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 Tarrywile Mansion in Danbury, 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 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.
“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 Tarrywile Park in Danbury, 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 Rein Osteria or visit Main Street Historic District, 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, Connecticut (WABC) -- A fire at the Ashwood Valley apartment complex in Danbury on Thursday afternoon displaced approximately 80 residents and caused extensive damage to part of the building, officials said.The fire started around 4:15 p.m. on the third floor of a three-story unit at the apartment complex. No serious injuries were reported, but much of the structure was gutted by the blaze.Doorbell video recorded from inside the building showed residents evacuating as the fire spread."It was scary. I mean, ...
DANBURY, Connecticut (WABC) -- A fire at the Ashwood Valley apartment complex in Danbury on Thursday afternoon displaced approximately 80 residents and caused extensive damage to part of the building, officials said.
The fire started around 4:15 p.m. on the third floor of a three-story unit at the apartment complex. No serious injuries were reported, but much of the structure was gutted by the blaze.
Doorbell video recorded from inside the building showed residents evacuating as the fire spread.
"It was scary. I mean, every but I literally walked out and just flip flops and a T shirt, and I just left with the clothes on my back and my pets, and, you know it was smoky inside of there," fire victim Allysa Alvear said.
Officials said the interior of one section partially collapsed, pancaking three floors and leaving significant damage to the building.
For many residents, the loss has been devastating.
"It's like your entire life. Like it's like surreal. I don't think it hit me until, like, I left and got to the hotel last night. I was like, wow, I have no clothes. My medicine's gone. My kids, all my kids' stuff is in there. It's horrible," said resident Bethany Davis.
The American Red Cross, the city of Danbury and the property management company are assisting displaced residents. On Friday afternoon, fire marshals helped residents retrieve valuables from apartments that were considered safe enough to reenter.
"We're trying to take care of anyone with any type of immediate medical needs, as well as the elderly and then work through, in a systematic way to get everyone in and take care of, like I said, getting them any type of documents or things they may need," Danbury Fire Marshal Terrence Timan said.
3 residents and 1 firefighter were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — A fire at an apartment complex Thursday afternoon left 51 residents displaced, three firefighters injured and three residents injured, according to fire officials on Friday.“Initial reports were 80 displaced. This morning, the number is confirmed at 51,” Danbury Fire Department Communications Supervisor Mark Miguel said Friday morning. Man arrested after allegedly threatening to bomb Total Mortgage Arena due to ‘government conspiracy’ According to fire officials, di...
DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — A fire at an apartment complex Thursday afternoon left 51 residents displaced, three firefighters injured and three residents injured, according to fire officials on Friday.
“Initial reports were 80 displaced. This morning, the number is confirmed at 51,” Danbury Fire Department Communications Supervisor Mark Miguel said Friday morning.
Man arrested after allegedly threatening to bomb Total Mortgage Arena due to ‘government conspiracy’According to fire officials, dispatch received numerous reports of a fire at Ashwood Valley Condominiums on Sand Pit Road at approximately 4:12 p.m. Thursday.
Crews arrived at the scene and encountered heavy fire conditions that quickly escalated to a second alarm. Approximately 60 firefighters from Danbury, Brookfield and Stony Hill responded to the scene.
While crews were battling the fire, what fire officials called a “three-floor pancake” occurred to the structure, which refers to a structural collapse where three floors fall on top of each other.
One resident was trapped on a balcony and was safely rescued using a ground ladder, fire officials said Thursday night.
Initial reports said a dog was also rescued and taken to a veterinary hospital in Newtown for treatment.
Three civilians were transported to a hospital with injuries. Miguel said their conditions are unknown, but they injuries seemed minor as of Thursday.
Three firefighters were also transported to a hospital for evaluation of minor injuries.
Other residents were evaluated on scene, but did not require further medical attention, according to Miguel.
According to Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, the city and community partners are working with the American Red Cross to assist those displaced by the fire.
“This is an incredibly difficult moment for these residents and their families. The City of Danbury stands with them, and we will continue working together to support them in the days ahead,” Alves said in a Facebook post.
State Rep. Farley Santos said his office is also assisting in the efforts to help residents.
The bulk of the fire had been contained in about two hours.
The Danbury Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Ridgefield, New Fairfield, Bethel, and Newtown provided mutual aid.
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I’ve recently been on a Brazilian barbecue kick. Completely unlike the slow-cooked and smoked American-style barbecue, Brazilian barbecue focuses on steak and other meats prepared over an open flame on a skillet. These meats are prepared with limited toppings and served alongside a variety rice, beans and other sides. The result— when it’s done well — is a meat-forward ultra-flavorful and ultra-hearty, high-protein meal that is hard to beat, and which I frequently find myself craving.To fulfill this craving, I ...
I’ve recently been on a Brazilian barbecue kick. Completely unlike the slow-cooked and smoked American-style barbecue, Brazilian barbecue focuses on steak and other meats prepared over an open flame on a skillet. These meats are prepared with limited toppings and served alongside a variety rice, beans and other sides. The result— when it’s done well — is a meat-forward ultra-flavorful and ultra-hearty, high-protein meal that is hard to beat, and which I frequently find myself craving.
To fulfill this craving, I reviewed Minas Carne’s original Danbury location back in April and have been following the Brazilian Boys Barbecue food truck wherever they pop up in the area. So, I was long overdue to try São Paulo Brazilian Steakhouse in Danbury, which opened on Padanaram Road in the fall of 2025 and offers comfort food meats and side dishes.
