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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 Meriden, CT

Home Care Meriden, 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 James J. Barry Bandshell 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 Meriden, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Meriden, 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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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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“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

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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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TESTIMONIALS

“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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Hubbard 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 Meriden, 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 Violi's Restaurant or visit Meriden Traffic Control Tower, 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 Meriden, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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:

  • The Village at Kensington Place
  • Complete Care at Meriden
  • East Ridge Residential Care
  • Bradley Home & Pavilion
  • Silver Manor
  • Corner House
Home Care Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, 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 Meriden, CT

Latest News in Meriden, CT

Meriden club prepares Latino students for college, career, community service

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateMERIDEN – A group of students held hands at the multilingual lounge at Francis T. Maloney High School on Thursday afternoon. They shouted out encouragements to each other in English and Spanish and laughed as they tried to fit their bodies through hula hoops in a record time.The hula hoops were not for an athletic competition, but one designed to teach communication and teamwork skills to a group of students that are part of the ¡Adelante! Spartans. The bi...

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MERIDEN – A group of students held hands at the multilingual lounge at Francis T. Maloney High School on Thursday afternoon. They shouted out encouragements to each other in English and Spanish and laughed as they tried to fit their bodies through hula hoops in a record time.

The hula hoops were not for an athletic competition, but one designed to teach communication and teamwork skills to a group of students that are part of the ¡Adelante! Spartans. The bilingual afterschool club started meeting in November and is an expansion of the ¡Adelante! curriculum developed by the Spanish Community of Wallingford in 2010.

In Spanish, “¡Adelante!” means “Forward!” as the club is designed to give students a leg up by engaging them and teaching them useful life skills. The afterschool club is led by SCOW staffers Jennifer Avila and Melisa Juarez, who are also alumni of ¡Adelante! So far, Avila says that the club has seen a positive reception as between 15 and 18 students attend the weekly meetings at Maloney and 25 to 30 at Platt.

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Avila said that running the program was a full-circle moment for her since she was involved in leadership positions of her own ¡Adelante! program when she was a high school student in Wallingford. Because the ¡Adelante! programs have a track record of successfully engaging Latino students, she said there has long been an interest in expanding the capacity of the program to serve Meriden’s large Latino student population.

”It’s been exciting to see the expansion,” she said. “It’s exciting to see the need in Meriden grow.”

However, Avila said that transportation barriers prevented Meriden students from attending Wallingford programs in the past. Conversations for expanding the program started last spring and the partnership between SCOW and the district opened the new clubs in November. Now that the program is starting back off after the winter break, she said she was eager to get to know the students better and watch them take on leadership roles with club officer positions.

College, career readiness

In the 2022-2023 school year, 60.3 percent of the district was Hispanic, according to EdSight, the state's education data website. In addition, enrollment among students learning English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is increasing as 17.5% of the district were multilingual learners that year.

Because of this, College and Career Coordinator Marissa Cardona said that belonging to ¡Adelante! can help students who come from a first or second generation immigrant family and might not know about college essays, community service requirements, scholarships and other opportunities.

¡Adelante! is a great way to pave more pathways for more students and have it translate into kids being successful career wise, college wise and giving back to our communities,” she said.

Samantha Gavilanez has been attending the program since it started. She said it’s a chance to meet new people and develop leadership skills that will help her apply for environmental studies programs at UCLA and the University of Chicago. She added she planned to run for the president of the Maloney ¡Adelante! Club to help shape club activities.

“Being involved in the community and all the community opportunities helps a lot with my college applications,” she said.

Sense of belonging

Cardona also said that the club can help Latino students find community and create a sense of belonging — although the club is open to students from all heritage backgrounds. She added that the new ¡Adelante! Clubs are part of several recent initiatives put in place by the district to engage their large Latino population, such as morning announcements in Spanish and a “Café and Charla” event at Maloney to connect Hispanic students and parents with sports, music and other clubs.

“A program like this helps enhance self confidence. A sense of belonging right to a community, especially if the comfort level is still not there. And of course, eventually understanding our culture here,” she said.

For SCOW staffer Melisa Juarez, going through the program was a way of increasing her own confidence, as well as giving her leadership experience. She was president of the pilot program in Wallingford that included students in 7th and 8th grade, called Pasos ¡Adelante! Now that she is teaching the program, she encouraged students to go out of their comfort zones and run for leadership positions in the club.

