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 Cayce Historical Museum in Cayce, SC 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 Cayce, 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.
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“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”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“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 WmJ Cayce Memorial Park in Cayce, SC 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 Vella's Restaurant & Tavern or visit Guignard Brick Works, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 Cayce, 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 — The Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce confirmed a state investigation into their spending but denied any wrongdoing in an Oct. 15 letter.The letter, signed by Chamber Chair Lindsey Miles, reinforced the organization’s “commitment to transparency, accountability, and lawful financial stewardship.”Miles confirmed the Tourism Expenditure Review Committee, South Carolina’s sole oversight authority for tourism-related expenditures, initiated an investigation into the chamber las...
COLUMBIA — The Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce confirmed a state investigation into their spending but denied any wrongdoing in an Oct. 15 letter.
The letter, signed by Chamber Chair Lindsey Miles, reinforced the organization’s “commitment to transparency, accountability, and lawful financial stewardship.”
Miles confirmed the Tourism Expenditure Review Committee, South Carolina’s sole oversight authority for tourism-related expenditures, initiated an investigation into the chamber last month.
According to a letter from TERC Chairman Ed Riggs, the investigation was triggered by a complaint that the chamber “has not been spending accommodations tax revenues in accordance with S.C. Code Ann. 6-4-10(3).”
Miles called the complaint "anonymous and unsupported," based on unsubstantiated allegations that the chamber may have misallocated accommodations tax revenue on non-tourism related activities.
Miles said the chamber provided TERC with “detailed documentation and financial reports outlining how A-Tax funds were used to promote tourism in the region,” including documents that had previously been submitted to Cayce.
On June 3, the Cayce City Council voted 3-to-1 vote to send all $44,000 of the tax money to the Chamber for the 25-26 fiscal year — a break from earlier years in which the money was split between the chamber and two local tourism organizations, Experience Columbia and Capital City/Lake Murray Country.
The move caused friction between the majority of the council and Mayor Elise Partin, who said at the time of the vote that she was unaware other council members were going to end funding to the two tourism agencies. She questioned whether the chamber could provide the same level of tourism promotion and called out its lack of reporting from previous years.
“We need those dollars to bring people into the community, and I have no data that says we get that from the chamber,” Partin said after the vote. “I don’t have any of the data to say what kind of return on investment we’re getting.”
According to the law, organizations are required to submit itemized expenditure reports showing how they spent the money awarded to them, including invoices. That’s because the funds can only be spent to promote and advertise tourism to the city who awarded the money.
“We have complied with the law, submitted regular reports, and used all funds solely to promote tourism and support our local economy,” Miles wrote. “We welcome oversight and are cooperating fully with the state to ensure complete transparency.”
Miles said the chamber’s budgets are approved by its board, which is composed of 20 local businesses. The chamber’s finances are reviewed by the internal Finance and Audit Committee, she added.
According to documents obtained by The Post and Courier, in the last three years the chamber submitted profit and loss statements in place of expenditure reports to the city of Cayce. The profit and loss statements do not differentiate between how the group spent funds awarded by Cayce and funds from other municipalities. While the report breaks down expenditures into categories such as “Advertising - TV” and “Advertising - Web,” it doesn’t provide invoices for how much each ad cost, nor does it list any vendors for those ads.
But in a follow-up email to The Post and Courier, the chamber said the city of Cayce never asked them to break down the cost of each individual advertisement or provide the name of the vendor, nor did they ask them for receipts. Regardless, the chamber said it has that information on file.
And the chamber said it included examples of advertisements it would create to promote the city as part of its 93-page application seeking city funding.
“We do not know why Cayce left that out of their submission,” the chamber said, referring to the city not providing the advertising examples in its report to TERC.
The chamber’s report also failed to provide any data on the effectiveness of its advertising and promotion — a statistic Cayce’s council specifically requested, according to documents obtained by The Post and Courier. Cayce’s Accommodations Tax Grant 30% Financial Report asks recipients to submit two years worth of data tracking total tourist attendance, broken down into local tourists and those who traveled from more than 50 miles away, along with hotel rooms and overnight stays booked as a result of the promotion.
The chamber left that section blank because the group uses the accommodations funds for operation expenses, excluding payroll.
“We are a visitor center with the goal to ultimately put heads in beds,” the chamber said in its follow-up statement. “Within the law, accommodations funds can be used toward operational expenses for a visitor center as long as they are promoting tourism in the area.”
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the Tourism Expenditure Review Committee was within the S.C. Department of Revenue.
