It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Captain White 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 Graham, 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.
“Great place to work. Such an amazing team in the office, clients, and a great”
“I am Very satisfied that Samantha (the owner) took fast action once our sweet Angel”
“I’m thankful for Always Best Care .. I’ve met some amazing people because of them.”
“Always best care is the best senior care to work for. They have the best”
“I absolutely love working with ABC they are very helpful and understanding and they work”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them”
“Always best care is such a great company. I have been with the company 7 years.”
“Every time I call the office the staff are very friendly. I enjoy what I”
“My experience at Always Best care has been nothing but absolutely amazing.great staff and very”
“Great place to work!....Smart and Hard Working group of individuals!”
“I love working for Always Best Care! They're understanding, have a wonderful team in the”
“This is an awesome agency to work for. They will put you to work asap!”
“Hi my name Amiya and I have been working for ABC for almost 4 months”
“ABC is a great company that cares about their employees. The pay is good”
“Best agency I have ever worked for..”
“I've worked with some of the greatest clients. They match you to perfection......”
“I want to give a review for caregiver Tena. She is top notch for my”
“Abigail with Always Best Care is a great community partner. She's an asset to the”
“We have used Always Best for 2 years for my Dad before he passed &”
“I am a current client of this provider Tonya S. Is my Dad’s aide. I just”
“Sara Bynum is the best example of a CAREGIVER! Caring is her specialité..She is always”
“Our family has been pleased with ABC services, thankful for a company to be able”
“I’m in need of a caregiver for my son and Always Best Senior Care is”
“Caregivers (Raina & Aiyana) are very caring and helpful to my father's needs,”
“My husband's caregiver Taylor is so very patient with him. She does her work without”
“Great place to work. Such an amazing team in the office, clients, and a great owner. Samantha goes above and beyond for our company. Very understanding! Wouldn’t ask for a better company to work for!”
“I am Very satisfied that Samantha (the owner) took fast action once our sweet Angel passed away with helping me find work with another sweet client. The staff will help to find you steady hours depending on your availability. I am blessed to be able to work for a company that will work with me & care about my needs. If a situation does come up (no company is perfect :)) Sam will work swiftly to correct any issues & that means a lot to us the caregivers moving forward within the company. I am grateful for my employment with Always Best Care.”
“I’m thankful for Always Best Care .. I’ve met some amazing people because of them. I absolutely adore every single client I’ve cared for ???? I love the fact that the schedulers are always intuitive, helpful and super amazing ????.. and they’ve taken care of us caregivers as well. I’m a PROUD ABC CAREGIVER!!!!! ~Jessica Ramos~”
“Always best care is the best senior care to work for. They have the best clients and staff. The staff are always calling to check in and answering calls on time. Even if I leave a voicemail they call back in a great timely manner. The schedulers are all some as well.”
“I absolutely love working with ABC they are very helpful and understanding and they work around your schedule and they are very friendly, they make sure your healthy and make sure your not hurting and if you are hurting they call and make sure your okay. I love everyone at ABC”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”
“Always best care is such a great company. I have been with the company 7 years. They always go above and beyond to make sure residents are taken care of.”
“Every time I call the office the staff are very friendly. I enjoy what I do.”
“My experience at Always Best care has been nothing but absolutely amazing.great staff and very outstanding work place.this a good company to work for..I have nothing but great things to say abt the Owner and Director,I will be working here until the plc close up..so basically forever!! Scheduling supervisor Awesome..so again my experience Great!!!!”
“Great place to work!....Smart and Hard Working group of individuals!”
“I love working for Always Best Care! They're understanding, have a wonderful team in the office that helps make our jobs easier as caregivers! Easy to talk to and communicate. A great atmosphere, fun activities and different things throughout different times that make the work days a little more light and fun!”
“This is an awesome agency to work for. They will put you to work asap!”
“Hi my name Amiya and I have been working for ABC for almost 4 months now. I really love this job because it’s very flexible especially since I’m a full time college student. It’s really hard to find jobs like this and if you need days they don’t mind as long your attendance isn’t bad. They are also very understanding. It’s really a great job and I love helping people.”
“ABC is a great company that cares about their employees. The pay is good and everyone in the office is extremely helpful. It’s easy to get time off, (just let them know 2 weeks ahead of time). We have monthly in-service & education is offered in person or via zoom. We are given the tools we need to succeed.”
“Best agency I have ever worked for..”
“I've worked with some of the greatest clients. They match you to perfection......”
