It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Robert M. Bashford 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 Madison, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“From the first phone call ABC has been responsive, informative and caring. Kathleen was so”
“I couldn't be happier with the help of Stephen Carlson. He helped move my mom”
“We had the pleasure of being introduced to Stephen Carlson from a referring social worker”
“I hired these folks on a recommendation from the assisted living facility where my Mom”
“Stephen Carlson with Always Best Care was a tremendous help to my sister and I”
“"Always Best Care" Senior Services in Greensboro, NC helped our family find the perfect fit”
“Wonderful to work for. They care about their employees and go above and beyond to”
“1. My time at ABC has been fantastic! The team is amazing and works hard”
“I love working for Always Best Care! They're understanding, have a wonderful team in the”
“I love working for ABC ! This is one place I would recommend bringing your”
“Always informative about the clients and the staff is excellent”
“I’ve been working for always Best Care for almost two years . The staff are”
“Best”
“I have been with Always best care for j a while now and they”
“Employment with always best has been great . The company name speaks for the care”
“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful”
“I’ve bn with this company for abt 2 yrs and I love it. They match”
“Love working for ABC. They are very flexible with your schedule! All the staff are”
“ABC is the best company to hire to take care of your loved ones! They”
“My name is Arionan Frinks and I love working at always best care and meeting”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen Carlson in assisting me with getting”
“Steven was really great. His knowledge of the various senior living centers made our”
“Stephen took so much time with us family members. He helped us immeasurably. He added”
“Stephen was a huge help with the details of the process as well giving great”
“From: Tom and Laura McAdams Steven Charelston was such a big help to my husband, myself”
“From the first phone call ABC has been responsive, informative and caring. Kathleen was so patient and understanding when answering my family’s questions and concerns about dad’s dementia. I appreciated her honest information delivered with compassion and respect. Leslie has been so supportive through the entire process. Don’t hesitate to call for help with your loved one”
“I couldn't be happier with the help of Stephen Carlson. He helped move my mom from a really bad situation to a really great one. Our first phone conversation he said "you are going to have to trust me." And I'm so glad I did. He told me that the place he thought best for my mom was maybe might not the most convenient but he knew how caring and loving the environment would be. I'd much rather be inconvenienced than have my mom treated poorly. So I trusted him and we are forever grateful! He gave me the 1st hand information on much closer places and still thought this farther away place would be the best scenario. He reassured me that no matter where we did move her to, we could always update him on how things were going. And he takes that information into consideration for all his clients and that's how he knows the scoop! I believe the families he works with trust him because he is honest and open. People report back to him the necessary details so he knows where and where not to suggest to his clients. My mom was in a facility we were really unhappy with. After going to the hospital and speaking with a social worker, she suggested I speak with Stephen and assured me he would help us find a better situation. My mom has Alzheimer's so she can not advocate for herself. Aside from having family to help her navigate this, we really needed someone who knew where we could trust her being taken care of properly. I feel like he made this transition from awful to wonderful so easy and removed the stress from our lives in a pretty stressful time. He was so fast and accommodating. I will absolutely pass his name on to any and everyone in the future. He continues to check in with me and my mom and I couldn't love him more. Thank you Stephen! Thank you Always Best Care Senior Services for doing what you do!”
“We had the pleasure of being introduced to Stephen Carlson from a referring social worker and from the moment we spoke we knew we were in excellent hands. Stephen is diligent, communicative, efficient, compassionate, and a true professional. He went above and beyond investigating our needs for our elderly relative and stayed in contact over the Christmas period to ensure we were happy. I would highly recommend Stephen and his team; Always Best Care is a rare godsend in times of need and uncertainty when it comes to placement for your elderly loved one. Thank you Stephen for everything. We truly appreciate you!”
“I hired these folks on a recommendation from the assisted living facility where my Mom lives, to facilitate Mom’s attendance at our family Christmas party on Christmas Day. The contracting was seamless and the aide who signed up, Serenity, was great. She was on-time, brought all the paraphernalia we requested for Mom’s safety and comfort, made the 80 mile round trip without a hitch, and provided Mom with nearly invisible, but reassuring care at our party. Thank you to all!”
