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 Union County Historic Courthouse 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 Union, 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 Renaissance Community 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 Bantam Chef Of Union or visit "The Union Dissolved" Historical Marker, 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 Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, 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.
Spartanburg Regional Medical Center will open a $55 million hospital in Union next week to replace one founded as Wallace Thomson Hospital in 1921, and patients and visitors will see a healing garden near the entrance paid for by Dolly Parton.Parton’s mother Avie Lee Parton was born in 1923 in Lockhart in the northern part of Union County along the Broad River.At a ribbon cutting Monday, a video of Parton was played in which she said she hopes the garden will be a “place of peace, hope, love, and comfort for patient...
Spartanburg Regional Medical Center will open a $55 million hospital in Union next week to replace one founded as Wallace Thomson Hospital in 1921, and patients and visitors will see a healing garden near the entrance paid for by Dolly Parton.
Parton’s mother Avie Lee Parton was born in 1923 in Lockhart in the northern part of Union County along the Broad River.
At a ribbon cutting Monday, a video of Parton was played in which she said she hopes the garden will be a “place of peace, hope, love, and comfort for patients, families and other community members who visit the hospital,” the Spartanburg Herald Journal reported.
The newspaper said the connection with Parton came about through a cousin Donna Cudd. Records show Cudd is a former probate judge in Union County.
In the video, Parton said, “Union holds a very special place in my heart. My family’s roots in this area run deep.”
Parton has credited her mother as her first musical influence. Parton wrote the song “Coat of Many Colors” about her mother.
Parton says on her website, “After the song had become a hit and had done so much for my career, I wanted to go back home and repay Mama for all the love she had sewn into my coat. I said, ‘Mama, let’s go to Knoxville. I’m going to buy you a mink coat.’
“Mama is the type of person who is somewhat uncomfortable about somebody making her an offer like that. At first, she came back with a joke: ‘It’s bad enough we have to eat little varmints ... I don’t want to have to start wearing them ... ’ Then she took on a more serious tone as she said, ‘Shoot! Where would I wear a mink coat ... to a pie supper? Give me the money instead.’ So I did.”
Among the many musical contributions Avie Lee Parton made for her daughter through the years was to write down the lyrics to Dolly Parton’s first song, which she sang on the front porch of the family home before she could read or write.
It was about a corncob doll Avie Lee made for Dolly and was called “Little Tiny Tasseltop,” Parton’s website says.
Avie Lee Owens Parton died at 80 on Dec. 5, 2003.
Parton’s Dolly Parton Enterprises donated $100,000 for the garden, which has benches, plants, flowers and a fountain.
Parton is known for her philanthropy, most especially Imagination Library, which has given 264 million books to children from birth to age 5 since 1995. It began with her home county in Tennessee and now includes partnerships around the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
She also offers free college tuition and all expenses for employees of Dollywood, a theme park in Sevierville, Tennessee that opened in 1986.
The former Union Medical Center is about 5 miles south of the new facility, which will open Feb. 11. It will include doctors offices for an array of services, including imaging, Gibbs Cancer Center infusion services, Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health mammography services and primary care.
Also large donation givers to Union Medical Center were J. Carlisle Oxner III and Barbara Harter Rippy.
Oxner, chairman and president at Arthur State Bank, donated $200,000, and Rippy, who owned Smith’s Drug Store with her husband Dr. Bobby Gene Rippy, donated $100,000.
Their donations went toward a 1-mile walking trail, a chapel and gardens.
This story was originally published February 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
Biz News The Union Budget 2025-26 introduces a ?2-crore loan scheme for women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs, making funding more accessible. A new manufacturing mission aims to boost SMEs and large industries, while a national food tech institute in Bihar is set to enhance agribusiness education. The government has also doubled the credit guarantee cover to ?20 crore, cutting the fee to 1% for better financial access.The Union Budget 2025-26...
The Union Budget 2025-26 has brought some big announcements, especially for first-time entrepreneurs, small manufacturers, and labour-intensive industries. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the budget, introduced new schemes aimed at boosting economic activity and creating more jobs in these sectors.
Rs 2-Crore Loan Scheme for Women, SC & ST Entrepreneurs
A major announcement of this year’s budget is the Rs 2-crore term loan scheme for five lakh first-time women, SC, and ST entrepreneurs. This move aims to encourage new businesses and provide financial support to those who often face funding challenges.