“I want to give a review for caregiver Tena. She is top notch for my husband and with helping me in our home. Tena goes above and beyond in all areas. She is so eager each day she’s with us and ensures my husband’s needs are met throughout the day. Tena ensures my husband gets his exercise, his meals and drink needs are met and daily walks outside. She always has supplies ready and keeps everything so clean and sanitary. Very thankful to have Tena as part of my husbands care.”
“Abigail with Always Best Care is a great community partner. She's an asset to the company and always shows up with a smile!”
“We have used Always Best for 2 years for my Dad before he passed & now 2 years for my Mom. They are the best! Laura J. With Always Best is phenomenal. She is always pleasant & prompt. She is always willing to go a step beyond to help my Mom in every way with the best attitude!”
“I am a current client of this provider Tonya S. Is my Dad’s aide. I just cannot say enough good about her. She is very kind and caring. She has really brought my Dad out of his shell and keeps him active and involved. Tonya is a professional with a great big care givers heart. We feel very fortunate to have her. The team at ABC has been very helpful and we are very happy with our decision to use Always Best Care!!!”
“Sara Bynum is the best example of a CAREGIVER! Caring is her specialité..She is always prompt, cheerful, patient, industrious, generous, personable, organized, and, additionally, has a delightful sense of humor. I can't sing her praises loud enough!”
“Our family has been pleased with ABC services, thankful for a company to be able to rely on for my Dad's care.”
“I’m in need of a caregiver for my son and Always Best Senior Care is one of the companies that I contacted. Although they were unable to provide services to us (through no fault of their own) mallory trip time to refer us to a company, including phone number to contact for services. She was very helpful, kind, and attentive to our needs. I appreciate the time they took to assist me the best way they could.”
“Caregivers (Raina & Aiyana) are very caring and helpful to my father's needs,”
“My husband's caregiver Taylor is so very patient with him. She does her work without supervision. We are proud to have her in our home. Sincerely, Jack & Lou”
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 Graham Regional Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mykonos Grill or visit Alamance County Historic Courthouse, 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 Graham, 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 Graham, 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 Graham, 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.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Donald Trump Jr. joined Franklin Graham of Samaritan's Purse Friday to help airlift warm clothing to Hurricane Helene-torn North Carolina as temperatures fell in the region.Samaritan's Purse, a Christian disaster relief and evangelism organization, has served its home state of North Carolina since Hurri...
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Donald Trump Jr. joined Franklin Graham of Samaritan's Purse Friday to help airlift warm clothing to Hurricane Helene-torn North Carolina as temperatures fell in the region.
Samaritan's Purse, a Christian disaster relief and evangelism organization, has served its home state of North Carolina since Hurricane Helene ripped through the southeast in late September.
Noem joined Trump and Graham, the president of Samaritan's Purse and son of the late Rev. Billy Graham, in the Bat Cave community near Chimney Rock Friday afternoon.
With donations personally delivered from California-based Kirstyn Hairston of KUIU and Dan and Agatha Genter of Genter Capital Management, Samaritan's Purse donated over 1,200 articles of winter clothing to the storm-torn survivors of western North Carolina, including winter jackets, fleece sweaters and pants, according to a release. Bat Cave received a portion of this donation from Hairston and the Genters; three more communities in the state will receive the rest.
"Today was an amazing opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to be a blessing to people alongside Samaritan’s Purse," South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital. "Today, we saw the devastation of entire communities that have lost homes and all their belongings and even lost lives.
"So, we’re not only here today — we’re not going to forget about these folks. They will need our help for weeks and years to come. They will still need us to pray for them and lift them up. And they’ll need an organization like Samaritan’s Purse to walk alongside them."
As Election Day draws closer, the people of rural North Carolina and others affected by Hurricane Helene have largely been out of the news cycle. High-elevation regions in western North Carolina have been hit especially hard, and freezing temperatures are nearing.
"So, please, don't take your attention off this. There's a lot of work to be done," Edward Graham, Franklin Graham's son and Samaritan's Purse COO, said in an October interview with Fox News Digital. "And if people really want to help, I need volunteers for the long haul.
"I need volunteers right now, but I need volunteers showing up in January, December, November, when it's cold over the holiday season, when you're warm with your family over the holiday. Think about those in western North Carolina that aren't.
"Orange Shirts," or Samaritan's Purse volunteers, have served over 3,000 Hurricane Helene-affected families by removing mud from flooded homes, clearing debris, removing downed trees and tarping damaged roofs.
Samaritan's Purse has also conducted the nation's largest civilian airlift operation in history to access those in rural North Carolina whose roads have been washed out with donations of emergency supplies and lifesaving aid. According to a release, the Christian relief organization has donated 700,000 pounds of supplies to 80 communities on 357 airlifts.
