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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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“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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“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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“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 Mountain Lakes, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Mountain Lakes, 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 Mountain Lakes, 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 Mountain Lakes, 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 Mountain Lakes, 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 Mountain Lakes, 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 Mountain Lakes,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 Mountain Lakes, 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 Mountain Lakes, NJ

'We had to respond:' Delbarton lacrosse snaps losing streak against Mountain Lakes

MOUNTAIN LAKES – Aidan Troy has a lot of games circled on his calendar. But the Delbarton goaltender might have put a bit more emphasis on Tuesday's rivalry rematch against Mountain Lakes.The Green Wave's challenging early schedule paid off with a 8-4 come-from-behind road victory.It wasn't the first time Delbarton had to respond after giving up early goals. With Mountain Lakes up 2-0 after the first quarter, the Green Wave responded with five second-period goals – four in the first seven minutes....

MOUNTAIN LAKES – Aidan Troy has a lot of games circled on his calendar. But the Delbarton goaltender might have put a bit more emphasis on Tuesday's rivalry rematch against Mountain Lakes.

The Green Wave's challenging early schedule paid off with a 8-4 come-from-behind road victory.

It wasn't the first time Delbarton had to respond after giving up early goals. With Mountain Lakes up 2-0 after the first quarter, the Green Wave responded with five second-period goals – four in the first seven minutes.

But while Delbarton (5-2) was unable to come back against nationally-ranked St. Anthony's of Long Island or Malvern (Pennsylvania) Prep, those challenges gave the players the experience needed on Tuesday.

"Those guys have a lot of experience under their belt, and came out and punched us in the mouth. In both of those games, we had to respond," said Troy, a senior from Westfield, which visits Delbarton next month.

"We came out here after all that and said, 'We can go down one. We can go down two. But in the second quarter, the third quarter, we'll have the same amount of energy and catch them sleeping. ... A lot of the experience really helped us there."

The Green Wave snapped a four-game losing streak against the Lakers, a stretch which includes the 2022 Morris County Tournament final. The Green Wave holds a 41-39 all-time lead in the series.

Delbarton senior midfielder T.J. Coffey attended quite a few of those games while growing up in Chatham. Both he and Troy expect to cross paths with the Lakers again, quite possibly in the MCT final on May 9.

Mountain Lakes and Delbarton have decided the MCT lacrosse title 24 times in the tournament's 34-year history.

"It's awesome," said Coffey, who scored the Green Wave's first goal with 10:26 left in the second quarter and an insurance goal in the fourth.

"It's a Delbarton tradition. It's a Mountain Lakes tradition. It's always big to win these games, end the losing streak here and get back going the right direction. ... It's something a lot of New Jersey youth teams look at. It's always fun to watch the two teams compete. You know it's going to be a good game."

Delbarton launched its lacrosse program in 1976. About the same time, John Walters – Mountain Lakes assistant coach Mark Walters' father – founded a recreation program when the family moved into town. It grew into a high school varsity team in 1980, with Walters a sophomore on the field and Tim Flynn at the helm.

The Delbarton-Mountain Lakes rivalry began that first year, based solely on proximity. Now, they meet annually in the NJAC-American, as well as Morris County and NJSIAA tournaments.

Coffey and Delbarton senior attack Gray Doyle had two goals and an assist apiece. Green Wave senior midfielder Sean Diczok added a goal and two assists.

Attacks Kevin Gillespie, Merric Martorana and Giacomo Bevacqua each had a goal and an assist for Mountain Lakes (4-1). Lakers senior goalie Matt Sentowski made 18 saves, many of them acrobatic.

"I told them I was extremely proud of them," Flynn said. "We battled the entire time. We made some mistakes and they took advantage of them, but in terms of how hard the kids went out after stuff, it was fantastic. It's a great rivalry based on respect, great players, and great programs. ... Our fans, our people, our program, we work really hard for games like this."

North, Group 1 girls lacrosse final preview - Mountain Lakes at Verona

NORTH, GROUP 1 FINALBRACKETMonday, June 62-Mountain Lakes (8-11) at 1-Verona (15-4), 4TITLE HISTORYMountain Lakes has won five sectional titlesTitles – 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2022Verona has never won a sectional title.HOW THEY GOT HEREMountain Lakes: Defeated No. 15 Pascack Hil...