Additionally, the government has doubled the credit guarantee cover to Rs 20 crore, reducing the guarantee fee to 1%. This means easier access to funds with lower financial risk for small business owners.
New Manufacturing Mission for SMEs and Large Industries
The budget also announced a manufacturing mission to help small, medium, and large-scale industries. This initiative is expected to streamline production processes and boost local manufacturing, which in turn could generate more jobs and strengthen domestic industries.
Boost for Labour-Intensive Sectors
Sitharaman mentioned that the government will undertake facilitation measures to improve productivity in labour-intensive industries. While details weren’t fully disclosed, this move is expected to benefit sectors like textiles, construction, and agriculture, where a large number of people are employed.
National Institute for Food Technology in Bihar
Another key announcement was the establishment of a national institute for food technology, entrepreneurship, and management in Bihar. This could provide better training and opportunities for those involved in food processing and agribusiness, a sector that has significant growth potential in India.
With these initiatives, the government aims to make business financing easier, boost local manufacturing, and improve job opportunities for many Indians. The real impact of these measures will be seen in the coming months as businesses start taking advantage of the new schemes.
The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, outlines key measures aimed at empowering women, particularly in entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include increased credit access, loans for first-time women entrepreneurs, and healthcare provisions for workers. The government is committed to fostering balanced growth, with a focus on women’s economic participation, poverty eradication, and inclusive development across India....
Union Budget 2025: On Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented India's Union Budget for 2025-26, marking her record eighth consecutive budget. Against the backdrop of an economic slowdown and rising calls for tax cuts for the middle class, the budget outlined a series of measures designed to accelerate growth and ensure inclusive development. Notably, a significant focus was placed on empowering women, especially in the entrepreneurial space, with initiatives that aim to bridge existing gaps in the economy.
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A central feature of the 2025-26 Budget is a new scheme designed to support women entrepreneurs, particularly first-time business owners from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The government plans to provide term loans of up to Rs 2 crore to 5 lakh women entrepreneurs over the next five years, thus facilitating access to capital for those who have historically faced challenges in securing credit.
The Finance Minister explained the government's broader vision for India’s economy, emphasising, “Our economy is the fastest-growing among all major global economies. Our development track record of the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention. Confidence in India’s capability and potential has only grown in this period. We see the next five years as a unique opportunity to realise ‘Sabka Vikas,’ stimulating balanced growth of all regions.”
Sitharaman stated, “Union Budget 2025-26 with an effort to a. Accelerate growth b. Secure inclusive development c. Invigorate society and industry d. Uplift household sentiment and e. Enhance spending on power of India’s rising middle class.”
Presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26, the finance minister also said a manufacturing mission will be set up for SME and large industries.
Besides, the government will undertake facilitation measures to enhance productivity of labour-intensive sectors, Sitharaman said.
The credit guarantee cover will be doubled to Rs 20 crore, guarantee fee moderated to 1 per cent, she added.
She also said a national institute of food technology, entrepreneurship and management will be established in Bihar.
Sitharaman highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive development, focusing on balanced growth across all regions. She underscored the importance of empowering all sectors of society, particularly women, in the economic landscape. As part of its vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or Developed India, the government aims to eradicate poverty, provide quality education, and ensure access to affordable healthcare.
“We need to focus on poor, women, youth and farmers,” Sitharaman reiterated at the start of her speech, reinforcing the government's broad approach to economic empowerment. Increasing women’s participation in the workforce is a key component of this vision, with the government targeting 70% participation from women in the economy.
Sitharaman had announced setting out a ?3 lakh crore Budget outlay towards women and girl-centric schemes in the full budget of 2024.
At the start of her speech, Sitharaman had announced that the government was focused on women, as one of the four major pillars in its policy plans.
"As mentioned in the interim-budget, we need to focus on poor, women, youth and farmers," Sitharaman had said in her address.
In addition to these plans, the Finance Minister also spoke of hostels for working women, as well as creches to help them juggle work and home.
During the interim budget, Sitharaman had announced that the government would be increasing the target of women beneficiaries under its Lakhpati Didi Scheme to three crore from two crore. "83 lakh Self Help Groups with nine crore women are transforming the rural socioeconomic landscape, and have assisted nearly one crore women in becoming lakhpati didis already," Sitharaman had said in her interim budget speech.
