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 Boone-Withers House in Waynesville, NC 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.
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 am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind,”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home,”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved;”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like the caregiver they give us. They always come out once a while to make sure everything is okay.”
“I am a current client of this provider I'd like to see the communication improved. The people they have sent have been pretty good. They make it positive by taking care of my daily needs.”
“such a good environment everyone’s so kind so easy and welcoming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider They need to be better at communication and scheduling. The caregiver is amazing; the issue is with the office staff having high turnover and not being reliable. The caregiver has helped the most by giving my dad transportation to go to places like the grocery store, and she offers companionship.”
“Lindsay was the most helpful and professional individual I have ever worked with. Highly recommended!!”
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Lindsay at Always Best Care. She is kind, compassionate, and truly goes above and beyond to make sure her clients feel comfortable, respected, and well cared for. Her professionalism, patience, and genuine concern for others really stand out. Knowing someone like Lindsay is there gives families real peace of mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider I didn't like different caregivers coming all the time, but we just have one now, and that's good. The days that the caregiver comes are good for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are responsive when I have questions or concerns. I like having one caregiver. I don't know what they could improve on.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency is responsive. I am out and about, and I don't have to be with the client.”
“Lindsay was amazing to work with. She made the whole process so much easier. She went above and beyond to help us.”
“Hiring process is amazingly easy, absolutely friendly environment, they care about what your needs are. Orientation was quick and painless which is always a PLUS in my book! 10/10 recommend if you are looking for that 1st step into the healthcare field without all the extra certifications and such!”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are showing up. We set up a plan of care, and the plan has been executed very nicely.”
“I am a current client of this provider I had a caregiver come to my home, whom I liked very much, and they took her away. Since then, I have had a bunch of different ones come in, but I need one like that caregiver I liked. They do things for me that I can't do for myself anymore.”
“I am a current client of this provider Maybe the selection of employees could be improved; I don't know for sure. Explain to them that you don't need a cell phone at work. I appreciate them letting me stay in touch with them or them staying in touch with me.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very reliable. They provide transportation. They help with anything she needs, depending on the day.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are easy to work with and they are good. They have been great with dealing with her.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are always on time. They have helped me the most with light housekeeping.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
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 Vance Street Park in Waynesville, NC 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
There’s something extra alluring about a mountain town in the fall, and the North Carolina communities of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Lake Junaluska are no exception. Located within Haywood County, the towns are within easy driving distance of each other, so you can visit all of them in a weekend.Waynesville’s annual Church Street Art & Craft Show in early October turns the already charming downtown into an autumnal dream complete with cloggers, bluegrass bands, artisan crafts, and local food. About a week later, t...
There’s something extra alluring about a mountain town in the fall, and the North Carolina communities of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Lake Junaluska are no exception. Located within Haywood County, the towns are within easy driving distance of each other, so you can visit all of them in a weekend.
Waynesville’s annual Church Street Art & Craft Show in early October turns the already charming downtown into an autumnal dream complete with cloggers, bluegrass bands, artisan crafts, and local food. About a week later, the Apple Harvest Festival brings more spirit to Main Street. Around the same time, the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds play host to both the Fall Arts & Crafts Show and the Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival. Even when there are no happenings on the schedule, visiting any of these towns during this time of year feels like a special event.
Elevation greatly affects when the trails and vistas erupt into shades of crimson, orange, and gold, so there’s a wider window than you may think to catch some of the region’s signature color, depending on where you venture. Top places for observing the incredible displays include Waterrock Knob (access the “mile-high” visitor center via the Blue Ridge Parkway, or travel on foot to gain another 450 feet or so of elevation on a 1-mile out-and-back trail) and Graveyard Fields, which has a path that takes you across a stream-filled valley to see two beautiful waterfalls. At the top of Black Balsam Knob, hikers are rewarded with windy but stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains awash in color.
Before the leaves fall and the season’s over, plan a trip to Haywood County’s most memorable locales: Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Lake Junaluska. While you’re there, check out these extra special places to eat, shop, and enjoy the outdoors.