NORTH, GROUP 1 FINAL

BRACKET

Monday, June 6

2-Mountain Lakes (8-11) at 1-Verona (15-4), 4

TITLE HISTORY

Mountain Lakes has won five sectional titles

Titles – 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2022

Verona has never won a sectional title.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Mountain Lakes: Defeated No. 15 Pascack Hills 16-4 in the first round. Kayla Plotts led with a hat trick, two assists, four draw controls and three ground balls, Kaylin Oey had a hat trick, three draw controls and two ground balls, Lindsay Gellert added one goal and four assists. Defeated seventh-seeded Mahwah 14-7 in the quarterfinals. Oey led with five goals, one assist, seven draw controls and three ground balls, Abigail Hawes finished with four goals, one assist, four draw controls and four ground balls, Plotts added four goals and one assist and Gellert totaled one goal, four assists and five ground balls. Defeated sixth-seeded Westwood 15-6 in the semifinals. Plotts led with 10 goals and one assist, Julia Peterson recorded a hat trick and one assist, Oey added one goal, three assists, 11 draw controls and eight ground balls and Gellert contributed one goal and three assists.

Verona: Defeated No. 16 Pompton Lakes 16-2 in the first round. Riley Kenrick led with four goals and one assist, Bridget Lonsinger finished with two goals, two assists, eight draw controls, four ground balls and one forced turnover, Clara Nippes added two goals and three assists. Defeated ninth-seeded Jefferson 15-2 in the quarterfinals. Kenrick led with eight goals and three ground balls, Lonsinger finished with three goals, four assists, 10 ground balls, seven draw controls and five forced turnovers, Brooke Rienecker added five ground balls, four draw controls and three forced turnovers. Defeated fourth-seeded Kinnelon 13-5 in the semifinals. Kenrick finished with a hat trick, one assist and two forced turnovers, Lonsinger contributed two goals, one assist, 10 draw controls, eight ground balls and four forced turnovers, Nippes totaled two goals, three assists, two ground balls and one forced turnover.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mountain Lakes: Kayla Plotts, Jr. (65G, 14A, 20GB, 37DC); Kaylin Oey, So. (42G, 13A, 39GB, 131DC); Abigail Hawes, So. (22G, 4A, 51GB, 41DC); Lindsay Gellert, Sr. (12G, 40A, 13GB); Emma Barkauskas, Jr. G (189 saves, 185 goals allowed).

Verona: Bridget Lonsinger, Sr. M (63G, 54A, 140GB, 129DC, 73FT); Riley Kenrick, So. A (55G, 17A, 54GB, 8DC, 30FT); Clara Nippes, Sr. A (37G, 28A, 37GB); Brooke Rienecker, Sr. M/D (5G, 4A, 56GB, 41DC, 41FT); Chloe Theilmeier, Sr. A (25G, 22A, 26GB, 12FT); Juliana Squilanti, Sr. D/M (4G, 59GB, 75FT); Julia Dacey, So. A (14G, 19A, 33GB, 20FT).

KEY FACTOR: JUMP OUT EARLY

Top-seeded Verona, which is on the hunt for its first sectional title, has been averaging over 12 goals a game this season. The Freedom North Division champions enter with a 15-4 record, with losses against a ranked West Essex team, Montclair (twice) and Madison. Senior Bridget Lonsinger, who leads the team with 63 goals, 54 assists, 140 ground balls and 129 draw controls, leads a well-round squad that has numerous options on offense, including Riley Kenrick, Clara Nippes, Jane Sorger and Chloe Theilmeier. The defense, highlighted by seniors Juliana Squilanti and Brooke Rienecker, has held opposing offenses to an average of seven goals a game. During its state tournament run, Verona has outscored opponents 44-9.

Second-seeded Mountain Lakes, which won its first sectional title since 2014 last season, enters with a record of 8-11 but plays in the Stars & Stripes South Division against the likes of Summit, Oak Knoll, Chatham, Morristown and Ridgewood. Seven of the Lakers’ 11 losses have come against teams that were ranked in the Top 20 at some point this season. Led by Kayla Plotts (65 goals), Mountain Lakes is averaging over nine goals a game this season and has held opposing offenses to 10 goals a game.

It’s clear that Mountain Lakes has the advantage when it comes to experience of playing in a sectional final, and it has played a tougher schedule. Verona has played against its fair share of tough opponents this season, and can win in close games. Whichever team can win the draw and jump out to a fast lead should gain enough momentum to hold off the opposing offense long enough to hoist a sectional title trophy.

THE PICK

Verona

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Lauren Knego covers girls lacrosse and may be reached at @laurenknego.

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Mountain Lakes lacrosse delivers sectional final berth, milestone victory to longtime coach

Jen Munday Topakas had plenty to celebrate on Friday. Mountain Lakes girls lacrosse defeated Westwood, 15-6, to advance to the NJSIAA Group 1 North final. It was Topakas' 200th career victory, all at her alma mater.It also happened to fall on the coach's 42nd birthday. Her younger sister, University of Southern California women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Munday, was back at home to commemorate the occasion with her family."Two hundred is big. It's a big deal," said Munday, who ...

