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 Historic Downtown Canton Cannon Park 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 Canton, 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 Sorrells Street 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 Michael's Prime or visit Cherokee County 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.
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 Canton, 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 Canton, 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 Canton, 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.
CANTON, N.C. (WNCN) — As many communities in the North Carolina mountains struggle to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one mayor in a Haywood County town described the damage as “apocalyptic.”Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers said Tuesday in an interview with CBS 17 that there was still no cellphone communication in the town, which had its local paper mill recently shut down in 2021.“This was apocalyptic for Canton, but this is regional. Western North Carolina, every community, everywhere, has exp...
CANTON, N.C. (WNCN) — As many communities in the North Carolina mountains struggle to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one mayor in a Haywood County town described the damage as “apocalyptic.”
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers said Tuesday in an interview with CBS 17 that there was still no cellphone communication in the town, which had its local paper mill recently shut down in 2021.
“This was apocalyptic for Canton, but this is regional. Western North Carolina, every community, everywhere, has experienced absolute horrific, you know, flooding and now we’re engaged in many regards, still looking for people in recovery,” said Smathers, whose father Pat was a previous mayor of the town.
In 2021, flooding in Canton was caused by Tropical Depression Fred, and in 2004 there was flooding from Hurricanes Francis and Ivan. That devastation was 20 years ago to the month.
Smathers said all of the problems and the recovery have “all been hindered by an absolute breakdown and collapse of our telecommunications.”
Meanwhile, Smathers said he is comforting people who have lost everything but dealing with questions about those still missing.
“And more thing (that’s) heartbreaking is I’m still getting messages from people in the Raleigh area,” Smathers said.
He said people are asking: “Hey, I haven’t heard from my loved ones, you know, in some are in Canton, some are not. Is there anything you can do to help?’
Some people in the North Carolina mountains have turned to Starlink and compact rapid deployable cell towers have been set up in several towns and communities.
“The idea that we have people so many days later still looking for their loved ones because they can’t place a cell phone call is horrific and unacceptable,” Smathers said.
Smathers returned to the issue of communications when it came to working with FEMA and other agencies.
“The lack of cellular communication has made every aspect of this much more challenging. We have hot meals for people to tell them where to go. We have water, but we can’t get that out other than radio. We have emergency management services trying to communicate with other emergency management services and people coming from other parts of the state, but we can’t place a cell phone or text message to them to tell them where to go. So but I will say this, it’s not because we haven’t tried,” Smathers said.
Smathers also talked about the historic nature of the flooding that hit Canton, Haywood County and the North Carolina mountains.
“I don’t mean to make light of this. And I’ve told several people this — the last time Canton and western North Carolina faced down a flood of this magnitude, you can look it up, it’s in the Book of Genesis. There’s nothing compared to other than Noah and his ark, this is incomprehensible how much water was dumped on the mountains of North Carolina.”
Lici BeveridgeAsheville Citizen Times...
Asheville Citizen Times
CANTON — Community Kitchen has been dishing up meals in Canton for nearly 20 years. On Friday, the building was destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene.
But down does not mean out, the staff says.
They are not going to let the devastation stop serving meals and providing other services. They are just going to do them differently, board chair Chris Jennings said.
That seems to be the spirit of the Haywood County town, where residents are pulling themselves up by the bootstraps and working toward recovery — something they've experienced on more than one occasion.
As Tropical Storm Helene battered western North Carolina on Thursday and Friday, the Pigeon River reached 25.89 feet in Canton late Friday morning before receding to below flood stage Saturday, setting a new record. The previous record was 22.8 feet, set in September 2004, when Hurricane Ivan forged a path from the Gulf of Mexico to Georgia and North Carolina before continuing northward.
And in 2021, Tropical Depression Fred brought record rainfall of more than 14 inches to Haywood County, causing widespread destruction and killing six people in the county.
North Carolina live updates:President Biden to visit Helene-hit areas Wednesday
The staff was able to get the food and equipment out of the building before Helene hit, with the help of the community.
Jennings wife Allison Jennings is the executive director of Community Kitchen. She said it was started in 2006 at Canton Presbyterian Church by a few women who saw a need. After operating the kitchen for two years, they moved to a separate location and continued to grow, so they bought the current location in 2016 to continue growing their outreach.
Renovation took three years to complete, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the staff to rethink operations, but they were able to reopen four months after the shutdown.
