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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 Wedgefield, SC

Home Care Wedgefield, SC

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 Battle of Dingle's Mill Historical Site 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 Wedgefield, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Wedgefield, SC

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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

“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care for! Nate and Melisa offer regular training for caregivers so they they can provide the best care possible!”

Kayla P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nice people to work with”

Denise D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best choice for your family’s needs. The Team at Always Best is thoughtful and supportive they go out of their way to make you feel heard and understood. They customize the care plan, care team and schedule. I recommend them to anyone considering aging in place.”

Melisa R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service is a savior for me personally. It relieves me from having to miss a lot of work time to travel to my mothers appt, now I can meet her at the appt. and save this time. The care and service she is getting is TOP NOTCH! From how easy it is for my mother to schedule and the follow through is right on the money. From a person getting the services: Melissa is the best, she calls me weekly to remind me of my appointments coming up. I am very pleased with the services and absolutely pleased with the services provided. I know that this alone helps ease the mind of my daughter. Thank you to the team at Always Best Care!”

Stephanie A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking for care for a loved one, I highly recommend them. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I work in the senior industry and recommend Always Best Care to my clients that need extra support in their home or while family is away. Always Best Care will respond immediately and truly show compassion to others.”

Dusty B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take the time to ensure your care needs are met. Highly recommend giving them a call if you have senior care or senior living questions or concerns.”

Melisa B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense of the questions we had when it came to the short and long term care of our loved one. When you have an elderly parent or a loved one with disabilities there are so many questions and so many emotions. It can be so confusing and it was hard for us to find one person or one company that has the knowledge and grasp of this industry that Nate has. We cannot thank him enough for guiding us through this process and his amazing bedside manner!”

pam C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your families a Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year!  My brother, my dad, and I really appreciate everything you did for us this year.  You're amazing! All the best for the Christmas season and 2023,”

Neal L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.”

Elizabeth &.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The owners, Nate and Melisa, genuinely care about clients AND staff. They go above and beyond to support, encourage, and help everyone they work with. Their doors are always open, they’re generous with their time, and they truly want their staff to succeed. Donna in the billing department is fabulous, always available to answer questions or help in any way; Katrina in scheduling puts in so much time and effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and it’s amazing how well she handles everything; Angel works diligently on recruiting and training, making sure there’s plenty of staff to provide quality care; and Jackie is an incredible CHAMP, making sure clients are properly reassessed and care givers have the right tools and knowledge to do their job. ABC is a fantastic, compassionate, caring team I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m proud to serve our clients, too.”

Gina B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”

Josephine N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job if it wasn't for them and they go grocery shopping. They can have more guidance for the client and what to do for the client.”

Kyle M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly and courteous. I like that I do not have to worry about them; they are honest.”

Mary J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a lot easier for me to find out about the caregiver coming out and having someone on backup. The agency could provide better scheduling and the caregivers would not come in on time.”

Anonymous_6190
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver has changed a lot for me and has done errands for me. I would tell a friend that Donna is great.”

Michael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They help with his personal care and the cooking. They're very accommodating and the communication is very good.”

Cindy S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I don't have transportation so I rely on them to take me to my chance treatment. I like how they take control of who they have.”

Ann A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They are my mother's means with her transportation. My mother enjoys her caregiver.”

Greg M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The help is very welcome and I have a great caregiver. I don't like that they don't have much staff, but I do like my caregiver.”

Dawn F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom and all areas and for safety reasons they help with the showering. Some things have improved because at one point they weren't communicating that someone was coming.”

Joyce S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Wedgefield, SC?

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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 Wedgefield, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Wedgefield, SC

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 Wedgefield, SC
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 Wedgefield, SC
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 Wedgefield 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 Wedgefield, SC
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 Christner's Prime Steak & Lobster or visit Aycock Plantation, 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 Wedgefield, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Wedgefield, SC

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 Wedgefield, 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.

 Elderly Care Wedgefield, SC

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 SC'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 Wedgefield, SC

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 Wedgefield, 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.

