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 Allison-Deaver House 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 Pisgah Forest, 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 Davidson River Recreational Area 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 The Pavilion Restaurant & Corner Bar or visit Forest Heritage Byway, 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 Pisgah Forest, 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 Pisgah Forest, 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 Pisgah Forest, 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.
Two large wildfires in Western North Carolina have continued to grow over the past several days, with both now exceeding 800 acres and at containment levels of 10% or less.April 18 news releases from the U.S. Forest Service provided updates on the wildfires, which are burning in Pisgah National Forest land in McDowell County and Nantaha...
Two large wildfires in Western North Carolina have continued to grow over the past several days, with both now exceeding 800 acres and at containment levels of 10% or less.
April 18 news releases from the U.S. Forest Service provided updates on the wildfires, which are burning in Pisgah National Forest land in McDowell County and Nantahala National Forest land near Robbinsville. The news releases noted that both wildfires have grown since last reports, with firefighters and rangers working daily to contain and control the blazes.
Here's what we know on the Bee Rock Creek and Haoe Lead fires in Pisgah and Nantahala national forests as of Friday, April 18.
Two large wildfires are currently burning in WNC:
See our interactive wildfire map for WNC and the region. It is updated hourly and provides information on the fires.
The April 18 news release from the Forest Service warned that the Bee Rock Creek Fire, which is burning in steep terrain and storm debris in McDowell County, has grown to 856 acres with 10% containment. This marks significant growth since April 17, when reports showed the fire at 504 acres with 10% containment.
On April 17, helicopters dropped water to slow fire growth in support of firefighters working on the ground. There are currently 180 personnel working to suppress the fire and stop the spread, including the U.S. and N.C. forest services, McDowell County and Woodlawn Fire Department.
Firefighters on April 18 were focused on preparing and protecting homes in Wild Acres and Roses Road as well as the Armstrong State Fish Hatchery, near where the fire is burning. Crews have cut brush and blown leaves away from structures, and will be mopping up along Armstrong Creek Road, extinguishing hotspots to secure containment lines.
Crews are also prepping the Blue Ridge Parkway as a potential containment line by removing debris left behind by Tropical Storm Helene.
McDowell County Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order for residences on Wild Acres Road off of N.C. 226 A. A live evacuation map is available.
The Haoe Lead Fire, burning within the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness on the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest, was measured at 1,010 acres with 0% containment according to an April 18 news release from the U.S. Forest Service. This marks growth from an April 16 update from the Citizen Times that reported the fire was at around 800 acres with 0% containment.
On April 17, fire personnel strengthened containment lines further on the southern portion of the fire near the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop. Opportunities were explored to engage the fire near State Road 1127. Firefighters on April 18 continued to focus efforts on southern and eastern portions of the fire, with potential strategic firing operations occurring along a portion of Maple Springs Overlook Road to reduce unburned fuel near the road.
There are no evacuation orders in place at this time.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
(This story has been updated to correct Skyterra's ranking.)Three Western North Carolina locations were recognized in a health and wellness themed roundup of USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice lists.10BEST Readers' Choice lists are chosen by voters across the country who choose favorites among locations nominated by an expert panel. So far this year, WNC has been recognized for ...
(This story has been updated to correct Skyterra's ranking.)
Three Western North Carolina locations were recognized in a health and wellness themed roundup of USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice lists.
10BEST Readers' Choice lists are chosen by voters across the country who choose favorites among locations nominated by an expert panel. So far this year, WNC has been recognized for river and lake locations, outdoor adventures, road trip options and more.
Now, the region is being recognized as a hotspot for health and relaxation, with several WNC meditation centers and wellness retreats on this year's lists. Here's what readers and experts loved about three WNC locations, plus the full lists and more.
The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone was included on two different 10BEST lists, at No. 4 for Best Wellness Retreat Centers and No. 2 for Best Meditation Centers. The center has a long history on 10BEST lists, having received recognition every year since 2016.
