abc-logo
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

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Essex, CT

Home Care Essex, 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 the historic Bourne Mill - National Trust 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 Essex, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Essex, CT

location Service Areas

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.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”

Babispyce S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor. When my mom was recently in the hospital, I knew it would not be possible for her to be completely on her own right away. She loves where she resides and enjoys all of the activities that are offered. My goal was to get her back into her apartment as soon as possible with the support she needed to increase her strength and return to her prior level of wellness she had before she went into the hospital. She was used to walking a couple miles a day. When I reached out to ABC I made it clear that my mom would need somebody who would be willing to walk with her in the morning, and in the evening enabling her to get back to her baseline. I would like to complement all of the staff at ABC who provided my mom such wonderful support after two weeks she returned to her baseline and remained in her apartment. She really enjoyed all of the staff that were with her , they were professional they encouraged her to walk, drink fluids, eat and were instrumental in assisting her to reach her prior level of independence. I would strongly recommend ABC to anybody who is in need of support for their loved one.”

Robin Y.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking, decreased appetite, increased incontinence. (Part of the expected declining process per her Dr.) Tara has been wonderful in adapting to Mom’s changing needs as they develop and a very helpful partner in troubleshooting. brainstorming how to adapt to best support Mom. It’s also been helpful in my regular communication with Mom’s Dr, to let her know in detail what has come up and how we have approached. Thank you (again) for your talented staff!”

Jeremy H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding care to our aunt. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has an elder family member in need. Also, the staff that helped to set up their services was outstanding as well. They made the decisions easy to understand with no hidden agenda. Thank you again to "ABC!"”

KEVIN M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”

Daniel S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know that Always Best Care Senior Services is there to help!”

Cathy K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and a joy to work with.”

Daniel S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as she would as her own mother. She treats me the way she would like to be treated. We are a good “team” together.”

Tracy H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family. My daughters feel she is truly a tremendous caregiver. They know I am in good hands. She acknowledges with commitment of my physical, emotional, and practical needs, my quality of life has excelled due to Diana’s help. I look forward to her presence everyday her attitude is exceptional, Diana comes to work daily with a smile on her face. She enters the front door, singing softly ready to work. She has never taken a day off, I have had many caregivers, but Diana is truly the best!”

Anne H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing but my mom’s best interest at heart. She continues to go above and beyond to care for my mom, and ensure anyone else who may be there also understands my mom’s needs. Tina has even gone so far to rearrange her schedule or give up her free time to stay with my mom to avoid her having someone that doesn’t know her. I can see that she genuinely cares for my mom, and treats her as if she was her own family member. That also goes both ways, my mom lights up when she sees Tina. We consider Tina part of our family.”

David L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's care. Kristine and Taylor are a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgable and had the answers to all our questions. They were able to help with all aspects of the care we needed. I highly recommend them.”

John S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and making sure they receive the best care available. Highly recommended!”

Greg G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”

Liam M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside her service area, she helped to find resources for us. Her commitment to providing outstanding care is only surpassed by her desire to help others. Thank you Kristine!”

Matt B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and her Team at Always Best Care are very caring and professional and exactly who you would want on your side if you have a loved one who needs help!”

Ann B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”

Kimberly O.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and has an immense desire to help my father. Reliability is vital trait in Rosemary. When my father was in the hospital and came home she immediately wanted to be by his side. My father has come to rely and depend on Rosemary. She is always on time whether it is giving medication or administering food and often encourages my father and helps my father maintain his dignity”

Denise D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are short staffed. Due to our licensing, we can only have CNAs on the floor and Always Best Care has provided excellent CNAs every time we need some extra help. All of their CNAs have been helpful, willing to go above and beyond for our residents and we always have great responses from our own CNAs and supervisory staff. I am so thankful to Michelle and Wilda who will always staff a shift that I need, even if I call 30 minutes before the shift starts. You’ve been such a huge help!”

