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 Sandy Spring 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 Sandy Spring, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“ABC was so helpful, professional and easy to work with when I needed help caring”
“Always Best Care is a wonderful place to work. The staff are kind, thoughtful and”
“Always Best Care has provided my mother and our family with wonderful care and support”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services in assisting with your search for quality”
“My 97 year old husband on Hospice was cared for by his namesake, another Benjamin”
“This is a follow up about my Mom who is 87 years old recovering”
“We have been using this service for over a year for 24/7 care for my”
“I've had such great experience working with everyone at Always Best Care. They're all amazing”
“I can't say enough about the professionalism and the general overall caring from the top”
“Needed a caregiver for my dad during my son's wedding and we were put in”
“My grandmother needed to go to a skilled nursing facility from the hospital. She was”
“Expert and professional care provided for my loved one.”
“We were very pleased with Always Best Care (ABC). We used ABC following a major”
“We used ABCSS for my Dad. When Mom needed similar care, they were the first”
“At a time when you need help the most. When you don't know what to”
“competent csring staff. always reliable.in Over six months of daily care, there was only one”
“My mother received services from ABC for about 2 years. I reached out to Robin”
“Awesome staff and care givers!!”
“Always Best Care is what their name says -- always the best. We used them for a”
“Great company, great staff, great care.”
“Always Best Care of Mid-Montgomery County lives up to its name! For over 2 years,”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care is what their namesays --”
“I am a current client of this provider Our current caregiver is great. Whenever there has been”
“Always Best Care of Mid-Montgomery County lives up to its name! For over 2 years,”
“I moved my parents, who have dementia, from a large retirement community to a group”
“ABC was so helpful, professional and easy to work with when I needed help caring for my mom. I highly recommend”
“Always Best Care is a wonderful place to work. The staff are kind, thoughtful and the quality of service is above and beyond the norm. I am grateful to have joined such a prestigious organization of women that care about the people and employees they serve. It is extremely rare to find the level of expertise and professionalism that ABC possesses, anywhere else in this industry.”
“Always Best Care has provided my mother and our family with wonderful care and support from her stay in sub acute rehab to assisted living over several years. We have been fortunate to have the same caregiver for the last year and she has been beyond stellar! All other caregivers were always above average. Just an outstanding group of very compassionate and kind people from the office to the caregivers. Our family HIGHLY recommends Always Best Care!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services in assisting with your search for quality care for your loved one. I worked with Dena to find a suitable facility that could care for my mother in her condition. They are very knowledgeable as it pertains to the senior care industry, which is overwhelming to those with no experience with this industry. The overall process was very thorough and I felt that worked diligently to find the best type of facility that would suit my mother's needs.”
“My 97 year old husband on Hospice was cared for by his namesake, another Benjamin who was with him daily from 8AM to 8PM. Not only did Benjamin help me survive (I am almost 97 too), but he was so kind, gentle and careful about all that he did. When my husband saw him in the morning, he actually managed a tiny smile. In addition to direct care for his patient, he washed dishes, dusted and vacuumed!! There were also two night shift aides, Emanuel and Bismarck. Each came only once but they were equally competent. Without Robin Henoch and ABC? I don't even want to think about it.”
“This is a follow up about my Mom who is 87 years old recovering from a hip fracture and numerous complications related to being under medicated and over medicated at various inpatient facilities. The 24 hour care team at Always Best Care Rockville has kept us going and cared for my Mom as if they would their own Mom over the past 9 weeks. This team includes outstanding and heroic Day shift care by Suzanne, Roseline and Dorothy and Night shift care by Afua, Ellen, Hawa. An extra 10 star commendation goes to Roseline and Dorothy who spoke up about concerns they had to their nurse managers that resulted in a discovery that my Mom was being overmedicated during day time hours and undermedicated at night. 10 star commendation also go to Ndey Care Coordinator in the office who is always calm, caring and helpful no matter what craziness is going on! Thank you all! This is the highest calling to provide personalized, deeply compassionate care to those who are sick and vulnerable!”
“We have been using this service for over a year for 24/7 care for my 87 year old mother with dementia. A few of the caregivers have been with her over a year. Raheema her weekend, daytime caregiver treats her like family. She is so kind & an advocate for her care. Mom loves Fridays when Vera comes because not only does she take good care of her above & beyond such as putting curlers in her hair & taking her around the block, but she also has lots of energy & jokes around with her which she loves. Ami takes care of Mom a few overnights each week & she is kind, gentle, compassionate & professional. In the office, Ashley spent an extraordinary amount of time with me at the beginning & was friendly & professional & caring. Esther really listens to my concerns & addresses them. I would highly recommend their service.”