Western North Carolina:Helene relief, aid begins arriving in Asheville area but long recovery ahead
Tropical Depression Fred also damaged the building, but the damage was minor compared with Helene's devastation. Fred's floodwaters, however, rose to within one foot of the roof, Chris Jenning said.
In addition to serving meals five times a week, the kitchen offers food distribution three times a month and has emergency supplies for those in need. Community Kitchen also prepares bags for the unhoused, Allison Jennings said.
Rockwood United Methodist Church is allowing Community Kitchen to use one of its buildings for at least six months, to allow the staff to secure a new building, since it won't be cost-effective to rebuild where the kitchen is now.
"I'm sure if we need it longer, they will let us," Allison Jennings said.
Chris Jennings said he expects the food distribution to reopen in about a week, just in a different location.
A search for a new location for the Community Kitchen is underway, the Jenningses said, but it won't be near water and it will need to be in Canton.
The facility serves many communities in the area, not just Canton, Allison Jennings said, and that will continue.
But the loss of the Community Kitchen is more about the loss of community, the Jennings said. Churches and other groups hold meetings and services there. Nonprofit training and other educational courses were offered at the facility.
"It had become kind of the community hub," Chris Jennings said.
Help in a hurry:Quick guide to finding essentials in Asheville after flooding from Helene
The city of roughly 4,400 people took another hit in 2023, when the 115-year-old mill closed, laying off more than 1,000 employees.
A buyer for the mill was announced earlier this year, but the official purchase date was set for Oct. 1. It is unclear whether the sale will take place in the aftermath of Helene.
I-40 collapse:How long will interstate be closed? Alternate routes between North Carolina-Tennessee
Parts of the downtown area were closed off because of damage and downed power lines caused by Helene's furious winds.
The Pigeon River left its mark on nearby homes and businesses — some were inundated with floodwaters in excess of 10 feet, including the Community Kitchen.
'That's what we do':North Carolina town bands together after Helene wreaked havoc
"The thing of it was, we were a couple of days in shock," Chris Jennings said. "It was almost a blessing that all communication was down, because it gave us time to sit and process."
Byron Burnette, pastor of First Baptist Church of Clyde, stopped by the Community Kitchen to offer help. He said his church serves dinners at the facility every quarter.
'Once a town is now a river':Chimney Rock, Lake Lure residents seek info on friends, family after Helene
"We just came to see if we could help and do whatever," he said.
Burnette, who has been pastor at the Clyde church for four years, knows how important the Community Kitchen is to the community, especially in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.
"The church is fine, but the community down the river is devastated," Burnette said.
[email protected]. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.
OCT. 1, 2024 - Two towns from Haywood County are no strangers to flooding, but after Hurricane Helene, the floods came with greater magnitude and frustrations for town leaders (Photo credit: WLOS)HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Two towns from Haywood County, N.C., Canton and Clyde, are no strangers to flooding, but after Hurricane Helene, the floods came with greater magnitude and frustrations for town leaders.Before the floods, Denise Dean lived near the Pigeon River in Clydemore, N.C. On Friday, Sept. 27 morning, Dead sai...
OCT. 1, 2024 - Two towns from Haywood County are no strangers to flooding, but after Hurricane Helene, the floods came with greater magnitude and frustrations for town leaders (Photo credit: WLOS)
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Two towns from Haywood County, N.C., Canton and Clyde, are no strangers to flooding, but after Hurricane Helene, the floods came with greater magnitude and frustrations for town leaders.
Before the floods, Denise Dean lived near the Pigeon River in Clydemore, N.C. On Friday, Sept. 27 morning, Dead said she watched the river become a lake.
"The river went from 40 feet wide to over a thousand feet wide," Dean said. "[We will] find another place to live — we're not staying here."
Dean said her home wasn't high enough to protect it from the water even with her home hoisted higher after previous flooding.
"It flooded everything inside the house — it even floated a double-door refrigerator and flipped it on its side," Dean said.
The Pigeon River aimed, again, at downtown Canton just three years after Tropical Storm Fred.
HELENE FORCES CLOSURES AT NATIONAL PARKS AND FORESTS, IMPACTING OUTDOOR TOURISM
Canton's mayor, Zeb Smathers, called the devastation "apocalyptic."