Singletree Heritage Kitchen: Chef Josh Weeks transformed a historic service station just off the main drag into a farm-to-table restaurant focusing on seasonality, locality, and sustainability for both lunch and dinner. Expect a chef-driven menu of dishes (above left) like fennel-seared trout with lemon-chive aïoli and bone-in pork chop with a saffron-Parmesan risotto cake, garlicky Broccolini, roasted cipollini onions, and a green apple-walnut–sage bruschetta.
The Scotsman: Grab a pint and dine on classic Irish and Scottish fare inside this 1927 structure that was built by Freemasons. The Celtic-themed bar and restaurant’s dark wood, cozy corners, and tartan upholstery are the perfect complement to cooler evenings—as are dishes like Guinness Braised Ox Cheeks. Play a round of billiards or shuffleboard in the pub’s game room.
Frog Level Brewing Company: There’s not a more peaceful place around than the creekside beer garden at this downtown microbrewery. The Nutty Brunette (a smooth brown ale with notes of toffee and caramel) or the Hopscotch Ale are both excellent companions.
Axe & Awl Leatherworks: Peruse handcrafted leather goods—anything from belts to totes to wallets—in a modern storefront (above right) that’s also home to a small cocktail bar.
Haywood Handmade Gallery: Supported by the Haywood County Arts Council, this place holds an exhibition area and a retail space, both of which showcase pieces from local artists working in a range of mediums.
Barber Orchards Fruit Stand: A fifth-generation family-owned and -operated place that’s been in the apple business since 1910. On any given fall day, you’ll find freshly picked fruit in at least a dozen different varieties; an overwhelming selection of jarred jellies, jams, preserves, and pickles; and a bakery dedicated almost entirely to apple products.
Soco Falls: Situated between Maggie Valley and the neighboring town of Cherokee, this spectacular natural feature is a quick detour off U.S. 19. Recent upgrades to the trailhead have created a larger parking lot and an accessible upper observation platform providing scenic views. A moderate path (about a half mile round trip) leads you to another deck for admiring the twin falls.
Cataloochee Ski Area: North Carolina’s first official ski destination was established in 1961 by none other than Mr. Tom of Cataloochee Ranch. With ski season typically starting sometime in November and going into March, if you’re lucky, you might be able to enjoy a little fall foliage alongside some runs down the mountain.
Joey’s Pancake House: Ordering a short stack at this beloved breakfast spot has been a basic requirement for all who pass through since 1966.
Lake Cruises: Hop aboard the Cherokee IV to sail on the 200-acre lake and learn about its history as the centerpiece for a Wesleyan community and a popular conference location. Tickets are $10, and the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. There is also a 3.8-mile walking trail that loops around the lake and passes by the area’s historic buildings and homes as well as major points of interest, including the Rose Walk, the Memorial Chapel, pickleball courts, the pool, and a gift shop.
Crepe & Custard: A butter yellow house on the edge of the lake serves sweet and savory crepes plus soups during colder months. When the weather is warm, cool off with a custard on the front porch.
Cullowhee, N.C. – Before the PGA TOUR returns to western North Carolina for the first time in more than eight decades, some of the nation's top collegiate golfers will take center stage in the mountains.Western Carolina University and the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club welcome a combined 16 teams and 20 individuals to Haywood County this weekend for the 2026 JT Poston Invitational, one of the premier fall events in the region and a tournament that annually features one of the most distinctive ...
Cullowhee, N.C. – Before the PGA TOUR returns to western North Carolina for the first time in more than eight decades, some of the nation's top collegiate golfers will take center stage in the mountains.
Western Carolina University and the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club welcome a combined 16 teams and 20 individuals to Haywood County this weekend for the 2026 JT Poston Invitational, one of the premier fall events in the region and a tournament that annually features one of the most distinctive trophies in collegiate golf.
The Catamounts' home tournament serves as the opening act for a landmark week of golf in western North Carolina. Just days later, the PGA TOUR arrives in Asheville for the (Sept. 17-20) at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, marking the TOUR's first appearance in the area in 84 years.
Competition at the JT Poston Invitational begins Sunday, Sept. 13, and continues through Tuesday, Sept. 15, on the historic Waynesville Inn & Golf Club Championship Course. The 54-hole event will be contested over the par-71, 6,735-yard layout with tee times beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday and Monday and 7:10 a.m. for Tuesday's final round.
