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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 Cayce, SC

Home Care Cayce, 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 Cayce Historical Museum 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 Cayce, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Cayce, 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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“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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“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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“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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“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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 WmJ Cayce Memorial 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 Cayce, 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 Kingsman Restaurant or visit Guignard Brick Works, 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 Cayce, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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:

  • Twilite Manor Adult Residential Cr
  • Southern Heritage Inc
  • Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
  • Laurel Crest Retirement Community
  • Colonial Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Solutions For Living At Home
Home Care Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, SC

Latest News in Cayce, SC

BBQ spot Maurice’s Piggie Park faces challenges after major fire

A fire at Maurice’s Piggie Park in Cayce damaged its headquarters, sparking a multi-agency investigation as the small BBQ restaurant chain plans its recovery.CAYCE, S.C. — The West Columbia Fire Department continues investigating the cause of the fire at the Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ headquarters in Cayce."Shock. I mean absolute...

A fire at Maurice’s Piggie Park in Cayce damaged its headquarters, sparking a multi-agency investigation as the small BBQ restaurant chain plans its recovery.

CAYCE, S.C. — The West Columbia Fire Department continues investigating the cause of the fire at the Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ headquarters in Cayce.

"Shock. I mean absolute shock, and then you know sadness, because anybody who has grown up in this area, everybody recognizes the piggy park and the pig sign," Lisa Harmon said.

That's how Harmon said she felt when she saw flames coming from the buildings on the property on Saturday night.

“From our vantage point last night and how big the fire was, it was really difficult to tell whether or not the restaurant was also involved so just the general reaction was just shock,” she said.

Authorities later said the restaurant on the property was not damaged.

RELATED: West Columbia fire chief provides update on fire at Maurice's Piggy Park offices, cooking facilities

Around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, the West Columbia Fire Department responded to the area of Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard in Cayce. Fire Chief Marquis Solomon said it took multiple agencies to extinguish this fire.

“We had large amount of resources on-scene; we had agencies from five different jurisdictions working on this incident, so it was very intense," he said. "And manpower, we were in the neighborhood of about 50 to 60 firefighters on-scene at the height of the incident.”

According to Solomon, the fire took four hours to put out, and crews were still on the scene Sunday morning checking for small hot spots.

“The restaurant was not affected. However, the administrative offices, the cook house were all contained inside that building that was that was damaged by fire last night,” Solomon said.

The restaurant shared additional news in a Facebook post on Sunday morning.

“We plan for all our restaurants to be closed Monday until further notice," the statement said. "We will be taking it day by day as we work to reopen and rebuild. For anyone who knows our family knows we won’t give up and will work endlessly to do what we need to do to continue the BBQ legacy and support our 150 employees and community we love dearly.”

RELATED: Well-known barbecue restaurant issues statement after fire at headquarters: 'Unbelievable mountain to climb ahead of us'

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

"We do have a multiple-agency investigation being conducted that's through the city of West Columbia, also SLED [South Carolina Law Enforcement Division], state fire and the ATF," Solomon said. "This is a common practice with large dollar loss incidents.”

The fire department asked anyone in the area to stay away from the actual fire scene as the fire is still under investigation.

“Heartbreaking to see” — Fire engulfs headquarters of Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ

West Columbia, SC (WOLO)— Fire officials say on Saturday night, crews from West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo and City of Columbia, Lexington battled a blaze at the Maurice’s Distribution plant.West Columbia fire crews say Saturday night they responded to a fire at the Maurice’s Piggie Park distribution plant off Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard.Multiple crews worked to get the fire under control. Sunday morning , the West Columbia Fire Department reported the scene was under control and the cause of the fire ...

West Columbia, SC (WOLO)— Fire officials say on Saturday night, crews from West Columbia, Cayce, Irmo and City of Columbia, Lexington battled a blaze at the Maurice’s Distribution plant.

West Columbia fire crews say Saturday night they responded to a fire at the Maurice’s Piggie Park distribution plant off Charleston Highway and Airport Boulevard.

Multiple crews worked to get the fire under control. Sunday morning , the West Columbia Fire Department reported the scene was under control and the cause of the fire was being investigated.

The Bessinger family, owners of Maurice’s Piggie Park, posted on Facebook, saying:

“From the Piggie Park family – we are absolutely devastated to share that we suffered a horrible fire last night at our headquarters at Maurice’s Piggie Park, 1601 Charleston Hwy, West Columbia SC. The BBQ Pits, food preparation and processing plant facilities, and our offices are completely gone. It is heartbreaking to see these 69 years of hard work and generations of memories at this location burned to the ground. The pits have been burning here since 1992, and it breaks the heart of our family and loyal staff to see this tragedy hit us. Our BBQ Pits here are where all our meats and sides are prepared, and we have an unbelievable mountain to climb ahead of us.

First of all, everybody is safe with no injuries, thank God. Also the iconic landmark BBQ sign is safe, and the firefighters were able to take down and give us the American flag still waving. The main restaurant across the parking lot is untouched also, thankful for that.

