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 Hyman Heights-Mount Royal Historic District 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 Hendersonville, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
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 Patton 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 Postero or visit Lennox Park Historic District, 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 Hendersonville, 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 Hendersonville, 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 Hendersonville, 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.
North Carolina is home to plenty of well-known big cities such as Raleigh and Charlotte. A recent piece from WorldAtlas, however, put the spotlight on 12 towns it considered "off the beaten path."Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel. Previou...
North Carolina is home to plenty of well-known big cities such as Raleigh and Charlotte. A recent piece from WorldAtlas, however, put the spotlight on 12 towns it considered "off the beaten path."
Founded in 1994 by cartographer John Moen and his wife, Chris Woolwine-Moen, WorldAtlas publishes educational materials and articles on geography, sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel. Previously, the publication has put out lists on eccentric towns, best main streets, unique traditions and more in N.C. alone.
WorldAtlas writers chose 12 towns with a "unique brand of charm," focusing on close-knit communities, unique cultures and rural atmospheres for escaping the busy city. It may come as no surprise to residents of the region that over half of the 12 chosen towns were located in Western N.C.
Here's what WorldAtlas said about the WNC picks, plus the full list.
Writers appreciated Bryson City for its closeness to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and abundant, beautiful wilderness areas. For visitors, they suggested:
With "indoor and outdoor attractions in equal measure," writers assured tourists that they'll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds in Brevard. They suggested:
WorldAtlas writers called Hendersonville by one of its nicknames, "The City of Four Seasons," and praised it for its variety of options for tourists and beautiful Blue Ridge setting. They suggested:
Writers called Blowing Rock "a small village on the Blue Ridge Parkway," appreciating "stunning landscapes" that encourage outdoor immersion. For tourists, they suggested:
Writers appreciated Morganton's small size - and the many things it contains despite that size, from a lively downtown area to picturesque rural landscapes. They suggested:
Writers also appreciated the beauty of Catawba River Greenway. However, with much of the greenway having been ravaged by Tropical Storm Helene, lending a hand in the cleanup process may be your best bet for visiting the river.
Framed by the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains, it's no wonder Waynesville was another WNC location praised by WorldAtlas for its natural areas. Writers suggested:
Last but not least, writers loved Highlands for its connection to the Nantahala National Forest, including the many waterfalls and hiking options in the area. They suggested:
The full list of WorldAtlas' picks:
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
With three fires in Polk and Henderson counties burning on public and private land, the N.C. Forest Service and county emergency management departments have released a map indicating the size and location of the fires as they've grown in the last two days. The maps also indicate suggested readiness levels for residents.With weather expected to be dry and wind gusts over 30 mph on March 25, there is a high likelihood the fires could grow. Here's what to know.Where are the fires?The largest fires in WNC ar...
With three fires in Polk and Henderson counties burning on public and private land, the N.C. Forest Service and county emergency management departments have released a map indicating the size and location of the fires as they've grown in the last two days. The maps also indicate suggested readiness levels for residents.
With weather expected to be dry and wind gusts over 30 mph on March 25, there is a high likelihood the fires could grow. Here's what to know.
The largest fires in WNC are located in Polk and Henderson counties. The two larger fires, the Deep Woods Fire and the Black Cove Fire, are located in the Green River Gorge and nestled in a valleyed stretch of the area typically known for tubing and kayaking in the summer months.
As of the latest March 24 update from the N.C. Forest Service, the Black Cove Fire spans 2,813 acres and is at 0% containment. The Deep Woods Fire is at 2,742 acres and is at 0% containment.
Another fire, the Fish Hook Fire, is at 199 acres and 69% containment, the N.C. Forest Service estimates.
Henderson County Emergency Management, Polk County Emergency Management and the N.C. Forest Service have released maps of the three fires, indicating that the Black Cove fire had hopped over the Green River, spreading to the west ridge of Cove Mountain. N.C. Forest Service spokesperson E. J. Dwigans confirmed the fire had hopped the river in two spots in Polk County. The fire moved toward Cove Creek on March 24, according to the N.C. Forest Service's update.
