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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Gastonia, NC

Home Care Gastonia, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic R Gregg Cherry Historical Marker 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 Gastonia, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Gastonia, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”

Karen C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”

Gayle S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”

Richard H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”

Said Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”

Lacey J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”

Seema T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”

Chris B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”

Sarah H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for this company.”

Stephanie U.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”

Kim P.

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

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Gastonia, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Gastonia, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Gastonia, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Gastonia, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting George Poston Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Gastonia, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Webb Custom Kitchen or visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History Planetarium, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Gastonia, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Gastonia, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Gastonia, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Gastonia, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Gastonia, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Gastonia, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Gastonia, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Gastonia, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Morningside of Gastonia
  • Terrace Ridge Assisted Living
  • Wellington House
  • Brookdale New Hope
  • Brookdale Robinwood
  • Belaire Health Care Center
Home Care Gastonia, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Gastonia, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Gastonia, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Gastonia, NC

Latest News in Gastonia, NC

Gaston County dogfighter gets prison time in 'one of the best results in state court' national animal welfare group has seen

Rico Pagan will spend 7 to 15 years in prison for dogfighting. District Attorney Travis Page said he hopes the sentencing "sets an example" for other dogfighters.GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gaston County dogfighter will spend roughly 7 to 15 years in prison for a 2021 case in which two decomposing dogs were found along Queens Road in Gastonia, prompting an investigation leading to the arrest of a person living in the area.The case came to a conclusion this month when a jury convicted Rico Pagan, 53, on four counts of fel...

Rico Pagan will spend 7 to 15 years in prison for dogfighting. District Attorney Travis Page said he hopes the sentencing "sets an example" for other dogfighters.

GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gaston County dogfighter will spend roughly 7 to 15 years in prison for a 2021 case in which two decomposing dogs were found along Queens Road in Gastonia, prompting an investigation leading to the arrest of a person living in the area.

The case came to a conclusion this month when a jury convicted Rico Pagan, 53, on four counts of felony dogfighting and 13 counts of animal cruelty. The district attorney's office said, along with dogfighting paraphernalia, nine dogs were found, some severely malnourished, cruelly restrained with heavy chains, and bearing scars consistent with dogfighting.

The amount of prison time levied in Pagan's case is not always seen. In 2023, a high-profile dogfighting case out of Charlotte ended with Earl Hamilton entering a guilty plea (known as an Alford plea) to five counts of felony dog fighting, 12 counts of felony animal cruelty, 12 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and three counts of misdemeanor cruel restraint. Hamilton's punishment included probation and a ban on owning animals for five years.

In the Gaston County case, Travis Page, District Attorney for Gaston County, said Pagan had a history of dogfighting that dated back to 2008, which played a role in how Page's office prosecuted the case. Page said Pagan also picked up new charges this year related to dogfighting while out on bond for his 2021 charges.

"We try to be aggressive with repeat offenders," Page said, noting that the judge who rendered Pagan's sentencing referenced that history of cruelty.

"She wondered how many dogs between 2008 and 2025 that he had also abused and neglected," Page said.

Page said Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society of the United States), which worked with Gaston County officials to care for and relocate dogs seized from Pagan's property, told him the case was notably successful.

"This was one of the best results they've seen in state court throughout the country," Page said.

In a discussion on WCNC+ streaming, Page told WCNC Charlotte Anchor, Vanessa Ruffes, how dogfighting investigations are becoming more elaborate and prevalent, as investigators train more on how to spot potential offenders and gather evidence, using drones and electronic paper trails to document illegal betting.

Page said he is satisfied with the outcome in this case and feels like it aligns with his office's mission of fighting for the most vulnerable and voiceless in the community.

"We take a lot of pride in that, and we hope that we can set the tone and set an example with Mr. Pagan's case for other dogfighters in the area," Page said.

You can watch the full conversation with Page from WCNC+ below.

Authorities encourage the community to learn the signs of dogfighting and report it. In most cases, people can make reports to local law enforcement. South Carolina also has a SLED dogfighting unit. People can email tips to [email protected].

LGI Homes Debuts Rhyne Court in Gastonia, NC

GASTONIA, N.C., July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (NASDAQ: LGIH) is proud to announce the grand opening of Rhyne Court, an exciting new townhome community nestled in Gastonia, North Carolina, approximately 30 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Prospective homeowners can secure a brand-new townhome at Rhyne Court starting at just $249,900 with zero down options available.“We’re thrilled to announce our newest townhome community in Gastonia, where affordability meets style. With prices starting only in th...

