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.
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 Cashiers, 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.
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind,”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home,”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved;”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and scheduling. The caregiver is amazing; the issue is with the office staff having high turnover and not being reliable. The caregiver has helped the most by giving my dad transportation to go to places like the grocery store, and she offers companionship.”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind, compassionate, and truly goes above and beyond to make sure her clients feel comfortable, respected, and well cared for. Her professionalism, patience, and genuine concern for others really stand out. Knowing someone like Lindsay is there gives families real peace of mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the time, but we just have one now, and that's good. The days that the caregiver comes are good for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I have questions or concerns. I like having one caregiver. I don't know what they could improve on.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am out and about, and I don't have to be with the client.”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She went above and beyond to help us.”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are. Orientation was quick and painless which is always a PLUS in my book! 10/10 recommend if you are looking for that 1st step into the healthcare field without all the extra certifications and such!”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set up a plan of care, and the plan has been executed very nicely.”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home, whom I liked very much, and they took her away. Since then, I have had a bunch of different ones come in, but I need one like that caregiver I liked. They do things for me that I can't do for myself anymore.”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved; I don't know for sure. Explain to them that you don't need a cell phone at work. I appreciate them letting me stay in touch with them or them staying in touch with me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help with anything she needs, depending on the day.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work with and they are good. They have been great with dealing with her.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They have helped me the most with light housekeeping.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the people that they provide have been good so far. They have removed a lot of stress from my life.”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during her decline and eventual passing. They were thoughtful, kind, supportive, considerate and readily available. Mary, one of the nurse managers at the Asheville location, was so supportive it is as if she became family. She would come without hesitation as I navigated through this difficult time offering tremendous support. She not only foresaw what was needed, but understood what I needed and catered to that need. She is a tremendous asset to your team! I am forever grateful for her.”
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.
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. 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 Cashiers, 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 Cashiers, 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.
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 Cashiers, 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.
If August has a signature sound on the Plateau, it may well be the turning of pages. But at the libraries in Highlands and Cashiers, those pages are often accompanied by drums, conversation, children’s laughter, and the occasional burst of scientific chaos.As summer begins its slow turn toward fall, both libraries continue to prove they are far more than repositories for books – they are among the community’s liveliest gathering places.At Hudson Library in Highlands, August marks the final stretch of the Summe...
If August has a signature sound on the Plateau, it may well be the turning of pages. But at the libraries in Highlands and Cashiers, those pages are often accompanied by drums, conversation, children’s laughter, and the occasional burst of scientific chaos.
As summer begins its slow turn toward fall, both libraries continue to prove they are far more than repositories for books – they are among the community’s liveliest gathering places.
At Hudson Library in Highlands, August marks the final stretch of the Summer Reading Program, which continues through August 31. This year’s theme, Unearth a Story, has inspired readers all summer long, with children ages 0–17 logging 20 minutes of reading each day while adults tackle Summer Reading Bingo. There is, after all, something about an approaching deadline that makes a stack of unread books suddenly look irresistible.
August’s Kids Zone programs offer a lively mix of science, creativity, and mountain heritage. The Macon County Arts Council opens the month on August 6 with an interactive drumming program – rhythm as its own kind of discovery. On August 13, the 13th Mountain Heritage Day will introduce children to the region’s rich Appalachian traditions. Creativity takes center stage August 20 during Rock Painting, when young artists can transform ordinary stones into miniature works of art. The month concludes August 27 with another installment of the always?popular Mad Science with Jessica, where experimentation, excitement, and a bit of controlled chaos reliably arrive together.
For younger children and caregivers, Story Time remains a weekly fixture, continuing every Thursday morning at 10:40 A.M.
Meanwhile, Albert Carlton?Cashiers Community Library is devoting August to the visual arts. Beginning August 14, the library’s Meeting Room will host an exhibition by Western North Carolina artist Mia Loia. A figurative painter and muralist who works primarily in oils and watercolor, Loia has become a familiar presence in the region’s arts community and currently serves as Gallery 1’s first resident artist in Sylva.
Visitors may view the exhibition during regular library hours, transforming a familiar community space into a temporary gallery. A Meet?and?Greet reception with the artist is scheduled for September 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M., an opportunity to experience the work in conversation with the artist rather than simply in front of it.
