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 Thomas Wolfe Memorial 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 Asheville, 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.
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“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”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“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.”
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 Carrier 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 Bull and Beggar or visit The Blackwell Memorial, 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 Asheville, 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 Asheville, 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 Asheville, 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.
READ MOREMany Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.Expand AllAsheville, one of the hardest-hit areas amid Hurricane Helene, is reopening in bits and pieces to cautiously welcome back travelers as recovery efforts there remain underway.The Sept. 27 storm caused widespread road closures, along with power failures and gas and water outages. Cell phone and internet s...
Many Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.
Asheville, one of the hardest-hit areas amid Hurricane Helene, is reopening in bits and pieces to cautiously welcome back travelers as recovery efforts there remain underway.
The Sept. 27 storm caused widespread road closures, along with power failures and gas and water outages. Cell phone and internet service was also disrupted, isolating much of the region. Over the past few weeks, however, progress has been made to return many areas of the city — including downtown Asheville — to some level of normalcy.
Now Biltmore — one of Asheville’s biggest attractions — plans to reopen Nov. 2, and Christmas at Biltmore will proceed through Jan. 5.
Biltmore House and its garden, vineyards and lodging spaces were largely undamaged in the storm, although the entrance to the grounds and other areas of the property had flooded. Post-storm repairs and work clear out trees and other debris is ongoing.
Some parts of Asheville have a much longer road to recovery, however. High impact areas that include parts of the River Arts District, Biltmore Village and Swannanoa are facing heavy repairs, and officials advise staying clear of those areas.
As we continue our series on post-hurricane traveling in Western North Carolina, you can browse our other guides here:
Here is what you need to know about traveling to Asheville in the near future.
Travelers who plan to visit are encouraged to drive to Asheville with caution and safety in mind. Many roadways in and around Asheville are closed for repairs due to damage from Helene, although main roads have reopened.
Drivers should check www.Drivenc.gov for the most recent information before heading out.
If you had previous plans in motion for an Asheville trip, check with your lodging provider ahead of time to confirm availability. Some rentals are being used to house displaced residents, repair crews and aid workers.
Travelers looking for accommodations can also check this list of major hotel brands operating in the area and contact the Visit NC Call Center at 1-800-VISITNC for assistance in finding availability.
Other places to check include:
Location: Multiple
Carolina Mornings isn’t taking tourism related reservations until Nov. 1. After that, you can browse its stock of 156 rental properties to find a home or cabin that will work for you. Carolina Mornings also offers a guest loyalty program for travelers who visit frequently.
Location: Multiple
Greybeard manages about 250 cabins and vacation rentals in the Asheville area, with a variety of options to suit your needs. Pet-friendly accommodations are available, and some specials are even listed for travel through the end of the year and into January.
Many restaurants are open for services, although some have limited hours. Check Explore Asheville’s guide to restaurants and other businesses that are currently serving customers before you go. Here are a few to check out, as well:
Location: 733 Haywood Rd Asheville, NC 28806
Biscuit Head has multiple locations, although some were hard hit by the storm. (Its Haywood Road and Biltmore Avenue locations remain closed.) At the Haywood Road location, you can load up on a hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy, biscuit doughnuts or even biscuit French toast topped with strawberry syrup and powdered sugar. Gluten-free and vegan biscuits are available.
Location: 18 Broadway St Asheville, NC 28801
You may have seen that Old Europe Pastries was featured on NBC for feeding unused wedding cakes to folks in the storm’s aftermath. It’s now open again, serving croissants, pies and other sweet treats.
Location: 771 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806
West Village Market & Deli, which was operating the store even without lights to serve customers, has fully reopened and restocked. Its grab-and-go deli selection includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free selections.
Location: 1950 Hendersonville Road Suite #12, Asheville, NC
Wild Ginger Noodle Bar has fully reopened and added Tuesday service to feed guests seven days a week. The highly popular Vietnamese restaurant serves up pho, along with noodles, rice dishes and banh mi.
Bonus: Your favorite Asheville restaurants with Charlotte locations that have reopened include:
Check advisories while planning your trip, and note that many areas in Western North Carolina — including parts of Asheville — are facing extended recovery times.
Storm cleanup is underway in many parts of Western North Carolina. Make sure to get the most up-to-date information you can before you head out.
