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 Old Town Hall in Pawleys Island, 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 Pawleys Island, 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.
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care”
“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”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need”
“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”
“Started in home care services with ABC for my mother recently. Kayla helped make the process smooth and eliminated a lot of stress. Caregivers have been excellent and very helpful in day to day care.”
“Great service and communication. Caring staff. Kayla is wonderful. Highly recommend.”
“Got services started with Kayla in the Always Best Care Grandstrand office in SC about getting some assistance for my father. She was very knowledgeable and helped me get everything set up, and took a huge weight off my shoulders and was a consistent supporter throughout the entire process!”
“Excellent services!! Kayla is great.”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I will have to say having worked in healthcare myself, Darrell with Always Best Care is the best! He truly cares about his clients! He takes personal interest in the client. Darrell works with you until your needs are addressed allowing your loved one to remain as independent as possible in their own home. Thank you Darrell Always Best Care! You have truly made a diffence!”
“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”
“Nate is an exceptional mentor - he is extremely knowledgeable about senior care and gracious in his willingness to help others succeed.”
“Nate and his staff are wonderful people. It's great to know that when you need someone they will be there for your loved ones and care about their well-being.”
“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 Pawleys Island Nature Park in Pawleys Island, 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 Chive Blossom Cafe or visit Pawleys Island Historic District, 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 Pawleys Island, 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 Pawleys Island, 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 Pawleys Island, 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.
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. —Update from Georgetown County Sheriff's Office: "The body of missing 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, who has been the subject of an intensive search involving hundreds of people and multiple agencies, was found this morning. Agents with the Department of Natural Resources located her around 9:45 in the waters near the area where she was last seen. Saylor wandered away from a rental home in Hagley Estates in Pawleys Island late yesterday morning. The Sheriff’s O...
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. —
"The body of missing 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, who has been the subject of an intensive search involving hundreds of people and multiple agencies, was found this morning. Agents with the Department of Natural Resources located her around 9:45 in the waters near the area where she was last seen. Saylor wandered away from a rental home in Hagley Estates in Pawleys Island late yesterday morning. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Department of Natural Resources, Charleston Sheriff’s Office, SLED, Horry County Fire Department, Midway Fire Department, Georgetown County Fire Department, Georgetown County Emergency Services, and Georgetown City Fire Department. Hundreds of residents from the area searched their own properties and surrounding areas and guarded local docks. The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office thanks everyone who assisted in the search and sends its deepest condolences to the young girl’s family."
Authorities in South Carolina continue to search for a missing nonverbal 5-year-old who wandered off on Pawleys Island on Sunday.
SaylorHayes was last seen Sunday afternoon on Old Waccamaw Drive.
Saylor is 3’6” with blond hair and blue eyes and was last wearing a one-piece light blue bathing suit and a pink and white lanyard around her ankle. Authorities say Sailor is nonverbal, but she will respond positively if you speak with her calmly and slowly.
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office
On Sunday, Project Lifesaver equipment was deployed on land and by helicopter by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office for hours, trying to get a signal from the device Saylor was wearing.
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office
(Project Lifesaver is an emergency search-and-rescue program designed to quickly locate individuals with cognitive conditions—such as Alzheimer's, dementia, autism, or Down syndrome—who are prone to wandering or eloping.)
On Monday, divers from the Department of Natural Resources will continue the underwater search as needed.
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office
If anyone locates Saylor, they are asked to call 911.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Search efforts continued through the night as authorities worked to find a missing 5-year-old who wandered away from a Pawleys Island-area home. The search will continue Monday morning.Deputies, boats and K-9 teams remained actively searching overnight for Sailor Hayes, who was reported missing Sunday from a home on Old Waccamaw Drive in the Hagley community.“We’re here until we find her,” Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver said Sunday evening.The Georgetown C...
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Search efforts continued through the night as authorities worked to find a missing 5-year-old who wandered away from a Pawleys Island-area home. The search will continue Monday morning.
Deputies, boats and K-9 teams remained actively searching overnight for Sailor Hayes, who was reported missing Sunday from a home on Old Waccamaw Drive in the Hagley community.
“We’re here until we find her,” Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver said Sunday evening.
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said Hayes is nonverbal and urged anyone who encounters her to approach calmly. “She may not respond to you verbally but will react positively to a gentle tone, smiles, and slow movements,” the sheriff’s office said.
Hayes is described as 3 feet, 6 inches tall with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a one-piece bathing suit and a pink-and-white lanyard around her ankle.
The search intensified throughout Sunday as multiple agencies joined the effort.
Midway Fire and the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol searched waterways and shorelines while volunteers monitored nearby docks. Officials also issued a CodeRED alert to area residents, and neighbors joined the search.
A Charleston County Sheriff’s Office helicopter equipped with Project Lifesaver technology was deployed to assist from the air.
“Because the signal is being beamed from the air, it is wider and less impeded by topography and is more likely to pick up the signal from 5-year-old Sailor Hayes’ transponder,” officials said.
