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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

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Home Care In Eastover, SC

Home Care Eastover, SC

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 "Kensington" Historical Marker 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 Eastover, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Eastover, SC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Amy R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Karen C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gayle S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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-”

Richard H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”

Said Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”

Lacey J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Elizabeth
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for this company.”

Stephanie U.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Seema T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Chris B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Sarah H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

deacon B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

dorr118
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kim P.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Eastover, SC?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Eastover, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Eastover, SC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Eastover, SC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Eastover, SC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Eastover Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Eastover, SC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Fish Hole or visit Kensington Plantation, 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.

 In-Home Care Eastover, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Eastover, SC

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Eastover, 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.

 Elderly Care Eastover, SC

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your SC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Eastover, SC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Eastover, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Eastover, SC

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Eastover, SC

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:

  • Eastover Gardens
  • Courtlynn House
  • Bethesda Health Care Facility
  • The Addison of Fayetteville
  • Fayetteville Manor
  • Heritage Place Senior Living
Home Care Eastover, SC

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.

 In-Home Care Eastover, SC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Eastover, 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.

 Elderly Care Eastover, SC

Latest News in Eastover, SC

Sylvamo to Invest $145 Million in South Carolina Facilities

EASTOVER, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sylvamo (NYSE: SLVM), the world’s paper company, is proud to announce major investments at its two South Carolina facilities.The company plans to invest approximately $145 million in high-return projects to reduce costs and significantly enhance the capabilities at its mill in Eastover, South Carolina. The investments come on the heels of the mill’s 40th anniversary.“We believe investing in ou...

EASTOVER, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sylvamo (NYSE: SLVM), the world’s paper company, is proud to announce major investments at its two South Carolina facilities.

The company plans to invest approximately $145 million in high-return projects to reduce costs and significantly enhance the capabilities at its mill in Eastover, South Carolina. The investments come on the heels of the mill’s 40th anniversary.

“We believe investing in our low-cost assets will strengthen our competitive advantage. Eastover is one of the most competitive paper mills in the world, and it will continue to be an important part of our story for years to come,” said Jean-Michel Ribiéras, chairman and chief executive officer.

Sylvamo is also entering a 20-year partnership to outsource its Eastover woodyard operations. Modernization will enable more efficient, reliable, cost-effective wood processing and additional flexibility. It will also allow the company to avoid approximately $75 million in capital spending over the next five years.

The company will host an event at the mill with team members, community partners and elected officials in the coming months to celebrate the investments.

About the Eastover Mill and Sumter Sheeting Plant Sylvamo’s fully integrated Eastover mill is one of the most technologically advanced paper mills in the world and the largest, lowest cost producer of uncoated freesheet in North America.

The mill produces over 90% of its energy in-house. It employs more than 800 people and is responsible for creating more than 5,000 related jobs locally. The mill is located 30 miles east of Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County on the Wateree River, and 20 minutes from Congaree National Park.

Eastover’s sheeting operation is located approximately 30 miles from the mill in Sumter, South Carolina, and employs more than 100 people.

The facilities produce Hammermill®, HP Home & Office and Williamsburg printer paper brands, as well as papers that are converted into envelopes, folders, forms and notepads.

About Sylvamo Sylvamo (NYSE: SLVM) is the world’s paper company with mills in Europe, Latin America and North America. Our vision is to be the employer, supplier and investment of choice. We transform renewable resources into papers that people depend on for education, communication and entertainment. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, we employ more than 6,500 colleagues. Net sales for 2024 were $3.8 billion. For more information, please visit Sylvamo.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including the information concerning Sylvamo’s planned investments and woodyard operations outsourcing and their impact. Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect, and our actual actions and results could differ materially from what they express or imply, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include those disclosed in the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in our subsequent filings with the SEC, available on our website, Sylvamo.com. These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SC paper maker investing $145 million in equipment, keeping jobs here

SC in short The owner of two paper plants in South Carolina is pumping a combined $145 million into the facilities — a good sign for their more than 900 employees.Sylvamo, a spin-off of industry giant International Paper, is investing $100 million in its Eastover Mill, located about 30 miles southeast of downtown Columbia. The company also announced Thursday it’s spending $45 million on a sheeting plant it owns in Sumter....

SC in short

The owner of two paper plants in South Carolina is pumping a combined $145 million into the facilities — a good sign for their more than 900 employees.

Sylvamo, a spin-off of industry giant International Paper, is investing $100 million in its Eastover Mill, located about 30 miles southeast of downtown Columbia. The company also announced Thursday it’s spending $45 million on a sheeting plant it owns in Sumter.

“Eastover is one of the most competitive paper mills in the world, and it will continue to be an important part of our story for years to come,” CEO Jean-Michel Ribiéras said in a statement.

The investment in Eastover will speed up one of the mill’s paper machines, allowing it to produce an additional 60,000 short tons of paper annually — or enough to make 24 million packets of office printer paper.

“It’s always exciting to see existing companies grow and invest here,” said Jeff Ruble, Richland County’s economic development director. “If they are investing, that likely means there’s long-term sustainability for the plant.”

