It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Sylva, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sylva, 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 Sylva, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sylva, 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.
Autumn Richards said she and five of her family members, including her six-year-old granddaughter, were all inside their home on Chickadee Lane when a tree fell on the home on July 31, 2025, trapping them all. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)SYLVA, N.C. (WLOS) — A Sylva woman is sharing her story after a massive tree came crashing down on her home during a powerful thunderstorm Thursday afternoon.That woman, Autumn Richards, said she and five of her family members, including her six-year-old granddaughter, were all inside their...
Autumn Richards said she and five of her family members, including her six-year-old granddaughter, were all inside their home on Chickadee Lane when a tree fell on the home on July 31, 2025, trapping them all. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
SYLVA, N.C. (WLOS) — A Sylva woman is sharing her story after a massive tree came crashing down on her home during a powerful thunderstorm Thursday afternoon.
That woman, Autumn Richards, said she and five of her family members, including her six-year-old granddaughter, were all inside their home on Chickadee Lane when it happened.
Richards explained that they were all in separate parts of the home when the tree came down.
“I felt it in the floor and the lights flickered twice. Then a loud crash. I thought the whole house was gone. I came running out, screaming for my granddaughter and just the trees were there. Water was pouring in, it was dark. There was glass everywhere,” Richards said.
Adrenaline was pumping as family members called out to each other from inside. Within just a few minutes, Richards said everyone inside was accounted for.
The nightmare didn’t end there. The family realized the tree damage trapped them all inside.
After Richards said the family called out for help, the fire department got to the scene and freed them all.
“We were stuck in there until the fire department got here and cut us out. Cut the trees out of the way, both entrances were blocked by the trees and there was water and stuff just pouring down on us. We were worried that there was a fire,” Richards said.
Firefighters told the woman that the home is a total loss. Now, almost everything to her name is gone.
“We’re homeless now,” Richards said.
Despite that, she said she has a lot to be thankful for because no one was hurt.
“There's always a silver lining ‘cause God is good. He watches over us,” Richards said.
There's a GoFundMe to help Richards and her family with everything they lost. You can click here to donate.
The storm that hit northern Jackson County around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday towered to over 50,000 feet in height, chief meteorologist Jason Boyer adds.
Boyer said it wasn't considered a severe thunderstorm, so the National Weather Service didn't send out a warning. However, 40 to 50 mph wind gusts are enough to knock down trees, especially weak ones.
However, the peak of blueberry season in the state is generally considered to be late June through August, with the harvest extending into early September, particularly here in the western part of the state.While June is designated as the official month, the actual picking season can vary based on location and specific varieties, but it generally aligns with the summer months.Our blueberry season typically begins in early to mid-May and continues through July, with different varieties ripening at different times.Highbush...
However, the peak of blueberry season in the state is generally considered to be late June through August, with the harvest extending into early September, particularly here in the western part of the state.
While June is designated as the official month, the actual picking season can vary based on location and specific varieties, but it generally aligns with the summer months.
Our blueberry season typically begins in early to mid-May and continues through July, with different varieties ripening at different times.
Highbush blueberries ripen from mid-May to late June.
Rabbiteye blueberries ripen from mid-June to mid-August.
Here in Western North Carolina, depending on your elevation, you can receive the benefits of both worlds! Grow your own, or visit a Blueberry U-Pick farm near you!
Growing blueberries can be a rewarding experience. Here are some key points for aspiring blueberry growers:
Site selection and soil
Choose a well-drained site in full sun with an open, porous soil, avoiding heavy clay soils (Good luck with that!) or low, frost-prone areas. Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0. It’s crucial to have your soil tested to determine the pH and adjust it accordingly before planting.
If the pH is too high, you can apply wettable sulfur (90 percent) or incorporate acidifying organic matter like peat moss, pine bark, or aged sawdust. You can find soil test “kits” at most NCCE offices.
In Jackson and Swain Counties we attach the forms, the sample boxes and fact “cheat sheets” on taking the samples and understanding the analysis report. We also have them at the local libraries for you to pick up when you visit!
Choose the right variety
Select the appropriate blueberry species and cultivars for your specific soil type and location. While down in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions, both highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and rabbiteye (V. virgatum, also known as V. ashei) blueberries can be grown we tend to lean toward highbush varieties as they are generally recommended for elevations above 2,500 feet here in western N.C. due to their better winter cold hardiness.
Rabbiteye blueberries are easier to establish - seriously almost as tough as a weed plant - and thrive in drier soils due to their heat and drought tolerance. Watch the weather! Apparently things are ‘a changin’, including our temperature profiles!
The N.C. State Extension notes that more than one rabbiteye variety needs to be planted for effective cross-pollination and maximum yields. Sociable folks, these rabbiteyes!
