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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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 Hamden, CT

Home Care Hamden, 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 The Brethren 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 Hamden, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Hamden, 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

“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael, Michael has now been caring for my Dad for a few months now, totally reliable and such a peace of mind for the family that he's there. Dad just loves him. I don't think we could have found a better fit for Dad. Michael cares about Dad as if he was family. Thank you for making this time in Dad's life so much happier and giving his family such peace of mind. Linda Lee”

Linda L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation was quite desperate when I contacted them to provide a live in care giver for my mother in law. Denise, more than understood our situation when I called. I contacted ABC earlier in the day and by evening, she was at my mother in law’s home and matched us with a wonderful care giver! Rosina immediately bonded with my mother in law!! The professionalism and compassion Rosina showed was beyond measure. She never left her side and kept us well informed as my mother in law was unfortunately and quickly approaching end of life…..Rosina even stayed with us through the process as my mother in law left her home one last time…….Much Appreciation from The Cotrona Family!!”

Karyn C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. Sky and Ruth were amazing, patient, kind, and caring with my father during a very difficult time at the end of his life. I know my dad appreciated it, and the entire family says a big "THANK YOU" for the tremendous care that you provided. Having your help made things so much easier on my mother and the family.”

Christopher M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano and to witness the care, attention and professionalism she provides to her clients. Cynthia represents her company with pride and truly provides services to her clients with their needs above all else. Anyone in need of services for their loved one will be fortunate, pleased and grateful to work with Cynthia Montano and Always Best Care.”

LEWIS C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She is very caring and understanding with my 94 year old single uncle. Not an easy job , but she is able to help him in so many ways. Carol is very reliable, trust worthy, and compassionate. We are lucky to have her! I would also like to give Tia in the office a huge compliment! She is really on her game if an issue comes up she is on top of things. It is hard to find good help, she foresee problems and handles things efficiently. Our experience has been very positive!”

Stacey H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate Yolanda. She comes to our home weekly for light cleaning and she is a breath of fresh air. Every Friday she brightens our home with her presence. Yolanda also does a wonderful job taking care Of our home. Please let her know how much we appreciate her. Brad Nelson”

Brad N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I have ever worked with my husband is disabled and she is so kind and treats him and both of us like family. She makes sure he eats properly cleans, and spend special time with my husband. You are very, very lucky to have such a great worker I know because I work with other agencies for my mother and you can’t find someone who cares for someone like Nellie does. She should be recognized and rewarded for her efforts. She is never late never calls and is always positive and friendly. I look forward to seeing her every day and consider her family, thank you Beth and Scott Albertson”

Bethanne P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for their loved ones. Within 1 hour of initial contact, Denise was at my home to gain an understanding of my needs. The very next day, Sharon began working with me and I couldn't be more pleased. Sharon is friendly and helpful and I will miss her now that I no longer need home care services. If you are looking for a home care agency that assures skilled aides and good communication and oversight, look no further than Always Best Care!”

Donna J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. Angela , my mom's home health aid has been so patient and caring - just what we were hoping and looking for! Would highly recommend!!”

Amy D.
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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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Ann M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always Best Care provides!”

Roberta L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly the kindest, caring, compassionate competent care giver there is. You’ve treated my father and my whole family with a loving heart. We will forever be grateful for making this difficult time easier. We love having you a part of our family.”

Frank V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him from being depressed and she's always asking if he took his medications. I would like to see more consistent communication.”

Scott A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling and checking in on us. I like that they're always able to find someone for us.”

William J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on vacation, they reached out to me. I like their caregivers they send.”

Andrew R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There were a few bumps in the road, but we have hit the jackpot with two of our caregivers. Melissa Pericas and Jordene have been amazing! My mother has been struggling with having strangers in her home and letting someone else take care of her husband, but these two lovely women have melded into the family and put her completely at ease. They are both very experienced and are doing and amazing job. My mom is able to put the caregiving into their capable hands and focus on being his wife and spend valuable time with him. These ladies both deserve 5 stars!! I rated the agency with 4 stars because we had some scheduling issues in the beginning and had one caregiver that was problematic, but he was removed from our schedule as soon as I reported the issue.”

Sherry D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional. She quickly became a family member and friend.”

t M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting better. He is happier than he has ever been. I like that they are very responsive.”

Bernard A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and us with this transition process. She has been wonderful explaining everything. If we had questions or just needed to talk about what is going on with the parents she was there to help. She goes above and beyond. She has help us tremendously. I feel blessed for having Cynthia during this time. Our family would like to say thank you for everything. We couldn't have done it without her.”

