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 Main Street Historic District 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 Danbury, 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.
“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 past client of this provider I was so happy with the services which”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
“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”
“I am a past client of this provider I was so happy with the services which Angela 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.”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
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 Lake Kenosia 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 4 Seasons Mediterranean Restaurant - Danbury CT or visit Hearthstone Castle, 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 Danbury, 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 Danbury, 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 Danbury, 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.
DANBURY – The $20 billion takeover of Danbury and Norwalk hospitals by health care giant Northwell that was approved by Connecticut on Monday protects local workers from layoffs for one year and includes pr...
DANBURY – The $20 billion takeover of Danbury and Norwalk hospitals by health care giant Northwell that was approved by Connecticut on Monday protects local workers from layoffs for one year and includes price constraints to keep increases in step with the local cost of living.
“The agreement sets conditions safeguarding the interests of Connecticut patients and providers, such as price constraints tied in part to the state’s cost growth benchmark,” reads a statement by the state Office of Health Strategy, referring to Northwell’s takeover of Danbury-based Nuvance Health. “As part of this affiliation, Northwell will invest at least $1 billion across the Nuvance hospitals in Connecticut and New York over the next five years, and this agreement requires annual reports detailing Northwell’s progress made toward completion of those investments.”
The health strategy office’s approval of the Northwell-Nuvance affiliation creates a 28-hospital health care system in New York and Connecticut, with 1,000 health care sites and a network of 14,500 providers. The megadeal not only “unlocks opportunities for enhanced services, cutting-edge research, staff education and expanded employment” but bails out Nuvance, which has been bleeding hundreds of millions in loses since the end of the pandemic.
“There is not going to be any loss of jobs for at least the first year, so individuals are guaranteed of their positions; but over the longer term, we expect this (affiliation) to increase jobs, not lessen jobs,” said Dr. John Murphy, president and CEO of Nuvance, which also runs hospitals in New Milford, Sharon, and three Hudson Valley towns in New York.
Murphy, who spoke with Hearst Connecticut Media Group after a breakfast on Tuesday with business leaders in Danbury where Gov. Ned Lamont was the keynote speaker, said the affiliation with Northwell was expected to help Nuvance “accelerate our growth.”
“If anything, I think there will be additional hiring,” Murphy told HCMG on Tuesday. “But we don’t anticipate any layoffs.”
The affiliation agreement, which was announced Tuesday, was hailed by state and local leaders.
“(A) fair agreement has been reached with Northwell Health that benefits patients and providers, while strengthening and stabilizing healthcare throughout western Connecticut,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a prepared statement. “(T)his agreement (was) done in an efficient manner that is ultimately in the best interest of Connecticut residents.”
Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves agreed.
"We’re excited about this investment in Danbury Hospital,” Alves said in a statement. “Northwell brings new opportunities, new technologies, and access to resources that our community will benefit from. ... I’m confident this will move this forward without disrupting the quality care that our residents receive.”
The state health strategy office in negotiations with the two health systems over the past year secured an agreement that prices would not climb exorbitantly after the merger but would be in line with two cost-of-living indexes in Connecticut.
“Specific conditions include constraining growth in commercial prices so negotiated rates do not exceed the average of the state’s cost growth benchmark target and the consumer price index for medical care in New England,” the state health strategy office said.
For example, the state’s growth benchmark target was set at 2.9 percent for 2023, 2024 and 2025; the target was adjusted to 4 percent in 2024 to account for inflation. New England’s consumer price index for medical care was 3.3 percent for 2024.
The merger’s goal is to “take patient care and services to an even higher level,” said Northwell’s top executive.
"Northwell is committed to ensuring that Nuvance Health continues to deliver high-quality care in local communities for the long-term,” said Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health.
Staff writer Sandra Diamond Fox contributed to this article.
This Connecticut city offers something special to residents.We all understand the draw of New England with its rich history, winding country roads, and postcard landscapes. But how much do you know about Danbury, Connecticut? This scenic city with around 90,000 residents has long been a haven for those seeking a high quality of life — and for good reason. The opportunities to get outside and soak up the sun are plentiful, the arts and cultural commu...
This Connecticut city offers something special to residents.
We all understand the draw of New England with its rich history, winding country roads, and postcard landscapes. But how much do you know about Danbury, Connecticut? This scenic city with around 90,000 residents has long been a haven for those seeking a high quality of life — and for good reason. The opportunities to get outside and soak up the sun are plentiful, the arts and cultural community is active, and the family-friendly atmosphere paired with a reasonable cost of living are instant draws for people of all ages and stages of life.
Found yourself wanting to know more? Read on for more details on why Danbury, Connecticut could be the perfect place to settle down in 2025.
