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 Lexington County 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 Lexington, 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 Gibson Pond 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 Private Property or visit Laurance Corley House, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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.
Do you know about an event you don’t see in this article? Submit it to our Community Calendar tab at the top of this website or to [email protected]!COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - With the Fourth of July approaching, many community events in the Midlands are looking to help mark Independence Day:Fireworks with the Philharmonic at Segra Park Originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, but rescheduled for Thursday, July 3, is the annual Fireworks with the Philharmonic event at Segra Park.Gates open for...
Do you know about an event you don’t see in this article? Submit it to our Community Calendar tab at the top of this website or to [email protected]!
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - With the Fourth of July approaching, many community events in the Midlands are looking to help mark Independence Day:
Originally scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, but rescheduled for Thursday, July 3, is the annual Fireworks with the Philharmonic event at Segra Park.
Gates open for the event at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 8 p.m. The South Carolina Philharmonic is performing a full show ending with the 1812 Overture, which will cue the start of the fireworks display.
Tickets already purchased with the previous date are still acceptable for entry on Thursday. Tickets are still available but will increase in price by $2 on July 3. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fort Jackson is inviting the public to celebrate Independence Day with a free, family-friendly event on Friday, July 4. Gates open at 4 p.m. with music at 5:30 p.m. and a fireworks show at approximately 9 p.m.
The celebration includes a kids’ zone with rides, fireworks and and live music from artists Aden Webb, Syr, DJ B-SAM, and the 282D Army Band.
The event is at Hilton Field. Fort Jackson asks attendees entering from off-post to use Gate 4, Boyden Arbor Road to access Hilton Field.
Fireworks with the Philharmonic is not the only 4th of July celebration taking place at Segra Park.
The Columbia Fireflies host the Augusta Greenjackets on Friday, with the City of Columbia will also hosting the “biggest post-game show of the year.” There will be happy hour drink specials and unlimited “Hoppy” hour for children on the SCU Kids’ Zone inflatables.
The game begins at 6:35 p.m. and the fireworks will follow. Tickets for this game are still available at the Columbia Fireflies website.
Fireworks can also be seen on July 4 at the annual Lexington County Peach Festival, located at Gilbert Community Park on Rikard Circle.
The festival will include a parade starting at 9:30 a.m. with plenty of exhibits, an antique car show, activities for kids and more. It all leads up to the annual fireworks show scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Click here for more information.
The Town of Lexington is also hosting its annual July 4th event at the Icehouse Amphitheater starting at 7 p.m.
The 246th Army Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. before a fireworks show scheduled for 9:20 p.m.
Click here for more information.
For those looking to get a run in for the holiday, the Born in the USA 4-miler kicks off from the corner of Trenholm Road and Forest Drive in Columbia at 7:04 a.m. on July 4.
A firecracker youth fun run will take place later at 7:54 a.m.
On-site registration will be available starting at 6:04 a.m. on July 4.
Click here for more information.
The City of Newberry is holding its annual fireworks display on July 4 at Newberry High School. Spectators may sit in the stadium or view from adjacent properties to observe this show which will feature synchronized music.
Gates will open after 6pm and the fireworks show will begin after 9pm. The City of Newberry notes the display may begin earlier if weather requires.
There is a free laser light show celebration at the Prisma Health Amphitheatre in Moore Park at 7473 Church St. in Irmo. There will be complimentary hot dogs (while supplies last) and Kona Ice will be on-site.
The Town of Irmo Events Committee recommends that you bring bag chairs and coolers for the evening. No tickets are necessary for this event.
The Lexington County Blowfish v. Glowfish game on Friday is recognizing Independence Day by hosting Wreaths Across America at the game and holding a large fireworks display. It’s also considered one of their “Faith and Family Nights” presented by HIS Radio 92.1 FM.
Gates open at 6 p.m. and the game begins at 7:05 p.m. with the fireworks to follow. Tickets can be purchased on the Lexington County Blowfish website.
