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 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.
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 had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Klein with Always Best Care at a recent”
“If you find yourself in the unenviable position of having to find a living facility”
“good service. help was thoughtful and kind. used for several days.”
“Kelly Klein at Always Best was a godsend. She helped us out during a truly”
“Karla Dixon is a wonderful asset to the community and to Always Best Care in”
“Karla dixon is truly a great person for the community. She is compassionate and very”
“Thank you, Carver Living Center (CLC) for the wonderful care the staff provided for my”
“From the outside looking in, you don’t always see the care, patience, and dedication that”
“Always Best Care is hands down your go to for all in home care needs!”
“Seeing the care they provide, I’d highly recommend them to any family in need of”
“Reliable, caring, and professional—Always Best Care is awesome!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Always Best Care provides excellent services to their community. Impeccable staff and care givers who actually”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are”
“I had a wonderful experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. Kelly Klein was incredibly”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and”
“Kelly was super helpful at a time i needed help she had all the answers to my”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is a premier organization.”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful”
“These people were amazing.”
“Working with Always Best Care has been an absolute pleasure. As the director of Pathway”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly Klein with Always Best Care at a recent networking event. Kelly was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. It’s always a pleasure connecting with people who are passionate about helping seniors and their families. I look forward to staying connected and working together to support our local senior community!”
“If you find yourself in the unenviable position of having to find a living facility or home for your loved one with cognitive issues such as dementia, the very first thing to do is to contact Kelly Klein at Always Best Care. Kelly guided me through the entire process of investigating options, making appointments, visiting facilities, selecting the best fit, preparing for all of the paperwork involved, assembling documents and generally helping with the myriad of details necessary in making the difficult decisions for my ailing loved one. Kelly took care of it all and was a godsend to me during a very difficult time. Kelly is experienced with the process, the facilities and everything that is important to consider in memory care for your loved one. Her expertise in this area is vast and her involvement thorough. Do yourself and your loved one a favor and contact Kelly. You will be as grateful and appreciative as I am. Thank you, Kelly!!!”
“good service. help was thoughtful and kind. used for several days.”
“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!”
“Karla Dixon is a wonderful asset to the community and to Always Best Care in Chapel Hill, NC.”
“Karla dixon is truly a great person for the community. She is compassionate and very helpful.”
“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).”
“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.”
“Always Best Care is hands down your go to for all in home care needs! Top tier team!”
“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!”
“Reliable, caring, and professional—Always Best Care is awesome!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Always Best Care provides excellent services to their community. Impeccable staff and care givers who actually care!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”
“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”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is a premier organization.”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”
“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.”
“These people were amazing.”
“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.”
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 Sandy Creek Park in Durham, 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
The late Barry Poss, co-founder of Sugar Hill Records (who passed away May 12, 2025 at age 79 from a battle with cancer), was remembered and celebrated in a tribute concert by Jerry Douglas & Friends at the historic Carolina Theatre in Durham, NC on Thursday night, November 5, 2026. Orchestrated by Douglas, the four-hour night of music and memories brought together classic recording stars from the label’s heyday (1970s and ’80s).The evening featured such groundbreaking musical entertainers and notable Sugar Hill record...
The late Barry Poss, co-founder of Sugar Hill Records (who passed away May 12, 2025 at age 79 from a battle with cancer), was remembered and celebrated in a tribute concert by Jerry Douglas & Friends at the historic Carolina Theatre in Durham, NC on Thursday night, November 5, 2026. Orchestrated by Douglas, the four-hour night of music and memories brought together classic recording stars from the label’s heyday (1970s and ’80s).
The evening featured such groundbreaking musical entertainers and notable Sugar Hill recording artists as Ricky Skaggs, Doyle Lawson, Hot Rize, and a reunion of the iconic band, Boone Creek, who all recorded albums that “put them on the map” in the bluegrass genre.
The night launched with video eulogies from William Horton who recalled the day Poss (a native Canadian) received his US citizenship. Lyle Lovett followed, recalling the time Poss picked him up at his hotel at 5:30 in the morning so he could catch an early morning flight, Next, Chris Hillman reflected that Poss helped launch his recording career, and Marty Stuart shared how “Barry gave me a record deal in the ’80s.” The video tributes ended with B Townes, founder of MerleFest, praising the impact of Poss musically, from being a clawhammer banjo player and lover of the music to eventually owning his own record label.
Douglas then stepped to the podium and welcomed all to the sold-out one-night show, introducing the star-studded stage band: Sam Bush on mandolin, Bryan Sutton on guitar, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Kristin Scott Benson on banjo, and Daniel Kimbro on bass, with Flux doing the honors on dobro.
