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 Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center 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 Swannanoa, 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 Charles D Owen Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Loott House or visit Charles D Owen Park, 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 Swannanoa, 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 Swannanoa, 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 Swannanoa, 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.
SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-87), who represents Caldwell and Watauga counties, visited Swannanoa Friday to observe the town's cleanup from Hurricane Helene and learn where recovery funding is being spent.Hall said the North Carolina General Assembly is considering another half-billion dollars in Helene aid, but questions remain for leaders on why millions of dollars in approved funds have not been sent to some counties.Leaders in Henderson, Buncombe and Madison counties confirmed t...
SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-87), who represents Caldwell and Watauga counties, visited Swannanoa Friday to observe the town's cleanup from Hurricane Helene and learn where recovery funding is being spent.
Hall said the North Carolina General Assembly is considering another half-billion dollars in Helene aid, but questions remain for leaders on why millions of dollars in approved funds have not been sent to some counties.
Leaders in Henderson, Buncombe and Madison counties confirmed to News 13 that while some state funds for loans have been transferred, no direct funds for certain repairs, such as parks and municipal buildings, have come in.
ASHEVILLE TO RECEIVE $225M IN HELENE RECOVERY FUNDS AFTER HUD APPROVES REVISED PLAN
“That’s part of the reason I’m out here today,” said Hall. “What we do at the state legislature is we send money to the executive branch, to state emergency management. And so I’ve heard the same reports about a lot of those dollars not getting to folks. So, I’m going to go out here today and ask the folks myself. I want to see what’s been done.”
County managers in hard-hit counties are the administrators who know what funds have and haven’t come in. Hall said he met with citizens in the area Friday, including Asheville, but had no meetings scheduled with county administrators or managers.
“I’m one person and I can’t be everywhere at once,” said Hall. “So, I’m here today at the Swannanoa Fire Department because this was a hard-hit area. And you may want to ask the governor’s office, state emergency management, why the money is not being sent.”
$680K IN GRANTS AWARDED TO ART BUSINESSES TO HELP ONGOING HELENE RECOVERY
In past reporting, News 13 has questioned Governor Josh Stein on what is causing a lag in funding to counties, but Stein did not provide a clear answer.
The funds are for infrastructure, not for the homes people live in or have lost. Infrastructure includes government building repairs or public areas damaged or destroyed by floodwaters.
Buncombe County has received an $8.5 million loan from the state, but a spokeswoman confirms the county has had to front more than $20 million in contracts and payments to continue recovery work and cleanup.
Rod Honeycutt, county manager in Madison County, reports the county has $59 million in costs, with waterway debris clean-up making up approximately $45 million of that need. Debris clean-up in Madison County is covered under a state contract that the county has signed. FEMA dollars are intertwined in the debris clean-up process. Honeycutt said there are about 500 piles of debris in Madison County, with about 89 approved for and cleaned up using FEMA-approved funds.
MAY 7, 2025 - Swannanoa residents are writing postcards to senators, congressmen and top USPS officials to voice their frustrations with USPS and the continued closure of the Swannanoa post office. (Photo: WLOS Staff)SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — A spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has confirmed that five area small-town post offices in Western North Carolina will not reopen in their current locations after Hurricane Helene damage.This includes Marshall, Fleetwood, Micaville, Green Mountain and Swannanoa.In S...
MAY 7, 2025 - Swannanoa residents are writing postcards to senators, congressmen and top USPS officials to voice their frustrations with USPS and the continued closure of the Swannanoa post office. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — A spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has confirmed that five area small-town post offices in Western North Carolina will not reopen in their current locations after Hurricane Helene damage.
This includes Marshall, Fleetwood, Micaville, Green Mountain and Swannanoa.
In Swannanoa, residents and local business owners are building momentum using an online petition and postcard writing to senators, congressmen and top USPS officials to let their discontentment with the current situation be known.
