It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Leitner House 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 Irmo, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a”
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was a great peace of mind. Care of those in need can be a heavy load on the family, and Always Best Care made everything run better in the household. Their care extended past those in need and helped the other family members provide better care. The experience was a breath of fresh air.”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for my mom. This service is no cost to the family. He spent quite some time getting my mom's preferences clarified and then searching for matching AL facilities. All of this was done in less than two days. He and I talked through the options and I relayed the two I felt were best to mom. Nate personally picked mom up from rehab and took her on those tours, which was a godsend because I live in another state. During both tours, he texted me "play by plays" as to how it was going. He helped me and mom choose the right place for her budget and needs - and was very patient with us as my mom took longer than expected to make the final decision. She was talking about needing a new TV and Nate provided her/us with a link to some that were on sale that met her needs. Once the decision was made, Nate accompanied the AL staff member to mom's rehab and sat through the entire long paperwork process to ensure mom understood what she was signing. Again, he kept me in the loop by texting me regularly about how things were going during the meeting. He checked in a couple of times after that and prior to mom's move asking how our prep was going and if we needed anything. On one call, I did ask for a referral to a specific service we needed. He didn't have an established one, so he researched it and got one for me promptly. During and shortly after moving day, Nate checked in again to see how mom was settling in. I've been amazed at the personalized engagement that we received from Nate. Anytime he said he would do something, he did it and he did it promptly. If anything was delayed, he updated me immediately. This is in stark contrast to Tara at Senior Care Authority that provides this service as well. She promised me things during our initial call and didn't follow through on most of them. During our text exchanges, she never answered my specific question - always danced around it. Within a handful of days, I said "nope!", researched more, and came across Nate and this service. Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air to receive what you asked for. I have no doubt it saved me countless hours glued to my computer, trying to compare facilities. I highly recommend Nate and his consulting service - it was an excellent experience and he was a lifesaver!”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for any senior in need. Also, if you ever need a job, please go and apply. They are always hiring weekly and offer competitive rates.”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over the past six months. Melisa and Nate have been wonderful and thanks for molding me into becoming a great leader. Professionalism is the key to success ????✨⭐️ I am looking forward to many years to come.”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with them for 3years Their caregivers are insightful and have so much compassion especially Mariah and Sabrina they are some of there champs they both have great personality and are very Professional. The owners are great and they run a great company.thank you for all that you guys do ????”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands Team ensured that I was well informed, and my loved one received the best care possible. The compassionate care was delivered not only by the care professionals, but by the support team. The owners even checked in with us to offer support and guidance. They exceeded our expectations!”
“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!”
“Nice people to work with”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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,”
“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.”
“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.”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Irmo Town Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Bistro or visit Irmo Town Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Irmo, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Irmo, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Irmo, 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.
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA. — Irmo’s run at the Little League World Series looked to be all but over.The Southeast champions had to fight back to tie the game at 1 just to send it to extra innings, but Sioux Falls (S.D.) managed to pour it on in the seventh, seemingly taking an insurmountable 6-1 lead.But the plucky South Carolina team wouldn’t give up. Battling back, Irmo stunned the Midwest champions 7-6 on Andrew Bogan’s two-run walk-off single that capped a stunning comeback and put Irmo one win away fro...
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PA. — Irmo’s run at the Little League World Series looked to be all but over.
The Southeast champions had to fight back to tie the game at 1 just to send it to extra innings, but Sioux Falls (S.D.) managed to pour it on in the seventh, seemingly taking an insurmountable 6-1 lead.
But the plucky South Carolina team wouldn’t give up. Battling back, Irmo stunned the Midwest champions 7-6 on Andrew Bogan’s two-run walk-off single that capped a stunning comeback and put Irmo one win away from the U.S. championship game.
“So proud of him and this team,” Irmo coach David Bogan said.
Sioux Falls scored a first-inning run on a sacrifice fly and nearly made it hold up the entire way. But the team from South Carolina fought back in the final inning, tying the game on a bases-loaded walk by Jacob Gibson to force extra innings.
In the top of the seventh, Sioux falls kept the hits coming, eventually finishing with a five-run outburst.
But Irmo wouldn’t give up. Sutton Gravelle and Brayden Gerard drove in runs, while a bases-loaded walk cut it to 6-4. With one out, another walk cut the lead to one, bringing up the coach’s son. With the count 0-2, Bogan sliced a drive down the right field line, just barely past the outstretched glove of the diving right fielder, scoring the tying and go-ahead runs to end the game.
“It’s hard to explain right now,” Andrew Bogan said. “Everything is just going through my mind. When you have one strike on you or whatever it was, you have to battle it off and battle until you get a hit.”
And he delivered, sending Irmo to a rematch with Las Vegas on Thursday at 7 p.m. The winner will face Fairfield (Conn.) on Saturday in the U.S. championship game.
