AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Martin L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alvaro C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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..”

Ryan P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Sherece F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Your service was timely and most satisfactory !, I'll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”

Cody V.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Susan M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Lorrie O.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Courtnie B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Ryan C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”

Sara M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Ildiko G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Marieke H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Cheryl K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

LindaGo
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Your service was timely and most satisfactory! I’ll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”

Jack Z.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Marion M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Linda K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

FionaHoward
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Marieke H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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 Always Best Care. 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.”

Cheryl K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Caring_2645646
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I was so happy with the services our caregiver provided! She was very courteous, hands-on and would do anything I asked her to do. She was pleasure. I enjoyed having her work for me.”

Marjorie C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”

Ken B.
 In-Home Care Bridgewater, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Bridgewater, CT work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light
 Senior Care Bridgewater, CT

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Bridgewater, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Bridgewater, CT 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Bridgewater, CT

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bridgewater,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.

 Caregivers Bridgewater, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

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.

Latest News in Bridgewater, CT

The historic Bridgewater grange building is in disrepair, but this group could save it

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateBRIDGEWATER — With Bridgewater Grange Hall currently in an unusable state, members of the town’s Grange are creating a nonprofit in hopes to make the aging structure a functioning building once again.It “should be a few weeks” to get the necessary approvals for the nonprofit’s formation, said Lisa Burns, an assistant steward in the Grange and the expected secretary of the Bridgewater Grange Preservation Association. The entity's three exp...

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

BRIDGEWATER — With Bridgewater Grange Hall currently in an unusable state, members of the town’s Grange are creating a nonprofit in hopes to make the aging structure a functioning building once again.

It “should be a few weeks” to get the necessary approvals for the nonprofit’s formation, said Lisa Burns, an assistant steward in the Grange and the expected secretary of the Bridgewater Grange Preservation Association. The entity's three expected board members — Burns, Neil Olshansky and Peggy Zottola — all carry roles within the grange.

“We chose setting up a separate organization for that because we’re eligible for a lot more in the way of grants and funding and there’s a lot more that a nonprofit can do, structured the way that we will be for the Grange preservation,” Burns said.

The building, which was constructed in the mid-1800s, has served a variety of purposes over the years — including functioning as a schoolhouse, and a meeting space — prior to it getting condemned. An insurance provider has previously cut back on the structure’s coverage and ordered it to be enclosed with a chain link barrier.

More News

Restoring the existing building isn’t the only possibility that’s being considered — some would like to see it torn down and have a new building built for the community. The building suffers from structural issues and the presence of lead paint and asbestos, among other problems, according to a presentation provided by the first selectman Curtis Read.

As part of the Bridgewater Center Historic District, the building is marked on the National Register of Historic Places. This posed an issue for a possible plan the town put forth a few years back that involved knocking it down. According to a 2018 update from the first selectman, the Historic Preservation Council determined it would urge the state Attorney General’s Office to block that from happening.

“We have blight in the middle of town,” Read said in an interview. “It’s got, you know, rats and squirrels and termites and everything else living in it, in and amongst a bunch of old wooden buildings.”

Burns said the group has a plan to tackle the renovation project in three stages. They aim to have the structure available for use by the Grange and the community at large.

“It does have a history of serving the purpose that we’re actually trying to put it back into service as, which is a town center for, you know, anybody who can make use of it, and it will be the home of the Grange again, it’ll be the home of the Bridgewater Grange organization,” Burns said.

The first phase of the plan would focus on ensuring the building is structurally sound, Burns said. During that stage, they’d “jack up the building,” take out the current foundation and construct a new one and “remove oil that’s underneath,” she said. The second phase would include work for the first floor, while the third would cover work for the second floor, she added.

The Office of the Attorney General and State Historic Preservation Office are expected to connect with the town Dec. 18 to “share and discuss a business plan” that Grange members are working on, Office of the Attorney General spokesperson Elizabeth Benton wrote in an email.

“The latest information is that the Bridgewater Grange business plan is being developed and is on track to be ready for the deadline,” Benton wrote.

Read said the Dec. 18 date marks a “tipping point” in the process.

“They’re trying to find a method to make this happen that’s, you know, doable,” Read said. “I obviously have my reservations as to whether the Grange and the state are going to be able to make this happen financially, but that’s what they’re trying to do. And, you know, I remain open-minded about it, and I look forward to seeing if they can do that.”

