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 Agecroft Hall Gardens in Henrico, VA 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 Henrico, VA 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.
“This is years late in posting but a request on a local forum asking for”
“Outstanding professional service. Highly recommend Lynn Hancock and her team for home care or placement”
“Alden Rice was an absolutely priceless resource during a difficult time. When my sister was”
“Alden & Always Best Care are wonderful to work with. Their knowledge of the”
“Excellent choices presented tailored to our family needs and done with genuine care, sensitivity and”
“Love having a resource like Always Best Care (Alden Rice) to lead my family through”
“Lynn Hancock was awesome. She was both professional and caring. She assisted my in-laws on”
“Lynn provides a great service to families during what can be a very difficult time.”
“Words can't express the depth of my gratitude for all you have done for our”
“Words can't express the depth of my gratitude for all you have done for our”
“Thank you for all your help in the assisted living search. Your knowledge and input”
“Always Best Care has been a life-saver for me in so many different capacities for”
“Excellent staff. Attentive and compassionate. Highly recommend!”
“Lynn and her team are amazingly compassionate and professional. I would highly recommend them to”
“Working with Lynn Hancock was the best experience I ever had in my life. She”
“Compassionate, caring listeners! Very knowledgeable in their field & patient as we ask never questions.”
“Lynn and her team are amazingly compassionate and professional. I would highly recommend them to”
“Compassionate, caring listeners! Very knowledgeable in their field & patient as we ask never questions.”
“This is years late in posting but a request on a local forum asking for at home care recommendations brought this to my attention as I could relate to the poster’s position. And from hard earned experience I won’t hesitate to recommend this company. It can be confusing if you are not aware that this is a franchise and you could easily be getting valuable & FREE advice from someone like Alden and then connect with another company. I would bet that this company - just check out the owner Helen’s extensive experience with the Alzheimer’s community - is hands down the best out there. I know so much more now through years of exhaustive experience. I don’t know if I ever thanked them, but I hope my recommendation steers at least one person to this particular office and that they know how many lives they have touched. I almost never write reviews even when I feel I should, but this one is different.”
“Outstanding professional service. Highly recommend Lynn Hancock and her team for home care or placement needs.”
“Alden Rice was an absolutely priceless resource during a difficult time. When my sister was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, I was living and working full-time in Texas. I had no idea how to find housing in Richmond that would accommodate my sister’s needs and budget. Alden educated me, identified several apartments that would be a good fit for my sister, emailed pricing for all of them and then met us to tour the apartments when I visited Richmond. With Alden’s expert guidance, we found a home for my sister that met her needs. Astonishingly, we did not pay for Alden’s help. The apartments paid the fee to Always Best Care. Alden is a treasure. I could not have done it without her.”
“Alden & Always Best Care are wonderful to work with. Their knowledge of the local senior service provides and ability to match the personal needs with financial capacity is amazing. I have referred two other friends to Alden, and both have come back with glowing reviews as well. The most amazing thing is that all of this wonderful service is free to the families that need help. If you have a loved one that has reached a stage in life that they need additional help in their own home or have to face the reality of not being able to stay at home, Alden & Always Best Care should be your first call.”
“Excellent choices presented tailored to our family needs and done with genuine care, sensitivity and expert knowledge.”
“Love having a resource like Always Best Care (Alden Rice) to lead my family through this process. Being knowledgeable and patient has been two key attributes I have valued in making this difficult decision. Alden always follows up! I highly recommend this service. I wish more people knew about this.”
“Lynn Hancock was awesome. She was both professional and caring. She assisted my in-laws on two occasions to get settled in their living situations. She also worked with a close friend to give a senior parent in home assistance, allowing the family to have peace of mind with the care of their loved one. I highly recommend Lynn and Always Best Care.”
“Lynn provides a great service to families during what can be a very difficult time. Her knowledge and compassion make her great at what she does!”