In This Article
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Who moves to New England without wanting to spend time outdoors? Fortunately for locals in Danbury, there are plenty of trails, parks and green spaces to explore. Ives Trail & Greenway is a popular 15.2-mile out-and-back trail that draws in casual walkers and cyclists to birdwatchers and campers. This regional trail spans four towns and is named after Charles Edward Ives, Pulitzer Prize winner and official state composer of Connecticut. Enthusiasts of this trail would be quick to suggest exploring Pine Mountain Lookout, which features panoramic views that stretch to Long Island Sound.
Other outdoor adventures that deserve a spot on your bucket list include Tarrywile Park, a 700-acre parkland with generous trails that accommodate walkers, cyclists and runners of all ages and skill levels. Within the park, you’ll also find a historic mansion, decadent gardens and ponds, and a peaceful place to soak up the sunshine. From there, you could always make your way to Wooster Mountain State Park with its more difficult trails and assortment of wildlife, go fishing or boating on Candlewood Lake, or go kayaking at Squantz Pond State Park. Another popular kayaking and paddleboarding spot in the area is Lake Kenosia, which has picnic facilities and walking paths for a full day’s entertainment.
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As you might expect, this region of the country has no shortage of arts and culture. There are several public art installations, many of which can be traced back to The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, as well as art galleries and museums such as @287 Gallery and The Gallery at the Visual & Performing Arts Center. The Art Spot, a popular local art studio, also hosts classes, camps and parties for fellow art enthusiasts in the community.
Other notable points of interest include Danbury Music Centre, a 19th-century venue that hosts classical music programs, as well as summer enrichment programs for aspiring musicians of all ages. Danbury Railway Museum is also worth a visit. This restored train station from the early 1900s is now home to a research library and rail yard. It hosts half-hour train rides for those particularly keen on transportation history.
Living in a family-friendly community is high on the list of priorities for many people, and Danbury successfully checks that box. There’s a strong sense of community here, as well as a variety of high-quality educational options. The Danbury Public School District is the largest in Connecticut. It hosts a variety of programs, including STEM, special education, extracurriculars, and plenty of daycares, preschools and after-school programs for parents who need extra help juggling work and home life. You’ll also find several private schools in the area like Saint Gregory the Great School and Immanuel Lutheran School. For parents with older children, rest assured that Danbury is a short commute from excellent four-year schools like Western Connecticut State University and Yale.
As far as day-to-day life goes, the sense of community here is bolstered by the variety of community events, festivals, gatherings and celebrations that frequent the Danbury social calendar. Danbury Street Festival is one of many annual traditions that bring locals together to indulge in live music, food and community pride. Of course, there are also plenty of parks, trails and playgrounds in the area, as well as the beloved Danbury Farmers Market. And for families itching to try something a little more outside the box, there are more than enoughquirky attractions to see and explore – such as Hearthstone Castle, or the world’s tallest Uncle Sam statue.
You may be head over heels in love with a place, but does it matter if you can’t afford to put down roots there? Fortunately, the cost of living in Danbury is more affordable than many desirable places to live in New England. Connecticut has a reputation for being on the higher end of housing prices, but Danbury is pleasantly affordable when compared to nearby locations like New York and Hartford. Median home prices are lower than the national average, which is great news for people in all stages of life, with median numbers coming in around the $400,000 mark. Rental prices are considered competitive too, in case you want to test the waters before committing to a more permanent move.
While there are job and career opportunities available in Danbury, it doesn’t hurt to be within easy driving distance of larger metropolitan areas. Danbury is around 70 miles from New York City, while Hartford is just an hour commute by car. If you need to get to Boston, it’s just a few hours northeast. This is also particularly appealing for young families or retirees who want to access all the arts, culture or conveniences offered in the big city without living amidst the hustle and bustle. All that to say, you certainly don’t have to leave Danbury to enjoy a top-notch quality of life. But it does make it easier to imagine putting down roots here when you know that you’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from some of the finest cities in the Northeast.
Fri, Apr 11, 2025 at 7:00 AMMore info here Recently, New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society (NFSAW) responded to a quiet plea for help from a struggling family in New Fairfield. Out of love, they took in stray cats—but during the pandemic, they lost everything. Still, they didn’t abandon the cats. Instead, they moved them into a makeshift trailer filled with fo...
Recently, New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society (NFSAW) responded to a quiet plea for help from a struggling family in New Fairfield. Out of love, they took in stray cats—but during the pandemic, they lost everything. Still, they didn’t abandon the cats. Instead, they moved them into a makeshift trailer filled with food, water, litter, and even a TV for comfort.
Then Came the Shocking Discovery The family believed they had around 35 cats. But when we opened a storage area inside the trailer, we found over 70 cats—many suffering from respiratory infections, eye issues, and many testing positive for FeLV and FIV.
These cats need urgent help. Here’s what we need:
???? Donations – Medical care and testing will cost upwards of $35,000. Pls donate - https://givebutter.com/nfsawho...
???? Fosters – Especially for FeLV positive adult cats who can be kept separate from others and reduce their stress. Our goal is to place 30 cats into foster homes ASAP. We have no space!
???? Supplies – Paper pellet litter and cat food are critical. Clean bath towels - new or used in good condition will help too.