On the path to get here, Irmo had cruised to a 13-0 win in its opening game against Braintree (Mass.) before dropping a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Las Vegas. Needing a win to stay alive Tuesday, Irmo eliminated Honolulu 3-0.
The Irmo Little League All-Stars’ memorable summer came to an end with one swing of the bat Thursday night.Garrett Gallegos’ three-run homer in the top of the sixth helped Nevada past Irmo, 5-3, in the United States bracket semifinals at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.Nevada will face Connecticut in the United States bracket championship. The loss ends Irmo’s postseason after a thrilling ride to the program’s first Little League World Series appearance, and just the fourth S...
The Irmo Little League All-Stars’ memorable summer came to an end with one swing of the bat Thursday night.
Garrett Gallegos’ three-run homer in the top of the sixth helped Nevada past Irmo, 5-3, in the United States bracket semifinals at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Nevada will face Connecticut in the United States bracket championship. The loss ends Irmo’s postseason after a thrilling ride to the program’s first Little League World Series appearance, and just the fourth South Carolina team to ever make it to Williamsport.
Irmo won three games at the LLWS, becoming the winningest team from South Carolina in the series.
“I told them in the first parent meeting after we named the team that this group could be special,” Irmo manager David Bogan said. “They went well beyond my expecations of what special means. The heart, the grit that this group showed is going to be legendary in Irmo for sure. ... I couldn’t be prouder.”
Both of Irmo’s losses came against Nevada, which won 1-0 on Monday.
But it looked like Irmo would get its revenge Thursday as it rallied like it has on several occasions in the postseason.
With the score 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth, Irmo loaded the bases and Sutton Gravelle’s walk scored Brody Miller to make it 3-2. Irmo ended up stranding the bases loaded in the inning.
In the top of the sixth, Brooks Fechser walked with one out and Cache Malan singled. Then, Gallegos drilled a 2-2 pitch over the right-field wall to make it 5-3.
“My mindset was to just do my job and and to find a way to get that run in. But it ended up being a big hit that led us to a win,” Gallegos said.
Irmo got a runner on in the bottom of the sixth but was picked off.
Miller and Joe Giulietti each hit solo homers for Irmo. Miller’s homer tied it at 1-1 in the second and Giulietti’s tied it at 2-2 in fourth. It was his second homer of the LLWS.
Giulietti and the rest of the Irmo players became some of the stars of the LLWS as those from the Midlands and outside of SC rallied behind the squad.
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley sent a message to the team before Monday’s game and football coach Shane Beamer mentioned the squad at the beginning of his press conference Tuesday. US Sen. Tim Scott posted a message about the team on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
A couple of times during the playoff run, Irmo was one of the lead stories on ESPN SportsCenter, including when it rallied from 6-1 down to defeat South Dakota, 7-6 on Wednesday night.
Bogan was asked about what he will remember the most about the summer’s journey, which took them to the LLWS for the first time. He paused and talked about the outpouring of support the team received.
Bogan also talked about the ability to share these moments with his son Andrew, the team’s starting catcher who had the game-winning hit against South Dakota and started on the mound on Tuesday.
“I’m speechless when it comes to that,” Dave Bogan said. “I’m proud of him as a father. As a group, I told them their baseball journey isn’t over. ... They got high school baseball and travel baseball coming. There are a lot of great things coming for these kids. They should cherish every moment of this but don’t dwell on it. But use it to grow and work hard. I hope they do that.”
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The cardiac kids from Irmo really have taken the state of South Carolina by storm.One big step in getting to Williamsport, winning the state of South Carolina. Irmo did that, right here in Charleston.As they celebrated under our iconic Angel Oak, you’ve got to wonder if they could even fathom where this iconic run would take them.“It’s amazing that a month ago they were right down the street at Barrier Islands Little League playing against the kids in our own neighborhood...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The cardiac kids from Irmo really have taken the state of South Carolina by storm.
One big step in getting to Williamsport, winning the state of South Carolina. Irmo did that, right here in Charleston.
As they celebrated under our iconic Angel Oak, you’ve got to wonder if they could even fathom where this iconic run would take them.
“It’s amazing that a month ago they were right down the street at Barrier Islands Little League playing against the kids in our own neighborhood," said Todd Rieger.
He’s been associated with the Barrier Islands Little League for years, helping grow it by more than 10 times. Rieger saw this run. He experienced it firsthand. Far from afar, he was inside the chain link fence.
A little league historian and advocate. An administrator for the league. A fan of the game. But, at heart, a volunteer umpire. He followed Irmo from Johns Island to their next stop in Warner Robins, Georgia.
