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 Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center 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 Myrtle Beach, 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.
“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”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver has changed a lot for me”
“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.”
“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.”
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 Chapin Memorial 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 Library Restaurant or visit Charlie's Place, 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 Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach, 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.
CONWAY — For nearly 20 years, North Myrtle Beach has used Myrtle Beach's water lines without paying for that service, and now its southern neighbor is suing the city, according to court records.Myrtle Beach has accused North Myrtle Beach of pulling nearly 25 billion gallons of water through Myrtle Beach’s water transmission lines without compensation as well as taking water at &...
CONWAY — For nearly 20 years, North Myrtle Beach has used Myrtle Beach's water lines without paying for that service, and now its southern neighbor is suing the city, according to court records.
Myrtle Beach has accused North Myrtle Beach of pulling nearly 25 billion gallons of water through Myrtle Beach’s water transmission lines without compensation as well as taking water at "excessive rates and pressures," according to the Jan. 30 lawsuit.
Myrtle Beach claims North Myrtle's damage to the water system has cost millions to repair and maintain.
"This excess demand has caused irreparable stress on the system, resulting in critical failures in MB’s own service areas and materially shortening the useful life of critical pipelines," the lawsuit states. "NMB’s actions have forced MB to undertake costly repair projects to keep the water flowing to its customers as well as to NMB. But in addition to not paying for its use of MB’s transmission lines, NMB has refused to contribute for these operational, maintenance, and capital improvement costs."
The lawsuit contends that without Myrtle Beach's water system, North Myrtle would not be able to meet its water needs.
"NMB’s refusal to pay for these services and the damage it has caused leaves MB no choice but to file this suit seeking the payments it is due," the lawsuit stated.
Myrtle Beach spokesman Patrick Lloyd said the city doesn't typically discuss pending litigation. A North Myrtle Beach representative did not respond to a request for comment.
Myrtle Beach's lawsuit alleges that the two cities reached an agreement in 1990 where Myrtle Beach would treat water at its plant and then deliver that water to North Myrtle Beach.
North Myrtle Beach purchased 28 percent of the plant's capacity and the transmission lines, giving it the right to receive seven million gallons per day from the plant through Myrtle Beach’s transmission system. North Myrtle made monthly payments to Myrtle Beach for supplying water, and those continued through 2006.
The city's plant was eventually sold to the Grand Strand Water and Sewer Authority in 2006. Myrtle Beach retained its water distribution system as part of that agreement.
Even with the 2006 sale, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach’s rights and obligations to the 1990 agreement remained intact, according to the lawsuit. North Myrtle Beach has not paid Myrtle Beach since 2006 all the while pulling billions of gallons of water across 14 miles of transmission lines.
The lawsuit also noted the region's population surged in recent decades, dramatically increasing the demand for water. The volume of water traveling through Myrtle Beach's transmission lines to North Myrtle Beach doubled from about 800 million gallons per year in 2006 to more than 1.6 billion gallons in 2024, according to the lawsuit.
"To maintain operation of the system, MB engaged in regular maintenance and been forced to undertake many repairs and capital improvements, including the installation of pressure reducing valves (PRVs) to avoid catastrophic system failures due to NMB’s excess usage of the system which had caused several pipes burst," the lawsuit stated.
The strain on the city's water system led Myrtle Beach officials to consult with engineering firms about that challenge. Those firms warned that under these conditions "the system poses a risk to public safety," according to the lawsuit.
Myrtle Beach is suing North Myrtle Beach for breach of contract, violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, and unjust enrichment over its use of Myrtle Beach’s water transmission lines as well as the cost incurred from not paying and damages caused by that use.
"NMB’s actions are unacceptable," the lawsuit says. "It refuses to pay for water it transmits through MB’s system and for the damage it has caused, while profiting off the delivery of this water to paying customers within its service area in addition to keeping water for its own uses. NMB has forced MB’s customers and taxpayers to shoulder the costs of delivering water to NMB and its customers. ... Because NMB’s refusal to pay and its overuse of the system is not sustainable, MB is left with no other recourse than to bring this complaint. NMB must be held to its contractual obligations, pay for its use of MB’s transmission lines in excess of contracted limits, and compensate MB for the damage it has caused."
The latest round of restaurant inspections by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, found rodent droppings, expired meat and more.In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action ...