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 Wedgefield, SC

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 Wedgefield, SC

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:

  • Senior Living Specialists Philly
  • Senior Solutions Assisted Living Advisors
  • The Preserve Adult Family Care Home
  • Encore at Avalon Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community
  • Gentry Park Orlando
  • Laboy Senior Living Consultant
Home Care Wedgefield, SC

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 Wedgefield, SC

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 Wedgefield, 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.

 Elderly Care Wedgefield, SC

Latest News in Wedgefield, SC

Pops, bangs, aircraft & Marines, but it’s no invasion. Here’s what’s really happening

Some Midlands residents might hear excessive noise — including pops and bangs — caused by aircraft and members of the U.S. Marine Corps this week.But it’s no invasion, it’s a training exercise being conducted in Sumter County, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.The training will be centered at ...

Some Midlands residents might hear excessive noise — including pops and bangs — caused by aircraft and members of the U.S. Marine Corps this week.

But it’s no invasion, it’s a training exercise being conducted in Sumter County, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The training will be centered at Camp Burnt Gin in the Wedgefield area, DHEC said Tuesday in a news release. It’s about 10 miles south of Shaw Air Force Base.

U.S. Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are participating in the training, according to the release.

Those who live near Camp Burnt Gin, Manchester State Forest and Poinsett Bombing Range can expect noise common to rotary-wing aircraft during, as well as occasional pops and bangs, Tuesday night, DHEC said.

Residents are asked to refrain from using flash photography because of the possibility it could cause a “white-out” of pilots’ night vision goggles, according to the release.

The training is expected to end at midnight, DHEC said.

Normally, Camp Burnt Gin is an overnight summer camp for children, teens, and young adults with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses, according to the release. The camp is operated by DHEC and is a program within the Division of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

Soak Your Stress Away In South Carolina's Poinsett State Park At Levi Mill Lake

December is a fun time all across the United States with the holidays and winter festivities in full swing. Whether your idea of a winter getaway is to a tropical beach setting or a snow-capped mountain, we have some wonderful destinations to show you. Here are some of the best places to visit in the U.S. in December for you to start planning your next getaway. Table of Contents This article is part our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you’re looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month...

December is a fun time all across the United States with the holidays and winter festivities in full swing. Whether your idea of a winter getaway is to a tropical beach setting or a snow-capped mountain, we have some wonderful destinations to show you. Here are some of the best places to visit in the U.S. in December for you to start planning your next getaway.

Table of Contents

This article is part our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you’re looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month of the year then look no further, our guides will give you all the seasonal travel inspiration you need to find the perfect location for your next getaway:

SPRING IN USA SUMMER IN USA FALL IN USA WINTER IN USA
March June September December
April July October January
May August November February

Best Places to Visit in The USA In December

If you are wondering where to visit in December in the USA, we have some extra special destinations for you to explore. From some places you have possibly always wanted to go, to hidden gems you may not have heard about yet. Here are some of our favorites that we think you’ll love too.

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Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In December To Avoid Crowds

One of the best reasons to travel in December is that you can enjoy some of your favorite destinations without summer crowds. These next few destinations are unique in their own way and make for a delightful December getaway.

Best Places To Visit In The US In December For Outdoor Adventure

If you enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some of the best places to travel in December in the USA with stunning views and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors these next couple of destinations should be on your trip list.

20 Affordable Destinations Across The U.S. For A Last-Minute Holiday Getaway

11 Once-In-A-Lifetime Tours That Show Off America's Most Breathtaking Landscapes

Build Your Own Travel-Themed Advent Calendar Or Christmas Countdown With These 12 Gifts

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Best Places To Visit In December For Events

December is a festive time of year, but there are certain places in the US that really take holiday celebrations to a whole new level. Here are a couple of the best places to travel in December in the USA to celebrate the holidays.

Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in December

We’ve all heard about the top spots in the US for wintertime getaways like ski lodges in Vail, or heading to Key West for a beach getaway, but there are plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. The next few destinations you may not be as familiar with, but they are just as spectacular as those you are used to enjoying.

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When it comes to winter travel some of us would rather hole up in a cozy cabin by the fireplace, others are looking for adventures. No matter what your ideal December vacation looks like we hope you have discovered a few new destinations that you are excited about visiting. If you have any other destinations that you’ve fallen in love with please share them with a comment so we can add them to our best places to visit in the U.S. in December list.

