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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Williamsburg, NC

Home Care Williamsburg, NC

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 George Wythe House 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 Williamsburg, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Williamsburg, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

C P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Susie
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Susie
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

KDAOH
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TESTIMONIALS

“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. ????”

Laura J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kathleen O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Aileen T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alice P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our family has been pleased with ABC services, thankful for a company to be able to rely on for my Dad's care.”

T C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Lisa L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Caregivers (Raina & Aiyana) are very caring and helpful to my father's needs,”

Linda L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Caring staff. Patient portal for family. Quick replacement/fill in caregiver.”

Stephany T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jeannie H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Jack H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We were worried at first with someone taking care of mom. Melanie put us at ease. She is such a big help. Thank you Melanie, thank you all best!!”

Rita C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff has been very helpful. Michelle is very helpful and friendly.We have never had to have service like this before so we weren’t sure of what to expect. Things have been very good and everyone has been so easy to work with. It makes it easier on everyone in the family. I am thankful to have Michelle come and help us and to the rest of the company for their help and understanding.”

Carol E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“God has allowed angels to be on earth to help us. My family is blessed to have one of those angels named Theresa who cares for my mother. Theresa is caring, soft spoken, loving and very nurturing in the excellent care she gives to my mother. We are so very thankful and blessed to have her in our lives! Thank you Theresa and Always Best Care!”

Elisabeth C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services has been nothing but professional,nice and very helpful and informative about their healthcare opportunities. My family and myself have been very pleased with Carmen Rhodes our caregiver.She’s very kind,compassionate and knowledgeable about her job .Great job matching us with one of your Always Best Care Senior Services employee.”

Karen M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have been using Always Best Care Senior Services for my mom since early January 2023. They have done a great job of sending wonderful qualified caregivers that genuinely care for our mom. A special shout out to Alexandra Bennick, Wendy Hare, Stella Pride, Savannah Buckland and Aiyana Wright for all their hard work and wonderful care they have given mom. Not only do they do a great job caring for mom, but they clean house, prepare meals, clean dishes and many other household chores. They give my dad and the children a great sense of trust and security knowing she is being well taken care of!”

Greg S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“You could give Connie Rangel-Ledezma a bonus every day because she is that special to us. Without her, Bob would not be where he is today. She is valued by us and we hope by you! Give her 2 bonuses!!”

Gail N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked with about 6 agencies over the last 3 years and Samantha and her team at Always Best Care have been helpful, caring and supportive! They have been there for the unexpected and for the day to day care of my husband. When I need anything, even just a calm voice on the phone, they are there. Our caregiver, Maggie, has become a wonderful part of our family. She truly loves her job and taking care of Tony. She helps me to be less stressed taking care of my husband.”

Kandi S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Harvey has become a part of our family! He is so kind and considerate to my father as he cares for him daily. His compassion and desire for the elderly is shown each time he comes to his house. If it were not for Harvey, I would not be able to work, nor would I have peace of mind that Daddy is being taken care of. Thank you Harvey for all that you do and the love that you show to daddy.”

Janet R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you to Ted for helping us make the adjustment to in-home care! We appreciate your willingness to put up with some negative reactions to your companionship for Bill while I am away from home.”

Susan L.
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“Cindy is the perfect fit for my needs and is always kind and respectful toward my husband. I could not have hand picked a better person.”

Pam S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Williamsburg, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Williamsburg, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Williamsburg, NC

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Williamsburg, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

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

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Redoubt Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

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

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Le Yaca French Restaurant or visit Thomas Everard House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Williamsburg, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Williamsburg, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

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

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Williamsburg, 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.

 Elderly Care Williamsburg, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Williamsburg, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Williamsburg, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

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

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:

  • Charter Senior Living of Williamsburg
  • Commonwealth Senior Living at Williamsburg
  • Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg
  • Cambridge Crossing Assisted Living
  • Edgeworth Park at New Town
  • Spring Arbor of Williamsburg
Home Care Williamsburg, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Williamsburg, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Williamsburg, 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.