Kaytee S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad needed care following a diagnosis of dementia, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone better to call than them. The caregivers that have worked with my dad have been wonderful. They are true saints to my family, allowing us the knowledge that Dad is okay to stay at home. They have navigated all of the changes in his cognitive state with grace and kept my father’s dignity in place. He was always a very active man and the caregivers have managed to keep him active, even as his health declines.”

Belinda F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I received their information from a close friend of mine that also used their agency. My uncle was a very proud man and did not want help from anyone, including family. Taylor met with me and spent time getting to know the ins and outs of my uncle’s care as well as his personality. She asked about his background so that they could look for a caregiver with similar interests. Although he took a turn for the worse rather quickly, the short time care was provided was wonderful. Thank you for your help and compassion.”

Karel O.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is able to get him talking about all aspects and experiences of his life. They go out regularly and she encourages my dad to participate in the activities put on by the community he lives in. They run errands, go out for meals, or go for a drive just to get a change of scenery. I was nervous at first about how my dad would take having a caregiver come in to help him, but he seems so happy and has great things to talk about after his time spent with his caregiver.”

Martin F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you and your organization operates. From the initial phone and in-person conversations with Taylor, to the ongoing support of my mother's care - it's been thorough, timely and well managed. I am also struck by how the home-health employees conduct themselves. They are reliable/responsive *and* responsible, and making every effort to work through the challenges day to day with my mother. Thanks for the great job you and your organization are doing. It means a lot to me, especially during this trying time! Best Regards”

Anna T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of your hard work and dedication to their clients. When my parents finally realized they needed help in their home, I chose ABC as the company I felt would be the best fit. Yes, we have had some ups and down, but when you paired Leah with my parents, it was truly a blessing. My parents love her. She genuinely cares for them and they speak highly of her work ethic. As my mom says, “she is too good to be true”. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your working with me to find the right fit. Well on our end, Leah fits like a glove and I hope she feels the same. She is a special person so I wanted to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to my parents. It makes me feel more at ease knowing there is someone coming to the home to properly care for them. Again I want to thank you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.”

Craig F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to provide respite care to my mom while we took some time to ourselves for a weekend. Mom’s caregiver, Gloria, was great and she had the perfect disposition to work with my mom. She was attentive and kept mom well fed and engaged during the time we were away. We would definitely call Always Best Care again when we need some time away.”

Brenda
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially to my husband while I spent some time in the hospital and rehab. Our caregiver brought my husband to see me every day while I was at the hospital and at rehab, I knew he was in excellent hands and I could focus on getting stronger again.”

Heather R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“i really like my caregiver, Victor very much. Victor is a very patient and observant aide who knows when I need his help. I knew from the first day meeting him that we would get along very well.”

Johnson L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

““I want to give a huge thank you for the care that Always Best Care provided over the last year and a half. They started out assisting just my dad since he was wheelchair bound and then began providing care to my mom as well who had advanced dementia. The two ladies that helped them both did an amazing job and gave me the confidence that they were being well cared for since I live on the other side of the country. Up to my dad’s passing, his caregivers were there for him to provide comfort and companionship while managing my mom’s emotions as well during the difficult time my dad had. Being a nurse myself and in the healthcare field for a while, I had high expectations which were exceeded by the caregivers and office staff of Always Best Care.”

harry B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Both of Mom’s caregivers are exceptional. They are always professional, calm and extremely patient with my mom. They know how to keep her calm and to manage her anxiety. My whole family is very grateful, knowing that Mom is getting really competent care, great meals and friendly companionship. Thank you.”

Kathleen F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is on his "next journey" and finally pain free, while he was here with us, his caregiver, Craig, did an amazing job caring for him and was here to help us from our first day of services. Craig always managed to get my husband to share stories from his time in the war that even I had not heard before. It was a great way to get to know more of my husband so his memory can continue with others around him.”

