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 Old Town Hall in Pawleys Island, SC 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 Pawleys Island, 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.
“Professional, caring, and reliable at home service.”
“Amazing place and they do a wonderful job.”
“The caregivers at Always Best Care are friendly, reliable, and truly care about their clients.”
“Always Best Care has helped our family tremendously. With the care they provide we”
“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”
“Professional, caring, and reliable at home service.”
“Amazing place and they do a wonderful job.”
“The caregivers at Always Best Care are friendly, reliable, and truly care about their clients. They make daily life easier and more comfortable for seniors.”
“Always Best Care has helped our family tremendously. With the care they provide we have been able to keep my dad in his home. He is a total care client and they have gone above and beyond to meet our needs the best way they can. Not to say we haven't had some trials with schedules and caregivers getting sick or family emergencies, that is to be expected, but they are consistently meeting the needs the best way thay can. Thank you Always Best Care for what you have done for our family the last almost 3 years!”
“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.”
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 Pawleys Island Nature Park in Pawleys Island, SC 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 Chive Blossom Cafe or visit Pawleys Island Historic District, 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 Pawleys Island, 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 Pawleys Island, 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 Pawleys Island, 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.
1. The legend of the Gray ManYou're walking along a quiet South Carolina beach as a hurricane barrels toward the coast. The sky is darkening, the wind is picking up, and suddenly, you spot a mysterious figure dressed in gray.You blink. He's gone.According to a chilling Lowcountry legend, that could be the Gray Man, a ghostly figure said to appear on Pawleys Island just before a major hurricane strikes.Even more interestingly, those who claim to have seen him say their homes were spared from the storm.The l...
1. The legend of the Gray Man
You're walking along a quiet South Carolina beach as a hurricane barrels toward the coast. The sky is darkening, the wind is picking up, and suddenly, you spot a mysterious figure dressed in gray.
You blink. He's gone.
According to a chilling Lowcountry legend, that could be the Gray Man, a ghostly figure said to appear on Pawleys Island just before a major hurricane strikes.
Even more interestingly, those who claim to have seen him say their homes were spared from the storm.
The story reportedly dates back to 1822, when a young man traveling to visit his love drowned in the area's treacherous marshland.
Local historian Christine Vernon says his fiancée was heartbroken. While walking along the beach and praying for him to return, she suddenly saw a figure approaching from the surf.
"He stops her cold and he points inland and says, 'You and the family are in grave danger. You must leave. A hurricane is approaching,'" Vernon recalled.
The young woman and her family left the island. A few days later, the Great Hurricane of 1822 struck the coast.
Over time, stories emerged of a silent apparition wandering the shoreline ahead of dangerous weather, seemingly warning residents to get out of harm's way.
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Before Hurricane Hugo devastated parts of South Carolina in 1989, Pawleys Island residents Jim and Clara Moore reported seeing the mysterious figure.
"They saw the gray man and he approached and just pointed inland and told them a storm was coming," Vernon said.
The couple evacuated. When they returned, the destruction was immense.
"Every home to the left, right, and behind their house had been completely not just destroyed, but washed away," Vernon said. "But their house was still standing."
More recent sightings of the Gray Man have been associated with Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The Gray Man may belong to folklore, but the forces that determine whether a home survives a hurricane are very real.
Elevation can make a critical difference when storm surge pushes seawater inland. A home's construction also matters: strong roof design, fortified walls, impact-resistant windows and doors and a foundation protected from flooding can make all the difference difference.
And remember, no ghostly sighting is a substitute for evacuation orders or official weather warnings.
So why has this mysterious figure remained part of Pawleys Island's history for more than 200 years?
"I believe because people have hope," Vernon said. "I think they want to believe in something spiritual that will come and actually protect us."
After more than two decades living in the area and authoring The Legend of the Gray Man of Pawleys Island, Vernon believes the Gray Man’s message is this:
"Because he had lost his loved one, his fiance, he would say to hold them dear to you, take good care of them," she said. "And if you have a warning or a gut feeling that something is wrong, listen to that voice, whether it's inside your head or that feeling you have. If you think it's time to leave, protect your family and please leave the area if there's a terrible storm."
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WBTW) — The Georgetown County Coroner’s Office has identified a 33-year-old woman found dead in the surf near Pawleys Island Pier on Wednesday.Coroner Chase Ridgeway described the circumstances surrounding the death of Conway woman Meggan Jordan as “suspicious.” An autopsy was completed Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina. Preliminary findings are pending.“As with all death investigations, our primary responsibility is to thoroughly investigate the circumstanc...
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WBTW) — The Georgetown County Coroner’s Office has identified a 33-year-old woman found dead in the surf near Pawleys Island Pier on Wednesday.
