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.
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 Towson, MD 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.
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very”
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone in my circle of friends and family”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and people. An evaluation was performed the same day I called about needing the service. They are very sensitive to your needs and follow through to make sure they are met in to the highest degree.”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us with sitting services for my father in a dementia facility after his return from a hospitalization but they have really gone above and beyond. She has been an amazing resource and really cares about helping people. I am a nurse myself and so impressed with how proactive and helpful she has been, far beyond just sitting services. Very appreciated and much needed. I would absolutely recommend using her and her company to help you and your loved ones.”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the senior care industry, Always Best Care has been known to go above and beyond when it comes to working with, and educating families on options and resources. I am always happy to work with them, knowing they will provide the best care and options for the families they serve!”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute we reached out to Haley, the owner of ABC, we have received excellent service. Haley responded to all of our concerns and has gone above and beyond to be sure our loved one has what is needed. Haley and her team at ABC were able to set up care for our loved one on very short notice. Working with Haley has made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. THANK YOU!”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly recommend!!!”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband was diagnosed with cancer. It was a diagnosis that came out of left field. It left them reeling with every unknown when they were told it had developed and progressed rapidly. I called a friend, who lives in my home state, to ask if she knew of any companies that could not only provide health care services to my PA friends, but be ready to do so without delays. She referred me to Haley Davis with Always Best Care Senior Services. I called as soon as I hung up. I left a voicemail, and received a call from Haley within 10 minutes. Providing as much detail and information as I could, I was assured they would be able to provide different levels of care as they were needed. She also said that I, or any member of my friends’ family, could call her if we needed anything. Today my PA friend said she emailed Always Best Care Senior Services last night. Later today I heard that Haley responded, and services were put into place. The absolute last thing anyone should have to be concerned about when they are emotionally overwhelmed and physically depleted from a devastating disease is dealing with automated phone systems, reaching the correct departments, filing requests in triplicate, and being told they’ll be put on a waiting list. Absolute Best Care Senior Services is just what the name says. They aren’t just able to provide the services that will be needed, they provide the peace of mind that allows their clients to focus on themselves. That’s what caring and compassion are about. I don’t think I could ever express my gratitude. Thank you.”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day we got in touch with Haley Davis, the owner/president of Always Best. She came to our home (within hours) on her day off. Had rented a wheelchair, reserved transportation to get our mom home, set up a nurse assessment and RN in-home care within 24 hrs! Our family couldn't be more pleased and appreciative of Haley and her team... class act!”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as she left rehab. Very flexible with scheduling and hours. Competitive pricing. I would recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my Mom’s heart surgery. Haley, Erin and Rebecca were all fabulous, super responsive and extremely professional and knowledgeable. We don’t know what we would have done without them. We very highly recommend them!”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been incredible! I love the communication, the dedication and consistency to helping others. Meeting new clients/patients is exciting and gives me purpose! Knowing I can be assistance to help others that need just a bit extra is an amazing feeling! This company is like a family as well as our clients. We treat everyone with the dignity and care that everyone should be entitled to. Despite being employed with the company, I would still offer these services to friends and family! :)”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very caring and compassionate. This is is the group that you should consider for any of your loved ones assistance! Highly recommend them!!!”
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.
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. 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 Towson, MD, 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 Towson, MD 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.
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 Towson, MD 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.
Robots are now delivering food at Towson University. The robots, which can cross roads and climb curbs, deliver from six campus eateries.Patch StaffTOWSON, MD — Robots are now delivering food at Towson University.The college launched the five autonomous, on-demand robots on March 24 when students returned from spring break.The robots are locked and insulated, ensuring meals arrive at the desired temperature. There are also alarms, cameras and tracking devices to prevent theft and alert staff when they need...
Patch Staff
TOWSON, MD — Robots are now delivering food at Towson University.
The college launched the five autonomous, on-demand robots on March 24 when students returned from spring break.
The robots are locked and insulated, ensuring meals arrive at the desired temperature. There are also alarms, cameras and tracking devices to prevent theft and alert staff when they need support.
Students and employees place their orders on the Grubhub app and meet their delivery robot at a designated drop-off area. Customers can then monitor the robot's journey using an interactive map. When the robot arrives, the customer gets an alert to meet and unlock the container.
The robots use machine learning, artificial intelligence and sensors to travel on sidewalks and navigate around obstacles. They can cross streets, climb curbs, travel at night and operate in rain and snow.
“Bringing food delivery robots to Towson University is an exciting step forward in enhancing on campus dining,” said Bethany Comegys, marketing manager for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, Towson's food provider. “This new option makes getting great food even easier for our students, faculty and staff.”
The fleet will deliver from six eateries at the Union Food Market: Bento Sushi, Dunkin’, Jack*s Burrito, The Halal Shack, Roar Pizza Co. and The Den @ Paws. The service also works with student meal plans.