“Words can't express the depth of my gratitude for all you have done for our family, and most of all, for our mom throughout her illness. In fact, I don't know what we would have done without you! Not only was your true sense of caring and concern so obvious, but you never failed to exhaust every avenue in providing sources of care for my mom, to referring me to Eric and Simon, and generally overseeing every aspect of my mother's life during her illness. For this, I and my family will be forever grateful.”
“Words can't express the depth of my gratitude for all you have done for our family, and most of all, for our mom throughout her illness. In fact, I don't know what we would have done without you! Not only was your true sense of caring and concern so obvious, but you never failed to exhaust every avenue in providing sources of care for my mom, to referring me to Eric and Simon, and generally overseeing every aspect of my mother's life during her illness. For this, I and my family will be forever grateful.”
“Thank you for all your help in the assisted living search. Your knowledge and input were invaluable in finding Hermitage. Mom is doing really well. Hospice says she doesn't need hospice. She has started physical therapy. We feel fortunate that we had already been through their process so she could transfer there from the hospital. Thanks again!”
“Always Best Care has been a life-saver for me in so many different capacities for at least 7 years....one of their phenomenal staff literally did save my life one time and they have never been anything but compassionate and caring and cannot thank everyone at ABC so much for everything!”
“Excellent staff. Attentive and compassionate. Highly recommend!”
“Lynn and her team are amazingly compassionate and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for someone to care for a family member or to anyone looking into retirement homes for a family member in the Richmond area. Thanks Lynn. You guys are the best!”
“Working with Lynn Hancock was the best experience I ever had in my life. She is very kind considerate. Having her as a boss was truthfully a great experience she helps her employees in times of need. She matches up the right people for each cases accordingly. I would strongly recommend working for Lynn she is the best.”
“Compassionate, caring listeners! Very knowledgeable in their field & patient as we ask never questions. Helping me & my brother tremendously by eliminating confusion & frustration. Advised and presented best options based on our family's circumstances. A huge blessing & answer to prayer that is providing much relief and assurance as we pursue tough decisions. Lynn is the best!”
“Lynn and her team are amazingly compassionate and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for someone to care for a family member or to anyone looking into retirement homes for a family member in the Richmond area. Thanks Lynn. You guys are the best!”
“Compassionate, caring listeners! Very knowledgeable in their field & patient as we ask never questions. Helping me & my brother tremendously by eliminating confusion & frustration. Advised and presented best options based on our family's circumstances. A huge blessing & answer to prayer that is providing much relief and assurance as we pursue tough decisions. Lynn is the best!”
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 Deep Run Park Recreation Center in Henrico, VA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing or visit Maggie L Walker National Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Henrico, VA, 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 Henrico, VA 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 Henrico, VA 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.
HENRICO, Va. — A 47-year-old woman is facing an assault and battery charge after school officials say a child was assaulted at a bus stop near Ratcliffe Elementary School Friday morning.Court documents identify the suspect as Marie Marsh. Marsh appeared before a judge Monday and is being held without bond.In a letter sent to parents and staff, Ratcliffe Elementary’s principal said the incident happened around 7:30 a.m. when a stranger approached students at a bus stop near Blue Stone Drive and Cool Lane in eastern H...
HENRICO, Va. — A 47-year-old woman is facing an assault and battery charge after school officials say a child was assaulted at a bus stop near Ratcliffe Elementary School Friday morning.
Court documents identify the suspect as Marie Marsh. Marsh appeared before a judge Monday and is being held without bond.
In a letter sent to parents and staff, Ratcliffe Elementary’s principal said the incident happened around 7:30 a.m. when a stranger approached students at a bus stop near Blue Stone Drive and Cool Lane in eastern Henrico.
“A stranger approached students and physically assaulted one of our students,” the principal wrote.
The incident has left some parents concerned about their children’s safety while waiting for the school bus.
“That could have happened to mine,” one parent said. “I just think it need to have somebody out here or the neighborhood need to be more collective as a community.”
Another parent, Dre, said the incident has made his family more cautious.
“We definitely a lot more alert, and now it’s to the point where sometimes we have to take him to school,” he said.
School leaders described what happened as an isolated incident. The principal said she plans to visit the bus stop throughout the week to reassure students and monitor the situation.
