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 Black Mnt Fire Tower 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 Black Mountain, 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 Veterans 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 Que Sera or visit Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 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 Black Mountain, 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 Black Mountain, 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 Black Mountain, 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.
Ingles Markets, the Asheville-based grocery mainstay of Western North Carolina, sustained severe damage to its distribution center along the Swannanoa River and several supermarket locations when Tropical Storm Helene hit the mountains just over three weeks ago.The severe damage to Ingles’ Black Mountain distribution center will have a long-term ripple effect across the region, impacting Western North Carolinians’ food security, diet quality, unemployment levels, consumer behavior, and the viability of the company itself....
Ingles Markets, the Asheville-based grocery mainstay of Western North Carolina, sustained severe damage to its distribution center along the Swannanoa River and several supermarket locations when Tropical Storm Helene hit the mountains just over three weeks ago.
The severe damage to Ingles’ Black Mountain distribution center will have a long-term ripple effect across the region, impacting Western North Carolinians’ food security, diet quality, unemployment levels, consumer behavior, and the viability of the company itself.
Plus, Ingles locations in four Western NC communities remain closed: Spruce Pine, Morganton, Swannanoa and Newland. In some cases, these closures are creating new food deserts in a region that is difficult to traverse due to damaged roads and mountainous terrain.
In the week leading up to Helene, operations at Ingles had already begun to falter. Storm anxiety caused waves of bulk-buying, and customers across the region were met with empty shelves.
The storm hit overnight in the early hours of Sept. 27, causing severe and worsening flooding in many Western North Carolina rivers and streams, including the Swannanoa River, the banks of which are home to the Ingles distribution plant in Black Mountain. Like much of the area, the plant lost power and sustained other damage.
Recognizing the important of Ingles to the region, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Hendersonville, sent “an industrial-sized generator” to power the distribution site. Employees spent the night at the distribution center on Sept. 29 to await its arrival.
“This will allow the distribution facility to begin emptying its shelves to restock empty stores,” Edwards said in a Sept. 30 statement.
Unfortunately, the area along the Swannanoa River near the plant made for some of the most dramatic wreckage of the storm. Though some key preparations were made at the plant, no one was prepared for the strength and volume of the river water.
“Ingles Markets is devastated by the catastrophic damage from Helene,” an Oct. 2 Facebook post from the grocery chain said.
“Unprecedented destruction and tragic loss of life have touched every town, city, community, and business. Our hometown Black Mountain, North Carolina, which houses our distribution center was one of these areas. We had loss of power, critical infrastructure, transport vehicles, inventory, and yes even loss of life.”
The generator could not be operated immediately, due to the severity of the damage. Crews also had to deal with large volumes of mud, including at the dock’s parking area, according to Edwards’ office. But the generator was connected and operational on Oct. 3, when it began to power about half of the facility. Partial food distribution also began. The emergency power allowed distribution to resume five to seven days earlier than it could have otherwise, according to Maria Kim, communications director for Rep. Edwards.
Operations at the distribution center returned to normal on Oct. 14, according to Kim.
However, the physical damage to the distribution center remains particularly devastating to the chain’s long-term operations and bottom line, as well as to continued availability of food in the region.
“Loss of a distribution center compounds losses because it expands the area impacted, which may extend to communities not hurt by the storm,” Michael Walden, NC State professor of consumer economics, told Carolina Public Press.
“Rebuilding the damaged facilities will require a long period — months, maybe years — which implies temporary facilities may have to be erected to store the quantities required by the communities. Because grocery stores and supermarkets provide products essential for living, replacing and repairing them will likely receive priority.”
After the storm, Ingles parking lots across the disaster zone became food distribution hubs for both people and pets. Even though the store itself was closed, Chick-Fil-A gave out free meals at the Ingles store in Swannanoa on Oct. 7. The Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse have done the same. Ingles also partnered with MANNA Foodbank to distribute shelf-stable foods and essential supplies to storm survivors.
Ingles’ stock price dropped more than 18% between Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. There has been a slight rebound of 2.5% in the last five days, however.
Phone lines are still down at Ingles’ headquarters in Asheville, and company spokespeople did not respond to emails in time for publication.
The Ingles location in Spruce Pine is one of the four stores that remain closed. The store is one of the top employers of Mitchell County, leaving hundreds out of work. The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through the state is Dec. 2.
Remote parts of the county depend on this Ingles location for food just as much as the residents of Spruce Pine, and the closure of the Ingles has created or worsened food deserts.
“Here in Bakersville, there is no grocery store, so we travel to the Ingles in Spruce Pine for groceries,” Charles Bynes, chair of the economic development board for Mitchell County, told CPP.
“Now that Ingles is closed, we have the Dollar General store for groceries, or a 20-mile commute to the Ingles in Burnsville. Two of the three restaurants we had in Bakersville were destroyed in the flood.”