“We have eight people that are in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame on stage here tonight,” Douglas proudly declared. He also forewarned, “We have a long night of music ahead. Everyone I called and asked to be a part of tonight said, ‘Yes’.”
The order of performance was: Robin & Linda Williams, Wayne Henderson & Randy Greer, Peter Rowan, Jim Watson, Hot Rize, Sarah Jarosz, Doyle Lawson & Russell Moore, Tim & Mollie O’Brien, Ricky Skaggs, the Whites, Boone Creek, Sam Bush & Jerry Douglas, and Robert Earl Keen. Each ensemble offered three or four tunes, and tales of their relationship with Poss.
Watson of the Red Clay Ramblers launched his portion of the show with an old Tommy Jarrell tune, Sugar Hill. He recalled how Poss had formed a bond with the old-time fiddler and thought the name for the record label was birthed from Jarrell’s song.
Pete Wernick, Hot Rize banjoist, shared how his band came to the label. “Barry Poss came on the Hot Rize bus at Doyle’s festival at Denton, dropped to his knees, and said, ‘I want you on Sugar Hill.’ We were all impressed.”
Jarosz expressed her gratitude. “I signed with Sugar Hill when I was 16. I am so glad to be a part of this night.”
Nick Forrester of Hot Rize assisted Douglas with the show’s MC work. As he introduced Lawson to the stage, he stressed, “Bluegrass made a seismic shift in 1978.”
Lawson, along with Russell Moore (who was with him for six years) and John Meador on guitars, Benson on banjo (standing in for the late Terry Baucom), and Kimbro on bass, recreated some of Quicksilver’s flagship tunes from their first records which were recorded on Sugar Hill. The HOFamer launched with Julianne, followed by She’s Walking Through My Memory, and ended with Misery River. Even in his absence, the spirit of Bauc was felt as Benson hammered the five, demonstrating she had done her homework nailing his signature licks, and driving home the reason that she is the most awarded banjoist in the IBMA.
The audience went wild when Boone Creek took to the stage. “We haven’t played together since 1978,” Douglas admitted.
With founding members Skaggs on mandolin, Wes Golding on guitar, and Douglas on dobro, they were joined by Benson on banjo while Kimbro switched to electric bass as was used by the band on stage and in all their recordings. They closed their portion of the show with what Douglas described as “our one hit,” One Way Track.
Golding reflected before the show, “We had a great day of rehearsals yesterday. It was so good to see old friends and get together to show tribute to Barry Poss. Many thanks to Flux for all the hard work bringing us all together and making this happen.”
Several former Sugar Hill employees were in attendance, including Penny Parsons, who stated…
“I’d like to thank Jerry Douglas for putting together this amazing concert to honor Barry Poss and the legacy of Sugar Hill Records.
Barry accomplished his vision of creating a label that was known for its excellence. Sugar Hill was a place where artists were valued for their creativity and welcomed with open arms. I’m grateful for the opportunity of working alongside Barry and proud to have had a small part in the label’s success in the early years. I’m only sorry that Barry can not be here to experience the honors he is now receiving.”
The evening of tributes and music concluded with all the performers, including the audience, singing along with Rowan on Goodnight, Irene.
It was an unforgettable event. Douglas followed the blueprint from his tribute to Earl Scruggs’ 100th birthday celebration at Ryman Auditorium a couple of years ago, right down to having cardboard fans with Poss’ face just as he had done for Earl. A great souvenir for all in attendance.
Thanks to Cliff Miller for providing superb audio, Douglas for instigating the tribute for his longtime friend, and the host of performers who said “yes” to the call.
R.I.P., Barry Poss
Note: Barry Poss was inducted posthumously into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame last month.
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DURHAM, N.C. — If you’ve noticed your lawn looking a bit crisp lately, you aren’t alone.A stubborn drought is gripping several North Carolina counties, and Durham is right in the thick of it. The city’s water supply is running low, prompting local officials to ask everyone to cut back on daily usage.Durham's city reservoirs are sitting at just 37% capacity. To put that into perspective, that leaves the community with only about 90 days of easily accessible water left. Durham has been in a Stage 2 water r...
DURHAM, N.C. — If you’ve noticed your lawn looking a bit crisp lately, you aren’t alone.
A stubborn drought is gripping several North Carolina counties, and Durham is right in the thick of it. The city’s water supply is running low, prompting local officials to ask everyone to cut back on daily usage.
Durham's city reservoirs are sitting at just 37% capacity. To put that into perspective, that leaves the community with only about 90 days of easily accessible water left. Durham has been in a Stage 2 water restriction since June 15.
The city gets its drinking water from Lake Michie and Little River Lake, which supply Durham and surrounding neighborhoods. Both lakes rely on rainfall to replenish the rivers and watersheds that feed them.