Jen Munday Topakas had plenty to celebrate on Friday. Mountain Lakes girls lacrosse defeated Westwood, 15-6, to advance to the NJSIAA Group 1 North final. It was Topakas' 200th career victory, all at her alma mater.

It also happened to fall on the coach's 42nd birthday. Her younger sister, University of Southern California women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Munday, was back at home to commemorate the occasion with her family.

"Two hundred is big. It's a big deal," said Munday, who helped launch the USC women's lacrosse team in 2013. "She's been doing this a long time. It's important to say congrats and acknowledge the hard work and the time and the dedication to be part of a program for a long time. She cares so much about the program and about Mountain Lakes and about the kids."

Munday recalled being a ball girl as Topakas played soccer for Mountain Lakes, "always wanting to be like her and learn from her." Topakas also played basketball, and added lacrosse as a Mountain Lakes junior. She planned to play basketball at The College of New Jersey, but wound up becoming the lacrosse goalie there as well. Sharon Pfluger, who is still the TCNJ women's lacrosse coach, helped Topakas learn to love her newest sport.

Topakas began coaching freshman girls basketball at Mountain Lakes while still student teaching, leaving the sport when she met her now-husband, Rockaway River Country Club superintendent John Topakas. A second-grade teacher at Wildwood Elementary School in Mountain Lakes, she became an assistant girls lacrosse coach in 2004, and moved to head coach in 2008.

Topakas hadn't been counting wins or milestones, except perhaps sectional and Group titles. This is the Lakers' second consecutive trip to a sectional final, and they have been to nine of the last 10.

"I like to win, period," said Topakas, whose kids – 7-year-old Carolyn, 6-year-old Lily and 4-year-old John – are regularly on the sideline.

"That's how I've always been. I've always been a competitor. It's the drive to be successful. ... I wanted to compete and win and help kids experience that great feeling."

Girls lacrosse sectional finals

Monday, June 5

Group 1 North: (2) Mountain Lakes at (1) Verona

Group 2 North: (2) Mendham at (1) Summit, 4 p.m.

Group 3 North: (2) Northern Highlands at (1) Chatham, 4 p.m.

Group 4 North: (2) Morristown at (1) Ridgewood, 4:30 p.m.

Boys lacrosse sectional finals

Tuesday, June 6

Group 1 North: (2) Caldwell at (1) Mountain Lakes

Group 2 North: (3) West Essex at (1) Summit

Group 3 North: (2) Ridge at (1) Chatham

Group 4 North: (3) Ridgewood at (1) Westfield

Boys lacrosse: North, Group 1 First Round - No. 13 Mountain Lakes, Ramsey advance.

Boonton 5, No. 13 Mountain Lakes 19Kevin Gillespie scored four goals with two assists as well as top-seeded Roxbury, also No. 13 in NJ.com’s Top 20, defeated 16th-seeded Boonton 19-5 in Mountain Lakes.Mountain Lakes (13-5) came out on fire, posting 11 goals in the first quarter alone. It added six more in the second quarter to hold a 17-2 lead at the half.Noah Gellert also had a hat-trick and an assist with Jordan Hernando, Bryan Pigden and Gavin Ananian adding two goals each. Giacomo Bevacqua had two goals ...

Boonton 5, No. 13 Mountain Lakes 19

Kevin Gillespie scored four goals with two assists as well as top-seeded Roxbury, also No. 13 in NJ.com’s Top 20, defeated 16th-seeded Boonton 19-5 in Mountain Lakes.

Mountain Lakes (13-5) came out on fire, posting 11 goals in the first quarter alone. It added six more in the second quarter to hold a 17-2 lead at the half.

Noah Gellert also had a hat-trick and an assist with Jordan Hernando, Bryan Pigden and Gavin Ananian adding two goals each. Giacomo Bevacqua had two goals and an assist with Nick Fidacaro tallying a goal to go along with three assists. Justin Brennfleck had a goal and an assist and Jimmy Elliott and Awais Ullah posting a goal each. Oliver Bush and Marius Donnelly had an assist apiece as well. Matt Sentowski tallied six saves in goal.

Nick Scaltro led the way for Boonton (7-13) with two goals and two assists. Dylan Cannizzaro also had a goal with Christian Fokas adding one and Colin Bostrom posting an assist. Cody Larsen had 14 saves.

Mountain Lakes will face ninth-seeded Lenape Valley in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Newton 7, Ramsey 17

Cullen Gorman led the way for sixth-seeded Ramsey, scoring four goals as it defeated 11th-seeded Newton 17-7 in Ramsey.