10BEST writers loved the center's "transformative itineraries," with regular meditation retreats, fresh vegetarian fare, holistic spa services, Ayurvedic wellness programs and more. It's location surrounded by 380 acres of forests and trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains was also a plus for writers.
The Art of Living Retreat Center is located at 639 Whispering Hills Road, Boone, NC 28607. Visit the center's website at artoflivingretreatcenter.org.
Skyterra Wellness Retreat, located in Pisgah Forest, came in at No. 2 on the 10BEST list of best wellness centers. Skyterra is also no stranger to 10BEST recognition, with yearly recognitions spanning back to 2018.
Skyterra's sense of intimacy, exclusivity and individualization in experiences was praised in its list entry. Writers appreciated small classes which allow for personalized attention - the resort hosts no more than 35 guests at a time - which allows guests to "set aside the worries of day-to-day life and focus on health and well-being."
Skyterra Wellness Retreat is located at 75 Skyterra Way, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768. Visit the retreat's website at skyterrawellness.com.
Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville came in at No. 8 on the 10BEST list of wellness retreat centers in 2025. It previously received recognition as a runner up in 2024 and came in at No. 8 for the first time in 2023.
The property's accommodations, ranging from lofts to an entire manor, were highly praised on the list, as well as the entire grounds. Writers mentioned meditating, fishing, trail walks, massages and exploration of the 85 acres of riverfront pastures and farmland as some of the best of the Horse Shoe Farm's offerings.
The Horse Shoe Farm is located at 155 Horse Shoe Farm Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791. Visit the farm's website at thehorseshoefarm.com.
The full list of best wellness retreat centers in the U.S.:
The full list of best meditation centers in the U.S.:
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
Two Chapel Hill high school students are reflecting on a survival story that turned an end-of-year camping trip into a near-death experience.CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two Chapel Hill high school students are reflecting on a survival story that turned an end-of-year camping trip into a near-death experience.Last week, 17-year-old Zain Shah and 18-year-old Kevin Foley, both seniors at Chapel Hill High School, were fishing in the Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina when their buddy trip nearly took a deadly turn....
Two Chapel Hill high school students are reflecting on a survival story that turned an end-of-year camping trip into a near-death experience.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two Chapel Hill high school students are reflecting on a survival story that turned an end-of-year camping trip into a near-death experience.
Last week, 17-year-old Zain Shah and 18-year-old Kevin Foley, both seniors at Chapel Hill High School, were fishing in the Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina when their buddy trip nearly took a deadly turn.
As the two walked up the side of a riverbank to find a better spot to fly fish, Shah felt a "prick" above his ankle, looking down to find a timber rattlesnake coiled beneath the log they had just crossed, and a bite mark on his lower leg.
"I was scared, I was terrified," Shah said.
In an instant, the classmates found themselves in a life-or-death situation. Shah said he immediately understood the serious nature of the bite, photographing the snake in case first responders needed to know which antivenom to administer. The teenagers were about two miles from their car, in a remote part of the woods with limited cell service.
"When it happened, I was like super scared because I thought that we were so far out that, like, there's not that much I can do. So I was just trying to keep him calm," Foley said.
Fortunately, Kevin was able to reach 911 and an operator stayed on the line with him for nearly two hours, instructing him to wrap Shah's wound in a towel while first responders could get to them. About two hours later -- members of the NCHART, or North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team -- a specialized unit that includes North Carolina National Guard members-- flew a Blackhawk helicopter into the forest to airlift Shah out.
The snakebite victim credits Foley, NCHART, the 911 operator and all the local first responders with saving his life and preventing a tragedy.
"I'm just so grateful to everyone because, I mean, they saved my life," he said.
Two helicopter rides later, Shah was administered multiple rounds of antivenom in a Tennessee hospital, where he stayed for the next three days. Both teens are now back home in Chapel Hill, and Shah says he feels more or less himself while continuing to receive precautionary blood draws.
