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.
The South Carolina Aquarium continues its ongoing sea turtle rehab and release. (WCIV)FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Aquarium continues its ongoing sea turtle rehab and release. On Wednesday the aquarium and its Sea Turtle Care Center brought its number of released turtles to nearly 500."For the sea turtle release, for the turtles it means finally being rehabilitated enough to go back to their watery home," said aquarium volunteer and turtle supporter Robin Wagner.Dozens of supporter...
The South Carolina Aquarium continues its ongoing sea turtle rehab and release. (WCIV)
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Aquarium continues its ongoing sea turtle rehab and release. On Wednesday the aquarium and its Sea Turtle Care Center brought its number of released turtles to nearly 500.
"For the sea turtle release, for the turtles it means finally being rehabilitated enough to go back to their watery home," said aquarium volunteer and turtle supporter Robin Wagner.
Dozens of supporters made their way to Folly Beach County Park to see five turtles, all of the Kemp's Ridley species, head back home.
"And for the people that work with them, it gives us a sense of honor and pride," said Wagner.
Folks young and old lined the beach with signs supporting the creatures.
The five turtles were all hurt when caught up in fishing equipment and then rehabbed at the aquarium's turtle hospital.
"To be able to rehabilitate five of the most endangered species knowing that we can get them out there and help them become part of the breeding population and keep the species going is so important," explained the Sea Turtle Care Center's manager Melissa Ranly.
Working with the turtles is a sense of inspiration for many.
"Sea turtles [are] how I got involved in conservation at the aquarium back in 2000 when we first opened," said Sherry Fox.
Fox, Ranly, and Wanger are part of a bigger community who care for the creatures.
"It's such a huge collaboration between you know the turtle teams and rescuers who help get these animals to us," Ranly said. "Our team who, our veterinary staff and our turtle team that help rehabilitate them. To the educators who help educate the public about the issues that sea turtles face. It's such a huge community that are involved with sea turtle conservation. And so to be able to see this full circle is always so special to us."
The aquarium says it's cared for 33 turtles this year so far.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - As Hurricane Erin continues its path well offshore, beachgoers in the Lowcountry are still feeling the storm’s impact, particularly in the form of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf along the coast.While officials and meteorologists have warned swimmers to stay out of the water this week due to the high risk, that hasn’t stopped everyone from diving in, especially surfers.“I came out to surf before work this morning because the waves are just awesome,” one surfer who was ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - As Hurricane Erin continues its path well offshore, beachgoers in the Lowcountry are still feeling the storm’s impact, particularly in the form of dangerous rip currents and elevated surf along the coast.
While officials and meteorologists have warned swimmers to stay out of the water this week due to the high risk, that hasn’t stopped everyone from diving in, especially surfers.
“I came out to surf before work this morning because the waves are just awesome,” one surfer who was enjoying the early-morning swells at Folly Beach and identified herself only as “Casey,” said. “They don’t look too big, and I feel really good about it. There are a lot of people out here.”
Rip currents are narrow, fast-moving channels of water that pull swimmers away from shore, according to NOAA. While not inherently deadly, they can be extremely dangerous, especially for people unfamiliar with local beach conditions.
The surfer acknowledged the risk but said she thinks experienced surfers are often better equipped to handle it.
“I don’t think swimming is a great idea right now,” she said. “Surfing is a little bit different. Most surfers know their limits. Swimmers, especially visitors, might not know how the rips or jetties work here. I think that’s a good idea for people not to swim. I think experienced surfers might be good, but beginner surfers might think twice.”
recommends avoiding the ocean altogether during high rip current risk periods. But, for those who find themselves caught in one, the advice is clear:
The surfer, who regularly surfs at Folly Beach, says the key is understanding how the ocean moves.
“You’re not going to fight against a rip current,” she said. “Let it carry you down the beach. Eventually, you’ll reach a spot between swells and that’s your chance to come back in. But definitely don’t try to swim directly against it.”
The risk of rip currents from Erin is expected to remain high through the end of the week. Lifeguards and first responders are encouraging anyone planning a beach trip to check local flag warnings, surf advisories, and stay within designated swimming areas.
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The Folly Beach City Council approved a resolution to change parking rates at their meeting earlier in the week. Now, beach-goers can expect to start paying more for city-owned parking spaces come November 2025.Prices will vary depending on location and will also switch to staggard-seasonal rates.City Administrator Aaron Pope says the goal is to improve traffic congestion by encouraging people to park further from Center Street."We get over a million cars a year, and most of them com...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — The Folly Beach City Council approved a resolution to change parking rates at their meeting earlier in the week. Now, beach-goers can expect to start paying more for city-owned parking spaces come November 2025.
Prices will vary depending on location and will also switch to staggard-seasonal rates.
City Administrator Aaron Pope says the goal is to improve traffic congestion by encouraging people to park further from Center Street.
