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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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.

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Home Care In Columbia, PA

Home Care Columbia, PA

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.

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 Columbia, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Columbia, PA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider They're reliable, they're prompted, and their caregivers are very efficient and always do what you ask them to do. The assignment of the caregiver: they really try to match them to the person's personality.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider It is a very excellent company. I didn't know about this agency until I reached out for help. They have done everything that they could. They came to my home and helped me sign up since I couldn't leave my husband.”

David T.
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“I am a current client of this provider Well, they are convenient and are very understanding; anytime I've asked about anything, I always get responses. My health has never been any more organized in a long time.”

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“I am a past client of this provider I liked everyone they sent. They were all very kind and knowledgeable. It greatly reduced my stress because I knew he was in good hands.”

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“I am a current client of this provider If someone needed the help, I would definitely recommend them. I have a muscle condition and need the help.”

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“I am a current client of this provider I like that the aide we have been given is just perfect for our needs. They have helped the most because the hours they give us are from one person, not a variety of people; it's one person you get to know well.”

Elmer A.
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“I am a past client of this provider I liked that they were prompt and courteous. I liked that it made it easier for me to go to work and know that she was taken care of safely. I did not have to worry about her.”

Josephine P.
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“I am a current client of this provider They have good/quality service. I've been caring for him for the past year, and with their help, it frees up my time.”

William R.
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“I am a current client of this provider The scheduling woman has worked so well with us. They get him up and out and moving about.”

Elwood C.
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“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are prompt. I have great respect for the way they handle business. I am very pleased. They keep things clean. They don't mind staying a little late or coming in a little early. They are always nice and ask if there is anything else they can do for me.”

Sterling D.
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“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are very accommodating to the schedule. The providers have all been gracious and nice. The quality of care has been good.”

Alfred C.
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“I am a current client of this provider I like that the way the woman works with me. She comes and gets things done and does what she needs to do. The provider has helped me the most by lifting my spirits.”

Kenneth B.
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“I am a current client of this provider They're very contentious and kind. They keep me in good communication. If somebody has to be out, and they're not available, they get a substitute for me. The services allow me respite so I can get away from the house without worrying about his care and his needs being met.”

William R.
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“I am a current client of this provider The care was very genuine. I have very caring caregivers.”

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“I am a current client of this provider I like that the agency has always taken care of me. The services helped me very much.”

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“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are really kind, and their communication, openness, and flexibility are great. They keep him on track with his daily routine and hygiene.”

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“I am a current client of this provider I like that they have caregivers that I can rely on. They have been extremely nice and they address my questions.”

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“I am a current client of this provider I have a lady in the morning that takes care of quite well. She knows what to do. She helps me get around.”

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“I am a current client of this provider They provide care. They respond. They care and work with me.”

Joseph M.
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“I am a current client of this provider The provider has helped me most by just being present in the home. Something I like about the agency is the quality of care they allow my father to receive.”

David D.
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“I am a past client of this provider They gave me good care. They fulfilled my needs. They did a good job of caring for me.”

Barry S.
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“I am a current client of this provider They help me with things I can't do, like clean the bathroom. I like the caregiver and her personality.”

Guy A.
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“I have had the honor to work with John and his team. They are some of the most kind hearted and loving people I have met. Truly professional and really care for people. Highly recommend them!!”

Antonio L.
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“I am a current client of this provider The agency has made my experience positive by doing the house cleaning. I like that the caregiver the agency sent me is prompt.”

Jack G.
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“I am a current client of this provider They help me get things done. They do what I ask them to.”

James C.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Columbia, PA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Columbia, PA

Types of Elderly Care in Columbia, PA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Columbia, PA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Columbia, PA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Columbia, PA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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. 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.

 In-Home Care Columbia, PA

Benefits of Home Care in Columbia, PA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Columbia, PA, 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.

 Elderly Care Columbia, PA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your PA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Columbia, PA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Columbia, PA 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Columbia, PA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Columbia, PA

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.

Home Care Columbia, PA

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.

 In-Home Care Columbia, PA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Columbia, PA 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.