“Stephen Carlson with Always Best Care was a tremendous help to my sister and I when seeking out assisted living communities for our Mother. Stephen helped ease our anxieties by setting up tours for us, answering the many questions that we had, and guiding us through the process. I give Stephen the highest recommendation if you are considering qualify senior living facilities for your loved one!”
“"Always Best Care" Senior Services in Greensboro, NC helped our family find the perfect fit placement for our mother in an assisted living facility. Stephen Carlson, Director of Community Relations, was very instrumental in providing us with 5 Star, phenomenal, personal attention to what we were wanting and expecting in her care. When our mother fell and could no longer walk, we had to make quick decisions in the hospital and had no clue or guidance as to how we were going to navigate this new journey. When she was moved to a rehab facility, that is where we were introduced to Stephen Carlson. He was our saving grace as he rescued us from all uncertainty we were facing. As he himself in his own family faced these same circunstances, he had tremendous empathy and knowledge, along with compassion, to help us get through this transition. He was so easy to talk to, and listens to all questions and goes far and beyond to seek out the answers. Stephen is a sweet soul who really cares and what is amazing is he always answers your phone call promptly and if you need a shoulder to cry on, he is there. May God bless Stephen Carlson back for the blessings he blessed us with. He was truly a gift to us! Thank you! He still continues to be if we need help.”
“Wonderful to work for. They care about their employees and go above and beyond to take care of their employees and clients”
“1. My time at ABC has been fantastic! The team is amazing and works hard to find great caregivers for seniors who need help. If you want a good job or a place for a senior family member, ABC is the best choice.”
“I love working for Always Best Care! They're understanding, have a wonderful team in the office that helps make our jobs easier as caregivers! Easy to talk to and communicate which makes the days so much easier! Flexibility and communication is key! Amazing Clients, Amazing Staff, Amazing caregivers!! Yeah, pretty amazing!! ????”
“I love working for ABC ! This is one place I would recommend bringing your family too , they have great service for everyone.”
“Always informative about the clients and the staff is excellent”
“I’ve been working for always Best Care for almost two years . The staff are all amazing and if you have any questions or concerns they go the extra mile to help out. I love that they are all about their employees and clients .”
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“I have been with Always best care for j a while now and they do everything to find you a shift and work with you and your schedule.Everyone is so friendly and helpful in the main business office.”
“Employment with always best has been great . The company name speaks for the care that’s being done.”
“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful for my position. The staff are acceptable, the clients are lovely, and the environments are professional. I highly recommend PCAs and CNAs to apply.”
“I’ve bn with this company for abt 2 yrs and I love it. They match you with a client that you fit both there needs and you're needs . They work around your schedule and understand needs of both clients and workers . Best place to work at”
“Love working for ABC. They are very flexible with your schedule! All the staff are friendly and very helpful! Best place to hire to take care of your loved one!”
“ABC is the best company to hire to take care of your loved ones! They have many years of experience and are excellent people! I love working for them!”
“My name is Arionan Frinks and I love working at always best care and meeting new clients and families that have hard time being there for there family member 24/7”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen Carlson in assisting me with getting residents placement. Stephen is beyond helpful and as a social worker in skilled nursing it can be difficult to get residents placed who have complex needs or behavior concerns. Working with Stephen has been a tremendous help to not only myself but the families I work with as well. Special thanks to him for going above and beyond for patients and their families! He is truly appreciated!”
“Steven was really great. His knowledge of the various senior living centers made our decisions easier and the process smoother. Highly recommend Steven”
“Stephen took so much time with us family members. He helped us immeasurably. He added his knowledge insights and even threw in some humor. He made this process so much quicker and easier.”
“Stephen was a huge help with the details of the process as well giving great ideas of questions to ask”
“From: Tom and Laura McAdams Steven Charelston was such a big help to my husband, myself and our family. Without him I don’t know where my husband with dementia would be right now. He found us long term care at Greenhaven. He helped explain so many things to me and the family about how the care works and how Medicade works. From the start Steven made us all feel like family and friends thanks for everything you are a special person. We thank you so much for everything.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting James Madison Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local L'Etoile Restaurant or visit Harold C. Bradley 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.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Madison, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Madison, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Madison, 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.
MARS HILL - The U.S. Forest Service announced it has reopened a number of picnic and recreation areas ahead of the summer season.In February, following its extensive work following the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, the U.S. Forest Service announced all trails are open in Madison County and Haywood County in the...
