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 Growden Mansion 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 Bensalem, PA 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.
“Alway Best Care is always best!”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes”
“Walked in to ask a few questions, and was kindly greeted as well as my”
“Always Best Care provides excellent personal service for my Mom. They are always in contact”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision”
“Always Best Care has been tremendous. The caregivers are well trained and very considerate. Thanks”
“Always Best is truly a company that distinguishes itself from the other companies in its”
“Love what I heard about the company. Champion Care is important for seniors.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult”
“Alway Best Care is always best!”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My Job So Far & My Clients. I Love How Flexible My Schedule Is Too. I'd Highly Recommend Getting A Job Here ☺”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My Job So Far & My Clients. I Love How Flexible My Schedule Is Too. I'd Highly Recommend Getting A Job Here”
“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My Job So Far & My Clients. I Love How Flexible My Schedule Is Too. I'd Highly Recommend Getting A Job Here”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to trust others yet Always Best Care of Philadelphia did it with ease. We happily recommend them to our family and friends. Bryant and Co. truly care as if it was their own family. God Bless and May all your Staff be safe, they are in my prayers.”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome staff. Mr. Greene, his brother Al Billz and staff always looked out for me even when I was ill. I love them and Always Best Care to the moon and back!”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes very compassionate to his workers and staff. If we need help and there's no caregiver available. Brian will step in. We also give our clients the best care possible. So proud to say Brian just opened up another office in Delaware. Doing an amazing job. I started work with this agency in 2012 when my mom became I'll. A good environment. I definitely would recommend this place of employment.”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes very compassionate to his workers and staff. If we need help and there's no caregiver available. Brian will step in. We also give our clients the best care possible. So proud to say Brian just opened up another office in Delaware. Doing an amazing job. I started work with this agency in 2012 when my mom became I'll. A good environment. I definitely would recommend this place of employment.”
“Walked in to ask a few questions, and was kindly greeted as well as my inquiries were satisfyingly met. ????”
“Always Best Care provides excellent personal service for my Mom. They are always in contact about changes or concerns. They truly do care and it shows. They live the Always Best Care name every day. I would recommend them for sure.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”
“Always Best Care has been tremendous. The caregivers are well trained and very considerate. Thanks to my infirmity, I have unique care needs but ABC has been able to provide that care and even go above and beyond in their efforts to care for me. I don’t know what I would do without them. If you’re in need of care, this is the agency to call.”
“Always Best is truly a company that distinguishes itself from the other companies in its personal attention to make the client totally satisfied. Excellent communication is another reason you feel so secure. I never had a moment of frustration or worry. I can't recommend David and his staff enough!!! Karen in Plymouth Meeting”
“Love what I heard about the company. Champion Care is important for seniors.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use them for all your personal needs Senior or younger. They get the job done!!!”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult time. The office staff, social workers, and the aides were professional, caring, and reliable. Donna you are awesome....keep up the great work!!!! I would recommend this service to anyone.”
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 Bensalem Central 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 La Cena Restaurant or visit The Historical Society of Bensalem Township, 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.
Request More Information
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 Bensalem, 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.
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 Bensalem, 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.
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 Bensalem, 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.
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The streak is over.After 30 years, township residents will see a municipal tax increase as a "reluctant" Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo delivered the news but was thankful that a $300 homeowners rebate check will remain intact for 2024."This is one of our budgets this year that has given us the most problems with funding," the mayor said. "We...
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The streak is over.
After 30 years, township residents will see a municipal tax increase as a "reluctant" Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo delivered the news but was thankful that a $300 homeowners rebate check will remain intact for 2024.
"This is one of our budgets this year that has given us the most problems with funding," the mayor said. "We're not able to fund the (Parks and Recreation) budget anymore. I'm very reluctant obviously to do this increase, but at the same time extremely pleased that we're going to keep up the $300 rebate to our homeowners. The only difference in our budget would be the increase for all our additional parks that we have now that we haven't before, and all the equipment."
The increase is 1.5 mills.
The council unanimously approved the $67 million 2024 municipal budget at its Dec. 4 special budget meeting. Council President Joseph Pilieri was not in attendance.
DiGirolamo said the parks and recreation budget is separate from the township's general fund.
"We would not be able to go on to do the things that parks and rec need to do," the mayor said. "Reluctantly, to raise a tax is so difficult in these times. I know you all know what's going on with inflation in your own homes. We are getting hit in every department. We;ve done a heck of a job to keep everything else down."