This story was originally published October 25, 2024, 6:00 AM.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — News 13 took several calls on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from linemen who said they were not being compensated, despite having worked long hours over several weeks.They gathered in the old Sears parking lot off South Tunnel Road after the work stoppage began at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.The company, Next Era Communications, contracted crews and bucket trucks from across the country beginning in early October to help Western North Carolina rebuild after Helene.Miguel Burgos, who owns Next Era, told New...
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — News 13 took several calls on Wednesday, Oct. 30 from linemen who said they were not being compensated, despite having worked long hours over several weeks.
They gathered in the old Sears parking lot off South Tunnel Road after the work stoppage began at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
The company, Next Era Communications, contracted crews and bucket trucks from across the country beginning in early October to help Western North Carolina rebuild after Helene.
Miguel Burgos, who owns Next Era, told News 13 that Next Era is contracting with MasTec, who is contracting with Spectrum.
He said his people have not been paid for work they did between October 7-13 despite entering into a payment term called a Net 14 with MasTec, which they told News 13 would have them paid 15 days after they filed their first invoice.
DUKE ENERGY USES HELICOPTERS TO FLY IN POWER POLES FOR REPAIRS
That would have been Oct. 23.
Thirty years [and] this is the first time I’ve had any [redacted] like this," Burgos said. "I have never seen a company do there people like this, especially something as Asheville. Asheville was destroyed and I’ve been doing this a long time... most of my life. This is crazy.
Jack Reid, who runs GoJet Recruiting Services, said he is responsible for rounding these linemen up and bringing them to Western North Carolina.
He told News 13 there have been around 200 crews on the ground in the past several weeks.
“If you go look in my vehicle, there’s a dog in there and an air mattress in there; that’s where we’re sleeping," Reid said. "We haven’t showered. We’re not eating. Everything that they promised that they said they would come through with. Nothing is being met.”
CREWS FROM ACROSS NORTH AMERICA WORK TO RESTORE POWER AFTER HELENE
Burgos said his crews worked in Asheville, Lenoir, Aiken and Spartanburg. They have completed work in Spartanburg, but Burgos said he was told they would be here for another two weeks working in the other cities.
Besides pay for two days of work in Lenoir, Reid said the crews had not been paid as of Wednesday morning for their first week of work.
On News 13 at noon, WLOS shared the information above live on-air. Minutes later, Reid shared a message with the linemen present.
"The offer is, they will pay us our per diem to date, to today," he said. "They want to know if that’s going to be enough to get everybody to go to work. What do you guys think?"
The answer was a unanimous no; the crews would not return to work for just their per diem.
DUKE ENERGY SHOWS HELENE'S EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO SUBSTATION AS CREWS WORK TO RESTORE POWER
Just before 12:30 p.m., better news came in.
So, they have agreed to pay us our first week so they will be paying all of us tomorrow," Reid relayed to his linemen. "So, we will be getting paid tomorrow and our per diem.
Reid said his crews would take the rest of the day and return to work Thursday after the money comes in.
News 13 also reached out to MasTec and Charter Communications, Spectrum's parent company, for comment. Neither company has answered News 13's questions about why the linemen say they did not get paid on time for their work in early October.
Correction: News 13 broadcasted at 6 p.m. that these workers had been fired, according to one of the men News 13 spoke to, who is a member of the leadership team. News 13 wishes to clarify that these workers have not been fired and the mistake has been corrected for later broadcasts.
The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, reopened on Oct. 28. Thanks to the extraordinary work by the Arboretum staff and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, N.C. Arboretum was able to reopen the primary entrance, parking area and formal gardens to visitors.What to know:In response to the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, the Arboretum is waiving the $20 per vehicle parking fee. Entrance during this time will be donation-based. All donations will go to the ...
The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, reopened on Oct. 28. Thanks to the extraordinary work by the Arboretum staff and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, N.C. Arboretum was able to reopen the primary entrance, parking area and formal gardens to visitors.
What to know:
In response to the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, the Arboretum is waiving the $20 per vehicle parking fee. Entrance during this time will be donation-based. All donations will go to the ONE Fund, which directly supports restoration efforts and is the best way to help bring back vital programs, trails and community connectedness. But donations are not required, as financial conditions should not limit anyone’s enjoyment of this special space.