MARS HILL - The U.S. Forest Service announced it has reopened a number of picnic and recreation areas ahead of the summer season.
In February, following its extensive work following the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene, the U.S. Forest Service announced all trails are open in Madison County and Haywood County in the Appalachian Ranger District.
The Appalachian Ranger District comprises Buncombe, Yancey, Mitchell and Avery counties, in addition to Madison County.
A recent release from the Forest Service announced the reopening of a number of trails and recreation sites.
According to the release, the Appalachian Ranger District team has surveyed and cleared nearly 240 miles of roads across the district to date, accounting for nearly 76% of the district’s roads and providing improved access to first responders and local residents. This includes more than 114 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
While the majority of the trails on the Appalachian Ranger District have reopened, several popular areas, such as Shope Creek, Big Ivy and portions of South Toe, remain closed due to ongoing public safety hazards.
"Violating Helene-related closure orders on the Pisgah National Forest can divert valuable time and resources from recovery efforts," the U.S. Forest Service said in the release.
Jennifer Barnhart serves as district ranger in the U.S. Forest Service's Appalachian Ranger District.
Barnhart appeared before the Madison County Board of Commissioners in its most recent meeting to offer updates on the Forest Service's Helene cleanup and rebuild.
According to Barnhart, the Murray Branch Picnic area in Hot Springs saw significant sand and debris and required a lot of cleanup.
But Barnhart said volunteers from throughout the country, including volunteers with the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan, rolled their sleeves up and helped the Forest Service get to work.
"I saw lots of people picnicking and fishing since we opened it," Barnhart said of Murray Branch.
As for the Stackhouse Boat Launch, Barnhart said the Forest Service targeted at the start of the year a March reopening, knowing March would be a key month for local outfitters along the French Broad River.
Barnhart noted the economic impact of the reopenings, particularly the Stackhouse Boat Launch, would have on the county as a whole.
According to Barnhart, the Forest Service has identified a number of key points of emphasis in the Helene recovery, including:
The U.S. Forest Service also received funding for the American Relief Act to perform its Helene recovery work on the Pisgah National Forest.
Johnny Casey is the Madison County communities reporter for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel. He can be reached at 828-210-6074 or [email protected].
MARSHALL - Madison County Board of Health members said they feel blindsided by the county commissioners' proposed takeover of the health board, which has been in place for more than 50 years.Dr. Bob Adams, a retired longtime dentist and Madison County Board of Health chair, said he was "mystified" by the board of commissioners' pro...
MARSHALL - Madison County Board of Health members said they feel blindsided by the county commissioners' proposed takeover of the health board, which has been in place for more than 50 years.
Dr. Bob Adams, a retired longtime dentist and Madison County Board of Health chair, said he was "mystified" by the board of commissioners' proposed takeover. The idea was introduced in the commissioners' May 13 meeting in which the board voted to approve a motion to explore the potential takeover.
The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing in its July meeting and potentially vote on whether to approve the takeover.
According to Adams, the health board met May 22 for its biquarterly meeting, but left with many questions unanswered about what spurred the commissioners' proposal.
"Yes, the board had a lot of questions, and really, we're still mystified," Adams said, adding that the proposal was supposed to have been added as an agenda item on a meeting before the May 13 meeting, but a staff member got sick and the agenda item was postponed.
Adams said before the May 13 meeting, the health board "had no clue at all" about the proposed takeover.
Adams moved to Marshall and began working as a dentist in Madison County in 1975.
He practiced dentistry for 37 years at his Marshall office. He has served on Madison County boards of health since at least 1980.
In Adams' view, the current Board of Health is thriving, citing the state's most recent re-accreditation process, which takes place every four years, in which the Madison County Health Department received an honors ranking.
"I can't think of a better yardstick to say how good our Health Department is performing than that," Adams said.
"In the 40-plus years I've been sitting on these boards, I haven't seen that ever. If the Health Department is doing this well, why change that, the method of governance? Why mess with that?"
Adams said Hensley said the commissioners felt assuming control of the Board of Health would allow the commissioners more direct input into the workings of the Health Department.
But Adams said that was a misconception.
"All of the functions that are performed by the Health Department are already kind of proscribed by state statutes," Adams said. "Really, they're not going to have any more hands-on."
