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 Middlebury to Her Soldiers in Middlebury, CT 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 Middlebury, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider We are using Always Best Care of Western”
“Lisa has been my aid for several weeks and I find her to be a”
“Always Best Care in Southbury was fantastic. Their team was caring, professional, and truly attentive”
“Wonderful agency, great caregivers, responsive, personal. Would have given 5+ but please pay your”
“It is a pleasure to write this! The BEST way to describe your staff:--Pleasant—congenial. Choosing”
“I am writing on behalf of my family to tell you how appreciative we are”
“Your service was timely and most satisfactory !, I'll definitely keep you in mind for”
“Thank you so much for everything. Mom is not ready to take the step to”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to”
“This company is courteous and very compassionate when it comes to caring for your loved”
“My experience interacting with Always Best Care far surpassed my expectations. They’re polite and courageous”
“I am sending you some of my thoughts about Always Best Care now that I”
“I have learned so much with having you and your staff care for my mother.”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
“I forgot to tell you that I miss your compassion toward your people. You positive”
“I just wanted to shoot you a quick email expressing our thoughts about Mary, who”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you for all of your help over”
“Other Your service was timely and most satisfactory! I’ll definitely keep you in mind for future”
“I am a past client of this provider Shame on me for not writing sooner. The”
“I am a past client of this provider My Mom’s last 15 months were made easier”
“Other We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Other I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you so much for your kind, personalized”
“I interviewed this provider I have learned so much with having you and your staff care”
“I am a current client of this provider We are using Always Best Care of Western Connecticut. They're good. At this point, my husband just needs companion care. They don't have to do a lot for him, but I just want someone there. I have been using them. It was recommended by a couple of other people. The caregiver is very good. She's talkative, and she is prompt. Always Best Care is caring, and I can rely on them to always have somebody to cover. Their billing and scheduling are very good. They send a bill in the mail. I feel comfortable with them, and they're reliable. I would recommend them to other friends or family members.”
“Lisa has been my aid for several weeks and I find her to be a perfect match right from the start. She knows my routine and tends to my every wish. She wipes down the shower, puts towels in washer or dryer, does my hair and I couldn't have anyone who would exceed her capable care and knowledge. She has personality plus and I'm very lucky to have her as my aid.”
“Always Best Care in Southbury was fantastic. Their team was caring, professional, and truly attentive to our loved one’s needs. Communication was excellent throughout. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking reliable, compassionate senior home care in the Southbury area.”
“Wonderful agency, great caregivers, responsive, personal. Would have given 5+ but please pay your caregivers every week not every other week. They are dedicated and deserve to be paid weekly. They are the only agency that pays biweekly…. Thank you”
“It is a pleasure to write this! The BEST way to describe your staff:--Pleasant—congenial. Choosing Always Best Care was one our better decisions. You have sent us the perfect people to help my wife. I am grateful for that. Best wishes for continued success.”
“I am writing on behalf of my family to tell you how appreciative we are of Always Best Care and your services. These have not been the best of times for my family and especially hard on my Mom but we take great comfort knowing you are there to help. Our caretaker has been wonderful since my Dad was sent to River Glen in Southbury and from the very beginning of our ordeal. My Mom is extremely protective of my Dad and has always requested for Judy to help out with my Dad. To me that is the biggest proof of our confidence that has been my Mom's faith in her. Anything we have asked of her she has delivered and shown what most can't - that she really cares. Your Professional staff is a pleasure to work with - adapting schedules, applying payments quickly, and always courteous. I felt like great service should be made aware of and should set a standard that Always Best Care always seems to meet..”
“Your service was timely and most satisfactory !, I'll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”
“Thank you so much for everything. Mom is not ready to take the step to accepting in-home help yet, but I can assure you that when she is, you will be our agency of choice. Knowing that you will be able to assist us when the time comes makes me feel so much better about all of this. For me, it makes a big difference to actually know someone who is in charge and I think that will make a difference with my Mom too.”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to someone coming into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“This company is courteous and very compassionate when it comes to caring for your loved ones. They are available 24/7 to help you fill all your caregiving needs and have a great pool of caregivers. The office staff is friendly, very supportive and they will go above and beyond to provide their customers the best service around. I would highly recommend them for any of your Homecare needs.”
