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

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

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

Home Care In Waynesville, NC

Home Care Waynesville, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Boone-Withers House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Waynesville, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Waynesville, NC

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Nancy G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”

Carolyn S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Ashley S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”

Jodi R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”

Randall P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Tiffany B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”

Jessica
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”

Stephanie Y.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”

Kandice S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”

Barbara D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”

Randall P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”

Kathryn M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”

Joanne G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”

Joe W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”

Lisa C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”

Roger M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”

Bob N.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”

Bob N.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”

Jennifer H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We were blown away and continue to be by the quality of service and care that the team of ALWAYS BEST CARE provides our family. My parents were moving from out of state and were in immediate need of in-home care. Melisa was wonderful! She was able to help us line up the intake paperwork, clinical assessment and a caregiver within 24 hours of my parents’ arrival in to their new home. Millie and Bethany are tremendous support as their clinical nurse team with a very thorough assessment of both parents. Mary is their care coordinator and was very helpful with finding the perfect caregivers and coordinate the right schedule for my parents . Melisa, Nicole, Jennifer and Janet are also a tremendous asset as they handle and place the caregivers! Jim Smeaton, their owner should be proud of his company! We highly recommend them!”

Katherine K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“ABC in Fletcher has an amazing team, and they made a huge difference for myself and my mother. We had them as in-home caregivers for 10 months. They are responsible, flexible and just a solid group with whom to work. I could reach them by phone immediately almost every time I needed to contact them. They handled billing and insurance claims and kept the caregiver plans absolutely up-to-date. As well as the regular RN visits. Jan, Mary and Melissa rock in addition to our caregivers. My only reason for not giving five stars has to do with the systemic challenge of finding enough caregivers. And in our case, caregivers who are proficient with Parkinson’s patients.”

Jennie G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“After Many years of retirement from critical care nursing I have found the perfect employment enabling me to to care for others. Working with the staff at Always Best Care has been such a blessing and I love my clients that I work with.”

Kathryn W.

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

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

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

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Waynesville, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Waynesville, NC

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Waynesville, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

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

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Vance Street Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

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

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Chef's Table or visit Francis Grist Mill, 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.

 In-Home Care Waynesville, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Waynesville, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

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

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

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

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Waynesville, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Waynesville, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Waynesville, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Waynesville, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

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

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Haywood Lodge & Retirement Centers
  • Autumn Care of Waynesville
  • Skyland Terrace and Rehabilitation
  • McCracken Rest Home
  • Richland Community Care
  • Chestnut Park Retirement Center
Home Care Waynesville, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Waynesville, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Waynesville, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Waynesville, NC

Latest News in Waynesville, NC

These Western North Carolina Communities Are Open and Need Your Patronage This Fall

Travel“Above all, your presence shows that the outside world cares”October 23, 2024It’s been nearly a month since Hurricane Helene’s torrent of water, mud, and wind reshaped the Western North Carolina landscape, leaving behind unprecedented devastation. Some communities, including Swannanoa, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and Asheville’s River Arts District and Biltmore Village, are months and years from any return to normalcy. But today, a growing number of towns in the region, especially ...

Travel

“Above all, your presence shows that the outside world cares”

October 23, 2024

It’s been nearly a month since Hurricane Helene’s torrent of water, mud, and wind reshaped the Western North Carolina landscape, leaving behind unprecedented devastation. Some communities, including Swannanoa, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and Asheville’s River Arts District and Biltmore Village, are months and years from any return to normalcy. But today, a growing number of towns in the region, especially those at higher elevations (like Highlands, Cashiers, and Blowing Rock) and lower elevations (like Bryson City and Murphy, which are located southwest of Buncombe County and were spared the worst of Helene’s wrath), are open and asking travelers to “visit thoughtfully,” especially as fall returns.

In a typical year, a slight chill in the air would signal a massive influx of visitors—and money—to the area. According to the tourism pros at Visit North Carolina, fall travel to the mountain region generates around $2.1 billion in spending. “Missing that income and engagement can be devastating to our local, family-owned businesses,” says Annie Colquitt, co-owner of Maggie Valley’s Cataloochee Ranch and the Swag in Waynesville, both now open. So if you’re looking for a seasonal escape and a way to do some good with your dollar, consider traveling to a Western North Carolina community that is equipped to welcome visitors. These resilient mountain towns are deeply interconnected, and supporting one creates a ripple effect that reaches even those destinations that aren’t prepared to host travelers (yet).

Here’s how you can responsibly travel to and within the recovering region.

