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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In North Branford, CT

Home Care North Branford, CT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Stony Creek Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in North Branford, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care North Branford, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our prayers ????”

Mollys D.
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“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to my brother and me in helping us transition our mother from independent to assisted living. Cynthia educated us about the various “models” of assisted living communities in an effort to ascertain the appropriate level of support required for our mom. She was sensitive to finances and lifestyle preference. Cynthia has a network of relationships among assisted living facilities, and always did hands on research before presenting us with options to tour. She is truly a professional. Cynthia has generously made herself available to brainstorm, as we begin to think about eventual next steps. Thank you, Cynthia.”

Cynthia N.
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“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things I can't do, they help me. I like that they are prompt and always on time.”

Robert M.
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“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”

AMS
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“I am a past client of this provider My Mom started requiring 24x7 care 2 years ago and her primary aid was attentive to her needs and treated her with dignity and respect. She would often call my Mom her "Queen". They always provided advanced notice whenever the aid needed time off and was responsive to questions and concerns. I don't know what we would have done if not for ABC and its services.”

KBPells
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“I am a current client of this provider The client feels comfortable with the provider. I like that they are attentive to the patient.”

Domenico B.
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“I am a past client of this provider My Mom started only requiring part time care due to her cancer but as it progressed, we needed around the clock care. The aides were always extremely helpful and kind to my Mom and when we needed care 24x7 our aide was Na who was here for my Mom day in and day out. In a six month period she had only taken two days off where we needed coverage which Always Best took care of for us. Na was just wonderful and my Mom loved her and everything she had done to comfort her. I also appreciated everything Na had done for my Mom and to have an aide as dedicated to my Mom was critical in my eyes. I would also like to thank their entire office they always worked with me and were always available whenever I needed anything. Thank you Always best Care, my Mom couldn't have been treated any better!!!”

kevinRK
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“I am a current client of this provider I deal with Deanna, and I can ask her to do what I need without question. I like that they're prompt.”

Gilmay L.
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“I am a current client of this provider They are doing everything they can to help, they have sent me a lovely person that is agreeable. They came through on what they promised, I have a lovely person to come help me.”

Maria S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The impact is great on my life, they have helped me in my house. They sent me people at fist that were not good but now they sent me a good person to work.”

Gloria S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider My mother had short term care while I was vacationing. The agency matched her up with a wonderful caregiver whom my mother loved. She arrived on time every day and helped keep my mother company by sitting and chatting with her while still helping out with the evening meal and housekeeping. We will use the services again in the future. It was a positive experience for my mother and our family.”

Demings
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They give great service. I like that the caregivers are on time and they know how to do their job.”

Judy A.
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“I am a current client of this provider They made a great difference in the client's life. I like that they work until they find the right person.”

Marcie D.
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“I am a current client of this provider They have changed my life because they take me to the doctors and will take me to the grocery store I like that they help me clean my house for me.”

Odilia M.
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“I am a current client of this provider She helps me with bathing and she helps me with my dinner. They are very reliable.”

Maryellen S.
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“I am a current client of this provider We have worked with Linda and team at ABC for quite a while. Very professional and reliable at all times”

kmfent
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“I am a current client of this provider They only come once a week but it has been extremely helpful. They strive to get you the best care possible. If they can't fulfill something they work until they get you that.”

Judith K.
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“I am a current client of this provider They have helped the most in providing care for personal hygiene. I like the caregiver that the company has provided us.”

Laurie W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been doing a tremendous job with my father’s daily needs. My fathers caretaker, has been doing a tremendous job and has really gone above and beyond with helping my father. Everything from getting a haircut, to bringing him to see a the podiatrist, and taking him out for food, it’s all gone very well. My father has grown accustomed to Steve and that has helped tremendously. I’m glad someone is there to fill in the gaps because it’s just not possible for me to do the things he needs solely on the weekends. The service is very flexible and has been a great help to me as I’m working full time and my father lives by himself. Highly recommended!”

Transfan1976
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Absolutely the BEST care provided! Simple and easy to deal with. Easy to contact and responded to our needs very quickly!”

Bruce B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They watch over my mother because I am on a the road a lot. I need somebody who will do a good job taking care of her while I'm away. We were having problems finding an aide that was consistent.”

Richard W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We are lost without them. My husband can't get out of bed in the morning without the aides helping him with a lift. I am not able to help him in the ways that he needs, so the services are critical. They could have more substitute caregivers available. Every once in a while, we need a substitute, but we have to wait.”