It’s never too early to start planning your next summer getaway too. Here are some of our favorite destinations to visit in July so you can get an early start on a fun summer trip.

Three people found dead inside burning SC home, and fourth hurt in fire, coroner says

Three men were found dead inside a burning home, and a fourth man was hospitalized Wednesday, according to the Sumter County Coroner’s Office.Sumter residents William Murray, 57, John Elswick 26, and Robert Blackowicz, 23, were pronounced dead at the scene of the house fire, Coroner Robbie Baker said...

Three men were found dead inside a burning home, and a fourth man was hospitalized Wednesday, according to the Sumter County Coroner’s Office.

Sumter residents William Murray, 57, John Elswick 26, and Robert Blackowicz, 23, were pronounced dead at the scene of the house fire, Coroner Robbie Baker said in a news release.

The fourth man was taken to the Augusta Burn Center in Georgia to receive treatment for injuries he sustained in the fire, according to the release. Further information on that man’s condition was not available.

No other injuries were reported, and there was no word if anyone else was in the home at the time of the fire.

At about 3 a.m., emergency responders went to the burning building near the 5000 block of Alcott Drive, the coroner’s office said. That’s in the Wedgefield area, where a mobile home park is located.

Information about how long it took to extinguish the fire was not available.

There was no word on the extent of the damages, or if the home was considered a total loss.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office, ATF in addition to the coroner’s office, according to the release. There was no word if foul play was suspected.

Information about the men’s causes of death was not available, but autopsies have been scheduled for Friday at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, the coroner said.

Lawsuit alleges discrimination by Georgetown Co., council in failed affordable housing rezoning

GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County and the county council face a lawsuit in federal court over the 2021 denial of a rezoning request for an affordable housing proposal near Wedgefield Plantation.The complaint alleges the motivation in denying the rezoning included “racism and classism,” and that denial of the rezoning will cause “substantial and disproportionate harm to Black households” in Georgetown County.The complaint was filed Nov. 16 in U.S. District Court in Charleston.The complaint names...

GEORGETOWN — Georgetown County and the county council face a lawsuit in federal court over the 2021 denial of a rezoning request for an affordable housing proposal near Wedgefield Plantation.

The complaint alleges the motivation in denying the rezoning included “racism and classism,” and that denial of the rezoning will cause “substantial and disproportionate harm to Black households” in Georgetown County.

The complaint was filed Nov. 16 in U.S. District Court in Charleston.

The complaint names as plaintiffs the South Carolina and Georgetown County chapters of the NAACP, FourSix Development and We Do Good Work.

FourSix is a Lexington-based housing developer while We Do Good Work is a limited liability company founded by FourSix for the purpose of the affordable housing proposal in question. It entails a 90-unit multifamily housing development on 16 acres of land north of Georgetown near the intersection of U.S. Highway 701 and Wedgefield Road.

“This denial of safe, decent affordable housing will increase housing insecurity among Black residents and contribute to a litany of harms including increased housing cost burden, continued exposure to unsafe housing conditions in dilapidated structures, and reduced access to the jobs and community amenities near the proposed location of Porter’s Landing,” the complaint reads.

The project, dubbed Porter’s Landing, succeeded on a second reading vote before county council in May 2021 but failed on its final third reading vote two weeks later. It had previously met unanimous conditional approval by the Georgetown County Planning Commission.

“Georgetown County’s recent housing needs assessment recognized the severe shortage of affordable housing in the County and found that this shortage was limiting economic growth. And the County’s own planning documents have long identified affordable housing as a priority,” litigation attorney Adam Protheroe of the S.C. Appleseed Legal Justice Center said in a Nov. 16 press release from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

GEORGETOWN — Elizabeth Humphrey’s passion for mentoring students in Orangeburg County recently earned her a trip to not only Washington, D.C., but also to the White House.

Since graduating from Claflin University in 2005, the Georgetown County native has dedicated her career to serving others through education or by just simply lending a hand. Those are two values the 41-year-old received from her parents growing up in rural Plantersville.