"We get over a million cars a year, and most of them come right down the main street," Pope said. "They turn on Arctic Avenue and they're looking for parking because it's right here in the middle, and we want to encourage people to kind of disperse throughout the island and even that traffic load. And so, one way we're doing it is increasing the rates in the middle of the island by making a flat rate."
Currently, city parking is $2.50 an hour, or $10.50 for the day.
People can expect pricing to stay the same for spaces located on 6th Street East to Summer Place, and 6th Street West to 9th Street West during October to February.
During the on-season, March to September, those prices will increase slightly to $3 per hour or $12 per day.
But for those looking to park closer to the center of the island, spaces along Ashley and Arctic Avenues between 5th St. East and 5th St. West will only offer a flat, daily rate.
Between March and September, parking Monday through Friday will cost $15 per day. Weekends and holidays will cost $25 per day. Between October and February, parking Monday through Friday will cost $10 per day. Weekends and holidays will cost $15 per day.
The change comes as other municipalities, such as the Isle of Palms, have also recently adjusted parking prices.
"The last time we looked at the rates, I think was early 2022, and prior to that in 2019," Pope said. "So, you know, roughly every three years or so we look at the rates, and this was just the perfect time to do it."
The city wants to remind beachgoers that the money collected from paid parking goes towards improving their beach experience.
"The money from our paid parking contract goes to several things: Beach access improvements, where we build and maintain our walkovers, we have a beach renourishment that we fund every few years," Pope said. "It funds our public safety department, it funds our public works department, which performs extra trash pickups along the beach walkovers during the summer. So, it is supporting the city services that make your beach visit safer and a better overall experience on how you cross over onto the beach."
Pope also reminded the public that the city has nearly 3,000 free parking spaces on the island, "you really only have to pay to park at the beach if you choose to park in one of the beach access parking lots. And, you know, there is a convenience factor there."
In the coming months, Pope says the city is thinking of requesting the state to raise the prices of state-owned spaces from $2.50 per hour to $3 per hour, for similar purposes.
The city reminds visitors of a newly launched Folly Beach Parking app to make checking parking availability and paying for parking more convenient.
Inside: Local mom visits Folly Beach, SC, and has all the tips for your next trip there!Have you visited Folly Beach, SC? No matter what kind of beach trip you are looking for, you can find it on the barrier islands of Charleston, South Carolina. Folly Beach is your best bet for the perfect mix of relaxing beaches and spots to dine. Folly Island is 18 square miles of sand and sun and offers a beach town vibe just 20 minutes from the tourist attractions of Charleston.Folly Island On The Coast Of South CarolinaThe beache...
Inside: Local mom visits Folly Beach, SC, and has all the tips for your next trip there!
Have you visited Folly Beach, SC? No matter what kind of beach trip you are looking for, you can find it on the barrier islands of Charleston, South Carolina. Folly Beach is your best bet for the perfect mix of relaxing beaches and spots to dine. Folly Island is 18 square miles of sand and sun and offers a beach town vibe just 20 minutes from the tourist attractions of Charleston.
The beaches of the Low Country offer something for everyone when it comes to a beach trip. For a quiet, non-commercialized beach experience, Kiawah Island’s Beach Walker Park is my go-to option. However, if a tourist-heavy, commercialized expertise is what you seek, Isle Of Palms fits the bill.
If a sandy spot somewhere in the middle of both is what you want, then the beaches of Folly Island are perfect. They are family-friendly, quiet, and some access points have restrooms and showers for beachgoers to use. The downtown area of Folly Island offers a funky beach town vibe that’s solidified its place in the history of the SC coast.
This Stay 22 Map contains affiliate links that will help you find the perfect place to stay near Folly Beach!
Wondering where the Folly Beach public access is? Or where the Folly Beach bathrooms are located? With six miles of shoreline, there’s no shortage of sand to spread out on when visiting Folly Beach. Finding beach access isn’t difficult, but depending on your family’s needs, one access might be more suitable than another.
Located on the southern tip of Folly Island, the county park offers families all of the amenities they might need including showers, restrooms, a seasonal concession stand, seasonal lifeguards, and chair rentals.
The parking fees range from $5-$25, depending on the season, and are $25 on weekends and summer holidays. Park gates are open from 8 am to sunset.
The Folly Beach Ocean Park is located at the end of West Arctic Avenue. It offers beachgoers restroom and shower facilities that are free and open to the public (currently only open during the summer.)
At the end of nearly every block on the island, there is a beach access pathway. Some spots include parking if space permits, otherwise you can park streetside.
The further you drive away from the pier, the less the metered parking costs. By quite a bit. If you aren’t trying to be right next to the pier and center street, drive a few miles north to find cheaper meter rates. The parking meter fees can be paid through a kiosk, or with the PARK Folly Beach app.