Together, the Plateau’s libraries continue to demonstrate that curiosity doesn’t take a summer vacation. It simply changes form. by Marlene Osteen
Don’t miss the annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, coming to the beautiful Village Green in Cashiers the weekend of Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11.There may be no prettier time of year to visit The Village Green. As the weather turns crisp and cool and the surrounding mountains burst into their brilliant autumn colors, this much-anticipated festival brings thousands of visitors together for a perfect fall weekend in the heart of Cashiers.This year, more than 100 carefully selected artisans will fill the G...
Don’t miss the annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, coming to the beautiful Village Green in Cashiers the weekend of Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11.
There may be no prettier time of year to visit The Village Green. As the weather turns crisp and cool and the surrounding mountains burst into their brilliant autumn colors, this much-anticipated festival brings thousands of visitors together for a perfect fall weekend in the heart of Cashiers.
This year, more than 100 carefully selected artisans will fill the Green with an impressive array of one-of-a-kind treasures. Visitors can browse everything from fine woodwork and furniture to pottery, jewelry, garden sculptures, textiles, carvings, paintings, and much more. Whether you’re looking for something special for your home, a unique gift, or simply enjoy meeting talented artists and seeing their work, there is plenty to discover.
The setting itself is part of the festival’s appeal. The spacious Village Green and spectacular fall scenery, make strolling from booth to booth feel more like a leisurely autumn outing than a day of shopping. And, of course, there’s always great food and live music to make your day even more enjoyable.
Speaking of food, festivalgoers can enjoy plenty of delicious choices from area favorites Elevated Kitchen, French Broad Pastry, Country Kettle Corn, Chili Chomper, and Under the Reign Lemonade, who will be on hand to keep everyone fueled and refreshed throughout the weekend. Grab a bite, find a shady spot, and take in the sights and sounds of one of the Plateau’s most enjoyable fall traditions.
Live music adds to the festive spirit so plan to stay a while and listen to an outstanding mix of local and regional favorites, including Emily Dawn, Shawn James, the bluegrass group Young Mountain Magic, and folk musicians Bird In Hand. Performances are scheduled throughout the festival so there’s always an opportunity to stop, relax, and listen.
The festival runs from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Sunday. Parking is free, and restrooms are available. Come enjoy the glorious colors of autumn, stroll among the artisans, listen to great music, savor delicious food, and experience for yourself why the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival remains one of the area’s most popular fall celebrations.
The Village Green would like to thank their sponsors: Cashiers Valley Real Estate, Spinx, Ingles, The Laurel Magazine, Africa Awaits, Rusticks, Landmark Realty Group, Caliber Fine Properties, WHLC, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, and Appalachian Golf Cars.
For more information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com or check the Village Green’s Facebook page.
Ask architect Monte Van Tassel what unites the mountain modern homes he designed in Oregon, the traditional residences he created along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and the mix of both now taking shape across the Carolinas, and he doesn’t point to a style. He points to a place.“We want to design homes that are rooted to their location.”It is the philosophy that has guided Van Tassel Design since Monte and his wife, Cian, founded their Brevard?based firm in 2019.The two met on the first day of architectur...
Ask architect Monte Van Tassel what unites the mountain modern homes he designed in Oregon, the traditional residences he created along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and the mix of both now taking shape across the Carolinas, and he doesn’t point to a style. He points to a place.
“We want to design homes that are rooted to their location.”
It is the philosophy that has guided Van Tassel Design since Monte and his wife, Cian, founded their Brevard?based firm in 2019.
The two met on the first day of architecture school at the University of Oregon and launched their firm together in Central Oregon before spending three years designing along Florida’s celebrated 30A corridor.
Last January, they relocated to Brevard – a homecoming of sorts for two architects who had long imagined living in a mountain town with four distinct seasons.
“We love the Southeast. We love the people and the place,” Monte says. They wanted mountain living without the crowds, somewhere they could still backpack, bike, and hike between projects.
Van Tassel Design specializes in high?end custom homes, renovations, and additions, with work divided almost evenly between new construction and remodels.
Every project begins by understanding how clients live, what matters most to them, and how they hope to experience their home. Rather than imposing a signature style, Monte believes every home should respond first to its owners, its setting, and, when necessary, the architectural character of the surrounding community.
