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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 Burlington, NC

Home Care Burlington, 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.

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

 In-Home Care Burlington, 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

“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!”

Just M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Sue C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mary Witherspoon is amazing! She has cared for both my parents and is a part of the family now. Highly recommend Always Best Care.”

Cathy D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Laraine T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I like working at ABC because I get a chance to help other.”

Ginne R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Amiya
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TESTIMONIALS

“Everyone is nice and friendly when you have an issue they are quick to respond”

Pamela P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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..”

Ffbjj B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Nichole S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jacob N.
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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

“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

“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

“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.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Burlington, 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 Burlington, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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.

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 Burlington, 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. 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 Burlington, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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.

Home Care Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington, NC

Latest News in Burlington, NC

Burlington Dentist will buy back your Halloween candy

BURLINGTON, N.C. — How much candy is too much? After a few days of munching on the Trick or Treat candy, you may want to get it out of the house. A Burlington Dental practice is buying back the sugary sweets."We buy the candy back from the children. We give them $2 a pound up to five pounds per child," said Dorothy Corbett of Crisp & Associates Pediatri...

BURLINGTON, N.C. — How much candy is too much? After a few days of munching on the Trick or Treat candy, you may want to get it out of the house. A Burlington Dental practice is buying back the sugary sweets.

"We buy the candy back from the children. We give them $2 a pound up to five pounds per child," said Dorothy Corbett of Crisp & Associates Pediatric Dentistry.

Crisp and Associates in Burlington will buy back your unwanted and unwrapped Halloween candy on Monday, November 4, and Tuesday, November 5, from 4 pm to 6 pm at 3154 S. Church Street in Burlington.

" It serves two purposes. The first one is obviously to keep our kids healthy, you know, obviously thinking about their teeth, but also healthy diets, and they can get some cash for it. The second is for our troops. The candy is going to the troops overseas. It really allows us to support our troops and, you know, just let them know that we're thinking about them," said Dr. Jennifer Crisp of Crisp & Associates Pediatric Dentistry.

My question was, is it hard for kids to give up Halloween candy for cash?

"They are willing to give out the candy for the money and then the mom's taking them to the Target, the Walmart and they're getting to buy something that they really want to buy. So they're really excited about, uh, getting up that candy," said Corbett.

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Related Articles

Board of Elections doesn’t know who’s behind signs for Burlington bonds

[Editor’s Note: North Carolina General Statutes 163-278.6(84): A referendum committee is two or more individuals or entities, or two or more business entities, which has the primary purpose of supporting or opposing the passage of any referendum on the ballot. [North Carolina’s Campaign Finance Laws regulate contributions received by referendum committees and expenditures made by referendum committees, but there are apparently two groups, that are advocating for one or both Burlington bond referend...

[Editor’s Note: North Carolina General Statutes 163-278.6(84): A referendum committee is two or more individuals or entities, or two or more business entities, which has the primary purpose of supporting or opposing the passage of any referendum on the ballot.

[North Carolina’s Campaign Finance Laws regulate contributions received by referendum committees and expenditures made by referendum committees, but there are apparently two groups, that are advocating for one or both Burlington bond referendum questions on the Nov. 5 ballot, but without divulging organizers, contributions, or expenditures.]

Over the past several weeks, many area roads have turned into a kaleidoscope of political ads, as the various candidates in next month’s election have struggled to get their names out to the community’s voters.

But one set of placards has stood out from the rest of this visual explosion since, somewhat unusually, it doesn’t promote anyone who’s running for office this year.

These green and blue yard signs, which encourage residents to “Vote Yes” on “GO Burlington,” may seem a little cryptic to voters who haven’t kept up with the goings on in Burlington’s municipal government. Nor, in all likelihood, is their confusion cleared up by the tag line that “Quality of Life Matters!” which appears below the main text of the ad.

But to those in-the-know, these signs will readily reveal themselves as a promotion for a bond referendum in Burlington that aspires to raise $47 million for three recreation-related ventures.

One of two sets of general obligation bonds on Burlington’s ballot – the other being a street repair package for $21.5 million – these bonds have been enthusiastically pushed by the city’s elected leaders. Yet, under state law, city resources and staff cannot be used to sell the bonds to Burlington’s voters. As a result of this prohibition, the city’s own bond-related outreach has been ostensibly limited to the dissemination of factual information about the two bond packages to the local electorate.