In Sumter, the company is replacing a machine known as a sheeter, which converts large rolls of paper from the mill into sheets. The Sumter plant employs more than 100 people.

The company expects to complete those upgrades by the end of 2026.

Workers at Eastover make what’s known as uncoated free sheet paper for copiers and printers, as well as folded into envelopes. It’s considered one of the top three free sheet mills in North America.

The mill was built in the 1980s by a company called Union Camp. Then, in 1999, International Paper purchased the facility.

Georgetown paper mill to close, nearly 700 people will lose jobs

The investments aren’t expected to create additional jobs, but the announcement means existing jobs aren’t going away.

In 2021, amid a global pandemic that shuttered office buildings while people worked from home to avoid spreading the virus, International Paper sought to remove free sheet paper operations from its balance sheets. The Eastover Mill, along with mills in Ticonderoga, N.Y., Brazil and France, rolled into a new company: Sylvamo.

A different South Carolina mill, located in Georgetown, stayed under International Paper’s ownership.

In December, International Paper shuttered the 87-year-old Georgetown mill, which produced fluff pulp used in diapers as well as paper. The mill, which was Georgetown’s largest employer, laid off 670 people.

In addition to the Eastover Mill, South Carolina has four other working pulp and paper mills, according to the state Forestry Commission. That includes a Domtar Paper Company mill in Bennettsville, Sonoco in Hartsville, Westrock in Florence and New-Indy in Catawba.

International Paper employees at other plants across the nation received bad news Thursday.

The company announced plans to shut down its Red River Mill in Louisiana that makes containerboard, as well as a recycling plant in Phoenix, a box-making plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis. Across the company, 495 hourly positions and 179 salaried jobs are being eliminated, the Louisiana Illuminator reported.

Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.

Lower Richland sits at the doorstep of SC's only national park. Why isn't it seeing the benefits?

EASTOVER — Change is a big word in Eastover.Abandoned and aging buildings boarded up and overgrown with vines overlook a railroad track that intersects the town's main thoroughfare. Some of these buildings once housed a bank, meat market, post office and restaurants.After World War II, the small town of a little over 600 in lower Richland County started bleeding its rural population as surrounding Columbia and Sumter grew. Other than that, the area — mostly farms, families and churches — hasn’t changed m...

EASTOVER — Change is a big word in Eastover.

Abandoned and aging buildings boarded up and overgrown with vines overlook a railroad track that intersects the town's main thoroughfare. Some of these buildings once housed a bank, meat market, post office and restaurants.

After World War II, the small town of a little over 600 in lower Richland County started bleeding its rural population as surrounding Columbia and Sumter grew. Other than that, the area — mostly farms, families and churches — hasn’t changed much.

“At times, it seems the train is Eastover’s only outside visitor," a reporter for The State wrote in a 1994 newspaper article about the town.

The Richland County library branch in Eastover shows some signs of life, though the inside is empty.

"Ain't nothing going on," Kiriakis Kirk, who has lived in the town his entire life, said last week while standing outside the library.

Kirk, 34, commutes to Northeast Columbia for work. "You got nothing around for the kids, for the youth. Nothing but trouble," he said.

The same can be said for the predominantly Black Lower Richland community as a whole, which hasn't seen much of an impact from the state's business boom and population growth in recent years.

But unlike other dying rural communities in South Carolina, Lower Richland is home to a gem: Congaree National Park, the state's only national park, which attracts over 200,000 people to the area every year.

Lower Richland has largely missed out on the benefits of the park, as tourists have little incentive to spend extra dollars in the area, often opting to bypass communities like Eastover, Hopkins and Gadsden in favor of Columbia.

With room for housing development depleting around Columbia and the rural northeast corner of the county, it’s possible developers will look to Lower Richland for future projects. The county is banking on a tourism plan to bring more park visitors to the area, with hopes that it will help bring more rooftops and retail to follow.

“Starting from the ground up”

By the mid-18th century, settlers had begun planting crops like indigo, rice and tobacco on the "rich land" of the Midlands, which would evolve into vast farms reliant on slave labor.

By the end of the century, farmers in Lower Richland were growing cotton on large plantations, requiring even more slaves, and creating immense wealth for plantation owners. Slaves made up 75 percent of the population of Lower Richland by 1860.

The swampy forest that would become Congaree National Park in 2003 was used as a hiding place for runaway slaves, escaped convicts and moonshine stills. During the Revolutionary War, Gen. Francis Marion fled deep into the swamp to elude British troops.

After World War II, railroads were replaced by the interstate highway system and the population of Lower Richland slowly declined as families moved from the rural towns to urban centers like Columbia and Atlanta, looking for job opportunities.

“When I grew up, I grew up with big farms,” said James Faber, Eastover's newly elected mayor. “You don't have those farms anymore.”

Though the town has a Dollar General and a handful of remaining restaurants, many residents have to drive 13 miles to the Food Lion across from Lower Richland High School for fresh groceries.

Every time town leadership engages a grocery chain, they get the same answer: not enough rooftops, according to Faber, whose goal it is to spur some development and get a laundromat, drug store and health care for residents.