"The people who we met today were so grateful South Dakota’s Gov. Kristi Noem, Donald Trump Jr., Dan and Agatha Genter and Kirstyn Hairston came all the way to North Carolina to see them," Rev. Franklin Graham said in an exclusive statement shared with Fox News Digital. "When you have lost everything except for the clothes on your back, the fact that someone cares enough to come help means everything."
"This area is 20 miles from where I grew up, and it wasn’t remote, but it is today because it was cut off by Hurricane Helene. Many people are now using four-wheelers to travel, but it has been incredible to see people taking care of each other. It is remarkable how people have stood up to help their neighbors in this time of great need," added Graham.
In addition to the warm clothing donation from Friday, Samaritan's Purse has donated generators, heaters and fuel to Helene survivors. Rev. Franklin Graham lost heat in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, according to his son, Edward.
Graham offered his thanks to the South Dakota governor and the business leaders who donated warm clothing for Friday's airlift mission carried out onboard a Black Hawk helicopter, according to a release.
"I couldn’t be more grateful to Gov. Kristi Noem for showing up to support the people of North Carolina," said Franklin Graham. So many have suffered unimaginable loss and pain, and I want them to know they aren’t forgotten. God loves and cares for them."
Samaritan’s Purse has provided winter clothing for 15,000 people across North Carolina and Tennessee, as well as generators, heaters, blankets, solar lights, boxes of food and bottled water.
Disaster Relief Units, tractor-trailers stocked with tools and equipment, have been deployed by Samaritan’s Purse to Asheville, Boone and Burnsville in North Carolina, as well as Perry and Tampa in Florida and Valdosta, Georgia.
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FOX Weather confirmed 101 Hurricane Helene-related deaths in North Carolina as of Oct. 30, bringing the overall total to 229 across seven states.
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Doctors at Duke University Hospital have played a key role in a remarkable medical breakthrough. Donavon Harbison, an Alamance County resident diagnosed with heart failure, recently became the second person in the world to receive a total artificial heart. The device allowed him to regain enough strength to successfully undergo a heart transplant,Harbison, an education consultant from Graham became part of a clinical trial at Duke in August. He had his heart removed and replaced with a ...
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Doctors at Duke University Hospital have played a key role in a remarkable medical breakthrough. Donavon Harbison, an Alamance County resident diagnosed with heart failure, recently became the second person in the world to receive a total artificial heart. The device allowed him to regain enough strength to successfully undergo a heart transplant,
Harbison, an education consultant from Graham became part of a clinical trial at Duke in August. He had his heart removed and replaced with a BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH), which circulated his blood while he awaited a donor's heart.
"Duke Health is the reason I'm still here," Harbison said.
At 34, Harbison, an active father of three with a fourth child on the way, was diagnosed with heart failure in January. A former offensive lineman at North Carolina Central University, Harbison's condition was traced to a gene mutation that prevented his body from producing the protein necessary for his heart to beat.
"I was told by my doctors, 'when things get bad for you, it's going to get bad really fast,'" Harbison said.
And they did.
"It was shocking," said his wife, Lindsey Harbison.
Dr. Adam DeVore, a Duke transplant cardiologist, praised Harbison's bravery.
"He continued to get sicker and sicker, but BiVACOR is a total artificial heart that incorporates new technology. It replaces all four chambers of the heart and provides strong support, enough to keep him healthy while waiting for a transplant," DeVore said. "He was able to get up and walk around. He was giving his organs enough support, and he felt much better."
Harbison's condition stabilized, and after 10 days with the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, he received a donor heart and a second chance at life.
"I want to thank the family who honored the donor's wishes," Harbison said. "I am beyond grateful. No one deserves a second chance at life, but I got one. I encourage others to become organ donors."
DeVore said successfully putting the device into humans is a big leap forward.
"I think the message to patients and families today who are dealing with heart failure is that there are new technologies coming out all the time," DeVore said. "And you know there are places that are trying to innovate and invest in these programs. We're one of those. And you know, we want to be able to offer this therapy and transplant therapy to as many patients in need as we can."
The BiVACOR device has been implanted in four patients nationwide, with the fourth procedure occurring Tuesday in Cincinnati. Duke doctors said they are close to performing the procedure on a fifth patient soon. The first such procedure was performed in Texas.
"Now, I'm looking forward to getting back to making memories with my family, my kids, my wife, just doing the things you often do and take for granted, like putting my kids to bed at night," Harbison said.
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