Deborah M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is what we call her. Shay is a life saver without her I'll be running like a chicken with my head cut off. She has stepped in and saved the day numerous times between changing her schedule to work with ours, to even making sure Steve visits his wife grave. We appreciate her please don't take her from us steve would be devastated. She's amazing”

Stephanie B.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Hamden, 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 Hamden, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Brooksvale 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 Hamden, 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 Ristorante Luce or visit Thornton Wilder House, 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 Hamden, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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:

  • Benchmark Senior Living at Hamden
  • Whitney Center
  • Arden House
  • Meadow Mills Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Sacred Heart Manor
  • Atria Larson Place
Home Care Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, 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 Hamden, CT

Latest News in Hamden, CT

Redemption for Sacred Heart Academy As They Win State Title

The Sacred Heart Academy Sharks of Hamden defeated Southington High Sunday for the CIAC Class LL state girls basketball championship.Patch Staff|Updated Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:27 am ETThe Sacred Heart fans, especially the 'Shark Tank' student section, proudly sing the school song amid a wild celebration that saw the Sharks taking the championship plaque into the crowd. (Michael Lemanski/Patch)Sacred Heart coach Jason Kirck accepts the championship plaque from a divine source of the school's inspiration. (Michael...

The Sacred Heart Academy Sharks of Hamden defeated Southington High Sunday for the CIAC Class LL state girls basketball championship.

Patch Staff

|Updated Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:27 am ET

The Sacred Heart fans, especially the 'Shark Tank' student section, proudly sing the school song amid a wild celebration that saw the Sharks taking the championship plaque into the crowd. (Michael Lemanski/Patch)

Sacred Heart coach Jason Kirck accepts the championship plaque from a divine source of the school's inspiration. (Michael Lemanski/Patch)

The 2025 CIAC Class LL girls basketball champions, the Sacred Heart Academy Sharks. (Michael Lemanski/Patch)

UNCASVILLE, CT — One year ago, Sacred Heart Academy endured a crushing CIAC championship game loss to crosstown rival Hamden High in the Mohegan Sun Arena.

But it was that experience that, seemingly, allowed the Sharks to weather a first-half attack by the Southington High School Blue Knights Sunday as they sought redemption.

When the horn sounded, Sacred Heart did what they couldn't do a year ago.

They won the 2025 CIAC Class LL state girls basketball championship, 57-47, Sunday in the same place as last year's disappointment.

"I'm just so proud of our team. We fought so hard," an ecstatic Sacred Heart coach Jason Kirck said amid a wild, post-game celebration in the arena. "They amaze me every time they step on the court."

Find out what's happening in Hamdenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

When the game concluded, it touched off one of the wildest post-game celebrations of Championship Weekend, as delirium overtook the "Shark Tank" student section, with the giddy throng singing the official song of the all-girls Catholic academy.

The well-balanced Sharks were led by senior guard Emily Mennillo, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and junior Madelyn Burke, who had 11 points and nine boards.

Going into Sunday evening's Class LL contest, second-seed Southington was 22-1 (including tournament play) while Sacred Heart, the fourth seed, was 21-2.

The Blue Knights, coached by Howard Hewitt, were striving for the program's eighth state title and first since 1993.

Meanwhile, the Sacred Heart Sharks from Hamden were seeking the school's fourth championship and first since 2022.

In the first quarter, Southington and Sacred Heart raced up and down the floor in a fast-paced and well-played contest, neither side showing any title jitters early.

The quarter was highlighted by senior Southington guard Lilly Cooper becoming the all-time leading scorer for the Blue Knights.

Eventually, Southington's speed and athleticism briefly broke open an even contest.

Utilizing a pressing defense and an offense predicated on attacking the rim, Southington ended the quarter up 17-10, with senior forward Hannah Blanchard pouring in 6 points.

Play became a bit erratic in the second quarter, with turnovers and missed shots slowing down the scoring, but not the game's pace.

A three-point play by sophomore Mila Harmon of Sacred Heart cut the lead to 23-19 Southington with about three minutes left in the half.

Then Southington freshman Ariana Quick banked in a three, putting some distance between the Blue Knights and the Sharks, 26-19.

Harmon hit a jumper for Sacred Heart and a putback by Shark sophomore Alexis Powell further cut into Southington's lead, leading to a 26-23 halftime score in favor of the Blue Knights.

The second half then became Shark time, as Sacred Heart started strong in the second half, briefly taking a 28-25 lead before Southington tied it at 28-28.

Junior guard Molly Gunning of Sacred Heart then drained a three to put the Sharks up 31-28, further fueling the game's fast pace.

The Blue Knights continued to struggle on offense and the defensive boards, allowing the Sharks to distance themselves to a 34-28 lead.

Sacred Heart's surging third quarter ended with the Sharks holding a 38-32 lead and one quarter away from making the bad feelings of 2024 disappear.

As the fourth quarter started with a lid on Southington's hoop, Sacred Heart went up eight, 40-32, their biggest lead at that point.