Secondly, our family wants to extend a tremendously huge thank you to the 50 firefighters and first responders from all counties in the area that worked all through the night to contain the fire and get it under control. Also a big heartfelt thank you to Matt at Columbia Auto Recovery and Towing who happened to be driving by when the fire was beginning and saved almost all our delivery trucks and food trucks by pulling them across the street to safety.

Our Charleston Hwy restaurant is closed today, but the other locations across the Midlands will be open today until food runs out. We plan for all our restaurants to be closed Monday until further notice. We will be taking it day by day as we work to reopen and rebuild. For anyone who knows our family, knows we won’t give up and will work endlessly to do what we need to do to continue the BBQ legacy and support our 150 employees and community we love dearly.

Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for the support of each of you in our community and really all across the country last night during the fire, and today and in the future ahead, and for the tradition of SC BBQ we hope to continue on for more generations to come!”

Cayce urges residents of low-lying neighborhood to evacuate as Congaree River keeps rising

Cayce officials were urging residents who live along the Congaree River to evacuate on Sunday, as more water dumped by Hurricane Helene makes its way downstream.As of 3:45 p.m., the Congaree River at Columbia had risen above 28 feet, with forecasts predicting it will crest at 31 feet at 2 p.m. Monday. The river hits moderate flood stage at 24 feet and major flood stage at 30 feet.“Cayce is notifying residents of Riverland Park neighborhood t...

Cayce officials were urging residents who live along the Congaree River to evacuate on Sunday, as more water dumped by Hurricane Helene makes its way downstream.

As of 3:45 p.m., the Congaree River at Columbia had risen above 28 feet, with forecasts predicting it will crest at 31 feet at 2 p.m. Monday. The river hits moderate flood stage at 24 feet and major flood stage at 30 feet.

“Cayce is notifying residents of Riverland Park neighborhood that flood waters are quickly rising,” Mayor Elise Partin said in a video posted online, standing in front of rising waters at the neighborhood’s entrance to the city’s riverwalk.

“Our team is going door to door as we speak, as you can see behind me,” she continues. “Water levels are rising quickly. Voluntary evacuations are the only way that we can keep you safe. Flood waters are projected to be above 2015 flood levels in the coming hours of today, Sunday. They are expected to continue to rise several feet after that. The boat landing and riverwalk are already all under water. The city is working with area churches to find locations for those who need a place to stay.”

“Please don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate,” she added.

Cayce emergency personnel went door-to-door encouraging people to evacuate. Chris Gonzalez asked them,“Is it really like you gonna move me out?” He said the officer said I’m just letting you know it’s going to be dangerous later.

Amanda Este cried when she heard the Riverland Park subdivision would be flooding. She and her sister, Tiffany Este, and mother, Debbie Harold, had been through a flood before and it was horrible.

The Este family was trapped for three days in the attic of their house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Their grandmother, Melissa Harold, 68, died in the attic before an uncle with a boat was finally able to come rescue them.

On Sunday, ankle-deep water was already creeping three feet into their yard on Hudson Avenue. The chain-link fence is adorned with Mardi Gras beads and flags. “With four pets, we can’t leave,” Tiffany Este said.

She emphasized that one of the pets was a pit bull and nobody would take them in. She said a hotel would only allow them to take the two smaller pets.

“I wasn’t hurt in Katrina, but I don’t want to go through that again. I lost everything,” Amanda Este said.

The Congaree River crested at 32 feet after the historic “1,000-year flood” of 2015, which crippled much of the Columbia area. About 50 homes in Riverland Park flooded, according to reporting done at the time by The State,with water pushed higher than expected when all four floodgates at the Lake Murray dam were opened.

Dominion Energy opened one spill gate at the dam on Friday to “compensate for a unit at the plant that is out of service for scheduled maintenance.”

“The flow currently coming through the Lake Murray dam is within normal operating limits and has been largely the same for the last several days,” said Matthew Long, a spokpesperson for the utility company. “Dominion Energy continues to monitor the storm’s impacts as it safely operates the Lake Murray dam and will make adjustments if needed.”

One factor in determining how high the Congaree will rise is whether Dominon does end up having to open an additional spill gate as water continues to make its way down from the Upstate and western North Carolina. If another spill gate is open, that might push the river’s crest past 31 feet.

The Broad and Saluda rivers merge in Columbia to form the Congaree River. The upper part of the Broad River, which flows from the Gaffney area, apparently has crested, said Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler.

The Saluda River flows from Lake Greenwood in the western part of the state into Lake Murray and picks up again on the lake’s east side.

“For the Saluda, the real question is how much more capacity they have in Lake Murray before they have to maybe increase or open another spillway gate,” Stangler added. “And that’s an answer that they’ll figure out sometime either overnight or early tomorrow morning. They’re decreasing what’s coming out of Lake Greenwood, but it’s a question of timing.”

Whether the decrease in flow from Lake Greenwood was made quickly enough to keep Lake Murray where it needs to be is “going to be a really tight call,” he added.

At 31 feet or above, the impacts will stretch beyond Cayce, the Riverkeeper said.

