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 Alexandriana Historic Site 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 Alexander, 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 Alexander River 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 J. Alexander's Restaurant or visit Hezekiah Alexander 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.
Request More Information
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 Alexander, 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 Alexander, 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 Alexander, 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.
Alexander County Government will participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans again in 2024. The county administration building, services center, and courthouse park will be illuminated in green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light, an initiative between Alexander County Government, the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).The Alexander County Board of Commissioners passed a r...
Alexander County Government will participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans again in 2024. The county administration building, services center, and courthouse park will be illuminated in green from November 4-11 as part of Operation Green Light, an initiative between Alexander County Government, the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to support Operation Green Light each November.
Operation Green Light’s mission is to show support for veterans of all military conflicts, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans (and their families) and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families.
“By shining the green light, we’re honoring veterans who have made countless sacrifices for our freedom,” said Cherry Kilby, Alexander County Veteran Services Officer. “At a time when our country is faced with so many issues, we can all agree that those individuals who risked and sacrificed their lives fighting to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support. I encourage everyone – organizations, businesses, and citizens – to join us in displaying a green light for our veterans and their families.”
Residents are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends. By shining a green light, families can let local veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported.
While this event is focused around Veterans Day, participants are encouraged to continue shining the green light year-round. Participants are encouraged to share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
Here are a few statistics about veterans in the United States: • As of 2019, 11.7 million veterans are over the age of 65, which is about 61 percent of all veterans. • Veterans make up roughly 11 percent of adults experiencing homelessness. • Some 70 percent of veterans experiencing homelessness also experience substance use disorder, and 50 percent live with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Visit www.naco.org/operationgreenlight or https://alexandercountync.gov/departments/veterans-services for more information and links to resources available to veterans.
By MICAH HENRYAlexander County fared much better than some parts of western North Carolina during and after the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which swept through on Thursday and Friday, September 26-27, 2024.Alexander County had already received more than five inches of rain at the weather station in Taylorsville by Thursday evening, Sept. 26. National Weather Service officials noted that Taylorsville had 10.93 inches of rain during Sept. 24-28.NWS reported totals in that time period of 14.86 inches in H...
By MICAH HENRY
Alexander County fared much better than some parts of western North Carolina during and after the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which swept through on Thursday and Friday, September 26-27, 2024.
Alexander County had already received more than five inches of rain at the weather station in Taylorsville by Thursday evening, Sept. 26. National Weather Service officials noted that Taylorsville had 10.93 inches of rain during Sept. 24-28.
NWS reported totals in that time period of 14.86 inches in Highlands, NC, 15.42 inches on Grandfather Mountain, 21.96 inches in Hendersonville, 24.12 inches in Spruce Pine, and 30.78 inches in Busick (Yancey County).
In Alexander, Sheriff’s Deputies visited homes to serve evacuation notices on the following roads on Thursday: Fred Jolly Lane, River Shoals Ridge Drive, Mountaire Drive, Carl Fox Road, Perry Fox Lane, Olive Road, Grasshopper Circle, and Stewart Rock Road. These residents were advised to stay with family or friends during the storm, or to visit the emergency shelter at Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department.
On Friday afternoon, 19 roads were completely blocked, with three roads partially closed. Eighteen structures were damaged during the storm. Approximately 58 percent (11,300) of homes in Alexander County were without electricity at the height of the outage.
Alexander County and the Town of Taylorsville issued a Voluntary Curfew from Friday, September 27, at 7:00 p.m. until Saturday, September 28, at 8:00 a.m. to help ensure the safety of citizens. It was recommended that citizens stay off the roads during that time due to downed power lines and other debris in the roadways.
Alexander County Emergency Services and Town of Taylorsville personnel had responded to more than 600 calls Friday by 3:00 p.m., and worked tirelessly to clear roadways and respond to calls. Some 190 calls to 911 were received and processed and 1,559 other calls were received and processed (this includes emergency roll over calls from Wilkes and Caldwell counties). Telecommunicators dispatched 580 calls for some type of help on Friday.
Alexander County officials opened an emergency shelter for a time on Friday at Alexander Central High School in the JV gym for those displaced by the storm.
With steady work on clearing downed trees, by Monday, Sept. 30, there were seven impassable roads, not counting a few others with only one lane open and trees close to the shoulder, making travel still a concern.
Road closures as of Wednesday morning were: Black Oak Ridge Road, Friendly Church Road (trees with power lines down), and Richey Road (lines across roads). Black Oak Ridge Road suffered a culvert washout between Johnny Wike Road and Rocky Face Church Road and will take time to repair.
Officials asked everyone to be alert and use caution while driving, as clean up will take time. NCDOT and utility companies worked tirelessly on improving travel and restoring power. Motorists were urged to use www.drivenc.gov see the latest information on road closures in the state.
Power outages as of 7:30 a.m. Monday were 3,159 customers or 16.22% of the county: Blue Ridge Energy – 143; Duke Energy – 2,497, and Energy United, 519. By Wednesday morning, this had been reduced to Blue Ridge Energy – 72; Duke Energy – 996; and Energy United – 0.
Non-essential Alexander County offices were closed on Friday. Alexander County Library was closed on Saturday, September 28. County offices reopened Monday; however, some offices had limited phone and internet services.
Alexander County Schools had an early release Thursday, Sept. 26, and were closed on Friday, Sept. 27, for students and staff. Schools were closed Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Oct. 1, for students. Monday and Tuesday were optional workdays for teachers and staff. Class resumed a normal schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 2; however, bus routes were expected to take longer than normal, particularly in the Bethlehem Community.
Donations of items to help storm victims are underway in Alexander County. Food and water were collected on Monday and Tuesday at Wittenburg Fire Department. A helicopter with the Sentinel Foundation landed at the fire station and was loaded with items. It flew to the community of Poplar, NC, near Burnsville, which has become inaccessible by roads.
On Facebook, Shannon Coulbourn Presnell stated that the helicopter made it safely to Poplar and set up two Starlink access points for internet communication. She thanked Liledoun Baptist Church, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Wittenburg Fire Dept., Hallman Furniture, and many others in the community.
Governor Roy Cooper said on Tuesday that more than 400,000 people are without power in the region. Some mountain communities were wiped away by flash floods. Many others are isolated by landslides and road washouts.
Roads in Western NC (generally anywhere west of Hickory) are closed to all traffic other than emergency services and pre-approved shipments coordinated through the N.C. Emergency Management Business Emergency Operations Center (NCEM-BEOC).
Therefore, if you plan to move people, resources, or equipment into western North Carolina, you MUST coordinate plans and movements through the NCEM-BEOC. Email your supply logistics or movement requests to: [email protected], make sure to begin your Subject Line with: “Logistics Support.” Please include the following info: • What are you moving? Why you need special access. • When do you plan to move and from where? • Where are you going? • When will they arrive at the “border to Western NC” and where?
If you are looking to support recovery efforts, you can help in the following ways: • Donation: Contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund, managed by United Way of NC, at nc.gov/donate to assist those affected by the storm. • Volunteer: Sign up to volunteer with a Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) at https://www.ncvoad.org/volunteer/. Note: Work sites have not yet been established, but they will be posted on the NC Emergency Management Facebook page as soon as travel is deemed safe in the area.
Other than physical donations, volunteers are being asked to to coordinate their services through [email protected] due to overwhelming freelancing.
828-676-2939