Towson is among the nation's roughly 55 colleges offering food delivery robots. Other schools with the service include the University of Notre Dame and the University of Kentucky. Since launching, all campuses have increased the number of robots, dining options and hours of operation to meet the high demand for the service.
“We are thrilled to introduce food delivery robots to our campus, bringing innovation directly to our students,” Vernon Hurte, Towson's senior vice president for student affairs and university life, said in a press release. “This new fleet of robots roaming our campus embraces technology and will enhance the student experience by providing reliable and contactless meal delivery, giving them more time to focus on campus life.”
The robots are designed by Starship Technologies. Its zero-emission robots have made nearly eight million autonomous deliveries, traveled millions of miles and make more than 150,000 road crossings every day.
“We’re looking forward to introducing our robot delivery service to Towson University,” said Chris Neider, vice president of business development at Starship Technologies. “By partnering with innovative schools, we give students the chance to experience autonomous technology up close. Not only will they get to interact with this tech on a daily basis, but they’ll also enjoy the added convenience that these adorable robots bring to campus.”
TOWSON, MD—Towson University students, faculty, and staff can now get their food delivered by robot. Grubhub and Starship Technologies have partnered to launch an autonomous food delivery service on the university campus starting March 24.Five Starship robot...
TOWSON, MD—Towson University students, faculty, and staff can now get their food delivered by robot. Grubhub and Starship Technologies have partnered to launch an autonomous food delivery service on the university campus starting March 24.
Five Starship robots will be available to deliver food from six campus eateries at the Union Food Market: Bento Sushi, Dunkin’, Jack*s Burrito, The Halal Shack, Roar Pizza Co., and The Den @ Paws. Users can order through the Grubhub app and choose to pick up their food at one of several designated locations across campus. The service is also compatible with the student meal plan.
Bethany Comegys, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality’s marketing manager and TU’s food provider, expressed excitement about introducing food delivery robots on campus to improve dining. “This new option makes getting great food even easier for our students, faculty, and staff.”
The robots are equipped with locked, insulated compartments to keep food and drinks fresh and secure. They utilize radar, sensors, and GPS to navigate campus sidewalks, detect obstacles, and safely cross streets. For safety and security, the robots are equipped with alarms, cameras, and tracking devices.
Vernon Hurte, senior vice president for student affairs and university life, announced the introduction of food delivery robots on campus to bring innovation directly to students. “This new fleet of robots roaming our campus embraces technology and will enhance the student experience by providing reliable and contactless meal delivery, giving them more time to focus on campus life.”
Towson University is among the first universities in Maryland to implement this food delivery robot service. The service operates at around 55 colleges and universities nationwide, including Notre Dame, Kentucky, Fairfield, Nevada Las Vegas, and Southern Methodist.
Chris Neider, vice president of business development at Starship Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “By partnering with innovative schools, we give students the chance to experience autonomous technology up close. Not only will they get to interact with this tech on a daily basis, but they’ll also enjoy the added convenience that these adorable robots bring to campus.”
Users can track the robot’s journey on an interactive map in the Grubhub app. The robot’s arrival triggers an alert and enables unlocking via the app.
More in the video below.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via Towson University
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What is the best internet provider in Towson?When it comes to internet in Towson, Verizon Fios is the top pick for most households. With symmetrical speeds, fair pricing, and no contracts, it’s a solid choice for reliable, high-speed internet. Need the absolute fastest speeds? Verizon’s 1Gbps plan delivers just that for $90 per month, offering lightning-fast uploads and downloads.But Fios isn’t everywhere in Towson. If your address isn’t covered, Xfinity or ...
When it comes to internet in Towson, Verizon Fios is the top pick for most households. With symmetrical speeds, fair pricing, and no contracts, it’s a solid choice for reliable, high-speed internet. Need the absolute fastest speeds? Verizon’s 1Gbps plan delivers just that for $90 per month, offering lightning-fast uploads and downloads.
But Fios isn’t everywhere in Towson. If your address isn’t covered, Xfinity or Verizon 5G Home Internet are great alternatives. Xfinity stands out for its balance of price and speed, with plans starting at just $30 per month for 400Mbps downloads which is well below the area’s average of $44 per month. While Xfinity also offers a 1,300Mbps plan, keep in mind that its cable connection means slower upload speeds compared to Verizon Fios.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Towson depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Towson internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, such as Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
MARYLAND — The Trump Administration announced several cuts to federal and state health programs this week, including $12 billion in funding to help states deal with emerging health crises and the elimination of 10,000 Department of Human Services employees.The federal grants to Maryland and others were used to fund such things as infectious disease tracking, immunization clinics, mental health services, addiction treatment and other emerging health needs.State health departments began receiving notices Monday that funds a...
MARYLAND — The Trump Administration announced several cuts to federal and state health programs this week, including $12 billion in funding to help states deal with emerging health crises and the elimination of 10,000 Department of Human Services employees.
The federal grants to Maryland and others were used to fund such things as infectious disease tracking, immunization clinics, mental health services, addiction treatment and other emerging health needs.
