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 Hot Springs, 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.
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 Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs, 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 Hot Springs, 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.
Gov. Josh Stein urges tourists to visit Hot Springs, where businesses are rebuilding nearly 10 months after Helene’s devastation.HOT SPRINGS, N.C. — Flooding from Hurricane Helene slammed parts of the region last September, including in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Some businesses are still closed after the tropical storm.Hot Springs Resort and Spa has been open for more than 200 years."The waters have a lot of the same character...
Gov. Josh Stein urges tourists to visit Hot Springs, where businesses are rebuilding nearly 10 months after Helene’s devastation.
HOT SPRINGS, N.C. — Flooding from Hurricane Helene slammed parts of the region last September, including in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Some businesses are still closed after the tropical storm.
Hot Springs Resort and Spa has been open for more than 200 years.
"The waters have a lot of the same characteristics as Epsom salts, a little more zinc, a little more magnesium," Melanie Rice, the resort manager, said. "The water is very relaxing, very buoyant, and is very healing for all kinds of maladies."
During this time, it's had its fair share of significant weather events, including a flood in 1916. Most recently, Helene slammed the small town and the resort.
"We ended up losing 12 out of 16 tubs," Rice said. "We lost 21 out of 23 accommodations and we're having to remediate over 100 campsites. So it was very devastating. We're right on the river and the whole, and basically the whole property was covered in water."
This means revenue also took a hit, keeping the resort and spa out of business for months.
Rice said they reopened on Feb. 14 with four tubs and have since rebuilt eight, but the timing hurt their business because they missed their busiest season—October through December—resulting in a major loss in annual guest numbers. And recently, the business was hurt by the I-40 closing.
"We are missing our tourists," she said. "We are able to host tourists and anyone who wants to come through. It's been difficult because the traffic through from I-40 closing and stuff like that, but we are ready to host the town really needs the money."
That's why business owners are asking people to come support them.
"Tourism has been very down this year," Rice said. "Luckily, we have our friends in eastern Tennessee who love us so much and, through word of mouth, have really stepped up to come and soak."
The resort is running a special in July to get more people through the doors. Rice said customers can get $10 off their soak by saying "welcome back" when booking an appointment.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein visited the area and wants other people to come out and do the same.
"You can come here and have a wonderful time," Stein said. "When you're doing that, you're helping out local commerce, you're helping out those businesses."
Stein said during his visit to western North Carolina, he's seen a lot of resilience. He praised the community’s resilience, noting how business owners cleaned out heavy storm damage and reopened within months, showing a strong commitment to both their businesses and the community.
Even in the wake of destruction, the community has come together.
"People who didn't get along before are getting along now," Rice said. "We have all come to understand that during a tragedy like this, taking hands and acting like a community has been one of the things that has made the rebuild possible."
Stein said at least three Hot Springs businesses received small business grants to help out after the flooding with the help of the nonprofit, Dogwood Health Trust. He said the state needs more programs like that to help others.
HOT SPRINGS, N.C. (WLOS) — Governor Josh Stein continued his western North Carolina tourism campaign with a visit to the town of Hot Springs on Thursday, July 17.In downtown Hot Springs, only about four businesses are open. One of those is Vinyl Pies Pizza.“Everything is destroyed, everything is gone,” server Mark Eule told News 13. “We don’t have any business. Nobody wants to get off the road.”Their store sustained five feet of water when the French Broad River rose 24 feet during Hur...
HOT SPRINGS, N.C. (WLOS) — Governor Josh Stein continued his western North Carolina tourism campaign with a visit to the town of Hot Springs on Thursday, July 17.
In downtown Hot Springs, only about four businesses are open. One of those is Vinyl Pies Pizza.
“Everything is destroyed, everything is gone,” server Mark Eule told News 13. “We don’t have any business. Nobody wants to get off the road.”
Their store sustained five feet of water when the French Broad River rose 24 feet during Hurricane Helene.
“It was basically just a mess everywhere,” said Eule.
They are open now for customers. On Thursday afternoon, one of those customers was the governor.
"What we want is for the rest of North Carolina to understand that Western North Carolina is open for business," said Stein. "The toughness, the resilience of the people. These folks had three feet of mud in their businesses, and they were out here mucking it out."
In each store he stopped by, Stein made a purchase. Inside Gentry Hardware, the owner expressed her gratitude to the governor.
“I think he’s doing a great job as far as trying to get federal funding,” said Jeanne Gentry. “He’s doing the best he can.”