Beth F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband enjoyed having another man to talk to instead of conversation only between him and I. Craig managed to keep him occupied and safe so that I could go and get some time to myself, allowing me peace of mind that my husband was in great hands”

Sonia T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at home. She was diagnosed with dementia and within 3 months she could hardly do much for herself anymore. I was able to continue working full time while my mom received care from Always Best Care. We had the same caregiver from day 1 and she was absolutely amazing. She kept everyone in the loop with any changes my mom experienced and the regular in person and phone check ins were a great added support to myself and my family. Thank you ABC for all the help and compassion that you showed my mom until her passing.”

Laura
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They are very caring and easy to deal with. They work with the family and the patient to see that the patient has what is needed for their care. In all we had a good experience with Best Care.”

Elaine G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Our caregiver is the absolute best, you all got lucky finding her.”

Bob G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Anything from Always Best Care is good to have. The care from them has given me my life back. I wasn’t expecting a perfect match on the first caregiver, but Always Best Care did a very good job.”

Claudia B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We have been using the services of ABC for almost three years, and I have worked personally with John, Kristine, Taylor, Michelle and Wilda, as well as the many wonderful caregivers who have attended to my mother’s needs with great care and attention. Throughout this time, my mother’s care needs have changed many times, and they have always been very responsive to any requests, including the directives of the hospice nurses that work in concert with all of them. Taylor and Michelle are incredibly diligent about keeping on top of issues that arise day-to-day, and running their questions and concerns by me. I remain a loyal customer to ABC because I feel that my mother is getting really great care, and will continue to see the warm, friendly faces she has come to know and trust today and every day. At 94 yrs old, my mother is quite dependent on the care providers for almost all her needs, and they always show up and make her feel safe and secure.”

Rachel C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“It has been a true pleasure working with you and your organization. You all demonstrate empathy and compassion in caring for frail elderly family members and insure distant families are comforted knowing you are there.”

Steve S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Mom’s caregiver is a part of the family, we absolutely love her!”

Joe L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has done a fantastic job in providing us with at-home care for my step-mother while we prepared for her transition to move permanently to a skilled nursing facility. With their help, she was able to spend a full six months at home before moving. We would not have been able to do it without them. All the caregivers we have met and used have been kind and attentive, frequently going the extra mile, whatever that may be on any given day. The office staff is friendly, empathetic and very diligent in keeping all parties informed of all aspects of day-to-day care. They are knowledgeable, respectful and efficient. I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone who is looking for help in keeping their loved one at home for as long as possible.”

Sarah C.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Essex, CT?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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 Essex, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Essex, 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 Essex, 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 Essex, 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 Great Notley Country Park 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 Essex, 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 The Griswold Inn or visit Balkerne Gate, 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 Essex, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Essex, 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.

Request More Information vector

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 Essex, 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 Essex, 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 Essex, 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 Essex, 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 Essex, 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 Essex, 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:

  • Essex Meadows
  • Essex Village Manor
  • Meadowbrook Manor
  • HarborChase of Evergreen Walk
  • Assisted Living Locators of Greater Essex County and Northwest New Jersey
  • Commonwealth Senior Living at Haddam
Home Care Essex, 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 Essex, 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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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 Essex, 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 Essex, CT

Latest News in Essex, CT

Essex Rejects Multifamily Housing Plan, Votes to Explore Other Affordable Options

ESSEX – The Planning and Zoning Commission overwhelmingly rejected a developer’s proposal to allow multifamily housing on several properties in Essex’s main residential zone, saying they want to be the ones driving efforts to diversify housing in town.Aiming to build a partially ”affordable” townhouse complex off Saybrook Road, Greylock Properties petitione...

ESSEX – The Planning and Zoning Commission overwhelmingly rejected a developer’s proposal to allow multifamily housing on several properties in Essex’s main residential zone, saying they want to be the ones driving efforts to diversify housing in town.