“I’m disappointed by the lack of acknowledgement that we are missing a vital piece of our community,” said Joe Rupp, a Swannanoa business owner.
LOCAL NONPROFIT AIMS TO BRING HEALING TO SWANNANOA WITH HOME RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
“Equal services to everybody that are receiving federal services, which, the post office is one,” said Judi Melton, another Swannanoa business owner.
“We don’t have a post office right now because the storm took it from us,” said Terri Dolan, a Swannanoa resident.
Rupp, Melton and Dolan are all members of the Swannanoa Grass Roots Alliance. They spoke with News 13 about their anger over what they consider the vague statement from Philip Bogenberger, a USPS spokesman, who stated to News 13 the following regarding closed post offices in Western North Carolina:
"If we are unable to reopen a post office at its current location, the [U.S.] Postal Service will consider alternate locations nearby to resume operations. Any search for a new location would need to follow the USPS relocation process, which includes a public notification and public comment period. A new location also must be suitable for operational needs, not only now but in the future.”
“Alternate location – What does that mean?” said Dan Slagle, a Swannanoa resident and former postal worker at the Swannanoa post office. “I’m hoping it means an alternate location here in Swannanoa, not what they call a 'nearby location.'"
TRUMP'S 100 DAYS: MIXED REVIEWS FROM WNC ON HELENE RECOVERY
The closed post office is located in the commercial strip owned by Ingles, where the grocery store remains closed.
The post office has notices taped to the front door stating the site is dangerous and can’t be entered safely. It also directs customers to use the USPS post office in North Asheville off Merrimon Avenue.
Judi Melton, who owns a mortgage company in Swannanoa, says she has to drive 13 miles to that office to do any shipping or receiving of packages.
“As a business owner, it’s hard for me,” said Melton. “I have a notice on my door today that I need to pick up a package, so I need to close my business [for] over an hour.”
"So far, we’ve been able to resume operations at 10 of the 21 post offices that were damaged during Hurricane Helene," Bogenberger said via email.
But, Bogenberger wouldn’t specifically say if Swannanoa will get a post office again.
TRUMP PLEDGES SUPPORT TO WNC RESIDENTS, CRITICIZES FEDERAL RESPONSE IN SWANNANOA VISIT
“The postal service wasn’t designed to be a money-making system,” said Jeff Fager, who lives and operates a business with his wife in Swannanoa. “I feel that’s where it’s gone to.”
“Swannanoa deserves this service,” said Tissica Schoch, a Swannanoa resident. “We’ve lost so much already. We desperately need this back. We need our postal employees back in their home. We miss them.”
Terri Dolan said she remembers what President Donald Trump said when he came to visit Swannanoa post-Helene:
“I promised I'd come back to Western North Carolina to help the people and the state, and today, here I am to deliver on that promise,” said President Trump, standing in Swannanoa with Helene survivors who lost their homes. “We’re going to get the resources you need and the support you deserve. We'll be by your side, every step of the rebuilding.”
“President Trump came here and promised to help us out,” said Dolan. “We don’t have a post office right now, and that’s in the hands of the federal government.”
“I agree with her,” said Stave Senn, a Swannanoa business owner. “There was a lot said, and we’re not seeing anything.”
Swannanoa Fire & Rescue crews are battling wildfires fueled by Hurricane Helene debris as recovery efforts continue in western North Carolina.SWANNANOA, N.C. — Months after Hurricane Helene swept through the western North Carolina town of Swannanoa, the community is continuing to recover. Now, the area is facing a new threat: wildfires.The small town just east of Ashev...
Swannanoa Fire & Rescue crews are battling wildfires fueled by Hurricane Helene debris as recovery efforts continue in western North Carolina.
SWANNANOA, N.C. — Months after Hurricane Helene swept through the western North Carolina town of Swannanoa, the community is continuing to recover. Now, the area is facing a new threat: wildfires.