 Elderly Care Williamsburg, NC

Latest News in Williamsburg, NC

Late NC surge stops spirited Lady Pirates

WINGATE — The Williamsburg Lady Blue Pirates were making an attempt to earn their first berth in the PIAA Class 1A state basketball championship game since 1997 on Saturday afternoon, and through the first half of their semifinal game against Northumberland Christian, the Lady Pirates had a strong leg up on a trip to Hershey.However, what had been a 30-19 late second-quarter and a 30-23 halftime lead for Williamsburg evaporated amidst a 16-2 run by District 4 champion Northumberland Christian to start the third quarter.Th...

WINGATE — The Williamsburg Lady Blue Pirates were making an attempt to earn their first berth in the PIAA Class 1A state basketball championship game since 1997 on Saturday afternoon, and through the first half of their semifinal game against Northumberland Christian, the Lady Pirates had a strong leg up on a trip to Hershey.

However, what had been a 30-19 late second-quarter and a 30-23 halftime lead for Williamsburg evaporated amidst a 16-2 run by District 4 champion Northumberland Christian to start the third quarter.

The Lady Blue Pirates — making their first visit to the PIAA semifinals since 1998 — fought tooth and nail until the end of the game, pulling to within 52-51 with three minutes left in the fourth period before Northumberland Christian closed the game with a 10-3 surge to secure a 62-54 victory at the Bald Eagle Area High School gymnasium.

Senior guard Emily Garvin scored a game-high 38 points for Northumberland Christian (26-3), which will face Kennedy Catholic at noon Thursday in the PIAA Class 1A title game at Hershey’s Giant Center.

Kennedy Catholic advanced to Hershey with a 51-45 win over Portage in Saturday’s other semifinal matchup at Armstrong Junior Senior High School.

Williamsburg closed the books on a 24-7 season.

Williamsburg converted only three of 16 floor shots in the third quarter, and numerous steals by Northumberland’s pressure defense resulted in fast-break buckets for the Lady Warriors, who used the 16-2 spurt to bolt into a 39-32 lead and seize the momentum.

“We started not putting the ball in the basket in the third quarter, and I think that gave them some extra momentum,” Williamsburg coach Amy Hileman said. “We also had some turnovers, and they were able to capitalize.”

The athletic 5-foot-6 Garvin, who has scored over 2,000 points in her high school career, tallied 11 points on five field goals — including a 3-pointer — in the third quarter, which Northumberland Christian carried, 20-9, to take a 43-39 advantage into the final quarter.

After an inside bucket by junior Jayla Woodruff had given Williamsburg a 32-25 lead, Northumberland Christian reeled off 14 consecutive points to take the 39-32 advantage.

Senior forward Anna Ulmer, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds for Northumberland, started the rally with a layup. Garvin followed with a steal and a layup, and Ulmer drained a 3-pointer from the left side to tie the score, 32-32.

After a steal by Ulmer led to another Garvin layup, Garvin converted a 3-pointer from the high right side and Ulmer cashed in a putback to complete the 14-point Northumberland outburst.

“We’ve never had a comeback like that this season,” Garvin said of the Lady Warriors, who lost in the PIAA semifinals to Jenkintown a year ago. “That was great. We knew that we could come back, and we played intense defense.”

Woodruff led Williamsburg with 21 points and sophomore guard Ayla Hileman chipped in 20 for the Lady Pirates.

“The third quarter was why we lost the game,” Ayla Hileman said. “We didn’t get after rebounds, and our defense wasn’t that good in the third quarter.”

Even so, the Lady Pirates were right in the thick of things when Ayla Hileman’s field goal got Williamsburg to within 52-51 with three minutes left in the game.

But then Garvin came up with a steal, layup, was fouled, and completed the three-point play with a free throw to put Northumberland up, 55-51.

Ayla Hileman’s runner closed it to 55-53 with 2:20 left, but Garvin cashed in an inside feed to put Northumberland ahead, 57-53.

Junior Kendel Norris made one of two free throws for Williamsburg, which later lost a possession out of bounds. That led to Garvin scoring off an Ulmer assist with just over a minute left for a 59-54 Northumberland lead.