???? Rescue Partners –We are in desperate need of rescuers who have room in their facilities! All need placement since kitten season is almost here and we already have adult cats in our care.
???? Adopters - Click here to complete an Adoption Application!
Thank you for being part of their rescue story. Contact us at 203-746-2925 or [email protected] to get involved!
♥?Every action counts.
New Fairfield Sherman Animal Welfare | 223 State Route 37 | New Fairfield CT 06812
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DANBURY – The LesserEvil organic snack empire on the city’s industrial east end will keep popping along as a Danbury story — much as it has for the past decade — if regulators approve ...
DANBURY – The LesserEvil organic snack empire on the city’s industrial east end will keep popping along as a Danbury story — much as it has for the past decade — if regulators approve Hershey’s reported $750 million acquisition of the popcorn company, its CEO says.
That's at least for the foreseeable future.
“We were not interested in (a deal with) anyone who was not going to keep the business here, who wasn’t interested in what we were interested in, so we ended up with a commitment … that we’re going to leave the business here in Danbury. That was a non-negotiable,” said Charles Coristine, the New Canaan CEO of LesserEvil, during a tour of the company’s Eagle Road headquarters. “We are a very successful and viable company right here in Danbury. It doesn’t need to change.”
Yes, but isn’t change what happens when a multinational Fortune 500 conglomerate such as Hershey invests a reported $750 million to buy out the company?
“I am going to continue to run the company for the next two-and-a-half years at least,” said Coristine, who has five plants in Danbury and one in New Milford and who recently leased a 300,000-square-foot warehouse just over the border in Southeast, N.Y.
“The fact that I just signed that lease in the last six months shows that we are not going anywhere for at least five to 10 years; that’s a monster lease to get out of (that) someone would have to eat,” Coristine told Hearst Connecticut Media Group. “(Hershey) is excited that we have vertical integration – there’s not a lot of popcorn companies that do. It gives us a strategic advantage because we have better margins.”
Vertical integration is when a company takes control of its own production steps to reduce costs and boost profit margins. LesserEvil pops its own corn in Danbury – about 5,000 pounds per hour, for example.
“We’re growing like crazy,” the CEO said.
Although LesserEvil and Hershey have not shared acquisition terms while regulators review the sale that is expected to close late this year, Coristine told HCMG that the deal includes incentives for him to meet performance goals during his two-and-a-half-year contract.
“I negotiated some … freedom,” Coristine said. “I can see myself playing a senior role at Hershey for awhile. We’ll see how it all plays out.”
Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves said the Hershey deal is in the city’s best interests, because the deal is in LesserEvil’s best interests.
More than 300 people work in LesserEvil's warehouses, production facilities and front office.
“He’s done everything he can do to find a partner that also believes in (LesserEvil’s) values,” Alves said. “He found somebody who is committed to being here in the near future.”
It wasn’t long ago that Coristine was so burned out as a middle-age Wall Street trader living in Westchester County, N.Y., that he said he felt as though he had lost himself.
“I had to re-find myself. And I re-found myself right here in Danbury,” Coristine said. “I needed a rebirth, and Danbury is where that came.”
Coristine bought a struggling healthy snack startup for $250,000 in 2011 and moved it to Danbury the following year, popping his first kernel in the basement of a Finance Drive building.
Something about being in Danbury made the difference, he said. And Coristine became part of the Danbury story.
“In the factory and the warehouse, I am very close with pretty much everyone who works here, and the thing I am most proud of is the people from the factory who are now working in the front office,” Coristine said. “A lot of these people didn’t speak English … but they came to work for me in the factory with a really good attitude.”
Alves agreed.
“If you walk through the (LesserEvil) factory and the warehouse here, you see that Danbury story of people chasing a better life,” Alves said.
“Our quality is a testament to the fact that these workers care so much,” Coristine said.
“When I am pitching Danbury and people ask me what our differentiator is, I tell them it’s our people,” Alves said.
“Yeah, it’s completely true,” Coristine said. “I believe that 100%.”
What should workers expect in Danbury and nearby New Milford should federal regulators allow the nation’s second-largest candy company to buy LesserEvil?
Growth, the CEO said.
“My employees all own equity in the company,” Coristine said.
In addition to opening the 300,000-square-foot warehouse in as soon as a month, Coristine has plans to lease another 30,000-square-foot production facility in the same corporate park as his headquarters within the next year.
And after his two-and-a-half years are up, what's next for the father of two teenagers – the oldest of whom was in the headlines in February as a member of Elon Musk’s DOGE team?
Coristine said he couldn’t comment about his son’s federal role. But the CEO said he has been thinking about his own next chapter, including an interest in teaching entrepreneurship in high school.
“I’m 53, so in two-and-a-half years I’m going to be 55. Literally, I haven’t stopped working for the last 13 years,” Coristine said. “I’d like to take some time off. Maybe travel in Europe or something.”
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