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 Oak Island Pier 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 Oak Island, 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.
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“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
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“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“This virtual dementia training offers an immersive experience that helps us participants understand the daily challenges faced by those with dementia. It builds empathy, enhances caregiving skills, and provides practical insights into supporting individuals with dementia.”
“The team members are good about keeping in contact with you. The caregiver has been on time and has gotten along well with my mother.”
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“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
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“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
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“It was a great experience it really opens your eyes to get a better understanding on what dementia patients go through.”
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 Middleton 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 Island Way or visit Battery Madison, 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 Oak Island, 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 Oak Island, 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 Oak Island, 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.
SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WECT) - Phillip Bowen was born and raised in Oak Island, and the events of last Saturday were the last thing he ever expected to hit the seaside community.That night, Bowen stopped in at the bar to have a little fun.“I turned back around and heard a ‘pop pop.’ Naturally, I turned around and looked above the boat to observe the fireworks that [I expected] would go off after the initial pop. And instead I heard another pop and a white light come out just above the transom of the boat.”...
SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WECT) - Phillip Bowen was born and raised in Oak Island, and the events of last Saturday were the last thing he ever expected to hit the seaside community.
That night, Bowen stopped in at the bar to have a little fun.
“I turned back around and heard a ‘pop pop.’ Naturally, I turned around and looked above the boat to observe the fireworks that [I expected] would go off after the initial pop. And instead I heard another pop and a white light come out just above the transom of the boat.”
Bowen says he saw the suspected shooter, Nigel Edge, on his boat.
Not long after, the sound of music and chatter in the crowd was replaced by screams and gunfire.
“By the grace of God, I wasn’t hit because he didn’t aim at me because anything he aimed at, he hit.”
At this point, Bowen had one thing on his mind: get out.
“The only thing that was going through my head was self-preservation,”
In the aftermath of the attack, once Edge was in custody, a new realization plagued Bowen.
“When I heard his name and discovered that, and then it hit me I had met the gentleman six years ago,” said Bowen, “Just before he had been diagnosed with basically schizophrenia.”
Bowen says he spoke with Edge before, noticing the scars that marked him during his history of serving the country.
“You take somebody that’s served our country, trained to be a sniper, where you must kill without remorse and without emotion to be dead calm,” said Bowen. “And he exhibited those exact qualities.”
Bowen says he and Edge had talked. Edge spoke about his service and his struggles. Bowen says he left the conversation feeling frustrated that the Marine veteran wasn’t getting the help he needed.
“I just wanted to listen to him and thank him for his service and not have pity on him for the way he was, but just show him respect and show him love,” said Bowen. “And it’s obvious he didn’t get enough of that. I feel sorry for everybody involved because they’re all victims.”
Bowen feels lucky to be alive, but now he’s only left to think about the lives changed forever and what could have been.
“Our system failed him, and it failed the victims,” said Bowen. “The beauty is the future carries on, and we can change that, and we can do much better, and I pray we do.”
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Though Hurricane Erin is not expected to reach landfall, the downgraded storm will bring dangerous marine conditions up the East Coast this week. It will include rising swells, strong rip currents, above-average tides, and storm surges. As such area beaches in the tri-county region continue to issue no-swim advisories.READ MORE: Hurricane Erin: Strong surf, rip currents expected along East Coast this weekCarolina Beach Ocean Rescue alerted the public to stay out of the water from Tuesd...
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Though Hurricane Erin is not expected to reach landfall, the downgraded storm will bring dangerous marine conditions up the East Coast this week. It will include rising swells, strong rip currents, above-average tides, and storm surges. As such area beaches in the tri-county region continue to issue no-swim advisories.
READ MORE: Hurricane Erin: Strong surf, rip currents expected along East Coast this week
Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue alerted the public to stay out of the water from Tuesday, Aug. 19 until Saturday, Aug. 23.
“Hurricanes off the coast still pose a threat and can create dangerous swimming conditions,” according to the ocean rescue.
This came on the heels of another New Hanover County beach town, Wrightsville, issuing a no-swim advisory in effect Tuesday, Aug. 19 through Friday, Aug. 22. The advisory was put forth after more than 50 rescues were executed Monday.
Advisories also went into effect in Brunswick County beach towns, including Bald Head Island and Ocean Isle Beach.
“Officials are hopeful swimming can safely resume this weekend,” according to Town of Ocean Isle.
In nearby Oak Island, red flags are flying to advise against swimming — the same for the Town of Surf City in Pender County.
Hurricane Erin has fallen from a Cat 4 on Monday to a Cat 2 as of Tuesday, 2 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 105 miles per hour that can reach 230 miles from the center. Though she’s expected to gain strength and size in the upcoming 48 hours as the hurricane turns north.
The storm is moving north-northwest at 10 mph, with its center roughly 655 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The Outer Banks issued mandatory evacuations due to the potential of 20-foot waves and rising storm surge that could flood the barrier islands. The worst of the conditions along the Carolina coast are expected late Wednesday into Thursday.
Locally in the Cape Fear, waves could reach from 6 to 10 feet, with flooding also anticipated in low-lying areas and coastal towns particularly at high tide.
Governor Stein declared a state of emergency in North Carolina to help mobilize resources as needed. He will hold a press conference at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and encourages everyone located in coastal regions that could potentially be affected by the storm to make preparations.
