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
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 WIlliam Campbell Monument 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 West Haven, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael,”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. ”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. ”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is”
“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”
“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!!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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”
“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”
“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!”
“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!!”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our prayers ????”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always Best Care provides!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional. She quickly became a family member and friend.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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”
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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one 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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Painter Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 Biagetti's or visit Savin Rock, 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
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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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.
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 West 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.
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:
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 West 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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
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 West 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.
WEST HAVEN — Although the state's oversight of West Haven's finances appears to be winding down, it may end up costing the city as state officials floated an idea to extend a financial management contract. Mayor Dorinda Borer has argued in recent months that West Haven, which has been under the oversight of the state's Municipal Accountability Review Board since 2017, has...
WEST HAVEN — Although the state's oversight of West Haven's finances appears to be winding down, it may end up costing the city as state officials floated an idea to extend a financial management contract.
Mayor Dorinda Borer has argued in recent months that West Haven, which has been under the oversight of the state's Municipal Accountability Review Board since 2017, has met all the statutory requirements to be released from the body's management.
"The law is the law," she said at a Friday special meeting of the MARB.
However, Office of Policy and Management Secretary Jeffrey Beckham said he does not believe a clean break is appropriate because of a number of incomplete policies for the city to adopt around grant management and debt.
He shared his desire to see a state contract with Protiviti extended "for a couple more months."
Protiviti, a financial management firm, has had a presence in West Haven City Hall since 2023 and has worked with the city on resolving deficiencies in their audit and helping manage its finances. Its fees are paid through state funding that the city is due to reimburse.
Borer said the city, which came under the MARB because of historical mismanagement and a lack of financial processes that were put on display when former state Rep. Michael DiMassa was arrested for the theft of over $1 million in pandemic relief funds allocated to the city, has more policies to adopt, but is capable of doing so itself.
She said the city's partnership with Protiviti has been positive and productive, but extending the contract and expecting West Haven taxpayers to pay the bill is not reasonable.
“I just don’t want to pay for it because we can't afford it,” she said. "We’re looking for every penny here. I don't know that we have to pay someone to write a policy for us.”
Beckham said the city does not have to adopt Protiviti's policies, but MARB officials have a desire to "do due diligence" and "extract those deliverables" from the contractor.
West Haven's next meeting with the MARB is scheduled for April 24, which Beckham said would "be an important one" in determining whether West Haven is allowed to exit MARB oversight or whether the body will downgrade its oversight of the city.
The targeted code enforcement program is being launched in response to the "alarming rise in home fire deaths" in unregulated apartments.Vincent Salzo, Patch StaffFrom the West Haven Fire Department – AllingtownWEST HAVEN, CT — In response to the alarming rise in home fire deaths, and the heightened risks fac...
Vincent Salzo, Patch Staff
From the West Haven Fire Department – Allingtown
WEST HAVEN, CT — In response to the alarming rise in home fire deaths, and the heightened risks faced by residents living in unregulated basement and attic apartments, the West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown is launching a new, targeted code enforcement program. This initiative aims to enhance fire safety and protect vulnerable populations within the community.
Although the number of fire-related deaths has decreased by 43% since 1980, 2023 marks a 28% increase from the record low number of deaths recorded by NFPA in 2012 (2,855). The 2023 civilian fire death toll of 3,670 is down 3% from the 3,790 total in 2022.
Despite ongoing community risk reduction efforts, including home safety surveys, smoke alarm installations, and educational campaigns, fire fatalities continue be a fact.
A significant concern in West Haven is the prevalence of basement and attic apartments, often created without proper permits or inspections, housing hundreds of residents or may be at increased risk of fire related injuries or death.
The prevalence of unregulated conversions in one- and two-family dwellings, resulting in illegal multi-family occupancies, constitutes a significant fire safety concern. The disparity between fire code requirements for single-family and multi-family dwellings, compounded by the utilization of spaces not originally intended for habitation, substantially augments the potential for fire-related injuries or worse.
According to the US Fire Administration, during the years of 2021 to 2023, 81% of residential multiple-fatality fires occur in one- and two-family dwellings is alarming. This underscores the vulnerability of when compared to an additional fact that multifamily dwellings accounted for only 11% of these fires, and benefited from stricter fire codes and regular inspections and demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive fire safety measures. However, only if they are identified and inspected, otherwise they are an increased hazard to its residents.
"The safety of our residents is our top priority," Fire Chief Michael Terenzio said. "We recognize the critical need to address the unique fire risks associated with unregulated basement and attic apartments. This new program will allow us to proactively identify and mitigate these hazards, ensuring a safer living environment for the constituency."
With a $49,000 Community Development Block grant, the West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown is expanding its services by certifying firefighters to perform code enforcement inspections in addition to their regular fire suppression roles. The increased services provided by the Code Enforcement Specialists will focus on the target hazard of unregulated converted basement and attic apartments.
"I’m thankful for the great work of the department in always being proactive in prevention and the safety of our residents," Mayor Dorinda Borer said.
