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.
“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 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.
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.
Officials are investigating a hazardous chemical reaction at Crystal Clean in Cayce after residents were evacuated on Thursday.CAYCE, S.C. — Officials are working to learn more about the chemicals that triggered a hazardous materials response Thursday morning at Crystal Clean in Cayce.Just before 7 a.m., vapors were spotted rising from a tanker truck at the company’s location at 627 Poplar Street. Fire crews determined potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide had accidentally mixed with motor oil and antifreeze, cau...
Officials are investigating a hazardous chemical reaction at Crystal Clean in Cayce after residents were evacuated on Thursday.
CAYCE, S.C. — Officials are working to learn more about the chemicals that triggered a hazardous materials response Thursday morning at Crystal Clean in Cayce.
Just before 7 a.m., vapors were spotted rising from a tanker truck at the company’s location at 627 Poplar Street. Fire crews determined potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide had accidentally mixed with motor oil and antifreeze, causing chemical off-gassing and heating inside the tanker.
Crystal Clean, an environmental service provider with locations across the United States, told News19 the company provides used motor oil collection and waste management services to small businesses and industrial clients. The Cayce site is the company’s only location in South Carolina.
Local officials confirmed the company has had no reports of prior violations.
University of South Carolina chemistry professors said the type of chemical reaction appears unusual for this kind of mixture.
"I'm a little perplexed on what caused the off gassing, maybe it was too much of one thing and not another thing, another ingredient," Susan Richardson said.
Richardson said if temperatures rose too quickly, the reaction could have become dangerous.
“If things are added too quickly together, and the temperature shoots up really high, then the glycerol that's formed in this process can break down and react to form acrolein” Richardson said.
According to Richardson, acrolein is toxic.
“If that's what happened, if the temperature got out of control and it wasn't done carefully, the reaction, then acrolein could form and that's a huge hazard,” she said.
Crystal Clean said in a statement to News19 that it is committed to environmental compliance and to the safety of its employees and the communities it serves.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Officials evacuated parts of Cayce Thursday after a chemical mix-up at Crystal Clean caused a tanker truck reaction.COLUMBIA, S.C. — Parts of Cayce were evacuated Thursday morning after officials said chemicals were accidentally mixed in a tanker truck at the Crystal Clean facility on Poplar Drive.Crystal Clean, an environmental services company that collects used motor oil and provides waste management services, operates the branch facility at 627 Poplar Street. The company serves multiple businesses across South Carolin...
Officials evacuated parts of Cayce Thursday after a chemical mix-up at Crystal Clean caused a tanker truck reaction.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Parts of Cayce were evacuated Thursday morning after officials said chemicals were accidentally mixed in a tanker truck at the Crystal Clean facility on Poplar Drive.
Crystal Clean, an environmental services company that collects used motor oil and provides waste management services, operates the branch facility at 627 Poplar Street. The company serves multiple businesses across South Carolina.
Emergency services was contacted around 6:30 a.m. after personnel arriving at the site noticed a Crystal Clean tanker trailer containing nonhazardous waste oil that was warm to the touch and appeared to be undergoing a chemical reaction.
Firefighters later reported a cloud of vapor rising from the 4,000-gallon tanker, which held about 1,900 gallons of a chemical mixture.
“The biggest threat that we thought that was going to happen was an explosion from the tank, just due to the chemical reaction in there. It continued to heat as we were on scene, but at one point it leveled off and quit rising in temperature,” said Cayce Fire Chief Steven Bullard.
Out of caution, authorities ordered an evacuation within a quarter-mile radius.
“[They were] knocking on the door telling everybody they have to evacuate, that the place had a spill. So we had to get everybody up,” said Terry Jones, an evacuated resident.
“It seemed very urgent and a little scary because I have never seen something like that,” said Emily Cartwright, another resident.
By late morning, a private cleanup crew arrived with another truck to offload the mixture. The reaction subsided, and by about 1 p.m. officials gave residents the all-clear to return home. No injuries were reported.
“I personally had no idea we had something so dangerous in such a residential area,” Cartwright said.
Crystal Clean said the cause of the reaction is still under investigation but added the company remains “committed to environmental compliance and the safety of its employees and the communities for which we serve.”
After trees started being cleared behind her neighborhood, Alice Rose joined a handful of others in Cayce’s Churchill Heights to speak up against the planned three-story hotel.The Fairfield hotel — allowed under the city’s current zoning and set to go in along Airport Boulevard, near Interstate 26 and right next to the neighborhood — has become a point of contention between the city and residents. Rose, a mom of two and former restaurant manager who is new to politics, took matters into her own hands.&ld...