Gentry says she is hoping to finally open her doors to the public soon.
“We’re here and we hope that hopefully in the next few months we’ll be able to get that front door open,” she said. “We still have a little way to go – not just Gentry Hardware, but the town itself."
Stein's visit is part of the state's new tourism initiative, "Rediscover the Unforgettable," which kicked off at the official reopening of Chimney Rock State Park in June. The goal of the initiative is to market the region as reopened and ready for business.
Stein is spending this week visiting areas throughout western North Carolina to promote tourism and travel.
When Hurricane Helene barreled into western North Carolina last September, the 600-person town of Hot Springs braced for the worst. Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, the town is known more for its natural beauty than its infrastructure. With a single power line delivering electricity to the entire community and no backup generator, residents expected the storm’s damage would leave them in the dark for weeks.But that didn’t happen.Instead, a first-of-its-kind solar microgrid developed by Duke Energy stepped in, ...
When Hurricane Helene barreled into western North Carolina last September, the 600-person town of Hot Springs braced for the worst. Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, the town is known more for its natural beauty than its infrastructure. With a single power line delivering electricity to the entire community and no backup generator, residents expected the storm’s damage would leave them in the dark for weeks.
But that didn’t happen.
Instead, a first-of-its-kind solar microgrid developed by Duke Energy stepped in, dramatically reducing what could have been a multi-week power outage to just a few days.
A community powered by the sun
Installed in 2023, the Hot Springs microgrid consists of a 2-megawatt solar array and a 4.4-megawatt battery storage system designed to supply emergency electricity in case the town’s primary substation fails.
That’s exactly what happened on September 27. The Marshall substation that powers Hot Springs was nearly destroyed by flooding from Hurricane Helene. Repairs would take weeks. But on October 2, just five days after the storm, the microgrid isolated itself from the main grid and began providing power to Hot Springs. It kept the downtown core running continuously and served much of the rest of the town during daylight hours until power was fully restored on October 8.
It was a breakthrough moment. As towns across the region struggled with outages, Hot Springs demonstrated how clean, renewable power could not only reduce emissions but also protect lives and livelihoods.
Local leadership, long-term vision
Mayor Abigail Norton supported the microgrid from the beginning, even when some residents were skeptical. “Residents knew the microgrid was here. But it had only delivered power once,” she said. “Now, I think people are glad it’s here.”
The town’s geographic isolation made traditional grid upgrades impractical. Running a second distribution line through mountainous, wooded terrain would have been costly and environmentally disruptive. Fossil fuel generators weren’t a viable solution, either.
That’s where Duke’s solar and battery system filled a critical gap: delivering reliable, emissions-free backup power from a “black start” situation, when no other energy sources were online.
What’s at stake without clean energy support
The Hot Springs microgrid didn’t appear out of nowhere. It was the result of years of collaboration between Duke Energy, the Energy Innovation Task Force and regional advocates like Ned Doyle, who championed the integration of battery storage and renewables into the regional grid.
It also benefited from the growing national support for clean energy through energy tax credits and funding incentives, including those in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These incentives help lower the cost of installing cutting-edge technology like the solar-plus-storage system in Hot Springs.
But now, that support is in jeopardy. The future of these tax credits—and the innovative projects they make possible—is uncertain.
The concern is real. Duke Energy has already begun testing similar microgrids in other areas, including fire stations, military bases and emergency centers. These projects depend on the same tax structures and incentives that helped Hot Springs weather the storm.
“If these incentives go away, the pipeline of future projects dries up,” said Doyle. “The Hot Springs model works—and we’re just getting started. But we can’t do this without stable federal support.”
A model for the country
The success of the Hot Springs microgrid is already inspiring interest from utilities and municipalities nationwide. In an era of increasingly intense storms, rural communities are especially vulnerable and especially in need of solutions like this.
For Mayor Norton, the next big test will be during winter storms. “We want it to work when there is an outage during cold weather,” she said. “That will be key.”
But one thing is already clear: clean energy isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions. It’s about keeping the lights on, supporting economic recovery and ensuring resilience for small towns like Hot Springs, which are too often left behind.
Summer brings visitors to Western North Carolina in droves. It's no wonder the region dominates entries on a new list of the most scenic towns in the state.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.The publication has given attention to WNC many times, including ...
Summer brings visitors to Western North Carolina in droves. It's no wonder the region dominates entries on a new list of the most scenic towns in the state.
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.