The idea to explore the potential of assuming control of the health board was introduced in the May 13 Board of Commissioners meeting.
According to county attorney Donny Laws, North Carolina General Statute 153A-77 allows county commission boards to gain control over boards, agencies and commissions, such as a county Board of Health.
The statute reads, "the board of county commissioners may assume direct control of any activities theretofore conducted by or through any commission, board or agency by the adoption of a resolution assuming and conferring upon the board of county commissioners all powers, responsibilities and duties of any such commission, board or agency."
The statute also mandates an advisory board be instated alongside the Board of Commissioners should the Board of Commissioners vote to assume control of the Board of Health.
Laws and some of the commissioners mentioned the possibility of the current health board members staying on to serve on the advisory board.
But Adams said the current board is "so disappointed" that he wonders whether any of them would agree.
"The whole staff is kind of jittery now," Adams said of the Health Department.
"As far as the current health board members being a support and an advocacy board, that's the board's biggest impact. That trickles down to the whole morale and mood of the Health Department staff."
If the commissioners were to assume control of the Board of Health, the Board of Health business would be discussed in the Board of Commissioners public meetings, typically held on the second Tuesday of the month.
Adams said he wondered whether an increased workload with the proposed health board takeover would further strain a commissioner board already dealing with a Tropical Storm Helene rebuild.
"I just can't imagine why they would want to do that," Adams said. "I can't imagine that they're going to be able to spend the time that the current Board of Health spends — two to three hours every other month — getting presentations from the staff and talking about the functions and operations of the Health Department."
The Madison County Board of Health is comprised of 11 members, including various health care professionals, including a physician, a dentist, registered nurses, a veterinarian and a pharmacist, as well as Madison County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Jeremy Hensley.
Chair Matt Wechtel also previously served on the Board of Health.
As it exists now, Madison County Board of Health members are state personnel employees, as are the Department of Social Services employees, and a number of Madison County Sheriff's Office employees.
Madison County's current health director is Tammy Cody.
In the May 13 meeting, Hensley wondered whether, under the current format, if the county would be held liable if a suit was brought against the Board of Health.
Also in the May 13 meeting, Hensley said one of his main concerns was liability.
"As a citizen, if I had trouble with the department, I would want to call an elected official instead of a board member that's not elected," Hensley said. "We get those phone calls anyway. But we're just passing the buck.
"As a commissioner board, I think we need to have the legal liability to what affects our county."
The News-Record spoke with Hensley and Wechtel about what may have contributed to the proposal.
According to Wechtel, there was not a specific incident that brought this on, nor was there a suit that had been brought against the county.
"Most people naturally assume that the Commissioners are responsible for the activities at the Health Department, so for me, it's about aligning things up to what public perception already is," Wechtel said in an email.
Wechtel said he wished to make clear that the proposed takeover was not aimed to push Cody out as county health director.
"I want to be clear that this is not a move to force anyone out, especially Tammy," the Madison County Board of Commissioners chair said in the email.
Like Adams, the county health director said she was blindsided by the commissioners' proposed takeover.
“All of our operations at the Health Department are running well,” said Cody. “We have no financial concerns and continue to pass all of our audits. None of our programs have corrective action plans. I am truly blessed to work with a dedicated board and staff who love our communities and want the best for all of our residents.”
Hensley said, prior to the May 13 meeting, he had done a lot of research on the proposed takeover and the issue of liability was referenced throughout his research.
"During my research it seemed that no matter what website I was on the word legal kept popping up. Wording like 'legal responsibility,' 'legal duties,' 'legal obligations' and so forth," Hensley said in an email to The News-Record.
"So, me not being a lawyer, I wanted to make sure with Donny that all the legal liability was going to be lifted off the current health board and placed on the commissioners."
Hensley reiterated his stance that the proposed takeover would provide some accountability for Madison County residents by holding the county's elected officials liable.
"Personally, I do not want an individual that is volunteering their time with no pay and not elected to be able to be sued personally or also to be making legal decisions that affects the citizens of this county," Hensley said.
"I think that the legal liability should fall on the elected official whether it be a lawsuit or just a legal decision that needs to be made."
Johnny Casey is the Madison County communities reporter for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel. He can be reached at 828-210-6074 or [email protected].
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