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 Mill Hill Historic Park in Norwalk, 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 Norwalk, 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’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
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 Oyster Shell Park in Norwalk, 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 Washington Prime or visit Battle of the Rocks Monument, Norwalk, CT 06851, 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 Norwalk, 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 Norwalk, 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 Norwalk, 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.
Jan Degenshein shares with Patch why he should be elected as a Common Council member in Norwalk.NORWALK, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.Candidate's Name:Jan DegensheinWhat office are you seeking?District D Common Council...
NORWALK, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate's Name:
Jan Degenshein
What office are you seeking?
District D Common Council
What town do you live in?
Democrat
Occupation:
Architect-Planner - 50 years experience
Family:
Wife, Alison Lee, host of Craftcast.com, an international web-based high-craft teaching platform; Children, Britta 54, retired electrical engineer; Oleg 44, sustainable construction contractor; Anya 40, professor of sociology and government policy. Two preschool-aged grandchildren, Harry and Julius.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.
Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Appointed Chair of the County of Rockland (NY) Art in Public Places Committee.
Why are you seeking this office?
1. To help make Norwalk a better place for its constituents.2. As a grass-roots effort to improve national political policy.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Tax stabilization (A key contributor will be sustainable, controlled growth in both the residential and commercial sectors.)
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Fifty years of experience as an architect & urban planner provides a keen understanding of the benefits and drawbacks associated with development.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?
Education: Funding alternatives to provide an equitable education and best outcomes for all our children.
Housing: Affordable at all income levels and demographics, with options suitable to the neighborhood in which it is proposed.
Environment: Expand the tree canopy, improve parks, plan for climate resiliency, and reduce our carbon footprint. (The Norwalk River Trail is one example.)
Transportation: Provide more attractive public transit options, plan more bike routes, and safer pedestrian ways.
Commerce: Create incentives to retain, expand, and attract business for local employment options and balanced taxes.
Communication: Update the city website. Hold quarterly Neighborhood Town Hall meetings.
Quality of life: Afford respect and constitutional rights to all residents. Maintain high-quality city services. Support arts and culture.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
Leadership roles in not-for-profit organizations, including business, education, healthcare, transportation, and arts communities.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Listen with respect.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My goal is to establish a stronger foundation for future generations to build upon.
CVS Pharmacy has confirmed plans to close one of its stores in Norwalk with all prescriptions being transferred to a nearby location.NORWALK, CT — CVS Pharmacy confirmed Monday plans to close one of its five Norwalk stores next month with all prescriptions being transferred to a nearby CVS location.A CVS spokesperson confirmed to Patch the store, located at 696 West Avenue in Norwalk, will close on Nov. 6, a decision the company noted was "difficult."All prescriptions at the West Avenue location will be...
NORWALK, CT — CVS Pharmacy confirmed Monday plans to close one of its five Norwalk stores next month with all prescriptions being transferred to a nearby CVS location.
A CVS spokesperson confirmed to Patch the store, located at 696 West Avenue in Norwalk, will close on Nov. 6, a decision the company noted was "difficult."
All prescriptions at the West Avenue location will be transferred to a nearby CVS Pharmacy on Willard Road off of Westport Avenue to ensure patients have uninterrupted access to pharmacy care, the spokesperson said.
Patients can also choose to fill their prescriptions at any CVS Pharmacy location, or at another pharmacy of their choice, if it is more convenient for them.
The spokesperson also noted employees of the West Avenue store "are being offered comparable roles" within the company.
"Maintaining access to pharmacy services in the communities we serve is an important factor we consider when making store closure decisions," the company said in an emailed statement. "Other factors include local market dynamics, population shifts, a community’s store density and ensuring there are other geographic access points to meet the needs of the community."
The company also noted it will "continue to provide the community with outstanding service" at its four remaining CVS locations in Norwalk.
In addition to Willard Road, CVS also operates locations within the city on Main Avenue, Connecticut Avenue and at the new Target store that opened on Connecticut Avenue in August.
CVS also offers several delivery options for customers and patients with eligible prescriptions, including 1-2-day delivery and on-demand same-day delivery within three hours, through CVS.com and the CVS Health app to provide additional convenient access to household essentials, health and wellness products and prescription medications, according to the company.