As the game entered the 5-minute mark, Sacred Heart had a 42-34 lead, which ballooned after Mennillo scored after a drive and foul.

Though she missed the freebie, it made the score 44-34 Sacred Heart, putting the Golden Knights in desperation mode.

From there, the Sharks went into clock-killing mode while, still, executing their offense.

A basket-and-foul three-point play by Burke ballooned the lead to 13 at 47-34.

Southington cut it to 10 on a three-pointer, but the clock was the enemy as much as the Sacred Heart play.

Despite Southington's best efforts down the stretch, the outcome was never in doubt as Sacred Heart hit enough free throws to keep Southington at bay despite the Blue Knights' three-point shooting down the stretch.

Kirck said it was all a matter of playing tough defense all game long and executing.

"We bought into our defensive philosophies and we tried to guard them as best as we can," Kirck said, complimenting the talent and effort of Southington, who never quit.

When the buzzer eventually sounded, it was redemption for Sacred Heart.

And it couldn't have been any sweeter.

For the full game statistics from the CIAC, click on this link.

From March 17, 2024: 'Hamden Defeats Crosstown Sacred Heart To Win Girls Hoops Crown'

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Hamden Mayor Garrett To Present Proposed Budget At Special Hybrid Meeting

Press release from Town of Hamden:HAMDEN, CT — Mayor Lauren Garrett will present the Mayor’s Proposed 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget to the Hamden Legislative Council.There will be a special hybrid meeting of the Legislative Council on Monday, March 17, at 6 p.m. At this meeting, the Legislative Council will receive the Mayor’s Proposed 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget. ...

Press release from Town of Hamden:

HAMDEN, CT — Mayor Lauren Garrett will present the Mayor’s Proposed 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget to the Hamden Legislative Council.

There will be a special hybrid meeting of the Legislative Council on Monday, March 17, at 6 p.m. At this meeting, the Legislative Council will receive the Mayor’s Proposed 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget. Please click here for the agenda. This meeting will be conducted in person and also by Zoom.

Date: Monday, March 17, 2025 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Legislative Council Chambers located in Memorial Town Hall, 2372 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518 Zoom: Please click the link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/96032210583

Meeting ID: 960-3221-0583

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Password: Dragons

If you experience any issue with the link above go to Zoom.com and click “join a meeting” and put in the following meeting ID and password - Meeting ID: 960-3221-0583 Password: Dragons

OR

Join by telephone: (646) 558-8656

For additional sign-in support for any device or browser you can use the following link: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-meeting?mobile_site=true

This will be a formal meeting of the Legislative Council and members of the public are encouraged to attend. A copy of Mayor Garrett’s proposed budget and presentation will be available following the meeting on www.hamden.com.

Commenting on the upcoming presentation, Mayor Garrett said, “I am pleased to present my Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget to the Legislative Council. We have continued to constrain costs while prioritizing services for our residents. We have built a healthy Fund Balance while making needed investments in our infrastructure. This budget contains a significant Mill Rate reduction while continuing to improve our ability to serve our residents.”

For more information, contact Deputy Chief of Staff, Alexa M. Panayotakis, at 203-287-7100 or by email at [email protected].

This press release was produced by Town of Hamden. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

Unique Donut Shop Has ‘Mighty’ Reopening In Hamden

Mighty Donuts recently reopened in a new location and the results have been better than expected, according to its owner.Vincent Salzo, Patch StaffHAMDEN, CT — One month after reopening in their new home, Mighty Donuts owner Yericka Estrada said things are going better than expected at the new location.“The new store has been amazing,” sh...

Mighty Donuts recently reopened in a new location and the results have been better than expected, according to its owner.

Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff

HAMDEN, CT — One month after reopening in their new home, Mighty Donuts owner Yericka Estrada said things are going better than expected at the new location.

“The new store has been amazing,” she said.

The unique mini donut shop closed its original location at 1166 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden on Jan. 26.

“We decided to move because we wanted to provide a safer environment to our clients and employees, better lighting, parking spaces etc.,” Estrada said. “We listened to our clients' suggestions and we decided it was time for a change.”

That change came quickly, as Mighty Donuts reopened at 1700 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden a little more than two weeks after closing.

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And, while they only moved a few miles down the road on Dixwell Avenue, the change has been noticeable, according to Estrada.

“At this location, we have parking spaces which makes a big difference from the other spot,” she said. “A lot of new clients mentioned that they couldn’t stop at the old store due to the lack of parking spaces.”

Estrada said they still have their regular customers that come to the store, along with a “lot of new clients that didn't know about us and now they love Mighty Donuts.”

During the search for a new location, Estrada said they looked at different retail stores and had two potential stores.

“One in East Haven and one in Hamden, but deep inside we didn't want to leave our town,” she said.