Many residents in counties with closed Ingles locations — Mitchell, Avery, Buncombe, and Burke — are resorting to dollar stores for groceries, which notoriously lack healthy options.
“The net effect of damage to Ingles’ distribution center is worsened diet quality in the mountains,” Barry Popkin, professor of nutrition at UNC-Chapel Hill, told CPP. “In the case where the only grocery option becomes a dollar store, it’s very bad. Dollar stores have zero produce and zero healthy options. It’s all highly processed food, whereas a normal grocery store like Ingles has fresh meat, produce, eggs, and other healthy options.”
But Matthew Metzgar, economics professor at UNC-Charlotte, points out that anything is better than nothing.
“Areas that have dollar stores are probably a little better protected at the moment in terms of food security,” Metzgar said. “And even communities that have big grocery stores will take a hit on food quality in the short-term, because so much refrigeration went out. Perishable foods like meat, eggs, fruit, and vegetables are much harder to get across the board.”
Burke County’s Ingles location in Morganton sustained the worst flooding of any grocery store in town, according to city manager Sally Sandy.
“Ingles’ temporary closure is certainly a part of our economic distress after the storm,” Sandy told CPP. “We had 55 businesses flood, and Ingles is one of those, and also one of our largest grocery stores. It is a regional draw for us too, with substantial employment.”
Damage to roads means accessing stores that remain open, or even emergency food distribution centers, is difficult for some Western North Carolinians.
Food insecurity is already an issue in counties directly impacted by closures of Ingles store locations. In Buncombe County, 15,880 households receive food stamps through the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. In Burke County, 5,814 households are on food stamps. In Mitchell County, the number is 1,213 households, while in Avery County, it’s 998.
Those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene can apply for Disaster-SNAP, or D-SNAP, assistance between Oct. 18 and Oct. 24. The program expands eligibility to those who may not normally qualify to receive food stamps. The USDA has deemed more than 150,000 households in North Carolina eligible to apply for D-SNAP.
“We had a strong start to D-SNAP enrollment over the weekend,” DHHS spokesperson Kelly Haight told CPP in an email.
As of Monday morning, more than 12,000 households and 30,000 individuals have been approved to receive D-SNAP benefits in Western North Carolina.
Clarification: This article was updated on Oct. 25, based on new information that became available about the installation of a generator at the Ingles distribution facility in Black Mountain.
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Tagged: amdailiyAshevilleAvery CountyBuncombe CountyBurke Countyfood insecurityjobsMitchell CountyTropical Storm HeleneWestern NC
Jane Winik Sartwell is a staff reporter for Carolina Public Press, who focuses on coverage of health and business. Jane has a bachelor's degree in photography from Bard College and master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. She is based in Wilmington. Email Jane at [email protected] to contact her.
The town of Black Mountain is providing daily updates on recovery status and where to find help after the remnants of Hurricane Helene came through Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving behind scenes of devastation and disrupting the lives of residents. This information is from Monday, Oct. 7.More:...
The town of Black Mountain is providing daily updates on recovery status and where to find help after the remnants of Hurricane Helene came through Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving behind scenes of devastation and disrupting the lives of residents. This information is from Monday, Oct. 7.
More:Helene in Western North Carolina: Everything you need to know from help to recovery efforts
More:Helene in the Swannanoa Valley: where to find water, food, other resources
More:Helene in Black Mountain: 'Neighbors helping neighbors' as more aid comes in
More:Cooper, FEMA visit Black Mountain; residents pull together as 'Valley Strong' after Helene
More:Swannanoa residents living 'day by day, hour by hour' after Helene
More:Helene in Montreat: Town urges residents to leave until conditions improve
More:Helene is the 'Katrina of the mountains,' but something can be learned from it
It’s a welcome sight for a weary community: signs offering free water that dot the roads in Black Mountain.Resources from around the state and nation are pouring into Western North Carolina — a region devastated by flooding from Tropical Storm Helene. And while the town’s water ...
It’s a welcome sight for a weary community: signs offering free water that dot the roads in Black Mountain.
Resources from around the state and nation are pouring into Western North Carolina — a region devastated by flooding from Tropical Storm Helene. And while the town’s water system, like so many others across the region, still isn’t fully operational, bottled water is plentiful. Pop-up stands in parking lots offered the much-needed commodity along with food.
Black Mountain Presbyterian Church offered lunches, and restaurants from around the area offered hot meals.
At the Black Mountain Parks and Recreation pool, volunteers directed people to the pool, where residents siphoned non-potable water. Around a corner, people used hoses to pump potable water. Across the street, residents used containers to gather creek water.
Water is a resource they took for granted before, residents say. It’s more valuable now than ever.
“You don’t really, really recognize how lucky we were before,” said Lashonda Lytle at the parks and recreation center. “You’re not able to live your normal life.”
Lytle said her employer expects her to return to work Monday But Lytle’s unable to shower or wash clothes and she’s her 83-year-old mother’s caregiver.