“I've had such great experience working with everyone at Always Best Care. They're all amazing and hard working people.”
“I can't say enough about the professionalism and the general overall caring from the top down to my 92 year old mother's care giver Diana. Not only does my mother adore her, her friends say how great Diana is and lastly the facility called me yesterday to say how great Diana is working with my mother. 5 Stars is not enough....”
“Needed a caregiver for my dad during my son's wedding and we were put in touch with Always Best. They did a tremendous job through the whole process including scheduling and making sure our needs were met. The event day caregiver was Sam and he was so great to my dad. On time, friendly, always smiling and ensuing my dad was comfortable at all times. Would use them again for sure”
“My grandmother needed to go to a skilled nursing facility from the hospital. She was scared and we wanted to ensure that she was well taken care of, so we arranged for caregivers there. She went home with 24 hour care. ABC made that process so easy and they were so kind. My grandmother found her caregivers to be dependable, courteous, helpful, compassionate and punctual. She wanted to personally thank Anne Marie Njang, Celestina, and Akosua Atta for being there for her.”
“Expert and professional care provided for my loved one.”
“We were very pleased with Always Best Care (ABC). We used ABC following a major surgery. We needed a CNA for various types of assistance for two people with limited mobility. Our original plan for help, with a different agency, fell apart early in my recovery. ABC had an excellent replacement in our home within 24 hours. The woman who provided most of our care was very good. Based on both responsiveness and quality, we would call ABC first if we need in home care in the future.”
“We used ABCSS for my Dad. When Mom needed similar care, they were the first we called. The need happened very quickly and ABCSS was able to find us a 24/7 sitter for the first night when we called them. They provide caregivers who indeed care about those they serve. Robin and Ashley (owners) are very attentive to our needs and are always looking for ways they can make things easier for us while caring for our loved ones. Highly recommend.”
“At a time when you need help the most. When you don't know what to expect next, other the expectation to be overwhelmed, Always Best Care was a great choice for help when I needed it the most in caring for my elder Father. I was out of my element and really didn't know what to do to properly care for my Father - but Always Best Care knew exactly what to do. When we first contacted Robin she responded immediately, met with us very quickly and was ready to go with as much staffing & care that we needed on Day 1. The caregivers were all experienced and personable, and genuinely nice people. When the time came that we had to shift to Hospice care, the staff already knew what to do with regard to interacting with the Hospice staff. And when the time came that my Father passed away they made sure we were notified immediately and remained with my Father until we arrived. I couldn't have asked for a level of service beyond what we received and I thank Robin and her staff for helping my Father and our family during his final weeks of life so that we could make him as comfortable as possible.”
“competent csring staff. always reliable.in Over six months of daily care, there was only one incident when weather prevented anyone from coming”
“My mother received services from ABC for about 2 years. I reached out to Robin (head of the agency) because Mom was struggling with her memory and other symptoms of dementia. Always Best Care has wonderful caregivers and the staff was always available, kind, hard working and helpful. This refers to not only the caregivers, but their staff of nurses, doctors, receptionists, everyone. I could (and did) call day or in the middle of the night, and someone was always available to help me with my mom's issues. The caregivers were prompt, professional, hard working and really patient and kind. My mom passed away last month with Advanced Alzheimer's disease. I feel good really about the final years of my mom's life, at home with all she loved most, and that includes all that Always Best Care has to offer.”
“Awesome staff and care givers!!”
“Always Best Care is what their name says -- always the best. We used them for a few family members and couldn't have been more pleased. Finding quality care for those you love can be overwhelming and unsettling. Through Robin, Blake and their excellent caregivers, we found not only the high quality care we sought but complete peace of mind. It was clear from the very beginning that they place the needs of their clients and clients' families above all else. They work hard to find the best match for your particular situation, communicate extremely well, and are always ready to help however they can. In short, they are outstanding partners in the care of your loved ones, and I personally am extremely grateful for the care Robin, Blake, and Marie provided my parents. We are fortunate to have found Always Best Care and recommend them enthusiastically and without reservation.”
“Great company, great staff, great care.”