The town has gotten potential bids for restoring the structure before. Read said estimates have ranged from “$900,000 for a new building to $1.8 million to renovate that building.” But Burns said she expected the cost for the three phases of their renovation plan to be over $800,000, based on information from “historic specialists” they’ve worked with.

Read said he has “roughly $400,000 in the bank” if the town’s plan moved forward.

The Grange members forming the nonprofit wrote in a news release they plan to be aided by “grants, local fund drives, and events.” Burns expected the possible renovation to benefit from $300,000 from the state — $100,000 for each of the plan’s three phases — in addition to “a lot” of the expenses being “subject to a 20 or 25 percent” tax credit, she said.

Historic Restoration Fund Grants can match funding up to $100,000 per phase, said Todd Levine, who works for the state Historic Preservation Office. They’d have to apply for it and “it’s a competitive grant,” he said.

“I don’t see very many reasons why they would not get funded, as long as they fill out the applications correctly, so on and so forth,” Levine said.

Billionaire Ray Dalio Cedes Control Of Bridgewater Associates

GREENWICH, CT — Ray Dalio, founder of Westport-based Bridgewater Associates, the largest hedge fund firm in the world, announced on Tuesday that he's ceding control of the company after nearly 50 years.Dalio, 73, a Greenwich resident, took to Twitter Tuesday morning and posted a lengthy thread discussing the transition."Today is a very special day for me and Bridgewater Associates because I transitioned my control of...

GREENWICH, CT — Ray Dalio, founder of Westport-based Bridgewater Associates, the largest hedge fund firm in the world, announced on Tuesday that he's ceding control of the company after nearly 50 years.

Dalio, 73, a Greenwich resident, took to Twitter Tuesday morning and posted a lengthy thread discussing the transition.

"Today is a very special day for me and Bridgewater Associates because I transitioned my control of Bridgewater to the next generation and I feel great about the people and 'machine' now in control," Dalio said.

Co-Chief Executive Officers Nir Bar Dea and Mark Bertolini will be in charge of the business side.

"It’s hard to overstate the importance of this moment for Bridgewater and Ray. Ray founded Bridgewater 47 years ago and, over a decade ago, set out on this journey to transition it," Bar Dea and Bertolini said in an email to Bridgewater employees on Tuesday.

"This process wasn’t easy and we didn’t always agree, but together, we’ve now finished something that very few firms or founders have accomplished, shifting from being a founder-led boutique to being an enduring institution led successfully by the next generation," the email continued.

Bar Dea and Bertolini said that going forward, Dalio will continue as a CIO mentor and an operating board member.

"Hopefully until I die, I will continue to be a mentor, an investor, and board member at Bridgewater, because I and they love doing those things together. That's a dream come true," Dalio said on Twitter.

According to his bio on the Bridgewater website, Dalio stepped down from being CEO in 2017, as chairman at the end of 2021, and transitioned his CIO role to focus on mentoring the Investment Committee, which is responsible for the oversight and evolution of Bridgewater’s investment strategies, in 2021.

Dalio has given more than $1 billion to philanthropic causes over the years, Forbes said. Dalio Philanthropies has supported microfinance and public education.

Ray Dalio, founder of CT’s Bridgewater…

Ray Dalio announced Tuesday he’s ceding control of Bridgewater Associates, 47 years after he founded the hedge fund that’s become the world’s largest.In a series of Tweets, Dalio said it’s a “very special day” for him and the Westport-based hedge fund.“I transitioned my control of Bridgewater to the next generation and I feel great about the people and ‘machine’ now in control,” said Dalio, 73. “This transition moment is the culmination of a 47-year journey....

Ray Dalio announced Tuesday he’s ceding control of Bridgewater Associates, 47 years after he founded the hedge fund that’s become the world’s largest.

In a series of Tweets, Dalio said it’s a “very special day” for him and the Westport-based hedge fund.

“I transitioned my control of Bridgewater to the next generation and I feel great about the people and ‘machine’ now in control,” said Dalio, 73. “This transition moment is the culmination of a 47-year journey.

In an interview with Bloomberg, he said his decision to step away “was the natural progression of events.”

