It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Birthplace of Horace Mann 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 Franklin, MA 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 CAN'T SAY ENOUGH GREAT THINGS ABOUT ALWAYS BEST CARE SENIOR SERVICES! BEFORE REACHING OUT”
“I am a past client of this provider We worked with Always Best Care to provide”
“I can’t say enough great things about Always Best Care Senior Services! We used them”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t say enough great things about Always”
“Always Best Care was very knowledgeable and compassionate to my families needs. With their”
“Fantastic care Holly is a great hire for the company. always best care is a”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment”
“I would like to thank you for your professional care and handling of my Mom’s”
“Kingsley, first may I say what a wonderful person Aggie has been during this week”
“I would like to take sometime to commend our caregiver Holly for the wonderful job”
“I am a past client of this provider Our 85 year old mother needed overnight care”
“Their professionalism and response to questions and concerns. They were the only agency that said”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is wonderful.”
“It's a great company to work there. I have learned a lot from this company.”
“Staff was very professional during consultation.”
“The Schedulers are very professional and respectful. they work with the caregivers very well and”
“Always Best Care is a great place to work where they really care about their”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Worcester.”
“"I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH GREAT THINGS ABOUT ALWAYS BEST CARE SENIOR SERVICES! BEFORE REACHING OUT TO ALWAYS BEST CARE, I HAD NOT SLEPT IN MONTHS. TAKING CARE OF MY DADS EVERY NEED NIGHT AND DAY WAS EXHAUSTING TO SAY THE LEAST. RON WAS QUICK IN GETTING BACK TO ME. WHEN I COULD NOT GET ANYWHERE WITH THE VA, RON SOMEHOW MANAGED TO GET THINGS DONE. SO KIND ATTENTIVE AND PATIENT. DEFINATELY WENT THE EXTRA MILE TO SUPPLY MY DAD WITH THE GREATEST CAREGIVER WHEN HE NEEDED IT MOST. A SPECIAL THANKS TO (KK) KWAME FOR MY DADS OVERNIGHT CARE. YOU WERE A LIFESAVER TO ME. MY DAD WAS A MAN'S MAN AND DID NOT ACCEPT HELP EASILY, BUT MY DAD TRUSTED YOU TO BE HIS GO TO WHEN NIGHTS WERE SO DIFFICULT. THANK YOU KINGSLEY AND PION FOR YOUR PROFFESIONALISM, GUIDANCE AND COMPASSION. YOU PROVIDED FOR ME AND MY DAD DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. A SIMPLE THANK YOU WILL NEVER COVER IT!”
“I am a past client of this provider We worked with Always Best Care to provide 24-hour care for our parents who needed additional help to stay in their home. The care workers were helpful, caring, and provided the support and peace of mind needed. In addition to the care workers, office staff were regularly reachable and patient with multiple questions! Although it was a short term placement, about 3 months, I'd recommend and would use them again if the need arises.”
“I can’t say enough great things about Always Best Care Senior Services! We used them to help move my aunt from Boston to Phoenix, and I literally couldn’t have done it without them. From my first interaction with Ron to set things up to Kingsley helping (that word doesn’t begin to describe his patience and calmness) to the most amazing caregiver I’ve ever encountered, Sarah, they handled her every need while also ensuring me it would all be okay. Another passenger on the plane even commented how amazing Sarah was with my aunt! They were truly Heaven sent, and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone for any health care they provide!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t say enough great things about Always Best Care Senior Services! We used them to help move my aunt from Boston to Phoenix, and I literally couldn’t have done it without them. From my first interaction with Ron to set things up to Kingsley helping (that word doesn’t begin to describe his patience and calmness) to the most amazing caregiver I’ve ever encountered, Sarah, they handled her every need while also ensuring me it would all be okay. Another passenger on the plane even commented how amazing Sarah was with my aunt! They were truly amazing, and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone for any health care they provide!”
“Always Best Care was very knowledgeable and compassionate to my families needs. With their assistance and guidance we were able to provide my family with much needed home and respite care. They were also able to work with my family to find ways to defray the costs. The home health aids are wonderful. They provide a high level of professional service as well as companionship for my family.”
