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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Abbeville, SC

Home Care Abbeville, SC

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 BurtStark Mansion in Abbeville, SC 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 Abbeville, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Abbeville, SC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“ABC helped me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy the Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. You could tell she loves her job. she started helping in the evenings, then on weekends. Mom's health got really bad and she was hospitalized and Trudy changed her schedule so she could stay up at the hospital all night with my Mom. I never had to worry because I knew mom was in good hands and that Trudy would te… See more”

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“I’ve been a employee for 3 years I love working here”

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“Great Place. Really caring people. would recommend if a friend of family member need non-medical care.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Abbeville, SC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Abbeville, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Abbeville, SC

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 Abbeville, SC
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 Abbeville, SC
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 Chestnut Street Park in Abbeville, SC 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 Abbeville, SC
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 Two Brews or visit Abbeville Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Abbeville, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Abbeville, SC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

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

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Abbeville, SC, 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 Abbeville, SC

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 SC'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 Abbeville, SC

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 Abbeville, SC 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 Abbeville, SC

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 Abbeville, SC

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:

  • Maison du Monde Living Center
  • Abbeville Nursing Home
  • The Vermilion at Eastridge
  • Shady Pines Estate
  • Twin Magnolias Assisted Living
  • Eastridge Nursing Rehabilitation
Home Care Abbeville, SC

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 Abbeville, SC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Abbeville, SC 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 Abbeville, SC

Latest News in Abbeville, SC

8 Of The Most Underrated Towns In South Carolina

Looking to take a road trip to South Carolina but want to avoid the crowds in big cities like Charleston or Columbia? Check out South Carolina's smaller towns. While smaller towns may not have large concert venues, billboards, or shopping centers, they still have a lot to offer. From leisurely walks down peaceful streets lined with charming, historic buildings to cute local shops and cultural landmarks, South Carolina's small towns have something for everyone. They make an excellent destination for a romantic weekend getaway or a family vaca...

Looking to take a road trip to South Carolina but want to avoid the crowds in big cities like Charleston or Columbia? Check out South Carolina's smaller towns. While smaller towns may not have large concert venues, billboards, or shopping centers, they still have a lot to offer. From leisurely walks down peaceful streets lined with charming, historic buildings to cute local shops and cultural landmarks, South Carolina's small towns have something for everyone. They make an excellent destination for a romantic weekend getaway or a family vacation. This article lists eight underrated towns in South Carolina to enjoy in 2025 without the traffic jams and long lines in big cities.

Abbeville

First on the list is Abbeville, a romantic town that will transport visitors back in time with its brick-paved square. The downtown looks as though it belongs in a painting with historic buildings and cute shops lining the town square. Stop and admire some of the historic buildings, such as the Abbeville Opera House and the Burt Stark Mansion. The Abbeville Opera House originally opened in the early 1900s, and the theatrical nights were formal, gala, white-tie, evening-gown affairs. Today, the Opera House continues to host shows and remains a great spot for evening entertainment. Burt Stark Mansion is a historic home known for its role in the Civil War. Today, the house has tours that explain the historic attributes of the home.

There are also several cute shops in Abbeville. A must-stop local shop for anyone who loves handmade soaps and bath products is Breezy Quarters. They sell everything you need to pamper yourself, from bath bombs to lip balm. Just a few minutes outside of Abbeville's downtown is Parsons Mountain. A beautiful recreation area managed by the US Forest Service, the site features a 28-acre lake that makes a great spot for kayaking. This is also the perfect place for a romantic morning watching the sunrise.

Beaufort

Enjoy stunning waterfront views and get lost in forests of lush pines in the small town of Beaufort. Enjoy some of the town's beautiful scenery at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Stroll along the paths along the waterfront, stop at a bench for a rest, or plan a picnic at the park with family and friends. Beyond the town's natural beauty, Beaufort also has some unique historic and literary attractions. The Beaufort History Museum will transport visitors to the town's past. The exhibits range from showing the town's history during the Civil War to the present day.

Even though Beaufort is a small town, there is so much history to explore! Book lovers will enjoy stopping at the Pat Conroy Literary Center, which celebrates the work of the writer Pat Conroy. The Literary Center houses memorabilia, manuscripts, and photographs of Conroy and features exhibits that offer visitors insight into the renowned author's writing process. The center even hosts workshops for aspiring writers.