The centerpiece of Folly Island is the Folly Beach Pier. The pier was recently renovated. Amenities at Folly Beach Pier include the gift shop, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and wheelchair beach access.
The Pier 101 Restaurant is open daily from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, and offers seafood, sandwiches, and more!
Swimming is permitted on the beach that flanks the sides of the pier, however, the undertow can become dangerous near the pier causing unsafe conditions. Also, people throw baited hooks off of that pier looking to catch “a big un”. I don’t know about you, but I would prefer not to be swimming near where people are reeling in jaws.
The parking fees range from $5-$25, depending on the season, and are $25 on weekends and summer holidays. Pier hours vary by season, so be sure to check the park’s site before venturing out.
There are plenty of spots to choose from when it comes to meals on Folly Island. These are just a few of our favorites when we head out to spend the day on Folly Beach.
Ameri-mex style food with a kid’s menu, and a full bar. Great spot for nachos and margs after a day on the beach.
The perfect spot for breakfast or brunch, The Lost Dog has sandwiches, burgers, breakfast (all day), and more.
Saint James Gate Proper Irish Pub & Three Monkey’s Ice CreamThe menu here has a little bit of everything, including tacos. It’s kid & dog-friendly! Plus they have some delicious dessert options.
The Pineapple HutIf you spend any time on Folly Island, you are bound to see people walking down the street with a pineapple in their hands. This food truck is where it came from, filled with Dole Whip, or one of their weekly special flavors of soft-serve style ice cream. (March through November).
If you want to extend your trip, head over to Mount Pleasant for a bunch of free things to do while you’re there!
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Folly Beach’s paid parking lots could soon see a rate hike, as the city council will consider new rates at a meeting Tuesday night.City officials say the proposed prices would align them more with neighboring communities.City Administrator Aaron Pope said rates at the lots have not been adjusted in several years. The city’s goal is to disperse traffic and congestion and increase turnover in paid parking lots closest to the commercial districts of the island.The proposed ...
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Folly Beach’s paid parking lots could soon see a rate hike, as the city council will consider new rates at a meeting Tuesday night.
City officials say the proposed prices would align them more with neighboring communities.
City Administrator Aaron Pope said rates at the lots have not been adjusted in several years. The city’s goal is to disperse traffic and congestion and increase turnover in paid parking lots closest to the commercial districts of the island.
The proposed rates are as follows:
Pope said that while the flat rates for parking lots could be rising, you can still park at about 3,000 free spaces on the island.
If adopted, these parking rates would go into effect 90 days after the date of ratification of the resolution.
Parking citations may also be changing. Pope said that while all parking tickets are always appealable through the city court, the procedure could change. The ticket would not have the court date to appeal on it, and instead offer an opportunity for another step if you believe you were wrongfully ticketed.
“The parking contractor is authorized to cancel a ticket if they transposed their license plate; if it is not their car, the parking contractor does make mistakes on tickets. We offer people a chance to call the contractor first and say, ‘Hey, I have a receipt, I paid that box, this ticket is valid.’ If the contractor reviews it and it was issued an error, they can drop it,” Pope said.
Pope said that aside from these potential changes in the future, they plan to request the South Carolina Department of Transportation change parking meter rates from the current $2.50 an hour to $3 an hour for on-street parking rates. He encouraged residents and the public to attend work sessions and council meetings to learn more or give their input. The latest meetings can be found here.
The city council also plans to review the progress of the City of Folly Beach and SCDOT Road Safety Coordination projects. It includes a variety of projects, with many in the works for several years.
One project is the potential for a pedestrian scramble at the city’s only traffic light intersection. It would be at the intersection of Center Street and Ashley Avenue. It would allow pedestrians to cross diagonally through the center along with the traditional crosswalks. Cars and pedestrians would alternate with vehicles all fully stopped while pedestrians cross and vice versa.
Andrea Weathers is a long-time resident of Folly Beach, and she advocates for having a pedestrian scramble at that intersection due to increasing traffic and the need to prioritize pedestrian safety. She believes it could reduce confusion for pedestrians and drivers with the correct signage in place.
“I travel that intersection every day, and I travel that intersection every day multiple times, and I’m also a pedestrian. I see the problems with the pedestrians not knowing they have to press the button. Then I see, as a driver having to wait for those same pedestrians to cross the road in front of me, they want to try to make a right turn, and they’re trying to cross the road again. I see it much easier if absolutely all traffic stops and the pedestrians can walk from corner to corner,” Weathers said.
Pope said city staff met with SCDOT to review prior discussions of the pedestrian scramble at this location. SCDOT will require a traffic analysis to be conducted demonstrating the effects of a scramble on traffic volume, traffic delay and pedestrian crossings.
For a full list of other road safety projects in the works that the council will review, click here.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
843.535.8387
