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 Morris Island Lighthouse 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 Folly Beach, SC 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.
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine,”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years”
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”
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 Folly Beach County 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 Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar or visit Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, 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.
Request More Information
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 Folly Beach, SC, 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 Folly Beach, SC 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 Folly Beach, SC 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.
Updated: Nov. 6, 2024 at 4:45 PM PSTFOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Folly Beach hopes to curb a growing need for “cost-friendly” livability by expanding access to workforce housing, but they need opinions to push them forward.Leaders are asking the public to weigh in on ideas to bring diverse housing options closer to city limits. The idea was first introduced in July when planning commission board members discussed creating affordable long-term rental spaces.Folly Beach has seen an increase in July lo...
Updated: Nov. 6, 2024 at 4:45 PM PST
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Folly Beach hopes to curb a growing need for “cost-friendly” livability by expanding access to workforce housing, but they need opinions to push them forward.
Leaders are asking the public to weigh in on ideas to bring diverse housing options closer to city limits. The idea was first introduced in July when planning commission board members discussed creating affordable long-term rental spaces.
Folly Beach has seen an increase in July long-term rentals after a cap was placed in 2023 on short-term rental options.
“It’s getting to be a bit more expensive to live on Folly Beach, and that’s starting to impact our public safety, our service workers, who are having to move further out and find places they can afford to live in,” Councilmember Chris Bizzell says.
Sarah Piscatelli has worked on Folly Beach for more than a year. She admires the character of the beachfront and its local hospitality.
“I used to live on James Island, made a shorter commute. Since we now own a house in Goose Creek, so a longer commute,” Piscatelli says. “It is so rewarding to work somewhere and commute somewhere that is so beautiful.”
Coworkers and surrounding businesses share a similar experience. The restaurants, cafes and shops lining Center Street say peak tourism season gives them the business and the energy they need, but staffing can be difficult to maintain, despite the potential of higher pay.
Local residents add attainable housing is “no doubt, a need,” but would like to see how it would be done. City officials have confirmed there is not a lot of space in city limits for development.
“I know locals are super passionate about the community we have and are obtaining. I feel like any sort of additional housing, anything built besides whatever is being done already is excessive,” Piscatelli says.
The city aims to have a formal plan by February 2025 that includes details of cost, timeline, location and design. Between that time, leaders expect to hold public hearings and meetings to dispute options.
“We won’t be building high-rises, we can’t build high-rises because we don’t have room. The avenues we want to build through planning commission may look very different than they do in other places,” Zoning Administrator, Jenna Stephens, says. “Planning commission is about to send out a survey we hope business workers will answer, to know how far they live, how far they commute, how much they pay, are they looking for housing on Folly Beach and would they benefit from some sort of help.”
Bizzell says this is the time for “creative solutions,” as it can be difficult to gauge an “affordable” definition for housing. He adds the average single family home could cost anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000 a month.
To submit public comment on this project, you can contact the city of Folly Beach here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Toby’s Spooktacular Sweep, a Halloween celebration, returns for its third year at Folly Beach this year.The annual beach sweep events kicks off Halloween early on Oct. 27. Participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes while they pick up litter along one of the six stations. The family-friendly event will provide Halloween temporary tattoos, slap wristbands, and stickers. ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Toby’s Spooktacular Sweep, a Halloween celebration, returns for its third year at Folly Beach this year.
The annual beach sweep events kicks off Halloween early on Oct. 27. Participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes while they pick up litter along one of the six stations. The family-friendly event will provide Halloween temporary tattoos, slap wristbands, and stickers.
Vanessa Oltmann, founder of Toby’s Spooktacular Sweep, said why she organizes this event around the holiday.
“I decided we need to have fun, so what wouldn’t be better than to do a costume sweep, a spectacular – spooktacular for everyone,” Oltmann said.
The turnout for the event has been impactful to the coastal community by keeping areas within the beach clean.
“We’ve had over 300 volunteers over the past two years and we’ve collected close to 2300 pieces of debris,” Oltmann said.
Toby the Turtle and the City of Folly Beach host the sweep, while they continue to have a partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium.
“The aquarium provides all the supplies and the necessary equipment for us to be able to collect data” Oltmann said. “Which is very important in this world for us to know what kind of debris is in the ocean or on the earth, because everything that’s out there on the ground ends up in the ocean. And we want to protect wildlife, domestic life, marine life, and human life so that all affects us.”
Surrounding the beach sweep, one of the major concerns is plastics. Oltmann said anything that ends up in the ocean or in our waterways, eventually ends up in our bodily systems.
