Home Care In Upper Darby, PA

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 Upper Darby, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Upper Darby, PA
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Upper Darby, PA
Benefits of Home Care in Upper Darby, PA
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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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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Elderly Care for Errol W.

“Alway Best Care is always best!”

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In-home Care for Carrianne W.

“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My”

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Elderly Care for Carri A.

“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My”

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In-home Care for Barbara L.

“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to”

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In-home Care for No P.

“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome”

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Senior Care for Kia M.

“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome”

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Elderly Care for Roger B.

“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes”

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Senior Care for Betty W.

“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes”

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Senior Care for Jonathan W.

“Walked in to ask a few questions, and was kindly greeted as well as my”

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Elderly Care for Sheila R.

“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision”

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In-home Care for Sandra R.

“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use”

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Senior Care for Tanya R.

“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult”

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Errol W.

Carrianne W.

Carri A.

Barbara L.

No P.

Kia M.

Roger B.

Betty W.

Jonathan W.

Sheila R.

Sandra R.

Tanya R.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Upper Darby, PA?

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.

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Types of Elderly Care in Upper Darby, PA

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

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

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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

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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.

Common companionship services include:

Grocery Shopping
Transportation to Appointments
Nutritional Assistance
Conversation

Planning Outings
Completing Errands
Transportation to Community
Events and Social Outings

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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. 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.

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Benefits of Home Care in Upper Darby, PA

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:

Age in Place

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.

Peace of Mind

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.

Socialization

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.

Personalized Care Plan

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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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 Upper Darby, PA, 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.

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 PA'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.

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 Upper Darby, PA 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.

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

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.

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

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 Upper Darby, PA 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.

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10 best window replacement companies in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

Keeping your home the at the most comfortable temperature relies on your windows working properly. When they aren't functioning well, a window repair company can help figure out the issue and fix it.Some states require that window pros have certain licenses and insurance, so be sure any company you pick is legally licensed for window work in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.To help you in picking the right company, we've assembled a list of the best window repair services in Upper Darby.Featured4.6Our Rating...

Keeping your home the at the most comfortable temperature relies on your windows working properly. When they aren't functioning well, a window repair company can help figure out the issue and fix it.

Some states require that window pros have certain licenses and insurance, so be sure any company you pick is legally licensed for window work in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

To help you in picking the right company, we've assembled a list of the best window repair services in Upper Darby.

Featured

4.6

Our Rating

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4.2

Our Rating

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4.0

Our Rating

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Find the top window repair company for you in Upper Darby

Aim for Upper Darby window repair services with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable review sites. Any prospective company should also have a solid rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Looking at past customer testimonials can give you insight into other homeowners' experiences with a certain business. Be sure to watch for services that consistently get bad reviews.

1 star

2 stars

3 stars

4 stars

5 stars

Residential Windows

Glass Showers

Tempered Glass

Custom Window Designs

Custom Glass

Aluminum Frames

Full-Service Installations

Commercial Windows

Double-Hung

Sliding Glass Doors

Energy-Efficient Options

Stained Glass

Bay Windows

Window Install & Replacement

Window Repair

Mirrors

Impact Windows

Storm Windows

Glass Doors

Storm Doors

Skylights

Glass Repair

Screen Repair

Fiberglass Frames

Vinyl Frames

Wood Frames

Pocket Windows

Dormer Windows

Roof Windows

Triple Pane Glass

Andersen

Pella

Marvin

Milgard

Simonton

Ply Gem

Kolbe

Alside

Weather Shield

OKNA

Velux

Featured Partner

Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement

Top Rated

Popular

Get Quote

Services Offered

Custom GlassAluminum FramesAndersenWindow Install & ReplacementSliding Glass DoorsBay WindowsVinyl FramesCustom Window Designs

