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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.

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Home Care In Durham, NC

Home Care Durham, 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 Bennett Place in Durham, 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 Durham, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Durham, NC

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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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“good service. help was thoughtful and kind. used for several days.”

jo K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kelly Klein at Always Best was a godsend. She helped us out during a truly scary time for our family and connected us with exactly what we needed. Can't recommend her highly enough!”

Stephanie Z.
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“Karla Dixon is a wonderful asset to the community and to Always Best Care in Chapel Hill, NC.”

Tommy A.
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“Karla dixon is truly a great person for the community. She is compassionate and very helpful.”

Patricia A.
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“Thank you, Carver Living Center (CLC) for the wonderful care the staff provided for my mother! All of the staff ( nurses, CNAs, PT & OT Staff), administrative staff and food service staff were very kind, caring and respectful. I would recommend CLC to anyone looking for a care facility for their family member(s).”

Debra D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“From the outside looking in, you don’t always see the care, patience, and dedication that goes into what they do—but it’s there every single day. Truly grateful for a team that goes above and beyond, even when no one’s watching.”

AJ D.
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“Always Best Care is hands down your go to for all in home care needs! Top tier team!”

Hannah N.
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“Seeing the care they provide, I’d highly recommend them to any family in need of in home care! Lots of options, flexibility and accommodations made for those that need it!”

Jacob W.
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“Reliable, caring, and professional—Always Best Care is awesome!”

Caleb W.
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“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”

That_CarMeet_Guy
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“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”

Tanner C.
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“Always Best Care provides excellent services to their community. Impeccable staff and care givers who actually care!”

Sue M.
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“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”

Sheila H.
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“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”

Jaylin W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. Kelly Klein was incredibly supportive. She helped us find the right resources and solutions, and we truly felt supported every step of the way. We’re so grateful for her help.”

Meghann W.
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“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”

Amanda B.
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“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”

Georgia J.
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“Kelly was super helpful at a time i needed help she had all the answers to my questions and made me feel heard I can move forward with the decisions i need to make in the future Thank You for the support”

Lynn L.
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“Always Best Care Senior Services is a premier organization.”

Rico P.
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“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”

Kyle N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”

Morgan P.
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“These people were amazing.”

Zachary T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Working with Always Best Care has been an absolute pleasure. As the director of Pathway Community Living, I’ve had the opportunity to work with them when coordinating housing for clients, and every interaction has been nothing short of excellent. Their team is incredibly professional, organized, and easy to communicate with. I work most closely with Karla and Leslie, and I can’t say enough good things about them. Their communication is top tier, they’re always responsive, and they make the coordination process smooth and stress free. It’s rare to find partners who are both this professional and this genuinely kind. I truly appreciate the partnership and look forward to continuing to work with this amazing team.”

Tyquan C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I Live in Durham, North Carolina. I have low vision and other limitations. I’ve been working Always Best for a couple of months now. Jordyn is doing a wonderful job! She is able to clean to cook to go through the mail with me. Recently, she filled out some challenging forms. She’s taking notes for me at a medical appointment. She also has a generous nature! Always, Best chooses well and is reliable!”

Robin M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I recently joined the company as a caregiver! The company itself is amazing the best part is being able to give amazing care and meet amazing people. From the family to the furry friends! If I could choose any other company I wouldn’t I will always choose always best care !”

Ieasha G.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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 Durham, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Sandy Creek Park in Durham, NC 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 Durham, 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 Nanas or visit Duke Homestead, 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 Durham, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Durham, 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.

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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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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 Durham, 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:

  • Carolina Reserve of Durham
  • Springdaile Assisted Living
  • Brookdale Durham
  • The Addison
  • Atria Southpoint Walk
  • Durham Ridge Assisted Living
Home Care Durham, 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 Durham, 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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Durham, 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 Durham, NC

Latest News in Durham, NC

As Durham County remains in severe drought, Lake Michie Park and Marina remain closed

The Lake Michie Park and Marina has been closed to public recreation and boat launches for nearly four months.DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham County remains in severe drought, with conditions showing little improvement despite recent rainfall.At Lake Michie, home to Duke Rowing, much of the shoreline remains exposed. The Lake Michie Park and Marina has been closed to public recreation and boat launches for nearly four months."I would say it's definitely a little disheartening for rowing," said Linda Garziera....