“Fantastic care Holly is a great hire for the company. always best care is a top of the line company that really cares about its clients. I highly recommend them.”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment with oxygen. I would have cared for my mom, but I got sick. I contacted ABCSS twelve hours before I started caring for my mom. My mom had some brain fog and some fluid balance issues. They responded that they could provide my mom with 11 hours of care a day, starting the day I was to be there. The next morning, an aide came with a supervisor to see my Mom. My goals for that day were small: to coax my mother to see the hairdresser, wash her hair, and ensure she took her medications. The aide was able to do that, to give my mom medication that was set out, to encourage her to drink and to walk in the halls. The following day, the aide encouraged her to shower and get dressed. My mom left her apartment to go to the dining room and eat with her friends. My mom might have required another hospitalization without the aide coaxing her to eat and drink reliably. Having an aide helped my mom regain some of her independence despite her brain fog and helped reinstitute the daily schedule that my mom had before her hospitalization. I had initially been contracted for 8 days, but with my mother's progress, I could terminate one-to-one care in just 6 days! I helped by setting daily goals, but the aide coaxed my mother toward health. I highly recommend this agency. I thank Georgianna for her care of my mother.”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment with oxygen. I would have cared for my mom, but I got sick. I contacted ABCSS twelve hours before I started caring for my mom. My mom had some brain fog and some fluid balance issues. They responded that they could provide my mom with 11 hours of care a day, starting the day I was to be there. The next morning, an aide came with a supervisor to see my Mom. My goals for that day were small: to coax my mother to see the hairdresser, wash her hair, and ensure she took her medications. The aide was able to do that, to give my mom medication that was set out, to encourage her to drink and to walk in the halls. The following day, the aide encouraged her to shower and get dressed. My mom left her apartment to go to the dining room and eat with her friends. My mom might have required another hospitalization without the aide coaxing her to eat and drink reliably. Having an aide helped my mom regain some of her independence despite her brain fog and helped reinstitute the daily schedule that my mom had before her hospitalization. I had initially been contracted for 8 days, but with my mother's progress, I could terminate one-to-one care in just 6 days! I helped by setting daily goals, but the aide coaxed my mother toward health. I highly recommend this agency. I thank Georgianna for her care of my mother.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment with oxygen. I would have cared for my mom, but I got sick. I contacted ABCSS twelve hours before I started caring for my mom. My mom had some brain fog and some fluid balance issues. They responded that they could provide my mom with 11 hours of care a day, starting the day I was to be there. The next morning, an aide came with a supervisor to see my Mom. My goals for that day were small: to coax my mother to see the hairdresser, wash her hair, and ensure she took her medications. The aide was able to do that, to give my mom medication that was set out, to encourage her to drink and to walk in the halls. The following day, the aide encouraged her to shower and get dressed. My mom left her apartment to go to the dining room and eat with her friends. My mom might have required another hospitalization without the aide coaxing her to eat and drink reliably. Having an aide helped my mom regain some of her independence despite her brain fog and helped reinstitute the daily schedule that my mom had before her hospitalization. I had initially been contracted for 8 days, but with my mother's progress, I could terminate one-to-one care in just 6 days! I helped by setting daily goals, but the aide coaxed my mother toward health. I highly recommend this agency. I thank Georgianna for her care of my mother.”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment with oxygen. I would have cared for my mom, but I got sick. I contacted ABCSS twelve hours before I started caring for my mom. My mom had some brain fog and some fluid balance issues. They responded that they could provide my mom with 11 hours of care a day, starting the day I was to be there. The next morning, an aide came with a supervisor to see my Mom. My goals for that day were small: to coax my mother to see the hairdresser, wash her hair, and ensure she took her medications. The aide was able to do that, to give my mom medication that was set out, to encourage her to drink and to walk in the halls. The following day, the aide encouraged her to shower and get dressed. My mom left her apartment to go to the dining room and eat with her friends. My mom might have required another hospitalization without the aide coaxing her to eat and drink reliably. Having an aide helped my mom regain some of her independence despite her brain fog and helped reinstitute the daily schedule that my mom had before her hospitalization. I had initially been contracted for 8 days, but with my mother's progress, I could terminate one-to-one care in just 6 days! I helped by setting daily goals, but the aide coaxed my mother toward health. I highly recommend this agency. I thank Georgianna for her care of my mother.”
“I would like to thank you for your professional care and handling of my Mom’s extended home care. When I called you for assistance with Thelma’s home care needs you were such a good listener and I could feel your warmth and good spirit over the phone”
“Kingsley, first may I say what a wonderful person Aggie has been during this week helping my wife on her return from Knollwood. She is most attentive, helpful and pleasant. It is hard to find a nicer person to have sharing ones home. We are very pleased you chose her to be with us.”
“I would like to take sometime to commend our caregiver Holly for the wonderful job she is doing with my dad by providing in home care. She is caring, engaging , and provides professional services and the best companionship for my Dad !! Great job to Always Best Care !!!!”