The mayor thanked the council for working together as a team, along with all of the township's department heads.
"The raise the mayor is talking about is not that much, it's $33 a household in totality," Council President Edward Kisselback said. "What it allows us to do is continue what we provide for everyone in the township. We wanted to make sure the raise was fair to businesses and residents. This is the appropriate action."
Kisselback said that the township has 1,400 acres of open space —five times the amount for a township of Bensalem's size that is required by the state — and that it is a myriad of parks, the Bensalem Country Club, Firefighters Field, and Bensalem Community Park.
"We want to make sure that Bensalem maintains its record with its ranking as one of the best places to live for families in the state and nation," Kisselback said.
A resident with the average home assessment paid a $4,490 tax bill in 2023.
Residents paid $337 in municipal taxes, $534 in Bucks County taxes, $93 for fire and rescue services, and $3,525 to the Bensalem Township School District.
"$33 is $33, but I think what we're getting is some amazing improvements to our parks," Councilwoman Stacey Champion said. "Nothing is free. We all have to do our part."
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority Utility Improvement to Close Gibson Road in Bensalem TownshipThe Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said that Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority will perform utility construction on Gibson Road in Bensalem Township.Motorists are advised of the following travel restrictions:Local access will be maintained up to the work zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work area because backups and delays will oc...
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —
Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority Utility Improvement to Close Gibson Road in Bensalem Township
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said that Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority will perform utility construction on Gibson Road in Bensalem Township.
Motorists are advised of the following travel restrictions:
Local access will be maintained up to the work zone. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work area because backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.
Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority will complete this improvement project under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
For a complete list of construction projects impacting state-owned highways in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, visit the District 6 Traffic Bulletin.
Information about infrastructure in District 6, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D6Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Subscribe to PennDOT District 6 news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.pa.gov/District6.
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —If it snows, the township's public works department is ready to go.Most municipalities haven't had to deal with snow for some time over the past year or so, but with this weekend's forecast, towns like Bensalem Township are springing to action."I don't think this will be much of a storm," Bensalem Township Public Works Director Tim Schultz told Patch Friday. "But we have to be ready to ensure public safety."Schultz said the township has more salt and sand on hand —ov...
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —If it snows, the township's public works department is ready to go.
Most municipalities haven't had to deal with snow for some time over the past year or so, but with this weekend's forecast, towns like Bensalem Township are springing to action.
"I don't think this will be much of a storm," Bensalem Township Public Works Director Tim Schultz told Patch Friday. "But we have to be ready to ensure public safety."
Schultz said the township has more salt and sand on hand —over 4,000 tons —than at any other time in its history. And he has it stashed everywhere.
He said the township has two salt domes which both hold 1,500 tons of salt a piece. Then he has 500 tons stored for emergency purposes at Firefighters Field.
Then, through the township's relationship with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, has another 600 tons stored in a nearby PennDOT facility.
"We are filled to the gills with salt," Schultz said. He's monitoring the weekend storm on numerous weather apps and outlets.
While the township has 144 miles of roads, Schultz said that is misleading when it comes to plowing. He said that since plots go up and down a road, the amount the public works department handles for a storm is more like nearly 300 miles.
He said that every public works truck the township owns can plow a road.
The department has 18 large trucks, and 10-15 smaller dump trucks. Schultz can add contractors, but won't have any for this weekend's storm.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a coastal system will bring widespread precipitation to the Lower Bucks County and Philadelphia region starting Saturday.
Snow and some mixed precipitation will occur northwest of Interstate 95 on Saturday evening, the weather service said.
Wintry weather is likely for the area as the system moves into the region on Saturday into Sunday.
Precipitation is expected to begin late Saturday morning or early afternoon, and then taper off overnight. Some lingering light rain or snow is possible Sunday morning.
About 1-3 inches of snow, mixing with or changing over to rain or sleet at times is projected for northwest of the Interstate 95 corridor through the Interstate 78 corridor.
Mainly rain is expected near and southeast of Interstate 95 but may begin or end as wet snow near Interstate 95 with little to no accumulation.
Heavy rainfall is forecast across the region with the heaviest amounts possible closer to the coast. Localized flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas remains possible, the weather service said.