The latest round of restaurant inspections by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, found rodent droppings, expired meat and more.
In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.
However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action or are under pending enforcement actions, including imminent health hazards, permit suspensions or permit revocations.
Of the 186 restaurant inspections conducted in Horry and Georgetown County between Jan. 16 and Jan. 30, SCDA gave five restaurants B grades and one restaurant a C grades. Of those six establishments, only four actually scored below 88 points. Here’s what inspectors found.
2246 Highway 501 E., Units A and B, Conway, SC 29526
Score: 72
At a routine inspection of Spice C in Conway on Jan. 28, the inspector observed hair on the side of a bowl on the cook line, crab rangoons not marked with dates for safe consumption, employees reusing single-use styrofoam containers, maintenance tools stored over the food prep table and sinks that were blocked or not stocked with soap.
Other violations included lettuce held at insufficiently cold temperatures, cooked chicken and pot stickers improperly cooled, raw shrimp improperly thawed and buckets of unopened noodles stored on the floor.
The report also notes that containers without handles were used to scoop food, the scoop in the ice machine was stuck handle-down in the ice, the freezer had ice buildup and food debris, and the fridge was lined with porous materials like cardboard and unsealed wood that can’t be sanitized. A follow-up inspection is required on or before Feb. 7.
945 Park Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Score: 78
At a Jan. 28 routine inspection of Taqueria Flores, the person in charge didn’t have a minimum food handling certification, ready-to-eat foods like salsa and cooked zucchini were stored for more than 24 hours without dates marked for safe consumption and cooked beef held without times marked to indicate when it should be discarded. and salsas were stored at insufficiently cold temperatures.
The inspector also observed salsas stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, an employee washing but not sanitizing dishes, cleaning rags not sanitized between uses, improperly cooled rice and improperly thawed foods. A follow-up inspection will be conducted on Feb. 7.
4245 Socastee Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Score: 79
A routine inspection of the Socastee location of La Olanchana on Jan. 30 found several violations, including ready-to-eat foods like cooked beef and chicken past their marked expiration dates, bulk cheese broken into smaller portions and stored in Ziploc bags for resale without labels or dates marked for safe consumption, improperly thawed raw beef and dirty equipment stored on shelves.
The inspector also observed a buildup of grease between the fryer and stove, sinks without hot water, unapproved shelving that can’t be easily cleaned and an accumulation of debris under coolers, freezers and shelves,
Other violations included employees with unrestrained hair and an employee with long, painted nails handling food. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for Feb. 9.
2499 Highway 9 Business E., Loris, SC 29569
Score: 78
At a Jan. 27 routine inspection of Money Saver in Loris, the inspector observed rodent droppings on shelves, food-contact cabinets made of unsealed wood–which can’t be sanitized, chemicals stored with utensils and dirty shelves, floors, grill equipment and sink compartments.
A follow-up inspection will be conducted on Feb. 6.
MS
The Sun News
Maria Elena Scott writes about trending topics and what you need to know in the Grand Strand. She studied journalism at the University of Houston and covered Cleveland news before coming to the Palmetto State.
Across the nation, egg prices and shortages have ruffled feathers amid an ongoing bird flu outbreak and Myrtle Beach is no exception.At Myrtle Beach grocery stores Tuesday, eggs were sparser than usual. Kroger shelves missing products like Simple Truth organic brown eggs and Pete and Gerry’s pasture-raised eggs instead displayed signs.“Attention Customers: Due to recent supp...
Across the nation, egg prices and shortages have ruffled feathers amid an ongoing bird flu outbreak and Myrtle Beach is no exception.
At Myrtle Beach grocery stores Tuesday, eggs were sparser than usual. Kroger shelves missing products like Simple Truth organic brown eggs and Pete and Gerry’s pasture-raised eggs instead displayed signs.
“Attention Customers: Due to recent supply shortages, fresh eggs that meet our high-quality standards are limited in quantity,” the signs said. “We appreciate your patience as we work to get all egg varieties back in stock.”
At Publix, out-of-stock items like Nellie’s Free Range brown eggs and GreenWise brown eggs were labeled with markers reading “Our apologies. We are temporarily out of this item.”
Experts say egg prices are expected to increase far more than other foods this year. The USDA’s 2025 Food Price Outlook predicts that egg prices will rise more than 20% this year, compared to the roughly 2% increase forecasted for food prices overall.