“This data actually helps us to be able to go to the city or any politicians to say look, we have an issue. What can we do to resolve the problem, the founder said. “This is why the sweeps are so important, they make the public aware of what’s here.”
The beach sweep is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with the costume contest to follow at 4 p.m. along with treats at the participating restaurants. For those who wish to participate, must sign up to receive a wristband and free parking.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Folly Beach residents came out to an informational drop-in session Thursday night to review the city’s Safety Action Plan and had the opportunity to provide feedback on the study.The goal is to come up with a plan of potential opportunities to enhance safety on Folly Beach roads for pedestrians and drivers.The city started developing the Safety Action Plan earlier this year and since then they have been collecting and analyzing data based on crashes that happened in the city between 2017 and 202...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - Folly Beach residents came out to an informational drop-in session Thursday night to review the city’s Safety Action Plan and had the opportunity to provide feedback on the study.
The goal is to come up with a plan of potential opportunities to enhance safety on Folly Beach roads for pedestrians and drivers.
The city started developing the Safety Action Plan earlier this year and since then they have been collecting and analyzing data based on crashes that happened in the city between 2017 and 2023. The study goes into more detail about where the crashes occurred, how severe they were, what kind of crash it was whether it be vehicular, pedestrian or bicyclist, as well as when it happened.
The transportation planner for Kimley-Horn who is helping conduct this study, Laura Kelly, said that they have looked at various areas to help improve roadway conditions.
“SCDOT has a traffic-calming program that we would consider partnering with and doing speed cushions along the island in low speed and low volume areas,” Kelly said. “Indian Avenue and Center Street as kind of like a mobility project, so we did sketch a roundabout here as a potential opportunity, but we definitely wanted to engage the public at this point and hear from them what they’d like to see.”
Along with improving mobility, additional bicyclist and pedestrian safety measures are a key part of this plan. Some potential ideas include a multi-use path, pedestrian refuge spaces, which are safe designated areas for pedestrians to cross the street, as well as additional lighting.
“Looking at pedestrian and bicyclist crashes things are pretty spread out throughout, so we’re of course taking a focus on Center Street where there are the highest traffic volumes, but we’re also looking at both ends of the island and then also the causeway,” Kelly said.
Residents and community members who went to the meeting mentioned concerns of bicyclist and pedestrian safety along various parts of the city, especially Ashley Avenue and Center Street.
“Coming to Folly is such a fantastic place to walk around and bike around, but we do have a history of crashes and being able to mitigate those and reduce them and hopefully get rid of all injuries and fatalities over time would be great,” Folly Beach resident Kyle James said.
He said that he heard similar comments from other residents who came out to the meeting as well.
“Talking with residents who have been here even longer than me. Getting kind of the history and what they want their city to feel like over time and how it’s shifted and that the need for more biking and pedestrian infrastructure has grown and it’s kind of come to the forefront,” James said.
After Thursday’s meeting, Kelly said that they will take the feedback that they got, put together a final list of potential projects and submit a grant application for them in the spring to the United States Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Program.
If that grant is awarded Kelly said the city could then begin putting some of those projects under contract.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
With 2876 miles of coastline, hemmed by beaches and barrier islands, South Carolina is a dream for seekers of sun, sea, sand, and, yes, even solitude. Whether you’re looking for silent strolling, family fun, or a spring break vibe, you'll find a beach in the Palmetto State that ticks the right boxes.South Carolina entices visitors with cool, sparkling Atlantic waters and broad, sandy beaches that hide dazzling seashells and fo...
With 2876 miles of coastline, hemmed by beaches and barrier islands, South Carolina is a dream for seekers of sun, sea, sand, and, yes, even solitude. Whether you’re looking for silent strolling, family fun, or a spring break vibe, you'll find a beach in the Palmetto State that ticks the right boxes.
South Carolina entices visitors with cool, sparkling Atlantic waters and broad, sandy beaches that hide dazzling seashells and fossils (including fossilized teeth of the prehistoric shark Megalodon). You can admire the wildlife, dive deep into history, enjoy water sports, and dine, shop and enjoy the spa life in the best beach resorts in the Lowcountry.
Each of South Carolina’s beaches has its own vibe, and many are just a short drive from Charleston, a nostalgic nexus of southern charm. Consider South Carolina for your next beach vacation for memories that will last a lifetime; here are the state's top beaches.
Best beach for surf town vibes
Just south of Charleston, Folly Island has the Atlantic Ocean right outside the front door and the Folly River right out back. Eons of interaction between these two bodies of water created the six miles of broad sandy beaches that ring the island – great spots to surf and boogie board, kayak and fish, go boating or water ski.