“I was super super shy. I did not want to talk in front of anyone. I didn't want to even pick up the phone at the office. But through that program, I really was able to learn a lot and have a lot of new skills,” she said.

What is Meriden, CT Known For? 5 Things to Love About This City

In the heart of the state, Meriden is known for its rich industrial heritage, reflected in its well-preserved architecture and historic landmarks. The city thrives on a strong sense of community, offering a range of cultural events, recreational activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Meriden presents a dynamic and inviting place to call home with its central location, diverse neighborhoods, and a balance between urban convenience and small-town charm. So whether you’re searching for ...

In the heart of the state, Meriden is known for its rich industrial heritage, reflected in its well-preserved architecture and historic landmarks. The city thrives on a strong sense of community, offering a range of cultural events, recreational activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Meriden presents a dynamic and inviting place to call home with its central location, diverse neighborhoods, and a balance between urban convenience and small-town charm. So whether you’re searching for apartments in Meriden, homes for sale, or want to learn more about what Meriden is known for, this Redfin article will be your guide.

1. Hubbard Park

Hubbard Park, a sprawling public park offering a picturesque landscape and outdoor recreational activities, is a renowned feature of Meriden. The park, featuring a scenic mountain summit, a beautiful lake, and a historic castle known as Castle Craig, allows visitors to indulge in hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching while savoring the area’s stunning natural beauty.

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Access new homes anytime, anywhere with the Redfin app. Download app 2. Meriden Daffodil Festival

The annual Daffodil Festival in Meriden is a celebration of spring featuring over 600,000 daffodils in bloom. Moreover, the festival offers live music, food vendors, carnival rides, and a parade, attracting thousands of visitors annually. It has become a beloved tradition that showcases the community’s spirit and the season’s beauty.

3. Proximity to Boston and New York

Centrally located in Connecticut, Meriden’s proximity facilitates effortless access to the vibrant energy of New York City and the historic charm of Boston, establishing it as a perfect hub for commuters and travelers. Furthermore, this advantageous location allows residents to enjoy these iconic cities’ cultural richness and diverse experiences.

4. Silver Industry

Meriden gained its “Silver City” nickname during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thriving in the silver manufacturing industry. The city’s expertise in crafting fine silverware earned international acclaim, cementing its status as a leading silver industry hub. Meriden celebrates its heritage in this field by showcasing historical artifacts and highlighting the lasting impact of its craftsmanship.

5. Meriden Markham Airport

The Meriden Markham Airport is a general aviation airport that serves as a vital regional transportation hub. Additionally, the airport provides facilities for private and corporate aircraft and flight training services, contributing to the city’s connectivity.

Meriden woman finds unexpected kindness at four-way intersection

It was a chaotic morning for Erika Thiel as she was taking her daughter to day care.First, Thiel had an encounter with a driver filled with road rage. The next minute, she was dealing with her toddler's tantrum and, at one point, nearly collided with a tractor trailer."So, I'm starting to feel the effects of the morning and those emotions that any person starts to feel when they're just trying to do everything, and it feels like everyone is coming at them," said Thiel.That was until Thiel made it to a four-way ...

It was a chaotic morning for Erika Thiel as she was taking her daughter to day care.

First, Thiel had an encounter with a driver filled with road rage. The next minute, she was dealing with her toddler's tantrum and, at one point, nearly collided with a tractor trailer.

"So, I'm starting to feel the effects of the morning and those emotions that any person starts to feel when they're just trying to do everything, and it feels like everyone is coming at them," said Thiel.

That was until Thiel made it to a four-way intersection on Research Parkway in Meriden and noticed a woman dancing to the radio in her minivan.

"She is bumping, and she is singing. I could tell whatever she was listening to was a vibe," said Thiel.

Thiel said as they made eye contact, the woman smiled at her and kept on dancing. Her positive attitude was so infectious, Thiel said she started to dance.

"I just started laughing," she said. "That woman, she is just loving life right now, and I love that for her."

Later that day, Thiel posted about the encounter in a Facebook message, thanking the driver.

She went on to say how much she appreciated that moment as she was on the verge of a "full-blown anxiety attack." The woman's positive energy turned Thiel's whole day around.

She wasn't expecting the driver to see the message, but she did, and she commented on it.