The program will utilize three recently certified firefighters who will conduct inspections in addition to their regular firefighting duties. Their activities in this area will be supervised by the department’s Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal as part of the department’s fire prevention and investigation bureau. They will identify suspected unregulated apartments through canvassing, property record research, and existing department records. Once identified, inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with applicable fire protection codes.
This program will achieve multiple objectives:
"Residents living in unregulated apartments are at a significantly higher risk in the event of a fire. By implementing this program, we are taking a proactive step to protect these vulnerable populations and prevent future tragedies."
The West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and encourages anyone with information about potentially unregulated apartments to contact the department.
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UNCASVILLE — How long had the game been over? 20 minutes? Half an hour?Abdou Toure had led Notre Dame-West Haven boys basketball to a 68-55 victory over St. Bernard in the CIAC Division I championship game, and yet there he was...
UNCASVILLE — How long had the game been over? 20 minutes? Half an hour?
Abdou Toure had led Notre Dame-West Haven boys basketball to a 68-55 victory over St. Bernard in the CIAC Division I championship game, and yet there he was late Saturday night, still sprinting from one side of the court to the other.
There were no points left to score, no rebounds to snare, no drives or fast breaks to defend. But there were plenty of selfies to take and autographs to sign.
The young kids who had descended to the edge of the floor were beside themselves. "Abdou! Abdou! Please! Please!"
Snap, snap, scribble, scribble.
"Abdou! Abdou!"
Phones, pens, programs, shirts, towels, even a soda cup, were thrust forward.
"Abdou!"
Toure kept snapping, kept signing. Coaches and CIAC brass were trying to hustle him into the locker room.
"Gotta go, gotta go. Last one, last one."
"OK," Toure said only to veer off to another clutch of kids, then back over to mid-court for an interview with Erik Dobratz of Channel 8. Later, he gave a shout-out to GametimeCT writer Joe Morelli.
"Hey, Morelli!"
For a second straight season, Abdou Toure, GametimeCT's reigning Boys Basketball Player of the Year, had brought his A game to Championship Weekend at Mohegan Sun Arena. He scored 27 points and grabbed 20 rebounds as the Green Knights defended their Division I crown and No. 1 ranking in the GametimeCT poll.
With his A game in the books, Toure pivoted and brought out his PR game — PR in a pure and literal public relations sense. Toure has his public, and he was relating. No spin, just exuberance.
He was moving fast, covering a lot of ground, just as he had played. Adrenaline was still flowing. Only intensity had departed. Toure didn't have to smile for the cameras. He already was.
"I love when people show love to me. You just always got to show love back, you know?" Toure said. "It's a blessing to have all that love."
Toure is blessed with an array of basketball skills that have made him a 5-star recruit according to the 247 Composite, an average of all of the ratings. The Composite ranks the 6-foot-6 forward No. 23 in the Class of 2026. He has 17 Division I offers so far, including one from UConn.
Like the most recent Connecticut high school basketball superstars to come through, Mustapha Heron of Sacred Heart and Donovan Clingan of Bristol Central, Toure is a fan favorite, a player bigger than the game, a must-see man in demand.
The ubiquity of social media has only increased the fervor. There were sellouts at the University of New Haven and Floyd Little Athletic Center, neutral sites for Notre Dame's quarterfinal and semifinal playoff games. For Saturday night's final, the lower bowl at Mohegan Sun was filled and a number of fans flowed up into the second tier.
Like Heron and Clingan, Toure embraces the role of being an ambassador of the game, especially to young kids. He gets it. He was once one of those idolizing children himself.
"I always remember being that kid," Toure said. "I really looked up to anybody that was a role model. I really looked up to them; I asked for pictures. I know it's really important, that's why I try to take as much pictures as I can."
"He loves kids," said Toure's dad, Mamoudou, as one young throng pressed in with one of the tightest trapping defenses of the weekend. "Look at him, signing everything."
"He has a true love for a game, a true love," remarked Notre Dame coach Jason Shea. "You can find him a gym with fourth graders and he'll watch the game intently. That's unique, right?"
There are some fifth-graders from Middletown who would absolutely love to have Toure at one of their games. The Middletown Mayhem: They went undefeated this season.
On Saturday night, the Mayhem filled rows 1 and 2 behind Notre Dame's second-half basket, right next to the green-clad Notre Dame student section. They had come down from Middletown expressly to see Toure play. Praises zipped like chest passes around their perimeter.
"He's, like, the G.O.A.T."
"He's my king."
"He jumps so high!"
"He can dunk!"
How would the Mayhem go about defending Toure?
"Double-team!"
"Triple-team!"
Julian Green, the Mayhem big man at about 5-foot-7, stepped boldly to the fore.
"I can guard him, but that's just me. He's still my king."
Admiration is not limited to the very young. The seniors on the Southington girls basketball team posed for a picture with Toure at the CIAC media luncheon. Three to each side of him, the Blue Knights, in the midst of their own storybook season, looked like bookends to a deluxe special edition.
During the Class L girls final between Northwest Catholic and Bethel that preceded the Notre Dame-St. Bernard game, Toure and his teammates watched for a while in the stands. Or, at least they tried to.