“Thank God we were accepted at 1700 Dixwell,” Estrada said. “It is a small plaza with a bunch of great businesses, good people, nice environment, and the clients are loving it and us, too.”

Estrada said they’ve brought their regular menu and offerings to the new store, but recently added Dubai chocolate, and are now serving Dubai mini donuts and strawberries cups.

Mighty Donuts also started offering 10 percent off any donut purchase to students that bring their school ID on Wednesdays, according to Estrada.

Estrada is grateful for the support Mighty Donuts has received since opening in late 2022.

“Thank you for everyone that has supported Mighty Donuts in any way, especially our Hamden people,” she said.

For more information about Mighty Donuts, visit its Facebook page here.

See also: Mighty Donuts Opening In Hamden Is A Dream Come True For Owner

Quinnipiac University’s 2025 Impact Award Recipient

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.SchoolsFormer PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi shares insightful conversation as Quinnipiac University's 2025 Impact Award recipientNancy Sasso Janis, Community ContributorPress releaseHAMDEN, Conn.– By constantly...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi shares insightful conversation as Quinnipiac University's 2025 Impact Award recipient

Nancy Sasso Janis, Community Contributor

Press release

HAMDEN, Conn.– By constantly challenging herself to learn more and putting in the work, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi smashed global glass ceilings to reach the pinnacle of the corporate world.On March 6, Nooyi sat down with Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian to discuss her life and work during the 3rd annual Eileen Peters Farley ’68 Endowed Speaker Series for Women in Business. At the event, Quinnipiac honored Nooyi with the M&T Bank Center for Women in Business 2025 Impact Award.

The annual speaker series on the Mount Carmel Campus celebrates the memory and legacy of Farley, an accomplished entrepreneur and a long-term president of the Southern California Quinnipiac University Alumni Chapter.Tuvana Rua, co-director of the M&T Bank Center for Women and Business, introduced Farley’s daughter, Jessica Geis, an accomplished entrepreneur who spoke about Farley’s impactful life and work. Geis and her late father, Stephen Farley, established the endowment in 2018.“It honors her legacy of impact and of self-belief — knowing that even if you don’t look like everybody else in the room, what’s going to limit you are the beliefs and the limitations you put on yourself,” Geis said. “We’re so fortunate to be able to have this opportunity in this series to bring in people like (Nooyi), who model what you can be if you believe in yourself, follow your instincts, and always invest in yourself.”In 2015 and 2017, “Fortune” named Nooyi the world’s second-most powerful woman. Nooyi was CEO and chairman of PepsiCo from 2006-19 and president and CFO from 2000-06. She served on the PepsiCo Board of Directors from 2001-19. After leaving PepsiCo in 2019, she continues to make an impact on boards and advisory councils serving top national and global corporations and institutions.Nooyi was PepsiCo’s fifth CEO. As an immigrant from an emerging market and a person of color, Nooyi remarked there wasn’t anyone like her in corporate America at the time.“I didn’t realize that I was breaking so many barriers,” Nooyi said. “The only way to do it at that time was by being better than everybody else by a mile. Otherwise, it’s too risky to take somebody so risky and put them in the job.”Olian asked Nooyi about leading acquisitions and divestments. At PepsiCo, Nooyi handled multi-billion-dollar and multi-million-dollar transactions such as acquiring Tropicana for $3.3 billion and Quaker Oats for over $13 million, and divesting of restaurant brands including Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken.“You’ve made some major decisions in your roles there,” Olian said. “What are the general principles you’ve used surrounding when to bring something into the fold, and when to push it out because it would be better for PepsiCo?”Nooyi said an acquisition’s deal-making courtship period may be exciting, but that’s only 5 percent of the whole process.“It’s the post-merger integration that’s more important, and that’s hard work,” said Nooyi. “So never get carried away by the deal-making. Think about the post-merger integration, because if you can’t get two or three times the synergy that you thought you were getting, you didn’t do a good job.”OIian highly recommended audience members delve into Nooyi’s top-selling business biography, “My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future.”“You really get the essence of the person and the awesomeness of what Indra has accomplished throughout her life,” said Olian.

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Critique with Jeanne Ciravolo

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Hamden|Local EventSat, Mar 8, 2025 at 1:00 PMMiller Memorial Library, 2901 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT, 06518More info hereHamden Art League hosts a “Cr...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Hamden|Local Event

Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Miller Memorial Library, 2901 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT, 06518
More info here

Hamden Art League hosts a “Critique with Jeanne Ciravolo” is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th from 1?3:30PM at Miller Library in Hamden, Friend’s Room (upstairs). Attendees will be able to bring at least 2 pieces of artwork, potentially 3 (depending upon attendance). Cost is $21, through PayPal on the website. Only 20 people can participate. Registration and payment are through the website https://www.hamdenartleague.org/workshops.html

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