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 Saluda Factory 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 West Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a”
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was a great peace of mind. Care of those in need can be a heavy load on the family, and Always Best Care made everything run better in the household. Their care extended past those in need and helped the other family members provide better care. The experience was a breath of fresh air.”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for my mom. This service is no cost to the family. He spent quite some time getting my mom's preferences clarified and then searching for matching AL facilities. All of this was done in less than two days. He and I talked through the options and I relayed the two I felt were best to mom. Nate personally picked mom up from rehab and took her on those tours, which was a godsend because I live in another state. During both tours, he texted me "play by plays" as to how it was going. He helped me and mom choose the right place for her budget and needs - and was very patient with us as my mom took longer than expected to make the final decision. She was talking about needing a new TV and Nate provided her/us with a link to some that were on sale that met her needs. Once the decision was made, Nate accompanied the AL staff member to mom's rehab and sat through the entire long paperwork process to ensure mom understood what she was signing. Again, he kept me in the loop by texting me regularly about how things were going during the meeting. He checked in a couple of times after that and prior to mom's move asking how our prep was going and if we needed anything. On one call, I did ask for a referral to a specific service we needed. He didn't have an established one, so he researched it and got one for me promptly. During and shortly after moving day, Nate checked in again to see how mom was settling in. I've been amazed at the personalized engagement that we received from Nate. Anytime he said he would do something, he did it and he did it promptly. If anything was delayed, he updated me immediately. This is in stark contrast to Tara at Senior Care Authority that provides this service as well. She promised me things during our initial call and didn't follow through on most of them. During our text exchanges, she never answered my specific question - always danced around it. Within a handful of days, I said "nope!", researched more, and came across Nate and this service. Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air to receive what you asked for. I have no doubt it saved me countless hours glued to my computer, trying to compare facilities. I highly recommend Nate and his consulting service - it was an excellent experience and he was a lifesaver!”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for any senior in need. Also, if you ever need a job, please go and apply. They are always hiring weekly and offer competitive rates.”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over the past six months. Melisa and Nate have been wonderful and thanks for molding me into becoming a great leader. Professionalism is the key to success ????✨⭐️ I am looking forward to many years to come.”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with them for 3years Their caregivers are insightful and have so much compassion especially Mariah and Sabrina they are some of there champs they both have great personality and are very Professional. The owners are great and they run a great company.thank you for all that you guys do ????”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands Team ensured that I was well informed, and my loved one received the best care possible. The compassionate care was delivered not only by the care professionals, but by the support team. The owners even checked in with us to offer support and guidance. They exceeded our expectations!”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care for! Nate and Melisa offer regular training for caregivers so they they can provide the best care possible!”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best choice for your family’s needs. The Team at Always Best is thoughtful and supportive they go out of their way to make you feel heard and understood. They customize the care plan, care team and schedule. I recommend them to anyone considering aging in place.”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service is a savior for me personally. It relieves me from having to miss a lot of work time to travel to my mothers appt, now I can meet her at the appt. and save this time. The care and service she is getting is TOP NOTCH! From how easy it is for my mother to schedule and the follow through is right on the money. From a person getting the services: Melissa is the best, she calls me weekly to remind me of my appointments coming up. I am very pleased with the services and absolutely pleased with the services provided. I know that this alone helps ease the mind of my daughter. Thank you to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking for care for a loved one, I highly recommend them. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I work in the senior industry and recommend Always Best Care to my clients that need extra support in their home or while family is away. Always Best Care will respond immediately and truly show compassion to others.”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take the time to ensure your care needs are met. Highly recommend giving them a call if you have senior care or senior living questions or concerns.”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense of the questions we had when it came to the short and long term care of our loved one. When you have an elderly parent or a loved one with disabilities there are so many questions and so many emotions. It can be so confusing and it was hard for us to find one person or one company that has the knowledge and grasp of this industry that Nate has. We cannot thank him enough for guiding us through this process and his amazing bedside manner!”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your families a Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year! My brother, my dad, and I really appreciate everything you did for us this year. You're amazing! All the best for the Christmas season and 2023,”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The owners, Nate and Melisa, genuinely care about clients AND staff. They go above and beyond to support, encourage, and help everyone they work with. Their doors are always open, they’re generous with their time, and they truly want their staff to succeed. Donna in the billing department is fabulous, always available to answer questions or help in any way; Katrina in scheduling puts in so much time and effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and it’s amazing how well she handles everything; Angel works diligently on recruiting and training, making sure there’s plenty of staff to provide quality care; and Jackie is an incredible CHAMP, making sure clients are properly reassessed and care givers have the right tools and knowledge to do their job. ABC is a fantastic, compassionate, caring team I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m proud to serve our clients, too.”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job if it wasn't for them and they go grocery shopping. They can have more guidance for the client and what to do for the client.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly and courteous. I like that I do not have to worry about them; they are honest.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a lot easier for me to find out about the caregiver coming out and having someone on backup. The agency could provide better scheduling and the caregivers would not come in on time.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater 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 Terra or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, 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.