Residents have balked at plans for a sober home on Byberry Road. The developer is seeking a variance for twin homes Wednesday.Dino Ciliberti, Patch StaffBENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bensalem Township Zoning Hearing Board will continue an application for a developer of a parcel that has gone through various township boards and numerous proposals.The zoning board will continue an application by MAR-MAR Build...
Dino Ciliberti, Patch Staff
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bensalem Township Zoning Hearing Board will continue an application for a developer of a parcel that has gone through various township boards and numerous proposals.
The zoning board will continue an application by MAR-MAR Builders, Inc. for 1186 Byberry Rd. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The applicant is requesting a variance for the disturbance of woodlands, a variance to permit twin dwelling units, a lot area, lot width, impervious coverage, and front yard and side yard setbacks.
Attorney Edward F. Murphy was before the Bensalem Township Council to discuss the matter in early April.
And now he'll be back before the board Wednesday night.
The property has created some controversy in the township since it first came before boards several years ago.
Township Solicitor Joseph Pizzo had told the council in April that the property had received land development approval several years ago for the construction of single-family homes, but that the application didn't move forward, and the property changed hands.
He said the current owner seeks twin-family houses.
The builder has had success in the township with those homes but that project wasn’t granted, Pizzo said.
So the developer decided to submit plans to construct a 100-bed recovery house.
Murphy said the pandemic slowed that process and that the last conversation about the sober home was in September 2019.
Pizzo said the applicant held back on the sober house application and wants to revisit the twin housing and move on from the sober home development.
"The issue has vexed all of us for five years or more," Murphy said in April. "This has been a struggle for everybody to try to do something that makes sense for the site, neighborhood, and the community."
Murphy said the twin housing was turned down five years ago, but that plans for 24 townhomes were approved.
"The twins make more sense," Murphy said. "The twins are a marketable product. They are done well and the township has benefitted from them."
Council Vice Chairman Joseph Pilieri said the twins are "better than sober housing in a residential neighborhood."
Murphy said he hoped that Pizzo would "push it" with the planning board and "encourage them to view the wisdom."
"It's ridiculous and irresponsible to have a sober house here," Councilman Joseph Knowles said.
Residents around Byberry Road appeared before the council to state that they didn't want townhomes because they would be facing their backyards.
"We feel like we're being bullied into it," one resident stated at the meeting.
"They have a legal right to put up the sober living quarters," Council President Edward Kisselback told the residents. "This is a compromise. Our feet are to the fire."
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —This year, Bensalem Township was ranked as one of the "50 Best Places to Live for Families" in the nation.The ranking came from Forbes Magazine, which touted the township's parks, amphitheater for concerts, and other amenities for residents.Township officials would love to maintain that rating. But with those top services comes a price for residents next yea...
BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —This year, Bensalem Township was ranked as one of the "50 Best Places to Live for Families" in the nation.
The ranking came from Forbes Magazine, which touted the township's parks, amphitheater for concerts, and other amenities for residents.
Township officials would love to maintain that rating. But with those top services comes a price for residents next year —a tax increase in the 2024 municipal budget for the first time in 30 years.
Township officials attributed the increase to helping fund park improvements.
In a seven-page letter, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo said it was either raise taxes 1.5 mills or "undertake significant cuts to facilities and programs at a time when the demand for these programs and facilities is at its highest."
"You all know that I do not make this recommendation cavalierly," the mayor said. "It pains me to suggest any tax increase for any reason. Now is not the time, however, for us to begin to chip away at those aspects of our township that make it a desirable place to live. Our public safety will always come first and it is critical to keeping our community a great place to live. The quality of our government services —particularly our parks, playgrounds, youth programs, and open space —are also integral to keeping Bensalem a vibrant and desirable place to live, work, and raise our children."
Click here to see the mayor's full message
The mayor said that public safety represents 65 percent of the municipal budget.
While there is a tax increase, the mayor said he was happy to continue the $300 annual rebate given to township owners.
The mayor said that Bensalem remains the only municipality in the state that provides any casino host fee monies directly to residents from having Parx Casino located in the township.
DiGirolamo said that despite that tax increase, Bensalem is in a strong financial position.
"My reluctance to raise taxes is well-documented," DiGirolamo said. "Any suggestion to increase your taxes comes with the belief that it is not only absolutely necessary but that it is the right thing to do as well for the long-term future of this community to which I devoted so much of my life."
267-812-5744