The price for a dozen large, grade-A eggs in the United States averaged $4.15 in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s more than twice the average price of a carton in the summer of 2023, but still not as high as the $4.82 per dozen record set in January 2023.
More recent bureau numbers aren’t available, but regional warehouse estimates suggest higher prices.
In the Southeast, prices of grade-A large white eggs delivered to warehouses ranged from $7.13 to $7.20 per dozen, according to a United States Department of Agriculture report released on Jan. 30.
To compare costs across stores, The Sun News checked the prices for store-brand eggs at four different chains in Myrtle Beach.
The average price for 12 large white eggs across the four stores came out to roughly $4.59, more than 10% more than the December national average of $4.15.
Here’s what else we found.
Six large white eggs
Average: $3.00
Food Lion: $3.39
Kroger: $3.09
Publix: out of stock in the Publix brand, price listed as $3.09
Walmart: $2.42
12 large white eggs
Average: $4.59
Food Lion: $4.99
Kroger: $4.19
Publix: $4.99
Walmart: $4.17
12 extra-large white eggs
Average: $4.92
Food Lion: $6.19
Kroger: $4.39
Publix: $4.44
Walmart: out of stock in the Walmart Great Value Brand, listed at $4.67
12 jumbo white eggs
Average: $5.27
Food Lion: $6.69
Kroger: $4.59
Publix: $4.59
Walmart: $5.22
This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
A well-known winery wants to expand to serve more food options, but a concern raised by the City of North Myrtle Beach regarding parking could put the project on hold temporarily.Located near Barefoot Landing, Duplin Winery posted on its Facebook page in January 2025 that it planned to expand its kitchen area to offer customers more food choices. Aside from providing cheese dips and crackers to accompany their wines, Duplin’s North Myrtle ...
A well-known winery wants to expand to serve more food options, but a concern raised by the City of North Myrtle Beach regarding parking could put the project on hold temporarily.
Located near Barefoot Landing, Duplin Winery posted on its Facebook page in January 2025 that it planned to expand its kitchen area to offer customers more food choices. Aside from providing cheese dips and crackers to accompany their wines, Duplin’s North Myrtle Beach location doesn’t have dining options, unlike their Rose Hill, North Carolina winery.
The winery said in the same Facebook post that work on the project should conclude in mid-March 2025. The project is already underway at the winery, with work being conducted inside and outside the property. In an email to The Sun News, Duplin General Manager Morgan Jackson said the renovations enhance customer experience by moving the greeting space from inside the winery to in front of the doors.
“In our new facility, placing the greeter station immediately in front of the doors as you walk in has significantly enhanced guest engagement, leading to more welcoming check-ins and increased tasting opportunities,” Jackson wrote.
However, the planned kitchen expansion may be delayed due to a parking issue. According to the City of North Myrtle Beach’s documents website, the permit granting the 195-square-foot kitchen expansion has a status of “Stopped.” According to the city’s database, North Myrtle Beach issued the permit for the Duplin Winery project Dec. 31, 2024.
In an interview with the City of North Myrtle Beach, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Suzanne Pritchard said she stopped the previously approved permit because the new kitchen could increase traffic to the property. She added that a North Myrtle Beach employee scrolling social media first alerted the city of the concern.
Pritchard added that the city and winery will meet this week to determine if the establishment has enough parking to meet requirements. She said that the winery may already have enough parking.
“They may need to convert some of that retail square footage to restaurant square footage,” Pritchard said. “We just need to figure that out.”
Since stopping the permit, Pritchard said the property won’t be able to obtain a certification of completion or ask for more inspections for the time being.
“They can continue the work, but it’s at their risk. They may be investing in something that needs to be fixed,” she said.
Jackson said in an email to The Sun News that the previous greeting space inside the winery will expand along with the kitchen “to maintain a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space.”
“Rest assured, all current kitchen equipment will remain in place, and there will be no changes to the winery versus restaurant classification. Essentially, we are enhancing the guest experience area around our retail display cases and opening up the foyer/welcome center,” Jackson wrote. “We are confident that these enhancements will further elevate our guest experience and continue our tradition of excellent service.”