Georgetown

Walking down the streets of Georgetown, it is easy to see how the town earned the nickname, "the little town you've been looking for." Located in the middle of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, there is a lot to do and see in Georgetown. One of the best spots to experience the colorful atmosphere of the town is the Harborwalk. Walk down the 10-foot-wide, four-block-long boardwalk and stop in at local shops and restaurants. Waterfront Books is a beloved local spot, perfect for finding a new book to take on your travels. There are entrances to the boardwalk at the various parks throughout town, such as Francis Marion Park.

An often overlooked part of the area is the historical importance of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee people. Explore the culture and history of these people at the Gullah Museum, which offers unique insights into the area's rich heritage. If you are visiting the town in October, consider planning to attend the town's annual Wooden Boat Show. Held annually in October, the boat show features 100 classic wooden boats on display. It is the perfect opportunity for boaters to connect or to enjoy a unique event.

Clover

Part of the greater Charlotte metropolitan area, Clover is a cute town with a unique blend of history, nature, and family-friendly activities. One of the local gems is an art gallery called Gallery 120. Admire the work of local artists as you walk around the gallery and see a variety of artworks, from paintings to sculptures. Afterwards, take in the town's fresh air at one of the local parks. Clover's Community Park is the perfect spot for some family fun. The park has a playground, horseshoe courts, and a beautiful picnic area, making it a delightful spot to spend an afternoon. On the town's Main Street, there are cute shops and restaurants. High Cotton Antiques is a paradise for vintage lovers. The store sells items from local vendors and has everything from rustic decorations to jewelry and furniture. If you stop by, you are sure to find something unique as a souvenir of your visit to Clover.

Bennettsville

While Bennettsville is a small town with a population under ten thousand in South Carolina, there is still a lot to explore and enjoy in the area. Head to the Marlboro County Historical Museum to learn about the area's history and imagine what it was like when the town was first developing. The museum has photographs, documents, and everyday items from the past. After learning about the town's past, take a stroll outside and enjoy the town's charming scenery with a downtown lined with historic, brick buildings. Head to Smith Park for an afternoon walk in an inviting green space with well-maintained paths. The park also features basketball courts and open areas ideal for games, making it a great spot to spend a nice, sunny day with the family. Throughout the year, various community events are hosted in the park, making it a festive location. Looking for some entertainment to end your day in Bennettsville? Head to the local gem, Marlboro Civic Theatre, to watch a musical or play.

Bluffton

A mix of beautiful scenery, rich history, and fun activities, Bluffton is one of South Carolina's most underrated towns, but not for a lack of things to do around town! From tranquil marshlands to vibrant art scenes and elegant homes, Bluffton showcases the finest of South Carolina's southern charm. Head to Old Town Bluffton to see picturesque buildings and quaint shops. A couple must stop at shops such as The Storybook Shoppe and Markel’s Card & Gift Shop. Explore the outdoors and art scene in Bluffton at the Palmetto Oaks Sculpture Garden. The sculpture garden is a peaceful spot for an afternoon walk. Another unique attraction in Bluffton is the Heyward House. Built in 1841, the historic gem offers a glimpse into the town's past. There are even tours available that explain the history of the house and the families that lived there.

Clemson

Best known as the hometown of Clemson University, Clemson has more than a bustling student population. Clemson is a great town for nature enthusiasts. Located in the Blue Ridge foothills, there are lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Take advantage of the surrounding natural landscape with a hike to Waldrop Stone Falls. Just an eight-minute drive from the heart of the town, the short hike takes hikers along a stream through the forest to a small, but beautiful waterfall. Flower lovers should head to the town's South Carolina Botanical Gardens. The 295-acre gardens sing in the springtime, especially, and are home to a variety of plant life. For an iconic local landmark, take some shade under the Centennial Oak. This is the largest bur oak tree in the state of South Carolina. The tree, which is located on the college campus, is believed to be around 100 years old. Fuel up for your day of exploring Clemson by heading to Pot Belly Deli for a bagel, a local favorite spot.

Gaffney

Gaffney is a small town that looks like it is off the pages of a charming town in a storybook. The streets have brick buildings with lots of little shops. Shopaholics will love walking through Gaffney Outlet Marketplace. The marketplace has a range of shops from brand-name apparel to unique gifts, and you are sure to find something to take home. During the holidays, this area is lit up with festivities and is a great spot for a leisurely family stroll.