Henderson County Emergency Management map includes indications of whether an area has been evacuated and how prepared residents should be to evacuate if the fire spreads to their community. Suggestions for those in green areas include considering a plan if evacuation becomes necessary. Those in yellow areas, have a "high probability" of a need to evacuate, meaning they should pack necessary items and prepare family and pets for potential departure. Those in red areas have been issued evacuation orders.
An interactive map of all wildfires in WNC and in Upstate South Carolina is available on the Citizen Times website.
As of the latest March 24 update, 263 personnel from North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Oregon, South Dakota and California are working to stop and slow the spread of the fire and protect structures. On March 23, Polk County Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge called fighting the fire amid complications from Tropical Storm Helene a "nightmare."
In response to the Black Cove Fire in Polk County, evacuation orders have been issued for residents who live along Lady Slipper Trail, Big Hungry Road, Spurgeon Cove Lane, English Heifer Cove Road, Deer Trail, Scarlets Mountain Road and Green River Cove Road addresses from 1091-1528. In Henderson County, voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road.
In response to the Deep Woods Fire, evacuation orders have been issued for residents on Fox Paw Lane and from 5079-7265 Holberts Cove Road.
In total, Polk County has issued 165 evacuation orders while Henderson County has issued 29.
Polk County's shelter for wildfire evacuees is located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus. Henderson County's emergency shelter is located at 708 South Grove Street, Hendersonville.
This story will be updated.
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at [email protected].
MARCH 11, 2025 - An open sign in a local Hendersonville business. (WLOS)9HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — After more than five months since Helene wrecked through the mountains, many areas like Downtown Hendersonville are still struggling to see a return of visitors.Daryl and Lisa Waldrop own and operate four businesses downtown: Pisgah Forest Gem Mine & Gifts, LazyOne, BigFoot Ammo Store and Fins on Fifth.Longtime resident, Daryl said Hendersonville has always been a good family place to do business. This ...
MARCH 11, 2025 - An open sign in a local Hendersonville business. (WLOS)
9
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — After more than five months since Helene wrecked through the mountains, many areas like Downtown Hendersonville are still struggling to see a return of visitors.
Daryl and Lisa Waldrop own and operate four businesses downtown: Pisgah Forest Gem Mine & Gifts, LazyOne, BigFoot Ammo Store and Fins on Fifth.
Longtime resident, Daryl said Hendersonville has always been a good family place to do business. This was until Helene hit, which completely changed their business experience.
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“It was hard because yes, you’re open and you need people to come in and the people who have lost their homes need to work so that they have money to get going again,” Lisa said.
People were just not coming to the area, the reality right after Helene's destruction.
“They felt like the whole area was just like washed away,” Lisa said.
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Now, nearing the six-month mark since Helene, both said the lack of tourism is something they’re still heavily dealing with.
“And everybody’s still dealing with it, it’s been a long process, it’s something we’ve never had to experience before thankfully,” Daryl said.
Daryl said that they’re down 70% to 80% in foot traffic and in January and February alone they hardly saw anyone on the street.
While they’re starting to see a bit more foot traffic, Daryl said most of it is local. Lisa said it's challenging when all of their businesses thrive off of tourism.
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“I would say about 80% of our business is tourism, we get a lot of day trippers, overnight trippers coming into the area and that’s what the majority of downtown Hendersonville business is,” Lisa said.
That’s been far from the case the last few months, Lisa said between last January and this January they’re down 40% to 50% in revenue.
Losing that amount of revenue is hard especially when they have employees who depend on them, and they’re trying to balance saving payroll but not losing their employees.
“You want to keep their hours up, but you’ve got to have tourism coming in to keep their hours up,” Lisa said.
Right now, both Daryl and Lisa are working a lot of hours to try and save money where they can.
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They’ve spent a lot of time wondering if their businesses will see another day.
“It’s not just us, it’s a lot of people down here who are at the edge of what we can bear,” Daryl said.
He said if it wasn’t for the graciousness of the owners of their buildings giving them leeway when it comes to rent, they wouldn’t be here today.
Both are determined not to give up hope and continue to stay optimistic.
“The Lord’s the one who gives you your strength, He’s the one who gives you your peace, He’s the one who gives you your hope and you know that God is in control,” Lisa said.
