It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic SEJ Heritage Center 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 Lake Junaluska, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“We were blown away and continue to be by the quality of service and care”
“ABC in Fletcher has an amazing team, and they made a huge difference for myself”
“After Many years of retirement from critical care nursing I have found the perfect employment enabling”
“I feel like I'm part of the family every time I'm there! A lovely bunch”
“I have had many dealing with Always Best Care during my professional healthcare career. ”
“I like working with Always Best Care Senior Services because the office staff are so”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
“We were blown away and continue to be by the quality of service and care that the team of ALWAYS BEST CARE provides our family. My parents were moving from out of state and were in immediate need of in-home care. Melisa was wonderful! She was able to help us line up the intake paperwork, clinical assessment and a caregiver within 24 hours of my parents’ arrival in to their new home. Millie and Bethany are tremendous support as their clinical nurse team with a very thorough assessment of both parents. Mary is their care coordinator and was very helpful with finding the perfect caregivers and coordinate the right schedule for my parents . Melisa, Nicole, Jennifer and Janet are also a tremendous asset as they handle and place the caregivers! Jim Smeaton, their owner should be proud of his company! We highly recommend them!”
“ABC in Fletcher has an amazing team, and they made a huge difference for myself and my mother. We had them as in-home caregivers for 10 months. They are responsible, flexible and just a solid group with whom to work. I could reach them by phone immediately almost every time I needed to contact them. They handled billing and insurance claims and kept the caregiver plans absolutely up-to-date. As well as the regular RN visits. Jan, Mary and Melissa rock in addition to our caregivers. My only reason for not giving five stars has to do with the systemic challenge of finding enough caregivers. And in our case, caregivers who are proficient with Parkinson’s patients.”
“After Many years of retirement from critical care nursing I have found the perfect employment enabling me to to care for others. Working with the staff at Always Best Care has been such a blessing and I love my clients that I work with.”
“I feel like I'm part of the family every time I'm there! A lovely bunch of ladies! The best quality care provider in the business!”
“I have had many dealing with Always Best Care during my professional healthcare career. They have always provided great care to the seniors they serve. Jim and his team are great to work with and always go above and beyond not only in serving seniors but supporting many events in the community. I would highly recommend ABC for any in home needs.”
“I like working with Always Best Care Senior Services because the office staff are so nice and understanding and I have gotten to know them on a level that I know they are here to help me, when I need help or have a questions. From day one when I have called, they have ALL been here to help guide me and they have been there every time I’ve had a questions. Working for ABC has been an honor because I really do love the company and we have some sweet clients. The ladies that work in the office are amazing and without them I do not think our company would thrive like it does. When I did an application, it was on accident and then I got a phone call asking me to come in and interview and honestly I’m so blessed. I love my job because it is my passion to help people and to do what I can to make their daily living better and easier. I honestly don’t think there is anything that needs to change about ABC. I have never worked for such an amazing company before”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Junaluska Dam Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Terrace Hotel Dining Room at Lake Junaluska or visit Museum of Haywood County History at the Shook-Smathers House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lake Junaluska, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lake Junaluska, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lake Junaluska, NC 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.
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (WLOS) — A team of recovery specialists pulled a huge tree trunk from one of the gates that regulate water flow in the Lake Junaluska dam.On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Crestline Global, a marine cleanup and recovery company in Canton, used a grapple barge to remove the log that was lodged in one of the dam’s three gates. While the obstruction caused no immediate safety issue, Lake Junaluska officials wanted to restor...
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (WLOS) — A team of recovery specialists pulled a huge tree trunk from one of the gates that regulate water flow in the Lake Junaluska dam.
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, Crestline Global, a marine cleanup and recovery company in Canton, used a grapple barge to remove the log that was lodged in one of the dam’s three gates. While the obstruction caused no immediate safety issue, Lake Junaluska officials wanted to restore the gate to full functionality, Lake Junaluska Executive Director Ken Howle said in a news release.
According to the release, the log, which was about 17 feet long and 2-2 1/2 feet in diameter, was found in about 10-12 feet of water. Once the barge and other factors were in place, the actual log removal took about 10 minutes, said Adam King, who owns Crestline Global with his brother Philip King.