Georgetown Times

“They instilled in me the value of education, helping people, being humble and keeping God first,” Humphrey said. “Those are the biggest things I can say my parents did in shaping my life to where I am today.”

Humphrey grew up amid oak trees on 30 acres of land in Plantersville. One of her fondest memories is of her father cutting grass surrounded by chickens and the family’s dog.

“My dad is a pastor, so every Sunday we were in church no matter what,” Humphrey said. “But sitting out there in the summertime with a glass of sweet tea, or just running up and down the yard. Me and my sister used to ride bikes until it was dark. It was just the experience of just being at peace out there surrounded by open land. Just beautiful.”

Yet the Georgetown High School graduate never had an inkling that one day she would walk through the doors of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. that has been the official residence and workplace of every U.S. president since John Adams.

Currently an instructional coach at Robert E. Howard Middle School, Humphrey was invited along with other women from across the United States to the White House for the “Know Your Value Event” with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski. She was recognized for her dedication to mentoring students in the Orangeburg County School District.

“I did an interview with the National Education Association maybe six months ago, but I never heard back from them,” Humphrey said. “They asked me how I mentored students in my current role as a teacher; as an instructional coach, and that was it. I never heard anything else.”

But one day — out of the blue — Humphrey received a phone call from her friend Sherry East, president of The South Carolina Education Association.

“She was like, ‘Liz, you are going to the White House.’ I was like, ‘No way, not me,’” Humphrey said. “So about two days after the call, I got the invite. I was like ‘Is this real?’”

Reality set in Jan. 10 when Humphrey stepped inside the doors of the White House and was greeted with a tea party before going into the East Room where Brzezinski interviewed Biden and answered questions from the invitees.

“Just being inside the White House and the East Room was amazing,” Humphrey said. “All of the people greeted us with a smile, even the security guards and security detail.”

Humphrey said the White House is bigger than it looks on television, describing it as pristine, bright and very neat. She was able to observe the portraits of all of the past presidents.

East said she was not surprised that Humphrey was invited to the White House event.

“She is a very dedicated educator,” East said. “She goes above and beyond for her students and her community. I first came across Liz when she was the district teacher of the year. I met with her and worked with her on a project to create a clothes closet for students in her school. She sees a need and she goes for it.

“If a student’s computer breaks down, she goes to their house. She worries about her students. She becomes part of their lives.”

Humphrey, who will graduate in May with a specialist degree in principalship, said her love for service started years ago when she came to Orangeburg County as a science teacher.

“My most impactful experience was helping one of my students that lost their home and everything,” she said. “Me and a couple of teachers here were able to provide clothing, toiletries, kitchen appliances —whatever they needed. It helped to make them comfortable until the government could kick in assistance to help them recover.”

Every year during Christmas, Humphrey’s class of 30 students would adopt a family, providing gifts and clothing. That effort inspired others and soon the entire school participated.

Humphrey has a long list of honors in her career including teacher of the year, 40 under 40 recognition from Claflin University, NAACP Educator of the Year award and many others.

She credits her parents, Ben and Willie Mae Grate; husband Albert and two of her elementary school teachers, Angela Prioleau and Hermenia Bell, for being role models in her life.

“They (Prioleau and Bell) came to work every day, always dressed professionally and had a great mindset to teach students how to learn,” she said. “They were amazing.”

These days Humphrey continues to mentor students as well as recruit more young women to become teachers in South Carolina. She also strives to instill the same values into her 7-year-old daughter Ashley.

“She was excited to see her mom on TV,” Humphrey said. “She was like, ‘I want to be next.’ Hopefully I will rub off on her that one day her and other girls that I impact can sit in that White House seat and just be amazed.’”

Humphrey also has advice for the youth of Georgetown County.

“Know your why,” Humphrey said. “That’s instilled in my students here. Love yourself and always be willing to help others because you never know what somebody is going through.”