State health departments began receiving notices Monday that funds allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic would stop immediately, according to the story first reported by NBC News. The action cancels an $11.4 billion grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and around $1 billion from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
“No additional activities can be conducted, and no additional costs may be incurred, as it relates to these funds,” the notices said.
Maryland is still evaluating the effects of the cuts.
“The Maryland Department of Health is aware of the reporting on COVID-19 grant cancellations and understands the potential for direct impact on the health of Marylanders. The Department is currently determining the full extent of these federal actions and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” Health Department spokesperson Chase Cook told Patch in a Thursday email.
The cuts to states were a prelude to sweeping changes to the Department of Human Services. On Thursday, the Trump administration said about 10,000 HHS employees would be laid off under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s planned agency reorganization, a move which the administration said will save taxpayers $1.8 billion per year.
HHS oversees 13 agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug and Administration, and the National Institutes of Health.
Kennedy said the 28 divisions within the 13 agencies overseen by HHS will be consolidated into 15 to eliminate duplications of work.
“We will eliminate an entire alphabet soup of departments, while preserving their core functions by merging them into a new organization called the Administration for Healthy America or AHA,” Kennedy wrote on X.
About 2,400 CDC employees will be cut. Divisions that will be eliminated include those focused on global health, domestic HIV prevention, and prevention from injury, such as gun violence, NBC News reported.
When combined with HHS’ other efforts, the restructuring results in a total downsizing from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees, according to a news release announcing the cuts.
The cuts are in addition to the 10,000 people who took buyout offers and left on their own after President Donald Trump took office.
“We aren't just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy said. “This Department will do more – a lot more – at a lower cost to the taxpayer.”
A wave of public health staff layoffs is expected nationwide as federal grant funding is cut off.
“The reality is that, when we take funding away from public health systems, the systems just do not have the capacity, because they’re chronically underfunded over the decades,” said Dr. Umair Shah, who served as Washington State’s health secretary until January, told The New York Times.
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TOWSON, MD — Multiple sexual abuse lawsuits were announced Monday against Calvert Hall College High School, alleging that the all-boys, private Catholic school in Towson had covered up the abuse for decades.The complaints claim that "Calvert Hall repeatedly ignored credible reports of sexual abuse, allowed known abusers continued access to students, and failed to report misconduct to authorities.""Look at me as a 15-year-old who had his innocence and his Christianity and his faith stolen away from him by a ...
TOWSON, MD — Multiple sexual abuse lawsuits were announced Monday against Calvert Hall College High School, alleging that the all-boys, private Catholic school in Towson had covered up the abuse for decades.
The complaints claim that "Calvert Hall repeatedly ignored credible reports of sexual abuse, allowed known abusers continued access to students, and failed to report misconduct to authorities."
"Look at me as a 15-year-old who had his innocence and his Christianity and his faith stolen away from him by a monster, who never has had any accountability -- and the institution that allowed it to happen hasn't either," survivor Christopher "Kit" Bateman said, according to WBAL-TV.
Victims said they were silenced, dismissed or intimidated when they tried to speak up.
"Students swam naked and were observed through a window in an office that looked directly into the pool by clergy members with a history of abuse, by trusted adults," said Steve Kelly, a lawyer with Grant & Eisenhofer, according to WBAL.
The Baltimore Banner reported that the two complaints alleged abuse by clergy and staff at Calvert Hall from the 1970s to 1990.
A Calvert Hall spokesperson told The Banner the school is "deeply saddened" by the past abuse of students.
"Their suffering and pain are real and remains with them today," Calvert Hall Director of Marketing and Communications Danielle Hladky wrote to The Banner.
Maryland Matters reported that the allegations were levied against Brother Geoffrey Xavier Langan and Revs. Laurence Brett, Jerome Toohey and Francis LeFevre.
All four were named in the 2023 Maryland attorney general report on child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Maryland Matters said Stephen E. Arnold, a lay science teacher, is also accused of abuse in the Calvert Hall lawsuit.
The lawsuits came just before Maryland changes its child victims laws.
Lawyers urged Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to veto legislation limiting lawsuit payouts to child sexual abuse victims.
Maryland Matters said the current child sexual abuse law caps damages at $1.5 million per "occurrence." The cap was set at $890,000 per occurrence for state and local government entities.
Maryland Matters said the General Assembly passed HB1378 this year, capping claims filed after June 1 at $700,000 for private institutions and $400,000 for public ones.
A spokesperson for the governor told The Banner that Moore plans to sign the bill into law despite pushback from the survivors represented by the Calvert Hall Lawyers Working Group.
"These new lawsuits come as Maryland lawmakers advance legislation to weaken the state’s Child Victims Act (CVA)—a law passed just two years ago to allow survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice, regardless of when the abuse occurred," Calvert Hall Lawyers Working Group said in a Monday press release. "The proposed amendments would cap compensation, restrict attorney fees, and limit survivors to filing only one lawsuit, regardless of how many times or by whom they were abused."
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