GASTONIA, N.C., July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (NASDAQ: LGIH) is proud to announce the grand opening of Rhyne Court, an exciting new townhome community nestled in Gastonia, North Carolina, approximately 30 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Prospective homeowners can secure a brand-new townhome at Rhyne Court starting at just $249,900 with zero down options available.

“We’re thrilled to announce our newest townhome community in Gastonia, where affordability meets style. With prices starting only in the mid-$200s, these homes offer thoughtful floor plans designed for the way you live - including double primary suites, 4-bedroom options with a main-level guest suite, and even homes with a basement and garage,” stated Tyler Zulli, Vice President of Sales for Charlotte. “Just 30 minutes from Charlotte Douglas Airport and the Charlotte Premium Outlets, this location is as convenient as it is desirable.”

will include 130 townhomes across a variety of thoughtfully designed floor plans to suit every lifestyle. Each home is crafted with comfort, functionality, and modern living in mind.

Residents of Rhyne Court will enjoy the ease and convenience of low-maintenance townhome living, where exterior upkeep is expertly handled for you. Lawn care and exterior home maintenance, such as roof care, are all included through the HOA.

Rhyne Court’s exceptional location offers more than just a beautifully maintained home - it places you at the heart of a vibrant, active lifestyle. Enjoy weekends exploring nearby destinations like Crowders Mountain State Park, the Schiele Museum of Natural History, and CaroMont Health Park. Plus, with convenient access to I-85, residents benefit from effortless commutes and close proximity to major employers, including the nearby Amazon Distribution Center and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The community features welcoming streetscapes, a community fire pit, and proximity to endless local conveniences. With builder-paid closing costs, a simple buying process, and no down payment required, LGI Homes makes it easier than ever for first-time buyers and families to step into homeownership.

For one weekend only, LGI Homes will be offering new home discounts at the Grand Opening event on August 2 and 3, 2025. Interested homebuyers will have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars on their new home. Customers can call (855) 887-5500 ext. 1024 for more information and to schedule a tour. The Rhyne Court Information Center, located at 1830 Rhyne Elementary Dr., Gastonia, NC, 28052, is open seven days a week.

About LGI Homes

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, LGI Homes, Inc. is a pioneer in the homebuilding industry, successfully applying an innovative and systematic approach to the design, construction and sale of homes across 36 markets in 21 states. As one of America’s fastest growing companies, LGI Homes has closed over 75,000 homes since its founding in 2003 and has delivered profitable financial results every year. Nationally recognized for its quality construction and exceptional customer service, LGI Homes was named to Newsweek’s list of the World’s Most Trustworthy Companies. LGI Homes’ commitment to excellence extends to its more than 1,000 employees, earning the Company numerous workplace awards at the local, state and national level, including the Top Workplaces USA 2025 Award. For more information about LGI Homes and its unique operating model focused on making the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the nation, please visit the Company’s website at

MEDIA CONTACT:Rachel Eaton(281) 362-8998 ext. 2560

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9b9c09d-db79-400e-addf-c0bbee14bb0c

School bus strands 6-year-old outside Gastonia apartment, family claims

GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - It was a first day fiasco for an elementary school family in Gastonia, who allege their 6-year-old daughter was incorrectly placed on a school bus and stranded outside their apartment.A neighbor noticed the girl shortly after getting off the bus Wednesday afternoon and notified her parents.Wednesday was the first day of school.“It just breaks my heart because that’s my child’s safety,” the girl’s mother, Teresa Baysmore said. “Anything could have happened.&rdquo...

GASTONIA, N.C. (WBTV) - It was a first day fiasco for an elementary school family in Gastonia, who allege their 6-year-old daughter was incorrectly placed on a school bus and stranded outside their apartment.

A neighbor noticed the girl shortly after getting off the bus Wednesday afternoon and notified her parents.

Wednesday was the first day of school.

“It just breaks my heart because that’s my child’s safety,” the girl’s mother, Teresa Baysmore said. “Anything could have happened.”

Baysmore and the girl’s father, Frederick Guthrie, claim they signed the girl up as a car-rider on Monday, during the open house at Woodhill Elementary School.

However, the school placed the first-grader on a school bus, leaving the child’s grandfather waiting in the school pickup line, Baysmore said.

It wasn’t until Baysmore received a call at work from her neighbor, that’d she learned what happened.

“What is the purpose of us updating our information every year if y’all not going to go by the updated information,” Baysmore said. “Y’all need to have this stuff together before the first day of school, because this could have been a tragedy.”