The small town just east of Asheville took a direct hit from the storm in September. Since then, toppled trees and other debris have created dangerous conditions during the region’s wildfire season.
“We’re seeing little bits of progress, but yet it’s also disheartening,” said Swannanoa Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Larry Pierson. “It’s hard for us to watch a building being torn down that has been here since we’ve been born.”
Pierson has served the department for 36 years. He says his love of weather has played a key role in preparing for disasters like Helene.
“I’m a weather nut," Pierson smiled. "When I saw what was coming, we knew it was going to be bad. Of course, no one knew exactly how bad, but we started preparing."
Despite their preparation, the hurricane left roads impassable for hours after it made landfall.
“Our saying for the first few hours of that was we couldn’t get anywhere from anywhere,” Pierson said. “Every road had trees, landslides, bridges out.”
Seven months later, recovery efforts are ongoing while wildfire season has intensified concerns. Pierson says fallen limbs and trunks from the storm are creating excess fuel, which could make fires more dangerous over time.
“There's some areas in the district you can look and when you look it looks like about 90% of the trees in the forest are on the ground...I see fuel for a forest fire," Pierson explained. "The more that these fuels and large trees and limbs that are on the ground, within a couple of years, as the fuel moisture decreases, that’s going to be a hotter fuel that’s going to be involved with the fire and fire spread."
Crews are also struggling to build containment lines around fires due to the debris.
“We’ve got to saw through all that stuff,” Pierson detailed. “There’s areas we would put a containment line normally we couldn’t do now by the time the fire would reach to us, so we’re having to go back farther away from the fire to begin fire line construction or it’s going to take larger equipment to even put that line in.”
As the department works to battle blazes, Pierson says his community "is more on edge."
"They're still so nervous from Helene," Pierson said. "They were in an area where they saw some of the worst flooding and people on roofs and people screaming, and then you look on the news and see the threat of wildfire round two and the term ‘evacuation’ is coming up a lot from people on concerns about, 'Should I evacuate?"
The department isn't only concerned about hurricanes increasing the area's wildfire risk - it's also worried about the financial consequences.
“We are concerned about the building loss,” Pierson said. “We already know that it’s going to have an impact on our budget because we operate on fire tax revenue, sales tax revenue, homestead exemptions, and some other smaller fees. But once buildings are lost, that means we also lost fire tax revenue. And the county lost sales tax revenue because the business isn’t selling anything now.”
When he's not helping with recovery efforts or fighting wildfires, Pierson has another project: documenting what happened on Sept. 27, 2024. The story is not just for current response teams, he said, but for future generations of emergency responders.
“I’m going to be packaging that for immediate use into improving our planning and our operations, but I have to think about responders that are going to be here in 50 years that aren’t going to be emotionally connected because they weren’t born yet,” he explained. “I’m going to have to give them a package that shows just how to prepare for things like this and the impacts of not just the rescues that were done during swift water rescue to using large machines to get through trees and mudslides, but this disaster recovery process.”
He added that long-term education will be key.
“If someone already knows it’s not an overnight thing and it’s not a week or two that things are going to be fixed, it’s a long-term process, it’s going to be education that’s really going to be useful for them,” he said.
Pierson said he hopes the community will receive grant funding to support fuel reduction efforts to clear fallen trees while still protecting the area’s natural habitat.
"I would like to see some grant money or federal, something come in to help what we refer to as fuel reduction programs," Pierson said. "We would take money from any place that would send us money to help with the problem, but we would rely heavily on the support from the North Carolina Forest Service who are the experts in wildfire in North Carolina."
Pierson says other federal agencies like the US Forest Service might also help out. Regardless of which agency the money comes from, Pierson says his community needs the assistance.
"The more money that could help the staff people to do more of that - to do the fuel reduction programs, fire education and prevention stuff for folks. It's going to be really needed," Pierson shared.
To learn more about how the western North Carolina community is recovering from the storm, you can watch 96 Hours in Asheville: The Recovery.
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