The Sun News
Ben Morse is the Retail and Leisure Reporter for The Sun News. Morse covers local business and Coastal Carolina University football and was awarded third place in the 2023 South Carolina Press Association News Contest for sports beat reporting and second place for sports video in the all-daily division. Morse previously worked for The Island Packet, covering local government. Morse graduated from American University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism and economics and is originally from Prospect, Kentucky.
There are few things that can make a vacation more miserable than bed bugs. The notoriously resilient parasites have roamed the earth since the days of the dinosaurs and can sap your sanity almost as easily as your blood.It’s impossible to know how common bed bugs are in South Carolina, as the state doesn’t track or monitor reports of bed bug infestations. However, there are user-submission databases like Bedbug Reports and ...
There are few things that can make a vacation more miserable than bed bugs. The notoriously resilient parasites have roamed the earth since the days of the dinosaurs and can sap your sanity almost as easily as your blood.
It’s impossible to know how common bed bugs are in South Carolina, as the state doesn’t track or monitor reports of bed bug infestations. However, there are user-submission databases like Bedbug Reports and The Bedbug Registry with hundreds of accounts of the blood-sucking parasites.
Greenville, in particular, is a bed bug hotspot, according to pest control company Orkin. Every year the company analyzes commercial and residential Orkin treatment data to rank the worst metro area for bed bugs. Last year, Greenville was ranked as the 27th worst city in the nation.
But if you encounter or bring home an infestation from a shop or rental property in the Palmetto State, does South Carolina offer any legal protections? Here’s what the law says.
While more than 20 states have laws specifically addressing bed bugs on the books, South Carolina isn’t one of them.
According to a fact sheet from the former South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, “South Carolina has no general laws, regulations, or funding to address bed bug infestations in businesses or homes. Bed bug problems are a private sector responsibility.”
Although DHEC split into the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Services last year, both agencies confirmed that they cannot regulate or respond to bed bug-related issues outside of state-licensed health facilities.
But according to Columbia-based lawyer Trevor Eddy, South Carolina law provides some less specific that can still apply to bed bug encounters.
“The only recourse that victims of bed bug injuries have is through the civil court system,” Eddy said. “The only thing that can be done is just sue them, pile up lawsuit after lawsuit until someone starts affecting some change.”
Eddy, who said he’s represented clients in 300 to 315 bed bug-related lawsuits and is currently involved in 100 to 120 more suits, told The Sun News that the Grand Strand is a hot bed for pest lawsuits, but the parasites are found across South Carolina.
“I’ve had a dozen or so [bed bug lawsuits] in Columbia, a few in Greenville and Spartanburg, a few in Rock Hill, two over in Charleston, one in Hilton Head,” Eddy said. “The overall majority, 85% or so, are all in Horry County. With some of these hotels and resorts, I’ve now sued four or five or even six times.”
Without bed bug-specific laws, Eddy said civil suits in South Carolina rely on premises liability law, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining a safe environment and protecting visitors from injury.
“When people hear about premises liability, they’re hearing about it in a slip-and-fall context, which is a subset of premises liability … but it’s more broad than that,” Eddy said. “It encompasses a whole bunch of duties that a business owes to its customers, its guests, and those include the duty to inspect, the duty to warn, the duty to make safe.”
Susan Cohen, president and CEO of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, believes infestations may be more rare and said lawsuits aren’t necessarily a good indicator of true infestations.
“We get so few calls, more anecdotal than anything else. We’ve seen an uptick in the Myrtle Beach area of suits filed, [but] I don’t know the results of those,” Cohen said. “A lot of times, unfortunately, you will find a hotel, insurance company or whatever, just settles it to end the dealing with it quickly.”
Like the state, the South Carolina hospitality industry doesn’t have a mechanism for reporting or addressing bed bug infestations. However, Cohen said there are steps visitors can and should take with property management if they believe they’ve encountered an infestation.
“They certainly need to let the hotel or rental property know immediately so that it can be investigated,” Cohen said. “Unless [management] are just bad operators, they’re going to want to address it. They don’t want them any more than the person who says they encountered them.”
In addition to stopping the spread of a potential infestation by notifying staff, if the issue can be resolved directly it could save the time, money and stress of a lawsuit.
MS
The Sun News
Maria Elena Scott writes about trending topics and what you need to know in the Grand Strand. She studied journalism at the University of Houston and covered Cleveland news before coming to the Palmetto State.
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