abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Lakehurst, NJ

Home Care Lakehurst, NJ

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 Lakehurst Historical Museum 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 Lakehurst, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Lakehurst, NJ

location Service Areas

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.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”

Joann D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”

John V.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”

Cerise N.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”

Stephanie S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”

John R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Faithful, Love, and Family.”

Toni W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”

Vinita B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”

Jasmine F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”

Lizeth C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”

Taylor B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”

Jacqueline B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”

Manuel T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”

Kevin J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”

Eric S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”

Matthew T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”

Francena R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”

Debbie T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”

Janet R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”

Con S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”

Joel R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”

Kathie D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”

Arthur
×
TESTIMONIALS

“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”

Elliot H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”

Kimberly J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care for Mom Monday through Friday. They are expensive, but that's the going rate, unfortunately. They were very reactive; I called them, and the next day, they were at the house doing the assessment to see what was exactly needed. However, there were two occasions where I called them and did not get a response back within 12 hours. On one occasion, I called them on a Friday afternoon, and they called me back on Saturday at 10:00. But, they're not bad. The person they recommended was wonderful. I don't have complaints about that.”

Maria382006

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Lakehurst, NJ?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

 Senior Care Lakehurst, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Lakehurst, NJ

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

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

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Lakehurst, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Lakehurst, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Horicon Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Lakehurst, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Best Italian or visit Hindenburg Crash Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

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

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

 In-Home Care Lakehurst, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Lakehurst, NJ

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

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

Request More Information vector

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Elderly Care Lakehurst, NJ

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

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 Lakehurst, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

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

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

Assisted Living Referral Services

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

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


Respite Care Lakehurst, NJ

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

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

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Lakehurst, NJ

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:

  • Leisure Knoll
  • Beacon of LIFE - PACE program
  • The Haven at Silverwoods
  • Brandywine Living at Toms River
  • AristaCare at Manchester
  • Silverwoods
Home Care Lakehurst, NJ

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

 In-Home Care Lakehurst, NJ

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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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 Lakehurst, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

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

 Elderly Care Lakehurst, NJ

Latest News in Lakehurst, NJ

New commander takes the reins at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael D. Stefanovic assumed command of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) and of the 87th Air Base Wing yesterday at a change-of-command ceremony which took place at the base. Stefanovic succeeds Colonel Anthony L. Smith, who commanded the installation for the past two years.As its commander, Stefanovic will be responsible for more than 44,000 airmen, soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, civilians and family members. He will also oversee 80 mission partners with the intent of providing mission-read...

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael D. Stefanovic assumed command of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) and of the 87th Air Base Wing yesterday at a change-of-command ceremony which took place at the base. Stefanovic succeeds Colonel Anthony L. Smith, who commanded the installation for the past two years.

As its commander, Stefanovic will be responsible for more than 44,000 airmen, soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, civilians and family members. He will also oversee 80 mission partners with the intent of providing mission-ready expeditionary airmen, guardians, and sailors to combat commanders in support of joint and coalition operations.

“What sets us apart from every other nation is our joint force,” said Brigadier General Stephen P. Snelson, commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center (the headquarters of which is at JB MDL). Snelson was the presiding officer at the change-of-command ceremony.

“It is our joint force that makes us the most feared, revered and lethal force the world has ever seen,” continued Snelson. Together, as joint partners, we are unstoppable. Over the last two years, Colonel Smith has led this base and our joint team brilliantly.”

Stefanovic previously served as commander of JB MDL’s 87th Civil Engineer Group, overseeing emergency management, fire and explosive ordnance disposal response, infrastructure maintenance, engineering, environmental stewardship, housing, and rapid recovery operations.

His career includes a range of civil engineer and explosive ordnance disposal assignments at the squadron, wing, major command and Headquarters Air Force levels, as well as serving as Director of the Strategic Studies Institute for the Air Force.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead JB MDL and look forward to building on the legacy of excellence established here,” Stefanovic said. “Together, we will continue to deliver warfighting capability, support to our mission partners and strengthen our joint force and community.”

Established in 2009, JB MDL is the nation’s only tri-service base, meaning three service branches – the Air Force (at McGuire Air Force Base), the Army (at Fort Dix), and the Navy (at Navy Station Lakehurst) operate equally at the base. The Air Force is considered the host service branch, so its commander, in this case Stefanovic, is the overall installation commander.