Request More Information
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 West Columbia, 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 West Columbia, 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 West Columbia, 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.
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A former captain at the West Columbia Fire Department is sounding the alarm about the department’s broken down fire trucks.Amos Aker with the West Columbia Fire Department was a captain for nearly 2 years, until a few weeks ago.Aker left the department, in part for personal reasons, but also because of ongoing issues with the department’s engines that he said were going unnoticed.After leaving the department, he took to social media with his concerns.In that post, Aker also ...
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A former captain at the West Columbia Fire Department is sounding the alarm about the department’s broken down fire trucks.
Amos Aker with the West Columbia Fire Department was a captain for nearly 2 years, until a few weeks ago.
Aker left the department, in part for personal reasons, but also because of ongoing issues with the department’s engines that he said were going unnoticed.
After leaving the department, he took to social media with his concerns.
In that post, Aker also provided some videos that show leaks, a broken seatbelt, spills, and even broken mechanical parts. After that post, WIS News 10 received a number of calls and emails from concerned citizens worried about the effectiveness of the West Columbia fleet.
Current West Columbia Fire Chief Marquis Solomon assured WIS News 10 that at any given point, if a truck needs a repair, it is pulled out of service.
Half of the city’s four fire trucks are currently out of commission.
“[The post] was a cry for help, to let the citizens know that there is an issue that is ongoing that hasn’t been addressed, and if it is addressed, it’s not getting fixed any time soon,” Aker said. “It’s not to diss West Columbia Fire Department or the city government in itself.”
The two trucks out of service, Engine 403 and the city’s only ladder truck, are getting repaired. The city’s oldest fire truck, Engine 404 is now the backup.
That truck is the one that Aker said has had a number of issues.
“We went for a while without warning lights on the truck for driver and passenger, on a training drill we ran out of water, and when we got on top to look in the fill tank, and there was no water, but the lights were showing that there was water,” Aker said.
“The concerns of that former employee they were heard, they were heard, long beforehand, but just like most things there is a process in order to get there,” Solomon said.
Aker said that despite Engine 404 being used as a last resort, right now it’s in the front line, and could be used at any given time.
He said that the truck has had a broken seat belt at times, leaking fluid, and inoperable lights ? something Solomon did not deny but assured WIS News 10 have been taken care of.
“We also recognize when we have deficiencies, meaning we recognize there is an apparatus that needs to be replaced, and oddly enough with the timing of this we were well ahead and looking to sign a contract to replace that particular one,” Solomon said, discussing Engine 404.
A contract for a new truck could be drafted as soon as next month.
West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said they will be hearing from the department about a request for a truck that will replace Engine 404.
In addition, they have ordered a $2.2 million ladder truck as well. However, because of the backlog in the industry due to COVID-19, the new truck won’t arrive until the end of 2026 or even the first quarter of 2027.
WIS was not provided with a timeline for when the two engines out of commission will return to service.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.