Hazardous materials incident prompts evacuations in Cayce. (WACH)CAYCE, S.C. (WACH) — Emergency crews are responding to a hazardous materials incident at Crystal Clean in Cayce, after a chemical reaction caused a tanker to heat up.According to City of Cayce officials, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide were accidentally mixed with cooking oil, leading to chemical off-gassing and the tanker becoming warm to the touch.Residents who were evacuated near Poplar Street can return home.Hazmat teams from the C...
Hazardous materials incident prompts evacuations in Cayce. (WACH)
CAYCE, S.C. (WACH) — Emergency crews are responding to a hazardous materials incident at Crystal Clean in Cayce, after a chemical reaction caused a tanker to heat up.
According to City of Cayce officials, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide were accidentally mixed with cooking oil, leading to chemical off-gassing and the tanker becoming warm to the touch.
Residents who were evacuated near Poplar Street can return home.
Hazmat teams from the City of Columbia and Lexington County are on the scene, working with Cayce first responders.
Residents with concerns can call 911 for emergencies or 803-794-0456 for non-emergency assistance.
According to Lexington School District Two, Brookland-Cayce High School remains on a temporary HOLD response protocol.
District officials say all students and staff are safe, and families have been notified of the situation.
As a precaution, students from Brookland-Cayce who attend morning classes at the Lexington Two Innovation Center will remain there for now to help keep roads near the high school clear for emergency crews.
District officials say they are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with families, city officials, and emergency responders.
The district issued the following statement to parents due to the hazmat incident:
According to a statement released a short time ago by the city of Cayce, the Fire Department and other responding agencies are currently managing an active hazardous materials situation at an off-campus location, at Crystal Clean, 627 Poplar Street in Cayce.Officials have secured a 2-block radius around Crystal Clean and are working with residents and businesses there.In an abundance of caution, Brookland-Cayce High School is on a temporary Hold response protocol, with the school day continuing on a normal schedule but students and staff remaining inside the building. Students and staff are safe. We ask that visitors remain away from the school campus to allow responding agencies to work at Crystal Clean.We will keep you updated. Thank you.
At 4 pm the city of Cayce gave the following updates:
There were zero injuries in today’s incident.
CAYCE, SC (WACH) — Authorities have given the all-clear after a hazmat incident in Cayce forced dozens of residents from their homes Thursday morning.Ten local agencies, including the Cayce Fire Department, worked to control the situation.According to officials, Crystal Clean Waste Management accidentally caused a chemical off-gassing.Residents were evacuated just before 8 a.m.Paige Fletcher, who lives near Poplar Street, described the scene,There's a chemical smell like a gas smell in the ai...
CAYCE, SC (WACH) — Authorities have given the all-clear after a hazmat incident in Cayce forced dozens of residents from their homes Thursday morning.
Ten local agencies, including the Cayce Fire Department, worked to control the situation.
According to officials, Crystal Clean Waste Management accidentally caused a chemical off-gassing.
Residents were evacuated just before 8 a.m.
Paige Fletcher, who lives near Poplar Street, described the scene,
There's a chemical smell like a gas smell in the air. I've smelled gas leak so I can recognize the smell but nothing as widespread as this so to be standing out a few blocks away and to smell the gas leak it is concerning."
Cayce Fire Chief Steven Bullard explained that potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide were accidentally mixed with cooking oil, causing a chemical reaction.
The biggest threat that we thought was going to happen was an explosion from the tank due to the chemical reaction in there. It continued to heat while we were on scene," Bullard said.
The city issued a Code Red alert for safety, evacuating 80 homes.
Ashley Hunter, City of Cayce PIO, noted,
The tanker truck is a 4000 gallon truck, it only had 1900 gallons of fluid and substance inside of it."
A third-party company was contacted to remove the hazardous material.
No injuries were reported, but officials acknowledged the incident could have been prevented.
Hunter added, "What can be done to prevent this, what caused that, that'll certainly be thing that our fire department and emergency crews will be working on in the days to come."
The Code Red has been lifted, and residents have returned home.
The city encourages residents to sign up for Code Red alerts as the investigation continues.
Cayce, SC 10/20/2025 - Eighteen local elected leaders, including , from across South Carolina been selected for the inaugural Fellows program, a bipartisan initiative designed to strengthen education policy from early childhood through workforce development.The program, launching this month, brings The Hunt Institute’s proven fellowship model to the Palmetto State after proven . Fellows will examine South Carolina’s education system, connect with experts and practitioners, and develop strategies to improve educational outc...