JJ Phillips was solid, scoring four goals as well with Quinn O’Neill adding two goals and an assist. Dillon Kelly was playmaking all over the field, scoring a goal to go along with seven assists. Alex Scavone had two goals as well with Noah Laurino scoring one. Brian Pierpont tallied two assists, Matty Stone posted one and Sean Hali had a goal to go along with an assist. Brian Pierpont had 13 saves in goal.

Newton falls to 10-9 with the loss, while Ramsey improves to 9-8 this season.

Ramsey will face third-seeded Mahwah in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

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Mountain Lakes football falls short in New Jersey’s first-ever public state title game

PISCATAWAY − Mountain Lakes will forever be a part of New Jersey high school football history, just not on the side it hoped to be on.Anthony Reagan Jr. scored three touchdowns, highlighted by a 33-yard pick-six midway through the fourth quarter as Woodbury, No. 25 in the latest USA TODAY NETWORK N...

PISCATAWAY − Mountain Lakes will forever be a part of New Jersey high school football history, just not on the side it hoped to be on.

Anthony Reagan Jr. scored three touchdowns, highlighted by a 33-yard pick-six midway through the fourth quarter as Woodbury, No. 25 in the latest USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey statewide Top 25 rankings, defeated No. 24 Mountain Lakes, 31-7, on Saturday in the Group 1 title game at Rutgers' SHI Stadium.

This is the first year that true state championship games were held for public schools in New Jersey, and the Mountain Lakes game was the first game of the weekend.

"After the game I told the team to keep their heads up. It's been such a great run. The game got a little away from us at the end, but we were right there and had a chance to win a group championship," Mountain Lakes coach Darrell Fusco said. "I give them [Woodbury] credit. They just made a few more plays than us. But I'm so proud of our group and we'll be back. We have a lot of guys back next year. This is a tremendous group to get us to this point and I'm not sure we even thought we'd be here early on."

It was a defensive battle in the first half as both teams struggled to gain ground and momentum. Steady rain also played a factor as Mountain Lakes was able to contain Woodbury's fast-paced passing game and limit quarterback Bryan Johnson's opportunities. Johnson, who entered the game with 2,159 yards and 24 touchdowns, was held to 6-of-9 for 87 yards in the first half.

Mountain Lakes (11-2) scored first when Nico Dunn (15 carries, 36 yards) took a handoff 17-yards up the middle to give Mountain Lakes a 7-0 lead with 8:32 left in the first half.

"We played well in the first half and came up with some big plays," Dunn said. "Our goal from day one was to get here. We accomplished a lot this year. I'm sad it's over. This is a brotherhood."

Woodbury (12-2) came out firing to start the second half. The Gloucester County school needed just three plays to get into the end zone when Johnson connected with freshman receiver Ibn Muhammad from 19-yards to pull within one, 7-6 following a missed point-after-attempt.

Eight minutes later, Reagan, Jr. gave the Thundering Herd its first lead of the game when he barreled in from eight yards to cap a six play, 80 yard drive with 2:51 left in the third.

Momentum appeared to shift in Mountain Lakes' direction early in the fourth quarter when Giacomo Bevacqua picked off Johnson at the Woodbury 27-yard line. But on the first play of the ensuing drive, quarterback Ben Miniter (2-of-10, 30 yards) fumbled at his own 39-yard line and Woodbury recovered.

Five plays later, Reagan, Jr. barreled in from a yard out for an 18-7 lead with 7:39 left in the quarter.

Less than a minute later, Wilson Torres put the game out of reach when he scored on a 33-yard interception return and Derron Moore put on the final touches on a 1-yard run with 2:34 left to play.

What it means

Woodbury is the first program in state history to win a group title. Last month the Thundering Herd captured their second straight sectional title and seventh overall when they defeated rival Maple Shade, 36-6.

Woodbury closes out the campaign on a six-game win streak.

Mountain Lakes (11-2) closes out a memorable campaign in which it captured its first sectional title in eight years and seventh in school history. The Herd defeated Brearley, 16-6 in North 1, Group 1.

By the numbers

Reagan, Jr. rushed for 211 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns.

Johnson threw for 146 yards and one touchdown.

Mountain Lakes linebacker Marco Dzamba had a game-high 12 tackles, nine solo, a forced fumble and one sack.

Woodbury out-rushed Mountain Lakes, 236-128.

They said it

"We already have our goal set for next year. Unfortunately, someone had to be a footnote in history and I don't mind it knowing we're the team that got here. It's disappointing, but we're going to look back on this game and then move on before getting back to work. To be the team that got here, it's special." − Fusco

"We're definitely going to keep this in the back of our minds come next year in the playoffs. We're going to make sure it doesn't happen again. We all stuck together knowing this was our last game with some of the guys and we just wanted to leave it all out on the field." − Dzamba

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