761 5th Ave #3, King of Prussia, PA 19406

(484) 371-4056

www.renewalbyandersen.com

Featured Partner

Champion Replacement Windows of Philadelphia

4.6/5

Get Quote

Services Offered

Storm DoorsDouble-HungWindow Install & ReplacementSliding Glass DoorsWindow RepairBay Windows

1256 N Church St Unit 1, Moorestown, NJ 08057

(267) 297-4669

www.championwindow.com/Philadelphia

Rlc painting and building maintenance

Top Rated

Nearby

Services Offered

Commercial WindowsWindow Install & Replacement

41 W Manoa Rd, Havertown, PA 19083

(610) 803-4150

www.rlcpaintersnmorepa.com

Thermal Quality Window & Door Company

Top Rated

Popular

Nearby

Services Offered

PellaStorm DoorsFiberglass FramesBay WindowsVinyl FramesWindow Install & ReplacementGlass Doors

620 Parkway Dr, Broomall, PA 19008

(610) 325-0788

www.thermalqualitywindows.com

Emerald Windows

Top Rated

Popular

Services Offered

Vinyl FramesDouble-HungEnergy-Efficient OptionsBay WindowsSliding Glass DoorsAluminum FramesCommercial WindowsCustom Window DesignsStorm WindowsFiberglass FramesWindow Install & Replacement

2301 N 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19133

(215) 236-6767

www.emeraldwindowsinc.com

Beatty Lumber & Millwork Company

Nearby

Services Offered

Window Install & Replacement

1835 S State Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082

(610) 789-5036

www.beattylumbercompany.com

Quaker Window Company Commercial and Vinyl Windows

Services Offered

Window Install & ReplacementGlass RepairWood FramesGlass ShowersWindow RepairCommercial WindowsVinyl Frames

1300 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

(215) 467-7373

www.quakerwindow.net

Brute Force Remodeling LLC

4.8/5

Services Offered

Commercial WindowsWindow Install & ReplacementEnergy-Efficient OptionsWindow Repair

238 E Durham St apt a, Philadelphia, PA 19150

(267) 582-5601

www.usetheforce.biz

Compass Windows and Door

4.6/5

Services Offered

Vinyl FramesDouble-HungSliding Glass DoorsWindow RepairWindow Install & ReplacementStorm DoorsBay WindowsEnergy-Efficient Options

24 Veterans Sq., Media, PA 19063

(610) 744-2526

www.mycompasswindows.com

Thomas Tyler Construction

4.4/5

Nearby

Services Offered

Window Install & Replacement

4629 State Rd, Drexel Hill, PA 19026

(610) 623-1927

www.thomastylerconstruction.com

How do you choose between window repair and replacement?

Window repair may not be the best choice. Sometimes, a specialist might suggest window replacement as the best alternative.

Having your windows repaired rather than replaced can potentially save both expenses and time, but repairs should only happen if an expert recommends it. Whether repairing or replacing is the best call comes down to the damage amount and the status of the window.

Here are some common window troubles that generally need repair work rather than complete replacement.

In some cases, a window can't be repaired and must be fully switched out. The most common window problems that call for full replacement rather than fixing are:

What are common window replacement costs in Upper Darby?

Your location affects your window replacement costs. RSMeans data shows the average price per pane costs between $230 to $350, but your specific window swap cost in Upper Darby also depends on labor, window size, brand, material and number of panes. Here is a table of costs based on data from RSMeans for different window styles:

Facts about Upper Darby

Low cost per window

$233

Upper Darby

$240

National Average

High cost per window

$349

Upper Darby

Average Daily Sunlight

63%

Upper Darby

69%

National Average

Best window replacement for you

Experts Ready to Help

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What should you consider before hiring a window repair pro in Upper Darby?

Think through the following elements before hiring a window technician in Upper Darby.

Handling repairs yourself might mean immediate savings but higher long-term costs. Applying basic things like caulk can be done alone, but professionals can assist in avoiding more complex risks.

Get quotes from several window repair pros and determine if the price is reasonable, or if the fix is practical on your own.