Philip King operated the grapple which removed the log.
OBSTRUCTION IN LAKE JUNALUSKA DAM GATE TO BE REMOVED DURING ANNUAL DRAWDOWN
The King brothers said they jumped at the chance to remove the obstruction from the Lake Junaluska dam because of their family history with the lake.
“We work all over the country, and it’s really good to be able to help our community,” Adam King said in the news release. “My family has enjoyed the lake for years, and we’re grateful that it’s open to the public to use and enjoy like we do.”
The barge, which can hold 80,000 pounds of debris, was specially built in Canton as a recovery barge specifically to recover trees, houses, cars and boats, Adam King said.
“There are very few in the country, and the chance of having one next door to Lake Junaluska was very slim,” he said in the news release.
MAJOR ANNUAL COMMUNITY CLEANUP EFFORT LEAVES LAKE JUNALUSKA BEAUTIFIED
Howle said Lake Junaluska has been working the past several months with a team of engineers to resolve the problem.
“We deeply appreciate the involvement of Crestline Global in assisting us in resolving this issue,” he said in the release. “We also appreciate them giving back to Haywood County in such a meaningful way. And we appreciate the ongoing involvement of Mackie McKay and RCF Construction and John Garner Engineering in the ongoing care and maintenance of our 110-year old dam."
JULY 17, 2023 - The Haywood County Visitor Center has moved from its former space in Maggie Valley to a facility in Lake Junaluska. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (WLOS) — There's a new location for the Haywood County Visitor Center, which also coincides with some new marketing initiatives.Haywood County Tourism Development Authority executive director Corrina Ruffieux said moving the center to Lake Junaluska means it's much more centrally located in the county.“This is literally the geographi...
JULY 17, 2023 - The Haywood County Visitor Center has moved from its former space in Maggie Valley to a facility in Lake Junaluska. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (WLOS) — There's a new location for the Haywood County Visitor Center, which also coincides with some new marketing initiatives.
Haywood County Tourism Development Authority executive director Corrina Ruffieux said moving the center to Lake Junaluska means it's much more centrally located in the county.
“This is literally the geographic center of Haywood County,” Ruffieux said. “Nice, central, easy to get to for all of our visitors. We’re just thrilled to be here."
Ruffieux said tourism officials are settling in at the lake.
“They're a fabulous partner, absolutely thrilled that we're here. It does kind of make sense because they have a Welcome Center,” Ruffieux said.
The center was formerly in a space up U.S. 19 a few miles in Maggie Valley.
“We signed a lease, I want to say it's five years long. We've been here for almost three weeks now, and visitors are finding us,” Ruffieux said.
NEW TDA DIRECTOR SETS MARKETING GOALS FOR 'GORGEOUS' HAYWOOD COUNTY
“Oh, I think it's great,” said Patti Obert, who stopped by with her husband Bill on Monday during their visit from Florida. “We brought kayaks and paddleboards, so we'll probably hit the lake one of these days."
"Exploring, going up to Waynesville and walk around,” Bill Obert said.
Ruffieux said visitors can find all sorts of information, including parking passes to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The center will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
“Parking is easy in and out, which I think is probably one of the key things,” Ruffieux said.
And officials are working to let people know about the new location.
“We've got beautiful new signage coming so people know. Also working with DOT, NCDOT, to relocate some of the blue visitor information signs. We have to update our own way-finder signs, as well, because a few of them are pointing to the old location,” Ruffieux said.
HAYWOOD COUNTY USES A PHRASE IN ITS NAME IN CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT TOURISTS TO THE AREA
The new location coincides with a new strategic initiative, the tourism authority has just finished the first phase of a public relations request for proposals.
“We received 12 responses back from agencies, literally all over the country, who want to work with us to help us do media relations and get the story of Haywood County out,” Ruffieux said.
Those efforts will now be formulated from a new home.
Ruffieux expects the new Visitor Center to be located at Lake Junaluska for years to come.