In the final minute, Ulmer made one of two free throws and Garvin converted two of two to set the 62-54 final.

“We got to this point last year, but we lost in the semifinal game,” Northumberland Christian coach Jeff Ulmer said. “Our girls definitely wanted this bad this year. They spent hours and hours working and shooting in the offseason, and their hard work paid off.”

Amy Hileman dished out high praise for Williamsburg’s only senior player, starter Krista Simpson, who battled back from an ACL injury sustained last summer to get back on the basketball court in January.

“Her work ethic was an inspiration for our entire team,” Amy Hileman said of Simpson.

Williamsburg returns four starters — Woodruff, Ayla Hileman, Norris, and Jade Carper, who had 10 rebounds Saturday — for what should be a promising season next year.

“We’ve generated a lot of excitement for basketball again in Williamsburg,” said Amy Hileman, who was appreciative of Saturday’s hefty and vocal fan contingent who made the trip to support the Lady Pirates. “Our community support has been outstanding, and to get to within one win of going to Hershey, I couldn’t be more proud of these girls.

“I told the girls today that we’re on the cusp of greatness,” Amy Hileman added. “And we’ll be back.”

WILLIAMSBURG (54): Hileman 7 3-4 20, Woodruff 8 4-5 21, Norris 0 1-2 1, Carper 0 2-3 2, Simpson 2 0-0 6, Prough 2 0-0 4. Totals — 19 10-14 54.

NORTHUMBERLAND CHRISTIAN (62): Treas 1 0-0 2, Garvin 15 6-6 38, A. Ulmer 6 1-3 14, E. Ulmer 1 1-2 3, Krum 1 0-0 3, McCahan 1 0-0 2. Totals — 25 8-11 62.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Williamsburg 14 16 9 15 — 54

Northumberland Christian 9 14 20 19 — 62

3-point goals: Williamsburg 6 (A. Hileman 3, Simpson 2, Woodruff); Northumberland Christian 4 (Garvin 2, A. Ulmer, Krum).

Records: Williamsburg (24-7); Northumberland Christian (26-3).

Officials: Bill Zupich, Marvin Matell, Jr., Rob Hanzeley.

W&M Men’s Basketball Announces Nonconference Schedule

WILLIAMSBURG —William & Mary head men’s basketball coach Dane Fischer announced the Tribe’s 2022 nonconference schedule on Monday The 13-game slate features seven home games, including a tilt with in-state rival Richmond, and road trips to a trio of Atlantic Coast Conference opponents in Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh and NC State.The Tribe will face six in-state opponents during the 2022 nonconference portion of the schedule...

WILLIAMSBURG —William & Mary head men’s basketball coach Dane Fischer announced the Tribe’s 2022 nonconference schedule on Monday The 13-game slate features seven home games, including a tilt with in-state rival Richmond, and road trips to a trio of Atlantic Coast Conference opponents in Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh and NC State.

The Tribe will face six in-state opponents during the 2022 nonconference portion of the schedule and a total of three reigning conference champions. Along with trips to ACC Champion Virginia Tech (Nov. 13) and a home date with Atlantic-10 Champion Richmond (Dec. 3), the Tribe hosts defending MEAC Champion and in-state foe Norfolk State on Dec. 10. The Tribe will also take on Radford (Nov. 23) and Randolph College (Dec. 21) at home to go along with a road trip to Old Dominion (Dec. 7).

The Tribe opens the year with back-to-back home games for the first time since 2005-06. The Green and Gold hosts former CAA rival Navy to kick off the campaign on Nov. 7 inside Kaplan Arena. The Tribe also hosts Mid-Atlantic Christian, a school based in Elizabeth City, N.C., that plays in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, on Nov. 10.

W&M travels to Virginia Tech on Nov. 13, before heading to former CAA counterpart American on Nov. 16. The Tribe and Hokies face off for the first time since 2005, while the Green and Gold meets the Eagles for the third time in the last four years.

