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 Robert Mills House and Gardens 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia Canal and Riverfront 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Historic Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 S.C. Supreme Court has lifted the restraining order that blocked the state from turning over sensitive voter information of 3.3 million South Carolina voters to the federal government but the legal challenge will continue.The Sept. 11 ruling said Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein erred in her decision last week to temporarily block a request from the Department of Justice for a trove of data including voters’ addresses, drivers license numbers and partial Social Security information while the courts weighed the ...
COLUMBIA — The S.C. Supreme Court has lifted the restraining order that blocked the state from turning over sensitive voter information of 3.3 million South Carolina voters to the federal government but the legal challenge will continue.
The Sept. 11 ruling said Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein erred in her decision last week to temporarily block a request from the Department of Justice for a trove of data including voters’ addresses, drivers license numbers and partial Social Security information while the courts weighed the merits of a lawsuit challenging the request.
A decision on how to proceed, the court said, is expected in 10 days.
Just because the court overturned Goodstein’s injunction doesn’t necessarily mean the S.C. Election Commission has to turn the data over immediately.
“I think it’s highly unlikely the election commission is going to hit the ‘send’ button today, before we’ve had a hearing,” said Brad Hutto, a Democratic state senator from Orangeburg and the attorney leading the effort to block the effort to release the data.
Representatives for Gov. Henry McMaster, who supports the release of the data, and the Election Commission did not immediately have a comment.
In July, the Justice Department began seeking sensitive voter information from more than two dozen states. But last month, in response to the alleged intrusive nature of the request, Anne Crook, a former president of Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, sued the S.C. Election Commission to block the exchange. She cited concerns the scope of the data could violate her constitutional right to privacy and present the risk for identity theft and other significant security breaches.
Goodstein initially sided with Crook, temporarily blocking the DOJ’s request.
McMaster objected, arguing that time was limited to comply and that the federal government had a right to the data. He maintained the state had a compelling interest to help the federal governments combat perceived issues with voter fraud.
"If anything that the federal government needs for a general government purpose is available, they're entitled to it," he told reporters Sept. 4.
Attorneys for the state made a similar argument in court, saying state laws regulating voter protections did not preclude them from taking necessary action to safeguard election integrity.
“If the federal government and the state share the same goal (easy to vote and hard to cheat) and the federal government can already regulate federal elections, it would be absurd to conclude that the General Assembly prohibited the (Election) Commission from working with the federal government to maintain the voter registration database,” the state said in a Sept. 4 filing challenging Crook.
Unlike other states, South Carolina law expressly provides for individuals' right to keep their voter data private. McMaster himself noted his administration has a history of challenging federal efforts to retrieve state voting data. He named several successful defenses against President Joe Biden’s administration in talks with reporters this month, including one 2024 effort intended to expand voter registration within communities of color.
In this case, opponents of the DOJ’s request said forwarding the data could potentially lead to it being used for nefarious purposes. It could also potentially hand over power to the federal government to administer certain electoral duties that are constitutionally under the domain of the states, they said. Earlier this month, it was revealed the DOJ had been using information gleaned from state voter data — including individuals’ Social Security information — to check residents’ citizenship status, even as it has declined to share additional information about other ways the information can be used.
“The information concerning those responsible, at the state and local levels, for carrying out our elections is a threat to holding fair and secure elections, free of interference from the federal government,” Frank Knapp, chief executive officer of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a Sept. 2 letter to the Election Commission.
“With the midterm elections approaching, communications to these individuals prior to the election with the intent to intimidate cannot be ruled out,” he added.
McMaster told reporters earlier this month that he was generally concerned “when the federal government is going beyond what it's supposed to do.” But he added that while he believes residents’ constitutional right to privacy should be protected, the state should not overrule the federal government’s authority to investigate possible fraud.
"The federal government has the authority to get that information from us," he added. "But since we do have a constitutional provision, we are different from those states that refer to privacy. We want to be sure that they know that."
The Supreme Court will decide Sept. 21 whether it will take the case on an expedited timeline, or whether it will continue to proceed through the lower courts.
A Midlands woman had a hard time making up her mind when trying to decide if she should buy one or two scratch-off tickets, South Carolina Education Lottery officials said Thursday in a news release.She initially wanted to buy two scratch-off games, but she asked the clerk at the J and S Food Mart on Forest Drive in Columbia to put one of them back, according to the release. When the ticket she bought wasn’t a winner, the woman said that she wondered about the other ticket she left behind in the gas station/convenience store, of...
A Midlands woman had a hard time making up her mind when trying to decide if she should buy one or two scratch-off tickets, South Carolina Education Lottery officials said Thursday in a news release.
She initially wanted to buy two scratch-off games, but she asked the clerk at the J and S Food Mart on Forest Drive in Columbia to put one of them back, according to the release. When the ticket she bought wasn’t a winner, the woman said that she wondered about the other ticket she left behind in the gas station/convenience store, officials said.