Hailed as one of America's last true beach towns, Folly Beach's storied history begins with its original residents, the Bohicket Indians, who lived in the area until the 1600s when European colonists forced them to relocate.
Today, Folly Island has 2400 full-time residents, but the population swells on holidays and weekends. A charming and funky surf vibe pervades on Folly Beach's Center Street, lined with boho clothing shops and seafood restaurants.
The surrounding island is dotted with ocean-focused attractions, including Folly Beach Pier, a pelican rookery and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, with scenic coastal landscapes framing the Morris Island Lighthouse.
Folly Beach is a great place for culture, too. The Porgy House was home to Charleston authors DuBose and Dorothy Heyward in the 1930s. This is also where, in 1934, George Gershwin wrote Porgy and Bess, based on DuBose Hayward’s novel.
Planning Tip: For a fun family day out, explore the marshlands along the Folly River by kayak – it’s an adventure that’s safe and fun for kids of any age, and kayak excursions can be easily arranged in Folly Beach.
Best beach for luxury
Famous for its stylish luxury accommodations, Lowcountry beaches and more than 23 world-class golf courses, Hilton Head was the first eco-planned resort in the United States, and it's a favorite vacation spot for the ritzy set.
You can steep yourself in decadent luxury at Hilton Head’s spas, dine in four-diamond-rated restaurants and play a round or two in between bronzing and beach-combing, but you'll need a budget to match.
Covering 42 sq miles, low-lying Hilton Head Island is bordered by 12 miles of stunning beaches, and many of the island’s exclusive hotels have their own private beach access. The Gulf Stream keeps the daytime temperature comfortably above 80°F from May to September, and the ocean waters are not much cooler in summer. Travelers on a budget will appreciate the public sections of beach; metered parking is available at eight of the island’s beaches.
While Hilton Head is famous for its high-end offerings, there’s plenty of pocket-friendly exploring for families and nature buffs. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to deer and alligators, and myriad bird species throng its maze of salt marshes and lagoons. Moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, and palmettos make for wonderful photos.
Planning Tip: Plan your trip for September (after Labor Day), when the beaches are emptier, but temps are still pleasant. You'll also have the best chances of seeing a sea turtle nest hatch. If you're lucky enough to experience it, don't shine any lights on the hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean (they'll get confused!).
Best beach for nature lovers
One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, Edisto Beach is a great rustic getaway for nature lovers. A vacation on the sand-fringed island of the same name invariably involves adventures in the great outdoors.
The state park is crosshatched with hiking and biking trails, including the state’s longest system of ADA-accessible hiking and biking trails. Edisto Beach provides affordable beach fun, from furnished cabins in the woods to oceanfront and forest campsites. Hike, bike, explore the beach, fish and splash in the shallows to your heart's content.
The park also has an environmental education center with exhibits on the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin, which includes the watersheds of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers. The park is a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles from May to October.
Planning Tip: To keep kids engaged, search the palmetto-lined strip of sand on Edisto Beach for colorful seashells and keep an eye peeled for fossils. Petrified bones from mammoths, saber-toothed cats and other prehistoric mammals have been found here.
Best beach to avoid the crowds
Stepping onto Bull Island – also known as Bulls Island – is like setting out on an east coast safari. Accessible by ferry or kayak, with 16 miles of trails and seven miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore, this is the perfect island to avoid the crowds and enjoy the unspoiled scenery of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
Bull Island is a famous haven for migrating birds, with more than 293 species recorded here. Kids will love spotting a regal American bald eagle. If observing alligators, catching a glimpse of black foxes, or spotting bottlenose dolphins is on your bucket list, naturalist-guided tours are great for all ages.
The 66,000-acre island is the largest of four barrier islands within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves saltwater estuaries, marshlands, freshwater impoundments and maritime forests. Bottlenose dolphins raise their calves in Bull Island's protected creeks, and loggerhead sea turtles nest on the island beaches.
Boneyard Beach, named for the bleached skeletons of oaks, cedars, palmettos and pines that litter a three-mile stretch of beach at the island's northeast corner, is popular with photographers.
Planning Tip: Bull Island is a great day trip from Charleston, which is about 50 minutes by road from the ferry launch in Awendaw. Contact Coastal Expeditions for a variety of island excursions by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or ferry.
Best beach for families
Myrtle Beach is South Carolina’s most popular beach resort, luring more than 19 million visitors annually. Tourists come for the family-friendly attractions, beachfront hotels, all-ages entertainment, and, of course, the white-sand beaches.
The sandy strip extends northeast towards North Myrtle Beach, where dreamy Crescent Beach is the city's hidden gem. It's the best spot to settle in under a beach umbrella with a good book as the kids boogie board in the surf or build sandcastles on the shore.