The Tribe will host its own multi-team event (MTE) at Kaplan Arena, Nov. 19-23, with Army and Radford. W&M meets West Point for the first time since 1992 on Nov. 19, before welcoming the Highlanders to Williamsburg on Nov. 23. Army and Radford will meet on Nov. 20.

The month of November wraps up with back-to-back road games against the ACC. W&M travels to Pitt for the first time since 2005 on Nov. 25, before heading to NC State on Nov. 30. The last time the Tribe traveled to Raleigh it posted an 85-68 win over the Wolfpack to open the 2015-16 season.

W&M opens the month of December at home against Richmond on Dec. 3. It will mark the first meeting between the two schools since 2014. The Spiders are W&M’s most played opponent as the teams have met 201 times dating back to 1912.

The Tribe faces ODU for the 50th-straight season when it travels to Norfolk on Dec. 7. W&M has won seven of the last 11 meetings between the teams.

W&M will face another Norfolk school when it hosts the Spartans of Norfolk State on Dec. 10. The Tribe leads the all-time series 2-1.

The Tribe’s final nonconference road trip is to American East foe UMBC on Dec. 18. It will be the first meeting between the programs since 2006.

The Green and Gold wraps up the nonconference slate when it hosts Randolph College on Dec. 21. The WildCats are an NCAA Division III program from the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

Last week, the CAA announced home and away opponents for each team in the league. W&M’s six repeat opponents which it will play both home and away are Elon, Hampton, UNCW, Northeastern, Stony Brook and Towson. The Tribe’s three home-only foes are Hofstra, Monmouth and North Carolina A&T, while its three road opponents are Charleston, Delaware and Drexel.

Season tickets go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, July 19. Visit TribeAthletics.com/Tickets for more information or call the W&M Ticket Office at (757) 221-3340.

2022 Nonconference Opponent Breakdown

Date Opponent 2021-22 Record Series Last Meeting
Nov. 7 Navy 21-11 Navy, 41-19 Navy, 75-56 (12/1/21)
Nov. 10 Mid-Atlantic Christian 3-16 First Meeting First Meeting
Nov. 13 at Virginia Tech 23-13 VT, 76-41 VT, 74-64 (12/27/05)
Nov. 16 at American 10-22 AU, 35-12 AU, 74-62 (11/12/21)
Nov. 19 Army 15-16 Tied, 2-2 W&M, 49-43 (1/7/92)
Nov. 23 Radford 11-18 W&M, 6-4 RU, 67-54 (11/24/21)
Nov. 25 at Pittsburgh 11-21 Pitt, 8-5 Pitt, 70-55 (1/3/04)
Nov. 30 at NC State 11-21 NCSU, 23-6 W&M, 85-68 (11/13/15)
Dec. 3 Richmond 24-13 UR, 103-98 UR, 68-67 (12/3/14)
Dec. 7 at Old Dominion 13-19 ODU, 70-23 ODU, 74-59 (12/7/21)
Dec. 10 Norfolk State 24-7 W&M, 2-1 NSU, 91-74 (11/16/21)
Dec. 18 at UMBC 18-14 Tied, 1-1 W&M, 70-58 (12/22/06)
Dec. 21 Randolph College 6-18 First Meeting First Meeting

As Hurricane Florence approaches coast, Williamsburg area urged to prepare for worst

At first glance, a plot of jagged lines might look like a child grabbed a crayon and scribbled over a map of the United States.As Hurricane Florence approaches the East Coast, those lines have the full attention of meteorologists across the country.Knows as the spaghetti models, the lines are c...

At first glance, a plot of jagged lines might look like a child grabbed a crayon and scribbled over a map of the United States.

As Hurricane Florence approaches the East Coast, those lines have the full attention of meteorologists across the country.

Knows as the spaghetti models, the lines are computer-generated projections of the hurricane’s path. The bulk of the models foresee Florence smashing into the North Carolina coast before meandering inland over Raleigh or Charlotte.

Greater Williamsburg may be almost 300 miles north of Florence’s projected landfall, but the area may still feel tremendous effects from the storm, forecasters say. Schools, local governments and public transit have already announced closures — some more than 72 hours before the storm is expected to affect the area.