“Their baseball knowledge is amazing," said Rieger. "Kid coming up to me in Warner Robins, he asked, 'you did our game on Johns Island.' I said, 'yea,' he said, 'you are a good umpire.' I said, 'hopefully, it stays that way.' Kind of see the people side of it and remember they are just kids.”
Now, he’s just a fan on his couch. He’s one of millions watching on TV. He’s got a whole lot more insight than most.
”As an umpire, our job is to make it right," he said. "Really surreal, don’t know who will move on. When you are at home and watching on TV, I know that kid. That’s Joe. Joe can hit the ball over the fence. Here at BI, the fence is 200 feet. There it's 225. Hitting it an extra 20+ feet over the fence, it’s amazing, see them getting better and better every game. This Irmo team is special. They seem to come back a lot.”
Youth baseball is broken into organizations. Little League Baseball is the organization that funnels teams to Williamsport, the mecca of the sport for those pre-teens. In the Lowcountry, there are only 3 “Little League” organizations.
Barrier Islands, St. Paul’s and Summerville make up all of them. Barrier Islands hosted the state tournament this year, a big step for them and for Irmo. When Rieger is asked whether he has aspirations of one day umpiring in Williamsport, his response is quick.
“Every umpire does, of course," he said. "A lot of good umpires ahead of me have taught me. I’d rather see some of my youth umpires get their way before I would.”
The kids from Irmo can tell him a story or two about it when they get back. He hopes, as champions.
Irmo will honor its Little League teams after a historic World Series run, with a community celebration planned to welcome them home.IRMO, S.C. — The Town of Irmo is still beaming with pride, even after its Little League team's incredible journey came to an end in the Little League World Series.The juniors team fell to Nevada representing the Mountain region, 5 to 3, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.Despite the loss, the support back home has been overwhelming, and the town is already working on plans to welcome them ...
Irmo will honor its Little League teams after a historic World Series run, with a community celebration planned to welcome them home.
IRMO, S.C. — The Town of Irmo is still beaming with pride, even after its Little League team's incredible journey came to an end in the Little League World Series.
The juniors team fell to Nevada representing the Mountain region, 5 to 3, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Despite the loss, the support back home has been overwhelming, and the town is already working on plans to welcome them back in a big way.
“My phone was ringing off the hook yesterday — texts, phone calls, emails, ‘What are we going to do to celebrate these kids. We are going to celebrate all of them,” said Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson.
Danielson says the outpouring of support from the community has been tremendous.
“I’ve lived in this town a long time, and the town of Irmo is just so enthusiastic,” he added.
It’s been a standout year for Irmo Little League, with multiple teams achieving major milestones.
In addition to the juniors baseball team making it to the World Series, several other Irmo teams also earned their spots on the national stage.
The juniors softball team won the Southeast Region and punched their ticket to the World Series. Meanwhile, the senior baseball team and the intermediate baseball team also qualified for their respective World Series tournaments.
Now, the town wants to celebrate all of them — together.
“The Town of Irmo is asking anyone willing to donate things — from food trucks, to team spirit squads, to giveaways,” Danielson said.
Irmo Little League fans have shared messages of pride and encouragement for the team following their historic run.
“They played an awesome game and we are so proud of you. And come home the heroes you are,” said Jane, a local fan.
“Great job and we know you tried your best,” added Annie Jane.
“Even if y’all lost, you got the back end of the community behind you. You know we are always here,” said Esther.
Despite falling short in the tournament, coaches say the experience was something special — and emotional.
Assistant Coach Mike Beckworth said the team is always reminded not to dwell on a strikeout or an error. But after this game, that message shifted.
“But at that moment, we said, ‘You know what? It’s okay to cry now.’ Because I know myself and the other coaches, we shed tears as well,” Beckworth said.
For many of these players, this was their only chance to compete in the Little League World Series, as most will soon age out of eligibility at 12 and move up to the intermediate level.
But before returning home, the team is soaking up the rest of their time in Williamsport — bonding with teammates and connecting with players from around the world.
“Playing ping pong, video games with other teams from different parts of the world. And I think that’s what the kids will take from this — is the other people they have met since they have been here,” Beckworth said.
The team is scheduled to fly back to South Carolina on Saturday. Town officials say details about a community celebration will be released early next week.
Believe.Irmo coach Dave Bogan implored his team with those seven letters. They huddled together, perhaps for the last time, on the field in South Williamsport, Pa.In the top of the seventh inning on Aug. 20, the Midlands team that is representing the Southeast in the Little League World Series gave up five runs. The scoreboard read 6-1 in favor of the kids from South Dakota. Three outs from a second tournament loss and a long trip home to South Carolina.Believe, Bogan implored.Seven letters.“I’m...
Believe.
Irmo coach Dave Bogan implored his team with those seven letters. They huddled together, perhaps for the last time, on the field in South Williamsport, Pa.