“I am a past client of this provider Our 85 year old mother needed overnight care following repeated hospitalizations over a 9 month period and ensuing hospice care. We called Kingsley, the Director, who was kind, gracious, professional, and knowledgeable. Flexible scheduling was also a priority and we always received immediate attention. The Director even brought over the PCAs personally to introduce them and would visit to ensure our mother’s needs were being met.The office staff and PCAs were kind and professional. Overall would highly recommend this agency.”
“Their professionalism and response to questions and concerns. They were the only agency that said they could help us for the care of my husband. The care takers are responsible, and really care for the person and caretaker. Their secretary is very professional and helpful and always gets back to me. Kingsley is fantastic, professional, caring, and goes over an beyond his call of his profession. We are very thankful for Always Best Care and I have recommended them to friends and rehab centers.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is wonderful. The person who answers the telephone (her name is Donna), and she's older like we are. She has a clue about what we're talking about when we're asking for help and why, so it becomes a very personal conversation. I was introduced to the director. He is an RN, plus a few other things. When he comes in to do the assessment for what you need, he works really hard at putting together the right caregiver with the person asking. He was just absolutely lovely. We needed somebody who could drive to do errands, and then I needed help with the laundry and occasional meals. The caregiver picks up and tidies around. She does bathing for my husband, who is almost bedbound. She does other simple health-related things for him. For me, she helps with my bathing because I have a bad back and bad knees. She's nice, and she's sweet. She can be a little tough when she needs to be, which is what we wanted. Not to be abusive, but just someone with a firm hand. When you don't feel well, you tend to act like a 7-year-old; it doesn't matter how old you are. She is just lovely. We couldn't ask for anything better.”
“It's a great company to work there. I have learned a lot from this company. I was not left on my own when I started working, everyone is friendly and pleasant.”
“Staff was very professional during consultation.”
“The Schedulers are very professional and respectful. they work with the caregivers very well and find them the right cases. The pay is also very great”
“Always Best Care is a great place to work where they really care about their clients and employees! Absolutely would recommend to anyone looking for care for themselves or a loved one, or a new job!”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Worcester.”
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 DelCarte Playground and Conservation area 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 The Chateau Restaurant Franklin or visit Benjamin Franklin Statue, 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 Franklin, MA, 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 Franklin, MA 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 Franklin, MA 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.
FRANKLIN — What started as an idea between two friends will soon be realized as a brick-and-mortar children's museum in town.The Children's Museum of Franklin is set to open this spring on Cottage Street. Its founders, Franklin residents Erin Gallagher and Meg Hagen, have already operated the nonprofit as a mobile museum for more than a year. They started the museum as an idea to fill an empty building and...
FRANKLIN — What started as an idea between two friends will soon be realized as a brick-and-mortar children's museum in town.
The Children's Museum of Franklin is set to open this spring on Cottage Street. Its founders, Franklin residents Erin Gallagher and Meg Hagen, have already operated the nonprofit as a mobile museum for more than a year. They started the museum as an idea to fill an empty building and a gap of resources in town.
Gallagher and Hagen have been friends and have lived in Franklin for about seven years. Between them, the two have five children aged 8 and under. They found that while Franklin offers family-friendly programs through its recreation center and library, there was a gap in finding enriching, educational programs and opportunities for learning through play.
There are children's museums in Boston, Acton and Easton.
Gallagher explained the two had similar ideas for a former school building. The two brought up the idea at a brunch, which led to them coming up with a plan for the museum.
“When we left and we’re buckling our little guys into the car, we looked at each other and said, ‘You want to really do it?’ And we went from there," Gallagher said.
The two went on to write a business plan, did market research and began networking with other children’s museum professionals.
While the idea for using a former school building fell through, the Children’s Museum of Franklin will open in a former Franklin Agway building, which closed last April.
“We walked through the space and we’re pretty excited with the vision that we could see this turning into a children’s museum," Hagen said. "But additionally, the Agway building itself and the Agway as a store were such a big asset to our community. There’s a lot of pride and history and love for that organization and for that building, so to be able to be a part of that building story was really important for us as well.”
The building's location will also affect the museum's offerings. Gallagher explained that due to it being beside the MBTA's commuter rail, museum attendees will be able to watch the trains pass. The women also like its proximity to downtown shops and restaurants.
The new museum will offer exhibits for children 10 and under. Hagen said there will be 12 separate exhibit spaces incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) that maintain a learn-through-play mentality.
Exhibit topics include healthy hearts, water, transportation and financial literacy.
The children's museum has a fully built lab and classroom space in the back, where it will offer STEM-based education for elementary- and middle school-aged children. Gallagher said they'd like to bring in high school and college students for leadership and internship opportunities.