"It was the first thing I read in the morning, and it just made my day. I wasn't even awake 20 minutes, and I saw it, and I was like, I have to tell her it was me," said Felicia Jones of Durham.

Jones helps people with disabilities find jobs in the community. She said "jamming out" is something she does regularly with her clients and when she is alone.

"I was just jamming out to Shania Twain. My normal everyday thing that I do is just jam out to music, and I just start dancing in the car," Jones said.

The interaction happened on Wednesday, and already, hundreds of people have reacted to Thiel's post.

Many have also shared in the comment section how this made their day better.

"I was like, I'm going to dance. I'm just going to continue dancing, and we just locked eyes, and I just kept going," said Jones.

A bad day made better all because someone stopped to spread some kindness.

An empty and derelict old hospital has scarred downtown Meriden: 'Something needs to be done'

Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati was born at Meriden-Wallingford Hospital 34 years ago and lived in an apartment next to the hospital for eight years. But he and other city residents — many of whom were also born at the hospital — are long past any nostalgia for the hulking structure, which has sat abandoned and decaying for a quarter-century.Watch More“We’ve got to do something with the building,” Scarpati said. “It’s something that needs to be addressed.”After decades of brok...

Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati was born at Meriden-Wallingford Hospital 34 years ago and lived in an apartment next to the hospital for eight years. But he and other city residents — many of whom were also born at the hospital — are long past any nostalgia for the hulking structure, which has sat abandoned and decaying for a quarter-century.

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“We’ve got to do something with the building,” Scarpati said. “It’s something that needs to be addressed.”

After decades of broken promises from developers and dashed hopes, Meriden officials are starting 2024 with aims to finally tear down the city-owned hospital, which looms over the outskirts of downtown and occupies five acres of property at 1 King Place.

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The hospital’s boarded-up windows, graffiti and overgrown grass currently add to the atmosphere of blight in the Cook Avenue neighborhood.

“It’s sad to see it in the shape it’s in,” said Meriden Economic Development Director Joseph Feest, who was also born in Meriden-Wallingford Hospital. “It’s definitely something the city wants to redo in a way that works and fits into today’s needs.”

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Due to the hospital’s age and condition, city leaders are focusing on demolishing the structures on the property and offering a developer the empty land.

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“We would be better off starting from a clean ground site,” Feest said. “There's a lot of things going on around the city that help with economic development, and that is definitely one piece of the pie.”

Left behind as hospital moves

The site of a hospital for a century, the complex at 1 King Place consists of historic structures dating from the 1800s and a series of modern additions that rise as high as seven stories. With its 200-car parking garage, the complex totals more than 300,000 square feet of space.

The building was left empty in 1998 when the hospital rebranded as MidState Medical Center and moved into a new 94-bed facility at 435 Lewis Ave. in Meriden.

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A series of developers promised new mixed-use developments at the 1 King Place site but failed to secure financing, leading the city to acquire the property through foreclosure in 2014.

One win for Meriden in subsequent years was a $4 million package of state grants and loans that helped clean up contaminants at the site, bolstered by a $300,000 grant from MidState. But the pandemic tanked the most recent developer plan to revamp the complex, and now city officials are eager to see the decaying buildings come down.

“It's very daunting, it doesn't lend itself to a convenient use of any one kind,” Scarpati said of the existing buildings.

Since last year, Meriden has tried multiple times to secure a CT Communities Challenge Grant from the state to cover the $6 million needed for demolition of the old hospital, but has yet to win funding.

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Meriden needs a developer’s commitment to get the demolition funds, the mayor said.

“What the state wants to see more than anything is housing, and because we don't have that developer on the line and agreeing to conduct the work once the building is razed, I think that that goes against us,” Scarpati said.

Site could diversify city’s housing stock

Housing is a logical choice for the property considering the statewide boom in new apartments, Scarpati said. Although Meriden’s population of about 60,000 stayed flat between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, new housing complexes are popping up throughout downtown with state encouragement.

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The size of the hospital site could allow for some alternative housing development in Meriden, the mayor said.

“Let’s look at diversifying our housing stock by way of either some single-family homes or condos, duplexes, townhouses — something other than high-rise apartment buildings,” Scarpati said.

Even without the demolition funds or a developer deal in hand, the city council’s Economic Development Committee plans to meet early in the new year to plan action on the hospital site, Feest said. In addition to housing, uses like an industrial park or warehousing will be on the table, he said.