To get help from a professional, you first have to determine which window type needs to be fixed. Check our list above to determine what kind of windows you have.

Damaged windows can negatively impact bills due to a loss of energy efficiency. Heat gain or loss through windows leads your home’s heating and cooling systems to overexert to keep your house comfortable.

High-grade, energy-efficient windows can save you about $316 yearly, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Data.gov. If you've noticed higher bills, discuss efficiency improvements with your window professional.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top

Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.

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Beth Ann Rosica: Despite recent changes, Upper Darby High School is in shambles

Upper Darby Senior High School has seen significant increases in habitual truancy and violence, while academic outcomes continue to plummet.This comes amidst two significant changes implemented over the past two years, including late start times and decreased graduation requirements. The district claims that these initiatives were designed to improve student outcomes, yet it appears that the administration is not even measuring their effectiveness.The later start time initiative began at the start of the 2021-2022 school year w...

Upper Darby Senior High School has seen significant increases in habitual truancy and violence, while academic outcomes continue to plummet.

This comes amidst two significant changes implemented over the past two years, including late start times and decreased graduation requirements. The district claims that these initiatives were designed to improve student outcomes, yet it appears that the administration is not even measuring their effectiveness.

The later start time initiative began at the start of the 2021-2022 school year when the district changed the high school schedule. Rather than reporting for in-person instruction at 7:30 a.m., students now are required to be in school at 9:45. The time block from 7:30 a.m. to 8:54 a.m. is now used for “asynchronous” instruction which means that students can login to their computer and complete assignments. However, students are not required to be online during this time.

When asked the reasons for the change Superintendent Daniel P. McGarry provided the following statement.

“I have provided links to multiple public presentations on the decision to update the high school schedule. I am interested to know why a topic that has been in place for two years and has been discussed publicly and covered by local news outlets is now up for another review. Here is a link to a WHYY article on the topic along with links to most of our public presentations.”

The WHYY article included further explanation of the change. “At Upper Darby High, the school day technically still begins at 7:30 a.m., with students assigned coursework to be done remotely that ties into their lessons for the day. But they can use the early morning hours as they see fit — they can meet with teachers during office hours, sleep in or finish other homework. Ultimately, the work assigned for the early morning needs to be done, but when is up to students.”

When asked how the district is measuring the effectiveness of the new schedule, McGarry said, “here is some background on the work that we did on changing our high school schedule. The discussions began in 2019 with a review of ACT 158 and the additional information provided by a review of the Joint State Government Commission… the case for delaying start times…. Again, we are in the third year of the new schedule. I have provided numerous public presentations for your review.”

Since McGarry did not provide an answer to the question about measuring the effectiveness, I requested a follow-up comment and did not receive one.

The argument in favor of later start times is not at issue here. As McGarry pointed out, there are numerous research studies and recommendations supporting the fact that high school students need more sleep and later start times can help meet that goal. However, none of the research suggested decreasing instructional time, which is, in effect, what Upper Darby has done. Even the NEA discussed the pros and cons of the model but never mentioned less instructional time.

With the revised schedule, students are only guaranteed four hours of face to face instructional time with teachers. Some may receive an additional 36 minutes through the flexible lunch spot. Rather than pushing the start time from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 or 9:00 a.m., the district simply changed the instructional model to allow students to arrive at school later in the morning by decreasing synchronous teaching.

The second significant change that went into effect for the 2022-2023 school year was decreased graduation requirements. Previously, high school students were required to complete 26 credits in order to earn a high school diploma. That number was changed to 21, the state minimum. Upper Darby now has one of the lowest credit requirements than any other district in the region. For example, Philadelphia School District requires 23.5 credits, Haverford School District requires 27.5, and Chichester School District requires 24 credits.