"All under this one roof we'll really be able to reach the breadth of the education system, which is really exciting," she said.
The Children’s Museum of Franklin’s mobile museum is scheduled to be at Patriot Place in Foxborough on Sunday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gallagher said they expect the Cottage Street museum to open in April or May.
FRANKLIN — Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was recently elected president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association's board of directors, according to an announcement from the organization.The MMA Board of Directors...
FRANKLIN — Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was recently elected president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association's board of directors, according to an announcement from the organization.
The MMA Board of Directors is comprised of municipal leaders from throughout the state, including town managers, mayors, city councilors and finance committee members.
Hellen was appointed during a board of directors meeting during the so-called Connect 351 annual conference of municipal leaders in Boston. More than a dozen officials from Franklin attended the conference, including Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen, a Massachusetts Municipal Councilors Association member.
In a statement, Hellen said he was "deeply honored" to be named to his post.
“Make no mistake, this appointment is less about me personally, but more so recognizes the deep respect that municipal officials across the entire state have for the Town of Franklin," he said. "This is a team win; the entire town and school staff and Franklin Town Council should be exceptionally proud of their continuous work to distinguish Franklin.”
Hellen will serve a one-year term. His main responsibility is to chair monthly board of directors meetings and facilitate the Local Government Advisory Council with Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. Meetings feature top state officials, including state Cabinet secretaries, who collaborate on policy decisions that affect cities and towns.
Hellen's predecessor In Franklin, Jeff Nutting, served as the MMA president in 2009.
“It is clear many communities across Massachusetts view Franklin as a role model given the leadership the town has demonstrated over the years,” Hamblen said in a statement. “Few people have as much passion, dedication and commitment to public service as Jamie. I am personally very happy for him and our community to be recognized in this way.”
The MMA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the interests of cities and towns in Massachusetts. It provides training, information and support to municipal officials and promotes effective local government.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
LOWELL - The fourth time, apparently, was the charm for Franklin.The Panthers erased three consecutive heartbreaks spanning seven years defeating Newton North 55-52 in the Division 1 boys basketball state final Sunday at the Tsongas Center. Franklin (26-1) ...
LOWELL - The fourth time, apparently, was the charm for Franklin.
The Panthers erased three consecutive heartbreaks spanning seven years defeating Newton North 55-52 in the Division 1 boys basketball state final Sunday at the Tsongas Center. Franklin (26-1) fell in last season’s state championship game against powerhouse Worcester North then graduated eight seniors including the Hockomock League MVP.
“I hate to be a downer on my own team, but I didn’t think we were gonna win a state championship coming into the year,” Franklin coach CJ Neely said.
This year's group of seniors proved him wrong, finally hoisting the Commonwealth-shaped trophy after the last game.
"It means everything to me. I've been playing with this group of guys since middle school, and we've been bonding together," Franklin senior Jake Olmstead said. "For us to go there last year and to lose eight talented seniors and come back and do it again means the world."
The Panthers took the lead 28-25 on a Wyatt Herndon 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining to halftime. They started the third quarter on an 8-0 run then held off the Tigers push for the entire second half.
And Newton North didn’t go calmly. Franklin led 52-46 with 2:01 left, but Teagan Swint pulled the Tigers within a possession after a two-handed dunk with 28.1 seconds remaining.
Franklin put the ball in Caden Sullivan’s hands. He scored 11 points in the quarter and made 3-of-4 free throws in the final 20 seconds to secure the win.
Newton North had a look at a game-tying 3 at the buzzer, but it drifted left.
“We prided ourself on our defense all year,” Neely said. “It was a grind, no question.”
Franklin’s bench exploded. Caden Sullivan leapt into a chest bump with fellow senior Jake Olmstead. They’re 2 of 10 Franklin seniors that played their final games together and ended their careers as champions.
“This senior group, we’ve been through ups and downs, we’ve lost friends to cancer and car crashes. We’ve been through so much together,” Sullivan said. “Do it for Anthony Gates. Do it for Nick Gaspar. I get super emotional with this senior class because I’m proud of every single one of them.”
After receiving the trophy, Sullivan sprinted it over to the Panthers’ student section, Rattle City, which spanned two sections in the Tsongas Center and filled them to the brim.
”I got a lot of emails this week talking about how much this team has meant,” Neely said. “It’s bigger than basketball. We always say that being a part of something bigger than yourself is the key to high school sports. I’m proud that we were able to establish that this year.”
Contact Kyle Grabowski at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kylegrbwsk.
FRANKLIN — More than four months after a fire was intentionally set at St. Mary's Parish Church, services will restart this weekend in the main church.Parish officials announced the news Sunday on their ...