In addition to the blue and green “GO Burlington” placards, another set of pro-bond yard signs has begun to pop up this week, urging residents to “Vote Yes! for Bonds” in order to “Make Burlington Better.”

Suffice it to say, the city’s administrators have been quick to absolve themselves of any connection to either of these clearly-promotional yard signs.

“It is not the city,” Burlington’s city manager Craig Honeycutt assured The Alamance News on Tuesday. “There’s some people out there who made up these signs on their own.”

Honeycutt was studiously silent on the identities of the “people” behind these campaigns. Equally mum were Burlington’s mayor Jim Butler, mayor pro tem Harold Owen, and city councilman Ronnie Wall – although all three admitted that “someone” had planted the signs in their yards.

As it turns out, the guiding force behind the blue and green yard signs is someone who’s not altogether unfamiliar to city officials.

The Alamance News has learned that the signs are actually the brainchild of Lisa Wolff, the retired assistant director of Burlington’s recreation and parks department, who now works for the BerryDunn consulting firm.

Wolff told newspaper that she took it upon herself to make up the placards precisely because state law prohibits the city from launching its own promotional campaign for the bonds.

“My heart’s in parks and recreation,” she explained in a phone conversation on Wednesday. “I felt the need to get the word out about the bonds. So, I designed them myself and had them printed.”

Wolff noted that a total of 300 yard signs have been printed so far at a cost of roughly $2,000 – which she said has been covered by other referendum supporters in the community.

Wolff added that she has no idea who’s behind the second set of pro-referendum signs, which have proliferated rather quickly since they began to make their appearance earlier this week.

Wolff went on to underscore the need for the three projects that would be funded if the recreation bonds get a greenlight from the city’s voters. These projects include a proposed expansion of Burlington’s Paramount Theater, a new structure to house the Maynard Aquatic Center, and a $30 million “sportsplex” in the western part of the city, which Wolff says would be a godsend to parents who now have to shuttle their children across town for sporting events.

Should voters approve either of the two proposed bond packages, the city’s taxpayers will inevitably bear some additional costs to pay off the debt on these bonds. According to the actual text of the ballot questions, the debt on $47 million in recreation-related bonds would have a tax liability of $34 a year for every $100,000 property while the liability on $21.5 million for street repairs and improvements would come to $23 a year.

It may seem a bit pat to say that the retired city staff member has been a “lone Wolff” in her campaign on behalf of the recreation bonds. Yet, Wolff is emphatic that her efforts have been unconnected with any formal campaign committee – the likes of which have been involved in previous bond referendums in Alamance County.

Under state law, a committee which forms to support a particular referendum is subject to the same financial disclosure requirements as a political candidate. Among other things, such a committee must file documents within 10 days of its organization. It must submit periodic reports to either the state or local elections office detailing its expenditures as well as the contributions it takes in.

State law imposes a less stringent set of requirements on an unaligned individual who makes expenditures on behalf of candidate or referendum. Under the relevant statute, such individuals aren’t required to file any financial documentation as long as they spend no more than $100. If their expenditures exceed $100, they must file a report within 30 days of crossing that threshold or at least 10 days before the election.

Wolff, for her part, insists that none of these requirements apply to her efforts on behalf of Burlington’s bond referendum. She stressed that her expenditures on the yard signs have been negligible, while the cost to have them printed was borne entirely by donors who made payments directly to the printing company.

“I was not required to do the reports,” she said. “This was strictly done through a grassroots effort, and there weren’t any expenditures from me.”

Wolff added that she has received the assurance of the city’s bond attorney that there’s no need for her to file any paperwork for her pro-referendum yard signs. Nor has the local election office received any documentation from a pro-referendum campaign, according to Dawn Hurdle, the county’s election director.

There is apparently no problem, however, with the absence of a “disclosure legend” – the brief “paid for” clause which graces campaign billboards and mailers – from any of the various pro-referendum yard signs in Burlington.

According to the N.C. Board of Elections, these formulaic disclaimers aren’t required on yard signs, posters, or magnetic signs as long as their surface area doesn’t exceed 50 square feet.

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