NORWALK — Students in Norwalk outperformed those in all other major cities across the state, and in some cases, eclipsed overall state averages, recently released test scores show.For the first time ever, Norwalk Public Schools posted greater growth — defined as the difference in scores for individual students compared with previous results — in English and math scores when compared to the state.The data was shared with the Norwalk Board of Education at a meeting held on Sept. 16, in which Superintendent Alexa...
NORWALK — Students in Norwalk outperformed those in all other major cities across the state, and in some cases, eclipsed overall state averages, recently released test scores show.
For the first time ever, Norwalk Public Schools posted greater growth — defined as the difference in scores for individual students compared with previous results — in English and math scores when compared to the state.
The data was shared with the Norwalk Board of Education at a meeting held on Sept. 16, in which Superintendent Alexandra Estrella touted the work of the district.
“These achievements didn’t happen by accident," she said during the meeting. "It happened as a result of really strategic coordination amongst departments and schools and working in unison with our support staff and personnel to ensure that our students thrive and succeed.”
The school district's performance on standardized testing — the Smarter Balanced Assessment, the SAT and the Next Generation Science Standards — also caught the eye of the state education system: Norwalk Public Schools was one of four districts in Connecticut invited by the state Department of Education to present its assessment results at the end of last month.
When compared to other Connecticut cities with a population over 70,000, Norwalk consistently outpaced them all in English and math scores in terms of proficiency, performance and growth. The lone exception was in growth in the LAS Links assessment, in which Norwalk finished second behind Danbury. For the first time, Norwalk students scored a higher proficiency rate in science than any other major city in the state.
Additionally, Norwalk students scored higher on the SAT when compared to students in those other major cities: Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford and Waterbury.
Norwalk schools fared particularly well in the category of high need students, which are defined as students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, are English language learners or have a disability.
On the English component of the SAT, the performance of high needs students in Norwalk increased dramatically when compared to last year, from a proficiency percentage of 24.9% in 2024 to 42.6% in 2025.
Overall, Norwalk students' SAT scores in English jumped from a proficiency percentage of 44.1% in 2024 to 54.5% last year. During the same span, the overall state proficiency percentage on the same test rose from 54.8% to 58%, a much smaller jump.
“This is an example of the gains and the high acceleration of those gains that we’re seeing in Norwalk by comparison to the state,” said Diane Filardo, director of testing and accountability for the Norwalk Public Schools.
The improved SAT scores could be a result of a "shifting mindset" in the city's high schools, Estrella said. Previously, most of the students who placed a greater value on the test were college bound, not students who intended to enter the workforce after graduation. Last school year, however, administrators pushed the message that the SAT is also a good indicator of how prepared someone is to enter the workforce.
"Shifting that mindset has yielded a different level of accountability for the students," she said.
Additionally, Norwalk schools saw a decrease in chronic absenteeism and a graduation rate of 92.6%.
The improving test scores are due to a number of factors, such as new curriculum, bolstered intervention support and improved school culture, among other factors, school officials said.
“It's not just one but there’s multiple factors that have really impacted our results," Filardo said.
Later in the meeting, when members voted to extend Estrella's contract for one additional year, those who voted in favor spoke of the educational gains in the district during the superintendent's tenure.
Board member Sheri McCready-Pritchett touted the scores and said access to advanced learning opportunities has improved for students of color, leading to improved results.
"For the first time I am seeing some real progress," she said. "There was a time when we didn’t see black and brown kids in advanced placement and in honors classes, but we’re seeing it now."
NORWALK — As Connecticut's largest in-water boat show returns to Norwalk, the industry looks for renewed growth after a stretch of inflation and high interest rates had some people scrutinizing the math on any purchase of a boat.New boat sales and related equipment totaled $323 million in 2024 in Connecticut, a 4% increase from 2023 according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Those totals include marine engines, accessories and boat trailers.But the the industry has dragged this year due to inflation, high...
NORWALK — As Connecticut's largest in-water boat show returns to Norwalk, the industry looks for renewed growth after a stretch of inflation and high interest rates had some people scrutinizing the math on any purchase of a boat.