Parents said they appreciate the added attention.
“The fact that she’s taking the time to reassure everybody, like, you know, this happened, but we’re gonna make sure that everybody’s okay,” Dre said. “That’s kind of letting us know, like, the school got our support too.”
Marsh is expected back in court on Dec. 14.
HENRICO COUNTY, Va — A Henrico resident says the construction of a data center project across the street from him is causing his house to shake, raising concerns about potential long-term impacts to his home.Mark Davis has lived on Elko Road in the eastern part of the county for more than two decades. He said he was initially drawn to the peace and quiet of the area, but said that has since been disrupted.“It used to be very peaceful out here, even with some road traffic and other stuff, until they started construct...
HENRICO COUNTY, Va — A Henrico resident says the construction of a data center project across the street from him is causing his house to shake, raising concerns about potential long-term impacts to his home.
Mark Davis has lived on Elko Road in the eastern part of the county for more than two decades. He said he was initially drawn to the peace and quiet of the area, but said that has since been disrupted.
“It used to be very peaceful out here, even with some road traffic and other stuff, until they started construction across the street for the three data centers that QTS is putting in," Davis said.
When the construction began roughly six months ago, Davis said it brought with it more noise, more traffic, and dust.
“I don't particularly like it. It's regularly aggregating. It's seven days a week, seven to seven," Davis said.
But beyond the daily annoyances of the construction lies a deeper concern.
Davis said the ongoing activity has caused his home to vibrate on multiple occasions over the past several weeks.
“About four weeks ago, [I was] sitting in my front room, doing some stuff on the computer. Next thing I know, I feel the floor vibrating, my chairs vibrating, the desk that I sat my arms on is vibrating. I'm like, 'what the hell?'" Davis said.
He said the rattling can last up to 20 minutes at a time and has varied in intensity.
A Henrico County spokesperson said the vibrations resulted from the "construction of rammed aggregate piers," which will support the building, as well as "other site work."
Davis said he's most worried about the possible structural impacts to his home.
“I don't know whether you've damaged my house or not, or not just mine, but my neighbors' on both sides of me, and we might not know for years. And so, what are we supposed to do? I don’t think you have a right to vibrate somebody’s house. I don’t care what you’re doing," Davis said.
QTS said in a statement to CBS 6 that it has been in communication with Davis regarding his concerns and takes them seriously.
The company said it "can coordinate a residential inspection to provide additional assurance regarding the condition of the home" and is "evaluating additional monitoring and mitigation measures that could be implemented during construction activities."
“I think QTS should put monitors on the perimeters for vibration to see whether or not they're creating the vibrations that potentially would be harmful to people's homes," Davis said.
CBS 6 observed black boxes near the site which appeared to be monitoring tools but has learned those boxes are used to monitor noise, not vibrations.
QTS said all construction activities "are being conducted in accordance with all applicable local requirements," but Davis feels those requirements may not be strong enough.
The county said this project, which is part of the White Oak Technology Park, was approved before Henrico ended by-right zoning for data centers in 2025. That means the project was not subject to a more rigorous review process in which the county could have imposed special conditions.
CBS 6 asked the county what kind of formal oversight measures it has in place or monitoring or limiting vibrations in this kind of situation.
County spokesperson Steve Knockemus did not directly answer that question, but generally said the county regulates all land development through the county code. He added compliance is monitored during construction by staff with various departments and through inspections.
Knockemus said the county building inspection office generally "does not receive many complaints related to vibrations."
Upon completion of the project, Knockemus said "Henrico County is prepared to arrange and pay for a structural engineer to inspect the foundation of Mr. Davis’ home, should QTS decline to do so."
Davis said he is satisfied with that response but has questions about what would happen next if an issue is identified.
“I don't think I would have gotten responses without your station being involved and calling around and start to ask questions," Davis said.
CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. .