Nearby military bases, including Fort Jackson, McCrady Army National Guard and McEntire Air National Guard, have helped bring some life to the area. But jobs are still scant, pushing many residents — especially the youth — away.

When International Paper opened a paper plant in Eastover in 1999, most town residents could only work on the first phase of the plant’s opening, digging the foundation and doing other construction work. Faber said he would have liked to have seen some job training opportunities for residents.

“They were left out,” Faber said. “And they wonder why Eastover has not developed.”

“You have to blame us too,” he continued, “because nobody wants to live where you don’t have amenities. You got to have some things that people want to stay right? We’re almost starting from the ground up.”

Most of the workforce and the paper plant and Kemira come from Sumter.

If the town had the resources and funding, tourists wouldn’t have to travel to Columbia or Sumter for overnight stays and amenities, Faber said.

“Hopefully we could get a bed and breakfast here someday,” he said.

The 'stepchild of Richland County'

Mr. Bunky’s one-stop shop is out of the way for Congaree Park visitors, but the two-story building on Garners Ferry Road attracts tourists from all over the world.

The store, which serves as a restaurant, meat market, hardware, consignment and gas station, is a local landmark in Eastover. Much of their business comes from the nearby military bases and loyal customers who come every day for breakfast or lunch.

The longtime owner and builder, Bunky Carter, died unexpectedly in September at 84, leaving the store to his daughter, Jill Lewis, 45, and his son, Jason Carter, 48, who also takes care of the family’s farm a few miles down the road.

Lewis has put her career as a nurse practitioner on hold, something she said she anticipated would happen at some point.

A quarter of a million people visited Congaree National Park in 2023, a few miles south of Eastover and 20 miles from Columbia. The park has been breaking its attendance records for several years. But those tourists rarely stop in Lower Richland to spend money, opting to spend the night and their dollars in Columbia.

The biggest barriers to growth in Lower Richland have been crumbling roads and a lack of water and sewer lines, with much of the area relying on private wells and septic tanks until just a few years ago when connections were extended further south.

In The State's 1994 article on Eastover, the vice president of First Citizen Bank decried the county’s lack of funding for the area, describing the town as the “step child of Richland County.”

Pointing to sewer, water connections and road improvements, the area’s county representative, Cheryl English, said that’s no longer the case.

As developers run out of land for housing projects around Columbia and in the rural northern half of the county, they will start looking South, according to the county’s director of economic development Jeff Ruble.

“It's really getting really difficult to keep building neighborhoods up in the northeast area … and Irmo is kind of the same way, you know, the city of Columbia is relatively dense,” Ruble said. “I think Lower Richland is generally a pretty attractive direction of growth for developers."

Infrastructure improvements and other developments

Much of the development that has taken place in the area hasn't been well received by residents, according to newly elected state Rep. Robert Reese, who grew up in Eastover. Much of that growth has been focused around Garners Ferry Road in South Columbia that has reached into Lower Richland.

Reese said the biggest challenge is balancing the need for growth with residents' desire to maintain the rural, laid-back character of the area.

"There's a simple quietness (in Eastover)," Reese said. "How do you have growth but maintain that lifestyle?"

But, English said, if residents want to see some amenities, they will have to be amenable to some change. "The rural feel is great, but the rural feel as it is doesn't bring any development," English said. "If you're asking me, 'we want restaurants down here, we want hospitals down here,' you're not going to get that with what we have there now."

Richland County's tourism plan, passed by council in 2022, aims to attract more visitors to the area and have more of those dollars support economic development in Lower Richland. The plan hinges on highlighting the area’s rich history, setting up a small business incubator and developing recreational areas outside of the park.

Visitors to the park contributed $14.9 million in spending in the area in 2023 and supported 173 jobs, according to an annual report from the National Park Service.

“Lower Richland contains no lodging options and few retail, restaurant, and dry goods options for residents or visitors,” the plan says. “This situation offers immediate openings for recreational and tourism options that can complement the national park’s offerings.”

One of the most important developments in the plan is developing a nearby 2,500-acre tract of land owned by the county known as Mill Creek. The idea is to develop the area into a network of trails, cabins, RV parks and access to the Congaree River. Ideally, it would become a hub for visitors who want to spend the night closer to the park rather than commuting to Columbia.

The county is in the process of improving the basic infrastructure like the road network around Mills Creek and developing a management plan for the development. They just finished replacing the main bridge that leads to the Mill Creek property, which was wiped out by a flood in February 2020, according to John Grego, chair of the Richland County Conservation Commission.

The county is also close to finalizing a contract with the University of South Carolina’s small business development center to provide consulting and small business training with an emphasis on promoting tourism in Lower Richland.

“The small business development initiatives were parts of the plan that were of the greatest interest to residents of Lower Richland,” Grego said.

The county is working with a consultant to implement a Heritage Tourism Marketing plan to highlight 15 African American History tourism sites. English mentioned the Midland's moving toward highlighting the three rivers as a major tourism attraction. She said she wants to see that vision extend all the way down to Lower Richland.

"That same river runs all the way down to (Highway) 601," English said. "Imagine tourism from there all the way down to 601 — this clean, beautiful, untapped landscape. That's my vision."

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