New boat sales and related equipment totaled $323 million in 2024 in Connecticut, a 4% increase from 2023 according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Those totals include marine engines, accessories and boat trailers.
But the the industry has dragged this year due to inflation, high interest rates and a bumpy stock market last spring that that has had some households putting off big purchases. Over the first six months of this year, sales of new powerboats were down 9.7% compared to a year earlier, according to NMMA estimates.
Still, stocks remain at historic highs and households reported a slightly improved outlook for their financial outlook in August, according to the Conference Board's most recent surveys, though overall consumer confidence remains flat.
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"If the consumer is feeling good about their income, if they're feeling good about their job prospects, if they're feeling good about their cash position and their savings, they're going to feel good about making a larger, discretionary purchase," said Ellen Bradley, NMMA's senior vice president of marketing. "We've seen interest rates and inflation slow things down a bit, however we are starting to see some bright spots."
Nearly 50 Connecticut businesses were expected at the Norwalk Boat Show, from brokers like A&S Boats with locations in Norwalk and South Windsor; to nautical-theme companies like Mermaid Bath & Bubbleworks in Shelton which sells soap and lotions, or Kane Bars in Greenwich which builds custom home bars with facades that mirror the stern of the owner's boat including the name and home port.
In addition to boat exhibits, workshops, water excursions and other events, this year's Norwalk Boat Show will include an "Engine Alley" exhibit that includes electric motors in addition to traditional outboard engines. Kylee Short — "Bait Barbie" on social media — will give lead fishing workshops on Saturday and Sunday.
"It is a show for very serious boaters ... to shop for what is new and shop for the latest accessories and look at Engine Alley," said Carrie Waible, NMMA's external publicist for the Norwalk Boat Show. "But it's also for people who just love living on the water in Connecticut and want to go do something fun."
Other September boat shows in the region include the Newport International Boat Show held the week prior to the Norwalk Boat Show, and the Today Beach In-Water Boat Show in West Babylon, New York, which coincides with the Norwalk Boat Show.
The Hartford Boat Show is typically among the earliest entries in the calendar year nationally, with the 2026 show scheduled for Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun. Others include the Wings, Wheels & Water Party in Bridgeport slated for next June featuring luxury yachts, automobile and seaplanes; the CT Spring Boat Show in Essex; and the Wooden Boat Show at Stonington's Mystic Seaport Museum.
Bradley believes the industry is on the rebound already, after boom years during the pandemic when people flocked to dealers for boats, whether the power or paddle variety.
"It's such a big boating community and this is the time of year where all the manufacturers are starting to debut their new models — it's really the start of the boat show season," Bradley said. "Norwalk is a good barometer for what happens in the coming year."
An executive with MarineMax expressed a similar sentiment in late July during a conference call with investment analysts, with the dealer having showrooms in Norwalk and Westbrook and several slips reserved at the Norwalk Boat Show to exhibit boats for sale.
"Clearly, there's a lot of wealth right now so people have the money to buy what they want to buy," said Mike McLamb, chief financial officer of MarineMax, speaking in July. "There's a ton of folks enjoying their boats, there's a ton of people at our events. ... They're just pausing the purchase decision right now."
More than 10,000 people attend the Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show each year, according to estimates by the NMMA, which sponsors the show with Progressive Insurance. About four of every 10 attendees come with an eye on buying a boat in the future, according to NMMA survey feedback.
The Norwalk Boat Show runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday, and until 5 p.m. on Sunday, at Norwalk Cove Marina at 48 Calf Pasture Beach Road in East Norwalk. A one-day ticket is $20, with admission free for kids up to age 12 when accompanied by an adult. Information is online at www.boatshownorwalk.com.
Includes prior reporting by Andrew DaRosa and Nathaniel Rosenberg.
Alexander Soule is a staff writer with Hearst Connecticut Media focused on business, development and the Connecticut economy. Alex is a Maine native who served a two-year enlistment in the U.S. Army before attending Connecticut College. Before joining Hearst Connecticut, Alex started a growth economy website called Enterprise CT chronicling Connecticut startups, with previous work including the Fairfield County Business Journal, the Boston Business Journal, the Rochester Business Journal, Mass High Tech, InsuranceTimes and the MIT Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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