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 Saluda Factory 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 West 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 West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater 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 Terra or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, 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.
Request More Information
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 West 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 West 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 West 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.
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A former captain at the West Columbia Fire Department is sounding the alarm about the department’s broken down fire trucks.Amos Aker with the West Columbia Fire Department was a captain for nearly 2 years, until a few weeks ago.Aker left the department, in part for personal reasons, but also because of ongoing issues with the department’s engines that he said were going unnoticed.After leaving the department, he took to social media with his concerns.In that post, Aker also ...
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A former captain at the West Columbia Fire Department is sounding the alarm about the department’s broken down fire trucks.
Amos Aker with the West Columbia Fire Department was a captain for nearly 2 years, until a few weeks ago.
Aker left the department, in part for personal reasons, but also because of ongoing issues with the department’s engines that he said were going unnoticed.
After leaving the department, he took to social media with his concerns.
In that post, Aker also provided some videos that show leaks, a broken seatbelt, spills, and even broken mechanical parts. After that post, WIS News 10 received a number of calls and emails from concerned citizens worried about the effectiveness of the West Columbia fleet.
Current West Columbia Fire Chief Marquis Solomon assured WIS News 10 that at any given point, if a truck needs a repair, it is pulled out of service.
Half of the city’s four fire trucks are currently out of commission.
“[The post] was a cry for help, to let the citizens know that there is an issue that is ongoing that hasn’t been addressed, and if it is addressed, it’s not getting fixed any time soon,” Aker said. “It’s not to diss West Columbia Fire Department or the city government in itself.”
The two trucks out of service, Engine 403 and the city’s only ladder truck, are getting repaired. The city’s oldest fire truck, Engine 404 is now the backup.
That truck is the one that Aker said has had a number of issues.
“We went for a while without warning lights on the truck for driver and passenger, on a training drill we ran out of water, and when we got on top to look in the fill tank, and there was no water, but the lights were showing that there was water,” Aker said.
“The concerns of that former employee they were heard, they were heard, long beforehand, but just like most things there is a process in order to get there,” Solomon said.
Aker said that despite Engine 404 being used as a last resort, right now it’s in the front line, and could be used at any given time.
He said that the truck has had a broken seat belt at times, leaking fluid, and inoperable lights ? something Solomon did not deny but assured WIS News 10 have been taken care of.
“We also recognize when we have deficiencies, meaning we recognize there is an apparatus that needs to be replaced, and oddly enough with the timing of this we were well ahead and looking to sign a contract to replace that particular one,” Solomon said, discussing Engine 404.
A contract for a new truck could be drafted as soon as next month.
West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said they will be hearing from the department about a request for a truck that will replace Engine 404.
In addition, they have ordered a $2.2 million ladder truck as well. However, because of the backlog in the industry due to COVID-19, the new truck won’t arrive until the end of 2026 or even the first quarter of 2027.
WIS was not provided with a timeline for when the two engines out of commission will return to service.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.
Both a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado warning were issued Wednesday morning for Columbia and Lexington County, according to the National Weather Service.The tornado warning is in effect through 8 a.m., and the severe weather warning won’t expire until 8:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said.Powerful winds could reach 60 mph in Columbia, L...
Both a severe thunderstorm warning and a tornado warning were issued Wednesday morning for Columbia and Lexington County, according to the National Weather Service.
The tornado warning is in effect through 8 a.m., and the severe weather warning won’t expire until 8:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
Powerful winds could reach 60 mph in Columbia, Lexington, Cayce and West Columbia, according to the National Weather Service. There is a small potential for a wind gust over 74 mph in the eastern Midlands, where there’s also the greatest chance of tornadoes forming.
The tornado warning also includes Columbia, Lexington, as well as Irmo and Chapin, the National Weather Service said.
Dangerous storms also will be near South Congaree, Springdale and Red Bank at about 7:40 a.m., before moving toward West Columbia, Gaston, Pine Ridge, Oak Grove, the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and South Carolina State Farmer’s Market by 7:45 a.m., the National Weather Service said.
The National Weather Service urged anyone in the areas included in the tornado warning to take shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Anyone outdoors, in a mobile home, or a vehicle is told to move to the closest substantial shelter and find protection from flying debris.
Powerful winds and tornadoes could cause considerable damage to trees and branches, in addition to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. Vehicles would also be under siege in the case of a tornado.
Damage to trees and branches creates the possibility of downed power lines and outages.
In addition to the warnings, a wind advisory has been issued for all of the Midlands. That advisory is scheduled to run through 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The severe weather could also affect Richland County and other parts of the Midlands. That includes Fairfield, Newberry and Saluda counties.
Effects from the storms are expected to continue in the Columbia area through 11 a.m., and could linger into the early afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Regular winds are predicted to blow up to 25 mph, with gusts nearly double that, the National Weather Service said.
“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution,” The National Weather Service said.”
There is 100% chance of rain Wednesday, but significant amounts of rainfall is not expected, the National Weather Service said. Up to three-quarters of an inch of precipitation is possible, the forecast shows. Localized amounts could be higher.