Power In The Pines Air Show At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst: What To Know

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are set to perform. Get details on parking, when they will stop letting vehicles into the base and more. MANCHESTER, NJ — The Power in the Pines Air & Space Open House will welcome the public to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Saturday and Sunday with performances, demonstrations and more.The event is free and family friendly.Headlining the weekend is the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the show's theme for 2025 is “Joint Warfighters: Honor. Inspire. Innovate.”...

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are set to perform. Get details on parking, when they will stop letting vehicles into the base and more.

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Power in the Pines Air & Space Open House will welcome the public to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Saturday and Sunday with performances, demonstrations and more.

The event is free and family friendly.

Headlining the weekend is the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the show's theme for 2025 is “Joint Warfighters: Honor. Inspire. Innovate.”

The renowned squad of F-16 Fighting Falcons arrived at the base on Thursday. Their dynamic demonstrations inspire millions of spectators around the globe. Formed in 1953, the Thunderbirds have a storied history of showcasing the pride, professionalism, and dedication of the U.S. Air Force.

In addition, Power in the Pines will feature other thrilling aerial demonstrations highlighting both modern and heritage aircraft. There also will be a range of on-the-ground attractions including static displays, food vendors, interactive displays, and family-friendly activities.

Find out what's happening in Manchesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Joint Base has published a map that shows what aircraft will be on display along with vendors, restrooms and more. The full list of aircraft and ground attractions can be found here.

Gates open at 9 a.m. and no more vehicles will be permitted entry after 12:30 p.m. Be sure to get an early start! Gates close immediately following the show after all attendees have been directed off-site for both Saturday and Sunday. The show ends about 4:40 p.m. each day.

Aerial displays are scheduled to begin at noon, weather permitting. A schedule of demonstrations can be found here.

General admission is free. Premium seating tickets are sold online only. Walk-up ticket sales will not be available. Please have government-issued ID available and ready to present upon request. REAL ID will not be required.

The public must enter by the McGuire Main Gate or the Route 68 gate, both highlighted on the map published for the event. General parking is free, handicap parking is also available for free with the appropriate handicap parking tags/placards.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to be admitted to the Open House and Air show and be supervised at all times. Strollers are permitted; coolers are not.

This event is cashless. All approved vendors will accept credit or debit cards.

A full list of permitted and prohibited items can be found on the website.

Download the JB MDL app for more information.

Power in the Pines guide: Thunderbirds headline free air show over NJ

Don't be surprised if you hear some thunder over New Jersey this weekend as a free air show featuring one of America's premiere formation teams takes over the sky.The 2025 Power in the Pines Open House & Air Show will bring people to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Hanover, New Jersey, on May 17 and 18.Here's your guide to the show in the sky:What is the theme of the 2025 Power in the Pines Air Show?...

Don't be surprised if you hear some thunder over New Jersey this weekend as a free air show featuring one of America's premiere formation teams takes over the sky.

The 2025 Power in the Pines Open House & Air Show will bring people to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Hanover, New Jersey, on May 17 and 18.

Here's your guide to the show in the sky:

What is the theme of the 2025 Power in the Pines Air Show?

"This family-friendly event invites the community to witness the power, precision, and skill of some of the world’s top aerial performers," Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst said on its website. "The theme for this year’s airshow is 'Joint Warfighters: Honor. Inspire. Innovate.'"

What aerial acts will fly over New Jersey?

The U.S Air Force Thunderbirds are the stars of the two-day show.

"Headlining this year’s show are the renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, whose dynamic demonstrations inspire millions of spectators around the globe," organizers said. "Formed in 1953, the Thunderbirds have a storied history of showcasing the pride, professionalism, and dedication of the U.S. Air Force. Spectators can look forward to seeing the pilots push the limits of their F-16 Fighting Falcons in breathtaking displays of speed, agility, and teamwork."

Other acts include B-25, C-17 and KC-46 demonstrations, the "Jersey Jerks" Air Team and the Wings of Blue parachute team, the military said.

There is also plenty to do without getting airborne.

"Attendees of all ages can enjoy a range of on-the-ground attractions including static displays, food vendors, interactive displays, and family-friendly activities," organizers said.

All transactions on the ground will be cashless.

Where is the Power in the Pines Air Show taking place?

The show is being held at JB MDL and guests must enter at the Route 68 Gate to park.