"We are seeing our lakes are about 36% in capacity, which is about half of what we would normally be this time of year," said James Lim, the city’s water efficiency and conservation program manager.
Because things have gotten this low, the city is asking residents to change everyday routines. Durham has put mandatory Stage 2 water restrictions into effect.
What does that mean for the day-to-day? For starters, using city water for extra outdoor chores is officially off the table. Unless there is a direct health or safety issue, residents are no longer allowed to:
Officials say small changes inside the house can add up to a massive relief for the city's infrastructure.
"Taking shorter showers, making sure they don't have any leaks. Things like that all make a difference," Lim said.
City officials are working to pull water from alternative regional sources to take the pressure off local lakes.
"We are accessing our Jordan Lake allocation through the town of Cary to offset the demand on our lakes," Lim said. "We're also pulling water out of Teer Quarry to help for the same reason."
For now, the city is keeping a close eye on the reservoirs and reminding everyone to use only what they truly need.
Lim said this dry spell could last a while, meaning the restrictions will stay for the foreseeable future. In fact, without rain soon, residents could face tighter rules down the road.
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DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Banana pudding is a Southern staple, but one Durham man is putting his own spin on the classic dessert with new flavors and combinations, all while staying close to his roots.The Pudding Man storefront is just a couple hundred square feet, but for owner Fabian Hall, that once seemed out of reach."I was working at Duke when I first started, so I was actually walking around Duke with a cooler selling it at Duke and selling it out of my trunk," Hall said.Hall said it was his wife who saw the...
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Banana pudding is a Southern staple, but one Durham man is putting his own spin on the classic dessert with new flavors and combinations, all while staying close to his roots.
The Pudding Man storefront is just a couple hundred square feet, but for owner Fabian Hall, that once seemed out of reach.
"I was working at Duke when I first started, so I was actually walking around Duke with a cooler selling it at Duke and selling it out of my trunk," Hall said.
Hall said it was his wife who saw the potential for something bigger before he did.
"I couldn't imagine," he said. "My wife had aspirations and dreams for me, but I'm like, man, I gotta be at a restaurant. This just goes with Southern food. I don't think it'll be able to stand on its own."
Then an opportunity came along.
"We jumped on it, and it works," Hall said. "She was right."
Now nestled inside one of the shipping containers at Boxyard RTP, The Pudding Man is reimagining traditional banana pudding with flavors including strawberry, pineapple, peach cobbler and cookie butter.
Many of the ideas come from Hall's wife, with the final seal of approval often coming from their youngest daughter, Addison.
"My daughter, Addison, she's the number one taste tester. She's the boss," Hall joked. "Let her tell it, she's the boss. I'm her worker."
For Hall, food has always been a family affair. He said his aunt and uncle each have restaurants, while his mother owns two.
Hall still sells his banana pudding at his mother's Let's Eat Soul Food restaurants.
But it's the reaction from customers that keeps him creating.
"Just seeing people, their reactions to tasting something I created, it gives me some sense of joy," Hall said.
From selling pudding out of a cooler and the trunk of his car to running his own storefront, Hall keeps building on the dessert that started it all.
And when asked whether there's a secret ingredient that sets his pudding apart, Hall's answer was simple.
"Love."
The City of Durham is one of 30 cities recently selected to participate in a new Bloomberg Philanthropies housing initiative to bring funding and expertise to cities to help increase housing supply and expand options.Participating cities will receive $450,000 to $750,000 to pilot technology that quickly clears construction approvals, engage architects to draft permit-ready plans, or hire staff to push stalled projects along.Mayor Leo Williams said the amount Durham will receive from Bloomberg hasn’t been determined....
The City of Durham is one of 30 cities recently selected to participate in a new Bloomberg Philanthropies housing initiative to bring funding and expertise to cities to help increase housing supply and expand options.
Participating cities will receive $450,000 to $750,000 to pilot technology that quickly clears construction approvals, engage architects to draft permit-ready plans, or hire staff to push stalled projects along.
Mayor Leo Williams said the amount Durham will receive from Bloomberg hasn’t been determined.
The city will use its award to expand its Accessory Dwelling Units Pilot program, Williams said. It could be used to hire another staffer to focus solely on the ADU pilot program, he said.
The Bloomberg award “may not be enough money to really have an impact on building units, so we may be able to hire some manpower to help carry this out and execute those ADUs faster,” Williams said.
ADUs are self-contained housing units that are commonly referred to as granny flats, in-law suites or backyard cottages. The Durham program provides low-interest loans to eligible homeowners to build ADUs that will remain affordable for 30 years. The city has already invested $1.75 million in the pilot program.