After trees started being cleared behind her neighborhood, Alice Rose joined a handful of others in Cayce’s Churchill Heights to speak up against the planned three-story hotel.
The Fairfield hotel — allowed under the city’s current zoning and set to go in along Airport Boulevard, near Interstate 26 and right next to the neighborhood — has become a point of contention between the city and residents. Rose, a mom of two and former restaurant manager who is new to politics, took matters into her own hands.
“I felt like [the neighborhood] deserved better,” Rose told The State. “We decided to go to the city council meeting on Aug. 5, I was getting ready and I looked over at my husband and I said, ‘I think I’m going to have to run for city council.’”
She’s running this year for city council — advocating for thoughtful growth and running against a councilman who’s pushed for Cayce to expand its commercial and residential offerings in recent years.
Her challenge of Hunter Sox, who is seeking is second term, and the issue that inspired it, point to continued tensions in Cayce between those who want to see a looser approach to allowing development in the area and those who want to see the city continue with the measured approach that has limited new projects.
“We can’t let three or four rogue residents dictate how we develop our corridors and neighborhoods. Yes, we need to have their input, but I think that we have enough in our policy right now to make sure that the developments fit the neighborhoods in zoning use ... and by our design standards,” Sox said.
Rose is one of three new faces vying for a spot on Cayce’s city council. Tiffany Aull and Ron Wright are running against each other to fill the District 1 council seat after Mayor Pro-Tem Rose will go up against incumbent Sox for the District 3 seat, to which he was elected in 2021.
“I want to be a bridge for people to their government. I love Cayce, I grew up in Churchill Heights, my parents still live there. … I think that we’re heading in a very good direction, but I think that the people need to be remembered,” Rose said.
The election comes amid a tumultuous period in the city of Cayce. Since July of last year, the city has cycled through and Tensions between the city’s longtime mayor Elise Partin and the other four council members have escalated in recent weeks following
After former city manager , and subsequent new job with the town of Irmo, from Cayce’s top administrative position less than a year into the role, a letter from Crosland to council, , laid out issues he and other staff members had had with Partin.
“I was shocked by how deep the letter really goes and how deep this was affecting staff morale,” Councilman Hunter Sox told The State at the time. “Honestly it’s kind of ironic that the person on council that vocally claims how much she supports staff, is the reason behind the letter.”
When asked about potentially being elected into a tense season in Cayce’s city government, Rose said that she planned to “rise above the fray and focus on meeting the needs of constituents.”
This year’s election also comes at a crossroads for the city. As Lexington County, the county in which Cayce sits, continues to grow and approve new housing developments, . In the name of maintaining its small-town character, the city has seen less infill development or new housing built compared to neighboring municipalities.
The fight over the Fairfield by Marriott hotel coming to the Churchill Heights neighborhood is the latest manifestation of that tension — some neighbors fear growth. Some city leaders contend that if Cayce doesn’t grow, the burden of paying for necessary upgrades to the city’s infrastructure could increasingly fall on the small pool of taxpayers.
Sox, who represents District 3 and helped organize the meeting with neighbors about the planned hotel, said the new hotel is a win for the city, pointing to other hotels that generate thousands in tax revenue each year. The Courtyard hotel just off 12th Street Extension in Cayce brings in more than $400,000 in taxes and business license fees, Sox told The State.
Like many municipalities in the Midlands, Cayce has decades-old water and sewer infrastructure that has struggled to keep up with increasing demands. A portion of the city’s riverwalk has been caused significant damage. But upgrading the system is expensive and tedious.
As some municipalities have been quick to give residential and commercial developers the green light on new projects, Rose wants to see Cayce be smart about growth.
“It’s important to keep the character of the area,” Rose said. She wants to draw in more local businesses, as opposed to large, national chains, to Airport Boulevard. The corridor, , is plagued by derelict buildings, used car lots and fading hotels.
“The last new thing that we got on Airport Boulevard was a Sonic. And, don’t get me wrong, I love a strawberry limeade slush or tater tots, but I’d like to bring things that have character and that really represent who we are,” Rose said.
“Smart growth” has become a buzzword among elected officials and neighborhood advocates, alike, in Lexington County. Most leaders contend growth is inevitable, as South Carolina was one of the fastest growing states in the nation last year, but want to be deliberate about it.
Through , and , cities and towns in and around Lexington have tried their best to control the growth.
The city of Cayce elections, , will take place November 4.
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