You’ll find plenty of adventure and water sports in North Myrtle Beach, from wakeboarding and jet-skiing to surfing and parasailing – perfect if you're a water-loving adrenaline junkie.
Planning Tip: On land, kids will love the thrills and spills at Family Kingdom and the towering Skywheel Ferris wheel. Take a break from the commercial attractions with a boardwalk stroll in peaceful Myrtle Beach State Park.
Best beach for privacy
A private escape with 10 miles of white-sand beaches, Kiawah Island is a little slice of paradise. A world-class resort and a vibrant village coexist along a pristine coastline, flanking 10,000 acres of coastal woodland, sand dunes and marshes populated by whitetail deer, alligators, bobcats, seabirds and sea turtles.
While this is one of the best beach destinations for a luxury vacation, the natural setting is being preserved and enhanced for current and future generations. Most beaches are private and reserved for property owners, resort guests and holiday-let renters, but casual visitors to the island can sun and swim at beautiful Beachwalker County Park.
The island is as welcoming to families as to couples. With kids in tow, soak up the sun and splash in the surf, then visit the 500-year-old Angel Oak Tree; for a grown-up experience, grab a meal or a drink at the Charleston Tea Garden or the Firefly Distillery.
Planning Tip: Kiawah Island is accessible by road from Charleston in around 45 minutes, so it's an easy day trip if your budget doesn't stretch to stopping over. There's parking at the Beachwalker County Park, but the 150 spaces fill quickly in summer, so arrive early.
Published: Oct. 10, 2024 at 2:05 AM PDT|FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - A Lowcountry nonprofit that works to enhance the lives of veterans and their families is giving the community an inside look at what they do and the impact they have.The Warrior Surf Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was founded in the Lowcountry in 2015. The organization offers a free surf therapy, yoga, one-on-one wellness coaching and a sense of community to veterans.The ...
Published: Oct. 10, 2024 at 2:05 AM PDT|
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - A Lowcountry nonprofit that works to enhance the lives of veterans and their families is giving the community an inside look at what they do and the impact they have.
The Warrior Surf Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was founded in the Lowcountry in 2015. The organization offers a free surf therapy, yoga, one-on-one wellness coaching and a sense of community to veterans.
The organization focuses specifically on veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, transition issues and other mental health issues.
Warrior Surf Foundation offers a 12-week program that is free for anyone who is military affiliated, whether they are a veteran, an active-duty member, or even a family member of a veteran.
But for the first time ever, the organization will host a community day for anyone of any age to come out to see what they do and meet the Warrior Surf Team.
The different outlets that the organization offers allow veterans to work with physical barriers they may have developed while serving, as well as mental barriers like anger and trust issues.
Joshua Suggs is the chief surf instructor for the organization and a veteran himself. Suggs served in the army and has been a part of the Warrior Surf Foundation for four years. He says that throughout his time with the program, he has seen it completely change the lives of the participants and helped break barriers for them both physically and mentally.
“I have watched people who carry around that anger and aren’t exactly socially capable anymore, completely turn around like a full 180. And you see people come out of their shells, which is kind of their safety mechanism. They’ve been hurt so many times and lost trust through the military, and they feel capable of being in society again because of community,” Suggs says.
One of the organization’s mottos is “leave it on the beach,” encouraging the veterans to be present in the moment and to release any negative feelings they may be having. While the therapy programs are impactful, Suggs shared the top reason he encourages veterans to check their organization out.
“Mostly for the community. In all honesty, I mean, there’s surfing everywhere. You can do yoga at home if you really want to. And just specifically for veterans, the VA offers therapy, but if you want to get involved with a new group of people that will make you feel comfortable, vulnerable, if you wish, safe, which is a really hard thing for vets specifically that’s why they should get involved. Come and find new people that are experiencing the same struggles that are also seeking something to help with those struggles,” he says.
For anyone interested in checking out what this organization does, they will have the opportunity to do so this weekend.
The Warrior Surf Foundation will host their first ever community day Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at 3rd Street West on Folly Beach.
The event is free and open for anyone of any age or skill level in the community to attend, military affiliated or not.
They will be accepting donations at this event to go completely toward the Warrior Surf Foundation’s Surf Therapy Program.
The community day will begin with yoga at 8 a.m., surfing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a large group meditation. It is an opportunity to see what “Day One” is like for those who participate in the 12-week program.
Event leaders say that participants should bring a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, water and a snack. Foam surfboards will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending can RSVP through this link here. They will also need to fill out the waiver linked here.
For those interested in supporting the work the organization does, donations can be made here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
843.535.8387