Linda A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They have exhibited everything they are supposed to. When I have people who come and care for me, it means a lot and usually lifts my spirits. Care is very prominent in the people that come.”

John M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The aides are very good. They are reliable. When they say something, it happens. The aides are very good and responsive on service issues. If they say something, it will happen.”

Paul C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is always here when she says she is going to be here. She comes in the door and asks what she can do. She is very very helpful to my loved one and me. She often helps my loved one get dressed. She will fix breakfast if we haven't had breakfast. She makes lunch for us. She will do pretty much anything I ask her to do. I like the fact that I can count on them to do what they say. They follow through with everything they say they will do.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in North Branford, CT?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care North Branford, CT

Types of Elderly Care in North Branford, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care North Branford, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers North Branford, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting North Farms Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care North Branford, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nataz or visit Historical Tree, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care North Branford, CT

Benefits of Home Care in North Branford, CT

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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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 - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

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

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

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

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

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care North Branford, CT

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
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.
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.
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.
 Senior Care North Branford, CT

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 North Branford, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

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

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

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care North Branford, CT

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers North Branford, CT

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Evergreen Woods
  • Artis Senior Living of Branford
  • Senior living comunit
  • FirstLight Home Care of Shoreline East
  • The Landing of North Haven
  • The Roses at Guilford House
Home Care North Branford, CT

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care North Branford, CT

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 Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in North Branford, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care North Branford, CT

Latest News in North Branford, CT

Despite late bus arrival, North Branford football pull out win over Ellington on late Hansen TD

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate20Editor's note: A photo caption on this story has been updated to correctly identify Ellington quarterback Aaron Ladr.ELLINGTON — The North Branford and Ellington football teams had to wait until Week 2 to play their season opener. Even then, the start of Friday's Pequot Conference interdivision game was delayed after the second of two busses carrying Thunderbirds players was delayed.The wait was worth it for North Branfo...

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Editor's note: A photo caption on this story has been updated to correctly identify Ellington quarterback Aaron Ladr.

ELLINGTON — The North Branford and Ellington football teams had to wait until Week 2 to play their season opener. Even then, the start of Friday's Pequot Conference interdivision game was delayed after the second of two busses carrying Thunderbirds players was delayed.

The wait was worth it for North Branford.

Tommy Hansen's scored from two yards out with 1:01 left as North Branford topped Ellington 21-17 to give coach Anthony Salvati a win in his debut with the Thunderbirds while ruining Knights' coach Dylan Schroth's first game.

"I was on the first bus here," Hansen said. "Our bus showed up late, we were tight and didn't have a lot of time to warm up. But we came here ready to play and focused."

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Ellington took its first lead at 17-13 with 11:53 to go on Cooper Koehnke's two-yard run.

The teams then exchanged three-and-outs and North Branford took over at its own 23-yard-line with 7:24 left. The Thunderbirds leaned on Hansen, a 1,000-yard rusher last year. He carried the ball nine times on 11 plays before finally reaching the end zone to put North Branford in front. He added a two-point conversion to make it 21-17.

"I wouldn't get the yards I do without my teammates, my brothers," Hansen said. "It's not about me.

"We came in knowing we were going to win and we were going to do anything we had to to get the job done. We were focused and we were confident we'd go down the field to win the game."

The Knights got the ball near midfield but could not get a first down as North Branford celebrated.

The first bus with 15 North Branford players on board arrived in time to have the 6:30 p.m. scheduled start. The second bus with 16 players got to the school at 6:25.

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Both teams were playing their opener. Ellington was to begin its season here against Stafford on Sept. 8 but the contest was stopped midway through the first quarter due to rain and lightning and then postponed to a date still to be determined.

"When I first saw the schedule I was upset not playing Week 1," Salvati said. "But when you're a new coaching staff coming in and teaching the kids a whole new system, that week off to start the season benefited us."

North Branford started strong with an impressive 15-play (13 runs), 68-yard drive that included two fourth-down conversions and took 9:03. Hansen finished it with a 4-yard burst and the extra point made it 7-0.

Ellington went three-and-out on its first possession and had the ball for 29 seconds of the first quarter. But the Knights' defense matched the stop and Tristan Neville's 23-yard punt return gave Ellington the ball at the Thunderbirds' 32-yard-line to start the second quarter. Four plays later, quarterback Aaron Ladr got the ball to Neville on a wide receiver screen and the senior beat the defense to reach the end zone from 11 yards away. Landon Shirshac's point after tied it.