Coroner Chase Ridgeway described the circumstances surrounding the death of Conway woman Meggan Jordan as “suspicious.” An autopsy was completed Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina. Preliminary findings are pending.
“As with all death investigations, our primary responsibility is to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and rule out the possibility of homicide,” Ridgeway said. “While certain circumstances initially raised concerns, further investigation has provided us with a clearer understanding of those concerns.”
Ridgeway said the autopsy did not reveal any injuries that would have caused or contributed to Jordan’s death. Both the cause and manner of death will remain pending until all additional testing and examinations have been completed.
Mark Powell and Heather Jones said they had gone to their usual beach spot for a relaxing afternoon when Powell noticed the body nearby. From a distance, Powell said he initially thought it may have been an animal, as a crowd began to form.
As he walked closer to the pier, he realized it was a woman’s body. Responders were covering her as he approached, he told News13.
“It was quite a shock,” Powell said. “This time of year, you know, it’s typically quiet. It’s a great time for a local to go there; I didn’t expect to see anything like this.”
As the response unfolded, Jones said she thought about the victim’s family.
“It was just a sad day because I said to Mark, at some point somebody’s going to get a phone call they don’t want to get,” she said.
Count on News13 for updates.
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Jordan Titus is a multimedia journalist and producer at News13. She joined the team in April 2025. Jordan is from Morristown, New Jersey, and moved to the Myrtle Beach area in 2020 and attended Coastal Carolina University. You can read more of her work here.
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Caleb is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University and was named Digital Executive Producer in August 2026. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
PAWLEYS ISLAND — What's left of the pier on Pawleys Island will soon be demolished.But the privately-owned structure is expected to be rebuilt — more than four years after Hurricane Ian claimed the end of the pier in 2022.Permits for the project have been secured, and demolition will likely begin in late October or November, officials said. Work on the new pier is expected to wrap up in February 2028.A private pier that's a public iconThe pier is owned by the Pawleys Pier Village community, the homeo...
PAWLEYS ISLAND — What's left of the pier on Pawleys Island will soon be demolished.
But the privately-owned structure is expected to be rebuilt — more than four years after Hurricane Ian claimed the end of the pier in 2022.
Permits for the project have been secured, and demolition will likely begin in late October or November, officials said. Work on the new pier is expected to wrap up in February 2028.
The pier is owned by the Pawleys Pier Village community, the homeowners association leading the rebuild. But the restoration will have an impact across the island, Mayor Brian Henry said.
"It's iconic," Henry said. "It's a structure that's been here for decades, and to have it back — it's just part of the topography of the island."
The pier stands alongside other Pawleys Island landmarks that identify the town in the eyes of residents and visitors, said Wade Warr, the property manager for Pawleys Pier Village, in a Sept. 21 town council meeting. Warr's family has been visiting the island since the 1950s.
"It's things we've come to expect on the island," Warr said. "The hospitality when we think of the Sea View Inn or the Pelican Inn. It reminds us of the blessings from the Lord when we look at Pawleys Island Chapel. And when you see the pier, that reminds you of our love for nature here on Pawleys Island."
The pier will fit the same footprint as the original. The first section will be 12 feet wide and 196 feet long, the same length as the existing pier. The next will be 25 feet wide and 496 feet long, matching the section that was lost after the hurricane.
A key difference with the new pier will be what it's made of. A fiberglass-reinforced material is expected to be used on the walkway to help prevent storms from raising the pier as they did during Hurricane Ian. Wooden boards along the sides of the structure will maintain its classic appearance.
The town is happy that the replacement won't be a massive concrete structure, Henry said.
"I don't think that fits the aesthetic of Pawleys Island and the kind of laid-back vibe," the mayor said.
The first few months of demolition and construction will disrupt the beach, officials said. But once the structure is built out to the water, most of the work will be overhead, allowing beachgoers to pass underneath.
A sea turtle advocacy group is helping to ensure that turtles aren't present on the beach before construction starts during the nesting season.
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC (WMBF) - Pawleys Island is receiving federal help to fight chronic flooding.Congressman Russell Fry and his staff secured $1.5 million to address long-standing drainage problems in the island’s Bird’s Nest area.When Pawleys Island is hit with heavy rain or king tides, roads like Springs Avenue can end up with up to two feet of water covering the roads.Just last night, water from a storm filled Springs Avenue, and patches of water remain in the area. This stormwater project is looking to les...
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC (WMBF) - Pawleys Island is receiving federal help to fight chronic flooding.
Congressman Russell Fry and his staff secured $1.5 million to address long-standing drainage problems in the island’s Bird’s Nest area.
When Pawleys Island is hit with heavy rain or king tides, roads like Springs Avenue can end up with up to two feet of water covering the roads.
Just last night, water from a storm filled Springs Avenue, and patches of water remain in the area. This stormwater project is looking to lessen that impact.