In addition to dangerous winds and rain, another severe weather effect that could impact the area is pea-sized hail.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 7:23 AM.
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - One Midlands lawmaker is proposing possible solutions for seniors to help ease the strain of having to move from their assisted living facilities quickly after one abruptly closed earlier this year.In January, dozens of people who live at Jenni Lynn Assisted Living in West Columbia received 30-day evacuation notices.“I came here to settle dow...
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - One Midlands lawmaker is proposing possible solutions for seniors to help ease the strain of having to move from their assisted living facilities quickly after one abruptly closed earlier this year.
In January, dozens of people who live at Jenni Lynn Assisted Living in West Columbia received 30-day evacuation notices.
“I came here to settle down and settle in, and that was going fine for four years, and now somebody grasps the rug and pulls it right out from under me,” Paul Bornemann, a Jenni Lynn resident, said in a January 9 interview.
Bornemann and the rest of these residents were left scrambling after the owner sold the property.
This story caught the attention of Sen. Russell Ott, D-Calhoun.
“I got some phone calls from folks alerting me to the situation and then obviously the coverage that y’all were able to provide,” he said. “This is something that could happen to any type of residential care facility across the state of South Carolina.”
He said state law currently does not speak to this issue.
Last week, Ott proposed a bill requiring assisted living facilities to give a 90-day notice if they plan to close.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Ott said. “You don’t want anyone to have to go through that, someone’s home, a place where someone lives. That’s a big deal. And you know, to just kind of uproot someone in that short period of time, that is not something that someone in that situation should have to deal with.”
Bornemann said he had hoped to spend the rest of his life at Jenni Lynn, where he had lived for the past four years.
The upheaval, he said, caused his a great deal of stress and anxiety.
“It’s a nightmare,” Bornemann said. “I can’t eat, can’t sleep. It’s just affecting me personally.”
Seniors and former employees alike believe 30 days just is not enough.
“That is very minimal to almost insufficient time,” Bornemann said. “It takes two weeks just to adjust to this whole thing.”
Valencia Austin, a former Jenni Lynn employee who still works in health care, said it would have been the ethical and moral thing to do.
She added that there is a larger concern at play in this situation about appreciation for the elderly.
“Have more compassion for seniors,” she said. “Realize that seniors they go through the same things we go through. Just because they’re in a facility and they’re being taken care of, doesn’t mean that they don’t worry, doesn’t mean that they don’t stress. It affects them physically and emotionally.”
Ott said there is no time to look back, only forward with Jenni Lynn’s closure a possible catalyst for change.
He said it is difficult to speculate whether ownership should have done something differently.
“I mean I’m sure they made the decisions that they felt like were in the best interest of the facility, and I’m sure they weren’t easy decisions” Ott said. “I think where the fault lies is that we don’t have a good law on the books to address this situation. So I’m not placing blame. I’m just saying that this is something that we need to address and try to make sure doesn’t happen again.”
The South Carolina Health Care Association, a nonprofit, said they have been in communication with Ott about the bill.
They believe it is well-intentioned, and want to make sure the language is carefully curated.
Ott is hopeful that the bill will receive broad support in the General Assembly.
It has been referred to the Senate Medical Affairs Committee.
No hearing date has been set.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.
WEST COLUMBIA — Plans for over 50 new townhomes have been approved for a plot near a major thoroughfare as the city looks to continue to develop its riverfront.The development at 620 Sunset Blvd. will also contain new interior streets and a small lot for commercial space, according to city documents.The 3.2-acre plot of land is sandwiched betw...
WEST COLUMBIA — Plans for over 50 new townhomes have been approved for a plot near a major thoroughfare as the city looks to continue to develop its riverfront.
The development at 620 Sunset Blvd. will also contain new interior streets and a small lot for commercial space, according to city documents.
The 3.2-acre plot of land is sandwiched between Sunset Boulevard, an off ramp for the Jarvis Klapman Boulevard bridge into downtown Columbia, and an entrance to West Columbia’s riverwalk park on the Congaree River.
West Columbia City Council unanimously approved a request to rezone the land during a Feb. 4 meeting.
The city’s Planning Commission had recommended the rezoning for approval despite concerns over traffic from some speakers at a recent commission meeting.
“There has been very, very little concern expressed from the community about it,” West Columbia Mayor Temus Miles said of the project at the Feb. 4 meeting.
Sunset Boulevard is a major West Columbia thoroughfare, seeing an average of 15,000 vehicles pass through daily in 2023, according to SCDOT data. An average of 25,000 vehicles passed over the nearby Jarvis Klapman Boulevard bridge daily.
The development will feature 52 two-story homes. Each townhome will have a driveway capable of holding two parked cars, but there will be no on-street parking.
The residential portion of the development will be built within two years “or upon economic feasibility as determined by the developer,” the developer said in city documents. The commercial component will also be developed when commercially viable.
The site is currently occupied by vacant warehouse and commercial space.
The homes would be another step in the city’s effort to urbanize its riverfront district into a denser, more walkable area.
The Capitol Square redevelopment project — which would replace the vacant shopping center at 469 Sunset Blvd. — was approved by the city in October.