“So I went back in and got it,” she said in the release. “I scratched it and thought ‘Am I looking at this right?’ ”
She put her glasses on to be sure the second ticket that she bought for $10 really won the game’s $1 million grand prize.
Her eyes were not deceiving her, and she had captured the seven-figure jackpot.
The winner will be allowed to retain some privacy, as South Carolina is one of 11 states — along with Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia — that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.
The woman didn’t provide specific details about her plans for spending the newfound windfall, but did tell lottery officials that she’ll be debt free and save the rest for a rainy day.
The woman overcame 1,530,000-to-1 odds to win the Million Dollar Mania game’s grand prize, according to the release. Two of the game’s four top prizes remains unclaimed, officials said.
J and S Food Mart received a commission of $10,000 for selling the claimed ticket.
Click. Click. Click. Click.Metronomes, at their heart, are fairly simple devices designed to help musicians and dancers keep a steady beat. Typically adjustable to recognize measures of three or four and adjustable by beats per minute (BPM), there is seemingly not much to improve about the device’s basic function.Well, not according to local jazz saxophonist and occasional computer programmer Ben Eidson, who launched his own twist on metronomes earlier this year. Available only through iOS (a web version is in the works),...
Click. Click. Click. Click.
Metronomes, at their heart, are fairly simple devices designed to help musicians and dancers keep a steady beat. Typically adjustable to recognize measures of three or four and adjustable by beats per minute (BPM), there is seemingly not much to improve about the device’s basic function.
Well, not according to local jazz saxophonist and occasional computer programmer Ben Eidson, who launched his own twist on metronomes earlier this year. Available only through iOS (a web version is in the works), ORhythmic is billed as a “metronome for tuplets and irrational meters” and allows users to create “nested” sets of notes over different numbers of beats, allowing far more complexity and irregularity than the norm.
“It came completely out of a personal need and the needs of my friends,” said Eidson, noting that much post-classical “new music” is often rhythmically complex, without good tools to practice it.
“A lot of traditional metronome apps are built for Western music, which has a very specific concept of pulse,” he said. “Software designed with these limitations in mind end up making triplets, or quintuplets, or any derivation of what we call ‘complex’ rhythmic structures difficult to perform.”
The app features an intuitive interface that allows users to build their own unique meters, stretching any number of notes over any number of beats to learn pieces not built on traditional musical structures.
“My goal was to make the input method so simple to show how it's just another rhythm, not something inherently complex,” explained Eidson. “The ability to input it simply allows for a linkage and understanding that makes the whole process closer to being intuitive.”
How Eidson arrived at this crossroads between technology and music theory is an interesting story.
A precocious prodigy as a high schooler in the local jazz scene before heading to the New England Conservatory of Music for college with the intent of becoming a professional musician, he found himself becoming entranced with a range of other possibilities, from coding his own electronic instruments to taking piano and drums lessons in addition to saxophone. Eventually, he was as interested in making music behind a computer as he was with a horn in his hands.
“I had a lot of frustrations with the saxophone at that point,” he admitted. “I was struggling with improvising, even though I've been doing it my whole life. I wanted to be creative and be in situations where what I was doing felt musically creative.”
As Eidson immersed himself in both the possibilities of programming his own instruments and sounds, as well as the local experimental improvisation scenes in New England, the young musician developed an expansive, almost philosophical approach that freed up his own musical creativity.
“I was investigating what it means to create an instrument, to put yourself in a world where there are certain things you can do and certain things you can't. That's true of any piece of software or art,” he said. “The process of creating (digital instruments) was a really good way for me to learn and see my own musical relationships more objectively.”
Eidson has no real plans to commercialize the app, dryly admitting he’s “not good at making anything in my life commercially viable.” Making the app was the same impulse that has led him to begin booking a steady stream of improvisational acts around town — in the vein of the musical community he found in those DIY settings at school.
“I just wanted to make something accessible, and I feel the same way musically. I'm very much into trying to make things as cheap as possible for people,” he said. “Everything I've ever made is tied to music, and that has always been the reason why I'm making it.”
In a committee meeting Wednesday, lawmakers discussed expanding nurse practitioners' roles to combat a doctor shortage.COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers are weighing several proposals aimed at addressing the state’s looming shortage of medical providers, including expanding the role of nurse practitioners and physicians assistants.South Carolina could be short by 3,000 doctors next year, medical experts warn. A Senate subcommittee heard testimony Wednesday on legislation that would expand the roles of nurse ...
In a committee meeting Wednesday, lawmakers discussed expanding nurse practitioners' roles to combat a doctor shortage.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina lawmakers are weighing several proposals aimed at addressing the state’s looming shortage of medical providers, including expanding the role of nurse practitioners and physicians assistants.
