It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lexington County Museum 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 Lexington, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
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 Gibson Pond Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Private Property or visit Laurance Corley House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lexington, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lexington, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lexington, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
COLUMBIA — Years spent answering 911 calls across Lexington County are the inspiration behind an upcoming Hollywood comedy.In the comedian-studded trailer for “CODE 3,” Rainn Wilson’s character Randy is heard over an increasingly chaotic supercut of ambulance calls workplace drama encapsulating what so many paramedics and health care professionals feel on a daily basis.“All we wanna do is save your life,” his burnt-out paramedic character says, “Some of you don’t make it easy.&rdq...
COLUMBIA — Years spent answering 911 calls across Lexington County are the inspiration behind an upcoming Hollywood comedy.
In the comedian-studded trailer for “CODE 3,” Rainn Wilson’s character Randy is heard over an increasingly chaotic supercut of ambulance calls workplace drama encapsulating what so many paramedics and health care professionals feel on a daily basis.
“All we wanna do is save your life,” his burnt-out paramedic character says, “Some of you don’t make it easy.”
The film, starring Wilson, most famous for playing Dwight Schrute in “The Office,” Aimee Carrero (“The Menu”) and Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), focuses on one final shift for Wilson’s emergency medical technician character as he trains the rookie (Carrero) and spends one more night with his friend/coworker, played by Howery.
“I wheel, you heal,” Howery’s character, Mike, says in the trailer, which dropped in early August.
The movie is a long time coming for co-writer Patrick Pianezza.
About 20 years, Pianezza was tasked with writing a short story in one of his undergraduate classes at the University of South Carolina. He’d just gotten off a night-time shift working for Lexington County EMS. He was tired, worn out. The professor told the class to “write what you know.”
“And I just remember going in my head, I go, ‘Oh, you want a story?’” Pianezza recalled. “Went home and put out this 36-page short story for the class, which I still have.” (He got an A-minus, he thinks.)
A few years later, Pianezza was visiting his brother in Los Angeles." “He said, ‘Why don't you do what everybody does in LA?’ And that's write a script.’”
Pianezza, looking for a creative outlet, got to writing. Eventually he connected with his future co-writer — and “CODE 3” director — Christopher Leone. The two spent years honing the script from a collection of EMS horror stories and wild ambulance calls into a darkly comic narrative about a burnt-out EMS professional on his last shift.
It took 10 years for Leone and Pianezza to perfect the script. They showed it to Wilson, who loved it. “He got Wayfarer, who's studio that produced it, and got us the financing,” Pianezza explained. “And then we were off to the races.”
The film is from Wayfarer Studios — helmed by Blake Lively’s director/co-star-turned-legal opponent Justin Baldoni — and set for a Sept. 12 limited theatrical release, though Pianezza isn’t sure whether it’ll be playing in any South Carolina theaters yet.
During production, Pianezza — who also served as a consultant on the show — ensured the cast was properly trained as EMT personnel. They took CPR courses, learned medical lingo and did a few ride-alongs with Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Pianezza wanted to make sure the cast knew their stuff so the paramedics watching the film would feel proud and represented.
“When I wrote the short story, it was kind of me screaming into the void, of like, here's what I'm seeing as a burned out 25 year old,” he said.
High turnover rates, staffing shortages and lower pay compared to other healthcare professionals have long taxed paramedics and ambulance drivers, according to nonprofit newsroom Stateline.
Pianezza wants “CODE 3” to acknowledge all of those pressures — and the life-saving creativity it takes to be a paramedic, often the first of the first responders on a scene.
“There's something incredibly powerful about having the confidence and the really the creativity to be like, whatever you call for, my partner and I are going to figure it out. We're going to get you the help you need. And that was kind of the driving motivation,” Pianezza said of his former career as an EMT. “But the problem is that well runs empty after so long, because as rewarding as it is, personally, it starts to feel like you're getting taken advantage of.”
The goal of “CODE 3,” Pianezza said, is “advocacy through humor and really telling an honest story.”
Audiences — and paramedics — can see for themselves on Sept. 12. The movie will have a limited theatrical release, but Pianezza is hoping to organize a few local showings in the Midlands.