The Lake Michie Park and Marina has been closed to public recreation and boat launches for nearly four months.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham County remains in severe drought, with conditions showing little improvement despite recent rainfall.

At Lake Michie, home to Duke Rowing, much of the shoreline remains exposed. The Lake Michie Park and Marina has been closed to public recreation and boat launches for nearly four months.

"I would say it's definitely a little disheartening for rowing," said Linda Garziera.

Recent rain has not significantly changed drought conditions, according to national data, which show conditions have not improved since last week.

"It was a little disappointing to go from summer to fall ... I think I was hoping for more of a boost from the fall," Garziera said.

Garziera said the rowing team has continued to practice and compete around the country by making adjustments to accommodate lower water levels.

"We've had to move docks closer to the water," Garziera said. "Our walk to the water has increased. So it does slow down our practices by a little bit. And there's some areas of the lake that we are not allowed to go in with the boats because it would damage them."

Durham remains under a stage two water shortage response, which includes restrictions on sprinkler irrigation, home car washing and cleaning hard surfaces with city water.

Near the Little River Reservoir, Sergio Salinas said he has been conserving water as drought conditions continue to affect local wells.

"The well is going down, water is pouring in very, very slow," Salinas said.

Salinas said he is doing what he can to reduce water use.

"We don't waste much water," Salinas said.

Officials continue to urge conservation measures as Durham County remains under severe drought conditions.

The No. 1 best Indian restaurant in NC is this beloved Durham spot, report finds

A beloved restaurant was named one of the best in the Triangle — but its time in the spotlight wasn’t over.Cheeni, located in Durham, now ranks as the No. 1 Indian restaurant in North Carolina. The dining destination reigned supreme as food and drink website Tasting Table scoured Yelp reviews, Reddit posts and other sources to determine the top place to eat Indian food in each state.“Indian food is as diverse as it is delectable, and so narrowing down the best Indian restaurant in every state is challenging,&r...

A beloved restaurant was named one of the best in the Triangle — but its time in the spotlight wasn’t over.

Cheeni, located in Durham, now ranks as the No. 1 Indian restaurant in North Carolina. The dining destination reigned supreme as food and drink website Tasting Table scoured Yelp reviews, Reddit posts and other sources to determine the top place to eat Indian food in each state.

“Indian food is as diverse as it is delectable, and so narrowing down the best Indian restaurant in every state is challenging,” Tasting Table wrote in its report published in September. “Still, we took up the task and curated this list using online customer reviews, local press, and awards received by each restaurant.”

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What makes Cheeni special?

Cheeni on its website said it has been “an ever-evolving concept” for nearly a decade. Chef Preeti Waas planned to use seasonal ingredients to make Indian cuisine when she opened a brick-and-mortar location in 2022.

“Our family was kind of legendary in India, you knew if you were going to their house you were going to eat well,” Waas told The News & Observer at the time. “You were kind of like a stuffed goose, eating until you can eat no more.”

Though Cheeni’s first restaurant opened in North Raleigh, the brand now has a presence in Research Triangle Park and downtown Durham.

The Durham restaurant — located at 202 N. Corcoran St., Unit 100 — was the one featured in the rankings. Tasting Table gave a nod to dishes ranging from samosa chaat to paneer makhani as it piled on the praise.

“Cheeni is an Indian restaurant that does justice to the cuisine without adopting too many Western influences,” Tasting Table wrote in its report. “Chef Preeti Waas was a James Beard Award semi-finalist in 2023, and she often personally makes the rounds to check on diners.”

A fan-favorite Durham restaurant

Cheeni also has been recognized on a local scale. Last year, readers of The N&O voted it as one of the best Indian restaurants in the Raleigh area.

And more recently, the restaurant was featured in The N&O’s roundup of Top 50 places to eat in the Triangle. Here are some highlights from that write-up:

Improper purchases, inflated spending limits. What state auditor found at NCCU

NC Central, Durham’s public, historically Black university, is thin on cash reserves. A recent UNC System analysis found it was the only campus in the system not considered “financially healthy.”Fixing those problems, Chancellor Karrie Dixon said at a summer board meeting, will require a significant “culture change” when it comes to money management among staff. “The Dixon administration,” she promised, “is doing things differently.”A new report from the Office of the State ...

