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 The Big Chair 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 Thomasville, NC 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.
“When the time arose to find a live-in care facility for my uncle, I was”
“I wish there was 10 stars for the excellent care, dedication to our mom and”
“Mary Witherspoon is amazing! She has cared for both my parents and is a”
“ABC is a great company that cares about their employees. The pay is good”
“I like working at ABC because I get a chance to help other.”
“Hi my name Amiya and I have been working for ABC for almost 4 months”
“Everyone is nice and friendly when you have an issue they are quick to respond”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them”
“I have to brag on Stephen and the Always Best Care team. They are always”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Always Best Care team! Working”
“Jaye has been a great caregiver for my Mom. Jaye writes detailed care notes about”
“We would like to give a shout out to some of the caregivers. We are”
“We are thankful to have Ms Loretta as a caregiver, she’s very giving, a sweet”
“We have used Always Best for 2 years for my Dad before he passed &”
“Great staff members to work with from the beginning. Meaning, the recruiter, hiring manager, receptionist,”
“We used Always Best Care Senior Services to assist with 24/7 care in the home”
“Sara Bynum is the best example of a CAREGIVER! Caring is her specialité..She is always”
“Our family has been pleased with ABC services, thankful for a company to be able”
“I’m in need of a caregiver for my son and Always Best Senior Care is”
“I am writing for my mother Alice Pearce. We are very happy with the care”
“Caregivers (Raina & Aiyana) are very caring and helpful to my father's needs,”
“Caring staff. Patient portal for family. Quick replacement/fill in caregiver.”
“Britiany has been caring for my mom almost 4 years. She is so kind and”
“My husband's caregiver Taylor is so very patient with him. She does her work without”
“When the time arose to find a live-in care facility for my uncle, I was referred to Stephen Carlson with ABC. I am so grateful to Stephen for taking me to tour the available facilities so promptly, making introductions, answering my questions, and doing it all within the framework of what would work best for my uncle in his current situation. It was very hard to make the final decision but Stephen was so kind, patient, and helpful during this difficult time. It would have been nearly impossible for me to have made it through this uncharted territory without his compassionate assistance. You have my sincere thanks for all the time and help!”
“I wish there was 10 stars for the excellent care, dedication to our mom and our family. Words truly cannot express our gratitude, for everything Stephen Carlson has done to assist us. His knowledge, caring, and dedication to finding the right place has truly been remarkable. Thank you.”
“Mary Witherspoon is amazing! She has cared for both my parents and is a part of the family now. Highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“ABC is a great company that cares about their employees. The pay is good and everyone in the office is extremely helpful. It’s easy to get time off, (just let them know 2 weeks ahead of time). We have monthly in-service & education is offered in person or via zoom. We are given the tools we need to succeed.”
“I like working at ABC because I get a chance to help other.”
“Hi my name Amiya and I have been working for ABC for almost 4 months now. I really love this job because it’s very flexible especially since I’m a full time college student. It’s really hard to find jobs like this and if you need days they don’t mind as long your attendance isn’t bad. They are also very understanding. It’s really a great job and I love helping people.”
“Everyone is nice and friendly when you have an issue they are quick to respond”
“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”
“I have to brag on Stephen and the Always Best Care team. They are always out in the community lending a helping hand and giving back. That is so important for a company to do when they're trying to build trust. I really appreciate Stephens kind and caring nature especially when it comes to those that need his assistance. Thank you ABC keep up the good work!”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Always Best Care team! Working here has been an immensely rewarding experience. The positive and collaborative atmosphere within the company has made every day enjoyable. I am grateful to have a supportive management team who values the contributions of each team member and fosters a culture of mutual respect. My coworkers are not just colleagues; they are like family. Together, we create a dynamic and uplifting work environment. Always Best Care truly prioritizes the well-being of their employees, clients, families, and community which is reflected in the quality of care we provide to our seniors. The commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the organization. I wholeheartedly recommend Always Best Care as both a fantastic place to work and a reliable service for seniors in need.”
“Jaye has been a great caregiver for my Mom. Jaye writes detailed care notes about Mom's day so that we know what is going on even if we live out of town. She goes the extra mile to get Mom out in the sun when the weather is nice and she paints Mom's fingernails, which Mom enjoys. Jaye doesn't hesitate to contact us if Mom needs something or if she has questions. We feel lucky to have her.”
