield was because of its excellent school system. If the school system continues to eliminate programs and teachers, it could affect the value of the town and the real estate values.”

Masterson stated, “The school district is the cornerstone of our community and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future prosperity of our town. The decisions we make today will not only shape the school, but also the town for years to come. The teachers and staff cannot put any more band-aids over obvious gaps. Please do not let complacency lead us down a path where we look back five years from now, when the picture is even more grim, still asking, 'How did we get here?'"

Parents have asked residents to take the time to watch the video titled Stevenson’s Coffee with the principal. In the video, several teachers share the negative impacts the students are facing today as a result of the budget cuts. It can be found on Dr. Trabucco’s website. Trabucco is the principal of Adlai Stevenson School.

Parents are asking, if anyone has parents or family members who live in town, retired/senior neighbors or young parents with pre-school children, to share this information with them and start the conversation.

There are other residents in town who are rejecting these proposals because they feel they are being penalized because of decisions made by the superintendent and FBOE

Fairfield Observes Veterans Day with Ceremonies

FAIRFIELD, NJ -- “If only the spirit of this day at Fairfield’s VFW could be bottled and sent throughout the United States,” said a Fairfield resident at the Veterans Day memorial service this Saturday. “We need more of this community spirit for the young and old alike,” she said.The post not only held a service for Veterans Day but also dedicated the new serenity garden in memory of Warren Schlapfer, a World War II veteran, who fought in the Philippine Islands as a machine gunner. He was born and raised ...

FAIRFIELD, NJ -- “If only the spirit of this day at Fairfield’s VFW could be bottled and sent throughout the United States,” said a Fairfield resident at the Veterans Day memorial service this Saturday. “We need more of this community spirit for the young and old alike,” she said.

The post not only held a service for Veterans Day but also dedicated the new serenity garden in memory of Warren Schlapfer, a World War II veteran, who fought in the Philippine Islands as a machine gunner. He was born and raised in Fairfield when it was all dirt roads and farmland. Schlapfer worked on his family’s farm during the day and at Curtis Wright at night. After the war, he came back home, and 77 years ago in 1946, he and other veterans created VFW Post 7925.

Gallagher said, “Warren visited us in 2019 and shared so many stories with us. In 2021, he cut the ribbon to our brick pathway "Freedom Walk." Unfortunately, in 2022, Warren passed away at age 98. However, his memory will live on through this public green space.” His family was at the service to cut the ribbon for the new Schlapfer Garden.

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After so many years, the VFW building was getting old and outdated, the parking lot was in disrepair, the outside was looking old and unappealing, and the members were getting older too. They were finding it very hard to keep the post alive. They thought they would have to close. However, the town stepped in, and Gallagher stepped up to the challenge of bringing back the VFW to a vibrant organization. Gallagher had a vision.

Gallagher said, “Over the past several years, the VFW has been slowly bringing the post back to life through rebuilding, repairing and refurbishing. Although our grounds were looking better than before, one eyesore was a patch of land in the back of the parking lot. Brush, dead leaves and trash accumulated over the years making it very unsightly. Last year, the town helped level out the area which helped the situation. One of our members, retired Army SGM Marco Chavez, suggested we speak with Sponzilli Landscaping Group to do something impressive with the landscaping.”

Gallagher explained that Sponzilli came in and reimagined the entire space and suggested a place where people could sit and enjoy the serenity of a garden. It was decided that it should be a public green space dedicated to the residents of Fairfield for their decades of help and support in keeping our VFW Post open. He said, “Without the assistance of this town, our doors would have been closed years ago.”

“We couldn't have done this garden without the generosity of Sponzilli Landscaping Group. They truly stepped up and recognized a project within the community that they could tackle. I'm amazed at how this came into fruition in just a few short weeks. Their work is extraordinary,” stated Gallagher.

He also told the crowd that only a few days ago, he asked Sponzilli if they could build a fire pit, and they did.

The fire pit was lit today, as children gathered around it, to hear Fairfield author Stephen Clifford read from his books, “Forgotten Wisdom Books: Lessons from a Former Marine.”

Other community members, including Ashli Antonakos, Nicole Sudol, Jill Plumstead Totka, many other adults and Girl Scout and Brownie troops helped make this a special day for children. The children were involved in the book lending center and a rock painting project for the garden.

Visitors were invited to come to the garden, take a book to read and sit on the new benches that were donated by supporters of the VFW. One can also come to the book lending center to donate books. Visitors were also invited to take a look at the “rock garden” where children painted inspirational and patriotic rocks that were placed in the garden cement.

Gallagher said, “At the end of the day, this is exactly what makes Fairfield a wonderful place to live. We're a strong community-minded town who support one another, and this new memorial garden is a testament to that. I hope our residents feel this is an appropriate way to show our thanks. It's our love letter to Fairfield as we truly appreciate their years of support.”

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