Cayce, SC 10/20/2025 - Eighteen local elected leaders, including , from across South Carolina been selected for the inaugural Fellows program, a bipartisan initiative designed to strengthen education policy from early childhood through workforce development.
The program, launching this month, brings The Hunt Institute’s proven fellowship model to the Palmetto State after proven . Fellows will examine South Carolina’s education system, connect with experts and practitioners, and develop strategies to improve educational outcomes in their communities.
Mayor Partin stated, “As Mayor for Cayce, SC, I’m honored to represent our community in The Hunt Institute’s inaugural SC Hunt State Policy Fellows program! It’s humbling to be selected to be with such a dynamic group of elected officials. I’ve already learned so much like every $1 investment in early childcare produces $7 in ROI. The SC State Chamber has good data on the cost when people can’t go to work because of childcare issues. This has a direct impact on our residents and it’s something we can improve.”
“We’re focused on giving leaders practical strategies that strengthen education and support families across South Carolina,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “This cohort brings together leaders who are positioned to drive meaningful change in their communities.”
From October 2025 through February 2026, Fellows will participate in three convenings focused on early childhood, K-12 education, and postsecondary and workforce development. Sessions will feature briefings, panel discussions, and collaborative work with South Carolina education experts and practitioners.
The 2025 South Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellows cohort includes:
Mayors:
Billy Chavis, Town of Holly Hill, Lyman Dawkins III, City of Gaffney, GP McLeer, City of Fountain Inn, Elise Partin, City of Cayce, and Miko Pickett, City of Mullins
County and City Council Members:
Chris Bowers, Pickens County Council, Dr. Aditi Bussells, City of Columbia, Eddie Crosby, Dorchester County Council, Dennis DiSabato, Vice Chairman, Horry County Council, Ron Felder, Aiken County Council, Chaquez T. McCall, City of Florence, Sarai Melendez, City of Walhalla, Meghan Smith, City of Spartanburg, and Dan Wood, Town of Bluffton
School Board Trustees:
Wendy Burgess, Anderson County School District 1, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Greenville County School District, Liz Morris, Aiken County School District, and Rebecca Rundlett, Kershaw County School District
The Hunt Institute has successfully convened five cohorts in North Carolina and one in Virginia, building a network of more than 100 local and state leaders committed to strengthening education policy. The South Carolina cohort extends this work to support leaders across the Southeast.
Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce
CAYCE — City officials are allowing residents to return to their homes after evacuations surrounding a waste management plant.Some parts of the Avenues neighborhood in Cayce were evacuated the morning of Oct. 2 after hazardous chemicals were accidentally combined at the plant on Poplar Street.The city allowed residents to return at 1 p.m., according to a release from the city.“The evacuation notice has been lifted and it is safe to return home,” the release said, in part.The evacuation orders wer...
CAYCE — City officials are allowing residents to return to their homes after evacuations surrounding a waste management plant.
Some parts of the Avenues neighborhood in Cayce were evacuated the morning of Oct. 2 after hazardous chemicals were accidentally combined at the plant on Poplar Street.
The city allowed residents to return at 1 p.m., according to a release from the city.
“The evacuation notice has been lifted and it is safe to return home,” the release said, in part.
The evacuation orders were issued to homes near Crystal Clean, a facility located at 627 Poplar St. that manages the cleanup of environmentally harmful chemicals, like used oil, forever chemicals and emergency chemical spills.
The city received a call at 6:52 a.m. reporting hazardous vapors coming from a tanker truck that had become warm to the touch, according to Cayce officials. City spokesperson Ashley Hunter said it was unclear how the chemicals became mixed.
Firefighters determined that the vapors were caused by the heating of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, motor fuel and a small amount of antifreeze.
Eighty homes were immediately evacuated as a precaution. All residents within a quarter-mile radius of the plant were placed under evacuation. The boundaries for evacuation ran from Eighth Avenue to Lorick Street and from M Avenue to Railroad Street.
A third-party cleanup team arrived on site at 11:15 a.m. to begin unloading the chemicals from the tanker truck, the city said. A medical and tactical team were also on standby. Hazardous materials teams from the city of Columbia and Lexington County had been on the scene, aided by Cayce’s fire department.
Roads in the area began reopening at noon, before the “all clear” notice was given at 1 p.m.
Anyone in need of assistance was told to call 803-794-0456 in the release.
843-640-0129