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'It's been built by people that are still living here: Wedgefield residents calling for old elementary school to continue serving community

Liberty STEAM Charter School is requesting to purchase FJ DeLaine, a Wedgefield elementary school that closed in 2018.SUMTER, S.C. — A charter school is looking to expand in Sumter County, but some residents aren’t happy about the existing building it wants to use."I started school here in 1954," Sumter resident Roland Robinson remembers. "First grade."Robinson attended F.J. DeLaine for elementary school. He says ...

Liberty STEAM Charter School is requesting to purchase FJ DeLaine, a Wedgefield elementary school that closed in 2018.

SUMTER, S.C. — A charter school is looking to expand in Sumter County, but some residents aren’t happy about the existing building it wants to use.

"I started school here in 1954," Sumter resident Roland Robinson remembers. "First grade."

Robinson attended F.J. DeLaine for elementary school. He says it’s been a staple in the Wedgefield community for decades, but that might change soon.

Liberty STEAM Charter school hopes to buy the property to serve more students and parents like Robin Thames and Chelsea Bowley, whose kids attend the current campus.

"It seems like their big vision is eventually to have campuses all over Sumter since there's not transportation for a charter school and that way they can service more kids in more localized areas," Thames explains.

"I know there’s tons of parents that are interested in Liberty and there’s a waitlist a mile long and I know that they would be all for Liberty growing and their children having the same opportunity my children do," Bowley adds. "Expanding in Sumter I think would be a great opportunity not only for the children in Sumter and the educational needs that are here, but also just for in the future just for Sumter in general, like for the growth of Sumter."

Liberty sent a proposal to the Sumter School District saying it wants to purchase the property located on Cane Savannah Road off Broad Street. County Councilman Carlton Washington believes this is not the right fit.

"There's a very rich and deep history associated with people in this community and specifically Black children who could not get a quality education," Washington explains.

It was originally a Rosenwald school, which aimed to provide education to Black children during segregation. It’s a history that Wedgefield residents, like local pastor Dorothy Maple, want to keep alive by keeping the building for the community.

"This is the heart and the hub of Wedgefield. Right here. It’s been here. It’s been built by people that are still living here," Maple shares. "And there's so much of a need right here in this community that is not being fulfilled."

Instead of giving the property to Liberty, they’d like a portion of it to be turned into a community center. President of the Sumter County branch of the NAACP Elizabeth Kilgore says while a charter school offers educational benefits, she would prefer that education be directed to kids in this community.

"With a public charter school, the students here may or may not be served," Kilgore believes. "But with Sumter School District, they will be served."

"It’s a part of our community," Robinson continues. "It's a legacy for us in this community, that the school remain here and if it takes it away I know the building won’t move, but the name will change."

According to Thames, that might not be the case. She says her children began attending Liberty when its first campus opened in a different old school building.

"When they first started, they didn’t have a name for the school and one of the ways they encompassed the old school that was there is they had us vote and they pulled in the old school...and they encompassed it into the new name of Liberty STEAM Charter," Thames explains. "And then on top of that they have had people that attended that elementary school way back in the day come and speak to the kids to kind of put a face to the children that ran down those hallways so many years ago."

Regardless, it goes beyond a name change, Washington says.

Another main point is a lack of transparency between the charter school and Sumter School District, according to Washington.

"[Community members] feel disrespected. It appears that there have been legislative maneuvers…about how to acquire the property without having one conversation with the community directly, without having one conversation with the other elected officials that represent this community," Washington tells me.

The charter school and Sumter School Board are unable to comment because lawyers are involved.

In documents obtained by News 19 between the legal representatives for the district and Liberty, the charter school has requested to purchase the building under a proviso that would make it eligible for sale if a school building is unused.

The district responded saying the building is still in use as a training center and storage location for the sheriff’s department and the school district. It also says it’s in the district’s capital improvement plans for future use.

The district says it’s continuing to evaluate its options regarding what that future usage will look like.

"We've discovered the school board itself has the authority to sell the school if it chooses to, but not by force of any proviso or any other state law that would require the school district to sell the school," Washington explains. "There's just so many other purposes that the school could be used for it could be used. As an IT hub. It can be used as a transportation hub. It could be used for food service, it could be used for adult ed. Just a number of things that it could be used for, in addition to sharing a portion of the property with the community."

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