In the top of the seventh inning on Aug. 20, the Midlands team that is representing the Southeast in the Little League World Series gave up five runs. The scoreboard read 6-1 in favor of the kids from South Dakota. Three outs from a second tournament loss and a long trip home to South Carolina.
Believe, Bogan implored.
Seven letters.
“I’m a big Ted Lasso fan, so ‘believe’ is a big one to me,” he later said in a post-game interview, referencing the Emmy-winning Apple TV series.
The word plays a central theme in the show about the fictitious British soccer team, AFC Richmond. A yellow sign with “Believe” scrawled in blue ink hangs in the team’s locker room.
“I believe in hope. I believe in believe,” Lasso, the coach played by actor Jason Sudeikis, said in the show.
Back at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in the middle of Pennsylvania, Bogan tapped his inner-Lasso.
“We’ve got to believe right now,” Bogan told his boys Aug. 20. “It’s a great TV show, and you should watch it someday. It’s not a word. Listen. Believe. Believe, alright? Let’s go. We can hit this kid, and we can hit him hard. Let’s believe, OK.”
As Bogan turned away, assistant coach Mike Beckworth huddled the team closer together.
“Believe, right here. Ready? One, two, three,” Beckworth said.
Thrusting their hands in the middle, the team repeated the mantra. “Believe.”
What came next was another seven-letter word: Miracle.
And that was nothing new for this team that has been running on talent, support and believing in themselves — even when all the stars in the universe seemed to line up against this improbable run.
The first iteration came two weeks earlier in another against-all-odds moment down to their last out against the defending world champs.
Staring at a 4-0 deficit to Lake Mary, Fla., a rare trip to Pennsylvania for a team from South Carolina seemed all but dashed.
Several plays had not gone their way. Players looked dejected. Their body language screamed anything but belief — in themselves or a chance to win.
Bogan called timeout and walked to the mound. With his team gathered, he delivered his message.
“It’s time to grow up,” he said.
Finish plays, find better body language. Hammer the strike zone. Find a way to score some runs.
“Then let’s get Skittles after the game,” Bogan said. “Let’s go.”
Irmo got the out and then up for their final at bat. Soon, they were down to their last out and still down 4-0 — though with the bases loaded. Lake Mary walked in two runs, including one intentionally to avoid Irmo’s best player: Joe Giulietti.
The scoreboard read 4-2.
Two outs.
Two strikes.
Instead of coronating Florida, Brady Westbrooks whipped the bat through the zone and cranked the ball to the left-field wall, clearing the bases in a storybook 5-4 win and a comeback for the ages.
South Carolina punched its ticket to the Little League World Series.
After beating New England 13-0 in its first game, Irmo dropped a 1-0 heartbreaker to Nevada and fell to the elimination bracket. Another loss, and the fairytale ends.
A 3-0 win over Hawaii set up the game against the team from Sioux Falls, S.D.
Down 1-0, Irmo scored a run on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the sixth inning. The score was tie 1-1 and headed to an extra inning.
That’s where it all seemed to fall apart.
South Dakota scored one run, then another. And another. And another. And another. 1-1 went to 6-1 in a matter of minutes.
Then Bogan delivered his message.
Believe.
Sutton Gravelle and Brayden Gerard drove in runs, cutting the score to 6-3. Another bases-loaded walk cut the deficit to 6-4. Another walk made it 6-5.
Up to the plate came Andrew Bogan, the coach’s son.
With the count 0-2, he sliced a drive down the right field line, just past the outstretched glove of a diving right fielder. The tying run crossed the plate, followed closely by the one to win it.
“WE BELIEVE!!!! Irmo Little League!!!!,” the Lexington County Blowfish, a summer collegiate baseball team, posted to Facebook. “What a game and epic comeback 7-6 win in extra innings! As Harry Caray would say, "Holy Cow!”
“The Real-Life Ted Lasso — South Carolina doesn’t need to stream Ted Lasso — they’ve got their own version standing in the dugout,” a post read. “Down by five runs to South Dakota in an elimination game at the Little League World Series, things looked grim. The kind of grim where moms chew through their nails, dads pace the concourse, and kids in the stands start looking for snow cones instead of rally caps.
“But Coach… well, Coach didn’t panic. He gathered his boys, looked them in the eye, and talked not about exit velocity or scouting reports, but about a TV show. Ted Lasso. He told them what Ted tells AFC Richmond: you’ve got to believe. Not in miracles falling out of the sky, but in yourselves, in each other, in the game that brought you here. And then it happened.
“Believe? In IRMO, they don’t just hang that word on a crooked sign. They live it.”
The team representing the Southeast earned a rematch against Nevada. First pitch is 7 p.m. Aug. 21 on ESPN. The winner moves on to the U.S. championship game against the team from Connecticut.
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