"We must have had 20 people, maybe more, come up for a picture," Shea recounted. "We're saying, 'No' and he's saying, 'Just one, just one, just one.' He's such a good person and I think it comes through with kids that come up to him. You just feel it off of him.
"He handles it so well," Shea added. "We're lucky to have a person like that leading our program. The play in basketball takes care of itself. When you put that together with a great person, with that kind of character, that's what makes it special."
You could say Toure's time with fans is very much a piece of the victories. Both are reward for the less glamorous and lonelier hours that produced them.
"He works so hard," said Mamoudou Toure, quietly watching his son from just beyond the clamor. "Tomorrow he'll be in the gym, working. He's priceless, priceless."
West Haven Fire Chief Michael Terenzio first realized the prevalence of unregulated apartments in 2023, when just over half of the city’s fires were in areas that shouldn’t have had people living there.Now, the Allingtown department is cracking down on illegal apartments in the city, which are often hidden in a building’s attic or basement.The problem is particularly acute in one- or two-family homes used as off-campus housing near the University of New Haven campus, according to Terenzio.“They're...
West Haven Fire Chief Michael Terenzio first realized the prevalence of unregulated apartments in 2023, when just over half of the city’s fires were in areas that shouldn’t have had people living there.
Now, the Allingtown department is cracking down on illegal apartments in the city, which are often hidden in a building’s attic or basement.
The problem is particularly acute in one- or two-family homes used as off-campus housing near the University of New Haven campus, according to Terenzio.
“They're trying to make some additional money, by renting these areas and getting them under the code,” Terenzio said. “All you have to do is drive around some of these areas – just as firefighters should be doing anyway – we look at a building and we can tell whether or not it's occupied on one level, two levels, or even three levels.”
To combat the illegal apartments, three Allingtown firefighters recently received additional fire marshal certifications to conduct housing inspections, Terenzio said. The program is funded for the next three years with hopes to continue.
Firefighters will identify suspected unregulated apartments through canvassing, property record research and existing department records. Trained firefighters can often spot signs of a potentially illegal apartment from the curb.
“Additional mailboxes, additional dish antennas – even additional electric meters, which leads us to suspect that there's additional people that may be in there,” Terenzio said.
While those signs may be visible to the discerning eye from the outside, illegal apartments are most often discovered when an emergency happens in the building.
“A lot of these things we find incidentally, while we're on scene for a medical call or a fire incident,” Allingtown Deputy Fire Marshal Stephen Grodzicki said. “From there, there's some things we can do while we're on scene, and other times we refer to the fire marshal's office.”
Property owners are contacted when there’s a suspected illegal apartment. Sometimes, the issue gets fixed before the fire department steps in, Grodzicki said.
To be at code, apartments must include two exit doors and at least one emergency exit, such as a fire escape or a large window. They also must have ceilings at least 7 feet high, according to West Haven Fire Marshal Keith Flood.
When property owners fail to comply with those regulations, the fire marshal gets inside, inspects the property and relocates the illegal tenants. Renters in illegal apartments are often moved in with family members or utilize the city’s relocation program.
“It kind of works out a little better with them going with people they know, versus staying in a hotel,” Flood said. “That is really what happens when these people get caught in the go-between, not knowing it's an illegal unit, and then occupying that unit.”
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Business & TechA ribbon-cutting followed by a Chinese lion dance marked the official grand openingCommunity ContributorToudaotang spa owners, Cai Sun and Leia Cheng. (Photo Credits: Bob Creigh)On Saturday, a ribbon-cutting followed by a Chinese lion dance marked the official grand opening of Toudaotang Herbal Head ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Community Contributor
Toudaotang spa owners, Cai Sun and Leia Cheng. (Photo Credits: Bob Creigh)
On Saturday, a ribbon-cutting followed by a Chinese lion dance marked the official grand opening of Toudaotang Herbal Head Spa. Located at 236 Boston Post Road (Units 14-15), Orange, the herbal head spa honors the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, creating treatments that integrate natural herbs and acupoint techniques for a holistic wellness experience.
According to owner Ms. Cai Sun (Sunny), “Our journey began with a profound belief that head health is the foundation of holistic well-being. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Miao herbal formula, we’ve developed a unique approach to health, beauty, and vitality, merging time-honored remedies with modern innovations." Sunny is the founder of the "TouDaoTang" brand and is the General Manager of Toudaotang USA.
Co-owner, Ms. Leia Cheng noted, "Every product used is crafted from all-natural ingredients, free from preservatives or additives, ensuring safety and efficacy. While the spa remains deeply connected to tradition, we continuously adapt and innovate to meet modern wellness needs."
Barry Lee Cohen, Executive Director of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, Mitch Goldblatt, Town of Orange Selectman, and State Representative Kathleen Kennedy (R-119) joined the owners for the grand opening, along with Toudaotang's staff, friends, family, and public.
Cohen said, "The lion did not only dance but roared to an auspicious opening today! On behalf of the Chamber, we wish Sunny and Leia good fortune and much success!"
An Orange Chamber of Commerce member, Toudaotang Herbal Head Spa also offers massage therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and facial therapy. To learn more, visit https://www.toudaotang.us/
203-269-1522