The district gave this statement when asked about the change. “The state requirements under Chapter IV have established ‘graduation requirements.’ Our students have the opportunity to take as many as 28 courses/credits, but they may opt to leave high school after meeting the state requirements of 21….Our schedule provides our students with multiple pathways to graduate and/or a unique opportunity to gain college credits in high school. Students are NOT required or forced to leave our high school after completing 21 courses or credits – this is false information spread for political reasons in the community. Our high school students have the opportunity to take up to seven dual enrollment credits while an Upper Darby High School student. Further proof that dual enrollment is beneficial can be found by reading this article.”

The referenced article explains how Drexel University is offering tuition discounts for transfer students from community colleges. The district claims that they decreased requirements to allow for more dual enrollment at the community college so that graduates could attend a University like Drexel, yet when data about the number of students who exercised this option was requested, they did not have it. Apparently, measuring the effectiveness of dual enrollment is not a priority for the district, based on the district’s response to a Right To Know (RTK) request.

The district’s response to the RTK on November 23, 2023, asking for the number of students who met the 21-credit graduation requirement and then attended post-secondary education was “the request is denied.” Craig Roberts, the Chief Financial Officer for the district said, “certainly the District has partial and anecdotal data related to students attending post-secondary education, that data has not been complied by the District”

When asked for the number of students who met the 21-credit graduation requirement and continued in dual enrollment, the district said, “the request is denied. While the district has student-level data relevant to its students, and the requested data could be compiled in a report that might be responsive to this request, as each student’s situation is different the District has not previously deemed the creation of such a report necessary.”

The district claims that they decreased credit requirements to allow more students to dual enroll and eventually attend a four-year university at a reduced cost; however, they have no metrics, assessment, or data.

When districts make significant changes, similar to the magnitude of the schedule and graduation requirements, they have a responsibility to measure the efficacy and analyze if the changes are achieving the desired outcomes. It appears that Upper Darby has neither a set of anticipated goals nor a mechanism to measure them.

In the absence of a district evaluation, I gathered data from multiple sources and determined that academic achievement continues to plunge, while habitual truancy and violence continue to rise under the new initiatives.

A Right to Know request revealed the habitual truancy rate over the last five years. Habitual truancy is defined by the state as students who have at least six unexcused absences but no more than 183. Since the schedule change in the 2021-2022 school year, habitual truancy has skyrocketed despite the fact that students can arrive at school later in the morning.

Habitual truancy rate by school year for Upper Darby High School

In terms of academic outcomes, students are consistently losing ground at high school. There seems to be a direct correlation between increased habitual truancy and academic proficiency. The Future Ready PA Index shows the proficiency rates, and the rates for black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students are even lower than the averages. For example, last year, only four percent of black high school students were proficient in math.

Upper Darby High School proficiency rates by year

Finally, the Safe Schools report for Upper Darby High School details the increase of violence since the implementation of the new schedule. Similar to academic proficiency, violent incidents rose since the implementation of the schedule change and the decreased graduation requirements.

Note: Other infractions contains 54 categories including assault, intimidation, sexual harassment, bullying, threats, weapon possession, controlled substances, etc.

The analysis clearly shows that changes to the high school schedule and graduation requirements are not positively impacting academic proficiency, and they may be adversely affecting habitual truancy and violent incidents. The attempt to address problems through creative solutions is admirable; however, without measurable goals and a system to track progress, the district is at the least negligent, and at the worst destroying the lives of children.

Upper Darby has a history of irresponsible decision making, both at the municipal level and at the district level. Students, parents, business owners, and taxpayers deserve greater transparency and accountability for these decisions made by elected officials.

Beth Ann Rosica resides in West Chester, has a Ph.D. in Education, and has dedicated her career to advocating on behalf of at-risk children and families. She covers education issues for Broad + Liberty. Contact her at [email protected].

Editor’s note: The first version of this article incorrectly used the term “chronic absenteeism” instead of the more accurate “habitual truancy”, two concepts with distinct technical meanings. The story is updated, and we regret the error.

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