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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 North Haven, CT

Home Care North Haven, 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 North Haven Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

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

 In-Home Care North Haven, 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 North Haven, CT?

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

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

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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

 Senior Care North Haven, CT

Types of Elderly Care in North Haven, CT

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

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

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care North Haven, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers North Haven, 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 Hansen Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care North Haven, 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 Ludal's Italian Restaurant or visit Pines Bridge Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

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

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

 In-Home Care North Haven, CT

Benefits of Home Care in North Haven, CT

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

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

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Elderly Care North Haven, CT

Affordable Care

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

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

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

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

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care North Haven, CT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in North Haven, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

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

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

Assisted Living Referral Services

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

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


Respite Care North Haven, CT

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

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

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers North Haven, 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 Landing of North Haven
  • PrimeFit at The Landing of North Haven
  • Montowese Health & Rehabilitation Center
  • Grace D’adamo
  • Elderly Housing Management Inc
  • Benchmark Senior Living at Hamden
Home Care North Haven, CT

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

 In-Home Care North Haven, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

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

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

 Elderly Care North Haven, CT

Latest News in North Haven, CT

Local Rocker To Open Guitar Shop In North Haven

The North Haven native is opening a shop where musicians can not only buy, sell, trade, & get repairs, but also hang out & chat about music.NORTH HAVEN, CT — Long before he became a musician, Andre Roman used to ride his bike around his hometown of North Haven, past the green and the small row of shops lining Linsley Street.Many years and bands and guitars later, Roman is opening a shop where musicians can not only buy, sell, trade, and get their guitars and amps repaired, but also hang out and chat about music....

The North Haven native is opening a shop where musicians can not only buy, sell, trade, & get repairs, but also hang out & chat about music.

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Long before he became a musician, Andre Roman used to ride his bike around his hometown of North Haven, past the green and the small row of shops lining Linsley Street.

Many years and bands and guitars later, Roman is opening a shop where musicians can not only buy, sell, trade, and get their guitars and amps repaired, but also hang out and chat about music.

The shop, Roman Electric Guitars, located at 4B Linsley St. in North Haven, will open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday. Its proprietor is hoping it fulfills his lifelong dream of having his own storefront while offering musicians a new place to recreate some old-time vibes.

While the shop itself is brand new, the idea for the shop has been percolating in Roman’s mind for quite some time.

“It was always there in the back of my head for years how cool it would be to have a store,” he said, especially one in his hometown. Earlier this year, he was driving down Linsley with his mother and said to her, “You know if I was ever to have a store, those little spots would be perfect.” Two weeks later they were driving by once again and saw a sign on the door of the former North Haven Shoe Repair shop that said “business closed.” Soon after Roman was touring the space and then renting it. Renovations proceeded with the help of a multitude of family and friends to update what was needed while retaining some of the charm of the previous shop.

Stocking the store with gear was not an issue in the least.

“I’ve hoarded instruments forever,” said Roman with a laugh. “I’ve always had way too many, but not enough.”

Ant Reckart — Roman’s bandmate in rock trio Pinto Graham and fellow guitar aficionado — will be co-curating the selection of primarily electric guitars (though there are also a few acoustic guitars currently available). Amps, pedals, strings, drum heads, and drum sticks will also be for sale.

The space will also operate as a full repair shop — any kind of instrument repair from set-ups to refrets to refinishing, according to Roman. Sean Hannah of Heavytone Amplifiers will be handling the shop’s amp repairs while Roman will be handling all of the guitar repairs with the goal of keeping it affordable as well as affable.

“We’re all musicians who were broke forever,” he said with a laugh, “so I want it to be a place that people can come and feel like we’re not pricing musicians out.”

The initial inventory consists of guitars from Roman and Reckart’s personal collections, and they want the shop experience to be personalized as well.

“We want musicians to come in here — local, traveling, touring — and be able to comfortably buy an instrument that’s play ready,” he said.

One of those instruments is a 1965 Harmony Rocket that Roman referred to as a “classic American-made guitar.”

“If a musician came in and played it they would say, ‘Wow, this is a great guitar.’ It plays great, sounds amazing, it’s just a great guitar,” he said.