“I want to be hopeful, but the precautionary principle holds at this point: prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” said Randy Chambers, director of William & Mary’s Keck Environmental Field Lab.

Best and worst case scenarios

The models agree that Florence is an immensely powerful storm, and meteorologists are warning that it will bring immediate destruction wherever it comes ashore. Areas even hundreds of miles out of the path of the storm’s eye could experience tropical storm-force winds and a foot or more of rain over the span of a few days, likely meaning dangerous flooding and power outages.

Bob Henson, a meteorologist with Weather Underground and the National Weather Service, said there are no good outcomes for Hampton Roads — other than the hurricane making an unlikely turn back out to sea — but some of the storm’s potential tracks are distinctly worse than others.

If the storm hits North Carolina as expected, Henson said Greater Williamsburg could receive between 5 and 15 inches of rain.

If the storm were to make a surprise turn north, the region could see 20 inches of rain or more. The storm’s eye would also be much closer to Williamsburg, meaning winds would be substantially stronger than if the storm tracks south.

“The higher end is getting toward all-time record territory,” Henson said. “The only mitigating factor right now is that it will probably come ashore in southern North Carolina. That’s still not a done deal.”

If Florence follows most of the models into North Carolina, Greater Williamsburg would still likely be hit with enough wind and rain to rival some of the worst storms in recent memory, such as Isabel in 2003.

Soil turned soggy after a rainy summer will greet Florence after it makes rainfall and exacerbate its effects.

“We had a very wet summer with rainfall in 2003, so the soils were very wet when Isabel hit,” Chambers said. “Although the wind was not that strong, the soil was so saturated that trees just tipped over.”

During Isabel, power was out for more than a week in many places across Hampton Roads as crews worked to remove downed trees and power lines. Florence could bring the same sort of destruction to Williamsburg, he said.

“There’s so much rain, there’s obviously going to be localized flooding,” Chambers said. “Having watched Hurricane Harvey down in Houston and seeing what that devastation was … I hope we don’t end up with something that traumatic.”

Harvey stalled over Houston and dumped around 5 feet of rain over a few days, causing catastrophic flooding. Likewise, Hurricane Sandy stalled off the New Jersey shore in 2012, causing more than $50 billion in damage.

“Keep in mind Sandy was a Category 3, and by the time it got to shore it was marginally even a hurricane,” Henson said. As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, Florence was a Category 4 hurricane.

Henson warns that Florence will likely slow down after making landfall, dropping huge amounts of rain across the Southeast.

The only thing stopping Florence from turning north is a high-pressure system over New England, Henson and Chambers said.

“It seems the weather prognosticators are saying that ridge is sufficiently strong enough that it’s not going to happen, but they always talk about that little wobble that happens right at the end before it hits land,” Chamber said. “It’s always a fear that something like that could happen.”

If that happens, however unlikely, the storm could be a regional catastrophe.

“People are talking about historic proportions,” Chambers said.

Unexpected consequences

Even the best-case scenario isn’t appealing, the forecasters say.

If it stays south, Florence will continue to slog toward the Appalachian Mountains, pounding those areas of central and western Virginia and North Carolina with driving rain, Chambers said. Much of the areas inland are in the James River drainage basin and will eventually flow east.

“It’s going to be, I think, a massive flood pulse that may not arrive until days after the storm, but it’s going to be massive amount of water. It’s going to come our way,” Chambers said.

A storm surge could reach three feet above ground on the banks of the James River, according to the National Weather Service. If the surge has not moved back out to sea by the time water rolls in from the west, areas along the banks of the could see heavier-than-expected flooding.

Henson stressed that while the models may disagree on the storm’s path, he said it’s vital to understand the storm will be dangerous no matter when or where it lands.

“None of these [models] should be taken literally,” Henson said. “It just shows you the kinds of bizarre behavior the models are picking up on. They’re simply struggling to deal with the unusualness of the [storm].”