But North Branford answered with its second long drive, taking 8:03 to go 80 yards in 14 plays. Quarterback AJ Sigel threw to Luke Blomster, who went 13 yards for the score that put the Thunderbirds back in front.

Ellington had a touchdown negated by a penalty but Shirshac's 41-yard field goal made it 13-10 at halftime.

Thirty of North Branford's 34 first-half plays were runs and it had possession for 19:53. Twelve of Ellington's plays were passes.

North Branford plays a non-league game at Plainfield Thursday. Ellington is home again on Sept. 22 to take on Pequot Uncas foe Granby/Canton.

Player of the game

Tommy Hansen, North Branford, running back: Hansen ran the ball 30 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:01 left.

Quotable

"I think we have enough guys around Tommy to help carry the team. He's not the only guys but obviously teams are going to key on him. We're not hiding anything. We're smashmouth and run the ball and run the ball. Tommy's built for that and he wants that." -- Anthony Salvati, North Branford coach.

North Branford 21, Ellington 17

North Branford officials relieved today's storm did not cause Farm River to flood banks

NORTH BRANFORD — Heavy winds and rains from Sunday into Monday morning was almost like déjà vu for town officials.Watch MoreThis latest drenching followed last week’s storm that dumped 6 inches of rain and forced evacuation of residents in a mobile home park after the Farm River overflowed its banks.But luckily it wasn’t a repeat of the flooding caused by the downpour the previous weekend. North Branford Town Manager Michael Downes was somewhat relieved during a break in the storm mid-morn...

NORTH BRANFORD — Heavy winds and rains from Sunday into Monday morning was almost like déjà vu for town officials.

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This latest drenching followed last week’s storm that dumped 6 inches of rain and forced evacuation of residents in a mobile home park after the Farm River overflowed its banks.

But luckily it wasn’t a repeat of the flooding caused by the downpour the previous weekend. North Branford Town Manager Michael Downes was somewhat relieved during a break in the storm mid-morning Monday.

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While the sun came out briefly, Downes noted that roads closed earlier in the morning were open or close to opening.

There were nine separate downed tree events, which caused “road interruptions.” Three involved electrical wires, he added. Downes noted the ground was still saturated from last week’s deluge.

“Almost all of those are clear at this point,” he said about the roads.

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The town also lucked out with limited power outages, he said. “Outages we’ve had, luckily just small pockets so far” caused by isolated fallen trees and wind.

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“It’s a big win so far,” he said about the latest storm.

However, after last week’s storm, town officials were keeping their eye on “rain and flooding,” Downes said, adding that they were monitoring four flood-prone areas.

Those include Walnut Lane, East Pond Road area, West Pond Road, Country Road and the intersection by Totoket Road and Mill Road.

“We’ve got eyes right now on Totoket Valley” Mobile Home Park, Downes said. “Right now, the water hasn’t risen as high as it did last week but we’re still keeping our eyes open in case we have to do a repeat of what happened in terms of evacuation. But right now, we’re not there.”

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“Basically, the reality is we’re calling these kind of weather events unusual weather events. But the unusual seems to be getting to be more and more usual,” he said.

According to North Branford Interim Fire Chief Anthony Esposito the Farm River area on Totoket Road is historically prone to flooding, but nothing as extreme as last week’s rainfall since the mid-1990s, he said.

He noted that the state Department of Transportation had replaced the aging bridge over the Farm River on Route 80 in recent years and did work downriver in East Haven. “That kind of mitigates some of the downstream clogging” of the riverway, he said.

“It was up over the banks … for sure,” Esposito said about last week’s river surge. “It was funny, as fast as the river rose, once the rain stopped it receded.”

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“We put a cone up” to mark the flood area,” he recalled, “Like 30 feet from where it was.” He was meeting a television news crew there an hour and a half later. But there was no water.

He told the TV crew, “’Believe me there was flooding here this morning.’ There was no obvious sign of anything going on.”

In the last week’s storm, the residents’ homes did not get flooded as they are two to three feet off the ground, he noted.

The fire department was more worried “about access.”

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“The way the river was rising so fast it was ‘let’s get them out of here before it gets worse,’” he said.

“It’s just the water, the force of nature — impossible to do anything with,” Esposito said.

Downes agreed. The storm the week before, with “five and six inches of rain falling in just a 13-hour window… was pretty much too much for anything to handle.”

