abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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.

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Robbinsville, NC

Home Care Robbinsville, NC

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 Robbinsville, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Robbinsville, NC

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“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,”

Lisa K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

James K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”

Joyce P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”

Deavon M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”

Alyssa M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”

Nancy G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Linda L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Carolyn S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”

Ashley S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Jodi R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Randall P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”

Tiffany B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”

Jessica
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Stephanie Y.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kandice S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Barbara D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Randall P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kathryn M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Joanne G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Joe W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Lisa C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Roger M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Bob N.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Bob N.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Jennifer H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Robbinsville, NC?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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.

 Senior Care Robbinsville, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Robbinsville, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Robbinsville, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Robbinsville, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Robbinsville, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Robbinsville, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Robbinsville, NC

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:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Robbinsville, 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.

 Elderly Care Robbinsville, NC

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Robbinsville, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Robbinsville, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Robbinsville, NC

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Robbinsville, NC

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.

Home Care Robbinsville, NC

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.

 In-Home Care Robbinsville, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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 Robbinsville, 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.

 Elderly Care Robbinsville, NC

Latest News in Robbinsville, NC

Firefighters are getting Western NC wildfires under control: What we know as of April 23

After several days of efforts and improved weather conditions, significant progress has been made in containment of the three wildfires burning in Western North Carolina.Two of the fires, burning in McDowell and Swain counties, are at 94% and 100% containment, respectively. The third wildfire in Nantahala National Forest remains at 29% containment, but has reportedly not grown in acreage over the past 24 hours.Here's what else we know about the three wildfires.Western North Carolina wildfiresThree large wildfire...

After several days of efforts and improved weather conditions, significant progress has been made in containment of the three wildfires burning in Western North Carolina.

Two of the fires, burning in McDowell and Swain counties, are at 94% and 100% containment, respectively. The third wildfire in Nantahala National Forest remains at 29% containment, but has reportedly not grown in acreage over the past 24 hours.

Here's what else we know about the three wildfires.

Western North Carolina wildfires

Three large wildfires are currently burning in WNC:

North Carolina wildfire map

See our interactive wildfire map for WNC and the region. It is updated hourly and provides information on the fires.

Bee Rock Creek Fire update; McDowell County, NC wildfires

A final update on the Bee Rock Creek Fire was posted on the U.S. Forest Service's NC Facebook page on April 23. The update said that the fire in McDowell County is currently at 2,085 acres with 94% containment. The quarter inch of rain that fell in the area over 48 hours and further rain expected on Thursday has improved weather conditions to help firefighters contain the area.

The area of the Bee Rock Creek Fire between Armstrong Creek Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed for public safety. Some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are also closed - check the National Park Service website for details before visiting.

McDowell County wildfire evacuations

McDowell County Emergency Management lifted an evacuation order that was in place for residences on Wild Acres Road and Wild Acres Retreat. Residents have been urged to remain cautious and aware of any ongoing firefighting operations in the area.

Haoe Lead Fire update; Robbinsville, NC wildfires

Operations Section Chief Terry Eller gave a brief April 23 update on the Haoe Lead Fire for the Forest Service's NC Facebook page. Eller informed the public that the fire was at 3,103 acres showing 29% containment. Weather conditions have improved, with rain helping to control the fire.

Throughout April 23, crews will continue to monitor the fire perimeter, looking for hotspots and addressing them. There has been no fire growth in the last 24 hours and there are currently no threats to private property.

Sam Davis Road Fire update; Swain County, NC wildfires

The Swain County Emergency Services Facebook page made a final update on the Sam Davis Road Fire around 7:30 a.m. on April 23. The update said that, as of April 22, the fire was 559 acres and 100% contained.

On April 23, crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter to ensure containment within established lines. Objectives remain to keep the fire west of Sam Davis Road, north of Lower Alarka Road, east of Dark Branch Road and south of Potato Hill.

Swain County, NC wildfire evacuations

As of April 21, residents of Dark Branch Road were permitted to return to their homes. Evacuation orders have also been lifted for Big Rocky's Road, Sam Davis Road and Sky Cove Development.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

Western NC wildfire April 22 updates: Containment increases for 3 fires

Efforts to contain several wildfires burning in Western North Carolina are slowly paying off, with two of the three major fires 50% contained or more.News releases from the U.S. Forest Service's NC Facebook page and the Swain County Emergency Management Facebook page provided recent updates on containment efforts for the fires, which are burning in McDowell County, Swain County and Nantahala National Forest.Here's what we know about the Bee Rock Creek, Haoe Lead and Sam Davis Road fires as of the morning of April 21.Wes...

Efforts to contain several wildfires burning in Western North Carolina are slowly paying off, with two of the three major fires 50% contained or more.

News releases from the U.S. Forest Service's NC Facebook page and the Swain County Emergency Management Facebook page provided recent updates on containment efforts for the fires, which are burning in McDowell County, Swain County and Nantahala National Forest.

Here's what we know about the Bee Rock Creek, Haoe Lead and Sam Davis Road fires as of the morning of April 21.

Western North Carolina wildfires

Three large wildfires are currently burning in WNC:

North Carolina wildfire map

See our interactive wildfire map for WNC and the region. It is updated hourly and provides information on the fires.