Residents still have more than 24 hours to brace themselves for whatever the storm may bring.

Chambers said that time should not be wasted.

“Be aware and be careful and heed what everyone is saying about getting prepared,” Chamber said.

11 p.m. update

Hurricane Florence remains a Category 4 storm, with 140-mph winds extending 60 miles from its center. Florence is about 670 east-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina, and is moving west-northwest at 17 mph, but the storm is expected to slow down significantly Thursday into Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

8 p.m. update

The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch for the lower Chesapeake Bay as Hurricane Florence churns closer to the coast.

The watch extends from the North Carolina-Virgnia border to Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore and south from the New Point Comfort Lighthouse at the entrance of Mobjack Bay to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. A watch means that tropical storm-force winds are expected in the area within the next 48 hours.

The watch area includes Poquoson in the Greater Williamsburg area, as well Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

Hurricane Florence remains a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 140 mph. At 8 p.m. the storm was located about 750 miles east-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina, and was moving west-northwest at 17 mph.

A hurricane warning is in effect from the South Santee River in South Carolina to Duck, North Carolina, while the area between Duck and the North Carolina-Virginia border is under a hurricane watch.

A hurricane warning usually is issued about 36 hours before the first tropical storm-force winds are expected to appear.

Florence is expected to strengthen throughout the night and into Wednesday, the hurricane center said. While it is expected to lose some power on Thursday, it should still be an extremely dangerous major storm when it makes landfall along the North Carolina coast.

The hurricane center said Florence could dump as much as as 35 inches of rain on some areas of the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states over the weekend and into next week, depending on the storm’s ultimate track.

Hampton Roads should expect 4 to 12 inches of rain and be prepared for possible life-threatening flash flooding, especially because Florence is expected to stall once the storm comes ashore, according to the National Weather Service office in Wakefield.

The storm also will produce significant swells off Hampton Roads, as well as life-threatening surf and rip currents, the weather service said.

President Donald Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for Virginia in advance of Hurricane Florence, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday.

The declaration will mobilize federal emergency response assets to preposition resources for hurricane response in Virginia and will allow Virginia to seek federal reimbursement for the significant cost of responding to and recovering from impacts caused by Hurricane Florence.

Trump approved similar declarations for North and South Carolina.

“We requested this federal declaration to bring additional federal resources for response and recovery efforts across the Commonwealth,” Northam said. “This declaration will also help ensure we’re better able to respond to the effects of the storm. I appreciate the willingness of our federal partners to join in our coordinated emergency response efforts.”

Federal emergency declarations supplement state and local or Indian tribal government efforts in providing emergency services, such as the protection of lives, property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

Forecasts and data suggest that Hurricane Florence could have devastating impacts across Virginia, including storm surges, inland flooding, downed trees and loss of power, according to the governor’s office.

On Saturday, Northam declared a state of emergency for Virginia, and on Monday he requested federal assistance and ordered mandatory evacuations of residents living in Zone A, Virginia’s low-lying coastal areas in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. The governor has urged all Virginians to begin making storm preparations immediately.

“This is a serious storm,” Northam said, describing Zone A as the “most flood-prone area of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.”

“I’m giving this announcement to give residents, families, schools and businesses time to prepare,” Northam said, urging Zone A residents to go to “higher ground and inland.”

Virginians should check their zone at knowyourzoneva.org, and can call 2-1-1 for information on their zone or local shelters.

VA250, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation to Host Nation’s First Planning Event for America’s 250th

WILLIAMSBURG — The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host the nation’s first event to launch multistate planning efforts for commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 this weekend.Taking place on Colonial Williamsburg’s campus March 10-12, “...

WILLIAMSBURG — The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host the nation’s first event to launch multistate planning efforts for commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 this weekend.

Taking place on Colonial Williamsburg’s campus March 10-12, “A Common Cause to All” will bring together nearly 300 representatives from 34 states and 50 Virginia localities to exchange ideas and begin collaborating on 250th anniversary events across the country, including opportunities for teachers and students, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announced.