“My experience interacting with Always Best Care far surpassed my expectations. They’re polite and courageous and always available 24/7 to answer questions and respond in an emergency situation.”
“I am sending you some of my thoughts about Always Best Care now that I have had time to reflect. Mom’s move to Assisted Living has gone very well and I’d like you to know:--From the initial home meeting and throughout my mother’s care, everyone was extremely personable, professional and knowledgeable of the home care industry. --ABC matched caregivers to my Mother’s needs and personality and we (and my Mother) were very happy with the care received and with the communication between caregivers and family.--Although my Mother is in Memory Care now, she still remembers ‘her ladies’ that not only assisted in her care, but more importantly, offered friendship. We would be very happy to be used as a reference if needed!”
“I have learned so much with having you and your staff care for my mother. I never would have expected her to rally so much after my father’s death. But it’s amazing what loving care can do –just amazing! Tracy and I cannot thank you enough – you have helped us see how to make our mother’s last days as pleasant and meaningful as possible–which is not only good for her but also for her whole family. I and my boys and husband, and my sister and her son and his family, we can all have time to connect with my mother that will surely enrich our lives forever—and that is such a precious gift! Thank you”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
“I forgot to tell you that I miss your compassion toward your people. You positive and helpful approach toward them is admirable. I did not have such luck with the local companies in MA, lacking good organization and consideration to the clients and the care givers. It is not an easy job accomplish such a success like yours.”
“I just wanted to shoot you a quick email expressing our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she “sees the work”, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, ‘sees what needs doing”. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesn’t just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says “no wait, let me do it’—if she hasn’t already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to someone coming into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you for all of your help over the last few weeks. Your caregivers were all terrific and I just don’t know what we would have done without you.”
“Other Your service was timely and most satisfactory! I’ll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”
“I am a past client of this provider Shame on me for not writing sooner. The days go by so fast –and thanks to your good care I am back to doing things for myself and being busy. Did my own deck this year! And other gardening ---feels good! Have started walking 3 times a week at the track! The big 90 will be here in October ---and I am going to be ready to celebrate it! Thank you again for all your help. It’s good to know it is there when I need it.”
“I am a past client of this provider My Mom’s last 15 months were made easier with the diligent and devoted care provided by Scheryl and your support to come up with replacements when she needed time off. Scheryl was caring and compassionate for both my Mom and her sister when she came to stay. They had a really nice bond. Both the ladies were ever grateful for Scheryl’s attention, conversation, cooking and friendship. Larry and I send best wish and sincere thanks!”
“Other We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Other I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she “sees the work”, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, ‘sees what needs doing”. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesn’t just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says “no wait, let me do it’—if she hasn’t already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“I interviewed this provider I have learned so much with having you and your staff care for my mother. I never would have expected her to rally so much after my father’s death. But it’s amazing what loving care can do –just amazing! Tracy and I cannot thank you enough – you have helped us see how to make our mother’s last days as pleasant and meaningful as possible–which is not only good for her but also for her whole family. I and my boys and husband, and my sister and her son and his family, we can all have time to connect with my mother that will surely enrich our lives forever—and that is such a precious gift! Thank you”
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 Meadowview Park in Middlebury, CT 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 Vyne Restaurant Bar or visit Emma Willard Memorial, 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 Middlebury, CT, 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 Middlebury, CT 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 Middlebury, CT 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.
September's employment numbers have just dropped for Woodbury & Middlebury via the Connecticut Department of LaborWOODBURY, CT — Woodbury's unemployment rate rose to 4.5 percent in September from 3.9 percent in August, and Middlebury's rose to 4 percent from 3.2 percent, according to data released Monday by the Connecticut Department of Labor.Both towns' rates were below Connecticut's, which held at 5.1 percent for a second straight month. The state's rate has now topped the national rate of 4.2 percent for nine con...
WOODBURY, CT — Woodbury's unemployment rate rose to 4.5 percent in September from 3.9 percent in August, and Middlebury's rose to 4 percent from 3.2 percent, according to data released Monday by the Connecticut Department of Labor.
Both towns' rates were below Connecticut's, which held at 5.1 percent for a second straight month. The state's rate has now topped the national rate of 4.2 percent for nine consecutive months.