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They want to remind the public that there are places like Downtown Hendersonville that were not damaged by the flood but need business.
“Everything you want to do is here, you won’t shortchange your vacation, you won’t mess it up, you won’t not have fun, you’ll have a lot of fun in Downtown Hendersonville,” Lisa said.
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Both are looking ahead to spring and are hopeful a surge in tourism will come with the change in weather.
A set of three wildfires in Western North Carolina have ballooned to cover over 5,750 acres. Local county governments have maintained evacuation orders for residents in response as weather conditions are expected to be dry and windy later into the week of March 24.The Black Cove Fire and the Deep Woods Fire grew on March 24. Collectively, the two fires span 5,500 acres in Polk and Henderson counties. Forward progress of the Fish Hook Fire, near Lake Adger, has been halted.There are 263 personnel from across the c...
A set of three wildfires in Western North Carolina have ballooned to cover over 5,750 acres. Local county governments have maintained evacuation orders for residents in response as weather conditions are expected to be dry and windy later into the week of March 24.
The Black Cove Fire and the Deep Woods Fire grew on March 24. Collectively, the two fires span 5,500 acres in Polk and Henderson counties. Forward progress of the Fish Hook Fire, near Lake Adger, has been halted.
There are 263 personnel from across the country helping fight the fire, according to a news release from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Clay Chaney said wind gusts upward of 30 mph are expected on March 25. Gusts are expected to be higher on ridge tops, he said. Lower wind speeds are expected on March 27. With relatively low humidity throughout the rest of the week, the weather service is not calling for rain until Sunday, March 30.
In response to the Black Cove Fire in Polk County, evacuation orders have been issued for residents that live along Lady Slipper Trail, Big Hungry Road, Spurgeon Cove Lane, English Heifer Cove Road, Deer Trail, Scarlets Mountain Road and Green River Cove Road addresses from 1091-1528. In Henderson County, voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for Laurel Mountain View Road and Boulder View Road.
In response to the Deep Woods Fire, evacuation orders have been issued for residents on Fox Paw Lane and from 5079-7265 Holberts Cove Road.
In total, Polk County has issued 165 evacuation orders while Henderson County has issued 29.
The fire response effort has been hindered by regional impacts from Tropical Storm Helene, as debris remains in forests and some roads are still difficult to navigate after flooding and landslides. On March 23, Polk County Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge called it a "nightmare."
The latest N.C. Forest Service update, issued after 5 p.m., sets the following acreage and containment:
The two larger fires are burning on state-owned and private land in the Green River Gorge through steep terrain, officials said. The morning of March 22, the Black Cove Fire had burned into a section of N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission game land all the way to the Green River. N.C. Forest Service personnel assessed the area on March 23, and found one home destroyed, two structures damaged and one outbuilding destroyed from the fire, which first ignited from a downed power line.
Polk County's shelter for wildfire evacuees is located at 75 Carmel Lane in Columbus.
Henderson County opened an emergency shelter at the county Parks & Recreation Athletics and Activity Center on March 23. The shelter address is 708 South Grove Street, Hendersonville, N.C. 28792.
Residents in multiple counties can expect smoky conditions, with the wildfires impacting the region's air quality. Code Orange alerts from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality have extended to Henderson, Transylvania and Rutherford counties through midnight on March 24. Older adults, children and those with heart or lung disease may experience health effects.
Firefighters are working to build control lines on both sides of the river to prevent fire spread into neighborhoods and inhabited areas to the west of the fire, the N.C. Forest Service said in the release.
Polk County remains under a Code Red alert for air quality. Code Red means prolonged exposure to the air may be unhealthy for anyone. All residents should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Anyone sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults and people with asthma, should avoid outdoor exertion.
This story will be updated.
Citizen Times public safety reporter Ryley Ober contributing.
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at [email protected]. Consider supporting this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
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48°
Partly Cloudy
Day 66° • Night 43°
Watch: Homes Surrounded By Floodwaters In Mississippi
Feels Like42°
7:16 am
7:51 pm
High / Low
--/43°
Wind
15 mph
Humidity
85%
Dew Point
43°
Pressure
29.92 in
UV Index
0 of 11
Visibility
10 mi
Moon Phase
Waxing Crescent
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