Adding urgency to the case for demolishing the old hospital is a new plan to redevelop the site of a nearby old medical office building at 116 Cook Ave. Located across the street from the vacant hospital, that 76,000-square-foot structure has been damaged by fire and vandalism and is set for demolition.

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“We just instituted a building committee for a senior center and health department, which will be built on that site,” Scarpati said. “So as we look to build up and clean up that neighborhood, 1 King Place is an integral part of that discussion, and needs to be dealt with in the very near future.”

“Ultimately, something needs to be done,” Scarpati said. “ That building cannot continue to sit in its current state, which is just adding to the detriment of the neighborhood.”

Ecuadorian deli, restaurant, juice bar opens at former Meriden Agway

MERIDEN — The Saguay family recently opened “Sabor de Mi Tierra,” a deli, juice bar and restaurant at the remodeled site of the former Agway agricultural store at 744 Murdock Ave.Watch MoreOwner Karen Saguay said that the remodeled restaurant was the result of a three years-long remodeling and renovation process done by her father’s roofing and siding company, called the McKoy Group LLC, as well as other local electrical and plumbing companies. In the process of remodelling, they demolished an old barn, ...

MERIDEN — The Saguay family recently opened “Sabor de Mi Tierra,” a deli, juice bar and restaurant at the remodeled site of the former Agway agricultural store at 744 Murdock Ave.

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Owner Karen Saguay said that the remodeled restaurant was the result of a three years-long remodeling and renovation process done by her father’s roofing and siding company, called the McKoy Group LLC, as well as other local electrical and plumbing companies. In the process of remodelling, they demolished an old barn, changed the property’s uneven cement floor, installed a new transformer, added sinks, and remodeled the facade.

“It's easy to just reopen a new restaurant where there was an existing one prior, but to convert something, it's a whole thing,” she said.

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Joseph and David Greenbacker sold the Agway store along with the family's dairy farm when the price of milk was not enough to sustain the farming activity. Saguay purchased the 6,000 square-foot building for $270,00 in 2018.

Michael S. Rohde serves as City Council’s Chairperson Economic Development, Housing & Zoning Committee and remembers when there were a number of farms along Murdock Avenue, including Greenbacker. He explained that the area slowly became less agricultural and more industrial, especially toward Wallingford. He also noted that the city is home to a growing number of successful Latino-owned restaurants, such as the Green Deli near the Meriden Green.

“We've always been interested in cultural restaurants. They come into town, we have a lot of them now because we have such a diverse population. It's good to see them starting up new businesses,” he said.

Fresh-made menu

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“Sabor de Mi Tierra” means “taste of my country” in Spanish, even though the specific menu is still being revised. Saguay described the menu as “a little bit of everything,” although they specialize in home-style Ecuadorian fare with fresh fruit juices. On weekdays, she said the restaurant is serving daily specials with some variation on rice, beans, plantains, soup and a choice of meat. On weekends, she said they are serving more complicated dishes like seafood and Guata, an Ecuadorian tripe stew that is difficult to find in the U.S.

Meriden is home to a growing number of Ecuadorians. The 2020 U.S. Census reported 1,391 Meriden residents came from South America overall, up from just 289 in 2000. Nationwide, the U.S. Census bureau estimated about 813,000 Ecuadorians lived in the U.S. in 2021, up from an estimated 261,000 in 2000.

The Saguay family immigrated over 20 years ago and have since built a number of businesses in a few different industries. As the third generation to own a Saguay business, Karen Saguay said that the response to her family’s new restaurant has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We're so grateful. We couldn't be any happier. And we've had a lot of support from our local neighbors. Everyone's so excited that there's a new business and they're excited about the juice bar as well,” she said.

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The juices are prepared fresh by Galo Herrera. He’s from the Imbabura Province in the northern Andea part of Ecuador and explained that his native country is very tropical and has a lot of fruits and vegetables — especially bananas. While he was living in Ecuador, he learned how to make smoothies while owning his own juice shop and said that many fruits and vegetables have natural properties that can boost the immune system. For example, he said that he can make a juice with radish, spinach, green apples, celery and kiwi to combat anemia.

“It’s the natural medicine that has worked since the time of our grandparents and it really does give results,” he said in his native Spanish.

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