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Arriving on a recent early Tuesday evening, I found the place quiet with only a few other customers, but the meats were sizzling. Those who have been to other Brazilian barbecue restaurants will be familiar with the setup here. The restaurant is buffet style with meats cooked over an open fire on skillets. Here these meats include various cuts of steak, from flank to the picanha (sirloin). There’s also skillet and open-fire-made chicken, as well as beef ribs, pork and a variety of sausages. Sides include white and yellow rice, beans, salads, collard greens and savory meat dishes like a slow-cooked brisket stew.
I crammed as much of all this onto my plate as possible. The final price is based on the weight of your plate as you leave, but it was reasonable. My wife and I got two plates with far more food than we could finish in a single meal for a little over $40. (My plate alone could easily have fed two people.)
In addition to being a good buy, I found the food enjoyable. The steak cuts I tried were excellent and so were the plantains and grilled pineapple. A sausage serving I tried was also strong with a nice spicy kick. The beef ribs were a little on the dry side, which can be a common problem in the buffet setup as the meats can cook too long. All the sides were decent, though none jumped out as must-try — again, I find this is often the case in buffet-style dining as it's hard to keep a meal at peak flavor in this setup.
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The space is casual and nice, bolstered by a great and friendly staff. There are a few outdoor tables and a large indoor space with plenty of seats. I brought my kids and found the place very kid-friendly. Approaching its year anniversary, São Paulo has emerged as a new addition to the Brazilian dining scene in the area. It’s provided a nice option for that side of Danbury and offers some excellent Brazilian style steaks. Area diners looking to explore this style of food should give it a try, and it’s going to help satisfy my Brazilian barbecue food cravings going forward.
5 Padanaram Road 203-739-0077
saopaulobraziliansteakhouse.com/
Erik Ofgang shares his opinions on food and drink in the state. He is the co-author of “The Good Vices” and has written for The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Smithsonian, Forbes and other publications. He pens a Connecticut Magazine column titled "Craft Cruising" about the state's beverage scene.
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As dozens of people have been taken by federal immigration agents across Connecticut this week, community members are helping families in the search for their loved ones. They’re turning to social media to identify photos of people stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as vehicles left in the streets.Olga Guerra told Connecticut Public that her husband, Fidel, was taken into ICE custody on Monday morning in Stamford as he was driving to work.“I got a call from friends [asking] if he was OK, because...
As dozens of people have been taken by federal immigration agents across Connecticut this week, community members are helping families in the search for their loved ones. They’re turning to social media to identify photos of people stopped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as vehicles left in the streets.
Olga Guerra told Connecticut Public that her husband, Fidel, was taken into ICE custody on Monday morning in Stamford as he was driving to work.
“I got a call from friends [asking] if he was OK, because they saw his car and they saw him talking with these agents that seem to be ICE,” Guerra said. “I went there. His car was there, but he was not there anymore.”
Guerra tried to locate her husband, but her efforts weren’t successful. On Wednesday, he was able to call her from a detention facility in Colorado.
“We have three kids together. He’s very worried about the kids,” Guerra said. “I said, ‘You have to be OK. We’re here. We’re OK. The kids are at school, I’m at work, and you’ve got to be OK.’”
‘A nice husband, a great dad’
The couple is originally from Guatemala. Guerra said she is a United States citizen, while her husband has been working towards attaining citizenship. Guerra has secured legal representation for her husband. She has also reached out to Stamford-based nonprofit Building One Community.
“He is such a nice person, a nice husband, a great dad,” Guerra said. “He's a very hardworking person. He always cares about his family.”
Guerra said the Stamford community was rattled by this week’s increase in immigration enforcement activity.
“It’s very painful,” she said. “It’s very sad, because you wish you can do a lot of things for them, and there’s a lot of things that are not in your hands.”
What it’s like volunteering on the ground
In Danbury, where the majority of ICE activity has been reported, volunteer networks have been rising to the challenge.
The advocacy group Danbury Unites for Immigrants has a rapid response team that works to help people who are detained.
Seth Garben, a group member, follows up on reports of ICE sightings. He has been doing this kind of work for about a year, but Monday was the first time he saw an ICE detainment in person.
“The body just wants to break down,” Garben said, “because it's a traumatic experience. It’s a grievous experience.”
Garben said he often enters a “kind of flow state where you lock in” when he is driving around the city to confirm ICE presence. All the while, he gets alerts of local or national reports, such as the recent news of .
Since Monday, Garben said he has seen at least three or four ICE arrests in Danbury.
“But then you see [an ICE arrest] happen, and the statistic becomes corporeal,” Garben said. “I mean, it becomes physical, and it's tragic. It really is.”
Margaret Henderson, another member of the rapid response team, also works as an operator for the organization’s helpline. Henderson said she’s been handling about 20 calls over a four- to six-hour shift since Monday.
“I had a call [Wednesday] morning from a social worker at a school looking for resources for parents who are too afraid to send their kids to school or to go out to the bus stop with them,” Henderson said.
The recent ICE activity has brought community members closer together, which has motivated the volunteers to keep going, Garben said.
“I have a lot of hope that we'll get through this,” Garben said.
Learn more
The Connecticut Immigrant Support Network (CISN) has created a that provides information for immigrant families, , , and .
SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.
SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.
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