Other guitars in the shop right now include Fenders, Gibsons, a Univox Hi-Flyer, and a “super rare” matching pair of guitars from 1972 by Hagstrom. The selection of amps available include Vox, Fender, Orange, and Ampeg. Roman plans on keeping a mixture of vintage and new pieces available and, judging by the amount of people who have already been contacting him about consigning, he thinks the inventory stay in rotation.

He wants to keep the consignment percentages “fair” and is also open to swaps.

“I’d rather people be happy with what we can give back to them,” he added.

Roman — who can currently be seen and heard around the New Haven area playing live with the bands Pinto Graham and The Danglers — got his first guitar at age 10. A Dinosaur Jr show with his father and brother a few years later — “I was like, that was the loudest thing I’ve ever heard,” he recalled — cemented his “total obsession” with guitars. After playing in a few bands in high school he ended up playing bass in Murdervan, a well-known and highly revered New Haven-based band that toured “a lot.” He honed his guitar repair skills while doing all of that touring, getting used to fixing “unpractical problems” with guitars on the spot with limited time to do so, getting better at it as he went along. It got to the point where people started bringing him their instruments to fix when he was home as well.

Living and working in New Haven also helped Roman develop long lasting friendships and connections in the local music community, specifically his job at now-closed Cutler’s record store where he worked for around 12 years, calling it an “amazing place to work” where “everyone was like family.”

“Working there introduced me to not only people in the New Haven music scene who then became lifelong friends, but to a world of music I hadn’t tapped into or even thought about at the age of 21 or 22,” he said.

Cutler’s was also where the seeds of the bands he played in were germinated.

“I was able to hang with people who had been around the scene for years, talking guitar, songwriting,” he said. “I’d get invited to jams, to fix people’s guitars…just being and living in New Haven at that time was super important to me.”

And speaking of jams, Roman is planning on hosting intimate live shows in the space, focusing on “acoustic, more mellow stuff” for now. The first of those is scheduled for Oct. 18 to celebrate the newest Ponybird album release with sets by Ponybird (aka Jennifer Dauphinais) and Lys Guillorn.

Roman is also interested in eventually hosting workshops where he can teach something like basic setups and/or instrument repair and maintenance.

“I’m grateful that people will pay people like me to do it [the repairs], but I think spreading the love is where it’s at,” he said. “It’s such a customized thing. We could have the same guitar, and I hand it to you and you would want it to feel different than I would.”

The shop will have a few non-instrument offerings as well. Musician Brian Harris, who also plays in the band Pinto Graham with Roman, will be curating a small selection of used vinyl. Roman has even put a call out to his visual artist friends with an interest in hanging some of their work on the walls along with the guitars. With the addition of records and art to browse, he hopes it helps make the shop a place where people want to spend time.

“We just like to sit around and BS about guitars,” Roman said. “If people want to do that, great. If people come in and want a set up and they have some time in the middle of the day, they can hang out here while I do it. I want people to be able to come in and feel comfortable.”

From the Dinosaur Jr playing in the background to the cozy sitting area near the entrance, it felt like Roman was already well on his way to making this spot a home not too far away from home.

Roman Electric Guitars has an Open House scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 30 from 12 to 4 p.m. They are conveniently located on the bus line and free street parking is available as well. More information about the shop and its offerings can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages. A website is coming soon.

The New Haven Independent is a not-for-profit public-interest daily news site founded in 2005.

Lamont declares Stage 2 drought in parts of CT as dry weather continues

Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday bumped up the drought classification for parts of southern Connecticut, as the state has seen a run of dry weather during early fall.The governor's announcement raises the drought advisory to Stage 2 for Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven counties. All of Connecticut previously had been at Stage 1, the governor's office said.During the advisory, people and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water consumption by shutting off automatic outdoor irrigation systems, fixing leaky plumbing and f...

Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday bumped up the drought classification for parts of southern Connecticut, as the state has seen a run of dry weather during early fall.

The governor's announcement raises the drought advisory to Stage 2 for Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven counties. All of Connecticut previously had been at Stage 1, the governor's office said.