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A longtime facilities leader with Henrico County Public Schools has retired amid a restructuring of the department responsible for maintaining school buildings and as CBS 6 continues investigating HVAC problems across the division.Susan Moore retired Oct. 8. Her salary at the time of her retirement was $174,282, according to HCPS Chief of Communications Eileen Cox.Moore's LinkedIn profile indicates she served as the division's director of facilities for nine years. When CBS 6 asked HCPS how long she had h...
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A longtime facilities leader with Henrico County Public Schools has retired amid a restructuring of the department responsible for maintaining school buildings and as CBS 6 continues investigating HVAC problems across the division.
Susan Moore retired Oct. 8. Her salary at the time of her retirement was $174,282, according to HCPS Chief of Communications Eileen Cox.
Moore's LinkedIn profile indicates she served as the division's director of facilities for nine years. When CBS 6 asked HCPS how long she had held the position, Cox said that information was part of a personnel record.
Her retirement comes about a month after HCPS's brand new Chief of Operations Greg Dunaway laid out plans to restructure the Office of Facilities, including creating separate leadership positions overseeing facilities operations and capital projects.
PAST COVERAGE: Henrico schools makes facilities leadership changes amid HVAC concerns
The timing is notable because the day before Dunaway presented that restructuring to the School Board on Sept. 10, CBS 6 questioned him about whether he had confidence in the facilities department's leadership.
During an early September interview about HVAC challenges facing Henrico schools, CBS 6 investigative reporter Melissa Hipolit asked Dunaway directly about his confidence in facilities leadership.
"Does that mean you have confidence in the leadership of the facilities department?" Hipolit asked.
"I have confidence in our facilities operation as a whole, to include all the team members that work there and their dedication towards making sure that we're creating safe spaces for our students," Dunaway responded.
"Including the director?" Hipolit followed up.
"With the entire facilities operation," Dunaway said.
Dunaway did not directly answer whether he had confidence specifically in Moore.
The next day, Dunaway presented the School Board with a planned change to the organizational structure of the Office of Facilities.
HCPS has now clarified to CBS 6 that Moore was expected to transition to the newly created Director of Capital Outlay & Planning position once a new Director of Facilities Operations & Maintenance was hired.
MORE: Superintendent apologizes for air conditioning problems at Henrico schools
That distinction is important: the September announcement did not mean Moore immediately moved into the new position.
HCPS did not specify in its response to CBS 6 whether that transition occurred before Moore retired Oct. 8.
With Moore's retirement, HCPS says recruitment is underway for both a Director of Capital Outlay & Planning and a Director of Facilities Operations & Maintenance.
The division is also recruiting for an Operations Liaison and multiple Tradesman II - Regulated HVAC Technician positions, according to HCPS Chief of Communications Eileen Cox.
The job postings come as CBS 6 continues to investigate air conditioning problems across Henrico schools.
Previous CBS 6 reporting documented classroom temperatures reaching the high 80s and even the low 90s, as well as noisy spot coolers brought into schools as a temporary measure.
"It's hot. It's hot. It's just hot. We're trying to learn, but we can't learn,” one Varina High School student told CBS 6 during its previous reporting.
Asked whether it was fair to make staff work in hot conditions, a Highland Springs High School teacher responded, "No, it is not."
CBS 6's investigation has also uncovered emails through public records requests showing what principals, teachers and county leaders were saying about HVAC problems across the division.
On Aug. 25, Deputy County Manager Brandon Hinton emailed Moore and other school leaders asking where HCPS stood with facilities experiencing cooling issues as temperatures were rising.
Hinton wrote that he had spoken briefly with Moore and that she did not appear to have significant concerns.
Two days later, Godwin High School's principal emailed Moore describing frustration over HVAC repairs.
WATCH: Emails reveal Henrico principals sounding alarm over HVAC problems: 'What a mess'
The principal wrote that she was "at a loss" and had been for many years about how she could ensure needed HVAC repairs were completed.
In another email, the principal said she had emailed Moore multiple times about work orders and had not heard back.
The emails show a contrast in what was being communicated at the time: Hinton wrote that Moore did not appear to have significant concerns, while two days later a principal described years of difficulty getting needed HVAC repairs completed.