NC Central, Durham’s public, historically Black university, is thin on cash reserves. A recent UNC System analysis found it was the only campus in the system not considered “financially healthy.”

Fixing those problems, Chancellor Karrie Dixon said at a summer board meeting, will require a significant “culture change” when it comes to money management among staff. “The Dixon administration,” she promised, “is doing things differently.”

A new report from the Office of the State Auditor, released Monday, offers a closer look at some of the habits Dixon is determined to fix.

State Auditor Dave Boliek and his team found that NC Central didn’t consistently follow its own rules for procurement and travel cards used by staff at the university. Those cards — which provide “direct access to university funds” — are used by staff to purchase goods and services that support the school’s operation.

Many transactions on those cards, however, were submitted without proper documentation and didn’t get reviewed on time, the report said. Auditors found prohibited purchases and inflated card spending limits. Some staff were splitting spending across transactions to avoid hitting established ceilings, the report said.

These problems mean that “inappropriate, unauthorized, or prohibited purchases may occur and go undetected, increasing the risk of fraud, waste, abuse, and misuse,” the report said.

Auditors reviewed 477 transactions and found:

To fix these issues, the report recommends NC Central strengthen oversight and system configurations, improve training, and review spending limits for its procurement and travel cards.

NC Central responds to audit

Dixon said she agreed with all the report’s findings in her response to the audit. Already, the university has turned off auto-approval, required cardholders to retake training, and introduced a form for recording card violations.

Other fixes — including overdue-review reports, escalation steps, and closer monitoring — are due by Dec. 31.

While financial recovery will take “making the tough decisions, culture change and transforming our mindset,” Dixon said, there is already positive financial progress underway.

Last year, the university received a clean financial audit from the state for the first time in three years and had its A3 credit rating — which indicates solid creditworthiness — affirmed by Moody’s.

And the school has seen consistent progress toward financial health over the last two years, according to UNC System analysis.

“We’re seeing consistent improvement over the past two years under Chancellor Dixon’s leadership and sustained involvement from [the system] in supporting them, identifying issues, and exploring remedies,” UNC System president Peter Hans said this spring.

Still, Hans said he believes it’s important “for the public to have a sense that people are paying very close attention to this.”

McGill's late TD lifts North Carolina past Duke 24-20

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Jaylen McGill ran 24 yards for a touchdown with 1:53 remaining for North Carolina’s first points since early in the second quarter and the Tar Heels recovered to beat Duke 24-20 on Saturday.Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 191 yards and a touchdown plus a key fourth-down completion on the winning drive as North Carolina (4-2, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) won as a road underdog for the second straight week.Duke (4-2, 1-2) took its first lead when Nate Sheppard scored from 7 yards out by reaching the ...

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Jaylen McGill ran 24 yards for a touchdown with 1:53 remaining for North Carolina’s first points since early in the second quarter and the Tar Heels recovered to beat Duke 24-20 on Saturday.

Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 191 yards and a touchdown plus a key fourth-down completion on the winning drive as North Carolina (4-2, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) won as a road underdog for the second straight week.

Duke (4-2, 1-2) took its first lead when Nate Sheppard scored from 7 yards out by reaching the end zone off a short pass from Walker Eget with 4:29 to play.

Two years ago in the same stadium, Duke rallied from a 20-0 deficit to beat the Tar Heels.

Duke’s Nate Sheppard, the nation’s leading rusher, was held to 77 yards on 20 carries, though he netted 98 yards on 11 receptions.

North Carolina went more than 41 minutes without scoring before McGill burst through the line with an open path to the end zone.

North Carolina led 17-0 after Demon June’s 4-yard run on the third play of the second quarter.

Duke began its comeback with safety Andrew Pellicciotta’s 9-yard fumble recovery return for a touchdown in the second quarter.

The takeaway

North Carolina: The Tar Heels managed only about 100 yards after scoring the game’s first 17 points until they marched 78 yards on their final full possession with the outcome on the line. That included a fourth-and-5 conversion from their own 28-yard line with 3:48 left when Edwards connected with Jelani Thurman over the middle.

Duke: The Blue Devils had won eight consecutive games against in-state opponents. But just like a week earlier at Georgia Tech, they couldn’t hold on after gaining a late lead and gave up the winning touchdown inside the 2-minute timeout.

Up next

North Carolina: Hosts Syracuse Saturday night.