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - It’s been just over 30 years since the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl brought a tornado outbreak across South Carolina.On Aug. 16, 1994, 23 tornadoes were confirmed across the state. Five of those actually touched down in Lexington County.Beryl made landfall the day prior near Panama City, Florida. From there, it tracked northward over Georgia before passing near the Upstate. The Midlands were on the eastern side of the center of circulation, which typically has the risk of spawning tornad...
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - It’s been just over 30 years since the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl brought a tornado outbreak across South Carolina.
On Aug. 16, 1994, 23 tornadoes were confirmed across the state. Five of those actually touched down in Lexington County.
Beryl made landfall the day prior near Panama City, Florida. From there, it tracked northward over Georgia before passing near the Upstate. The Midlands were on the eastern side of the center of circulation, which typically has the risk of spawning tornadoes.
The strongest tornado was reported in Lexington, where property damage was estimated at around $50 million. It was given an F-3 rating with winds between 158-206 mph.
WIS was at that scene in 1994 and surveyed just some of the damage left behind.
Hundreds of homes, businesses, churches and public buildings were damaged. Some of the most extensive damage occurred near the Secret Cove area along the Lake Murray shore.
Forty people were hurt, but no deaths were reported.
It first touched down three miles south/southeast of Lexington near the intersection of S.C. 6 and Interstate 20. From there, it stayed mostly on the ground and tracked north towards Lake Murray.
The tornado was on the ground for about eight miles before dissipating over Lake Murray.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our , and . Have feedback that can help us improve? .
Watch WIS live during newscasts and Soda City Living in the livestream player below. When WIS is not on the air, the player will feature Gray Media’s Local News Live.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Lexington Sporting Club Gainbridge Super League team, led by first-year head coach Masaki Hemmi, will take the field on Saturday on the road at Fort Lauderdale United FC.The Greens have done a complete reconstruction from last year’s team, returning just seven players from last year’s group. The rest are players the club has brought to Lexington from all different areas.After Lexington finished its inaugural season in last place, the Greens have now added high-caliber players to t...
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Lexington Sporting Club Gainbridge Super League team, led by first-year head coach Masaki Hemmi, will take the field on Saturday on the road at Fort Lauderdale United FC.
The Greens have done a complete reconstruction from last year’s team, returning just seven players from last year’s group. The rest are players the club has brought to Lexington from all different areas.
After Lexington finished its inaugural season in last place, the Greens have now added high-caliber players to their roster. That includes Kentucky native and reigning USL Super League Player of the Year, Emina Ekic.
Head Coach Masaki Hemmi said since the team arrived all the way until now, the energy has been great.
“The players have done such a great job in the first six weeks to prepare for the first game. From day one, we always talked about this game being our first challenge, and we’ve taken really good steps forward in the last six weeks. We’re prepared for it and really excited,” said Hemmi.
It’s hard to fully know what this team will look like when it gets onto the pitch in its first match. With many new faces and a new style of play, the identity is still being worked on, but one thing you can expect to see is versatility.
“I think we’re versatile. We have an idea of where we want to go and how we want to build, but I think the individual talent as well as the chemistry we’ve built into it, doesn’t have to be one way. We want to go, we want to score, and we want to play, but we are also striving for goal-scoring opportunities. I think the best way to describe our style is dynamic and versatile,” said goalkeeper Kat Asman.
Everything gets started on Saturday, and the Greens are hopeful they can trust their preparation and talent to lead them to a Gainbridge USL Super League championship.
Lexington County, the once-rural nextdoor neighbor of the state’s capital, has grown exponentially over the last few decades. Sit in on a county council meeting, peruse the comments of a Facebook group meant for locals or just take a drive down S.C. 6 during rush hour and that’s easy to see.And if you ask anyone in or around the county about it, you’ll get a variety of responses. The conversation will likely steer toward the growth or the traffic, but it might also steer toward some of the area’s beloved parks ...
Lexington County, the once-rural nextdoor neighbor of the state’s capital, has grown exponentially over the last few decades. Sit in on a county council meeting, peruse the comments of a Facebook group meant for locals or just take a drive down S.C. 6 during rush hour and that’s easy to see.