 Elderly Care Columbia, PA

Latest News in Columbia, PA

Columbia, PA tornado damage: Scary videos emerge as Lancaster County hit; West Chester under warning

A severe storm moved through Central Pennsylvania on Thursday, damaging buildings in York and Lancaster counties and prompting a Tornado Warning.Structures collapse in ColumbiaSeveral buildings in York and Lancaster counties were damaged as a severe storm swept through Central Pennsylvania Thursday afternoon.The roof at Eastern York High School in Wrightsville, York County, was severely damaged by the storm, which arrived in the region shortly after 4pm.What should I do if I'm in a tornado warning area like Colu...

A severe storm moved through Central Pennsylvania on Thursday, damaging buildings in York and Lancaster counties and prompting a Tornado Warning.

Structures collapse in Columbia

Several buildings in York and Lancaster counties were damaged as a severe storm swept through Central Pennsylvania Thursday afternoon.

The roof at Eastern York High School in Wrightsville, York County, was severely damaged by the storm, which arrived in the region shortly after 4pm.

What should I do if I'm in a tornado warning area like Columbia, PA?

Why did the National Weather Service issue a tornado warning for Lancaster County?

How do tornadoes impact communities based on recent storm events in Pennsylvania and Delaware?

According to emergency dispatchers, the call first came in around 4:30pm for structure collapses in the 400 block of Locust Street.

Dispatchers said no injuries have been reported, but that at least one person was trapped and is now free.

It is unclear if anyone else was or still is trapped. It is also unclear how many buildings have been involved, but dispatchers said some of the structures were residential, as per Local21.

Tornado Warning issued as storm moves through Lancaster County

By 4:28pm, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning as the storm moved into western Lancaster County.

The Tornado Warning was initially in effect until 5pm and then was extended to 5:15pm by the NWS as the storm moved northeast across Lancaster County, as per Fox43.

Also Read:

Here are the videos:

Viewer Jeremy Zarlos sent a video that appears to show signs of rotation in the storm as it arrived in Columbia.

What to do during a Tornado Warning

According to NWS, here's what to do in the event of a Tornado Warning:

Stay Weather-Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.

At Your House: If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget pets if time allows.

Also Read:

At Your Workplace or School: Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.

Outside: Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a mobile home or tent. If you have time, get to a safe building.

In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe. The best course of action is to drive to the closest shelter. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.

Columbia Borough dealing with the aftermath of heavy storm damage throughout the town

COLUMBIA, Pa. (WHTM) — Meteorologists are surveying the scene in Columbia, where a Thursday storm brought down buildings, trees and power lines, resulting in Lancaster County commissioners issuing a disaster declaration.Mayor Leo Lutz previously declared a state of emergency, which lifted at noon on Friday. The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado was present during in the storm across the river in York County and will be examining Columbia in the coming days to make an official determination there as well.A ...

COLUMBIA, Pa. (WHTM) — Meteorologists are surveying the scene in Columbia, where a Thursday storm brought down buildings, trees and power lines, resulting in Lancaster County commissioners issuing a disaster declaration.

Mayor Leo Lutz previously declared a state of emergency, which lifted at noon on Friday. The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado was present during in the storm across the river in York County and will be examining Columbia in the coming days to make an official determination there as well.

A section of Fourth Street is closed to traffic. The brick wall of a historic firehouse came crashing down during the violent storm on top of a ceramic business next door, though no one was hurt in the collapse.

Condemned signs now hang on both.

“I spent a lot of years in that firehouse,” resident Tom Arndt said. “Very historic. It’s just a shame that (it) happened. Freak of nature, I guess.”

He’s just grateful no one was hurt.

“The roar came, then it was a whiteout,” Arndt said. “It was raining so hard. It’s a miracle, absolutely a miracle.”

Driving into Columbia, all seems peaceful, but once in the borough, everywhere you turn, there are roads closed, utility and maintenance crews working to repair damaged homes, businesses and power lines.

Resident Fred Wickenheiser was home when the storm came through. He said his family lost the back and kitchen roofs of their home, and their garage sustained major damage as well.

When the storm came, he and his family went outside to see just how badly the property was hit.

“I watched my front windows vibrate, and you couldn’t see (through) the rain,” Wickenheiser said. “We heard one bang, and that’s when the chimney went down on the back of the house.”

