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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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.

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Home Care In New Canaan, CT

Home Care New Canaan, CT

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 Gores Pavilion in New Canaan, 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 New Canaan, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care New Canaan, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I want to take a moment to recognize Nadine, the case manager at Always Best Care. From the very beginning, she has shown such kindness, patience, and genuine care. Nadine goes above and beyond to make sure every detail is handled, and she always makes me feel supported and heard. She has a way of bringing comfort in stressful times and truly treats you like family. Her compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does, and I’m so grateful for her. Always Best Care is lucky to have someone as special as Nadine on their team.”

Kenise C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We were setup with Always Best Care through my work benefit to help with caring for my 85 year old father in the hospital. Alan and Nadine were extremely responsive and flexible in our needs and a fluid situation where we were dependent on hearing updates from doctors from another state. They both checked in on us and ensure my father's needs were met, flexible in changing times and made a stressful process easier for us to manage. I plan on using this agency again when/if we need to.”

Kelli F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

J G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kristen S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kristen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Suzanne D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Richard C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Lara K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

steven G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kenneth B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gregg F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Robert G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”

Keisha H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”

Deirdre B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alan L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent!”

Abu Y.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in New Canaan, CT?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care New Canaan, CT

Types of Elderly Care in New Canaan, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care New Canaan, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers New Canaan, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Irwin Park in New Canaan, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care New Canaan, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 South End or visit New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, 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.

 In-Home Care New Canaan, CT

Benefits of Home Care in New Canaan, CT

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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 New Canaan, 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.

 Elderly Care New Canaan, CT

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care New Canaan, CT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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

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

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

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care New Canaan, CT

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers New Canaan, CT

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:

  • The Village at Waveny
  • Waveny LifeCare Network
  • The Inn - Part of Waveny LifeCare Network
  • Brightview on New Canaan - Senior Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Staying Put In New Canaan, Inc
Home Care New Canaan, CT

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.

 In-Home Care New Canaan, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 New Canaan, 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.

 Elderly Care New Canaan, CT

Latest News in New Canaan, CT

No. 6 Ludlowe, quarterback Ryan Love stun No. 1 New Canaan to end the Rams' 29-game win streak

NEW CANAAN — Following a fourth-quarter touchdown for the Ludlowe football team, Falcons lineman Carlo Noecker raised a finger, looked at a camera and shouted, “We’re No. 1!”As the saying goes, to be No. 1 you have to beat No. 1. Well, the Falcons have now taken care of one half of that equation.Riding the arm of senior quarterback Ryan Love, sixth-ranked Ludlowe scored on five of its final six possessions and ended No. 1 New Canaan’s 29-game winning streak with a wild 34-31 victory Friday night at...

NEW CANAAN — Following a fourth-quarter touchdown for the Ludlowe football team, Falcons lineman Carlo Noecker raised a finger, looked at a camera and shouted, “We’re No. 1!”

As the saying goes, to be No. 1 you have to beat No. 1. Well, the Falcons have now taken care of one half of that equation.

Riding the arm of senior quarterback Ryan Love, sixth-ranked Ludlowe scored on five of its final six possessions and ended No. 1 New Canaan’s 29-game winning streak with a wild 34-31 victory Friday night at Dunning Field.

It’s the Falcons’ first win in 13 tries against New Canaan (6-1), and kept the Falcons’ record clean at 7-0.

Asked if Ludlowe is the best team in the state, Love provided a very diplomatic response.

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“We are just a well-prepared team each week and we give our best each week,” Love said. “Depending on our performance in the game, we could beat anyone. It just depends if we’re in our groove or not.”

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To New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli, Love was absolutely in a groove in this game.

“We knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was that good,” Marinelli said. “He played the game of his life and their coaching staff did a tremendous job, too. There was no quit from either team and it was a great high school game. We just came up a little bit short tonight.”

Ludlowe has had a terrific run the past four years, putting together a 28-10 record which includes the program’s first two CIAC tournament bids the past two seasons.

Now, the Falcons have what far and away qualifies as their signature win. Ludlowe had lost all 12 of its previous games with the Rams since the Fairfield schools split in 2004.

The Rams and Falcons last faced each other on Oct. 5, 2024, with New Canaan winning 30-14, a game that started New Canaan’s 29-game win streak.

The 34 points scored by Ludlowe were the most allowed by the Rams since a 42-0 loss to St. Joseph in the 2019 Class L semifinals.

Love racked up 382 passing yards and threw three touchdown passes, including a back-breaking 76-yard strike to Jackson Danylko to put the Falcons up by 10 with 2:20 to play. Love threw his first interception of the season, an end zone pick by New Canaan’s Stone Milligan, but never slowed down as he surpassed 4,000 yards for his career.

“Words can’t describe him, honestly,” Noecker said when asked about Love. “The way he played today, I know he had his first pick of the season, but that didn't matter. He threw three touchdowns and his grit is just incredible.”

New Canaan started well and built a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter while busting into the Falcons’ backfield to disrupt the offense.