Bee Rock Creek Fire update; McDowell County, NC wildfires

An April 22 update on the Bee Rock Creek Fire in McDowell County informed the public that, while the fire has grown to 2,085 acres, containment has also increased to 50%. The east and west sides of the fire remain uncontained, but firefighters found little to no heat near fire lines with the use of drones. Crews also worked to repair areas disturbed by suppression activities.

The fire area is predicted to receive about a third of an inch of rain today, and nearly all of the personnel assigned to the fire will demobilize to return home or to other incidents.

The area where the Bee Rock Creek Fire is burning, between Armstrong Creek Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway, has been closed for public and firefighter safety. Some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are also closed. Check the National Park Service website for details before visiting.

McDowell County wildfire evacuations

McDowell County Emergency Management lifted an evacuation order that was in place for residences on Wild Acres Road and Wild Acres Retreat. Residents have been urged to remain cautious and aware of any ongoing firefighting operations in the area.

Haoe Lead Fire update; Robbinsville, NC wildfires

The Haoe Lead Fire burning in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness on the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest had grown to 3,103 acres with 29% containment as of an April 22 news release from the Forest Service.

On April 21, a burnout operation on the south side of the fire between Little Santeetlah Creek and Santeetlah Road (FSR 81) was successful in consuming the burnable vegetation near the established fire lines in this area and securing this portion of the fire. Crews on the ground were supported by two heavy helicopters throughout the day. Precipitation began falling on the fire area late on April 21 and continued throughout the night.

On April 22, precipitation is expected to continue across the fire area, greatly reducing fire activity. Fire crews will patrol roads along and near the fire perimeter throughout the day, mopping up any smoke or heat they encounter. Hoselays near the Memorial Loop remain in place. The public should use caution on all area roads and avoid travel near the fire.

There are no evacuations in effect connected to the Haoe Lead Fire, as it is burning entirely on National Forest System lands. However, parts of the area are closed, including the N.C. portion of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness including the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and non-wilderness lands in the Santeetlah Road (Forest Service Road 81) area.

Most trails in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness remain closed, including Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop (TR 43). Several of these closed trails are sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail. In addition, Santeetlah Road and the Big Santeetlah Creek area are closed to all public use.

Sam Davis Road Fire update; Swain County, NC wildfires

A fire that began on April 18 affecting Sam Davis Road, Gospel Road, Big Rocky’s Road and Dark Branch Road as well as Bobcat Trail grew to 400 acres, but is at 85% containment as of a Swain County Emergency Services post on Facebook April 22.

Crews on April 22 are focusing on providing point protection to homes near a small remaining burnout area while beginning mop-up and rehabilitation work, and efforts continue to patrol the fire perimeter and ensure containment within established lines. Strategic objectives remain to keep the fire west of Sam Davis Road, north of Lower Alarka Road, east of Dark Branch Road and south of Potato Hill.

Swain County, NC wildfire evacuations

As of April 21, residents of Dark Branch Road were permitted to return to their homes. Evacuation orders have also been lifted for Big Rocky's Road, Sam Davis Road and Sky Cove Development.

Swannanoa, NC wildfire

The Swannanoa Fire & Rescue Facebook page posted several updates on Monday, April 21, regarding a wildland fire off of Long Branch in the Bee Tree area. A final update on Monday night stated that fire rescue expected to have 100% containment within 45 minutes of the post.

Western NC weather

McDowell County, NC weather today, April 22 - Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 5 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 74 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. A 30% chance of showers tonight, mainly after 5 a.m. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 56 degrees. Calm wind. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

McDowell County, NC weather April 23 - Chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. High near 77 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. More showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then showers likely. Low around 56 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Robbinsville, NC weather April 22 - Showers likely before 12 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 73 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. A chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, patchy fog after 1 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 56 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Robbinsville, NC weather April 23 - A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. High near 78 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Further showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 2-5 a.m. Low around 55 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Swain County, NC weather April 22 - Showers likely before 12 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 68 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Tonight, a chance of showers before 2 a.m., then a slight chance of showers after 3 a.m. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 55 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Swain County, NC weather April 23 - A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11 a.m. Patchy fog before 10 a.m. High near 73 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. More showers and thunderstorms overnight before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 1-4 a.m. Low around 56 degrees. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

This Western NC town was named one of the best for a weekend visit: Here's why

On a report of nine North Carolina towns worthy of a weekend visit, one Western N.C. town stood out to writers.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 included WNC many times on lists of ...

On a report of nine North Carolina towns worthy of a weekend visit, one Western N.C. town stood out to writers.

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 included WNC many times on lists of eccentric towns, best main streets, unique traditions and more.

On a recent list of N.C.'s best towns for a weekend getaway, one mountain town stood out to WorldAtlas writers. Here's what they said about Robbinsville.

What to do in Robbinsville, NC

WorldAtlas writers called Robbinsville the "perfect solution" for those looking to escape city madness. They praised the area's lakes, rivers and "old-town ambiance," and suggested the following to visitors:

A few of the outdoor options in Robbinsville include:

Weekend trips in NC

The full list of towns ideal for weekend trips from WorldAtlas:

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.