The unique geography of Western North Carolina—a maze of rivers and streams, hollers and valleys, mountaintops and ridgelines—meant communities mere miles apart experienced vastly different levels of flooding and storm damage. To help visitors discern which areas should be avoided and which are once again open to tourists, the folks at Visit North Carolina have created an interactive map. Counties and towns are coded red (closed), yellow (open with limitations), and green (open), with links to local websites for more info. “At this point the map is updated hourly,” says Scott Peacock, the marketing director for Visit North Carolina.

“If a town is open…go!,” pleads Jason Reeves, owner of the Outpost Inn in Cashiers and the Highlander Mountain House in Highlands, both of which are welcoming guests. “Your patronage can mean life or death to local small businesses.” Peacock encourages visitors to engage with shop owners, restaurant workers, hotel staffers, and even residents in these areas: “Ask them how you can best contribute to their recovery efforts, whether through donations or even volunteering. Generosity goes a long way, too. Tipping and shopping locally helps sustain these small businesses. Above all, your presence shows that the outside world cares.”

Towns that are currently open include: Andrews, Blowing Rock, Boone, Bryson City, Cashiers, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Dillsboro, Fontana, Franklin, Hayesville, Highlands, Maggie Valley, Murphy, Nanatahala, Robbinsville, Saluda, Sapphire, Scaly Mountain, Sylva, Waynesville, and Weaverville, among others. (See the interactive map for the latest updates.)

Despite the region’s soft reopening, it’s vital to plan ahead and check for closures along your route before hitting the road. “Don’t just plug your destination into Google Maps and go,” Peacock says. While the app will show many of the state road closures, in some cases it has inadvertently directed travelers to unsafe backcountry routes. Instead, Peacock advocates using the map at DriveNC.gov, which provides the most accurate status of roads in the area, including alternate routes around the large blocked sections of I-40 and I-26. Note: As of Tuesday, October 22, the entire North Carolina stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway remained closed.

Small businesses, family-run restaurants, artists, and makers are the economic heartbeat of the region, and they fill storefronts along bustling main streets from Saluda and Hendersonville to Boone and Blowing Rock. Across the region, these thoroughfares have been among the first places to reopen, and the businesses they house have been busy donating manpower, equipment, accommodations, and funds to the ongoing recovery. Now it’s our turn to show them love. “Come start your Christmas shopping early,” says Tracy Brown, executive director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Authority. “But stick to the main hubs. Don’t venture farther out into areas that are still in major cleanup mode.”

“Peak leaf season is special every year, but this one means even more,” says Reeves, who expects fall color around Highlands and Cashiers to crest in the next two weeks or so. But there are big elevation swings in the southwestern portion of Western North Carolina, and at lower altitudes towards the Smokies, the leaves are just beginning to change, and peak leaf peeping season should run well into November. Bookmark this link for weekly color reports.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is open to visitors. The majority of the park is situated far enough west that it avoided the worst of Helene’s damage, though areas around Cataloochee Valley, Big Creek, and Balsam Mountain remain closed. To the east, swaths of the Nantahala National Forest are open for exploration, and the folks at Bryson City’s acclaimed Nantahala Outdoor Center are once again able to get paddlers out on the Nantahala River. In ski country, Beech Mountain Ski Resort is preparing to kick off their winter season as usual on Friday, November 29.

The city continues to make slow progress towards recovery and is beginning to reopen in stages and small pockets, including areas around downtown, but many neighborhoods and surrounding communities have a much longer road to recovery. To that end, the team at Explore Asheville has launched the Love Asheville From Afar website, “a centralized space where people can buy local products, purchase gift cards, and make direct donations to area businesses,” says Explore Asheville CEO Vic Isley.

Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin is a Garden & Gun contributing editor and a full-time freelance writer covering hospitality and travel, arts and culture, and design. An obsessive reader and a wannabe baker, she recently left Nashville to return home to Charleston, South Carolina, where she lives with her husband, their twins, and an irrepressible golden retriever.

I-40 between North Carolina, Tennessee indefinitely closed, NCDOT says

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WSMV) - Travel between Tennessee and North Carolina will be difficult in the short and long term as crews rebuild interstates and roads heavily damaged by flooding from Helene in late September.The North Carolina Department of Transportation reports that Interstate 40 near the Tennessee state line (from Mile Marker 0-20) will be closed indefinitely. NCDOT reports that I-40 is closed in both directions for 43 miles between Exit 432 in Tennessee and Exit 20 in North Carolina.The Oct. 2025 date listed on NCDOT&r...