Sitharaman had also recounted the government's previous schemes for women, while also extolling Indian women' s participation in the workforce and in STEM courses. Furthermore, the finance minister had announced that the government would encourage cervical cancer vaccinations for girls between the ages of nine and 14. The government also extended healthcare cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all ASHA workers. "The health cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers and helpers," Sitharaman had said.
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UNION COUNTY — Excitement is building for the opening of a new Union Medical Center which will feature brand new equipment and a healing garden for patients.The $55 million facility on U.S. Highway 176 across from Union Industrial Park is scheduled to open Feb. 11 once a final inspection is completed by the health department. Timing, however, will depend on that inspection, which is expected to take several hours.It replaces the existing hospital in the former Wallace Thomson Hospital building.In 2015, the medical ...
UNION COUNTY — Excitement is building for the opening of a new Union Medical Center which will feature brand new equipment and a healing garden for patients.
The $55 million facility on U.S. Highway 176 across from Union Industrial Park is scheduled to open Feb. 11 once a final inspection is completed by the health department. Timing, however, will depend on that inspection, which is expected to take several hours.
It replaces the existing hospital in the former Wallace Thomson Hospital building.
In 2015, the medical center joined the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. The system has six hospital campuses in Spartanburg, Greer, Gaffney and Union.
"It surpasses everybody's imagination on how it turned out," said Paul Newhouse, Union Medical Center president. "It is just a beautiful facility."
Newhouse said nursing staff will be at both hospital locations until the final inspection is completed. Once the inspection is finalized, in-patients will be transferred to the new facility. Public tours of the new hospital will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 4 before it's officially opened.
On the tour, the public can get its first glimpse of the stained-glass windows in the chapel near the front lobby that were taken from the old hospital's chapel. Newhouse said administrators wanted to keep something from the old hospital and showcase it in the new facility. Two pews from the old chapel also were installed at the new center.
The new medical center won't host surgeries or deliveries, but it will allow for the provision of services for those who don't want to travel to Spartanburg for health care needs. Primary care, emergency care, imaging, outpatient services, pharmacy and labs will be provided. The 99,600-square-foot facility was built on 48 acres. It includes new imaging equipment, care rooms that can fast-track patients out of the emergency room, and the Gibbs Cancer Infusion Services and Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health Mammography Services.
With this new facility, all services will be in one place.
"The really nice thing is we had separate office buildings for physicians in Union," Newhouse said. "The offices and hospital will now be in the same building in one area for care."
Country music legend Dolly Parton donated $100,000 for the healing garden at the new center. The Spartanburg Regional Foundation provided $1.3 million for patient enhancement services. The new medical center is about a 4-mile drive from the existing Union Medical Center.
A stop light is being installed at the center's entrance to ensure safety. On average, Union Medical Center serves about 60,000 patients annually.
Union Budget 2025: On Saturday, Finance Minister ...
Union Budget 2025: On Saturday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented India's Union Budget for 2025-26, marking her record eighth consecutive budget. Against the backdrop of an economic slowdown and rising calls for tax cuts for the middle class, the budget outlined a series of measures designed to accelerate growth and ensure inclusive development. Notably, a significant focus was placed on empowering women, especially in the entrepreneurial space, with initiatives that aim to bridge existing gaps in the economy.
Budget with ET
A central feature of the 2025-26 Budget is a new scheme designed to support women entrepreneurs, particularly first-time business owners from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The government plans to provide term loans of up to Rs 2 crore to 5 lakh women entrepreneurs over the next five years, thus facilitating access to capital for those who have historically faced challenges in securing credit.
The Finance Minister explained the government's broader vision for India’s economy, emphasising, “Our economy is the fastest-growing among all major global economies. Our development track record of the past 10 years and structural reforms have drawn global attention. Confidence in India’s capability and potential has only grown in this period. We see the next five years as a unique opportunity to realise ‘Sabka Vikas,’ stimulating balanced growth of all regions.”
Sitharaman stated, “Union Budget 2025-26 with an effort to a. Accelerate growth b. Secure inclusive development c. Invigorate society and industry d. Uplift household sentiment and e. Enhance spending on power of India’s rising middle class.”
Presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26, the finance minister also said a manufacturing mission will be set up for SME and large industries.
Besides, the government will undertake facilitation measures to enhance productivity of labour-intensive sectors, Sitharaman said.
The credit guarantee cover will be doubled to Rs 20 crore, guarantee fee moderated to 1 per cent, she added.
She also said a national institute of food technology, entrepreneurship and management will be established in Bihar.
Sitharaman highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive development, focusing on balanced growth across all regions. She underscored the importance of empowering all sectors of society, particularly women, in the economic landscape. As part of its vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or Developed India, the government aims to eradicate poverty, provide quality education, and ensure access to affordable healthcare.
“We need to focus on poor, women, youth and farmers,” Sitharaman reiterated at the start of her speech, reinforcing the government's broad approach to economic empowerment. Increasing women’s participation in the workforce is a key component of this vision, with the government targeting 70% participation from women in the economy.
Sitharaman had announced setting out a ?3 lakh crore Budget outlay towards women and girl-centric schemes in the full budget of 2024.
At the start of her speech, Sitharaman had announced that the government was focused on women, as one of the four major pillars in its policy plans.
"As mentioned in the interim-budget, we need to focus on poor, women, youth and farmers," Sitharaman had said in her address.
In addition to these plans, the Finance Minister also spoke of hostels for working women, as well as creches to help them juggle work and home.
During the interim budget, Sitharaman had announced that the government would be increasing the target of women beneficiaries under its Lakhpati Didi Scheme to three crore from two crore. "83 lakh Self Help Groups with nine crore women are transforming the rural socioeconomic landscape, and have assisted nearly one crore women in becoming lakhpati didis already," Sitharaman had said in her interim budget speech.
Sitharaman had also recounted the government's previous schemes for women, while also extolling Indian women' s participation in the workforce and in STEM courses. Furthermore, the finance minister had announced that the government would encourage cervical cancer vaccinations for girls between the ages of nine and 14. The government also extended healthcare cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to all ASHA workers. "The health cover under the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers and helpers," Sitharaman had said.
The government has already launched several initiatives to empower women in business, aiming to provide financial assistance, training, and infrastructure to help them succeed as entrepreneurs. These schemes are designed to address the challenges women face in the entrepreneurial landscape, offering them access to capital, business guidance, and networking opportunities.
The Mudra Yojana is one of the most significant initiatives aimed at supporting micro and small businesses, with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs. Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 10 lakh are provided without requiring any collateral. What sets it apart for women borrowers is the provision of lower interest rates, making it more accessible for women to start or scale their businesses. This initiative plays a crucial role in empowering women by offering them the financial backing to become self-sufficient and contribute to the economy.
The Stand-Up India Scheme encourages women to venture into the business world by offering bank loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore. A key feature of this programme is its emphasis on inclusivity, as it mandates that at least one SC/ST borrower and one woman must be supported per bank branch. These loans are specifically for setting up greenfield businesses, which are newly established ventures. Furthermore, for non-individual firms, the scheme stipulates that a SC/ST or woman entrepreneur must hold at least 51% ownership, ensuring that women are leading the charge in these new enterprises.
The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is another pivotal scheme that fosters self-employment among women. This programme offers financial support to individuals wishing to set up new micro-enterprises and small businesses. By promoting women’s participation in the workforce and encouraging them to become job creators, PMEGP is instrumental in advancing economic equality.
Launched by the Ministry of MSME, the Udyam Shakti Portal is a dedicated platform for promoting women’s social entrepreneurship. It provides a wide array of services including business planning assistance, incubation facilities, mentorship, and market research. This portal offers projects a financial support range of up to Rs 25 lakh, with Rs 10 lakh earmarked specifically for service-based ventures. Through this initiative, women are given the tools and guidance they need to launch and expand their businesses successfully.
In an effort to accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has rolled out the Economic Empowerment of Women Enterprises and Start-ups by Women scheme. This programme focuses on offering incubation and acceleration support to female micro-entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary resources and training to scale their businesses. Currently operational in Assam, Rajasthan, and Telangana, this scheme highlights the government’s commitment to nurturing women in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
budgetbudget 2025union budgetunion budget 20252025 budgetindia budgetbudget livebudget newsNirmala Sitharamanwomen entrepreneurs
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.
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