Another longtime Columbia resident, Pete Weimer, could hardly believe his eyes. He doesn’t remember a storm like this one.

“It seemed like it just sort of ripped through the alley here,” Weimer said. “Nothing like this (before), maybe back when they had floods. It’s been a long time.”

But residents are confident this venerable river town that’s celebrating its 300th anniversary this summer will come back stronger than ever.

“Everybody’s all right,” Wickenheiser said. “We’ll live. Columbia is going to rebound. We’re a tough town.”

Lancaster County issues disaster declaration after storm damage in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Pa. —Lancaster County commissioners declared an emergency Friday after a storm caused extensive damage in Columbia Borough, including the collapse of several buildings.Storm damages Keystone Building The National Weather Service is investigating whether a tornado struck Columbia, Lancaster County, during Thursday's storm, which caused significant damage, including the partial collapse of the Keystone Building.Lisa Smith of Columbia described the aftermath of the ...

COLUMBIA, Pa. —

Lancaster County commissioners declared an emergency Friday after a storm caused extensive damage in Columbia Borough, including the collapse of several buildings.

Storm damages Keystone Building

The National Weather Service is investigating whether a tornado struck Columbia, Lancaster County, during Thursday's storm, which caused significant damage, including the partial collapse of the Keystone Building.

Lisa Smith of Columbia described the aftermath of the storm as "incredible" after the Keystone Building partially collapsed. The large structure, which was once a fire hall, fell onto a smaller building that housed a ceramics business during last evening's storm.

Joe Kelly of Mountville said, "It's unbelievable. I can't imagine the noise it made."

Charlie, who was working at the Columbia Mini Market across the street, said he initially thought it was just a thunderstorm. "At that time, I was not scared. I thought it was just a thunderstorm. I got more scared when I went home and saw some videos on my Facebook timeline," Charlie said.

Charlie added that a video he saw later made him think it must have been a tornado that hit Fourth Street.

Weather service investigates possible tornado

A National Weather Service team was in the neighborhood assessing the damage to determine if a tornado touched down in Columbia, as it did in York County. Meteorologist Joe Bauco described the conditions as conducive to severe weather.

"There was a lot of shear in the atmosphere that favored spinning storms capable of producing tornadoes," Bauco said.

Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz expressed his belief that a tornado was responsible for the destruction, noting the unprecedented nature of the event.

"You know, I've been through snowstorms, been through floods, been through fires, but nothing like this," Lutz said.

In response to the storm, county commissioners issued a disaster declaration to better distribute resources.

Shelter relocation

The American Red Cross announced that its shelter, previously located at Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church, has been relocated to Manor Church at 530 Central Manor Road in Lancaster.

The shelter is available for overnight stays, warm meals, and access to recovery resources.

Disaster declaration supports recovery efforts

The countywide disaster declaration followed a local declaration issued by Columbia Borough. According to county officials, the storm left multiple residential buildings uninhabitable and forced some nonresidential structures to close.

Columbia Borough and the Lancaster County Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Management Division recommended that the commissioners issue the declaration.

Officials said the declaration will help the county, Columbia, and other affected municipalities pursue relief and begin recovery efforts more efficiently. It will also assist local governments and property owners seeking state and federal aid.

Resource center to assist affected residents

A recovery resource center will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Columbia Borough Fire Department, 726 Manor St.

Residents affected by the storm are encouraged to contact their insurance providers about damage to homes, vehicles, and businesses. They should bring documentation of uninsured losses to the center, where representatives will provide information about loss mitigation and recovery options.

Resources will also be available through the Lancaster County Office of Aging, Lancaster County Veterans Affairs, and the Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Crisis Team. Representatives from other county, municipal, and state agencies are expected to attend.

The county is establishing the center in partnership with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Columbia Borough.

Commissioners to consider ratification

The commissioners are scheduled to vote on ratifying the disaster declaration during their work session Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The National Weather Service is conducting an on-site assessment in Columbia and will release a final report on the storm after its review is completed.