He will keep his seat on the board with the new title of founder and CIO mentor.

Dalio, a former Wall Street trader, said in his posts on Twitter he started Bridgewater with two others in his two-bedroom apartment. Bridgewater is now a “multi-generation institution” with 1,300 people, he said.

“I can now visualize it doing great things for generations w/ out me,” he said. “That’s as good as it gets.”

Dalio said Bridgewater’s new leaders are co-Chief Investment Officers Bob Prince and Greg Jensen, who are in charge of investments” and co-Chief Executive Officers Nir Bar Dea and Mark Bertolini, who will lead the business aspects of Bridgewater, he said.

Bridgewater Associates, with assets under management of about $150 billion, announced in January that Bertolini, former chief executive officer of Aetna, was the new co-CEO. He was co-chair of Bridgewater’s Operating Board of Directors and served as co-CEO with Bar Dea, a retired major and a platoon leader in the Israeli Defense Forces.

In a note to Bridgewater staff, Bar Dea and Bertolini said it’s difficult to “overstate the importance of this moment for Bridgewater and Ray.”

“Ray founded Bridgewater 47 years ago and, over a decade ago, set out on this journey to transition it,” they said.

Dalio uses LinkedIn to communicate to his 2.5 million followers his thoughts on business principles, the global economy, social issues and other topics. Dalio, whose net worth is pegged by Forbes at $19.1 billion, has criticized the economic system’s shortcomings, particularly its inability to reduce inequality.

He helped Connecticut obtain personal protective equipment from China in a deal he and other businessmen brokered that resulted in a shipment of N95 masks, surgical gowns and infrared thermometers.

Bridgewater received $22 million in forgivable state loans and grants in 2016 to create 750 jobs and keep the 1,402 positions it then had. The money was to be used to renovate and expand the firm’s Westport headquarters and operations in Wilton and Norwalk.

Bridgewater has so far been forgiven $10.8 million of a $17 million loan, with a balance of about $6.2 million, according to the state Department of Economic and Community Development. The hedge fund received $5 million in grants and was allocated up to $30 million in Urban and Industrial Site Reinvestment Tax Credits that must be earned over 10 years.

Stephen Singer can be reached at [email protected].

Bridgewater Chocolate To Open New Westport Store Sept. 15

The store will be at 165 Main St. in Westport, next to the GG & Joe coffee shop.The following announcement is from Bridgewater Chocolate:WESTPORT, CT — Bridgewater Chocolate, the beloved Connecticut chocolate brand known for its lineup of familiar American classics made with European techniques, is opening a flagship retail location in Westport on September 15 at 165 Main Street. The opening of the new location follows a succ...

The store will be at 165 Main St. in Westport, next to the GG & Joe coffee shop.

The following announcement is from Bridgewater Chocolate:

WESTPORT, CT — Bridgewater Chocolate, the beloved Connecticut chocolate brand known for its lineup of familiar American classics made with European techniques, is opening a flagship retail location in Westport on September 15 at 165 Main Street. The opening of the new location follows a successful pop-up experience for Bridgewater Chocolate in the area during the 2021 holiday season.

“Westport had a chance to get a taste of our house-made chocolates with our holiday pop-up last year, and the community welcomed us with open arms. We couldn’t be more excited to be returning this year with a permanent location,” said Jeff Stoeckel, CEO of Bridgewater Chocolate. “We aim to be the iconic chocolate brand in Connecticut and growing our retail presence is a significant part of that.”

The Westport location is the fourth retail location for the chocolate company, which first offered chocolates for sale in Bridgewater, Connecticut in 1995. As the company started to grow, operations were moved to Brookfield, Connecticut in 1999. The 1350-square-foot location in Westport will feature a customer experience designed to be engaging, approachable and delicious.

