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.
Hope is blooming again in Asheville, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene tore through the east coast last September, devastating the region. But now, nearly seven months later, a sea of 10,000 colorful tulips shipped from the Netherlands have sprung up in nearby Swannanoa's ...
Hope is blooming again in Asheville, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene tore through the east coast last September, devastating the region. But now, nearly seven months later, a sea of 10,000 colorful tulips shipped from the Netherlands have sprung up in nearby Swannanoa's Grovemont Park, which served as a mutual aid station during the recovery.
The community, located about 10 miles from Asheville, is still dealing with storm debris and damage, as well as housing insecurity and unemployment, spurred on by the natural disaster, according to Blue Ridge Public Radio.
So tulip wholesaler Marco Rozenbroek, who grew up in the Dutch town Anna Paulowna and has lived in Swannanoa for eight years, reached out to his friends at European flower bulb company DutchGrown, asking if they could assist with recovery effort. Instead of just sending a few boxes, they sent nearly 10,000 bulbs directly from the Netherlands, replacing the land that was covered in flood waters last fall with blooms of yellow, purple, pink, and white.
“Flowers give hope,” Rozenbroek said in a release shared with Travel + Leisure. “Planting a bulb is believing in tomorrow.”
The homegrown project has been one of bonding for the community, which has worked together to map out the flower beds, including a heart-shaped one. It’s just one result of the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance, which formed out of the devastation, bringing together resources and working together to strengthen the region.
“Living in Swannanoa is like living in two worlds,” local resident Clare Duplace told Blue Ridge Public Radio. “Every day you're seeing the devastation … but then you come to a space like this and you see all these flowers and the rocks placed so beautifully and it makes this space feel like a coming home. It's really beautiful.”
How to Travel to Asheville and Give BackThe area welcomes visitors looking to give back through voluntourism recovery projects, with PubCorps working on service projects in the Black Mountain area, while All Hands and Hearts has a call out with an urgent need for volunteers on the ground through this year. For those who would like to help Asheville’s recovery efforts from afar, Explore Asheville has set up the Always Asheville Fund.
Swannanoa isn’t the only Asheville community that’s finding renewal in the spring season.
As for recovery, more than 75 percent of the area’s hospitality businesses have reopened, meaning visitors can returning to cruising down the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 300 miles, including 11 miles in Asheville, as well as hiking more than 100 miles of trails in Pisgah National Forest and exploring the area’s biodiversity at WNC Nature Center.
SWANNANOA - “Miserable," "aggravation" and a sense the community “deserves better” and "deserves answers." These are some of the feelings Swannanoa residents have since the community's only grocery store closed in late September after Tropical Storm Helene.The store's closure means some trips to get fresh produce and food can now take well over an hour in travel time, residents told the Citizen Times, while local nonprofits and the county government have been working to fill in the gap. Witho...
SWANNANOA - “Miserable," "aggravation" and a sense the community “deserves better” and "deserves answers." These are some of the feelings Swannanoa residents have since the community's only grocery store closed in late September after Tropical Storm Helene.
The store's closure means some trips to get fresh produce and food can now take well over an hour in travel time, residents told the Citizen Times, while local nonprofits and the county government have been working to fill in the gap. Without clear communication over the building's future, Swannanoa residents are frustrated as they look for food elsewhere. Some have limited access to fresh groceries.
Bounty & Soul, a Swannanoa-based nonprofit focused on providing fresh foods to those facing food insecurity, has seen a 280% increase in food distribution, now serving around 34,000 people a month, according to Executive Director Ali Casparian.
“With the Ingles closed, there is no grocery store within eight to 10 miles,” Casparian said. “Certainly, the need for food has been an issue for residents.”
A 2019 analysis from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates 353 areas in the state fall under the federal definition of a “food desert," meaning they are more than 1 urban mile or 10 rural miles away from the closest grocery store. Some examples of food deserts include areas of Southside in downtown Asheville, the West Asheville unincorporated community of Emma and most of the town of Woodfin.
Areas of Swannanoa are likely now a food desert. For some residents along Bee Tree Road, one of the most storm-impacted areas in Buncombe County, the closest grocery store might be up to 11 miles away.
Maureen Berner, a professor at UNC’s School of Government who studies food deserts, said two major factors regarding food deserts include access and transportation. Natural disasters put pressure on both.
“It’s particularly important when you have something like the hurricane or national disaster which does away with the main distribution point and there's not a capacity to set something up new,” Berner said. “It's sort of like: What do you do?”
For many residents, they might try to get to the closest Ingles or a similar store. The drive is about 13 minutes to the Black Mountain Ingles from Swannanoa, but depending on the starting point, a short trip can turn into 45 minutes.
Many low-income residents might not have cars, Berner noted, and need to ride the bus, further limiting travel. The Asheville to Swannanoa to Black Mountain route, the only one that runs to the Black Mountain Ingles only runs once every two hours.
“Not only do you have to wait on the buses, you are limited in terms of how much you can buy and what you can buy,” Berner said. Financial options for delivery services might not be available as some residents might not be able to afford additional surcharges, Berner said.
Ingles Chief Financial Officer Pat Jackson told the Citizen Times April 9 the company is “working on plans” for the Swannanoa Ingles. Still, she had no clear answers on when or how the building will return.
Ingles still has stores closed in Morganton and Spruce Pine. The company lost an estimated $35 million in property and inventory during Helene and $55 million to $65 million in revenue in the three-week period immediately after the storm, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Unfortunately, we do not have an official start date at this time,” Jackson told the Citizen Times via email. Jackson did not respond to further requests for comment or provide a timeline for reopening.
Buncombe County Commissioner and Swannanoa-native Jennifer Horton has also been frustrated by the lack of communication from Ingles.