More:Winter Lights offers an escape to “Seasons of Light” at The North Carolina Arboretum
The areas that are open include the formal gardens, Bonsai Exhibit Garden, Education Center and Baker Exhibit Center, including the Baker Exhibit Hall currently displaying “Only Owls” and the Connections Gallery Gift Shop.
All Arboretum trails and outdoor areas beyond the formal gardens remain closed as crews and contractors continue recovery work on thousands of fallen and damaged trees. Trails and areas around trails remain in dangerous condition. Do not use trails or attempt to access the Arboretum campus from Bent Creek Experimental Forest or the Blue Ridge Parkway.
More:NC Arboretum in Asheville sustained massive tree damage in Helene; plans to reopen
The Arboretum gardens will be open during winter seasonal hours, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., with the incoming gate closing at 6 p.m. Visit www.ncarboretum.org for building and gift shop hours.
The Arboretum has always sought to provide a place for people to reconnect with the natural beauty of the region. As Western North Carolina continues to rebuild and recover, guests can use this special space to rest, recharge and relax among the gardens.
ASHEVILLE - One Buncombe County emergency shelter set up in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene is set to close this week, and a tentative closure date is now set for a second shelter, according to North Carolina Emergency Management.The shelter at the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Conference Center, with 150 beds, will close Oct. 30. Any remaining residents will be relocated to other shelters in the county. The Genevieve Circle shelter, which was reserved for people depending on power for medical equipme...
ASHEVILLE - One Buncombe County emergency shelter set up in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene is set to close this week, and a tentative closure date is now set for a second shelter, according to North Carolina Emergency Management.
The shelter at the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Conference Center, with 150 beds, will close Oct. 30. Any remaining residents will be relocated to other shelters in the county. The Genevieve Circle shelter, which was reserved for people depending on power for medical equipment, has already closed.
The county’s largest shelter, with 300 beds and space for pets, is located at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center. This shelter is tentatively set to close on Nov. 10, according to the state’s emergency management department.
The only remaining shelter in Buncombe County is located at the Former Golds Gym, with 140 beds, and is a collaborative site between the American Red Cross and Buncombe County. This site does not have a scheduled closing date.
More news:This NC family thought it had lost its pet to Helene. 'Miracle cat' had other plans
“The good news is the Red Cross will be in Western North Carolina for as long as it takes,” said Mike DeCinti, communications director for the organization in North Carolina. “We will offer our sheltering, feeding and mental health services as long as we're needed.”
The shelters are beginning to close as the number of residents staying at each location dwindles, and Western North Carolina recently marked one month since Tropical Storm Helene. In total, the shelters were about 35% occupied as of Oct. 28.
“Reports are that the population numbers are decreasing,” said Justin Graney, a spokesperson for North Carolina Emergency Management via email. “This is because of the restoration of utilities and the provision of resources such as transitional sheltering through FEMA individual assistance programs.”
Previous coverage:'Calm, collected': Displaced residents find refuge at Asheville emergency shelters
Officials take into account the population numbers and the ability of local jurisdictions to provide sheltering services, and make sure clients have been offered opportunities to access as many resources as possible before closing a shelter, Graney said.
As of Oct. 28, the three shelters that remained open in Buncombe County had 215 residents. Of that, 110 people were staying in the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, 47 people were at the A-B Tech Conference Center and 58 people were staying at the former Golds Gym.
DeCinti said American Red Cross staff have also noticed decreasing shelter populations.
“Not only are some individuals deciding to move out of the shelter, but the Red Cross is helping individuals find transitional housing solutions that fit their life,” DeCinti said. “There is a trend of residents moving out of the shelters. It's a positive trend. We of course want to see that people are getting back on their feet."
More:At low-income senior apartments, Asheville residents banded together to weather Helene
More:Helene recovery in Buncombe: Destroyed, damaged building numbers; water turbidity, scams
Jake Allen is a journalist with The Indianapolis Star, reporting for the Asheville Citizen Times in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.
4 min readDamage from Hurricane Helene forced the only abortion clinic in western North Carolina to shutter, disrupting health care for pregnant people across a large regionBy Ariel Wittenberg & E&E NewsCLIMATEWIRE | ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — North Carolina’s only abortion provider west of Ch...
4 min read
Damage from Hurricane Helene forced the only abortion clinic in western North Carolina to shutter, disrupting health care for pregnant people across a large region
By Ariel Wittenberg & E&E News
CLIMATEWIRE | ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — North Carolina’s only abortion provider west of Charlotte has been closed since Hurricane Helene because it lacks potable water.