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WSMV) - Travel between Tennessee and North Carolina will be difficult in the short and long term as crews rebuild interstates and roads heavily damaged by flooding from Helene in late September.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reports that Interstate 40 near the Tennessee state line (from Mile Marker 0-20) will be closed indefinitely. NCDOT reports that I-40 is closed in both directions for 43 miles between Exit 432 in Tennessee and Exit 20 in North Carolina.

The Oct. 2025 date listed on NCDOT’s website is a mere placeholder until further notice, NCDOT explained to WSMV4.

Interstate 26 near the Tennessee state line is also closed indefinitely, according to NCDOT. The closure is at Mile Marker 3 in both directions — NCDOT says the expected impact is high.

The Oct. 10, 2024, date listed on NCDOT’s website is a mere placeholder until further notice.

NCDOT has also listed some detours after Helene’s impact as access is limited to local and hurricane response traffic.

“You cannot get from North Carolina to TN via I-40 or I-26,” NCDOT warns.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation shares that many roads between East Tennessee and Western North Carolina remain closed due to damage from Helene. All thru traffic should avoid the area.

Thru traffic heading from Tennessee into North Carolina should follow I-81 North to Virginia and take I-77 South to North Carolina, TDOT spokesman Mark Nagi advised. TDOT does not have an estimation as to when either I-40 or I-26 between North Carolina and Tennessee will reopen.

The counties damaged the most by the storm are Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke. The effects the storm had on bridges will have state-wide consequences, according to TDOT. Hundreds of crews continue working throughout the region to make repairs and reopen roadways.

TDOT personnel are assessing damage to 310 bridges across six counties in East Tennessee. Crews removed 58 loads of debris from just one area of I-26 in Unicoi County, according to TDOT.

TDOT estimates the damage left behind by Tropical Storm Helene will cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars to repair, along with months of closures.

Originally, TDOT closed off 13 state bridges that were deemed unsafe for crossing. Seven of those have since reopened, TDOT said. Long-term closures remain in place across the affected counties and some routes will require complete rebuilds, according to TDOT’s report.

The following bridges were destroyed in the storm:

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.

Ravaged by floodwaters, Frog Level Brewing remains resilient

Morgan Crisp. After floodwaters from Hurricane Helene overtook the Historic Frog Level District in downtown Waynesville this past weekend, several business owners are slowly picking up the pieces.For Frog Level Brewing Company on Commerce Street in the heart of the district, the beloved creekside establishment will once again being pouring craft ales today.“We wanted to get the taproom open and that's been the priority and drive so that we can all gather again,” said FLB co-owner Morgan Crisp. “That'...

Morgan Crisp.

After floodwaters from Hurricane Helene overtook the Historic Frog Level District in downtown Waynesville this past weekend, several business owners are slowly picking up the pieces.

For Frog Level Brewing Company on Commerce Street in the heart of the district, the beloved creekside establishment will once again being pouring craft ales today.

“We wanted to get the taproom open and that's been the priority and drive so that we can all gather again,” said FLB co-owner Morgan Crisp. “That's what keeps us fighting.”

Crisp said the brewery will be open during regular hours on Monday, which is 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. To note, the Town of Waynesville will also be enforcing a citywide curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

“We know we’re a gathering place and social hub for our patrons,” Crisp said. “And we have put all of our efforts the last few days in to being able to reopen.”

According to Crisp, the highly-popular beer garden area behind the brewery along Richland Creek “has been destroyed by several feet of deposited mud.” But, the inside taproom “had minimal damage.”

“It will take us many months to recover,” Crisp said. “We've put so much effort the last few years in restoring the creek banks and had so many volunteers and hands helping us and now it feels like we are having to start all over.”

Although Richland Creek has finally retreated back to its normal water level, the damage to Frog Level itself is tremendous. Questions remain over which businesses will survive and rebuild moving forward and what other may not return.

“We still have a lot of damage yet to assess and recognize in our other buildings [in Frog Level],” Crisp said. “And that too is going to take much longer to actualize before we can even begin to tackle clean up.”

But, what does remain, is the hopeful spirit of small business owner and their community coming together amid the wrath of Mother Nature.

“It's heartbreaking, but seeing how the merchants of Frog Level have rallied is inspiring,” Crisp said. “It takes guts to be a business owner anyways, but to have to face this type of challenge and to work as relentlessly as everyone has worked as soon as the waters receded shows the dedication and caliber of merchants that make up Frog Level businesses.”

Disclaimer:

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