The Lake Wateree Association is holding a fireworks display at Lake Wateree State Park (881 State Park Rd Winnsboro, S.C.) in the day-use area adjacent to the tackle shop. The event is from 4-10 p.m., with the fireworks show taking place at 9:30 p.m.
Be sure to bring chairs or towels for seating. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase in the tackle shop.
This event is free with park admission.
The Orangeburg County Fairgrounds is hosting a Fourth of July event with performances, fireworks and a hot dog eating contest.
Gates open at 4 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 9:30pm.
Admission for this event is free. Hot dog plates with chips and a soft drink will be sold for $6.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
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Lexington Medical’s new clinic near Blythewood aims to expand access to care and support Scout Motors’ 4,000-job expansion by 2025.BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — As the town of Blythewood and its surrounding communities continue to grow, so does the need for accessible medical services.In response, Lexington Medical Center has announced plans for a new healthcare facility, a move that town officials hope will also attract future development.The new 22,000-square-foot facility, called Lexington Medical Park, is slat...
Lexington Medical’s new clinic near Blythewood aims to expand access to care and support Scout Motors’ 4,000-job expansion by 2025.
BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — As the town of Blythewood and its surrounding communities continue to grow, so does the need for accessible medical services.
In response, Lexington Medical Center has announced plans for a new healthcare facility, a move that town officials hope will also attract future development.
The new 22,000-square-foot facility, called Lexington Medical Park, is slated for construction near Red Hawk Way, just outside the Blythewood town limits and not far from Westwood High School.
“So it's going to be so very good presence there, robust comprehensive family medicine, OBGYN, physical therapy; we hope to open by the end of 2025 with family medicine and physical therapy in the summer of 2026 with OBGYN,” said Kirk Jenkins, senior vice president at Lexington Medical Center.
Town leaders said the new medical center will improve access to essential services for residents, a concern Mayor Sloan Griffin said was a major issue in conversations with the community.
“Because they have a presence here in this community, I do know that they have recognized the need for certain services; so, it will be up to them on that complex to recognize that maybe dialysis is a growing need, maybe orthopedics," Griffin said. "Folks having knee replacements or any other replacements.”
The facility is also expected to support the future workforce of Scout Motors, which is expanding operations in the area. The company currently operates a mobile health site, but that will eventually be replaced with a permanent, on-site clinic.
“The clinic itself will be built into the production facility at SCOUT, and it will be a good-sized clinic, probably a few thousand square feet, that will really increase the size of the number of portals in there as they hire more employees, as SCOUT anticipates hiring more employees, around four to five thousand employees," said Thomas Tafel, director of community health at Scout Motors. "So we are there to take care of their needs.”
Griffin said better healthcare access will lead to more growth across other industries.
“That’s why you also see those other services growing, those pet spaces, pet vacation, veterinarian services," he said. "So, its growing to grow and more of those demands are going to kick in, so as health care becomes more accessible to residents, we will see those others areas continue to grow."
The project comes with a price tag of more than $11 million, with Lexington Medical Center aiming to complete the first phase by the end of 2025.
A new Mexican restaurant has set its sights on a well known shopping center in the heart of Lexington.Na’cho Margarita, which already has a popular Mexican restaurant along the shores of Lake Murray, is planning a new location at 712 W. Main St. near downtown Lexington. Public records indicate that Na’cho Margarita has applied to the SC Department of Revenue for its...
A new Mexican restaurant has set its sights on a well known shopping center in the heart of Lexington.
Na’cho Margarita, which already has a popular Mexican restaurant along the shores of Lake Murray, is planning a new location at 712 W. Main St. near downtown Lexington. Public records indicate that Na’cho Margarita has applied to the SC Department of Revenue for its licenses to sell alcohol at the address. There also was a Department of Revenue application notice for Na’cho Margarita in the window at the Main Street spot when a reporter went by Monday morning.
The restaurant space at 712 W. Main St. in Lexington formerly was home to RF’s Corner Grill, which closed in March. RF’s had been at that location for more than six years.