The monthlong closure of the Asheville Planned Parenthood has forced patients to travel hours for care. It has also strained other abortion clinics in North Carolina, which have seen increases in appointments over the last two years as neighboring states have limited or banned procedures following the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.
“This is a very harmful loss of access for patients in North Carolina and also surrounding states and region,” said Julia Walker, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. “But this would not have been such a harmful and impactful storm if we had laws that allowed more access for people to obtain care.”
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When Helene barreled through Asheville last month, it took out the city’s water supply lines. Water delivery has only recently been restored to most of the city, but even now the water is not safe for drinking and hand washing.
“We need potable water for our health care operations,” Walker said of the clinic, which previously performed "a couple hundred" abortions per month.
Other health care facilities in Asheville have brought in tanker trucks with water to continue their operations, but Planned Parenthood is still working on requesting emergency water supplies from the state.
In the meantime, the organization has moved a lot of its operations online, using telehealth appointments to prescribe birth control and gender transition medications. The facility can't offer other services, such as prescribing pills that induce abortions, because of restrictions in North Carolina law.
When the state banned abortions after 12 weeks in 2023, it also required that patients receive counseling and information from their provider 72 hours before getting an abortion. The law requires that the first appointment must be in person.
“None of our abortion services can be telehealth,” Walker said.
It's unclear when the Asheville clinic will reopen. In the meantime, Planned Parenthood has tried to shift appointments to its locations in Charlotte and Winston-Salem — more than two hours away. Some staff members who are normally based in Asheville have been sent to work in those locations.
North Carolina’s 14 abortion clinics have seen massive increases in patients since the Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that states could ban the procedure.
Almost immediately following the court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, states across the South instituted limits or bans on abortion. That includes Tennessee, which bans abortions in nearly all cases, and South Carolina, which bans them after six weeks of pregnancy.
Many patients in those states sought abortions in North Carolina, according to data kept by the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive health organization that tracks abortions.
In 2020, North Carolina clinics provided abortions to roughly 5,500 patients from other states. In 2023, that number was 16,000.
“We are talking about a really big increase in travel into North Carolina,” said Guttmacher data scientist Isaac Maddow-Zimet.
Though no data is yet available for the past month, Maddow-Zimet said the Asheville clinic's closure could be causing "big impacts because the system is already so strained."
“When people are trying to navigate this landscape, they are doing it under a ticking 12-week clock, so any delay in arranging travel or rescheduling appointments can have an impact,” Zimet said.
Helene isn’t the first storm to impact abortion care. A study that looked at calls into a Texas abortion fund following Hurricane Harvey in 2017 found that eight women mentioned the storm as a reason they needed financial assistance.
One woman in the study said she had been raped in a hurricane shelter and wanted to terminate the pregnancy. An abortion clinic in Houston, where she lived, was closed due to the storm, and she needed money to travel 10 hours to El Paso.
North Carolina’s Mountain Area Abortion Doula Collective has also seen an uptick in patients seeking help since the storm, said Maren Hurley, a member of the group. They include patients in Tennessee who initially sought care in Asheville, but were cut off from reaching the city because Helene washed away parts of Interstate 40, which connects the two states.
The doula collective raises money to help women pay for medical care, or transportation and overnight stays associated with abortions. Since the storm, Hurley said, the group has been helping patients consider their options for rescheduling care.
Hurley noted that it is not uncommon for people seeking abortions to rely on friends and neighbors for rides to appointments or to watch their children while they undergo the procedure. But many of those people are focused on their own recovery following the storm, she said.
“We have heard from people whose cars were simply swept away,” Hurley said. “People who may have been able to cover the cost of their care before Helene now have no income, no housing and no immediate plan to meet their basic needs.”
One patient who was displaced by Helene needed a second-trimester abortion because her fetus had a genetic condition that would have prevented survival outside the womb and endangered the mother’s life, Hurley said. The patient initially went to live with family in Florida, before having to evacuate again when Hurricane Milton struck two weeks ago. She resettled in North Carolina and received the abortion with financial help from the doula collective, which gave her $7,000 to help pay for the procedure.
“Every single logistical hurdle to seeking abortion has been amplified by the storm,” Hurley said.
Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2024. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.
Ariel Wittenberg is a reporter covering public health for E&E News.
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