"The last time a flood hit Canton and WNC this bad was in the Book of Genesis and Noah," Smathers said.
After a record river flood stage of 28 feet, downtown businesses are again trying to recover, which the mayor said "is difficult to prepare for."
"That is also met with my frustration, anger, and just disbelief about how much our cellular companies and network have let us down," Smathers said. "The ability to communicate with our emergency management has been completely crippled — the idea that in 72 hours we have loved ones still searching is absolutely heartbreaking and is unacceptable."
Smathers said it's been "citizens helping citizens" and first responders putting others first.
"I am asking and demanding these cell phone services you have to live up to what these other people are sacrificing," he said.
There are tasks to handle moment by moment, such as restoring power and getting water to people who need it.
However, Smathers said the wastewater treatment facility at the Defunct Paper Mill had sustained "substantial damage."
FROM DAILY MEETINGS TO MAIL DELIVERY: BARNARDSVILLE'S COMMUNITY-LED RESPONSE TO HELENE
"Pactiv Evergreen owns the mill site, which includes wastewater, and they have the responsibility to treat our wastewater and to repair the system," he said.
Fortunately for those in Canton, on Monday, Sept. 30, potable or drinkable water distribution was established at the Sav-More Foods Plaza, heading into Canton.
The area has many frustrations and damages, including the Pisgah football field, which was recently repaired after Fred.
"They said put electricity boxes up this high to protect them from flood waters — well, guess what happened? The water went over the top of them," Smathers said.
Despite the devastation the town is facing, grit and grace remain Canton's resolve.
"We will get through it," Smathers said. "I know the toughness of our people — I've seen it over and over again."
Recovery begins in Canton after 'apocalyptic disaster,' mayor saysThe mayor of Canton tells WRAL News the western North Carolina town in Haywood County is experiencing "an apocalyptic disaster."In a one-on-one interview on Monday, Mayor Zeb Smathers said most of the floodwater has receded in the area, and the town is now in active recovery.Smathers spoke extensively about a region-wide lack of cell service and how it's hindering recovery and rescue efforts.People are still missing in western North Caroli...
Recovery begins in Canton after 'apocalyptic disaster,' mayor says
The mayor of Canton tells WRAL News the western North Carolina town in Haywood County is experiencing "an apocalyptic disaster."
In a one-on-one interview on Monday, Mayor Zeb Smathers said most of the floodwater has receded in the area, and the town is now in active recovery.
Smathers spoke extensively about a region-wide lack of cell service and how it's hindering recovery and rescue efforts.
People are still missing in western North Carolina, and Smathers said the inability to communicate is not helping.
"What we have experienced, in my opinion, is an unacceptable and disgraceful breakdown of cellular technology," Smathers said. "This is 2024, and we are having to deal with this crisis with 1990s technology ... it’s heartbreaking, the thought that we could have helped more people get out and prepare for what was coming if we had the ability to place a call."
Smathers said the region-wide cellular outage from Helene is nothing he has ever experienced, even in blizzards.
"What we are experiencing is a region-wide apocalyptic flooding disaster, and as I sit here on Monday, we still cannot place cell phone calls to basic services to help communicate, so everything is slower and less efficient because of cell service," Smathers said.
Smathers said even sporadic cell service would help.
"We are still blacked out most of the time," he described. "Every day, every hour is precious, because when you’re dealing with a lack of food and water and security and the inability to communicate, that does not help with stabilization."
Smathers described the helplessness his community is feeling.
"Where you know you can help, should help, want to help [but] you can’t reach them or know where to start because of the inability to communicate," Smather said. "I’m watching people walk down the road with their cellphones in the air trying to catch a signal … that shouldn’t be the reality 72 hours later."
Smathers said he is not aware of any deaths in Canton, but with no cell service, it's impossible to know for sure.
Smathers also described the catastrophic nature of this storm, which some people are comparing to Hurricane Katrina's impact to New Orleans.
"I think when this is said and done it will be the largest natural disaster in our state’s history," the mayor said. "The last time western North Carolina experienced a flood like this was in the book of Genesis. There is nothing in between ... I’m just absolutely numb for our region and our mountain family."
Roads are washed out across western North Carolina, and, for safety, the state Department of Transportation is asking residents to consider all roads are closed.
In some good news, the roads in Canton are safe for travel, the mayor said.
"The city limits of Canton are good, [but] we have a relatively small area," Smather said.