Both a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado warning were issued Wednesday morning for Columbia and Lexington County, according to the National Weather Service.The tornado warning is in effect through 8 a.m., and the severe weather warning won’t expire until 8:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said.Powerful winds could reach 60 mph in Columbia, L...
Both a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado warning were issued Wednesday morning for Columbia and Lexington County, according to the National Weather Service.
The tornado warning is in effect through 8 a.m., and the severe weather warning won’t expire until 8:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds could reach 60 mph in Columbia, Lexington, Cayce and West Columbia, according to the National Weather Service. There is a small potential for a wind gust over 74 mph in the eastern Midlands, where there’s also the greatest chance of tornadoes forming.
The tornado warning also includes Columbia, Lexington, as well as Irmo and Chapin, the National Weather Service said.
Dangerous storms also will be near South Congaree, Springdale and Red Bank at about 7:40 a.m., before moving toward West Columbia, Gaston, Pine Ridge, Oak Grove, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and South Carolina State Farmer’s Market by 7:45 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
The National Weather Service urged anyone in the areas included in the tornado warning to take shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Anyone outdoors, in a mobile home, or a vehicle is told to move to the closest substantial shelter and find protection from flying debris.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.
In addition to the warnings, a wind advisory has been issued for all of the Midlands. That advisory is scheduled to run through 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The severe weather could also affect Richland County and other parts of the Midlands. That includes Fairfield, Newberry and Saluda counties.
Effects from the storms are expected to continue in the Columbia area through 11 a.m., and could linger into the early afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Regular winds are predicted to blow up to 25 mph, with gusts nearly double that, the National Weather Service said.
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution,” The National Weather Service said.”
There is 100% chance of rain Wednesday, but significant amounts of rainfall is not expected, the National Weather Service said. Up to three-quarters of an inch of precipitation is possible, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher.
In addition to dangerous winds and rain, another severe weather effect that could impact the area is pea-sized hail.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 7:23 AM.
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - One Midlands lawmaker is proposing possible solutions for seniors to help ease the strain of having to move from their assisted living facilities quickly after one abruptly closed earlier this year.In January, dozens of people who live at Jenni Lynn Assisted Living in West Columbia received 30-day evacuation notices.“I came here to settle dow...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - One Midlands lawmaker is proposing possible solutions for seniors to help ease the strain of having to move from their assisted living facilities quickly after one abruptly closed earlier this year.
In January, dozens of people who live at Jenni Lynn Assisted Living in West Columbia received 30-day evacuation notices.
“I came here to settle down and settle in, and that was going fine for four years, and now somebody grasps the rug and pulls it right out from under me,” Paul Bornemann, a Jenni Lynn resident, said in a January 9 interview.
Bornemann and the rest of these residents were left scrambling after the owner sold the property.
This story caught the attention of Sen. Russell Ott, D-Calhoun.
“I got some phone calls from folks alerting me to the situation and then obviously the coverage that y’all were able to provide,” he said. “This is something that could happen to any type of residential care facility across the state of South Carolina.”
He said state law currently does not speak to this issue.
Last week, Ott proposed a bill requiring assisted living facilities to give a 90-day notice if they plan to close.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Ott said. “You don’t want anyone to have to go through that, someone’s home, a place where someone lives. That’s a big deal. And you know, to just kind of uproot someone in that short period of time, that is not something that someone in that situation should have to deal with.”
Bornemann said he had hoped to spend the rest of his life at Jenni Lynn, where he had lived for the past four years.
The upheaval, he said, caused his a great deal of stress and anxiety.
“It’s a nightmare,” Bornemann said. “I can’t eat, can’t sleep. It’s just affecting me personally.”
Seniors and former employees alike believe 30 days just is not enough.
“That is very minimal to almost insufficient time,” Bornemann said. “It takes two weeks just to adjust to this whole thing.”
Valencia Austin, a former Jenni Lynn employee who still works in health care, said it would have been the ethical and moral thing to do.
She added that there is a larger concern at play in this situation about appreciation for the elderly.