Tournament practice rounds are scheduled for Saturday morning, followed by the event's popular Collegiate-Am in the afternoon, an experience unique to the JT Poston Invitational that allows participants to share the course with the collegiate competitors.
The tournament is free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to attend throughout the three-day event while observing golf course etiquette and appropriate golf attire. Live scoring will be available through the Scoreboard app, powered by Clippd, and through links at CatamountSports.com.
"What started as an exciting new chapter for our tournament has grown into a tremendous partnership," WCU head coach Tim Eckberg said. "The Waynesville Inn & Golf Club has been an incredible host, and we're grateful for the support we've received over the past two years. This event allows us to showcase a first-class golf course, welcome outstanding teams to the mountains, and celebrate everything that makes western North Carolina such a remarkable place to compete."
"The ownership, staff, and membership at the Waynesville Inn & Golf Club have been incredible partners, and they've helped create an experience that players, coaches, and fans genuinely enjoy.
This season's event will again work to support the WIGC Charitable Foundation, an organization designed to support junior golf and grow future leaders within western North Carolina. Tournament namesake, Poston, and venue owners Grey Raines and David Tart are each involved with the Foundation.
Defending Champions and Familiar Faces Return Western Carolina senior Tyler Jones enters the week with a chance to make tournament history. After rallying to capture medalist honors a year ago, Jones seeks to become the first golfer to win the JT Poston Invitational individual championship in consecutive seasons.
The tournament additionally serves as a tune-up for the Jacksonville, N.C., native, as Jones received a sponsor exemption to compete in Asheville's PGA TOUR event as an amateur later next week.
The Poston field also features seven programs that have previously lifted the team trophy.
Defending tournament champion Southern Miss returns after claiming last year's title at Waynesville, while Lipscomb, the 2024 champion, also rejoins the field. Former champions from the tournament's years at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley include Drexel (2023), South Carolina (2021), Western Carolina (2016, 2007), Wofford (2015, 2013), and Jacksonville (2010).
Adding another layer of intrigue are the returns of two former Catamount head coaches. Carter Cheves, who led Western Carolina from 2015-18, brings his James Madison squad back to the mountains in his seventh season with the Dukes. Meanwhile, Bryant Odom, WCU's head coach from 2013-15, returns with Kennesaw State, a program that finished runner-up by just one stroke at last year's event.
Other teams competing include Elon, Francis Marion, Middle Tennessee, NC State, UT Rio Grande Valley, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin.
Honoring One of WCU's Greatest Originally contested as the WCU Intercollegiate in 2004 and 2007 before becoming the Hummingbird Intercollegiate in 2008, the tournament adopted its current name in 2019 to honor one of the most accomplished players in program history.
The event celebrates former Catamount standout JT Poston, a four-time PGA TOUR winner and Western Carolina's all-time scoring leader. In tribute to Poston's TOUR nickname, "The Postman," both the team and individual championship trophies feature purple mailboxes mounted atop a pedestal.
A Historic Mountain Venue The 2026 tournament marks the third consecutive year the event has been played at the historic Waynesville Inn & Golf Club.
The venue traces its roots to 1926, with portions of the original course designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. Once a 27-hole facility featuring three distinct nine-hole layouts, the property has since been transformed into an 18-hole championship course complemented by a modern practice facility that reopened in 2023.
One of the unique aspects of the JT Poston Invitational is that participating teams are able to stay on-site at the resort, creating a championship atmosphere and making the event a favorite among coaches and competitors alike.
The course also holds a longstanding connection to Western Carolina golf, having hosted numerous editions of the Great Smokies Intercollegiate and many memorable moments in Catamount women's golf history. Under the leadership of former women's coach and WCU Director of Golf, the late Steve Lott, the women's event grew into one of the region's largest collegiate tournaments, attracting as many as 24 teams.
Catamount Lineup Ten Catamounts, as both an 'A' and 'B' team are slated to compete at the home event beginning on Sunday. Senior Jace Butcher and defending event champion Tyler Jones headline WCU's primary scoring five as the No. 1 and No. 2 seed. That duo is flanked by junior transfer Connor Warren, returning senior Andrew Korytoski, and freshman Brewer Lael, who finished tied with Butcher in a tie for eighth in his debut last week at the Augusta Invitational last week.