Duke: Friday night at Virginia

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Storms, possible tornadoes leave damage across parts of central NC, Sandhills

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Strong storms, possible tornadoes moved across central North Carolina and Fayetteville Sunday bringing down trees, causing damaging homes, buildings and power outages.The storm affected areas including Cary, Apex, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area and Crosswinds Boating Center.In Raleigh, there was a report of a vehicle found in water near Glenwood Avenue.Raleigh woman said on social media that her neighborhood sustained damage as a tornado moved through the area. The damage was reported on Blue B...

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Strong storms, possible tornadoes moved across central North Carolina and Fayetteville Sunday bringing down trees, causing damaging homes, buildings and power outages.

The storm affected areas including Cary, Apex, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area and Crosswinds Boating Center.

In Raleigh, there was a report of a vehicle found in water near Glenwood Avenue.

Raleigh woman said on social media that her neighborhood sustained damage as a tornado moved through the area. The damage was reported on Blue Blossom Drive and near Groveshire Drive.

A Raleigh homeowner who lives on Toyon Drive said his roof came in with sustaintial damage inside his home

Homeowner Erik Grubbs describes what he heard and witness before grabbing his dog and getting to a safe space.

"I heard the alert I opened up the back sliding door I heard that sound you always hear about a freight train and tried to grab the dog and got up from here the roof started collapsing in as we were running the bathroom was kind of the closest place and I mean I literally grabbed the dog and closed that bathroom door when that window right there blew out and all the glass literally shrapnel against the door I mean we made it in the nick of time so God is good. Thank God these are just material possessions insurance will cover but man oh man this is tough buddy," Grubbs said.

In Rolesville, there were reports of downed trees following a tornado touchdown.

Farther north, trees were reported down along Highway 56 in Louisburg.

In Clayton, multiple trees were reported down on railroad tracks near the intersection of U.S. 70, or Clayton Boulevard, and N.C. 42 East. The trees were on the railroad tracks.

Multiple homes also sustained minor damage along Iris Street in Clayton.

"I was in the house, and I saw it come across the TV that they had a tornado in Wake and Johnston County. Then I heard a boom, and when I looked at the window - the fence over here was torn down. I went and looked out at the back. My barn door had blown off. And there was (tree) limbs everywhere," said one homeowner.

ABC 11 saw workers along Clayton Boulevard working to repair utility poles, which impacted some neighborhoods and businesses. A town spokesperson said four damaged light poles have been reported, and outages reported from US 70 and NC 42 East toward Glen Laurel Road.

As of Sunday afternoon, the spokesperson noted several traffic signals were out along NC 42 East. Drivers should proceed with caution when traveling along US 70 and NC 42 East toward Glen Laurel Road.

Fallen trees obstructed the railroad tracks, causing train traffic to be stopped. By Sunday evening, the tracks had been cleared and trains were operational.

North Carolina Emergency Management provided an update Sunday as tornado warnings were issued across the state.

North Carolina's state emergency response team remains activated as severe weather continues to move across the state.

Fayetteville

There were reports of tornado damage, including along Ramsey Street and Skibo Road. Fayetteville Fire Chief Kevin Dove told ABC11 that five buildings along Skibo Road sustained structural damage. Several HVAC units were also dislodged at a Walmart, which was evacuated until further notice. The Fayetteville Fire Department and other emergency services are on the scene.

Search and rescue and hazardous materials response operations are underway. Officials are advising drivers to avoid the affected areas and allow crews to safely respond.

No serious injuries have been reported at this time.

Chatham County dispatch confirmed a tornado touched down about nine miles east of Pittsboro.

In Harnett County, officials reported multiple homes damaged by the storm along Highway 401 and Josey Williams Road. Brian Heath, deputy fire marshal for Harnett County, said there were multiple reports of houses damaged.

Western NC

State emergency officials said several communities in western North Carolina experienced flash flooding and landslides overnight, prompting several rescues. No serious injuries were reported. Water levels remained high in the mountains.

In central North Carolina, severe storms brought damaging winds and the threat of tornadoes. Officials said several tornado warnings were issued and three possible tornadoes were reported, with damage in warned areas.

The National Weather Service is expected to survey the damage to determine whether tornadoes touched down.

Officials are urging residents to remain weather aware and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued. People should move to the lowest level of a building or an interior room without windows, get low and cover their heads.

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