“The Broad is seeing higher flooding levels than 2015, and so there are folks along that stretch that are certainly going to be impacted,” Stangler said. “Some neighborhoods along the Broad, some of those apartment complexes kind of near I-20 and things like that, should certainly be paying attention. We’ve got some additional communities downstream, and these are folks that live in the floodplain that generally are aware of this regularly. Sandy Run in Calhoun County, those folks that are on the river that regularly get flooded, they’re going to see impacts as well.”

Mayor Tem Miles posted to Facebook early Sunday evening that the state has no plans to shut down the Congaree River bridges along Interstate 126, Jarvis Klapman Boulevard and Gervais Street, though Lexington County is closing 12th Street Extension due to flooding.

“We are in the process of working with surrounding towns to close local boat ramps to keep folks off the river,” Miles posted earlier in the day. “It is incredibly dangerous on the river right now, and our personnel can’t safely respond if something goes wrong.”

Riverland Park Neighborhood in Cayce

Riverland Park Neighborhood in Cayce

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Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors

This story was originally published September 29, 2024, 5:18 PM.

Midlands city works to avoid losing $10M grant used to alleviate residential flooding

In our Reality Check stories, The State journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? Email [email protected] city across the river from downtown Columbia is up against the clock to finish a deal it needs to hold onto a $10 million grant to alleviate flooding issues in one of its key...

In our Reality Check stories, The State journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? Email [email protected].

A city across the river from downtown Columbia is up against the clock to finish a deal it needs to hold onto a $10 million grant to alleviate flooding issues in one of its key neighborhoods.

Cayce’s City Council in a special meeting Wednesday approved an agreement to purchase an easement from the Congaree Bluff subdivision, a necessary step to move forward with a large stormwater and drainage project in the city’s Avenues neighborhood. City staff have until Sept. 19 to finalize the agreement with the subdivision’s homeowners’ association.

The grant to do the work came to the city in June 2023 through the S.C. Infrastructure Investment Plan, overseen by the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority. Cayce Mayor Elise Partin said the authority was owed an update Thursday showing that the city is on its way to completing the project, which is why the City Council had to hold a special meeting to approve the Congaree Bluff agreement.

Ahead of the Wednesday meeting, Deputy City Manager Michael Conley said Cayce is looking good to complete the work on schedule and fulfill the terms required to receive the grant money.

“We are about 60% in on the engineering,” he said. “We have some right-of-way and some easements to get so we can get some of the water pipes to the river.”

But there is a time crunch for the city to get started with construction and to complete the project, as the terms of the grant stipulate that all of the money has to be spent by December 2026.

The terms of the grant also stipulate that the project has to be completed as submitted, so if the city can’t get the easements it requires, amendments would have to be submitted to the Rural Infrastructure Authority, Conley said, which could put a drag on Cayce getting the work done in time.

Securing the easement going through Congaree Bluff is required to do the work as planned.

“It is one of the easements that we do have to get,” Conley said. “It’s going across their common space that’s next to their neighborhood.”

Partin said there are eight other easements needed to move forward with the stormwater project, all of which have been secured.

Cayce has been working to solve drainage and stormwater issues in the Avenues for a while now, with Conley noting that localized flooding is common in the neighborhood.

A $750,000 grant allowed a fix for a small portion of the Avenues, which was completed last year. The $10 million will allow the city to tackle the whole neighborhood, which essentially extends from 12th Street to the Congaree River between Knox Abbott Drive and Holland Avenue, Conley said.

Partin noted that funding has been a critical struggle as the city has looked to address issues in an area filled with county and state roads when Cayce is the lowest-taxing entity of those three stakeholders.

“We in this decade are saying we’ve got to really figure out how we navigate decades-old infrastructure issues,” Partin said.

Mayor Pro Tem Tim James, who is also the president and CEO of the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said he didn’t want to jump to using eminent domain to force Congaree Bluff to comply with the project.

“I’ve always been very cautious of an overreach of government,” said James, who lives in the Avenues and represents the district on the City Council. “I’ve been very vocal about making sure that if we ever have to be viewed as overreaching, that we have done everything that we possibly can to be able to work with the citizens before that takes place.”

City Councilman Hunter Sox echoed this sentiment.

Sox said he’s been meeting with residents about drainage issues in the area for a while and “about a month ago, attended a meeting with Tim with the neighborhood association, and staff’s been working real well with the HOA and the residents over there.”

“We’re pretty confident, staff’s confident that, and so is the homeowners’ association president, that they’ll be able to get the votes so we can come to a decision,” Sox added. “I know for a fact since I’ve been there, but I don’t know ever that there’s been a precedent set where we’re just going to go take people’s property without asking them, with it being such a big chunk of land.”

Sox said one lesson the city can glean from the process with Congaree Bluff is the need to begin such discussions earlier so they don’t happen right up against the deadlines for a project.

“It’s going to affect people all the way up the avenues that have had drainage issues,” he said.

This story was originally published September 12, 2024, 1:59 PM.

The State

Jordan Lawrence is a reporter for The State covering Lexington County. He has worked for newspapers in the Columbia area for more than a decade, having previously served as the lead editor for Free Times and the Lexington County Chronicle. He has won several South Carolina Press Association Awards, including recognition for breaking news reporting, business reporting and arts and entertainment writing.

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