“We would like to give a shout out to some of the caregivers. We are thankful to have Ms Loretta as a caregiver, she’s very giving, a sweet person, and she works very hard to help us. Such a blessing for Mike and myself. Taylor has such a contagious smile and is so calming for Mike. Always willing to help out however he can. A blessing to us. Tena jumps right in right away as she arrives and is so caring , willing to do whatever task to help ensure all is taken care of and cared for while she’s here. What a blessing Tonya has been for Mike, a contagious caring attitude and willingness to step in and takeover with all things while she’s here. So thankful she’s been put on our caregiver schedule.”
“We are thankful to have Ms Loretta as a caregiver, she’s very giving, a sweet person, and she works very hard to help us. Such a blessing.”
“We have used Always Best for 2 years for my Dad before he passed & now 2 years for my Mom. They are the best! Laura J. With Always Best is phenomenal. She is always pleasant & prompt. She is always willing to go a step beyond to help my Mom in every way with the best attitude!”
“Great staff members to work with from the beginning. Meaning, the recruiter, hiring manager, receptionist, and scheduler. Schedulers are magnificent at finding and replacing hours if needed All staff (including caregivers) REALLY care about thier clients. ????”
“We used Always Best Care Senior Services to assist with 24/7 care in the home of my mother in law. We had used 4 different agencies prior to Always Best, they were exceptional. The quality, compassionate care of the care givers was unmatched and if there was ever a call out - a substitute was sent with in 2 hours. Such peace of mind! I was so impressed with the organization that I ended shifting trajectories in my career and now I am an employee. It was the best decision I ever made! I don't know what took me so long to change! I can not say enough good things about the organization as a consumer and an employee. The Loy family does an amazing job of leading a team of kind, compassionate, caring care givers who give exceptional service.”
“Sara Bynum is the best example of a CAREGIVER! Caring is her specialité..She is always prompt, cheerful, patient, industrious, generous, personable, organized, and, additionally, has a delightful sense of humor. I can't sing her praises loud enough!”
“Our family has been pleased with ABC services, thankful for a company to be able to rely on for my Dad's care.”
“I’m in need of a caregiver for my son and Always Best Senior Care is one of the companies that I contacted. Although they were unable to provide services to us (through no fault of their own) mallory trip time to refer us to a company, including phone number to contact for services. She was very helpful, kind, and attentive to our needs. I appreciate the time they took to assist me the best way they could.”
“I am writing for my mother Alice Pearce. We are very happy with the care provided by Jaye. She goes above and beyond in providing loving care for our mother. She always has a good handoff with the previous caregiver and the subsequent caregiver, making sure they know how mother is and what she needs. Mother loves a shower and Jaye is thoughtful in fitting them in when mother wants one and always has her presentable for family visits. She is a good cook and is sensitive to what mother will enjoy, so her appetite is better on Jaye's shift. She is a good communicator with the family and always puts in informative shift notes. She has technical skills. Recently, the facility got a new wifi and she updated the equipment so it all worked. I usually get those calls and she fixed everything without my involvement. She is very flexible and will stay late and take on extra shifts at the last minute. We are indeed fortunate that she is caring for our dear mother.”
“Caregivers (Raina & Aiyana) are very caring and helpful to my father's needs,”
“Caring staff. Patient portal for family. Quick replacement/fill in caregiver.”
“Britiany has been caring for my mom almost 4 years. She is so kind and patient and willing to help in any way she can. We value Britiany and think of her as family now. We have been so pleased the way in which Always Best Care has worked with us.”
“My husband's caregiver Taylor is so very patient with him. She does her work without supervision. We are proud to have her in our home. Sincerely, Jack & Lou”
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 Doak Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rosa Mae's Cafe or visit His Dwelling Place, 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 Thomasville, NC, 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 Thomasville, NC 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 Thomasville, NC 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.
A group of a few dozen gathered at the Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery to pray for those suffering from devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.THOMASVILLE, N.C. — The Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery became a place of unity and prayer as dozens gathered, bowing their heads, joining hands, and sending love to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.They stood together in support of countless families who lost loved ones and whose lives have been forever changed."It was led on my heart to be able to say, 'hey...