“I think the magnitude of what we experienced — I don’t know if they characterize it as a 50-year or 100-year storm — I think those characterizations are meaningless at this point,” Downes said.

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“It's definitely an unusual weather event when we get that much rain,” he said.

Businesses in Totoket Center Plaza had been flooded out in recent years.

During an Aug. 27 storm when tornadoes touched down in the state, “we had a storm cell that blew through here and it did do a lot of damage here. We had a lot of trees down, a lot of damage, some water damage from that,” Downes noted.

A few weeks before that tropical storm Isaias Aug. 4 wrought havoc in that area as well.

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Part of the problem that much development in the Farm River area is in a flood zone and predates zoning in town in 1950, he said.

“The Totoket Center plaza dates to 1953 so yes, it definitely predates local zoning ... The use for the trailer park also predates local zoning,” Downes said.

The DOT replaced the Farm River bridge some five years ago, which had more to do with the roadway, improving traffic and drainage, he said.

“I think it’s overall helped with the conditions down there," Downes said.

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“It's unusual to see something like this of this magnitude down there,” he added.

Still, the town should look into the matter, he said. “ I think we are taking a look at it, certainly if there’s improvements that need to be made, we definitely want to assess that.”

“I think we have a responsibility to kind of check this out and see if there isn’t more that needs to be done. At least make an evaluation of it.”

If there’s improvements that need to be made on that property, it’s probably going to fall to them. But if there is something we can do relative to the infrastructure we’re going to want to look at it.”

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North Branford 2023 football preview: Alumnus Salvati takes command; DePino, Hansen headline returners

[Vitals][They're Here][Reason to Cheer]Lucian DePino is the all-state anchor of the offensive and defensive lines. Tommy Hansen is a third-year starter and a standout.[Reason to Fear]Even with key players back, they’re replacing a bit from a playoff team and have a new coach. Adapting to new systems can have its ups and downs.[The Bottom Line]North Branford needed to win its last game and needed help to reach the CIAC playoffs for the first time in eight years. The Thunderbirds...

[Vitals]

[They're Here]

[Reason to Cheer]

Lucian DePino is the all-state anchor of the offensive and defensive lines. Tommy Hansen is a third-year starter and a standout.

[Reason to Fear]

Even with key players back, they’re replacing a bit from a playoff team and have a new coach. Adapting to new systems can have its ups and downs.

[The Bottom Line]

North Branford needed to win its last game and needed help to reach the CIAC playoffs for the first time in eight years. The Thunderbirds got the help first, then got the win themselves, bowing out to eventual Class S champion Ansonia.

Coach Mark Basil quietly stepped down after 20 years at the helm. Alumnus and longtime North Branford assistant Anthony Salvati made the short trip home from Guilford to replace him. Salvati inherits a group with several top players back, including an all-state lineman and a running back entering his third season as a starter.

The back is Hansen, who over two seasons has 1,704 yards on 237 carries with 19 touchdowns, and he was All-Pequot Sassacus last year, going over 1,100 yards. And he's just a junior.

The tackle is DePino, a coaches Class SS/S all-state defensive lineman, from where he and the rest of the front seven can generate some pressure. DePino also is part of a big, strong presence on an offensive line that includes returning classmate Aidan Chittenden.

With two-year starting quarterback Mason Provencher graduated, the Thunderbirds turn to a sophomore, AJ Sigel, who posted decent numbers in limited action last year. He was 4-for-6 in the first game of 2022, stepping in when Provencher was injured.

Hansen and receiver Burns are the only returning players who caught passes in 2022, though. Blomster will chip in there from tight end, and several sophomores have speed and have shown promise.

The T-Birds have a little extra time to get everything jelled. They sit out Week 1 and won't open until going to Ellington on Sept. 15. They’ll have a quick turnaround at the end of the regular season, facing rival Cromwell/Portland at home on Nov. 17 and visiting the Coginchaug co-op five days later, the night before Thanksgiving.

[2023 Schedule]

** Division game * Conference game

Aug 22, 2023

Michael Fornabaio is a sports reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Born in the Bronx and raised at the New Haven Coliseum (but really in Orange), Fornabaio has been with the Connecticut Post since 1997. He has covered high school sports for pretty much that whole time, though he also covered the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers daily for 17 years. In his occasional free time, you can usually find him watching more baseball or hockey and complaining about the delay-of-game rule.

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