Na’cho Margarita opened a Mexican restaurant with a full bar at 745 Marina Way in Prosperity, at Lake Murray, in summer 2023. That lakeside location’s menu features a host of Mexican favorites, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, poblanos, sizzling fajitas and more.
The location along W. Main Street will be in the Town Square shopping center that is anchored by a Food Lion supermarket. Other businesses in the plaza include Musician Supply, Terry’s Barber Shop, Black Tiger Tae Kwan Do, and a Wingstop chicken place, among others. Lexington County’s auxiliary administration building is across the street.
It’s in a high-traffic area near downtown Lexington. About 40,000 cars per day travel down that stretch of W. Main Street, per state Department of Transportation data.
With a name like Muffen, you can bet she’s a good baker.Lexington recently got a little bit sweeter, as Muffen Minemier’s Twisted Whisk — which has been operating as a special order business for cakes, cupcakes and other treats for several years — opened a new storefront and walk-in shop at 206 W. Main St. The walk-in part of the operation officially opened on May 3.The bakery, which is owned by couple Muffen and husband Chris Minemier, is located in the heart of downtown Lexington, just west of Libby&rs...
With a name like Muffen, you can bet she’s a good baker.
Lexington recently got a little bit sweeter, as Muffen Minemier’s Twisted Whisk — which has been operating as a special order business for cakes, cupcakes and other treats for several years — opened a new storefront and walk-in shop at 206 W. Main St. The walk-in part of the operation officially opened on May 3.
The bakery, which is owned by couple Muffen and husband Chris Minemier, is located in the heart of downtown Lexington, just west of Libby’s restaurant and not far from the popular Icehouse Amphitheater. It specializes in a host of offerings that are baked in-house, including cakes, cupcakes, danishes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, tarts and more. The treats are available in various flavors, with pineapple upside down cupcakes and hulking slices of red velvet cake being among the favorites.
Muffen said buttercream frosting is perhaps her specialty and calling card.
“Everything’s buttercream,” she said. “I will put my buttercream against anyone, anywhere. And everything I do starts with buttercream. So, if it’s pink champagne cake or a lemon blueberry cake or cookies & cream cake, it’s buttercream.”
Twisted Whisk also features fresh breads from Seven Loaves Bread Co. and macarons from B.Mac Bakeshop.
Honing her baking craft was something of a family affair, Muffen said.
“I learned how to bake from my Nanny and grandmothers, and from my father,” Muffen said. She noted that her late parents, Frank and Debbie Dawkins, owned a number of Midlands restaurants years ago, including one called Bama Eileen’s in West Columbia.
Muffen worked in banking and finance for 18 years, up until 2021, but continued to bake through the years, sort of as a side interest. She started baking birthday cakes and wedding cakes for people, and after a while that side gig started to get busier and busier.
About three years ago, the Minemiers set up Twisted Whisk at 206 W. Main St., though not as a walk-in bakery. Until recently the Main Street space was simply the nerve center for the special orders business. Cakes and other goodies for weddings and special occasions were baked in the site’s small kitchen, and customers could come there for planning and to pick up their cakes.
Now the shop has thrown its doors open for walk-in business, and Muffen said there has been a big response from local residents.
“The town of Lexington [government] has been absolutely wonderful to work with,” Muffen said. “They are phenomenal and have just been very supportive. And as for the town people of Lexington, I think all of Lexington has shown up [in the shop]. My plan is to feed all of them.”
Susan Dubose came into the bakery while a reporter was there on Friday morning. She was looking for a treat after a physical therapy session.
“I had knee surgery about four weeks ago, and they finally released me to where I could drive,” Dubose said with a grin. “I drove myself to physical therapy and I said, ‘What am I going to do to reward myself?’ So I came to see Muffen.”
The baker said she hopes to continue to grow the business, and is still exploring which treats are the most popular with customers. She said she’s been thrilled with the response to the walk-in business the last few weeks.
“It’s going well beyond my imagination,” she said.
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