Town leaders say sea level rise and heavy rainfall have caused repeated flooding and standing water on the island, a problem common on the South Carolina coast.
The town adopted a master drainage plan earlier this year, which helped kickstart the first phase of a broader five-to-10-year resilience plan estimated to cost around $60 million. The plan will benefit areas across the island.
Mayor Brian Henry said the town will address flooding across the island.
“The town is going to embark on a 5- to 10-year plan to address flooding across the island. The 1st 5 years, our focus is going to be putting in infrastructure, changing out some of the old, antiquated drainage,” Henry said.
The improvements will install reinforced concrete piping, add tide gates and catch basins, and build underground storage to hold and slowly release stormwater.
The project is also expected to incrementally add around six inches to road elevations across targeted areas.
Fry and his staff secured the $1.5 million to address long-standing drainage problems in the Bird’s Nest area.
“This really marks the first time in nearly 20 years that a House member that represents this area was able to bring back direct appropriations back to the people that they represent,” Fry said.
The initial focus of the Bird’s Nest project is on Doyle Street and Springs Avenue, which currently have no drainage infrastructure, causing standing water up to a foot deep in a heavily used pedestrian area near beach access points.
Councilman Paul Groce said the town estimates significant revenue losses if roads are not elevated.
“We estimate that without roads being elevated over the next 5 to 6 years, we could begin losing up to $6 million a year in revenue, a combination of both taxes as well as business revenue,” Groce said.
Henry said flooding and sea level rise are challenges up and down the South Carolina coast.
“This is a challenge: sea level rise, flooding, all up and down the South Carolina coast. But Pawleys Island has a plan, and we wanna be a leader in this effort,” Henry said.
Pawleys Island officials say they plan to break ground in 2027 in the Bird’s Nest area.
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PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. —Above video: Your Monday headlinesThe body of a 5-year-old girl who disappeared from a rental home in the Hagley Estates community was found Monday morning, according to the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.South Carolina Department of Natural Resources agents found Saylor Hayes about 9:45 a.m. in the water near the area where she was last seen, authorities said.Saylor had wandered away from her family’s rental home on Old Waccama...
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. —
Above video: Your Monday headlines
The body of a 5-year-old girl who disappeared from a rental home in the Hagley Estates community was found Monday morning, according to the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources agents found Saylor Hayes about 9:45 a.m. in the water near the area where she was last seen, authorities said.
Saylor had wandered away from her family’s rental home on Old Waccamaw Drive late Sunday morning, prompting an intensive search involving hundreds of residents and personnel from multiple agencies.
The circumstances surrounding her death were not immediately released.
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office
Deputies, emergency crews and neighborhood volunteers searched on foot as drones scanned the area from above. Boats and marine patrol officers searched nearby waterways and shorelines, while K-9 teams and divers also joined the effort.
Crews used Project Lifesaver equipment on the ground and aboard a Charleston County Sheriff’s Office helicopter in an attempt to detect a signal from a device Saylor was wearing.
Horry County divers searched roughly 200 yards underwater near the rental home. The Hagley Boat Landing was closed during the operation, and boaters were asked to use caution.
“We’re here until we find her,” Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver said during the search.
Hundreds of area residents searched their properties and nearby areas, while others watched local docks.
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Department of Natural Resources, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Horry County Fire Department, Midway Fire Rescue, Georgetown County Fire Department, Georgetown County Emergency Services and Georgetown City Fire Department.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the agencies, first responders and community members who helped with the search and offered its condolences to Saylor’s family.
Update 11:18 a.m.: The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office says it has located the girl's body.
Initial report:
Authorities and volunteers planned to search through the night for a 5-year-old girl who wandered away from her family’s rental home in the Hagley community of Pawleys Island.
Saylor Hayes disappeared earlier in the day from a home on Old Waccamaw Drive, according to the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re here until we find her,” Sheriff Carter Weaver said.
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office
Deputies and neighborhood volunteers are searching on foot, while drones from the Sheriff’s Office and Georgetown County Fire are scanning the area from above. Boats, marine patrol officers and crews from the Midway Fire Department are searching nearby water and shoreline. K-9 units also are involved.
Crews used Project Lifesaver equipment on the ground and from a Charleston County Sheriff’s Office helicopter for several hours in an attempt to detect a signal from a device Sailor was wearing.
Horry County divers searched about 200 yards underwater near the rental home. Divers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are expected to continue the underwater search as needed.
Georgetown County Emergency Management is assisting with the operation.
The Hagley Boat Landing will remain closed during the search. Boaters are being asked to use caution in the area.
Saylor is nonverbal but responds positively when spoken to calmly and slowly, authorities said. Anyone who sees her should call 911 immediately.
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