“Always Best Care of Mid-Montgomery County lives up to its name! For over 2 years, our experience was responsive, professional, flexible and involved management and kind, caring, attentive, and utterly reliable caregivers. I highly recommend this senior care firm.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care is what their namesays -- always the best.We used them for a few family members and couldn't have been more pleased. Finding quality care for those you love can be overwhelming and unsettling. Through Robin, Blake and their excellent caregivers, we found not only the high quality care we sought but completepeace of mind. It was clear from the very beginning that they place the needs of their clients and clients' families above all else. They work hard to find the best match for your particular situation, communicate extremely well, and are always ready to help however they can. In short, they are outstanding partners in the care of your loved ones, and I personally am extremely grateful for thecare Robin, Blake, and Marie provided my parents.We are fortunate to have found Always Best Care and recommend them enthusiastically and without reservation.”
“I am a current client of this provider Our current caregiver is great. Whenever there has been an issue or concern about my parents’ care, Always Best Care has responded immediately and effectively.”
“Always Best Care of Mid-Montgomery County lives up to its name! For over 2 years, our experience was responsive, professional, flexible and involved management and kind, caring, attentive, and utterly reliable caregivers. I highly recommend this senior care firm.”
“I moved my parents, who have dementia, from a large retirement community to a group home. When I realized that the group home did not provide proper care for them, which resulted in both parents coming down with urinary tract infections simultaneously, 2 times in three weeks, I knew they needed to move. My father’s dementia had also escalated significantly and he became fearful of the caregivers, who had no prior experience caring for someone with advanced Alzheimer’s symptoms and their approach was not appropriate. ABC came to my rescue and immediately provided a wonderful male caregiver for my father from 4-8 PM, seven days a week, while she conducted a search to find the right place for my parents to move. She took into consideration our family’s financial limitations as well. Within a short period of time, we were able to move them to their current location where they are getting wonderful care, delicious food and ongoing bus excursions every other week! My father is no longer fearful of the caregivers and my mother is very content, as well. They have had no further urinary tract problems. ABC solved 2 challenges for me: 1) they immediately found the right caregiver for my father and 2) found the perfect location for my parents to be cared for properly. Daughter of E & F Silver Spring, MD”
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 Woodlawn Manor Cultural 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 Salt Vine or visit Sandy Spring Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sandy Spring, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sandy Spring, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
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 Sandy Spring, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
2 Min ReadA fresh kosher dining option is heading to downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, with the upcoming opening of Cafe K, a casual café serving kosher bagels, coffee, and more. The café is slated to open this spring and will take over the former location of David’s Cafe at 1300 Spring Street.Cafe K is focused on offering a simple but elevated kosher experience, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and strong community ties. The café will specialize in bagels and coffee, serving both...
2 Min Read
A fresh kosher dining option is heading to downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, with the upcoming opening of Cafe K, a casual café serving kosher bagels, coffee, and more. The café is slated to open this spring and will take over the former location of David’s Cafe at 1300 Spring Street.
Cafe K is focused on offering a simple but elevated kosher experience, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and strong community ties. The café will specialize in bagels and coffee, serving both breakfast and lunch fare with a clean, modern feel.
One of the most exciting parts of the new spot is its collaboration with local roaster Nagadi Coffee, bringing small-batch roasted beans to the kosher scene. This local partnership sets Cafe K apart as a space that celebrates Maryland’s craft coffee culture while adhering to kosher standards.
In addition to bagels, the menu is expected to offer other casual kosher items—though full details have not yet been released. As with many kosher eateries, expect dairy-focused items like spreads, sandwiches, and light brunch options. The café’s vibe will be fast-casual, ideal for both commuters looking for a quick coffee and locals who want a relaxed bite to eat.
Signage for Cafe K has already gone up on the storefront, and its social channels have begun teasing the concept and preparing for an official launch. While a specific opening date hasn’t been announced, the team is targeting a Spring 2025 debut.
This new kosher destination will be a welcome addition to the area, which currently has limited kosher offerings. With a growing Jewish community in and around Silver Spring, Cafe K is expected to serve as both a go-to breakfast spot and a community hub.
Cafe K will be located at 1300 Spring Street in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Kosher certification under the local Vaad: Capitol K. Hours of operation are still to be confirmed.
The school has not made any announcements on whether it will open next year yet, but the Board of Trustees said it is working to accept the financial support.MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — One week after Sandy Spring Friends School announced it would be closing, there may be a future for the Montgomery County preparatory Quaker school after all.On Apri...