“The VA250 Commission is honored to convene this esteemed group of historians and 250th planners from across the nation as we come together in collaboration and with a spirit of optimism, looking toward 2026 and beyond,” said Virginia Del. Terry L. Austin, chair of the VA250 Commission. “Standing with other states, we will affirm our commitment to a national commemoration that is multi-faceted, invites participation, and celebrates the American story, much of which began here in Virginia.”

The timing of the meeting coincides with the 250th anniversary of the intercolonial committees of correspondence, drafted in Williamsburg at the Raleigh Tavern by Virginians — including Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry — that became a vital network of communication among the colonies critical to the revolutionary movement.

“It seems appropriate that the first national event marking the 250th anniversary of our founding will take place in Williamsburg, given the role the city and Virginia played in creating a intercolonial movement in 1773,” said Carly Fiorina, board chair of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “We are honored to convene hundreds of state representatives to initiate discussions of events planned for communities around the country. As importantly, we will weave these events into a national conversation about our country’s founding and the significance of that moment, today, for the nation and the world.”

Key speakers will include Bill Whitaker, an award-winning correspondent for CBS 60 Minutes; Fiorina; Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, and Pulitzer-prize winning author and historian Stacy Schiff.

To commemorate the creation of the committees of correspondence, a “resolution of mutual support, collaboration and partnership” will be affirmed on the steps of the reconstructed Raleigh Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday. The public commemoration, which will feature a Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums procession and an appearance by Thomas Jefferson, is open to the public.

See a complete list of event speakers and the agenda for the full weekend in the official program.

Williamsburg Tourism Council Prepares for Spring 2022 and Beyond

WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Tourism Council is prepared to welcome spring and summer tourists to the area as the warmer 2022 seasons approach.The most recent tourism council meeting was held on March 15 at ...

WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Tourism Council is prepared to welcome spring and summer tourists to the area as the warmer 2022 seasons approach.

The most recent tourism council meeting was held on March 15 at The Maine of Williamsburg. The pristine local venue is set to host around 70 weddings this year and this includes hosting international visitors from London, Denmark, and Singapore.

On the agenda for the meeting was the Treasurer’s Report which included the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Audit report.

There was also an Executive Director and CEO Report that featured a presentation on travel research, Fall/Winter Ad effectiveness, and additional information on marketing and public relations programs.

According to the presentation, the top origin markets for overnight visitors are:

Visit Williamsburg is the major marketing organization that helps promote Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Virginia. The organization is led by its Executive Director and CEO Victoria Cimino.

Cimino highlighted some of the efforts that the organization has made to help promote tourism in the area for 2022.

For example, Visit Williamsburg has partnered with two publications:

Additionally, the marketing organization continues one of its goals to work with social media influencers. Recently, Visit Williamsburg has started to work with TikTok content creators and influencers to help share information about locations around the Historic Triangle.

The presentation also highlighted the fact that one of the ad campaigns entitled “Life. At Your Pace.” has won Visit Williamsburg the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) 2021 Silver Adrian Award. This is an industry award that recognizes excellence in hospitality advertising, digital marketing, and public relations.

The council lastly reviewed its research objectives in a presentation by SMARInsights President David Seiferth.

A total of 2005 surveys were completed and data was collected from Baltimore, Charlotte, Charlottesville, Greenville NC, Harrisonburg, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Roanoke, Salisbury, DC, Cleveland, Columbus, and Boston.

Some of the research was related to tracking COVID-19’s impact on consumer perception and travel behaviors.

The research showed that in Late July/early August 2020, 56 percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement, “The thought of traveling scares me right now.” However, in late Jan. 2022, only 29 percent of those surveyed still agree with that statement.

Despite the Omicron variant, the percentage of consumers ready to plan leisure travel has grown since September/October. Of those surveyed, 72 percent said they are ready to plan leisure travel.

The council expects to see an increase in both hotel and flight bookings among those exposed to digital advertising.

Spring break arrives with the month of April, and it’s looking like the area is well-positioned for the increase in tourism.

For more information, please visit the website for the Williamsburg Tourism Council.

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