There is some progress being made, the mayor said.
"I feel that we are making progress on the important issues ... we’re finding a way," Smather said. "It is utter devastation [but] we are trying and making progress on town essential services, securing our downtown and getting people the supplies needed."
The mayor also praised the human beings working to help others, saying he has already seen federal and state assistance.
"We are seeing the absolute best out of North Carolina and western North Carolina, especially our emergency services, families and lineman," he said.
Smathers hopes supplies and help are on the way. In the meantime, he asked residents to heed warnings from officials.
"Food, water, power, communication ... I don’t care how tough of a mountain folk you are, we need those things," he said. "The people here, we need help, it’s going to be a long way."
WRAL News has a guide to how to help residents impacted by Helene.
By calling 211 or visiting nc211.org, families and individuals can obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources in their community. People trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. People can also call those numbers to report missing loved ones.
It may take time to understand just how severe the flood damage from Hurricane Helene is in western North Carolina.Some areas of the mountains received more than two feet of rain over the last few days, which has led to catastrophic flooding and mudslides, leaving entire towns cut off from travel and communication with people outside the community."It is bad. Total devastation. I am driving down the mountain to get cell service. No power, no water, no way to communicate. I'm safe, but many are trapped," one coach told...
It may take time to understand just how severe the flood damage from Hurricane Helene is in western North Carolina.
Some areas of the mountains received more than two feet of rain over the last few days, which has led to catastrophic flooding and mudslides, leaving entire towns cut off from travel and communication with people outside the community.
"It is bad. Total devastation. I am driving down the mountain to get cell service. No power, no water, no way to communicate. I'm safe, but many are trapped," one coach told HighSchoolOT's Joel Bryant in a text message.
Attempts to reach some coaches and athletic directors have been unsuccessful due to a lack of cell service in the region.
One coach told Bryant he was using a generator in order to communicate because there was no electricity or cell service.
"We are safe but everything is completely destroyed. Our road is completely washed away. Trees through houses everywhere you look," the coach said. "We are stuck."
East Henderson High School's football stadium received damage when trees fell on the visitors side, including damaging the bleachers.
HighSchoolOT has also learned that Pisgah High School's football stadium and other athletic facilities, such as the softball field, have significant flooding. The flood waters in the football stadium got as high as five rows from the top of the visitors bleachers, according to one witness. Pisgah's stadium, located in Canton, sits just yards from the Pigeon River.
In 2021, Tropical Storm Fred caused flooding along the Pigeon River in Canton, which destroyed the Pisgah stadium. It took more than two years for the stadium to be repaired, finally reopening in 2023. Pisgah did not play a home game during that period.
HighSchoolOT has attempted to reach out to representatives at Pisgah but those attempts have been unsuccessful so far.
Video and photos posted to social media show significant flooding in the stadium at Freedom High School in Morganton as well.
“Let everyone know as bad as it may seem from the outside, it’s worse. Just no way for people to communicate to let the outside know how bad it is in remote areas," Asheville football coach Cort Radford said.
It's too soon to know how long the impacts of Helene could keep high school football teams off the field in western North Carolina, but it's safe to assume the return won't be immediate.
Depending on how long schools are closed and teams are unable to practice and play, the N.C. High School Athletic Association may consider adjusting the schedule for the remainder of the season. Though it is too early for the NCHSAA to make such a decision, there is a precedent for such a move.
In 2018, the NCHSAA extended the football season by one week after the catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Florence in the southeast part of the state. The season was also extended in 2016 after Hurricane Matthew caused severe flooding in the eastern half of the state.
Other sports have also been impacted by schedule changes. In 2016, the volleyball and boys soccer playoff schedules were condensed to allow more time for regular season games to be completed.
The sports calendar is not top of mind for people in western North Carolina right now though.
"Football doesn’t matter right now, but it can give the community something to rally around," a coach said. "The state is going to have to help us out. We scheduled our game for Monday but there is no way that happens in my opinion. We could be out of school for a while."
Numerous games are scheduled to be played across the state on Saturday and Monday, but it is unlikely many games in the western part of the state are played by then.
The season is currently in Week 6. There are five weeks left in the regular season.
HighSchoolOT will compile a list of efforts to help those affected by the storms. If you are aware of recovery efforts from schools and teams, please send details to [email protected].
828-676-2939