To really go back in time and explore the town's past, head to the Cherokee County History Museum. This little gem has engaging exhibits that showcase the town's unique past. Learn about the history dating back to the lives of early indigenous people in the area. Then explore exhibits about the settlers and development since. After all the walking, one can grab a bite at Harold’s Restaurant, offering delicious American meals.

Hidden Gems In South Carolina

From botanical gardens to a unique historical site, these are some of South Carolina's most unique but underrated towns in 2025. Being underrated means many of them do not have the bustling tourist crowds and commercialization that other, more popular tourist towns have, such as Myrtle Beach. This makes these towns a great destination for a peaceful family vacation or a romantic getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you are looking to stop at quirky museums and learn more history or enjoy some southern comfort food and see some southern Carolina wildlife, these towns have you covered. So start packing for your next vacation. A trip to any of these underrated towns will leave you wondering why more people do not visit.

No deposit paid in 2 years and no cutoff? Records show mayor received grace period for $1,000

ABBEVILLE, S.C. —WYFF News 4 has reported on the number of code of ethics complaints made against Abbeville Mayor Trey Edwards. Just last week, the Abbeville City Council voted to censure the mayor. One of the complaints came from the city's utilities director, who says the mayor never paid his utility deposit back in 2023. However, the mayor's utility services were never interrupted.Abbeville Utilities Director Tim Hall says when a deposit is owed, it must be paid. In this case, Edwards's deposit went un...

ABBEVILLE, S.C. —

WYFF News 4 has reported on the number of code of ethics complaints made against Abbeville Mayor Trey Edwards. Just last week, the Abbeville City Council voted to censure the mayor. One of the complaints came from the city's utilities director, who says the mayor never paid his utility deposit back in 2023. However, the mayor's utility services were never interrupted.

Abbeville Utilities Director Tim Hall says when a deposit is owed, it must be paid. In this case, Edwards's deposit went unpaid for nearly two years, according to Hall.

"In two years, there was never a message sent stating that a deposit was owed," Edwards said.

The mayor says he does not own Soggy Bottom Grill House, but the utility bill is in his name.

Hall points to a document and says the mayor was supposed to pay a $1,000 deposit before opening back in 2023, but again, for nearly two years, it went unpaid. WYFF News 4 asked how this happened.

"A lot of things happened," Hall said. "We lost a lot of staff in our office due to turnover. We went through Hurricane Helene, and then you know it, two years goes by."

WYFF 4 asked if the mayor received special treatment by being given more time to pay the deposit.

"Him being the mayor ... I think we took a little bit of a good-faith effort for him to get started, get rolling, and then square it with the house, and time just wasn't our friend on this one, if that makes sense," Hall said. "I don't want any of the citizens of Abbeville to think we give preferential treatment. That's not the case. We treat everybody equally."

WYFF News 4 also spoke to City Manager Blake Stone about the situation.

"The city of Abbeville wants to make it clear to all residents, that everybody's treated equitably," Hall said.

Hall showed WYFF News 4 Edwards's account console document that highlights, even though the mayor still needed to pay a deposit and have a business license, his services were turned on 12/18/2023, per the city manager.

City Manager Stones says the mayor requested temporary power. Mayor Edwards told WYFF 4 that he wasn't aware of the deposit.

"In those two years, not one statement or letter from the city," Edwards said.

"We have 4,000 accounts. We don't keep up with every single one of them, nor do I. I get involved when I need to get involved," Hall said. "I let it be known to send him a reminder letter. Once I sent him that reminder letter, that's when I started getting personal attacks on me."

Hall is referring to an investigation into the utility department. WYFF 4 asked the city manager what prompted the investigation.

"The mayor requested the investigation," said Hall.

The mayor says the Hall is retaliating against him.

WYFF 4 asked Hall why the services remained active if the deposit was never paid. Hall says it's a complex situation because two residents are connected to the transformer system the mayor is on.

"They suffer an outage while we're making that swap," Hall said.

Hall says the mayor's deposit has now been paid.

'Get on your knees and pray': Upstate family visiting Jamaica try to get home after Hurricane Melissa

ABBEVILLE, S.C. —What was supposed to be a trip to celebrate multiple birthdays turned into frightening moments for one upstate family. A small group of people from the Upstate are in Jamaica waiting and hoping to return home. Communication with their families has been minimal due to signal disruptions from Hurricane Melissa.Dominique Smith and Victoria Sutton and several of their family and friends landed in Jamaica and reached their hotel last Saturday, that's when they learned of what was ahead of them...