South Carolina could be short by 3,000 doctors next year, medical experts warn. A Senate subcommittee heard testimony Wednesday on legislation that would expand the roles of nurse practitioners and physician assistants in hopes of filling health care gaps, particularly in rural communities.
“For me it’s about making sure we get qualified medical practitioners in the rural areas,” said Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg. “It is really not fair to ask somebody to get in the car to go see a doctor. And that’s happening in South Carolina whether we like it or not.”
One bill would allow nurse practitioners, and other Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, to practice independently after completing 4,000 hours of supervised practice with a physician. Supporters say the change would bring South Carolina in line with 37 other states that already grant such authority.
“We want to increase access to health care and allow medical professionals to practice to their full scope of competency, but at the same time make sure we maximize medical outcomes,” said Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort.
Advocates argue the legislation would not replace physicians but instead expand the state’s ability to meet patient demand and improve health, especially by allowing them to go into rural areas without having to find a supervisory agreement.
The states that allow APRNs to act independently all rank among the top 20 states for health outcomes, while the last 12 states for health outcomes all do not allow APRNs to operate independently, according to Wanda Cropwell of the SC Nurses Association
“Senate Bill 45 does not allow APRNs to be physicians, period,” said Cropwell. “It does not miraculously turn APRNs into cardiologists, orthopedists or plastic surgeons or neurologists or any of the other categories of physicians whose services and expertise are so incredibly important to the patients they serve.”
Some physicians, however, expressed concerns about loosening supervisory requirements.
“Nurse practitioners are not physicians,” said Dr. Gerard C. Jebaily of McLeod Health. “I think it could be risky. Many of the tasks that nurse practitioners perform can be done independently, but still maintain that connection, that supervision.”
The bill must still advance through the full Senate Medical Affairs Committee before heading to the floor when lawmakers return in January.
Lawmakers also discussed proposals to expand the roles of physician assistants and allow more international teachers to help fill vacancies in South Carolina schools.
WednesdayWhat: A new exhibition is opening at Stormwater Studios this week. Laurie McIntosh's "Tidal Transformations: My World in Linocut" will be on display until Sept. 20, with an opening reception to celebrate Sept. 10.When: Opening reception 5-8 p.m., Sept. 10Where: Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., ColumbiaPrice: FreeWhat: Calling all Adam Sandler fans! This comedy king is on tour and stopping in Columbia to bring laughs to the Colonial Life Arena.When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., ...
What: A new exhibition is opening at Stormwater Studios this week. Laurie McIntosh's "Tidal Transformations: My World in Linocut" will be on display until Sept. 20, with an opening reception to celebrate Sept. 10.
When: Opening reception 5-8 p.m., Sept. 10
Where: Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., Columbia
Price: Free
What: Calling all Adam Sandler fans! This comedy king is on tour and stopping in Columbia to bring laughs to the Colonial Life Arena.
When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 10
Where: Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia
Price: Pricing varies
What: Icehouse Amphitheater is kicking off its Fall Concert Series with the beloved beach music of The Entertainers. Mark your calendars for an evening of free live music.
When: 6:30 p.m., Sept. 11
Where: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main St., Lexington
Price: Free
What: Bands Oso Oso and Born Without Bones take the stage this week at New Brookland Tavern.
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 12
Where: New Brookland Tavern, 632 Harden St., Columbia
Price: $10 before fees
What: The Midlands Crafters Association and State Farmers Market are hosting more than 150 local businesses, crafters and vendors for the perfect fall event to attend, an arts and crafts market.
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 13 / noon-4 p.m., Sept. 14
Where: South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia
Price: Free admission
What: Relive hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Don't Stop Me Now" with We Are the Champions. Coming to Newberry Opera House, this Queen tribute band is perfect for fans of the British rock legend.
When: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 13
Where: Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry
Price: $65 after fees
What: Secure your tickets to see the South's best HBCU bands compete at BIG HBCU's Battle of the Bands: Battle for the South, hosted at Benedict College’s Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
When: 4-7 p.m., Sept. 14
Where: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, 1920 Two Notch Road, Columbia
Price: Starting at $23.90 after fees
What: With hits like "Halfway Up" and "Everything Is Just a Mess," this Nashville-based band is known for bringing their indie sound to shows across the country. See The Brook & The Bluff with Toledo this week at The Senate.
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Sept. 14
Where: The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia
Price: $33.55 after fees
What: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, bring the whole family to Richland Library's Southeast branch for an evening of food, arts and crafts and bilingual storytelling.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sept. 15
Where: Richland Library Southeast, 7421 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia
Price: Free
What: The University of South Carolina welcomes Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett-Helaire to the Joseph F. Rice School of Law this week for the 2025 Townsend Lecture. This year's lecture is "Preparing for Future Pandemics: The Aftermath of the COVID Vaccine."
When: 6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 16
Where: USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Karen J. Williams Courtroom, 1525 Senate St., Columbia
Price: Free, registration required
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