The school has not made any announcements on whether it will open next year yet, but the Board of Trustees said it is working to accept the financial support.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — One week after Sandy Spring Friends School announced it would be closing, there may be a future for the Montgomery County preparatory Quaker school after all.
On April 14, the school's Board of Trustees announced plans to shut down after this academic year because of low enrollment and budget issues. The school said it needed to raise $14 million over the next three years to stay open.
In the days following the announcement, parents, students and alumni flooded the school's pages with love and support. A coalition started by two alumni, called the Friends of SSFS, came together to try to save the school.
In the first 48 hours, they raised $9 million. By 72 hours, they passed their goal — raising more than $15 million for the school to stay open. And according to the coalition's website, the group has 1,447 members as of Monday.
On April 19, the school posted the following message on their website:
"The Board of Trustees of Sandy Spring Friends School is grateful for the outpouring of love and commitment to SSFS and welcomes the offers of financial support and leadership. The Board and the Friends of SSFS are collaborating closely with the shared purpose of enabling the school to continue operations.
We are hopeful that a path can be found.
Additional information will be shared when it is appropriate; we are working tirelessly with the Friends of SSFS and other interested supporters and hope to have concrete details very soon."
Though the school has not made any updated announcements on whether it will be opening its doors next year yet, the Friends of the SSFS coalition said in a website post that now that it has met its short-term goals, it will continue fundraising in order to grow the school's endowment to prevent this from happening again.
Updated to include answers to Frequently Asked Questions shared by the school.Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS), located at 16923 Norwood Rd, Sandy Spring, MD, has announced that the school intends to close following the completion of the 2024-25 school year. The school has been operating since 1961.The announcement was made via email to parents, staff, and the community on Monday, April 14th. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, which operates on the school’s campus, will remain open and fully o...
Updated to include answers to Frequently Asked Questions shared by the school.
Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS), located at 16923 Norwood Rd, Sandy Spring, MD, has announced that the school intends to close following the completion of the 2024-25 school year. The school has been operating since 1961.
The announcement was made via email to parents, staff, and the community on Monday, April 14th. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, which operates on the school’s campus, will remain open and fully operational despite the announcement. “Since opening in 2010, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring has operated as a completely independent entity-separate in both ownership and management from SSFS. As such, the school’s closure will have no impact on The Adventure Park’s operations.”
A portion of the email from SSFS can be seen below, followed by answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Dear SSFS Parent/, Students, Staff, and Community:
With heavy hearts, we write to share that the Board of Trustees has made the extremely difficult but necessary determination that Sandy Spring Friends School will close following completion of the 2024-25 school year.
The Board does not take this decision lightly, it comes only after a thoughtful and extensive assessment of the school’s untenable financial position, as well as thorough analysis of our enrollment and fundraising picture. Regrettably, despite an immense effort to shore up the school’s financial foundation, we simply do not have the financial wherewithal to meet our obligations next year.
We understand that this news comes as a shock, and that the timing of our announcement may only compound the stress of selecting a school for 2025-26 and beyond. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for all involved. For students and families currently enrolled, we will provide additional information regarding 2025-2026 deposit and tuition refunds and the process of identitying and applying to another school, For faculty and staff, we will provide additional information regarding compensation, benefits and career transition support. Some general FAQs around this closure announcement are provided below.
We are incredibly grateful for the support, trust and dedication that each of you has shown to Sandy Spring Friends School over the past six decades, Our alumni have made lasting impacts across society and our faculty and staff have developed students academically and spiritually in lasting ways. Our students are daily reminders of the beauty of Quaker SPICES in an uncertain world. It is our sincerest hope that their educational journey and personal development will continue to flourish.
We will share more in the coming days. Thank you for being part of the SSPS community and keeping each other in the light.
Sandy Spring Friends School Closure Announcement FAQs
Q: Why is SSFS closing? A: We regret that this decision was necessary. However, the school’s financial outlook does not provide adequate stability to open the school next year. The school does not currently have, nor does it have a reasonable expectation of obtaining, sufficient funds to cover all the costs of operating the school for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond. Q: How much money does SSFS need to remain open? A: The school requires an additional $14 – $16 million over the next three years in order to remain open in the long-term while covering operating losses, debt service, repayment of a loan maturing in the near term, and needed major maintenance projects.