The multistory apartment and retail developments along the Meeting Street corridor toward the Gervais Street Bridge are fully occupied and have transformed the approach from the city across the bridge into Columbia.
However, one controversial tenant on Sunset Boulevard still remains: the House of Raeford Farms chicken plant.
The plant has a history of complaints from both the public and the city, and there were reports it could close if Raeford was able to open a new plant in Aiken. But that proposed facility has stalled since Aiken city and county officials didn't approve necessary tax agreements and water and sewer improvements.
Plant ownership has said there are no plans to close in the near future, though the company is searching for a new site to replace the WECO plant in the Palmetto State.
A strategic plan created by the city proposed that the plant could be redeveloped into a water treatment facility or to tie into the riverwalk.
As Lexington County continues to grow, West Columbia has been more proactive in encouraging new construction and development than Cayce and other surrounding areas.
In a former Spanish-language church tucked off of Sunset Boulevard, Matt Catchpole wants to introduce West Columbia to jazz kissa.The concept is a Japanese one that's spread across the world, and puts an emphasis on creating a cocktail or wine lounge aimed at listening and appreciating jazz recordings. At Catchpole's soon-to-be-opened restaurant on Lucas Street, the focus will be on vinyl records, filtered through a high-fidelity sound system to var...
In a former Spanish-language church tucked off of Sunset Boulevard, Matt Catchpole wants to introduce West Columbia to jazz kissa.
The concept is a Japanese one that's spread across the world, and puts an emphasis on creating a cocktail or wine lounge aimed at listening and appreciating jazz recordings. At Catchpole's soon-to-be-opened restaurant on Lucas Street, the focus will be on vinyl records, filtered through a high-fidelity sound system to various seating areas across the midcentury-inspired space.
The longtime hospitality industry veteran said he's offering something with which diners might not be familiar.
"We are trying to do something that doesn't exist in the Columbia area," he told Free Times, "so it's a little hard to explain."
Ikie Lu Record Club is the culmination of years of planning and dreaming from Catchpole. The hospitality industry veteran recently worked as the general manager at State Street's Terra and has been consulting with Publick House on Devine Street, in addition to stints opening restaurants in Alabama and New York City.
He is leveraging his travels to bring something he said West Columbia needs, something that exists between fast food and upscale dining.
"West Columbia has Terra and it has Zesto's, basically, and there's nothing in between," he said.
The business is named for Catchpole's grandmother, a musician who was nicknamed Ikie Lu. Catchpole and his family want the space to be an homage to her legacy.
He's always dreamed of opening a restaurant — he and his family even bought a piece of land in West Columbia before buying the Lucas Street space — but Catchpole never imagined it would happen so soon.
"This was always supposed to happen," he said, "but this was supposed to happen years down the road."
The business will be a casual but elegant space for adults to sip on a cocktail or glass of wine before or after dinner, or for Sunday brunch. Catchpole is building operations to require minimal staffing, with bar service and prepared foods aimed at efficient service and no-frills hospitality.
An emphasis on vinyl records and surround-sound listening will be complimented by a drinks menu focusing on wine and classic cocktails "done right," Catchpole said. A food menu of prepared foods like smoked trout dip and shrimp rolls will be served, and Catchpole bought a hotdog roller after visiting Sea Wolf, a restaurant on Tybee Island, Ga., that specializes in Champagne and franks.
In addition to the jazz kissa concept and restaurants like Sea Wolf, Catchpole is pulling a lot of inspiration from other places he's visited, including the famed New Orleans bar Bacchanal, a come-as-you-are wine bar with a patio and excellent wine offerings.
While the food and craft cocktail menus are still being ironed out, he said a focus on classics, like the martini or an old-fashioned, will be offered, as well as wines he's sourced himself.
"We intend to run some fun, exciting stuff," he said, "but not push the envelope where we don't need to."
He's aiming to keep cocktails priced between $12 and $15, and hopes to keep wines as affordable as possible.
"We want to feel high-end, but we don't want you to spend too much," he said.
Cookbooks, wine bottles, the occasional vinyl record, tinned fish and other food goodies will be for sale, too, he said.
Housed inside a building that used to be a garage, an Iglesias and a Muslim education center, Ikie Lu's interior has been totally revamped to offer breezy, near-coastal vibes that lean into the midcentury modern aesthetic. An outdoor patio will feature cornhole and old church pews, while a community table and several lounge chairs are arranged throughout the interior for groups to enjoy.
It's a setup Catchpole said West Columbia "has never seen before," but one he hopes the burgeoning city will enjoy.
Ahead of the club's private event for the Columbia Food and Wine Festival on April 24, Catchpole is undertaking a myriad of projects to get the space upfitted.
"It would've been easier to build from the ground up," he admitted.
Once open, Catchpole plans to staff Ikie Lu with two to three servers per shift.
Ikie Lu Record Club is at 601 N. Lucas St., West Columbia. A soft opening is slated for May. Tentative hours are Thursday and Friday 3 p.m. to close, all day Saturday and Sunday brunch.
843-640-0129