Aiming to build a partially ”affordable” townhouse complex off Saybrook Road, Greylock Properties petitioned the commission to change the regulations in the Rural Residence District – which covers most of Essex – to allow multifamily housing on certain properties. The rules would have applied to three buildable properties in town.

But after two unusually packed public hearings where residents pleaded to preserve the character of the town’s single-family neighborhoods, the commission voted 6-1 to reject Greylock’s proposal.

Commissioner Mark Reeves said the proposal was a major change to how housing could be built in Essex, noting that the new regulations would apply to about 131 acres. Under the current regulations, about 65 homes could be built on that amount of land, he said, while the new rules would have allowed up to 262 units. Most of those properties would empty onto Main Street in the Centerbrook neighborhood.

“This is more than just a text amendment that’s going to impact people in a minor way and they can go about their business without any problems,” Reeves said.

Reeves said they want to make it possible for young people and those without high incomes to buy homes in the area, but argued that the 20 percent of units designated “affordable” under the proposed regulation is actually more “moderate income” housing.

He suggested the commission draft its own regulations to promote multifamily housing in a way that fits what locals want: To keep Essex a small town.

“Right now, we are responding to an application from a developer, and it is an application for a text amendment that covers multiple properties,” Reeves said. “The truth is, that amendment is written for his purposes, not for our purposes.”

Commissioner David Rosengren was the single vote against rejecting the application, asking the group, “If not now, when?”

“We live in an aging community. We also live in a very high-income community,” Rosengren said. “It’s basically a retirement community, and if we don’t start changing that, if we don’t start adding opportunities for younger people with less opportunity to get into this community, [Essex] will essentially die. You can’t stand still.”

“Save Rural Essex” became the rallying call for residents opposed to Greylock’s proposal, with yellow lawn signs lining roads around town to show opposition. But Rosengren said Essex isn’t rural, it’s already a dense community.

Essex land use official Carey Duques said Greylock’s project wouldn’t lead to a major increase in housing density because a majority of homes are built on lots smaller than current regulations allow.

The single-family zone covering most of the town now requires 1.8 acres per home, but that was a change made around 2000. Before that, the town allowed smaller lots, which is why about 65 percent of homes are on “nonconforming” smaller lots, Duques said.

Commission Chair Russell Smith said he was on the Planning Commission when it raised the lot size to 1.8 acres. At the time, he said he was concerned about too much density, and raising the minimum lot size was meant to slow that down. He said he still has the same concerns.

“I’m in favor of just making sure that we adhere to 2-acre zoning and rural residential,” Smith said.

Commissioner Bob Day said the Essex’s Plan of Conservation and Development calls for more diverse and lower-cost housing, but that those efforts should be directed toward town centers.

After rejecting Greylock’s application, the commissioners voted 6-1 to create a subcommittee to explore how the commission could write its own affordable housing regulations. Rosengren, again, was the lone vote against the action.

“If we don’t do it now, when are we going to do this?” Rosengren reiterated. “My suggestion is, we’re not. Because what happens when you go for more discussions? Everything dies in committees.”

Brendan Crowley covers energy and the environment for CT Examiner. T: 860 598-0050

[email protected]

Essex makes list of Country Living's list of 'Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S.'

The riverside town of Essex has made Country Living's 2023 list of the "The 30 Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S."Watch MoreThe North Pole Express at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, ...

The riverside town of Essex has made Country Living's 2023 list of the "The 30 Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S."

Watch More

The North Pole Express at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Holiday Train Show at the Connecticut River Museum, Ivoryton Illuminations and Griswold Inn were named by Country Living as some of the attractions that make Essex a destination to visit during the holiday season.

The town of Essex, complete with its Christmas charm, has also been the filming location for recent Hallmark movies. The 2018 Hallmark movie, “Christmas at Pemberley Manor," heavily featured the aforementioned Griswold Inn while 2021's "Next Stop, Christmas" used the Essex Steam Train for its time travel plot. Portions of Essex could also be seen in last year's Netflix holiday movie, "The Noel Diary."