FRANKLIN — More than four months after a fire was intentionally set at St. Mary's Parish Church, services will restart this weekend in the main church.
Parish officials announced the news Sunday on their Facebook page. Masses and services have been held in the parish's smaller chapel since the fire.
“We have GREAT NEWS! This was our final Sunday Mass in our Chapel,” according to the Facebook post. “We WILL be using our primary worship space upstairs starting NEXT WEEKEND! (March 1 and March 2).”
St. Mary's pastor, the Rev. Bob Poitras, could not be reached for comment on Monday.
The fire occurred Oct. 23 at the One Church Square church. It was discovered by Poitras at 5:45 p.m. that day in a backroom on the second floor.
Although Franklin firefighters extinguished the fire quickly, it caused significant damage, mainly from smoke and water. Renovations and repairs have been ongoing since October, with Masses initially held outside before being moved to the downstairs chapel.
Investigators declared the fire arson. A spokesman for the state Fire Marshal’s Office said Monday that the investigation remains ongoing, with a $5,000 reward available. The reward is being offered by the Arson Watch Reward Program, which is sponsored by the Property and Casualty Insurance Companies of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, for information that leads to the person or persons responsible for the incident.
Anyone who has information is asked to call the program's hotline at 1-800-682-9229.
According to the church’s Facebook page, the work included a deep clean of all walls and ceilings, including sanitizing all surfaces. The walls and ceilings were also repainted, with new floors and a sound system installed. The church's electrical system also had to be replaced. New carpets were installed and a podium was restored.
The first post-fire Mass in the church will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday. Boston Archbishop Richard Henning is scheduled to attend to consecrate the church and celebrate its reopening.
A reception will immediately afterward in the Sacred Heart Hall.
“Please keep praying for our parish and our restoration project as some tasks remain to be completed,” according to the Facebook post. “But, nothing will prevent us from using our church again. We thank you for your patience with this project. Your prayers and patience contributed to this success.”
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.
Dean College is excited to announce its summer program offerings for high school students, including three pre-college courses and two performing arts programs. Registration and additional information are now available at www.dean.edu/academics/summeratdean/.Dean’s 2025 summer programs include the following:PRE-COLLEGEDesigned especially for high school students, Dean’s pre-college programs offer a great...
Dean College is excited to announce its summer program offerings for high school students, including three pre-college courses and two performing arts programs. Registration and additional information are now available at www.dean.edu/academics/summeratdean/.
Dean’s 2025 summer programs include the following:
PRE-COLLEGE
Designed especially for high school students, Dean’s pre-college programs offer a great introduction to life on campus, while getting a head start on college-level learning.
Sports Broadcasting—This program offers a unique opportunity for hands-on and classroom instruction in various areas of the industry, including sports radio, television, and play-by-play broadcast. Instructed by John Rooke, Director of The Center for Business, Entertainment and Sport Management—and the voice of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and Providence College men’s basketball—this is a summer experience students won’t find anywhere else. College credit is available to be earned through this course.
Podcasting—This program allows participants to create, record, edit, upload, and market their own podcasts. Students will learn in a hands-on environment how to utilize professional digital audio equipment and software and familiarize themselves with all major podcast platforms. The podcasting course is instructed by Vic Michaels, General Manager of WGAO-FM, Associate Professor of Communications, and a 30-year veteran radio broadcaster. College credit is available to be earned through this course.
Social Media Influencer—This program introduces participants to the exciting world of social media content production. These emerging influencers will produce professional-looking videos, design brands, and partner with other content creators. Students will learn how influencers are made, from marketing strategies to content creation. Dean professors Dr. Liz Faber and Ursula Wefers bring a robust understanding of social media marketing to this program.
SUMMER ARTS INSTITUTE
Dean’s Summer Arts Institute offers students ages 14 to 18 the opportunity to learn from and train with esteemed performing arts faculty, in either a musical theatre or dance intensive. Both intensives run from July 27 to August 3, 2025.
Musical Theatre Intensive—One of the best summer performing arts programs in New England, Dean’s Musical Theatre Intensive is an exciting week of studying acting, singing, and dancing with industry experts. Participants will also learn to choose repertoire effectively and gain skills in rehearsal techniques and casting calls.
Dance Intensive—Students at Dean’s Dance Intensive will be provided with training in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and more. They will also have the opportunity to explore artistry, create choreography, and even perform an original work.
Both programs will include workshops in:
Space is limited for all of Dean’s summer programs. Online registration is available at www.dean.edu/academics/summeratdean/ and ends on Friday, July 18, 2025.
508-626-8300