Woodbury had 232 unemployed residents out of a labor force of 5,130 in September, compared with 197 of 5,059 in August. Middlebury had 156 unemployed residents out of a labor force of 3,907 in September, compared with 122 of 3,846 in August. The August estimates were published last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The town figures come from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics program and are not seasonally adjusted. On that same unadjusted basis, the statewide rate in September was 5.1 percent, with 96,521 of Connecticut's 1,907,124 labor force participants out of work.
Woodbury's 4.5 percent rate was higher than in 89 of the state's 169 towns and lower than in 66. Middlebury's 4 percent was higher than in 39 and lower than in 124.
Nearby towns' rates included Roxbury (3.1 percent), Oxford (4.1 percent), Southbury (4.5 percent), Bethlehem (4.5 percent), Watertown (4.6 percent), Naugatuck (5.3 percent) and Waterbury (8.5 percent).
Statewide, town rates ranged from 2.8 percent in Warren to 8.5 percent in Waterbury.
Woodbury's rate was 3.3 percent in September 2025, so it is up 1.2 percentage points over the year. Middlebury's rate was 3.5 percent in September 2025, so it is up five-tenths of a percentage point over the year. From August to September last year, Woodbury's also rose, from 3.1 percent to 3.3 percent, and Middlebury's also rose, from 3.1 percent to 3.5 percent.
Both towns are part of the Waterbury-Shelton labor market area, which lost 700 jobs in September, a 0.4 percent decline, to 159,500, the only one of the state's five major areas to shrink. The area is up 300 jobs, or 0.2 percent, from a year earlier.
Connecticut's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in September, the same as in August, the department said. A year earlier the rate was 4.2 percent.
The state's employers added 1,400 jobs in September, a 0.1 percent increase, bringing nonfarm employment to 1,731,600. The department said that's a new all-time high. Over the year, the state has gained 15,200 jobs, or 0.9 percent.
Last month's report had put August's job loss at 300. With Monday's revision, the department now says the state lost 600 jobs that month.
Six of the state's 10 major industry sectors added jobs in September. Education and health services led with 2,200, followed by manufacturing with 900 and trade, transportation and utilities with 800.
Professional and business services lost the most, 2,700 jobs. Other services lost 600 and information lost 400. Construction and mining was unchanged.
"Payroll jobs hit a new all-time high in September. Manufacturing has added more jobs than any other industry so far this year and construction remains at its highest level since May 2008," Patrick Flaherty, director of the Office of Research at the Connecticut Department of Labor, said in a statement. "The unemployment rate has been stable since late spring and unemployment insurance claims are below last year's level."
First-time unemployment claims averaged 1,842 a week in September, down 64.9 percent from September 2025, the department said.
Private sector average hourly earnings rose 2.1 percent over the year to $40.06. That trailed inflation: the national consumer price index was up 3.7 percent over the same period.
The labor department's monthly comparison of state and national unemployment rates shows Connecticut's seasonally adjusted rate at 5.1 percent in both August and September.
The state's rate climbed through the first half of the year, from 4.5 percent in January to a peak of 5.2 percent in June and July. It then eased to 5.1 percent in August and held there in September.
The national rate moved the other way last month. The U.S. rate rose to 4.2 percent in September from 4.1 percent in August, its first increase since February, according to federal figures in the state's comparison.
As a result, the gap between Connecticut and the nation narrowed to nine-tenths of a percentage point in September, down from a full point in August. The gap was widest in July, at 1.1 points.
Connecticut's rate has been higher than the national rate in every month of 2026, starting in January at 4.5 percent compared with 4.3 percent. A year ago, the state's rate was lower than the nation's: 4.1 percent compared with 4.3 percent in August 2025, and 4.2 percent compared with 4.4 percent in September 2025.
The comparison has no figures for October 2025. They weren't produced because of the 2025 federal government shutdown.
| Month (2026) | Connecticut | U.S. | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4.5 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.2 points |
| February | 4.7 percent | 4.4 percent | 0.3 points |
| March | 4.8 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.5 points |
| April | 5.0 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.7 points |
| May | 5.1 percent | 4.3 percent | 0.8 points |
| June | 5.2 percent | 4.2 percent | 1.0 points |
| July | 5.2 percent | 4.1 percent | 1.1 points |
| August | 5.1 percent | 4.1 percent | 1.0 points |
| September | 5.1 percent | 4.2 percent | 0.9 points |
State and national rates are seasonally adjusted; town rates are not, so direct comparisons should be made with caution. All figures are preliminary and subject to revision. The department will release its preliminary October report on Thursday, Nov. 19.