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

More For You

Fight over future of Hartford-Brainard revs up with new hearing

Cosmo calls New Haven 'cultural hotspot,' endorses Bar pizza

10+ things for Connecticut food lovers to do in February

TV chef Jason Santos to attend Mohegan Sun's WineFest this weekend

CT chefs, restaurant nominated for 2024 James Beard awards

“I think the neighborhoods and the feeling of family really worked for this movie,” "The Noel Diary" director Charles Shyer told Hearst Connecticut last year. “I thought the experience was lovely. The people were great. The food was great.”

Other Northeast locations that made Country Living's picks include Woodstock, Vermont; Stockbridge, Massachusetts; Cape Cod and New York City.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Nov 29, 2023

Andrew DaRosa is a SPJ award-winning journalist who has worked at Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2018. He currently works as a Senior Audience Producer and a Trending Reporter for CT Insider and also runs the SEEN section.

He can often be found covering Connecticut’s expanding music scene, supposedly “haunted” sites around the state or keeping track of big winners in the Connecticut Lottery. He has been at the forefront of multiple music-related stories around Connecticut, including the Sound On Sound music festival. With a passion for music, over the past decade, Andrew has interviewed members of Judas Priest, Goose, The National, Trey Anatasio Band, The Head and the Heart and Maren Morris.

Originally from Massachusetts, Andrew graduated from Fairfield University in 2014 with a degree in digital journalism. Since working for Hearst Connecticut, Andrew has become a four-time winner of Connecticut Society of Professional Journalism awards for his coverage of Connecticut band Goose, hiking the state and his human interest stories.

When he isn’t writing about Ed and Lorraine Warren or jam bands, Andrew can be found going to concerts with his wife or hanging out with his dogs.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmdarosa

DG Market, owned by Dollar General comes to Essex, moving into long-shuttered Colonial Market

ESSEX — A new DG Market, a grocery store affiliated with Dollar General, is moving into the long shuttered Colonial Market in the Bokum Plaza at 125 Westbrook Road.This will be the only supermarket in Essex, possibly opening as early as February.The plaza was recently sold for $1.875 million to 125 Bokum Center LLC. The 18,500-square-foot supermarket had been vacant since the pandemic, when Colonial Market, the town’s only grocery store, was shuttered.“There is no other grocery store in Essex. People ha...

ESSEX — A new DG Market, a grocery store affiliated with Dollar General, is moving into the long shuttered Colonial Market in the Bokum Plaza at 125 Westbrook Road.

This will be the only supermarket in Essex, possibly opening as early as February.

The plaza was recently sold for $1.875 million to 125 Bokum Center LLC. The 18,500-square-foot supermarket had been vacant since the pandemic, when Colonial Market, the town’s only grocery store, was shuttered.

“There is no other grocery store in Essex. People have to travel out of Essex,” said Jay Morris of O,R&L Commercial Real Estate, who is also a partner in 125 Bokum Center LLC.

DG Market will take up 12,500 square feet with the remaining 6,000 offered to another tenant.

Morris said the DG Market will be a departure from the earlier hybrid grocery stores Dollar General owns and operates in other parts of the country.

“They are all DG Markets now,” Morris said about Dollar General’s foray into supermarkets. “When they first started, they did a hybrid called a Dollar General Market, and now it’s DG Market, which is its own line.”

DG Markets open in areas that are underserved by supermarkets with populations under 20,000, according to its website, dollargeneral.com.

Essex is the start for Dollar General’s entry into the Northeast, according to Morris.

“They’re going to do dozens of stores in Connecticut over the next couple of years — they’re all going to be DG Markets,” Morris said.

“It's mainly a grocery store,” he added. “I imagine there will be some overlap of products. Dollar General now, they carry a lot of things a lot of supermarkets carry — household goods, cleaning supplies.