A group of a few dozen gathered at the Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery to pray for those suffering from devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.
THOMASVILLE, N.C. — The Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery became a place of unity and prayer as dozens gathered, bowing their heads, joining hands, and sending love to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
They stood together in support of countless families who lost loved ones and whose lives have been forever changed.
"It was led on my heart to be able to say, 'hey, let's get together. God said, whenever two or three gathered that he's there too,'" said Kimberly Turner, who co-organized the prayer vigil.
"And with that being said, I felt like our community needed to come together. I am so proud to be from here. We've really picked up as a community and come together to be able to donate and to raise money and different events."
In Thomasville, dozens stood shoulder to shoulder to honor more than a hundred lives lost after Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina.
"I don't want another mother to have to go through that," Turner said.
"There are family members that don’t even know where they are, and that's heart-wrenching to me. Knowing that there, you might not see them again—I know that feeling, and it really breaks my heart."
For Turner, this tragedy strikes close to home. She has friends in western North Carolina she hasn't heard from in weeks, but she holds on to hope that they’re safe.
"There are a couple of friends that we have in Asheville," Turner said. "That area, you know, was massively impacted. We’ve yet to be able to talk to them. I'm not 100 percent sure, but I just hope our prayers reach them."
The group lit candles and said their prayers, holding on to hope for better days ahead. This small community believes in the power of prayer, hoping it reaches far beyond Thomasville.
"I thought this was a very spiritual feeling, and I felt close to all my friends in western North Carolina," said Edwina Hardee, who lives in Thomasville. "I’ve had several people impacted, and I just wanted to come out, show my support, and let them all know that I'm praying for them."
Many at the vigil had family and friends directly affected by the hurricane, but others came simply to stand in solidarity, offering support and showing that they care.
RELATED: 'Go where we're needed' | How a therapy dog is lifting spirits in Helene's wake
RELATED: Asheville couple hikes muddy hill to escape from flood waters
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Posted BROADCAST SCRIPTSome neighbors are staying away from the parks, worried about debris and downed trees left behind after Hurricane Helene.I'm tracking how soon the parks will be back to normal and how neighbors are adjusting in the meantime.City crews have been hard at work clearing debris and addressing hazards left behind in city parks. Parks Manager Mike Owens says that while the damage is manageable, it still requires attention."For most of the parks, we've got some tree damage, but i...
Posted
BROADCAST SCRIPT
Some neighbors are staying away from the parks, worried about debris and downed trees left behind after Hurricane Helene.
I'm tracking how soon the parks will be back to normal and how neighbors are adjusting in the meantime.
City crews have been hard at work clearing debris and addressing hazards left behind in city parks. Parks Manager Mike Owens says that while the damage is manageable, it still requires attention.
"For most of the parks, we've got some tree damage, but it's not too bad. We've got some damage in Cherokee Lake, McIntyre Park, and Remington Park," Owens said.
He added that they'd already handled most of the dangerous debris and had picked up many fallen branches. Now, they're waiting for help from the Public Works Department to clear larger items like fallen trees.
Not all neighbors are staying away. Bill Wood, who walks his dogs daily at Cherokee Lake, doesn’t mind the debris. He enjoys seeing nature reclaim its space.
"It doesn't bother me at all," Wood said. "I kind of like the natural aspect of it. Some of the trees here, they cut them off to get them out of the way, but they leave the stumps to rot and go back to nature."
While Wood enjoys the parks, other neighbors are waiting for things to clear up. Iris Gomez and Kendall Croley, students at Southern Regional Technical College, love coming to the park after class to unwind but have avoided it since the storm.
"We've been seeing a lot of debris, and the trees are a little damaged from the storm. So we've been trying to avoid going," Gomez said.
However, the students noted that city crews are working quickly to get the parks back in shape. "I've been seeing them out, and they’ve been trying to get everything cleaned up pretty quickly," Gomez added.
Owens estimates it will take 7 to 10 days for the city to fully clear the debris and downed trees from the parks.
Meanwhile, the city has been receiving unexpected calls from people outside the area looking to use Thomasville's golf courses, as many others are still shut down after the storm.
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