The resident worked as the executive director of housing authorities in two municipalities in Connecticut.MIDDLEBURY, CT — The former executive director of the Meriden and Groton housing authorities was arrested Thursday on fraud and money laundering offenses, according to officials.Robert Cappelletti, 60, of Middlebury, has been charged in a nine-count indictment with fraud and money laundering offenses related to his time as the executive director of housing authorities in Meriden and Groton, U.S. Attorney for Connect...
MIDDLEBURY, CT — The former executive director of the Meriden and Groton housing authorities was arrested Thursday on fraud and money laundering offenses, according to officials.
Robert Cappelletti, 60, of Middlebury, has been charged in a nine-count indictment with fraud and money laundering offenses related to his time as the executive director of housing authorities in Meriden and Groton, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut David X. Sullivan announced.
A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment on Sept. 22 charging Cappelletti with five counts of wire fraud and four counts of making illegal monetary transactions.
Cappelletti appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was released on a $500,000 bond pending trial.
Prosecutors said that from approximately 2009 to May 2025, Cappelletti served as the executive director of the Meriden Housing Authority (“MHA”), which provides public housing for low-income families in Meriden, and as a board member of the Maynard Road Corporation (“MRC”), a non-profit corporation that supported development and redevelopment projects for the MHA.
From approximately 2016 to January 2025, as part of a shared services agreement with the Meriden Housing Authority, Cappelletti also served as the executive director of the Groton Housing Authority (“GHA”), which provides public housing for low-income families in Groton.
“In 2022, Cappelletti fraudulently borrowed $16,200,000 from a victim lender, purportedly on behalf of the MRC,” officials wrote in a news release. “As part of the loan transaction, Cappelletti executed a promissory note on behalf of the MRC and a guarantee of the promissory note on behalf of the MHA without obtaining authorization from either entity’s board of directors. Cappelletti falsely represented to the lender that the MRC and the MHA authorized the loan transaction, which he substantiated with fraudulent resolutions from the MRC and the MHA purporting to authorize the loan.”
The indictment alleges that, in July 2022, the victim lender wired $13,961,750, which represented the amount of the loan after costs and fees, into an MRC bank account, according to officials.
“Thereafter, Cappelletti directed a series of financial transactions designed to enrich himself and conceal his fraudulent conduct,” officials wrote. “Through those transactions, Cappelletti converted a portion of the money for his own use, including depositing approximately $450,000 into his personal investment account and paying $374,752.87 toward the mortgage on his personal residence.
“The indictment further alleges that even though the GHA and the Greater Groton Realty Corporation (“GGRC”), a non-profit corporation that supports development and redevelopment projects for the GHA, were not parties or guarantors of the loan, Cappelletti used his position as GHA’s executive director to direct a series of payments toward the loan using GHA funds. Cappelletti misrepresented to the GHA and GGRC that the payments were related to a forthcoming bond for a development project in Groton and would be reimbursed, and he submitted forged invoices to justify the payments and conceal his scheme.”
Wire fraud carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison on each count, and making illegal monetary transactions carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, according to officials.
A Middlebury eatery that has served the community for a decade has announced that it will close its doors at the end of the year.Ownership of Meet Me Here Restaurant and Bar on Middlebury Road announced in a social media post this week that the business would close its doors on Dec. 31."This restaurant has been such a huge part of my life, and I truly cannot thank everyone enough for all the support, friendship, memories and laughs we have shared over the years. I have met so many wonderful people along the way, and I will...
A Middlebury eatery that has served the community for a decade has announced that it will close its doors at the end of the year.
Ownership of Meet Me Here Restaurant and Bar on Middlebury Road announced in a social media post this week that the business would close its doors on Dec. 31.
"This restaurant has been such a huge part of my life, and I truly cannot thank everyone enough for all the support, friendship, memories and laughs we have shared over the years. I have met so many wonderful people along the way, and I will always be grateful for each and every one of you," reads the Instagram post. "We still have a few months together, so please come see us, enjoy your favorite foods made by Ledi and Jose, your favorite drinks crafted by Kristen, and your great service from Sherrie, Gary, Kristen and Jen. Help us make these last months extra special."