“Have more compassion for seniors,” she said. “Realize that seniors they go through the same things we go through. Just because they’re in a facility and they’re being taken care of, doesn’t mean that they don’t worry, doesn’t mean that they don’t stress. It affects them physically and emotionally.”
Ott said there is no time to look back, only forward with Jenni Lynn’s closure a possible catalyst for change.
He said it is difficult to speculate whether ownership should have done something differently.
“I mean I’m sure they made the decisions that they felt like were in the best interest of the facility, and I’m sure they weren’t easy decisions” Ott said. “I think where the fault lies is that we don’t have a good law on the books to address this situation. So I’m not placing blame. I’m just saying that this is something that we need to address and try to make sure doesn’t happen again.”
The South Carolina Health Care Association, a nonprofit, said they have been in communication with Ott about the bill.
They believe it is well-intentioned, and want to make sure the language is carefully curated.
Ott is hopeful that the bill will receive broad support in the General Assembly.
It has been referred to the Senate Medical Affairs Committee.
No hearing date has been set.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.
WEST COLUMBIA — Plans for over 50 new townhomes have been approved for a plot near a major thoroughfare as the city looks to continue to develop its riverfront.The development at 620 Sunset Blvd. will also contain new interior streets and a small lot for commercial space, according to city documents.The 3.2-acre plot of land is sandwiched betw...
WEST COLUMBIA — Plans for over 50 new townhomes have been approved for a plot near a major thoroughfare as the city looks to continue to develop its riverfront.
The development at 620 Sunset Blvd. will also contain new interior streets and a small lot for commercial space, according to city documents.
The 3.2-acre plot of land is sandwiched between Sunset Boulevard, an off ramp for the Jarvis Klapman Boulevard bridge into downtown Columbia, and an entrance to West Columbia’s riverwalk park on the Congaree River.
West Columbia City Council unanimously approved a request to rezone the land during a Feb. 4 meeting.
The city’s Planning Commission had recommended the rezoning for approval despite concerns over traffic from some speakers at a recent commission meeting.
“There has been very, very little concern expressed from the community about it,” West Columbia Mayor Temus Miles said of the project at the Feb. 4 meeting.
Sunset Boulevard is a major West Columbia thoroughfare, seeing an average of 15,000 vehicles pass through daily in 2023, according to SCDOT data. An average of 25,000 vehicles passed over the nearby Jarvis Klapman Boulevard bridge daily.
The development will feature 52 two-story homes. Each townhome will have a driveway capable of holding two parked cars, but there will be no on-street parking.
The residential portion of the development will be built within two years “or upon economic feasibility as determined by the developer,” the developer said in city documents. The commercial component will also be developed when commercially viable.
The site is currently occupied by vacant warehouse and commercial space.
The homes would be another step in the city’s effort to urbanize its riverfront district into a denser, more walkable area.
The Capitol Square redevelopment project — which would replace the vacant shopping center at 469 Sunset Blvd. — was approved by the city in October.
The multistory apartment and retail developments along the Meeting Street corridor toward the Gervais Street Bridge are fully occupied and have transformed the approach from the city across the bridge into Columbia.
However, one controversial tenant on Sunset Boulevard still remains: the House of Raeford Farms chicken plant.
The plant has a history of complaints from both the public and the city, and there were reports it could close if Raeford was able to open a new plant in Aiken. But that proposed facility has stalled since Aiken city and county officials didn't approve necessary tax agreements and water and sewer improvements.
Plant ownership has said there are no plans to close in the near future, though the company is searching for a new site to replace the WECO plant in the Palmetto State.
A strategic plan created by the city proposed that the plant could be redeveloped into a water treatment facility or to tie into the riverwalk.
As Lexington County continues to grow, West Columbia has been more proactive in encouraging new construction and development than Cayce and other surrounding areas.