But a fumble, recovered by Noecker, gave the Falcons a lift and they cashed in with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Love to Timmy O’Neill. Love then connected on a 28-yard scoring strike with Danylko, who had five catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns, to cut the deficit to 17-13 at halftime.

Ludlowe opened the second half with a 68-yard drive, capped by an 18-yard run by Love to take the lead at 20-17.

In all, the Falcons scored 27 unanswered points and although two late touchdowns by New Canaan twice cut the deficit to three, Ludlowe never surrendered the lead.

“It was just a matter of time when we got it going,” Love said. “I really got in my zone, driving our team down the field and everything felt good. I had so much time in the pocket, They’re bringing a heavy blitz and our line was calling it out for me. I knew exactly what hole they were shooting through.

“It was unbelievable what my guys up front were doing tonight.”

Player of the Game

Ryan Love, Ludlowe: Who else? The senior quarterback had an unreal night with 382 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown while leading the Falcons past the state’s No. 1 team.

Quotable

“We know that we had a lot of doubters around us and not a lot of people believed in us. But Fairfield Ludlowe is just one big community. I had people I haven’t talked to in years or months, texting me before the game. Everyone in that locker room, everyone on the team, all my friends, and everyone who goes to Ludlowe believed in us.” — Ludlowe senior Carlo Noecker

No. 6 Ludlowe 34 No. 1 New Canaan 31

LUDLOWE 0 13 7 14—34NEW CANAAN 10 7 0 14—31NC—Neel Arora 28 field goalNC—Matt Reed 35 pass from Maddox Hoffman (Arora kick)NC—Dallas George 6 run (Arora kick)L—Timmy O’Neill 13 pass from Ryan Love (kick failed)L—Jackson Danylko 28 pass from Love (Fin Roeper kick)L—Love 18 run (Roeper kick)L—Gabe Lesizza (Roeper kick)NC—David Zwick 13 run (Arora kick)L—Danylko 76 pass from Love (Roeper kick)NC—Cole Esposito 3 pass from Hoffman (Arora kick)Records: Ludlowe 7-0; New Canaan 6-1

Oct 30, 2026

New Canaan reconsiders charter rule requiring Board of Finance members to own property

In New Canaan, a rule going back more than 90 years, requires Board of Finance members to own real estate in the town. That rule is coming into question and will appear on the general election ballot in November.Residents will have a chance to vote for or against keeping the requirement in the town charter.The rule was first implemented in New Canaan back in 1935.However, it didn’t formally become part of the town’s charter until 1965, according to Kathleen Corbet, who chairs New Canaan’s Charter Revisi...

In New Canaan, a rule going back more than 90 years, requires Board of Finance members to own real estate in the town. That rule is coming into question and will appear on the general election ballot in November.

Residents will have a chance to vote for or against keeping the requirement in the town charter.

The rule was first implemented in New Canaan back in 1935.

However, it didn’t formally become part of the town’s charter until 1965, according to Kathleen Corbet, who chairs New Canaan’s Charter Revision Commission.

The reasoning behind the rule was that since the board sets New Canaan’s mill rate, property owners had a vested interest in participating in that process, according to Corbet.

Residents were first asked to decide whether to eliminate the taxpayer requirement from the charter a decade ago, after a longtime resident, who sat on the Board of Finance, became ineligible to keep the role, Corbet said.

“He and his wife decided to rent, to downsize to a smaller house or home, and so [he] became a renter,” Corbet said. “Because of the charter provision that he needed to be a property taxpayer, that person needed to step down.”

Corbet said the incident sparked a unanimous decision to .

“Gee, is that really the intention? Someone who's lived here many, many years, has been a property taxpayer for many years,” Corbet said. “In effect, when you do pay rent, many would argue that you're still paying taxes through your monthly rental payments to the property owner who passes it on as property tax payments.”

However, a decade ago, residents voted against removing the taxpayer requirement from the charter. Corbet supports eliminating the rule, which some say is outdated, because a number of changes in the homeownership and rental landscape have transpired since the rule last went up for a vote several years ago.

“More homeowners might own their property under different legal arrangements, for instance an LLC, which doesn't necessarily have to show that the homeowner is the taxpayer,” Corbet said.

About 20 years ago, New Canaan’s Zoning Board of Appeals had the same property owner stipulation, but it was removed from the charter in a similar vote, Corbet said.

The Board of Finance is the last legislative body in town to have such a requirement.

Once the Charter Revision Commission shared its final recommended changes to the charter, the Town Council voted in late July in favor of making the property owner rule ain November’s general election.

The Town Council vote to bring the question to the public wasn’t unanimous.

But, a question remains about whether the rule violates the , by creating specific qualifications to hold office.

There have been similar cases in other parts of the country where the rule was found to be illegal under federal law, Nick Bamonte, an attorney with Berchem Moses, which represents the town of New Canaan, said.

“There are U.S. cases that address this situation factually and they found that that is not allowed under the U.S. Constitution,” Bamonte said at a recent meeting of the Charter Revision Commission.

“There’s a memo out there now that confirms there are some constitutional concerns if challenged,” Bamonte said. “I don’t have an answer where ultimately a court would come out on this because we don't have that history, but we believe that there is a fair concern there.”

Federal funding is gone.

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