The publication has given attention to WNC many times, including coolest towns for summer vacations, most beautiful drives and strangest attractions this year alone. A new list, honoring nine towns as the most scenic in N.C., includes almost exclusively areas located right here in WNC.
Here's what writers say about the WNC towns, plus the whole list of N.C. towns.
"Blowing Rock is a mountain town that feels painted into the landscape," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "Perched along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the town offers endless views across the sweeping valleys below."
Writers also appreciate the following in Blowing Rock:
"Bryson City offers one of the most immersive nature experiences in North Carolina," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "Just steps from the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town is surrounded by thick forests, misty ridges, and the ever-changing drama of the mountains."
Writers also appreciate the following in Bryson City:
"Highlands feels like it’s floating above the rest of the world," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "At over 4,000 feet in elevation, the town is surrounded by towering peaks, lush hardwood forests, and cascading waterfalls."
Like Bryson City, WorldAtlas writers appreciate the closeness of Highlands to the Nantahala National Forest. Writers also appreciate the following:
"Lake Lure is a place where water and mountains meet in a gentle embrace," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge foothills, the lake itself gleams like a mirror beneath the North Carolina sun."
Much like recent recognition on a USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice list, WorldAtlas includes Lake Lure on the list despite the severe damage the area suffered during Tropical Storm Helene. Acknowledging that the lake and well-known Flowering Bridge remain closed, writers appreciate the following in Lake Lure:
"Saluda feels like a mountain tale come to life - tucked neatly into the forested ridges and perched just above the breathtaking Green River Gorge," WorldAtlas writers say about the town.
Writers also appreciate the following in Saluda:
"Banner Elk is a quiet mountain haven surrounded by some of North Carolina's tallest peaks," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "The air here is crisp, and the sky feels slightly closer."
Writers also appreciate the following in Banner Elk:
"This little town is in the unspoiled wilderness of the Pisgah National Forest, and it’s one of the only places in North Carolina where the Appalachian Trail runs directly through town," WorldAtlas writers say about the town. "Plenty of trails wind through fern-carpeted woods, past ancient boulders and clear mountain streams."
Though Hot Springs was another area that took serious blows at the hands of Helene, writers appreciate the following about the town:
The full list of WorldAtlas's picks for the state's nine most scenic towns:
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
JUNE 20, 2025 - Troopers ramp up patrols amid a partial closure of I-40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. (Photo: WLOS Staff)HOT SPRINGS, N.C. (WLOS) — Residents and longtime business owners in Hot Springs, North Carolina are feeling the impact of tens of thousands of drivers coming through the town while I-40 is repaired after...
JUNE 20, 2025 - Troopers ramp up patrols amid a partial closure of I-40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
HOT SPRINGS, N.C. (WLOS) — Residents and longtime business owners in Hot Springs, North Carolina are feeling the impact of tens of thousands of drivers coming through the town while I-40 is repaired after a rockslide at the Tennessee line.
Aaron Gosnell is the longtime owner of Tobacco Road, a specialty store in Hot Springs. His store is located where 18-wheelers have to navigate into town and often turn wide into his business’s parking lot.
While the truckers may turn, Gosnell said the volume of traffic is keeping his regulars away.
"It’s become exceptionally difficult to get into the parking lot with the traffic,” said Gosnell.
“It’s just dead. We’re a specialty store for craft beers and wines so if you’re coming to me you know exactly what you want. It makes it difficult for people to get here.”
“We’ve had it bad before, but not this bad,” said Rodney McCall owner of Hot Springs Rafting.
McCall said he’s focused on building his business back on the French Broad after Helene flooded the town and the community. He’s aware of the traffic volume but wants to remain positive and said for him the business impact has been minimal.
McCall said he takes extra time to get to and from the French Broad River for guest outings.
“We have to leave earlier and hopefully miss it (traffic) in the evening," McCall said.
The front desk is taking reservations, but some customers with booked appointments are calling to tell the front desk they could be hours late because of the traffic.
General manager Heather Hicks said some have cancelled only because they don’t want to deal with the I-40 detour traffic.
She said the volume is also a challenge for crews downtown who are working to repair a compromised sewer system after Helene.
“It’s really slowing down a lot of construction that folks are trying to do on Bridge Street,” said Hicks. “It’s not helping the case that Western North Carolina is open and accessible.”
Hicks has worked at the resort for 19 years. The staff take pride in the property and are determined to rebuild and bring it back to the business it was before the storm.
For Hicks, the I-40 traffic is temporary and local business owners are looking at the long game to prosper in the coming years as the town rebuilds.
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