Organizers suggest guests needing handicap or ADA parking enter the main gate at 3021 McGuire Blvd, McGuire AFB, NJ 08641.

What times will the air show take place?

Gates open at 9 a.m. each day, organizers said. People must get onto the base prior to 12:30 p.m. when gates close.

The action each day starts at noon and is expected to wrap around 4:40 p.m., JB MDL said.

Do I need tickets to see the action?

No, the air show and parking are free.

However, "those seeking an enhanced Power in the Pines Open House and Air Show experience" can buy VIP Flightline and box seat tickets, organizers said.

"Enjoy all that Power in the Pines has to offer, knowing that your seats are waiting for you when you’re ready to sit down and watch the action," organizers said.

Box seats include dedicated portable restrooms and "great views of the show." Tickets start at $75 for each day.

The VIP tickets include a buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, reserved tables and special club access. Tables of two start at $390, while tables of four start at $780.

Note that organizers said Real ID won't be required to attend.

Not sure what you can and cant' bring in?

Cameras, small lawn chairs, small umbrellas, strollers, sunscreen, sealed water bottles and fanny packs are cleared for landing.

Coolers, weapons, vapes, pets, shade tents, bikes, glass containers and alcohol are on the do not fly list.

Click here for the full list of prohibited items.

What's the weather looking like?

Saturday morning will be warm and muggy with scattered thunderstorms, NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Robert Johnson reports. "Morning low temperatures will be in the mid 60s before rising into the mid 80s by the afternoon. Storms will taper off by mid-afternoon before more comfortable air arrives Saturday evening and night."

You can then expect partly cloudy, comfortable and breezy conditions Sunday. A completely dry day with morning lows in the low 60s with afternoon highs in the low 70s.

What if it rains?

Here is what organizers say will happen "In the event of inclement weather."

"The flightline will still be open for guests to view the static displays and visit the STEM exhibitions. Guests are permitted to bring personal sized hand held umbrellas.

"The decision to cancel aerial performances for weather or safety is made the day of the event. Announcements will be made via this website and our social media channels if a cancellation decision occurs."

Might you hear a roar in the sky before this weekend?

Yes.

The Thunderbirds are expected to arrive at the New Jersey military base on Thursday and then practice on Friday, so you might heard some loud noise and see the planes in the sky.

Can't catch the action live?

The event will be streamed online, on Facebook and on YouTube.

Thunderbirds schedule South Jersey visit at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst air show

A military air show this weekend is expected to feature the Air Force Thunderbirds soaring overhead — and 120,000 spectators on the ground.Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is to present its Power in the Pines show May 17-18. The Thunderbirds are to headline the event, with pilots flying four F-16 Fighting Falcons in "breathtaking displays of speed, agility and teamwork," the military base said in a statement.Aerial demonstrations are to feature both modern and heritage aircraft, as well as precisi...

A military air show this weekend is expected to feature the Air Force Thunderbirds soaring overhead — and 120,000 spectators on the ground.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is to present its Power in the Pines show May 17-18. The Thunderbirds are to headline the event, with pilots flying four F-16 Fighting Falcons in "breathtaking displays of speed, agility and teamwork," the military base said in a statement.

Aerial demonstrations are to feature both modern and heritage aircraft, as well as precision parachutists. Among other displays, spectators may expect to see flyovers of two imposing tanker aircraft: the C-17 and the KC-46.

On-the-ground attractions include more than 20 aircraft as part of an open house event, along with food vendors and family-friendly activities, the military base said.

Displays are to include the C-5 Galaxy, the largest transport aircraft in the Air Force inventory, the Army's Black Hawk helicopter, the Navy's C-130T Hercules transport aircraft and the Marine Corps' Super Stallion helicopter.

Vintage planes on the ground are to include the B-29 Superfortress and the C-54 Skytrain.

The military base is to open its gates to spectators from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Approximately 60,000 visitors are expected on each day.

Spectators are asked to present government-issued ID at the base's main gate or the Route 68 gate. Children younger than 18 are to be accompanied by an adult.

Prohibited items include alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs and weapons.

Parking and general admission are free. VIP tickets, which offer assigned seating, a buffet lunch and other amenities, may be purchased online.

The airshow is one of two planned for South Jersey this summer. A privately organized display is to take place in Atlantic City on July 15-16.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: [email protected].

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.