On Saturday, both seniors will walk at their graduation from Chapel Hill High School, saying the day will be that much more special after the ordeal they went through together.
"I feel just so grateful to be alive, honestly," Shah said.
A high school student fishing in North Carolina’s mountainous Pisgah National Forest found himself in a dangerous predicament when he was bitten by a large rattlesnake — more than 2 miles from the nearest road, the family says.Zain Shah, 17, identified himself as the bite victim, and he believes his June 14 graduation from Chapel Hill High wouldn’t be happening had N.C. Emergency Management not mounted...
A high school student fishing in North Carolina’s mountainous Pisgah National Forest found himself in a dangerous predicament when he was bitten by a large rattlesnake — more than 2 miles from the nearest road, the family says.
Zain Shah, 17, identified himself as the bite victim, and he believes his June 14 graduation from Chapel Hill High wouldn’t be happening had N.C. Emergency Management not mounted a multi-agency rescue that included the N.C. National Guard, the Charlotte Fire Department and Helo-Aquatic Search & Rescue.
“What started as a fun end-of-high-school fishing trip for my son and his buddy in the ... NC mountains turned deadly when he was bitten by a timber rattlesnake deep in the woods,” the teen’s father, Imran Shah, wrote on the N.C. Emergency Management Facebook page.
“I’m beyond grateful for the incredible (rescuers) who got to them in the middle of nowhere and saved his life! ... We are forever in your debt.”
The bite happened around 5 p.m. Monday, June 2, along the banks of Lost Cove Creek, and ended with the teen being flown by helicopter to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, Zain Shah told McClatchy News in a phone interview.
Zain Shah and fishing buddy Kevin Foley, 18, came with a plan to fish until dark and then camp for the night, he says. The remote 500,000-acre forest, about a 100-mile drive northwest from Charlotte, is home to “mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes,” according to the U.S. Forest Service.
“Once we got there and fished a bit, we started wading up river and went completely off the trail, wading back and forth along the river and fishing,” Zain Shah says.
“At the point where we were about to turn back, I stepped over log and as my foot landed, I felt a prick. It was painless. I looked down and see a rattlesnake sitting there. I think: ‘No way that just happened.’ But I rolled down my sock and see two red dots and blood coming out. I knew it was potentially deadly.”
He could not get cell service, but Foley’s phone worked, and they quickly called 911 and were told it was too dangerous for them to try walking back to their vehicle, Zain Shah says.
Timber rattlesnakes reach up to 7 feet (the average is 5 feet) and the venom is “potent enough to kill a human,” the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute reports. Among the symptoms are “an involuntary quivering of muscles,” internal bleeding and difficulty breathing, the National Library of Medicine says.
Zain Shah says it wasn’t long before his body began to tingle, followed by the feeling of his skin being pricked by pins and needles. There were also hints he was going into shock, he says.
It was roughly two hours later that Zain Shah was hoisted up to a Black Hawk helicopter with the help of Avery County first responders.
Once in a hospital, Zain Shah says his muted reaction to the venom hinted it may have been a “dry bite” with little or no venom. However, blood work done at 4 a.m. Tuesday revealed dangerous changes in his system could lead to uncontrolled bleeding, he says.
Twelve vials of antivenom were administered over three days in the hospital, he says. Shah says he photographed the “mean looking” snake so doctors could more easily identify the type of venom.
Dozens of people need to be thanked, he says, including the 911 operator who stayed on the phone with him for two hours, and particularly his fishing buddy, Kevin Foley, who served as a field nurse until Avery County EMTs arrived. Foley will also graduate from Chapel Hill High on June 14, Zain Shah says.
“All of them saved my life. I wouldn’t be here without the help of so many people,” Zain Shah says. “I have ventured alone into the mountains before, but I’ll never do that again. The buddy system only from now on, but this will not keep me from going back out there.”
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