Whatever a home ultimately looks like, that commitment to place remains the constant.
That commitment begins long before Monte sketches a floor plan or imagines a roofline. He first studies the land – its topography, the path of the sun, the views, and the natural character of the site.
Those observations shape every decision that follows. Natural materials help anchor a home to its surroundings, while generous expanses of glass blur the boundary between indoors and out, inviting the landscape to become part of everyday living. His goal isn’t simply to design a beautiful home. It’s to create one that feels as though it has always belonged there.
Monte encourages homeowners to bring architect and contractor together from the outset, believing open communication and collaboration produce the best results.
He remains involved from the first sketches through construction, making site visits and working alongside builders to ensure the original design intent is faithfully carried through to completion.
When clients request interior design services, Cian joins the project, bringing her background in interior architecture to create interiors that complement Monte’s architectural vision.
Today, Van Tassel Design has projects underway from the Highlands?Cashiers Plateau to Asheville, Greenville, Cedar Mountain, The Ramble at Biltmore Forest, and
The Cliffs communities. For Monte, the reward isn’t simply designing beautiful homes. It’s working with clients to understand how they live, what matters most to them, and how to marry that vision with the land where their home will be built.
“We really enjoy taking a client’s vision and turning that into a built reality,” he says. “It’s really a fun process to help clients realize a dream and build a home that is timeless, fits their lifestyle, and is something they can love for years and years to come.”
Van Tassel Architecture can be reached at vantasseldesign.com or by phone at (828) 606?8847.
Issue: September 2026The Cashiers?Highlands Humane Society proudly announces that former Assistant Shelter Manager Jodi Henkel has been promoted to the new position of Assistant Executive Director.Jodi is the second?longest?tenured staff member at CHHS, celebrating her 13th anniversary with the animal welfare organization in 2026. She will be reporting directly to Executive Director David Stroud, who is marking his 14th anniversary with CHHS this year.Jodi began her career at CHHS in 2013 as a part?time kennel technician...
Issue: September 2026
The Cashiers?Highlands Humane Society proudly announces that former Assistant Shelter Manager Jodi Henkel has been promoted to the new position of Assistant Executive Director.
Jodi is the second?longest?tenured staff member at CHHS, celebrating her 13th anniversary with the animal welfare organization in 2026. She will be reporting directly to Executive Director David Stroud, who is marking his 14th anniversary with CHHS this year.
Jodi began her career at CHHS in 2013 as a part?time kennel technician while starting her junior year at Western Carolina University. Upon graduation in 2015, she joined the humane society team full?time.
For the past decade, Jodi has been responsible for scheduling and supervising the Animal Care Specialists on the staff, coordinating the volunteer program, and being personally involved in animal welfare efforts – not the least of which is serving as a state?certified rabies vaccinator.
In 2019, Jodi envisioned, developed and directed the humane society’s greatest community outreach program – the immensely popular humane education summer camp for children called Critter Camp.
Let me just say, I am incredibly proud of all that Jodi has done in the past 13 years for not just the animals at our shelter, but for the animals in our community. Jodi is a leader who consistently strives for excellence, has tremendous passion for our humane society, and she has the biggest heart for the most vulnerable – animals and children. This promotion is hard?earned and most definitely well?deserved.
In her new role, Jodi will continue to direct the summer Critter Camp program and will have supervisory responsibility for shelter staff including all Animal Care Specialists, the Animal Care Manager and the Shelter Manager. Jodi will also assume new administrative tasks and will serve as an additional liaison with Stroud to the humane society’s Board of Directors.
“Over the past 13 years, CHHS has evolved into something far greater to me than merely a workplace – it has become my second home,” she says. “It is here that I met my beloved canine companion, Abby (pictured), and where I have the privilege of sharing my passion for animals with my son.
“I am extremely grateful and thrilled to accept this new position with CHHS. Exciting opportunities lie ahead for the humane society and our community, and I am eager to play an active role in bringing our vision to life.”
Established in 1987, Cashiers?Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non?profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one?and?a?half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Our no?kill shelter is open Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. For more information, visit us online at chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743?5752. Tax?deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.
828-676-2939