She took to Facebook the week of April 7 stating she would file a letter to the company seeking clarity for the future of the property, which also includes Swannanoa’s U.S. Postal Service building. Residents have had to make a 30-minute trip to the Merrimon Avenue post office since Helene. The letter has received the support of other commissioners, she said.
“So far, there has been no clear communication from Ingles about whether or when these services will return, and, quite frankly, our community deserves better than silence,” Horton told the Citizen Times.
County staff have also not been given any timeline for the building’s repair, county spokesperson Lillian Govus told the Citizen Times April 10, despite the company obtaining the requisite permits to rebuild.
Bounty & Soul offers fresh produce at 10 weekly pop-up markets around the region, with half in the Swannanoa Valley.
“There is so much uncertainty,” Casparian said. “And then you put on top of that Helene and then you put on top of that Swannanoa where there is no grocery store and we’re seeing a great need.”
On April 9, the nonprofit held a sunny afternoon market at the former Swannanoa United Methodist Church where residents came out in droves to pick up fresh potatoes, cabbage and dry goods. The line snaked around the church building and down a staircase to where the nonprofit runs support services.
“The nonprofits are kind of carrying the weight of food security in Swannanoa,” Casparian said. “We’re happy to do it. It just takes money. It takes resources.”
Swannanoa resident Kevin Franklin came out of Bounty & Soul’s market with a dozen eggs and a bag overflowing with produce and dry goods.
Franklin, who said he was without reliable transportation, uses a moped to get around. Groceries are packed into a milk crate on the back. If he wanted to travel to Ingles in Black Mountain it’s typically a “30-35 minute drive,” a little slower than most along U.S. 70 given the bike’s speed limits.
“Getting to Black Mountain or Asheville is not the most fun,” Franklin said of traveling out to get groceries. It was his second trip to a Bounty & Soul market, but without the Swannanoa Ingles, food access has “definitely been a little tough.”
Buncombe County launched its own monthly market in Swannanoa to help support food services, directly attributing the closure of the Ingles and continued impacts from Helene to its establishment. The first market was April 7 at Asheville Christian Academy and supplies ran out within an hour.
Amy van Gorder, a mom of four who lives near Owen Park, said her primary grocery store was the Swannanoa Ingles because of its proximity to her children’s school, W.D. Williams Elementary, and their extra-curricular activities.
“It is miserable,” van Gorder said of not having the Swannanoa Ingles open six months after Helene.
“It makes life so much harder,” van Gorder said. “It does. Battling the traffic on either side, Black Mountain or Oteen because it’s so far out of the way for us, convenience-wise. All our sports are this direction, but not in the realm of going to the Black Mountain Ingles.”
For more information on Bounty & Soul's weekly markets visit https://bountyandsoul.org.
Another food pantry is available through Swannanoa Communities Together at 2121 U.S. 70 in Swannanoa, open 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Karrigan Monk is the Swannanoa Valley communities reporter for Black Mountain News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at [email protected] or message will_hofmann.1 on Signal. Consider supporting this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
FILE - The intersection near Tunnel and Swannanoa River Roads in Asheville, N.C. that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene. (Photo: WLOS Staff)ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A vital road in Asheville is set to reopen after a six-month closure due to extensive damages caused by Hurricane Helene.Swannanoa River Road is expected to reopen on the afternoon of Friday, April 4, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). This reopening will restore an essential link between Biltmore Avenue and Bleachery B...
FILE - The intersection near Tunnel and Swannanoa River Roads in Asheville, N.C. that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A vital road in Asheville is set to reopen after a six-month closure due to extensive damages caused by Hurricane Helene.
Swannanoa River Road is expected to reopen on the afternoon of Friday, April 4, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). This reopening will restore an essential link between Biltmore Avenue and Bleachery Boulevard.
"The reopening of this intersection will help not only businesses, and commuters on I-240 and I-40, but all the citizens of Western North Carolina," said Paul Roberts, an NCDOT Maintenance Engineer for Buncombe County.
GALLERY: DRONE FOOTAGE SHOWS DEVASTATING SWANNANOA RIVER FLOODING AFTER HURRICANE HELENE
Helene's path of destruction in Asheville on Sept. 27, 2024, left catastrophic damage on Swannanoa River Road. Debris was scattered everywhere and shipping containers were partially submerged in the river below the road's bridge. Large overturned slabs of concrete were also left along the roadway, making Swannanoa River Road one of the hardest-hit areas in the city.
Crews from the City of Asheville, Army Corps of Engineers, Buncombe County and utility providers and their contractors worked to complete this restoration.
"As a whole, it's going to bring a lot of good to the area. We're proud of the hard work that's gone on the last six months," Roberts said.
The project involved repairing, rebuilding and reconstructing nearly the entire three-mile stretch from Biltmore Avenue to Tunnel Road. A section from Fairview Road to Tunnel Road, however, reopened in January.
"The traffic is going to be heavier than normal — it hasn't been used in six months. So, we're going to see a lot of attraction coming here. They're not using the detour routes that they were using before," Roberts said. "Be mindful of other vehicles. Keep a safe distance because there’s going to be a lot of traffic on this roadway. Just be careful."
PORTION OF SWANNANOA RIVER ROAD REOPENS AFTER MAJOR REPAIRS FOLLOWING HELENE
NCDOT's Buncombe County crews and contractors rebuilt the road base and shoulders and installed new guardrails. New lane markings and a signal system have also been installed.
The reopening of Swannanoa River Road will reconnect several nearby neighborhoods with other parts of the city.
"Traffic has been bad in both directions," said Mackenzie Thomas, a North Carolina driver. "Having this open clears the way for less traffic — everyone that I know is very excited about it reopening."
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