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 Swannanoa Valley Museum & History 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 Swannanoa, 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.
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“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”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“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.”
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 Charles D Owen 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 Loott House or visit Charles D Owen Park, 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 Swannanoa, 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 Swannanoa, 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 Swannanoa, 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.
Watch TVNorth CarolinaMore than 50 people remain missing in North Carolina after Hurricane HeleneNorth Carolina man recalls rescue, support from across US after Hurricane Helene destroyed his...
Kris Weil, who is sleeping in a tent after Hurricane Helene destroyed his home in Swannanoa, said it has been inspiring to see people helping people who lost everything.
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ASHEVILLE - In the month following Tropical Storm Helene's catastrophic appearance in Western North Carolina, relief efforts in Buncombe County have grown and changed.
Food, water, showers and laundry services have all been made available in a number of locations throughout the county in the form of distribution sites and "community care centers." As schools prepare to reopen, several campus sites previously used for relief areas have closed or moved.
Here's where to find aid, send donations, get medial care and more.
Several relief sites have changed locations due to reopening schools. As of Oct. 23, locations providing food and potable and non-potable water included:
Bring your own containers to fill with water. Hot lunches and dinners are also provided at Community Care Stations under the "showers and laundry" section.
Operating 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Community Care Stations provide free access to showers, laundry, bathrooms, potable and non-potable water, counseling services, cell towers and Wi-Fi. Hot lunch and dinner is also provided. Bring your own supplies for showers and laundry if possible; you can also use supplies provided at the stations if needed.
As of Oct. 23, stations included:
Showers and restrooms can be found outside of care stations at:
There are currently three shelters located in Buncombe County:
Buncombe County received so many donations following Helene that officials issued a notice that facilities could no longer accept physical donations. Monetary donations are suggested to the following organizations:
If you have physical donations, Buncombe County suggests contacting one of the following organizations to check for needs:
Similarly to donation pauses, Buncombe County has issued restrictions on volunteer opportunities. Due to the presence of FEMA, other emergency relief organizations and volunteer efforts, officials have asked that volunteers only come to the county with pre-arranged opportunities or due to government request.
Additionally, a Volunteer Reception Center has opened Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 50 South French Broad Ave., Asheville NC 28801 (United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County). Anyone searching for volunteer opportunities is welcome at this location - a variety of skills are needed, with "something for everyone" according to the county.
Novant Health will have a community care cruiser on-site available daily at AC Reynolds High School. Cruisers offer urgent care services, including connections to obstetric and pediatric care and a mobile pharmacy. ADA-compliant showers are accessible at this location in the Red Cross section. All are available at no cost.
Novant Health is also offering free, on-demand virtual care to adults and children in WNC at this time. Get help at novanthealth.org/now.
The Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board has waived fees for vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, Tdap, and hepatitis A for adults.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
Nearly three weeks after Helene swept through the Southeast, many communities are still reeling from its impacts as the extent of its devastation is coming into focus.At least 251 people are dead from Helene's devastation across seven states.Some families continu...
Nearly three weeks after Helene swept through the Southeast, many communities are still reeling from its impacts as the extent of its devastation is coming into focus.
At least 251 people are dead from Helene's devastation across seven states.
Some families continue to live without water or power, describing their situation as camping inside their own homes, according to FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne.
The lack of infrastructure has forced some people to retrieve water from nearby rivers and streams with buckets so they may use the water to flush their toilets.
(Mario Tama / Getty Images)
Roads are left impassable, making access to some areas nearly impossible. In some cases, bridges are built out of debris, and helicopters are used to reach isolated areas.
Power outages persist, with most of them being in North Carolina. As of Monday afternoon, a little more than 18,000 residences and businesses in the Tar Heel State were still without power.
HELENE KILLS 11 MEMBERS OF THE SAME FAMILY AFTER MUDSLIDE DESTROYS THEIR COMMUNITY
North Carolina is also where most Helene-related fatalities occurred. At least 123 deaths were attributed to Helene in the state, and that number is expected to rise.
(Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images)
At least 72 of those deaths occurred in Buncombe County, North Carolina, the home of dozens of communities hard hit by Helene.
Officials are still in the midst of recovery efforts, looking for missing individuals inside cars, damaged homes and where debris has gathered downstream.
To assist those impacted by Helene, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed a disaster relief package for efforts that are expected to take years.