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2026 PFN Player Profile: Kareem Nichols-WR/SS-Columbia

Why do you play football?I play football because it is a sport that I excel most at as well as enjoy the most.It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most? To compete at my fullest potential and do whatever it takes to winWho is your favorite sports star and WHY?Odell Beckham because he made amazing plays that inspired me.Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:Yes a 95 receiving yard touch d...

Why do you play football?

I play football because it is a sport that I excel most at as well as enjoy the most.

It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?

To compete at my fullest potential and do whatever it takes to win

Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?

Odell Beckham because he made amazing plays that inspired me.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:

Yes a 95 receiving yard touch down.

What was last years season like for you?

Good. It brought the team together.

What are your goals for this coming season?

To get college offers and finish my high school career off strong.

Who is the best player you ever lined up against?

Brandon way jr

When the game is on the line, which college/professional coach would you like to call in the play?

Nick saban

What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?

Penn state

What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?

Eagles

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?

Eagles vs patriots 2019

What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?

Coach Carter

If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?

Play like it’s your last game

Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?

Spinning hurdle like saquon

Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?

Ray Lewis because he brings energy to his team.

Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:

Lacrosse

What is your most embarrassing sports moment?

Getting blind sided and did a flip and lost my mouthpiece

If you could only drive one car for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Bronco jeep

When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?

Watch high school football game on youtube

What is your favorite football memory to date?

When I was younger getting the game winning touchdown on my birthday to get us to the championship against epharta.

What is your favorite play to run?

Fake the slip screen and I run up field for a fade.

What scares you the most?

Breaking a bone

Music of choice:

Timmy turner by designer

What is the most food you ever ate in one sitting?

2 plates of a full thanksgiving meal

What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?

Infinitos

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Hershey Park

Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?

Salem rams NJ high school game

2026 PFN Player Profiles: Kam’Rai Nichols-WR/CB-Columbia

Why do you play football?It is the sport I’ve loved ever since I was a little kid and always aspired to be in the league when I grow up.It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most? Competing against the team across from me and coming together with the team I’ve practiced with and who all share The same love for the sport as I do.Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?George Pickens. I see my my mentality in him and I feel as i...

Why do you play football?

It is the sport I’ve loved ever since I was a little kid and always aspired to be in the league when I grow up.

It’s gameday! What are you looking forward to the most?

Competing against the team across from me and coming together with the team I’ve practiced with and who all share The same love for the sport as I do.

Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?

George Pickens. I see my my mentality in him and I feel as if I have a similar play style to him.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:

65 yard touchdown pass against Lancaster catholic. It’s my favorite because it was my first high school touchdown against a team everybody had us losing to.

What was last years season like for you?

Good because the previous year before that i studied what other people on the field did wrong and I practiced during the off season to get better at what the team needed and mostly what I needed to get better at.

What are your goals for this coming season?

Getting better and better everyday to help take the team to states.

Who is the best player you ever lined up against?

Brandon way

When the game is on the line, which college/professional coach would you like to call in the play?

Nick saban

What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?

Penn state

What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?

Dallas cowboys

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?

2026 cowboys vs eagles because the eagles were favorited to win the game but the cowboys came back from a 21 point deficit and won the game.

What sports movie would you watch every day if you had to pick one and why?

Him. I chose that movie because the main character is a kid that watched a lot of football growing up and wanted to be in the big leagues and was willing to put his life on the line to make it big.

If your mom and dad are screaming at you from the stands, what is it they usually yell?

“Leave everything on the field”

Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?

Front flip over a player like cam newton.

Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?

Deion sanders because he was a 2 way player who loved the sport.

Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:

Rugby

What is your most embarrassing sports moment?

First game of the season I went to block a field goal and my teammate on the other side also rushed to block it and we collided and I lost my breath and passed out for a minute.

If you could only drive one car for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ram 1500

When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?

Watching intense high school rivalry football games.

What is your favorite football memory to date?

Beating an over hyped team 43-0

What is your favorite play to run?

Trips right 042 > H

What scares you the most?

Breaking a bone

Music of choice:

Shot callin by NBA youngboy

What is the most food you ever ate in one sitting?

A whole pan of pumpkin pie

What restaurant is your go to when you need a big meal?

Texas road house

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Hershey park

Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?

The first game I ever sat down and genuinely watched was 2020 cowboys vs lions

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