And if you ask anyone in or around the county about it, you’ll get a variety of responses. The conversation will likely steer toward the growth or the traffic, but it might also steer toward some of the area’s beloved parks or its small-town feel despite its rapid growth. Either way, people have lots of opinions about Lexington — as do most folks about where they live.
But what does AI think about the area? We decided to test ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence chatbot that gathers information from across the internet and spits out answers. It’s important to note that because it’s operating as what’s known as a large language model, it can’t give us its own “thoughts.” It can analyze data and “predict” what it thinks is the correct answer.
We asked the chatbot 10 questions about what Lexington is like and whether we, the hypothetical Ohioan transplant, should relocate to the area. Here’s what it had to say:
“Lexington, SC is broadly regarded as a charming, family?friendly small town with a growing community and close ties to nearby Columbia,” ChatGPT said.
ChatGPT ranked some of the county’s best attributes as affordable housing, excellent schools, safety and a close-knit community vibe. It noted that cons of living in Lexington include limited walkability, humid summers, aging infrastructure, a slow-paced culture and traffic problems.
West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles largely agreed with the chatbot’s description of the county, but took issue with the category that “slow-paced” was put in.
“That’s part of the reason why I enjoy living here, because it is a little bit slower-paced, but I don’t know that that’s necessarily a con,” Miles told The State.
The chatbot also pointed to strained roads caused by rapid growth, with people complaining about backups, potholes and intersection delays.
“Lexington is a warm, safe, affordable, and scenic spot ideal for families or those seeking a quieter lifestyle with easy access to nature and Columbia?area amenities,” ChatGPT said. “However, if you prioritize urban amenities, walkability, low humidity, or high?speed growth culture, the frequent summer heat, car dependency, and traffic might be drawbacks.”
“Lexington County, SC is generally more affordable than the U.S. average, while slightly more expensive than South Carolina overall,” according to ChatGPT.
ChatGPT rated the county at a 90.4 cost index, meaning it’s around 10% cheaper than the national average. It pointed to Zillow’s average home value of $269,000 and average monthly rent of a little over $1,600.
It noted that other costs like groceries, transportation and healthcare were either right at the national average or slightly below, with the exception of utility costs, which it said ran a bit higher than national norms.
“Overall, Lexington County is affordable, offering decent value without compromising access to Columbia metro amenities,” ChatGPT said.
“I think we’re doing better than other parts of the country. I do wonder, with the influx of people coming here from other parts [of the country] to enjoy that cost of living, will that continue?” said Irmo Town Councilman Gabriel Penfield.
The large language model identified two zip codes — 29073 and 29072 — as the cheapest in the county, with a median housing cost ranging from $1,035 to $1,330 a month and renter costs being slightly lower at a range of $987 to $1,227 a month.
ChatGPT identified most of the county’s more rural towns as having some of the lowest home values — pointing to Swansea, Springdale, Gaston and South Congaree.
ChatGPT contended that the county is widely considered a good place for families and noted family-friendly benefits like excellent schools, safe neighborhoods and recreational options like Virginia Hylton Park, Icehouse Amphitheater and the Lexington County Baseball Stadium.
“I think all of our green spaces make it a family-friendly place, including our Old Mill Trail, Gibson Pond,” said town of Lexington Mayor Hazel Livingston, who spearheaded the expansion and renovation of Virginia Hylton Park. “You get out and meet other people and build new relationships, the children get to play with each other even if they go to different schools or do different activities. I think green space is a positive for all communities.”
Traffic congestion, humid summers, car dependency and rapid development concerns were listed as some potential drawbacks for the county when it came to its ability to cater to families.
“Lexington may be a small town, but it offers a surprisingly full calendar of family-friendly, outdoorsy, and community-focused things to do,” according to ChatGPT.
The online chatbot pointed to a number of Lexington’s outdoor offerings — Icehouse Amphitheater, Lake Murray and Dreher Island State Park — and also highlighted the county seat’s Main Street area. It pointed to three “local favorites” for restaurants in Bodhi Thai, Krafty Draft Brew Pub and Momma Rabbit’s Nibbles & Sips.
It also highlighted the Lexington County Museum and a number of annual events like the Lexington County Peach Festival in Gilbert and the Snowball Festival in the town of Lexington.