“So that stuff will probably be the same, but it will carry over now to produce, meats, all of that,” he said.

DG Market is different than Dollar General Market, Morris said.

He noted that DG Market has “the same national parent company, but a totally different product mix” than the Dollar General stores.

“There are about 2,000 DG Markets nationwide, but they are mostly in the South and West. DG Market is planning to expand heavily into the Northeast over the next few years, and I think Essex will be their first store to open in this region,” Morris said.

The reaction in town has been positive since 125 Bokum Center bought the plaza in early December, Morris said.

“Everyone we talk to is excited that a new market is coming to town,” he said.

When 125 Bokum Center LLC first bought the shopping center, he added, “Everybody we talked to was like, ‘You got to find a supermarket.’ We had other tenants who were looking at it, but everybody wanted a grocery, so that was our focus.”

First Selectman Norm Needleman said he is pleased a tenant is finally renting the empty space.

“I’m glad the property is not in limbo anymore. It’s been an eyesore for a long time,” Needleman said.

Needleman said the reaction in town has been fairly mixed. Some residents have asked him, “How can that be allowed?” while others, “old-timers,” have told him, “Hey at least it’s not empty,” he recounted.

The plan is to open the new grocery store at the beginning of February, Morris said.

“Basically, they demolished everything inside, and they're rebuilding it now. They’re moving very quickly and expecting to be open by beginning of February, that is their target.”

DG Market has all the town approvals it needs and construction on the building’s interior is going on now, according to Morris.

Essex, Chester, Deep River Election Results 2023: Vote Totals

Here are the vote totals for every candidate that ran in the Essex, Chester, Deep River local elections on Tuesday, Nov. 7.Patch StaffESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — The votes have all been counted in Essex, Chester, and Deep River, and here are the totals for each candidate.The vote totals are courtesy of the Secretary of State website:EssexFirst SelectmanNorman M Needleman, D, 1,327SelectmanFind out what's happening in Ess...

Here are the vote totals for every candidate that ran in the Essex, Chester, Deep River local elections on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Patch Staff

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — The votes have all been counted in Essex, Chester, and Deep River, and here are the totals for each candidate.

The vote totals are courtesy of the Secretary of State website:

Essex

First Selectman

Norman M Needleman, D, 1,327

Selectman

Find out what's happening in Essex-Chester-Deep Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stacia R Libby, D, 1,043Bruce M. Glowac, R, 540

Board of Finance

Terry G Stewart, D, R, 1,549Ethan B. Goller, D, 1,166

Board of Education

Marjorie M Russell, D, 1,065Nancy S Johnston, R, 508

Board of Assessment Appeals

Mark S Bombaci, D, 1,260

Regional Board of Education

Kathryn C. Sandmann, D, R, 1,531

Chester

First Selectman

Cynthia Lignar, D, 884Ron Amara, R, 573

Selectman

Patricia Bandzes, D, 815Paul Radicchi, R, 636

Board of Finance Full Term

Michael Jordan, D, 844Roger Labrecque, D, 782Steve Cline, R, 601John Chillock, R, 551

Board of Finance (to fill four-year vacancy)

Deborah Vilcheck, D, 875Michael King, R, 536

Board of Finance (to fill two-year vacancy)

William Bernhart, R, 834

Board of Finance Alternate Full Term

John Connelly, D, 844Michael King, R, 533

Board of Finance Alternate (to fill four-year vacancy)

Steve Cline, R, 812

Board of Finance Alternate (to fill two-year vacancy)

Justin Kronholm, D, 813William Bernhart, R, 544

Board of Education Full Term

Lorraine Connelly, D, 899David Fitzgibbons, D, 938Dale H. Bernardoni, D, 882Debra Chillock, R, 599