WCU's second unit will be led by sophomore Charlie Coe and classmate Connor Williams as the top two seeds. Seniors Michael Bevins and Dalton Payne are joined by transfer senior Andrew Perry to round out the two Catamount lineups.
Special Thanks to our Tournament Sponsors Raines Hospitality Waynesville Inn and Golf Club MCG Workforce Solutions Sekulow Family Foundation CDC Vannoy Construction
Tournament Information Venue: Waynesville Inn & Golf Club Course: Championship Course Par/Yardage: Par 71, 6,735 yards Defending Champion: Southern Miss (827) Southern Miss returns after edging Kennesaw State by one stroke in last year's championship. The Owls closed with a tournament-best final-round score of 273 before finishing at 828.
Event Schedule Saturday, Sept. 12
Sunday, Sept. 13
Monday, Sept. 14
Tuesday, Sept. 15
Participating Teams (17) Western Carolina, Drexel, Elon, Francis Marion, Jacksonville, James Madison, Kennesaw State, Lipscomb, Middle Tennessee, NC State, South Carolina, Southern Miss, UT Rio Grande Valley, Virginia Tech, Western Carolina 'B', Wisconsin, and Wofford.
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Town of Waynesville has launched a nationwide search for a new town manager after the retirement of former town manager Rob Hites.Hites announced in February that he would be retiring on July 1 after nearly a decade of working with the town.In May, it was announced that two interim managers would take Hites' place: Page McCurry and Rick Howell. McCurry served as interim manager from June 11 to July 5, then Howell took over on July 6 and will serve until Nov. 1 or until a new manager is hired...
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Town of Waynesville has launched a nationwide search for a new town manager after the retirement of former town manager Rob Hites.
Hites announced in February that he would be retiring on July 1 after nearly a decade of working with the town.
In May, it was announced that two interim managers would take Hites' place: Page McCurry and Rick Howell. McCurry served as interim manager from June 11 to July 5, then Howell took over on July 6 and will serve until Nov. 1 or until a new manager is hired.
The town initiated its first search for a new town manager in the spring.
"Honestly, we didn't get the kind of candidates we were hoping for," said Jon Feichter, Wayneville town council member.
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Feichter says he believed that the initial search was conducted at the wrong time. After the unsuccessful initial search, the town launched a new search at the beginning of June.
Feichter says the ideal candidate would be from North Carolina.
"Having somebody with North Carolina experience, I think, is helpful because they would understand how to do the job in North Carolina, whereas somebody else coming in there would be an additional learning curve," Feichter said.
But the council would not turn away any candidates with experience outside the state, and there would be a learning curve for the new manager when it came to working in North Carolina if they were from out of state.
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"Primarily, how things are done at the municipal level in North Carolina as opposed to elsewhere, for example, the dealing with the statutes from the legislature, dealing with DEQ, dealing with DOT. All of that kind of stuff is somewhat unique to North Carolina," Feichter said.
Recently, the town has had issues with getting reimbursed from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), one of the priorities listed on the application, saying in part, "Partner with the Finance Department to secure outstanding FEMA disaster recovery, reimbursements ($3.8M awaiting approval of a $4.5M storm-damage assessment)."
Feichter says that while having someone with FEMA experience would be a bonus in the face of another natural disaster, it's not a requirement.
"For me, it's that although having that experience dealing with FEMA is helpful, I don't think it's critical, except that who knows what tomorrow will bring. I would fully expect that natural disasters like this are going to happen periodically in Waynesville and the surrounding areas and if we had someone that had that kind of experience, it would be a bonus," Feichter said.
As the search continues, interim town manager Rick Howell will continue to fill the role, but he says he does not wish to continue in the role, but that if need be, he'd be there to assist the new manager, helping them ease into the position.
"I think that the understanding was that once they bring someone on that there would be some transition period, maybe some overlap so that I can provide some context to a new manager coming in," Howell said.
Howell says the position would be a good opportunity for anyone wishing to come to the mountains.
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"This would be a great opportunity for someone who wants to move to the mountains and who has a heart to serve their community. I think it's important that whoever is in this role comes with that in mind," Howell said.
The application for town manager will close on Aug. 20, with the town council holding virtual interviews in September.
828-676-2939