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (WLOS) — For more than a century, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center has offered a place to withdraw and renew, with the lake itself providing a relaxing connection to nature.But it needs a chance to renew itself, too. So, every so often, the water experiences a retreat of its own.“The number one question we always get is, 'is something wrong? Is the dam broken?'” says Lake Junaluska Executive Director Ken Howle.Howle always explains, no—the lake draw down is on purp...
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (WLOS) — For more than a century, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center has offered a place to withdraw and renew, with the lake itself providing a relaxing connection to nature.
But it needs a chance to renew itself, too. So, every so often, the water experiences a retreat of its own.
“The number one question we always get is, 'is something wrong? Is the dam broken?'” says Lake Junaluska Executive Director Ken Howle.
Howle always explains, no—the lake draw down is on purpose every year or two to remove sediment that flows in from Richland Creek.
“Up to 500 dump truck loads wash into Lake Junaluska each year. That’s enough sediment to fill a super Walmart store,” he says.
For many, lowering the lake level reveals an unfamiliar landscape, a space that was all farmland in the early 20th century. Descendants of the last farmhouse gifted a meditation and fishing pier with a picture before the lake’s creation.
ABOUT 80 PEOPLE DISPLACED BY FLOODING GET TEMPORARY HOUSING AT LAKE JUNALUSKA
“If it’s dry enough, you can actually sometimes find old pieces of pottery,” Howle says.
Lowering the water level normally starts in December, then the dredging gets under way. It’s a system in place now for decades. leaving some water alone.
“We do maintain enough of a pool of water in the lake to preserve the fish and wildlife that are there,” says Howle.
Mostly, it’s sediment and leaves scraped up and hauled away, more this time around due to heavy rain and flooding in August. Because of that, Lake Junaluska is receiving $1.5 million from the North Carolina General Assembly to help with the dredging
“Myself and Representative Pless worked together on that,” says Representative Mike Clampitt (R - District 119).
Lake Junaluska helped to house survivors after flooding in August.
“They were really good to step up and help in that time. So, this is something that we can do for them,” says Representative Mark Pless (R - District 118).
“Hopefully this will get them ahead of the curve so they can maintain it in the future,” Rep. Clampitt said.
BILL AIMS TO SPEND BILLIONS TO FIX NATION'S AGING DAMS, INCLUDING SEVERAL IN NC
“We have two years actually to utilize those funds because the budget cycle is two years long," Howle says. "Our hope is that we can continue to partner with the state in the future to preserve this area."
Howle says the work is a kind of archeological endeavor that occasionally digs up other things.
“Sometimes we find trash, the unfortunate tire. One year we found a diary and we were actually able to find the person who had dropped the diary,” he says.
“We dug up one motorcycle, but that’s the exception instead of the rule,” says Mac McKay with RCF Construction.
He’s a 25-year veteran on the project. He watched limitations to previous dredging strategies, and then discovered something.
“There is a hard bottom down in the lake about 12 feet under normal pool level,” McKay says.
He says he knew he could get his heavy equipment out into the lakebed.
“This year, we’ll have a long-reach track hoe, a large track hoe and four trucks,” says McKay.
The sediment is hauled away to a nearby removal site. It’s a lot of work and then the filling of the lake takes place by Easter.
“Preserving the beauty of the lake is definitely one of the most important things for us,” says Howle.
HIDDEN GEM — The view from the Susanna Wesley Garden, a stone’s throw from the Rose Walk, is a stellar vantage point. A new connector path and formal overlook between the Terrace hotel and new event venue will tie into the garden.NEW PATH — A trail is under construction to connect the Terrace Hotel on a hill above Lake Junaluska and the former World Methodist Museum being renovated as an event venue. The path, including an overlook, will be a nice leg stretcher for lake walkers and provide a vital pedestrian link bet...
HIDDEN GEM — The view from the Susanna Wesley Garden, a stone’s throw from the Rose Walk, is a stellar vantage point. A new connector path and formal overlook between the Terrace hotel and new event venue will tie into the garden.
NEW PATH — A trail is under construction to connect the Terrace Hotel on a hill above Lake Junaluska and the former World Methodist Museum being renovated as an event venue. The path, including an overlook, will be a nice leg stretcher for lake walkers and provide a vital pedestrian link between the lodging and event facilities.