During the advisory, people and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water consumption by shutting off automatic outdoor irrigation systems, fixing leaky plumbing and following water conservation requests by municipalities and water suppliers.

"The lack of rain over these last several months has impacted all of Connecticut, and in particular the regions around Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties,” Lamont said in a statement. "The purpose of increasing these counties to Stage 2 is to raise awareness that as this lack of rain continues, there is a possibility that this emerging drought event could intensify."

The state Drought Preparedness and Response plan uses a five-tier system to measure drought, ranging from Stage 1 or "below normal conditions" to Stage 5, considered an "extreme drought."

Stage 2, the level parts of southern Connecticut were raised to, is considered "incipient drought."

The state's declaration comes as the U.S. Drought Monitor has for weeks listed parts of southern Connecticut under moderate drought. Notably, however, the areas marked as under moderate drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor are southern parts of New London and Middlesex counties along the coast, as well as the southeastern tip of New Haven County — areas mostly farther east and south than the counties in the state declaration.

The rest of Connecticut is considered to be abnormally dry, according to the U.S. Drought monitor. The organization's assessment is released weekly on Thursdays, with the report dated from Tuesday each week.

(Parts of northern New England are in worse shape. The most recent U.S. Drought monitor map designated a strip of territory stretching from central Vermont and New Hampshire across southern Maine as under extreme drought, the second highest level under its five-tier system.)

The governor's office said the decision to declare a Stage 2 drought advisory was recommended by the state's Interagency Drought Workgroup, a group with representatives from several state agencies. The group met last Thursday and made the recommendation based on data that included "precipitation, surface waters, groundwater, reservoirs, soil moisture, vegetation, and fire danger conditions," the governor's office said in a news release.

The state's daily Forest Fire Danger report has pegged the risk of brush fires as "high" on several recent days, including both Monday and Tuesday. The drought advisory also comes about a year after Connecticut saw a particularly active fall fire season that included a large blaze on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and Meriden.

Meriden Mayor Kevin M. Scarpati said in a statement Tuesday that while his office supports Lamont's call to conserve water, the city is not "near drought triggering levels."

"The Meriden Water Division monitors the city’s surface water capacity weekly and presently reports that all reservoirs are at or above sufficient capacity for supply," Scarpati said.

In the immediate forecast, Tuesday night and Wednesday are expected to bring some showers as a cold front approaches the area, with scattered rainfall totals of above an inch possible. Most areas should see between a half-inch and an inch of rainfall.

The last time drought advisories were issued in the state was on Nov. 9, 2024, when all eight Connecticut counties reached Stage 2, the governor's office said.

Where To Pick Pumpkins In North Haven This Fall

Pumpkin season is here. Find out where to get the pick of the patch near North Haven.NORTH HAVEN, CT — Heading out to a patch or field to pick the best or biggest pumpkin isn’t just about finding the perfect Halloween jack-o-lantern. It’s a seasonal activity blending nature, tradition and community, and there are several places around North Haven to create lasting memories with family and friends.Many pumpkin patches and fields offer complementary activities like hay rides, corn mazes and games for the kids....

Pumpkin season is here. Find out where to get the pick of the patch near North Haven.

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Heading out to a patch or field to pick the best or biggest pumpkin isn’t just about finding the perfect Halloween jack-o-lantern. It’s a seasonal activity blending nature, tradition and community, and there are several places around North Haven to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Many pumpkin patches and fields offer complementary activities like hay rides, corn mazes and games for the kids. Picking your own pumpkin also is a good way to support the local farmers who grow them.

Whether you plan to carve a jack-o’-lantern or just add some festive flair to your stoop, there are plenty of places to pick up a pumpkin near North Haven. Here are a few of our favorites:

Keep in mind that carving and baking pumpkins aren’t the same. The former are grown in fields to be large, more vibrantly colored, and relatively hollow. The watery flesh doesn’t have the same flavor found in baking pumpkins, which tend to be smaller, have thicker, harder-to-carve walls and sweeter flesh. For those, you’ll probably need to head to the grocery store.

Pumpkins for carving should appear sturdy and clean. Remember, this is the pumpkin that will be front and center on the porch for the Halloween season. Here are some tips for carving a perfect jack-o’-lantern from Warren Nash on YouTube, who shows a step-by-step process to make the perfect carve.