According to the post, the choice to close was a "very difficult decision, but one I feel is the right time for me."
The restaurant found itself in controversy in the fall of 2025 when a TikTok video went viral of a woman alleging that she had been racially discriminated against at the restaurant.
Meet Me Here Restaurant and Bar is known for its menu centered around American cuisine including stuffed chicken breast, chicken parmesan, filet mignon, bone-in pork chop and build your own mac and cheese.
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Sep 18, 2026
Andrew DaRosa is a SPJ award-winning journalist who has worked at Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2018. He currently works as a Senior Audience Producer and a Trending Reporter for CT Insider and also runs the SEEN section.
He can often be found covering Connecticut’s expanding music scene, restaurant and food news of Connecticut, supposedly “haunted” sites around the state or finding interesting people to talk to. He has been at the forefront of multiple music-related stories around Connecticut, including the Sound On Sound music festival. With a passion for music, over the past decade, Andrew has interviewed members of Judas Priest, Goose, The National, Trey Anatasio Band, The Head and the Heart and Maren Morris.
Originally from Massachusetts, Andrew graduated from Fairfield University in 2018 with a degree in digital journalism. Since working for Hearst Connecticut, Andrew has become a seven-time winner of Connecticut Society of Professional Journalism awards for his coverage of Connecticut band Goose, hiking the state and his human interest stories.
When he isn’t writing about Ed and Lorraine Warren, Hell's Kitchen or jam bands, Andrew can be found going to concerts with his wife or hanging out with his cat, Spud, and his dog, Ozzy.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut has indicted the former executive director of a Connecticut public housing authority on nine counts of fraud and money laundering.Robert Cappelletti of Middlebury, CT, was charged with committing the crimes while heading up Meriden Housing Authority, which served the communities of Meriden and Groton. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.Cappelletti served as MHA's executive director from 2009 to 2025 and also served on the board of the Maynar...
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut has indicted the former executive director of a Connecticut public housing authority on nine counts of fraud and money laundering.
Robert Cappelletti of Middlebury, CT, was charged with committing the crimes while heading up Meriden Housing Authority, which served the communities of Meriden and Groton. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.
Cappelletti served as MHA's executive director from 2009 to 2025 and also served on the board of the Maynard Road Corp., a nonprofit that undertook redevelopment projects on the behalf of the MHA.
Prosecutors say that in 2022, Cappelletti took out a $16.2 million loan, alleging it was on behalf of the Maynard Road Corp., but did so without authorization from the MHA or the MRC.
According to the indictment, Cappelletti issued a promissory note on behalf of the MRC and guaranteed it on behalf of the MHA without authorization from either entity’s board of directors.
He then allegedly funneled a portion of those funds to himself through various accounts and shell companies. The indictment claims he transferred $450,000 of the funds to a personal brokerage account, used more than $374,000 on mortgage payments on his personal residence, and spent additional funds on credit card expenses related to personal travel.
To repay the loan, he then made a series of wire transfers totaling around $1 million from the Groton Housing Authority and its subsidiary LLCs, telling the Groton Housing Authority that the payments "were related to a forthcoming bond for a development project in Groton and would be reimbursed.”
To back up his story, he allegedly created forged invoices to the Groton Housing Authority.
“It has been a long process, and I’m glad we have reached the next step in allowing the facts to come to light,” Groton Town Manager John Burt told The Day.
“Mr. Cappelletti violated the trust placed in him by the Groton Housing Authority and the residents that it serves," Michael J. Rose, an attorney for the Groton Housing Authority, which has since separated from the Meriden Housing Authority, said in a statement. "Today’s arrest and indictment begins the process of holding Mr. Cappelletti criminally accountable for breaching that trust and violating his obligation to those individuals who rely on the Housing Authority to meet their housing needs.”
Cappelletti was indicted after a joint investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If convicted, Cappelletti faces up to 20 years on each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years on each count of illegal monetary transactions.
The former housing exec has also been named in a separate civil suit brought forth by the Groton Housing Authority.
A complaint filed in Connecticut Superior Court accuses Cappelletti and property manager Jamie Lee of fraud and conspiracy and violating Connecticut's Unfair Trade Act.
In that suit, Cappelletti is accused of making unauthorized property purchases under the auspices of the Groton Housing Authority. Lee is accused of preventing housing authority officials from accessing her computer files.
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