Board of Assessment Appeals Full Term

Paul Radicchi, R, 854

Planning & Zoning Commission

Michael Joplin, D, 913Randy Myers, R, 741Michael King, R, 760

Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate Full Term

Carlie Dailey, D, 818Carl Manning, R, 549

Planning & Zoning Commission Alternate (two-year vacancy)

Michael A. Sanders, CGP, 546

Zoning Board of Appeals Full Term

Erik Anderson, D, 899Victor Fetter, D, 940Paul Radicchi, R, 783

Library Trustees

Catherine Cahill, D, 1,046

Regional Board of Education

Laurence Fearon, D, 1,049

Regional Board of Education (four-year vacancy)

Richard Strauss, D, 1,044

Deep River

First Selectman

Carol V. Doak-Jones, D, 874Kathryn A. Russell, R, 847

Selectman

Duane Gates, D, 1,164

Town Clerk

Amy Macmillan Winchell, PET, 976

Town Treasurer

Thomas W. Lindner, R, 1,245

Tax Collector

Katherine L. Cryder, D, 1,224

Board of Finance Full Term

Jacquelyn G. Calamari, D, 1,093Michael T. Weglarz, D, 995Lawrence P. Stewart, PET, 386

Board of Finance (to fill two-year vacancy)

Carol Hanover, WI, 54Cynthia Torres, WI, 49

Board of Education Full Term

Patricia G. Maikowski, D, 1,010

Melissa McIntyre, D, 939Joel C. Harris, R, 731Kevin D. Harris, PET, 325Nicholas R. Rioux, PET, 361

Board of Education (to fill two-year vacancy)

Lenore Grunko, D, 1,559John E. Ely, R, 774

Board of Assessment Appeals

Darlene G. Pollock, R, 1,047

Library Trustees Full TermSarah E. Field, D, 925

Angus L. McDonald, Jr., D, 943Alexa C. Jamieson, R, 770Jacqueline M. Nash, PET, 374

Ethics Commission

Cody Allen Layton, D, 990Grace Joan Defilippo, PET, 532

Ethics Commission Alternate

John C. Greene, Jr., R, 985

Agent of School Deposit Fund

Thomas W. Lindner, R, 1,116

Regional Board of Education

Richard R. Daniels, Jr., D, 1,114

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Meet the team behind the historic Essex Stream Train

It takes a village to keep history rolling on the tracks.ESSEX, Conn. — The saying goes: It takes a village. And that is so true at the Essex Steam Train.Kevin Dodd controls a locomotive that is 100 years old and weighs nearly 82 tons -- that’s all part of a day's work.Dodd, an engineer and the president of the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, has a job that stands out, running three different locomotives for thousa...

It takes a village to keep history rolling on the tracks.

ESSEX, Conn. — The saying goes: It takes a village. And that is so true at the Essex Steam Train.

Kevin Dodd controls a locomotive that is 100 years old and weighs nearly 82 tons -- that’s all part of a day's work.

Dodd, an engineer and the president of the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, has a job that stands out, running three different locomotives for thousands of visitors who ride the rails every year. The Essex Steam Train remains a top tourist destination throughout the state.

"There is a huge uniqueness to what we do here,” Dodd said. "It’s not just me, you have a whole orchestra of people here that make the music.”

Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

Dodd noted that it takes a village to keep their trains on track, from mechanics to conductors to engineers. Joseph Cassineri, who will be a UConn Senior in the Fall is also a conductor at the Essex Steam Train.

"At base, this is just a hunk of metal but to the people that run it, it is just so much more than that – it’s something you don’t see every day anywhere else," Cassineri said.

Dodd, who began working at the Essex Steam Train in when he was 21 years old in 1985 added that, while Christmas is a marquis time to visit, his team stays busy throughout the year.

“We have more than 2,200 train departures a year,” said Dodd. “It’s the best job in the world.”

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is always looking for volunteers, to learn more click here.

Related Articles

Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

---

Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

----

HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS

Download the FOX61 News APP

iTunes: Click here to download

Google Play: Click here to download

Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.

Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.