Horry County personnel searched nearby docks, and dive teams examined approximately 200 yards underwater near the rental property where Hayes’ family is staying.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is expected to continue underwater search operations Monday, while deputies and other crews remain focused on locating the child.
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said Hayes wandered away from the home Sunday. The Hagley Boat Landing remains closed until further notice, and boaters are being asked to use caution in the area.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - The body of a missing 5-year-old girl who was nonverbal has been recovered after an intensive search.Agents with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recovered Saylor Hayes’ body around 9:45 a.m. Monday in the waters near the area where she was last seen.The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office thanked everyone who helped in the search and extended its condolences to Hayes’ family.The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office first posted about her disappearance...
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - The body of a missing 5-year-old girl who was nonverbal has been recovered after an intensive search.
Agents with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources recovered Saylor Hayes’ body around 9:45 a.m. Monday in the waters near the area where she was last seen.
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office thanked everyone who helped in the search and extended its condolences to Hayes’ family.
The Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office first posted about her disappearance at 12:31 p.m. Sunday after she wandered from her family’s rental home along Old Waccamaw Drive in the Hagley Community.
Sheriff Carter Weaver said Hayes and her family are from Virginia.
The sheriff’s office spent hours searching on Sunday and continued the search through the night into Monday.
Deputies tried to track her using Project Lifesaver, a tracking technology typically used to locate people enrolled in the program who may wander.
Multiple agencies and methods were deployed during the search, including drones, K-9s, divers, search crews along the water, and a Charleston County Sheriff’s Office helicopter equipped with Project Lifesaver equipment.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division sent a helicopter and underwater drone to assist with the search for several hours, and the U.S. Coast Guard sent a vessel to help with searches as well.
In addition, hundreds of neighbors from the area searched their own properties and surrounding areas and guarded docks, the sheriff’s office said.
Others traveled from the Pee Dee to help with the search, including Crystal Cooper.
“I just got so emotionally invested in it yesterday [Sunday] because this little girl needed us and my momma heart was in it,” Cooper said.
Cooper said she and others stayed past 2 a.m. searching for the child, looking into any place they could think of, such as dog houses.
“You know, we felt if we left, we were giving up on her; we were leaving her, in a sense. I guess that’s the parent in us, you know,” Cooper said. “So we would all be like ‘Oh we gotta go, we gotta go,’ and then we were here for like another hour, we’re standing here still.”
Another neighbor said they tried tactics to try to get Hayes to approach them, such as walking with pets and getting an ice cream truck to play music throughout the neighborhood.
Ronald Gagliardi said he too stayed past 2 a.m., but after he left, Hayes remained on his and others’ minds.
“It just stays with you,” Gagliardi said. “Last night, even though we were all tired, many of us were talking-- couldn’t sleep without any kind of answers.”
He said he came back to the area in the morning to help continue the search before learning her body was found.
“Decided to come in this morning to continue the search, although they found her now, which is, you know, it’s devastating, but it’s at least a positive thing for the family that, you know, she was recovered,” Gagliardi said.
After learning her body was found, the community is grieving. Flowers were also left near the boat landing where crews were set up.
“It was really sad. I mean, I’m emotional now,” Cooper said. “It’s just-- it’s just heartbreaking, like really heartbreaking.”
A cause of death has not yet been released.
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Looking for your next weekend getaway? There's no shortage of incredible places to explore right here in our state, so every Friday this month, we’re highlighting one destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary. This week, we're taking an hour-and-a-half drive to Pawleys Island.Drive time: ~1.5 hoursYear the town was established: 1985Est. population: 133Explore Historic Pawleys IslandWalk or bike around the Island to explore the historic distri...
Looking for your next weekend getaway? There's no shortage of incredible places to explore right here in our state, so every Friday this month, we’re highlighting one destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary. This week, we're taking an hour-and-a-half drive to Pawleys Island.
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Year the town was established: 1985
Est. population: 133
Explore Historic Pawleys Island
Walk or bike around the Island to explore the historic district with homes dating back to the 1800's.
Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy., Murrells InletTry parking at the north beach access and walking 1.5 miles north to the jetty — you won’t find better views at sunrise and sunset.
Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet
Explore the botanical gardens, sculptures, history, and even a zoo. Pro Tip: Visit in December to experience Nights of a Thousand Candles. Did you know? The event is its largest annual fundraiser, which supports its programming and events.
Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, 4025 Hwy. 17 Business, Murrells InletFrom seafood spots to live music and drinks (Don’t Miss: The Mullet Hut’s Rum-a-rita), plan to spend an afternoon or evening exploring the marsh views. Pro Tip: Visit during Taste of the Marshwalk for small plates and a Bloody Mary competition.
Frank’s Outback, 10434 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island
With greenery walls and strings of lights, you can’t miss this outdoor dining spot — reservations recommended.
Rustic Table, 10683 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys IslandStop by for brunch, lunch, or supper to feast on scratch-made Southern dishes. Don’t forget to ask about the specials.