Pumpkin carving kits will go a long way in getting what you need. They typically include saws, a scooper, a drill and multiple patterns.

If you're looking for the items individually around the house, here's what you could use:

Steps

No. 6 Hand football team grinds out SCC victory over North Haven to stay undefeated

In Week 2, the Tigers won in slightly less dramatic, though perhaps equally as impressive, fashion. Hand broke open a tie game in the second half and played smash-mouth football en route to victory.Sixth-ranked Hand scored a pair of unanswered touchdowns to defeat North Haven 24-10 Friday night at the Surf Club."Our run game was able to make things happen in the second half," Hand coach Erik Becker said. "Our kids are resilient. They play to the final whistle. That’s how we coach, that’s how we...

In Week 2, the Tigers won in slightly less dramatic, though perhaps equally as impressive, fashion. Hand broke open a tie game in the second half and played smash-mouth football en route to victory.

Sixth-ranked Hand scored a pair of unanswered touchdowns to defeat North Haven 24-10 Friday night at the Surf Club.

"Our run game was able to make things happen in the second half," Hand coach Erik Becker said. "Our kids are resilient. They play to the final whistle. That’s how we coach, that’s how we play."

Lucca Boyce rushed for 111 yards on 12 carries in the second half alone and scored the game’s final touchdown with just over 8 minutes left in the game. The Tigers (2-0) won the line of scrimmage in the second half to pull away.

"I wouldn't be able to do anything without my line. They really dominated and they won us that game," Boyce said.

Even though Hand, which was unranked in the GametimeCT preseason poll, avenged its Class M state semifinal playoff loss to St. Joseph last season, the loss still stings for Boyce and serves as motivation for this season.

"All that hard work we’ve been preparing for since last time we lost on Strong Field nine months ago, just propels us forward," Boyce said.

Hand quarterback Bobby Reh completed 14-of-18 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown in the first half. That touchdown — a 19-yard strike to Cole Preskar — put Hand ahead for the first time, 10-7 with 11 seconds left before halftime.

Reh only attempted a couple of passes on the second half as the Tigers went to work on the ground.

After North Haven (1-1) went 12 plays on the opening drive of the second half, ending with Eli Reynolds’ 36-yard field goal to tie the game at 10, Boyce carried the ball six times on Hand’s ensuing drive, one that was capped by Conor Casagrande’s 9-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.

"It's always games like this, tied late and one of us gets the best of the other," Becker said. "They got us last time up at their place, now it’s our turn."

North Haven won the last matchup between the two SCC programs, 35-14 on Nov. 4, 2022.

Boyce carried the ball five times on Hand’s next drive in the fourth quarter. He scored his lone touchdown on a 9-yard run, hopping over a North Haven defender on the goal line to score with 8:08 remaining.

"They're a big, strong, physical team. They did what I would have done, they wore us down,” North Haven coach Anthony Sagnella said about Hand. "They're a more veteran team than us. Certainly no excuses, we hit a wall and just ran out of gas. There were a lot of sophomores on the field the last two drives."

It doesn’t get any easier next Friday night for Hand. It has a long trip to face Brookfield, which lost to St. Joseph in last year’s Class M state final at Rentschler Field.

Player of the game

Lucca Boyce, RB, Hand: Rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in the second half to help the Tigers pull away.

Quotable

"That's a team that won two state championships the last three years, and they could very well win another one.” — Hand coach Erik Becker about North Haven

Hand 24, North Haven 10

(at Madison)NORTH HAVEN 7 0 3 0—10DANIEL HAND 3 7 7 7—24NH—Nathan Eggerling 25 run (Eli Reynolds kick)H—Anthony Bowie FG 22H—Cole Preskar 19 pass from Bobby Reh (Bowie kick)NH—Reynolds FG 36H—Conor Casagrande 9 run (Bowie kick)H—Lucca Boyce 9 run (Bowie kick)Records: North Haven 1-1; Hand 2-0.