In a former Spanish-language church tucked off of Sunset Boulevard, Matt Catchpole wants to introduce West Columbia to jazz kissa.The concept is a Japanese one that's spread across the world, and puts an emphasis on creating a cocktail or wine lounge aimed at listening and appreciating jazz recordings. At Catchpole's soon-to-be-opened restaurant on Lucas Street, the focus will be on vinyl records, filtered through a high-fidelity sound system to var...
In a former Spanish-language church tucked off of Sunset Boulevard, Matt Catchpole wants to introduce West Columbia to jazz kissa.
The concept is a Japanese one that's spread across the world, and puts an emphasis on creating a cocktail or wine lounge aimed at listening and appreciating jazz recordings. At Catchpole's soon-to-be-opened restaurant on Lucas Street, the focus will be on vinyl records, filtered through a high-fidelity sound system to various seating areas across the midcentury-inspired space.
The longtime hospitality industry veteran said he's offering something with which diners might not be familiar.
"We are trying to do something that doesn't exist in the Columbia area," he told Free Times, "so it's a little hard to explain."
Ikie Lu Record Club is the culmination of years of planning and dreaming from Catchpole. The hospitality industry veteran recently worked as the general manager at State Street's Terra and has been consulting with Publick House on Devine Street, in addition to stints opening restaurants in Alabama and New York City.
He is leveraging his travels to bring something he said West Columbia needs, something that exists between fast food and upscale dining.
"West Columbia has Terra and it has Zesto's, basically, and there's nothing in between," he said.
The business is named for Catchpole's grandmother, a musician who was nicknamed Ikie Lu. Catchpole and his family want the space to be an homage to her legacy.
He's always dreamed of opening a restaurant — he and his family even bought a piece of land in West Columbia before buying the Lucas Street space — but Catchpole never imagined it would happen so soon.
"This was always supposed to happen," he said, "but this was supposed to happen years down the road."
The business will be a casual but elegant space for adults to sip on a cocktail or glass of wine before or after dinner, or for Sunday brunch. Catchpole is building operations to require minimal staffing, with bar service and prepared foods aimed at efficient service and no-frills hospitality.
An emphasis on vinyl records and surround-sound listening will be complimented by a drinks menu focusing on wine and classic cocktails "done right," Catchpole said. A food menu of prepared foods like smoked trout dip and shrimp rolls will be served, and Catchpole bought a hotdog roller after visiting Sea Wolf, a restaurant on Tybee Island, Ga., that specializes in Champagne and franks.
In addition to the jazz kissa concept and restaurants like Sea Wolf, Catchpole is pulling a lot of inspiration from other places he's visited, including the famed New Orleans bar Bacchanal, a come-as-you-are wine bar with a patio and excellent wine offerings.
While the food and craft cocktail menus are still being ironed out, he said a focus on classics, like the martini or an old-fashioned, will be offered, as well as wines he's sourced himself.
"We intend to run some fun, exciting stuff," he said, "but not push the envelope where we don't need to."
He's aiming to keep cocktails priced between $12 and $15, and hopes to keep wines as affordable as possible.
"We want to feel high-end, but we don't want you to spend too much," he said.
Cookbooks, wine bottles, the occasional vinyl record, tinned fish and other food goodies will be for sale, too, he said.
Housed inside a building that used to be a garage, an Iglesias and a Muslim education center, Ikie Lu's interior has been totally revamped to offer breezy, near-coastal vibes that lean into the midcentury modern aesthetic. An outdoor patio will feature cornhole and old church pews, while a community table and several lounge chairs are arranged throughout the interior for groups to enjoy.
It's a setup Catchpole said West Columbia "has never seen before," but one he hopes the burgeoning city will enjoy.
Ahead of the club's private event for the Columbia Food and Wine Festival on April 24, Catchpole is undertaking a myriad of projects to get the space upfitted.
"It would've been easier to build from the ground up," he admitted.
Once open, Catchpole plans to staff Ikie Lu with two to three servers per shift.
Ikie Lu Record Club is at 601 N. Lucas St., West Columbia. A soft opening is slated for May. Tentative hours are Thursday and Friday 3 p.m. to close, all day Saturday and Sunday brunch.
803-403-1895