The flagship Westport location will be the first location of its kind for Bridgewater Chocolate with several unique offerings that will make for a special shopping experience. When customers step into the store, they will be greeted and guided through an in-store sampling experience of Bridgewater Chocolate’s best-sellers. A “By the Piece Bar” will allow chocolate-lovers and chocolate-gifters alike to select a box, choose from a variety of house-made chocolates and customize details for a personalized chocolate selection at every budget.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Known for stunning hinged boxes and hand-tied ribbons, Bridgewater Chocolate is focused on providing an elevated gifting experience. From corporate gifting, weddings and anniversaries, housewarming and host gifts, teacher appreciation and graduation, party favors or just a little thoughtful gesture to brighten someone’s day – or even for yourself - the chocolate shop will offer something for everyone.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to select from items including nostalgic favorites like Chocolate Peanut Butter Patties and the top-selling Bridgewater Assortments, packaged in hinged boxes that range in color from a classic navy blue, holiday red, burgundy or gold complete with a hand-tied bow.

Partners on the project included BA Staging and Interior Design, Brandfuel Co. and Wainscot Solutions.

The store will be open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. In addition to retail and larger volume corporate sales, Bridgewater Chocolate offers online ordering and shipping across the country.

For more information on Bridgewater Chocolate, visit the website.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Westport

Restoration of historic Red Mill in Bridgewater from flood nears completion: 'A labor of love'

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateBRIDGEWATER — Sept. 1, 2021 is a day Matt Denning said he’ll never forget.His goal now is to restore the wheel and make it spin.“I’d like to get it done in time for the Bridgewater (Country) Fair (on Aug. 18-20). It’s nonstop traffic all day long up to the fair,” he said, adding he would like to people passing by to see the wheel spinning.Bridgewater First Selectman Curtis Read said he’s very impressed with the w...

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

BRIDGEWATER — Sept. 1, 2021 is a day Matt Denning said he’ll never forget.

His goal now is to restore the wheel and make it spin.

“I’d like to get it done in time for the Bridgewater (Country) Fair (on Aug. 18-20). It’s nonstop traffic all day long up to the fair,” he said, adding he would like to people passing by to see the wheel spinning.

Bridgewater First Selectman Curtis Read said he’s very impressed with the work and time Denning has put into the restoration process.

“What Matt has done ... is extraordinary,” Read said. “It’s a fascinating project. Everybody’s thrilled. They’ll see it more and more as the leaves fall off the trees and the project’s done and the wheel is turning. It will be quite something.”

'I had to be there'

After the Red Mill was first built, it was later enlarged to a gristmill, cider mill and shingle saw mill, and went through about a dozen owners.

When referring to the history of the mill, Read recalled the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author Theodore White, a historian and Bridgewater resident who said, “when you come over the (Lillinonah) bridge and see the little red mill and the wheel turning, you know you’re home in Bridgewater and you breathe a sigh of relief because you’ve come to a special place.”

When Denning, who previously lived in Brookfield, saw the mill for the first time, he said he instantly knew he wanted it.

“When I bought the property, I wasn’t even looking for a place. I was on my bike. I just drove by and it was for sale,” he said. “I looked in the window and that was it. I had to be there. I sold my other house in Brookfield — and that was 23 years ago.”

Denning lives about 100 feet from the mill, in a home built around the same time as the mill. In 2012, he expanded his home — adding 3,200-square-feet to the original 1,200-square feet.

Restoration

After the flood, members of the community helped Denning restore the mill by contributing to the costs involved with the project. Additionally, a fundraising campaign called “Help restore the old Red Mill Bridgewater” has raised almost $4,000.

One resident, who Denning said wishes to remain anonymous, helped finance the retaining wall and then paid about $5,600 for the lumber for the flume, which brings water from the dam to the wheel.

More for you

He was able to rebuild the flume using old photographs and got measurements from some of the debris left from the original flume. He built it in his driveway and a crane lowered everything into position.

As he finished the project earlier this month, Denning said he didn’t even notice the poor air quality that day.

“I was more focused on the crane moving the flume,” he said. “I didn’t find out until later in the day that the sky was orange because of smoke.”

He's now at work restoring the wheel, which had “quite a bit of damage,” he said, adding it will involved hundreds of hours of labor.

“There is a lot of grinding rust. Also, it needs a good paint job to protect from further rust,” he added.

He said he can’t wait to make electricity with the wheel so it can spin.

“You don’t know how many people have asked me over the last few years, 'Hey, when’s the last time the wheel was spinning? ' 'Does that thing work?' he said.

Denning said he really enjoyed the experience of rebuilding the iconic mill.

“It’s a real pleasure. Even on my days off, I spend my days working on it,” he said. “It’s a labor of love.”

Disclaimer:

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