Hipolit reached out to Moore in early September regarding the facilities issues. Moore referred her to the HCPS communications team.
CBS 6 reached out to Moore again following her retirement and is awaiting a response.
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. —The school cafeteria has come a long way from mystery meat and chocolate milk.At Godwin High School in Henrico County, students can build their own burger — one of several restaurant-style options now available in the county's middle and high schools."In middle and high school, we're offering this build your own burger concept, which is what you see today," said Dana Whitney, Director of School Nutrition Services for Henrico County Public Schools.Whitney oversees a school nutrit...
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. —The school cafeteria has come a long way from mystery meat and chocolate milk.
At Godwin High School in Henrico County, students can build their own burger — one of several restaurant-style options now available in the county's middle and high schools.
"In middle and high school, we're offering this build your own burger concept, which is what you see today," said Dana Whitney, Director of School Nutrition Services for Henrico County Public Schools.
Whitney oversees a school nutrition operation that serves more than 50,000 students across 69 locations countywide — including 1,600 students at Godwin High School alone.
"We operate 69 locations, so think of us as a chain restaurant," she said. "That's chain restaurant times 10."
Feeding a County — Five Days a Week
Making that happen requires precision. At Godwin, Cafeteria Manager Simon Harik runs a kitchen of just 10 staff members.
"It also involves you having a good crew. You train them well, you gather to understand what we're doing. I think I have the best crew around in Henrico County," Harik said.
For Harik and his team, the work goes beyond food service.
"Everybody understands that we have to have the best product out there for the child. And that's how we take care of them," he said.
Menus Designed to Keep Students Coming Back
Whitney says the menu is intentionally designed to compete with fast food — within the boundaries of federal nutrition guidelines.
"It's our job to get creative within the government regulations to kind of push the envelope with the variety, the diversity," she said. "Hopefully the menu really draws the kids in, knowing the entrée is what really brings the customer in — and then what can we do to keep them as a customer during their whole academic career."
Whitney says the operation relies heavily on government funding to prepare what she describes as millions of dollars worth of entrées, fresh fruits, and vegetables each year.
Recognizing the People Behind the Food
National School Lunch Week, observed each October, is meant to shine a light on the work that often goes unnoticed.
"There are hundreds of thousands of school nutrition professionals around the country that work so hard every day with maybe not a lot of visibility for just how hard this work is," Whitney said.
"So I think National School Lunch Week is a great opportunity to understand the people behind the product — and also showcasing the hard work that all the people around this county do."
Whitney put it simply: "It's the staff behind the food. It's the staff behind the smile."
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Hot classrooms. Temporary chillers. Loud portable cooling units.For weeks, CBS 6 has heard from parents, students and school employees about heating and cooling problems disrupting the school day across Henrico County."It's hot. It's hot. It's just hot," Varina High School student Lucia Papelino told CBS 6 during our previous investigation. "We're trying to learn, but we can't learn."At Highland Springs High School, teacher Patrick Miller was asked whether it ...
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Hot classrooms. Temporary chillers. Loud portable cooling units.
For weeks, CBS 6 has heard from parents, students and school employees about heating and cooling problems disrupting the school day across Henrico County.
"It's hot. It's hot. It's just hot," Varina High School student Lucia Papelino told CBS 6 during our previous investigation. "We're trying to learn, but we can't learn."
At Highland Springs High School, teacher Patrick Miller was asked whether it was fair to make staff work in hot conditions.
"No, it is not," he said.
Those complaints prompted another question: How much public money has gone toward HVAC and other mechanical work in Henrico County Public Schools, and where has that money gone?
CBS 6 asked HCPS for the numbers.
Since 2015, HCPS says it has spent nearly $97 million in meals tax revenue on school projects.
Henrico County said the meals tax has raised $399,358,397 for schools since its inception, and that money goes to school operations, school projects, and debt service for large school capital projects, like new schools.
Of that, about $9.5 million, or roughly 10%, went specifically toward HVAC work, according to figures provided by the school division.