NEW PATH — A trail is under construction to connect the Terrace Hotel on a hill above Lake Junaluska and the former World Methodist Museum being renovated as an event venue. The path, including an overlook, will be a nice leg stretcher for lake walkers and provide a vital pedestrian link between the lodging and event facilities.
NEW PATH — A trail is under construction to connect the Terrace Hotel on a hill above Lake Junaluska and the former World Methodist Museum being renovated as an event venue. The path, including an overlook, will be a nice leg stretcher for lake walkers and provide a vital pedestrian link between the lodging and event facilities.
HIDDEN JEM — The view from the Susanna Wesley Garden, a stone’s from the Rose Walk, is a stellar vantage point. A new connector path and formal overlook between the Terrace hotel and new event venue will tie into the garden.
A $2.5 million project to create a classy event venue and overlook at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center has gotten underway, the latest in a steady march of renovations, expansions and improvements to the century-old campus.
The new event center — ideal for weddings, small proms, receptions, banquets and the like — will be housed in the former World Methodist Museum, which overlooks the lake above the Rose Walk.
Lake Junaluska has opened its dam to draw down the lake, which will allow for the removal of silt from the lake’s floor as well as repairs, maintenance and litter cleanup. Plans call for the process to be completed and the lake refilled by Easter.“This work is critical for protecting the environmental health of the lake and preserving this beautiful place in Western North Carolina for all to enjoy,” said Ken Howle, executive director of Lake Junaluska.Silt builds up over time from creeks flowing into the lake,...
Lake Junaluska has opened its dam to draw down the lake, which will allow for the removal of silt from the lake’s floor as well as repairs, maintenance and litter cleanup. Plans call for the process to be completed and the lake refilled by Easter.
“This work is critical for protecting the environmental health of the lake and preserving this beautiful place in Western North Carolina for all to enjoy,” said Ken Howle, executive director of Lake Junaluska.
Silt builds up over time from creeks flowing into the lake, and dredging, silt removal and related maintenance are necessary to maintain an appropriate amount of depth and sustain the lake’s ecosystem.
During a drawdown, the lake is lowered slowly, in accordance with wildlife regulations, so that the animals that live in and around the lake can adjust accordingly to the smaller amount of water that will remain. Fish, ducks and other wildlife manage well in the shallow waters until the lake refills.
Eventually, during the process, there will not be any water going over the spillways of the dam; however, the gates under the dam will continue to allow water to flow below the dam. Richland Creek will continue to flow freely throughout the entire process.
Barring rain in the forecast, an area of the lake near Highway U.S. 19 will become dry. At that point, equipment will be brought in to scrape the lake bottom and collect the accumulated silt. Silt deposits come from runoff into the Richland Creek and Factory Branch stream watersheds, which feed into Lake Junaluska. The work conducted will follow U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit requirements.
In addition to silt removal, the lake drawdown offers a window of time in which other repairs and maintenance can occur. This year, slated work includes the inspection of all utility lines and infrastructure adjacent to the lake. The drawdown also offers the chance to remove litter that has collected on the shores and bottom of the lake.
The Lake Junaluska walking path will remain open to the public. There will be no boating on the lake until the lake is restored to full pool. The time frame for the lake drawdown and project completion by Easter is weather-dependent and may be adjusted if it rains or snows.
Drawing down the lake typically takes place every few years. Because of weather and safety conditions during lake drawdowns in 2020 and 2021, the full scope of work could not be completed, necessitating the drawdown of the lake again in 2022.
Funding for this biennial project comes from a combination of sources ranging from charitable gifts to public support. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Lake Junaluska relies on the generosity of charitable supporters to help preserve and maintain the lake, dam and its surrounding pathways for all to enjoy. Additionally, this year public funding through the state of North Carolina has been allocated to assist in dredging the lake in order to preserve this Haywood County asset that serves as a recreational hub for many in the community and region.
“We are grateful for support from the community, region and state that helps us maintain Lake Junaluska and be good stewards of the earth,” said Howle.
Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body. For more information about Lake Junaluska, visit lakejunaluska.com.
828-676-2939