“And that’s a huge obstacle for me,” Lytle said about leaving her mother to go to work in a Helene-devastated community.
Laura Weaver of Black Mountain said her husband has been trying to build a portable shower above their house. Weaver became emotional when talking about taking care of her large family.
“Emotionally, it’s been just getting all of our kids fed,” she said Friday at the Presbyterian church, where parishioners and volunteers were feeding members of the community.
There’s also the emotional trauma of the storm and remaining without much information about the world outside of their community.
“We felt like we were on an island,” she added. “Just not what’s not going on, if my parents are ok or whether my sister was ok.”
Weaver on Friday afternoon ate macaroni and cheese at Black Mountain Presbyterian. Dozens of people milled around, shoving boxes with canned goods, water, hygiene products and baby formula, among others.
Organizers said donations were pouring in from “everywhere.”
Down the street from the church, another pop-up food bank offered meals, canned goods and supplies. Residents walked from their homes carrying large sacks of goods.
Anthony Lee, of Graybeard Realty, handed out donations out of a trailer in a parking lot.
“There’s still families in need,” he said while toting a large case of water to a table.
This story was originally published October 4, 2024, 4:29 PM.
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — As western North Carolina continues to pick up the pieces from Hurricane Helene, now is the time to provide people with what they need.What You Need To Know The Ingles in Black Mountain near Sunset Drive now operates as a distribution site.People can get anything they need; all they have to do is show up.Allison Hargus is the lead volunteer at the Ingles distribution site. She’s helping everyone, including volunteers and those seeking help.“Shock is...
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — As western North Carolina continues to pick up the pieces from Hurricane Helene, now is the time to provide people with what they need.
The Ingles in Black Mountain near Sunset Drive now operates as a distribution site.
People can get anything they need; all they have to do is show up.
Allison Hargus is the lead volunteer at the Ingles distribution site. She’s helping everyone, including volunteers and those seeking help.
“Shock is what we’re feeling right now, and we’re taking one step at a time,” Hargus said.
Hargus grew up here, and she’s providing hope to people that need it most.
“We will get you anything that you need,” Hargus said.
Leslie Dragon lives up the road. She said her home has no damage but has no electricity, internet or running water.
“We could not believe that we got hammered,” Dragon said.
Dragon lives with her husband high up the mountain. They avoided the flooding.
Others weren’t so lucky.
On N.C. 9, you can see downed power lines, mudslides and people walking to get to where they need to be.
Traffic oftentimes is down to one lane and homes destroyed.
Not too far away is a makeshift shelter. It’s where Dragon goes to to drop off food.
Andrew Ebner is trying to make the site a home away from home for many.
The community knows this place as The Straightaway Cafe.
“I worked here for two years when the restaurant was open. I am chef now again,” Ebner said.
He’s providing hot meals to around 50 people every day. His goal is to comfort as many people as he can.
And for that, they’re grateful.
“Everybody here has been so nice, so patient, so calm, so kind,” Dragon said.
The Ingles distribution site opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.
That location is in need of canned goods, paper goods and wipes, and organizers are seeking donations.
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Tuesday night more than a dozen communities in the Western half of North Carolina remain in the dark or unable to get supplies, but there have been new efforts to try and reach those families through the use of mules.Mountain Mule Packer Ranch has dispatched close to a dozen mules to the Black Mountain community, where...
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Tuesday night more than a dozen communities in the Western half of North Carolina remain in the dark or unable to get supplies, but there have been new efforts to try and reach those families through the use of mules.
Mountain Mule Packer Ranch has dispatched close to a dozen mules to the Black Mountain community, where they’ve used to navigate muddy trails and cracked roads.
Michele Toberer, one of the owners of the ranch, said they watched images pour in from the region and decided they could help.
She said he, “felt like he needed to get the places where he knew the mules could get into the other things couldn’t. That’s what he specializes in.”
Tuesday morning video posted by The Cajun Navy 2016 showed how multiple mules from the ranch were used to deliver insulin to families in desperate need.
Toberer said that they “can’t imagine stopping until [they’ve] helped enough.”
Toberer and her team collected donations in Rowan County Tuesday evening delivered from families who have been wanting to help all weekend long.
The supplies will be delivered to the mule crews on Wednesday to be sent out to these unreachable locations.
The ranch has dispatched nine of their mules and have been stationed near Black Mountain, as of Tuesday evening.
They plan to do whatever work they can there and then move to another site which may need help reaching places where machines cannot.
Officials said they would move efforts on Wednesday to the Swannanoa area. “The mule team had a successful day [Tuesday] and they were able to bring mule loads of food and supplies to many residents in Black Mountain. All went smoothly, and the mules and packers are resting for the night! Their plan for tomorrow is to bring supplies, food, and check on residents’ needs in an area towards Swannanoa, where it is believed 30% of the town’s residents are trapped and can’t get out. This will be a busy day for the team, and we pray for their safety and stamina!”
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