SWANNANOA, N.C. – A family in hard-hit western North Carolina says they are "thankful to be alive" after Helene caused record flooding in the Tar Heel State, with many survivors wondering what’s next.John Zara said he and his family are busy cleaning out their home from mud and other debris about a week after the event."So, we had already kind of been at a saturation point for rain from th...
SWANNANOA, N.C. – A family in hard-hit western North Carolina says they are "thankful to be alive" after Helene caused record flooding in the Tar Heel State, with many survivors wondering what’s next.
John Zara said he and his family are busy cleaning out their home from mud and other debris about a week after the event.
"So, we had already kind of been at a saturation point for rain from the previous storm before that was on Wednesday and Thursday. And then there’s those two systems kind of linked up. And I believe there was a dam that was opened or something of that nature," Zara said. "And I’d say within an hour or so, the water went from street level to inside my house and up to my chest."
The combination of a frontal boundary and the remnants of Hurricane Helene produced upwards of 3 feet of rainfall, with many observation sites reporting between 1-2 of rainfall during a five-day stretch.
The rainfall caused both the Swannanoa and the French Broad River to peak at record levels, beating heights last set in 1916, with valleys and low-lying areas the hardest hit.
HELENE’S DEADLY TOLL MOUNTS AS SEARCH FOR VICTIMS ACROSS SOUTHEAST ENTERS ITS SECOND WEEK
Zara said that when the water began to rise, his family climbed to the roof of their home to avoid being trapped in a vulnerable location, where they might not have been easily spotted.
"We were able to be rescued by some good Samaritans that lived behind us that had some kayaks," Zara said. "And after they were able to save my two kids, my wife, and some neighbors. (Then) folks were kind of starting to hear some noise over there (across the street). And we realized that they were trapped in the attic and an additional home behind there… was also (people) in their attic."
The State of North Carolina said hundreds of water rescues were performed by first responders, but the official count may never be known due to neighbors helping neighbors in the hours and days following the storm.
"We’re okay. You know, we’re thankful to be alive," said Zara. "And now without flood insurance and like most folks on our street, we are kind of left with tearing it out ourselves and do what we got to do to kind of start a rebuilding process."
"I'm just glad everyone's safe. And I feel bad for everyone that lost everything," Jon Arndt, one of the rescuers, said. "The whole neighborhood was there when we would bring people to shore. The whole neighborhood was there throwing ropes. Everybody was trying to help."
HELENE DISASTER EXCEEDS DEVASTATION CAUSED BY THE ‘GREAT FLOOD OF 1916’ IN NORTH CAROLINA
The Zara family is not alone in now facing an extensive rebuilding process without insurance.
According to FEMA data, most of the state’s 10 million residents lack flood insurance, particularly in inland areas where large-scale disasters are seen as rare occurrences.
Residents without insurance can apply for federal assistance, but the aid usually does not go far enough to cover the entire rebuilding process and is designed to help with emergency supplies, temporary housing and other essential needs.
Preliminary damage projections from Moody’s Analytics suggest that the total impact could reach as high as $34 billion.
The estimate would place Helene among the top 10 costliest cyclones to ever affect the Lower 48, but falls well short of disasters such as Katrina, Harvey and Ian.
"I would have never thought it was possible. I think it's horrible...but it's biblical for sure," said Arndt.
SWANNANOA, N.C. —In the town of Swannanoa is a neighborhood called Beacon Village. Built in the 1920s, the area was completely destroyed after Helene wreaked havoc on western North Carolina.On Friday morning, water levels rose as high as the roofs of houses. Residents told WXII's Chris Petersen that they had to be saved from those same roofs after having to climb on top to find some sort of...
SWANNANOA, N.C. —
In the town of Swannanoa is a neighborhood called Beacon Village. Built in the 1920s, the area was completely destroyed after Helene wreaked havoc on western North Carolina.
On Friday morning, water levels rose as high as the roofs of houses. Residents told WXII's Chris Petersen that they had to be saved from those same roofs after having to climb on top to find some sort of high ground safety.
Click the video above to see the latest from a neighborhood in the Town of Swannanoa.
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Some residents were on those roofs for up to six hours and were saved by people coming into the area to help. Now, what is left is mud and debris.
One resident said their neighbor is currently unaccounted for, as they were last seen floating down the street.
Neighbors said the town of Swannanoa will never be the same in the aftermath of Helene. Local are doing what they can to clean up, but most homes are completely destroyed.
Nearby is a Harley Davidson shop where helicopters are landing to drop off supplies to help those in need.
If you have been unable to reach a person in Western North Carolina, click here.
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