Baysmore and Guthrie spoke to WBTV about the incident Friday, hoping to raise awareness so that other school districts and parents in the area double-check their transportation plans.

“A 6-year-old in the streets alone, and her mom and daddy not around, that’s not acceptable,” Guthrie said.

For the better half of last school year, Baysmore said her daughter didn’t take the bus. She claims her daughter even spoke up to her teacher Wednesday, that she was supposed to be picked up from school.

Baysmore met with school administration later Wednesday, who offered an apology, Baysmore said. She has a meeting with the principal on Monday.

Gaston County Schools said Friday afternoon there was an oversight of the information provided from the parent to the teacher.

The school met with the parent, apologized, and is ensuring it doesn’t happen again, Gaston County Schools said.

Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.

Gastonia adjusts approach to extreme heat after cooling station backlash

City leaders say they’re committed to better preparation moving forward.GASTONIA, N.C. — As scorching temperatures push into the upper 90s and beyond, the City of Gastonia is adjusting how it helps residents beat the heat.After...

City leaders say they’re committed to better preparation moving forward.

GASTONIA, N.C. — As scorching temperatures push into the upper 90s and beyond, the City of Gastonia is adjusting how it helps residents beat the heat.

After facing community backlash earlier this month for their original outdoor cooling station, which consisted of just two fans and a few chairs placed directly under the sun, officials have shifted course.

Now, the Salvation Army building in Gastonia is open as a designated indoor cooling center. Inside, people can find air conditioning, bottled water, and snacks. a major upgrade from what was originally offered.

“It’s hot as I don’t know what,” one homeless woman said Friday while cooling off in the shade with her dogs. “As long as my babies is good, I’m alright. It’s just, it’s hot. So, [the center] helps out a lot.”

Dandria Bradley, the city’s Director of Communications & Marketing, said the confusion stemmed from a transition of responsibility. When Gaston County dissolved its Community Support Services Department last year, oversight of cooling stations shifted from the county to the city for the first time.

“It’s live and learn,” Bradley said. “We’re learning from our mistakes and trying to make things better, logistically trying to put things in place.”

The city now has a tangent plan in place: if the heat index is below 95 degrees, the outdoor setup will remain available. When the index climbs to 95 or higher, residents will be welcomed inside the Salvation Army building for relief.

City leaders say they’re still finalizing a long-term, unified strategy for extreme heat, but are committed to better preparation moving forward.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

Who has the best ice cream in the Gastonia area? Vote now!

Ice cream has long tantalized the tastebuds on steamy summer days.There are several places in and around Gastonia to get a scoop of the cool, creamy treat. It would be tough to name every establishment that serves up popular desserts, but here are eight fan favorites.Vote in our poll below. Voting will end on Sunday, Aug. 24.Bumble Bee Creamery Located on Glenway Street in Belmont, Bumble Bee Creamery offers a selection of 16 rotating flavors including vegan and sorbet options. They also sell snacks and local ho...

Ice cream has long tantalized the tastebuds on steamy summer days.

There are several places in and around Gastonia to get a scoop of the cool, creamy treat. It would be tough to name every establishment that serves up popular desserts, but here are eight fan favorites.

Vote in our poll below. Voting will end on Sunday, Aug. 24.

Bumble Bee Creamery

Located on Glenway Street in Belmont, Bumble Bee Creamery offers a selection of 16 rotating flavors including vegan and sorbet options. They also sell snacks and local honey.

Downstairs Ice Cream

Downstairs Ice Cream is located beneath Main Avenue in Gastonia. The family-owned business offers ice cream made on site with a staple menu along with flavors that rotate to offer some surprises.

Floyd & Blackie’s

Floyd & Blackie’s is situated on 8th Avenue in Cramerton. It serves a wide variety of pastries, coffee and, of course, ice cream.

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream calls Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia home. Patrons can get scoops, floats and pints along with sherbets and ices.

Smallcakes Belmont!

Located on Wilkinson Boulevard in Belmont, Smallcakes Belmont! not only has a variety of cupcakes, the menu offers several signature ice cream flavors.

Sweet Grace Shake Shoppe

Sweet Grace Shake Shoppe on Dallas High Shoals Highway, Dallas, serves more than the name implies. They offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors and slushies along with nostalgic candy choices.

The Fuzzy Cow in Cherryville

While the establishment, located on Main Street in Cherryville, is primarily known for its frozen yogurt, The Fuzzy Cow also has a variety of ice cream and bubble tea.

Tony's Ice Cream

Tony’s Ice Cream has called East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia home for decades. Known for its ice cream, the business also has a full menu from the grill.

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