Pawleys Island Tavern, 10635 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys IslandVisitors and locals alike love a night at PIT, known for being “classically shabby” with pub food and live music.
Parlor Doughnuts, 11359 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island
Grab a dozen doughnuts to take to the beach, sip on a housemade cold brew, or grab a breakfast sandwich on an unglazed doughnut.
Gilbert’s Ice Cream, 10080 Ocean Hwy., #6, Pawleys IslandWhat’s a trip to the beach without an ice cream stop? You can’t beat Gilbert’s homemade ice cream sundaes with flavors that change as they run out.
Lemon LaBruce
This oceanfront and creekfront 6BR, 3BA home is one of the original Pawleys Island properties (read: built in the mid-1800s), filled with historical character and charm.
Enjoy a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast before walking down to the beach at this oceanfront hotel.
While you can stay at the Inn from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can also rent the entire home in the off-season with private ocean access on a secluded stretch of Pawleys Island.
Wait a minute, CHS. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks from Odd Duck.
Denied a rehearing by the Court of Appeals, the town of Pawleys Island and three oceanfront property owners challenging the town’s condemation efforts have asked the state Supreme Court to correct what they say are errors in the appellate court’s opinion on easements for beach renourishment.The town says it needs the easements from the three owners to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to replace sand on the island’s south end that was lost to Hurricane Ian in 2022. The easements will also allow the Corps to fund futu...
Denied a rehearing by the Court of Appeals, the town of Pawleys Island and three oceanfront property owners challenging the town’s condemation efforts have asked the state Supreme Court to correct what they say are errors in the appellate court’s opinion on easements for beach renourishment.
The town says it needs the easements from the three owners to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to replace sand on the island’s south end that was lost to Hurricane Ian in 2022. The easements will also allow the Corps to fund future renourishment on the south end beach.
Neither side was happy with the opinion that the three-judge panel Appeals Court issued in June doubling the amount of attorneys fees awarded to the property owners who successfully challenged the town’s efforts to condemn the easements in 2021.
The opinion was critical of the town, saying it “engaged in troubling conduct by seeking unreasonable easements.”
It found that a Circuit Court judge erred in reducing the fee request by the property owners from $175,895 for 950 hours of work to $8,913 for 125 hours of work. The Appeals Court said 250 hours were warranted because “the Town’s behavior may have led to counsel devoting more time to these cases.”
One of the property owners, Barry Stanton, is representing the other two owners, and is not seeking fees for representing himself.
He wants the Supreme Court to grant the fee request or send the matter back to the Circuit Court with instructions on how to determine the fees, including those for appealing the original order.
The town agrees that the Appeals Court erred in its fee award by simply doubling the amount of hours without any justification.
But the primary focus of the town’s request to the Supreme Court is to correct the Appeals Court’s statements that the easements are unnecessary.
“There is absolutely nothing in the record to support the assertion that the Corps did not require the easements,” according to the petition by Will Dillard, who represents the town. “The Corps most certainly does require that these particular easements be obtained.”
The Corps plans to place up to 200,000 cubic yards of offshore sand on the island’s south end, a $14 million project that Corps officials say requires the easements from all 113 property owners in the project area.
The town has commissioned appraisals of the easement areas, a first step toward condemnation.
“Landowners will inevitably attempt to use the mistaken language in the opinion of the Court of Appeals to further object to the Town’s future efforts to take necessary steps to secure this federal funding to protect the Pawleys Island shoreline for the public,” Dillard said in his petition. “Unfortunately, it is highly probable that there will be additional litigation.”
The property owners said in their petition to the high court that the Appeals Court opinion failed to understand the nature of the case, including the likelihood of another condemnation effort.
While the appellate judges called the easements “overly broad,” Stanton said in his petition to the Supreme Court that “the easements were objectionable in appropriating any public access at all” on private property.
He called that “the central evil in the case.”
“What the town sought to impose and appropriate was no different from imposing 50-foot to 70-foot wide perpetual easements for the general public to frolick, day-camp, dig holes, engage in other recreation, or use for any other purpose, the front yards of all five justices of this Court,” Stanton said. “The issue of public access is not a matter of degree.”
The Appeals Court “made many of the same unaddressed errors as the circuit court, but merely doubled the fee award,” he said. “This is unpublished fiat, not an analysis, and is not fair.”
The Appeals Court opinion was “unpublished,” meaning it only applied to the case at hand. Stanton’s petition to the Supreme Court states that the Appeals Court is not allowed to issue unpublished opinions under state law and the court’s rules.
“South Carolina’s judicial tradition of published, written appellate decisions, followed for all people as legal precedents, was in the vanguard of governmental transparency and responsibleness,” he said.
Even though an unpublished opinion, “in the context of this ongoing dispute it is of significant public importance that this Court correct the inaccurate, unsupported language of the Court of Appeals,” Dillard said in his petition.
The Corps of Engineers requirement is “the central factual premise underlying all of this litigation,” he said. “In plain terms, the Town would have absolutely no reason to go to all this trouble if the Corps did not specifically require it.”
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