ChatGPT told us the people in Lexington are generally described as “friendly, family-oriented, and community-minded, with a strong sense of Southern hospitality and pride in their town.” Penfield, the Irmo town councilman, said he agreed but added an amendment – hard-working.
“Lexington County has some of the hardest working people, especially if you look at public works, if you look at the industry, if you look at the law enforcement community, retail, everybody’s pulling double-time. There’s never a dull moment,” Penfield told The State.
The AI chatbot called the county “rooted, but growing,” and noted that while a number of residents have lived here their entire lives, the area has attracted newcomers from out of state, especially from the Northeast and Midwest.
Folks in Lexington lean conservative in their politics, according to ChatGPT. The county overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the most recent presidential election, with 66% of voters choosing Trump, according to county data. The chatbot called people in Lexington polite, but private in its assessment of the people.
“While friendly, some locals can be private or cautious of rapid change, especially from fast-growing development or new residents,” ChatGPT said. “If you’re planning to move there and want to fit in, getting involved in local schools, churches, or events is a great way to connect with the community.”
Traffic (you guessed it), being prepared for a more politically conservative, family-oriented area and the area’s rapid growth all ranked up top for the things ChatGPT thinks you should know before you move to the county.
A conversation that’s become increasingly more common, the chatbot told users, “You’ll need a car.” It identified the area as unwalkable with limited public transportation and that “traffic can be frustrating.”
“Lexington’s culture is shaped by Southern traditions, church life, and a strong sense of community” ChatGPT said. “If you’re coming from a big city or more progressive area, you may notice a cultural shift.”
“It’s certainly a different way of life,” said Lexington Town Councilman Gavin Smith. “I mean I lived here my whole life, I moved to D.C. for four years to serve in the Trump administration [and do other work] and then I moved back. I certainly wouldn’t say that it was culture shift ... I guess people are certainly more polite and friendly around here. They hold the door for you and say, ‘Bless you.’”
Lastly, the chatbot identified the area’s fast growth, adding nearly 50,000 people since 2010, as one of the important things to know before moving here. It advised the user to plan ahead for schools, housing and services.
“There’s been an incredible amount of growth and development. There’s no doubt that we’re a less rural community,” Miles, of West Columbia, said.
The chatbot noted that some schools are experiencing overcrowding and that roads and infrastructure are trying to keep up with demand.
ChatGPT suggested a handful of neighborhoods, many of which are gated communities near lakes or rivers. The chatbot suggested Spence Planation, Saluda River Club, Cherokee Village and Oak Grove, among others.
The chatbot snubbed other Lexington school districts, singling out only Lexington 1 as the place to send students while ignoring other prominent area districts like Lexington 2 and Lexington-Richland 5.
ChatGPT pointed to all three Lexington 1 high schools — Lexington High School, River Bluff and White Knoll — as some of the best schools in the area. For elementary and middle schools, it pointed to Lake Murray Elementary, New Providence Elementary and both Meadow Glenn Elementary and Middle School.
“The best part of living in Lexington, SC is the balance it offers between small-town charm, great schools, and access to nature — especially Lake Murray — all while being close to the amenities of a mid-sized city like Columbia,” ChatGPT said.
The chatbot pointed to high-ranked schools, a family-friendly community, access to Lake Murray and “proximity to Columbia without the congestion,” somewhat counteracting its previous point about how bad the area’s traffic was.
When asked what the worst part of living in Lexington is, the robot answered in the same way just about any real person you ask would — traffic and car dependency.
“Highways 378, US-1, and SC-6 are the town’s main roads—and they get heavily congested, especially during rush hours and school pickups,” the chatbot said, noting that the county had outgrown its roads and that the area’s infrastructure hasn’t kept up with its growth.
The area also has very low walkability, according to ChatGPT. Public transportation is limited and most things — like getting to school or shopping for groceries — require a car.
Aside from traffic and development growing pains, the chatbot also points out an issue across the state: hot, humid summers and bugs. It called the area’s summers “sweltering,” noting that Lexington often hits temperatures in the 90s and has high humidity.
“Air conditioning is a must,” ChatGPT said.
So what do you think, dear reader? Was ChatGPT successful in its attempt to capture what Lexington County is really like? What do you think it missed and what do you think it’s wrong about? Let us know in the comments below.
843-640-0129