North Haven running back Artie McCormack IV piling up yards: 'Able to finish the job'

NORTH HAVEN — Sure, freshmen have been contributors for North Haven football coach Anthony Sagnella over his nearly three decades at the helm. But what Artie McCormack IV was able to do for the Nighthawks' single-wing offense last year differed from all the rest.“We’ve brought a couple kids (as freshmen) up to run down on kickoffs,” Sagnella said. “Nobody carried the load like Artie has.”Now at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, the 15-year-old McCormack IV is a physical player who can punish defenders...

NORTH HAVEN — Sure, freshmen have been contributors for North Haven football coach Anthony Sagnella over his nearly three decades at the helm. But what Artie McCormack IV was able to do for the Nighthawks' single-wing offense last year differed from all the rest.

“We’ve brought a couple kids (as freshmen) up to run down on kickoffs,” Sagnella said. “Nobody carried the load like Artie has.”

Now at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, the 15-year-old McCormack IV is a physical player who can punish defenders with his style of running.

“Being able to take hits, have the endurance, obviously, (you’re) going to get banged up every game, but you have to be able to play through that,” McCormack said.

Sagnella remembers seeing McCormack play for North Haven in the Shoreline Youth championship as an eighth grader.

“Then he’s on the field against St. Joseph (2024 season opener) how many months later?” Sagnella said.

McCormack said he didn’t get a lot of work as a running back in that opener, but got more touches the following week against Hamden. He finished with 124 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries against the Green Dragons.

It got better from there. McCormack rushed for 296 yards and six touchdowns against East Hartford, 234 yards and three touchdowns against Platt and 130 yards and a TD against Fairfield Prep. McCormack finished last season with 1,063 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 127 carries.

He already has 49 carries through three games this season, rushing for 403 yards and six touchdowns, including three TDs and 187 yards against Bristol Central last week. He also has 19 tackles on defense.

John Williston, a junior blocking back and inside linebacker, said the players were “shocked his freshman year doing what he did” as a running back.

“With the offense we run, how we play, it’s great knowing when your team is doing their assignments, we have a back back there that is able to finish the job,” said Williston.

Sagnella said there was a need for McCormack as a freshman due in part to lower numbers than in the past and players with McCormack’s build at either running back or safety. McCormack impressed Sagnella and the coaching staff.

He was also impressive on the baseball diamond. McCormack was a starting outfielder as a freshman for the Nighthawks. He batted .333 with a .765 OPS and led the Nighthawks in RBIs (13) and stolen bases (seven).

"He is obviously a tremendous athlete and it shows because not only can he play a great center field, but he is also a good catcher as well," North Haven baseball coach Joe Romanelli said. "Artie was able to contribute a lot last year and will be a big piece for us moving forward. With his skill set and passion for the sport, Artie will be able to play baseball in college."

So talk about even more impressive: McCormack started varsity as a freshman in two sports and never played a single JV game.

“Since I’ve been a kid, I’ve always loved both of them,” McCormack said about football and baseball. “Both of them bring excitement, competition. Growing up in North Haven, baseball has always been a big thing, football has always been a big thing. So growing up here, hearing about the legacy of high school baseball and obviously recent years of football have been great, so just hearing about that, I want to be able to carry that on."

It’s a year-round effort to excel in both sports, McCormack said. Summer weightlifting at 6 a.m. in addition to summer conditioning to get ready for football. Baseball drills during the winter to get ready for the spring season, then summer baseball, which runs into, or coincides, with summer conditioning.

McCormack said he is a more patient runner, waiting for the blocks to develop and find the holes. He is also more physical with the ball.Sagnella has taken notice of that as well.

“I told him, ‘The mark of a great back, is when you can break tackles.’ This year, I’ve noticed that he’s running a little more physically,” Sagnella said. “He’s playing defense a lot more physical, really become a missile in the secondary, coming up and tackling. He’s trying to become a more complete player.”

North Haven fell short of qualifying for the CIAC Class M football playoffs last season after winning the Class MM state championship the previous two seasons. That is all the motivation McCormack and the Nighthawks need to try and qualify in Class M this fall.

“I say to the guys when we get out there, ‘There’s not like much of a better feeling in the world than stepping on that field with your brothers, playing the game,’” McCormack said.

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