Planting and establishment
Plant dormant bushes in late winter (February-March) in raised beds or rows. The plants need good internal soil drainage and we tend to have a lot of clay. Good for the pH requirements, but can create internal drainage issues. At planting, prune back approximately two-thirds of the top growth on bare-root plants and one-half on containerized plants, leaving only one to three vigorous shoots.
The roots need to be able to supply the demand of the canopy growth or we’ve got an unhappy, stressed out plant. Stress makes all of us vulnerable to problems and predators!
Remove flower buds in the first year to encourage establishment and growth.
Provide adequate water, as irrigation is essential for establishment and survival. Adequate watering has a nutrient transport role, and also a chemical “choreography” role to keep the plants’ systems groovin’ to the music of growing. Don’t forget about the competition either. Maintain a weed- and grass-free area around the plants. I wouldn’t trade my shuffle hoe for anything. Just MAGIC.
Ongoing care
Apply a 3-4-inch deep surface mulch (such as pine bark, pine needles, or wood chips) to help control weeds and maintain soil moisture. Fertilize according to soil test recommendations after the first leaves have fully developed, using caution as blueberries are sensitive to excessive fertilizer. Don’t give them too much lovin’!
Pruning is essential for maintaining plant health and productivity and is best done in winter. Blueberries need adequate moisture, especially during fruit development. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient watering.
Blueberry season here typically begins in early to mid-May and continues through July, with different varieties ripening at different times - of course depending on the environmental triggers like temperatures, etc.
There’s a long window to enjoy fresh, local blueberries in North Carolina, with peak harvest often occurring towards the middle of June. There is always something to be grateful for. You can celebrate blueberry month by visiting farms, farmers markets and enjoying the berries in recipes throughout this period.
If you’re not into growing your own blueberries visit some of our hardworking, bountiful blueberry farms that have U-Pick operations for a great day of family fun!
Swing by Caney Fork Blueberry Patch at 5955 Caney Fork Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723 or Thomas Berry Farm at Medallion Dr, Cullowhee, NC 28723. The aptly named A Blueberry Farm is at 25 Water Tower Lane, Whittier, NC 28789. Phone: 497-7253. Please tell these folks I said “Hey.” They’re good folks, and a pleasure to work with.
Former Jackson County Emergency Services Director Todd Dillard, 61, was let go by the county last week.Michael Forbis remains the county fire marshal while serving as interim emergency management director, according to County Manager Kevin King.The decision was not made during closed session of the commission meeting last Tuesday. No decisions were made in closed session, Board Chair Mark Letson said. NonethelessThe move was at the direction of the commissioners, King said.“Under North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat....
Former Jackson County Emergency Services Director Todd Dillard, 61, was let go by the county last week.
Michael Forbis remains the county fire marshal while serving as interim emergency management director, according to County Manager Kevin King.
The decision was not made during closed session of the commission meeting last Tuesday. No decisions were made in closed session, Board Chair Mark Letson said. NonethelessThe move was at the direction of the commissioners, King said.
“Under North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-82), the County Manager, with the approval and direction of the Board of Commissioners, may hire or fire employees of the county,” County Attorney John Kubis said. “Approval is required for hiring and appointment of department directors. After appointment, the county manager may suspend or remove a department head with input from the board. The board does not take a vote for termination.”
No official announcement was made, as the matter was about personnel, he said.
Dillard worked in emergency services his entire adult life.
His father was a charter member of the Cashiers Fire Department. Two days before reaching the mandatory age of 18, Dillard joined, too. Since then, he’s spent his working days in emergency management in one fashion or another.
He served for 11 years as the EMS technician with the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad. He was also a member of the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department. He was appointed Jackson County fire marshal in 2003 and took move to emergency management director in 2006.
In 2016 Dillard received the Colonel Philip Nicholas Waters Award, presented annually to a local emergency management director who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in their emergency management program.
The county is looking to fill the position soon. Dillard worked Tuesday, Aug. 19 and the job was posted Aug. 21.
“The application process will be open until Sept. 19 and then interviews will be conducted,” King said.
The job is listed in the employment opportunities on the county’s website. It pays $62,552.72 - $82,572.86 annually, depending on experience.
While a bachelor’s degree is preferred, an equivalent combination of education and experience will suffice. A high school diploma or equivalent with 10 years directly related experience or an associate’s degree and five to 10 years directly related experience, or a bachelor’s degree and two to five years directly related experience. Someone with a master’s degree can have two or fewer years directly related experience.
Applicants must be able to obtain North Carolina Division of Emergency Management Certifications, including North Carolina Executive Emergency Manager, and be able to work a varied work schedule, including nights, holidays and weekends during an emergency situation.
828-676-2939