The money is one of several funding sources CBS 6 identified for HVAC and mechanical projects.
WATCH: 18 Henrico schools have AC problems. Parents want answers.
HCPS also received federal COVID relief funding that was put toward ventilation and HVAC improvements.
According to the school division, nearly $18 million in federal COVID relief money went toward ventilation and HVAC projects.
The federal funding came on top of money provided through meals tax revenue and annual county funding.
Henrico County also provides annual funding for mechanical and roofing projects in its schools.
For decades, HCPS received $2.5 million per year for that work.
Then the numbers began to climb.
In 2024, the county added more than $5 million for HVAC work at Douglas Freeman High School.
Beginning in fiscal year 2025, the funding increased further.
Over three fiscal years, HCPS received $46 million for mechanical and roofing projects, including $37 million specifically for mechanical work, according to figures provided to CBS 6.
Mechanical projects include plumbing, electrical and HVAC.
But CBS 6's review of the numbers provided by HCPS found that $4,898,282 from fiscal years 2025 and 2026 had not yet been spent or committed to projects.
HCPS said money that is not spent rolls over and can be used for unplanned repairs and emergencies, including chiller replacements.
The school division also said $95,000 of that rollover funding will be used to pay for a third-party study of its facilities organizational structure.
WATCH: Emails reveal Henrico principals sounding alarm over HVAC problems: 'What a mess'
After CBS 6 asked HCPS spokeswoman Eileen Cox about the funding and the ongoing HVAC problems, Superintendent Dr. Amy Cashwell sent us a lengthy statement and acknowledged the division has not met its own expectations.
“Providing a safe and comfortable learning and working environment for every student and employee is a primary responsibility of Henrico County Public Schools,” Cashwell said in a statement. “The ongoing HVAC issues have fallen short of that expectation; however, the division is making progress with short-term repairs and long-term operational changes to improve reliability.”
Cashwell said the challenges facing the division’s facilities “did not develop overnight” and said HCPS has had to balance HVAC investments with other needs, including school security, renovations, roofing and technology.
For years, Cashwell said, the division’s Capital Improvement Plan provided $2.5 million for mechanical and roofing projects combined. That money covered more than heating and cooling, also supporting plumbing, electrical work and roofing across the school division.
Cashwell pointed to significant increases in more recent county funding. She said funding for mechanical and roofing projects grew from $2.5 million in previous years to $10 million in FY25, $16 million in FY26 and $20 million this year.
She also addressed two sources of money viewers have specifically asked CBS 6 about: meals tax revenue and federal COVID relief funds.
Cashwell called meals tax revenue “an instrumental component” of the division’s work, saying it has helped pay for hundreds of projects, including HVAC improvements, security upgrades and safer school entrances.
She said that since 2020, HCPS has also used federal pandemic relief grants for equipment replacements, ventilation upgrades and building automation systems. Cashwell said the one-time federal funding allowed the division to accelerate air-quality and mechanical work that otherwise would have required additional local funding.
But Cashwell also acknowledged that additional money alone will not solve the division’s facilities problems.
“Funding is only part of the solution,” Cashwell said. “How projects are prioritized, where the money is invested and how we proactively maintain our school buildings are just as important.”
Cashwell said HCPS is now reorganizing its Facilities Department to separate oversight of capital planning and maintenance operations, expanding its use of contracted vendors and overhauling the way maintenance work orders are tracked and closed.
She also said an independent, third-party organizational assessment will look for additional ways to improve efficiency.
Cashwell said the goal is to create “a more strategic, proactive and reliable facilities operation” for families, employees and Henrico taxpayers.
Henrico County told CBS 6 that HCPS received the funding it requested. The county also pointed to millions of dollars in meals tax revenue it has provided to the school division to build new schools, which, of course, include new HVAC systems.
CBS 6 also contacted every member of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors seeking comment.
Some did not respond. Others, including the board chair, declined to comment.
CBS 6 will continue examining how the money designated for school HVAC and mechanical work has been spent as parents, employees and students continue raising concerns about conditions inside Henrico schools.
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