ABBEVILLE, S.C. —

What was supposed to be a trip to celebrate multiple birthdays turned into frightening moments for one upstate family. A small group of people from the Upstate are in Jamaica waiting and hoping to return home. Communication with their families has been minimal due to signal disruptions from Hurricane Melissa.

Dominique Smith and Victoria Sutton and several of their family and friends landed in Jamaica and reached their hotel last Saturday, that's when they learned of what was ahead of them. Smith recalls his first thought after hearing about Hurricane Melissa.

"How are we going to get home?" Smith said.

Smith called his mother, Shamekial Gray, who was at home in Abbeville. Gray gave her son the only advice she knew.

"Everybody, get into the same room. Y'all get on your knees and pray," Gray said.

"Everybody was in shock and ran to the room, we been in the room ever since," Smith said.

When Hurricane Melissa hit, Smith and Victoria's mothers' phones went radio silent.

"Couldn't sleep," Gray said. "Sitting up waiting for a call and never got one until the next day."

"Instantly, I just started praying that God would spare them of this storm," said Victoria's mother, Tamara Sutton.

Now that the storm has passed, it leaves behind uncertainty.

"We really don't know when we're coming home, actually," Smith said.

"We're just ready to get home to our kids," Victoria said.

"I have to hear every day in the morning when I get up from my granddaughter, either can she call her mom or will her mom be home today?" said Tamara.

On Facebook, there has been an outpour of community concern and prayers.

"I love you and I thank you for praying for us, and believe it or not, you're keeping us going," Smith said.

Smith's mom doesn't know when she will get a call from him again and doesn't know when he will get home, but says there is one thing she is certain of.

"I don't ever want him to leave," she said.

Gray and Tamara said they want the community to continue to pray for not only their children but also for all those who want to return home and for those who live in Jamaica.

Abbeville City looks into ethics complaints made against elected officials and city employees

ABBEVILLE, S.C. —In the City of Abbeville, questions are arising after council received code of ethics complaints about elected officials or city employees. This comes as the mayor of Abbeville says there is a lack of transparency within the town concerning documents.Abbeville Mayor Trey Edwards says he is pushing for a fair review, and he believes he is being retaliated against."There were some questionable things that I've noticed in town," Edwards said.Edwards told WYFF News 4, ...

ABBEVILLE, S.C. —

In the City of Abbeville, questions are arising after council received code of ethics complaints about elected officials or city employees. This comes as the mayor of Abbeville says there is a lack of transparency within the town concerning documents.

Abbeville Mayor Trey Edwards says he is pushing for a fair review, and he believes he is being retaliated against.

"There were some questionable things that I've noticed in town," Edwards said.

Edwards told WYFF News 4, he cannot share the full details but says he handed documents over to S.C. Law Enforcement Division and S.C. Labor Licensing Regulation. SLED confirmed with WYFF 4 they are reviewing the matter; however, they could not elaborate.

"I can tell you that it involves public officials and contractors and some council members," Edwards said.

The mayor recused himself at the beginning of Wednesday's council meeting. He says what was discussed in executive session is a retaliation against him by some council members and city-hired contractors.

"I don't think council is retaliating against him," said Abbeville City Councilman Matt Gambrell.

Listed on the meeting agenda under executive session were the words "investigative proceeding or allegations of violation, and code of ethics complaint against elected official or city employee."

Gambrell also recused himself from one of the items voted on after executive session.

"One of the ethic complaints were about a business that my wife and I started a couple of months ago," Gambrell said.

There were three items voted on from executive session. For each item, council voted that there was enough evidence to proceed with a hearing. The hearings have to happen within 30 days, according to the city's hired attorney.

Mayor Pro Tem Annette Faye Thomas says while a lot isn't being shared right now, citizens should have trust.

"They can have confidence in their council persons because we are working diligently to do the right thing," Thomas said.

Meanwhile, the mayor says citizens should be asking elected officials questions.

"They should be interested in knowing what's happening with their tax dollars," Edwards said.

WYFF News 4 reached out to the Labor Licensing Regulation, and we are still waiting to hear back.

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