Sarah Viñas, the city’s Housing & Neighborhood Services director, said meeting Durham’s housing needs will require bold ideas and more choices.
“We’re really excited to be one of the first cities elected to participate in the Bloomberg Housing Initiative,” Viñas said. “We’re going to focus on expanding housing options across the city and testing out expansion of accessory dwelling units and other creative housing types to address our affordability challenges.”
Like other cities across the country, Durham is struggling with a housing affordability crisis, Viñas said.
“Our challenge has definitely increased over the last several years and through the pandemic as housing costs have increased significantly,” Viñas said. “The cost to build has increased and the cost of housing overall has increased, and that’s on the homeownership side and the rental housing side.”
She said more housing is needed, especially housing that’s affordable for low-wage residents.
“We also know that there are a lot of displacement pressures that are impacting existing residents,” Viñas said, “so another key piece of our challenge is to preserve the housing that we do have, and to support longtime residents so they’ll be able to stay in the city that they’ve called home.”
Cities chosen for the initiative will model programs in Atlanta, Austin, Texas and San Diego. Atlanta created a position to kickstart stalled projects. Austin increased options for accessory dwelling units to lower rents, and San Diego fast-tracked building application reviews to increase home construction.
Bloomberg Philanthropies noted in a press release that years of under-building has left America with housing shortages in every region of the country and at every income level. Roughy 8.1 million families now share a home with people outside their household because they cannot find another within their means, it said.
A study commissioned by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce found the state faces a total housing supply gap of 764,478 units through 2029. That includes 442,118 homes for sale and 322,360 rental units.
Bloomberg Philanthropies only announced the first 15 participants last week. Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alexandria, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Cleveland, Ohio, Columbia, South Carolina, Louisville, Kentucky, Miami, Florida, Nashville, Tennessee, Omaha, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Providence, Rhode Island, and San Jose, California were chosen along with Durham to participate in the initiative.
A popular reality show is coming back — and it wants contestants from the Triangle.“Love Island USA” is seeking competitors who live in Raleigh, Durham or beyond.“The ‘Love Island USA’ casting team (City Media Entertainment) is searching for singles across America — coast to coast, from big cities to small towns — and wants to hear from people of all walks of life, comprising various backgrounds, passions, occupations and perspectives,” production company ITV America wrote T...
A popular reality show is coming back — and it wants contestants from the Triangle.
“Love Island USA” is seeking competitors who live in Raleigh, Durham or beyond.
“The ‘Love Island USA’ casting team (City Media Entertainment) is searching for singles across America — coast to coast, from big cities to small towns — and wants to hear from people of all walks of life, comprising various backgrounds, passions, occupations and perspectives,” production company ITV America wrote Thursday, Nov. 5 in a news release.
Here’s what to know about the Peacock series and the casting call for its next season.
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“Love Island USA” premiered in 2019 and is gearing up for its ninth season, which is set to debut next year. Producers said contestants “live together in a sprawling Fijian villa, couple up and look for love.”
During the competition, the swimsuit-clad singles are vying for the chance to win a $100,000 prize.
“Season 8 dominated social conversation and the streaming charts during its run in 2026, delivering nearly 19 billion minutes viewed on Peacock,” according to the show’s production team.
If you think you or someone you know would be a good fit for the show, you can submit a nomination at loveislandusa.castingcrane.com. Contestants must be at least 18 years old.
“As prospective Islanders fill out the online casting application, they’ll be expected to answer questions about themselves, their dating history, and what makes them stand out as a potential Islander,” Peacock wrote on its website. “No stone is left unturned by the ‘Love Island’ producers, who want to make sure they select Islanders well-aligned to find love in Fiji.”
The casting website doesn’t list a submission deadline or exact filming dates. But the online application may offer some clues, given it asks for prospective contestants to reveal their availability between mid-May and late July.
“Selected applicants will be contacted for further interviews as producers narrow down their pool of potential Islanders, with background screenings before final casting,” Peacock wrote. “Chosen Islanders will be expected to travel to Fiji in 2027, spending the summer navigating dramatic recouplings, shocking fan votes, and all the hallmark moments that have made ‘Love Island USA’ such an obsession.”
It’s not the first time a reality show has sought singles in North Carolina. In February, the Peacock series “Married at First Sight” put out a casting call in Charlotte and shared plans to film in the city, CharlotteFive previously reported. Season 6 of the Netflix series “Love is Blind” was set entirely in Charlotte.
In other recent dating show news, the Netflix series “Age of Attraction” featured two contestants from the state. And the latest season of ABC’s “The Bachelorette” was set to feature a contestant with ties to a former U.S. congressman from North Carolina before it was canceled, The News & Observer previously reported.
Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.
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