Q: Why make this announcement now? Why not before enrollment contracts were due? A: The Board and school leaders have been working diligently to identify possible solutions and alternatives to closing. Unfortunately, efforts to increase enrollment and philanthropy as well as cut costs are not sufficient to operate beyond this year. Making this decision now, while a shock, provides as much time as possible for families to secure alternative learning opportunities for their children and for faculty and staff to find other employment opportunities.
Q: What about families who have enrolled in SSFS for 2025-2026? A: The SSFS business office will be in contact with parents to provide information about return of deposits and tuition payments as well as to assist families as they look for alternative schools for the 2025-2026 school year, as applicable.
Q: What about graduation, the auction/gala, alumni weekend, other annual traditions/events? A: We will do all we can to close out the school’s final year on a positive and enriching note. Graduation will take place as planned on June 7, 2025; it is important to celebrate all the students and especially acknowledge the hard work of seniors as they transition to college and their next steps. Other annual events will be decided on a case-by-case basis and will be communicated in a timely manner.
Q: Why did you hire an incoming Head of School and new division leaders? A: As a Board, we had every expectation to continue school operations well into the future. Regrettably, after careful consideration of our financial realities and options, this was a decision we were called to make.
Q: What will happen with the school’s campus? A: The school’s assets, including the campus and buildings, will be decided over the next several months, and will largely be determined by our financing commitments.
Q: Will summer camp still be offered? A: At this time, there are no plans to run the summer camp. More information to come soon.
Q: Will I be able to obtain my child’s records? A: School records will be retained and accessible. The business office will communicate details on the process for requesting records.
Q: What support will the school offer faculty and staff? A: Part of the reason to announce closing at this time is to provide employees as much time as possible to look for other employment opportunities. Teacher/Staff placement services have been contacted; out-placement services are being explored and more details will be shared with faculty and staff.
Q: How will families, students, faculty and staff be supported by the School during this difficult time? A: The division level administrators will coordinate sessions for the gathering and support of the students and their families in the immediate days after the announcement.
Q: SSFS is under the care of the Sandy Spring Religious Society of Friends. What is their role/responsibility now? A: The role of the Sandy Spring Meeting is one of spiritual support and care. It has no legal or financial responsibility for the school. It appoints a certain number of trustees, who share the same obligations to steward the school as all trustees.
Q: What factors caused this sudden decision? A: We can chalk up the school’s financial picture to a number of factors – the lingering impacts of the pandemic on enrollment and giving; our aging facilities and capital needs; the absence of strong philanthropy from which other schools benefit. But, in the end, it was no one factor. The school’s financial picture simply became unsustainable.
Q: Can’t the school sell some property to raise funds? A: SSFS’s charter does not allow the land which was donated to the school be divided, and at this time, the property is fully mortgaged.
Q: Will the school help my child find a school to attend next year? A: The school is prepared to offer assistance. In preparation, SSFS has made contact with neighboring schools to inquire about openings and we are assured that many schools are still admitting new students.
Q: Where can I have a conversation about this? A: Like you, we are heartbroken about this decision. Right now, the Board is focused on putting in place the systems to help staff, students and families transition as smoothly as possible. However, we will do our best to respond to questions sent via the Board of Trustees mailbox ([email protected])
Q: Will the school still finish the AIMS Accreditation process? A: Yes, the faculty and staff are gathering on April 16th to continue on the Action Plan.
Q: Could the school ever be re-invented or re-opened? A: The decision to close the school was indeed a painful one, but it was the only option forward. It would not be appropriate to speculate on the future of Quaker education within our community, but we believe in the value of an enriching Quaker education, and we hope such a need can be met in the future.
Q: Did you consider a merger with or sale to another school? A: The Board investigated every option for financial sustainability, including a merger or sale, but we were not successful. Due to our large debt and the current uncertainty in the regional market, we are not a likely merger partner for another school.
Q: What happens with my financial aid? Can I take it with me? A: As you consider other potential schools, we encourage you to consult their admissions teams about financial aid options. Regrettably, your financial aid status at SSFS does not guarantee such a consideration at other schools.
The school, which has been open for six decades, would need over $14 million for it to stay open.MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Just days after news broke that Sandy Spring Friends School plans to close, the Montgomery County community is reeling, and parents are scrambling to find answers and alternatives.“I was devastated,” said Peter Gab...
The school, which has been open for six decades, would need over $14 million for it to stay open.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Just days after news broke that Sandy Spring Friends School plans to close, the Montgomery County community is reeling, and parents are scrambling to find answers and alternatives.
“I was devastated,” said Peter Gabriel, a parent of a student at the independent Quaker school. “There’s a reason why we’re all called friends. We’re going to do what we have to do.”
Parents, students and alumni are now rallying to try and save the school, which says it must raise $14 million over the next three years to remain open. The school cited declining enrollment and what it called an “untenable financial position” as reasons for the decision in a statement.
RELATED: This Montgomery Co. school will close after six decades
Jamie England, another parent, called the closure “a devastating loss.”
“It just isn’t about my kid and personal experience,” England said. “It is critical to this entire area.”
Many parents expressed shock and heartbreak, saying they were blindsided by the news and left with little time to make other plans for their children’s education.
“Our family overall is really heartbroken because the school has been an incredible place for learning and for developing friendships,” said Heather Bruskin.
Bruskin said the timing couldn’t be worse. “Now we’re left to scramble and determine which schools have openings,” she said. “Even if we move to our local MCPS school, we’re left to figure out: has he missed the day where they get to visit?”
Some parents say they wish the school had been more transparent earlier on, suggesting that with more notice, the community could have mobilized to help.
“Most of us would’ve done much, much more than we are already doing,” said Agniescka Lech-Nunenkamp, who said she was in “absolute shock” upon hearing the news.
While the school has offered refunds, many parents say that’s not what they want.
“I don’t want my refund,” Lech-Nunenkamp said. “I want my kids to have an education at Sandy Spring.”
An alumni group has now mobilized and launched an email campaign to connect with potential donors. Parents say the effort is just beginning but if you'd like to help you can email: [email protected].
“They have to connect the school with donors and financial assistance now,” England said. “In the long term, this is going to be a long process.”
Another concern for many is the future of the school’s staff, many of whom have worked there for years. WUSA9 reached out to school leadership, who responded Thursday:
"The Board did not take lightly the decision to close the school. Regrettably, despite an immense effort to shore up the school’s financial foundation, we simply do not have the financial wherewithal to meet our obligations.
Right now, our focus is on helping to provide a smooth transition for our families and our faculty and staff, and on delivering a positive and enriching end to the school year."
The BriefA Montgomery County private school that has been in operation for more than six decades is shutting down, its Board of Trustees announced on Monday.Sandy Spring Friends School is a "progressive, coeducational, college preparatory" school rooted in Quaker principals. It's located in Sandy Springs, Md. and has been open since 1961. The school teaches pre-K through 12th grade.What they're saying:Sandy Spring Friends School announced in ...
A Montgomery County private school that has been in operation for more than six decades is shutting down, its Board of Trustees announced on Monday.
Sandy Spring Friends School is a "progressive, coeducational, college preparatory" school rooted in Quaker principals. It's located in Sandy Springs, Md. and has been open since 1961. The school teaches pre-K through 12th grade.
What they're saying:
Sandy Spring Friends School announced in a statement on April 14 that it would be closing its doors at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
"With heavy hearts, we write to share that the Board of Trustees has made the extremely difficult but necessary determination that Sandy Spring Friends School will close following completion of the 2024-25 school year," the school said.
In their statement, the school says the decision was made due to their "untenable financial position."
"Regrettably, despite an immense effort to shore up the school’s financial foundation, we simply do not have the financial wherewithal to meet our obligations next year," the school says.
According SSFS, the financial strain was the result of covering operating losses, debt service, repayment of a loan maturing in the near term, and needed major maintenance projects.
They say they would need an additional $14 to $16 million over the next three years in order to remain open in the long-term.
What's next:
SSFS says it will proceed with its graduation ceremonies as planned on June 7. They say their other annual end-of-year events will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
As for the families who are now left to find new schools for their students, the school says they will assist them in the search for alternative schools for the 2025-2026 school year.
"SSFS has made contact with neighboring schools to inquire about openings and we are assured that many schools are still admitting new students," they say.
Those families who have already enrolled and paid for the 2025-2026 school year will receive refunds.
School leaders also say teacher and staff placement services have been contacted and they are exploring options to help their employees.
What we don't know:
It's not yet clear what will happen with the school's 140-acre campus.
They say the future of the school's assets will be decided over the next several months, and will largely be determined by their financing commitments.
The Source: Sandy Springs Friends School
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