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What makes a great beach town? First, there’s the beach itself: There must be wide, sandy shores with sparkling water and plenty of shells, of course. Every beach town needs a handful of mom-and-pop restaurants where you can order the catch of the day (fried and served in a plastic basket, ideally), a waterfront bar where you can watch the sun set, and a friendly ice cream shop. Also important: a few places for old-fashioned fun like a putt-putt course or a fishing pier. If you’re visiting, you’ll need a variety of accommod...
What makes a great beach town? First, there’s the beach itself: There must be wide, sandy shores with sparkling water and plenty of shells, of course. Every beach town needs a handful of mom-and-pop restaurants where you can order the catch of the day (fried and served in a plastic basket, ideally), a waterfront bar where you can watch the sun set, and a friendly ice cream shop. Also important: a few places for old-fashioned fun like a putt-putt course or a fishing pier. If you’re visiting, you’ll need a variety of accommodations, from amenity-rich resorts, to rental houses, to budget-friendly hotels.
There are lots of sweet little beach towns across the South that check all of those boxes, and many of them—understandably—are jam-packed with tourists during the spring and summer months. Which is why Sunset Beach, North Carolina’s southernmost barrier island, is such a gem. Unlike neighboring Myrtle Beach (about an hour away, just over the South Carolina line), with its bustling boardwalk, outlet mall, and dozens of attractions, Sunset Beach has a peaceful small-town feel and everything you need for a laid-back beach trip.
Bring your umbrella and chair and find your perfect spot on the sand. With no high-rise buildings along the beachfront, and a wide, flat expanse of shoreline, there is plenty of room to spread out. Sunset Beach is a hot spot for collecting shells and is known for having lots of sand dollars that wash up on the shore.
If you’re in need of a bathroom or something to eat, head to the Sunset Beach Pier. The 900-foot pier is a great place for strolling and fishing, it’s also a convenience store and restaurant, and even has a game room. Getting to the beach is easy; there are 35 public access points and three parking lots near the beach. One of the lots is free—a rare occurrence along the coast—but it fills up quickly. The beach is dog-friendly, but only during a certain window of the year. Animals are not permitted on the beach from the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day.
A trip to Sunset Island isn’t complete without a visit to picturesque Bird Island, which you can access from Sunset Beach or by boat. This protected, undeveloped preserve is known for its winged residents, which live in the island’s dunes, wetlands, and marshes. Between May and August, you may also see Loggerhead turtles or their eggs; the island is a popular nesting site for this endangered species.
Bird Island is also home to the Kindred Spirit mailbox. Tucked away at one end of the island, about a mile from the last access point at Sunset Beach, you’ll find an unusual sight: a mailbox and a bench. For decades, people have made pilgrimages to this isolated yet beautiful location to share their thoughts in a notebook left inside the mailbox. Local volunteers collect and replace the notebooks when they are filled up, then they send them to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Randall Library, which stores the books, preserving the stories within.
Serious golfers can take their pick from six beautiful and award-winning courses within Sunset Beach. The Sea Trail Golf Courses—named for their designers: Rees Jones, Willard Byrd, and Dan Maples—offer players three different layouts and degrees of difficulty. If putt putt is more your speed, head to Tropical Adventure Mini Golf in nearby Calabash.
This open-air market across from the Sunset Beach Pier is a one-stop shop for locally-made jewelry, art, and crafts, fresh produce and food, apparel, and more. Not only does it provide a place for area makers and farmers to sell their products, proceeds benefit local rescue organizations both “human, furry, and wild,” as One Love puts it. The market is open seasonally, so check the calendar for dates.
Seafood lovers will find lots to love in this town. Fibber McGees is a popular spot, not only for its ample outdoor seating, but for its Irish pub-meets-fish shack menu. For something a little more upscale, The Boat Landing Restaurant has views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a dinner menu that includes fresh-catch fish tacos, corn-dusted fried oysters, and shrimp po’boys.
For burgers, live music, and cold beer, head to Mavericks Pointe. Sarah’s Kitchen is a local favorite for breakfast, especially pancakes. The breezy covered patio is nice, too. MooTown is a cute ice cream shop serving 40 flavors of Blue Bell and Hershey’s, plus milkshakes and other frozen treats.
With its charming decks and porches, the two-story 14-room Sunset Inn is a dreamy place to stay. Breakfast is free here, and the beach is just a few short blocks away.
Sea Trail Golf Resort has one-to-four-bedroom villas available for rent on its property. Villas come with kitchens, access to two pools, and a screened-in porch or balcony with views of the golf courses. At Legends Golf Resort you can choose from two- or three-bedroom condos.
Sloane Realty Vacations offers house and condo rentals close to the beach. Some properties are pet-friendly, and others come with boat docks.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina officials are warning of coastal flooding as Hurricane Erin grew to a Category 5 storm Saturday with winds of 160 mph.Although the massive hurricane is likely to remain off the North Carolina coast, dangerous surf, strong currents, and ocean overwash are expected along the state’s beaches and islands.Hurricane Erin grew by 80 mph in just 24 hours from Friday into Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.Flooding is likely at the Outer Banks from Hurri...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina officials are warning of coastal flooding as Hurricane Erin grew to a Category 5 storm Saturday with winds of 160 mph.
Although the massive hurricane is likely to remain off the North Carolina coast, dangerous surf, strong currents, and ocean overwash are expected along the state’s beaches and islands.
Hurricane Erin grew by 80 mph in just 24 hours from Friday into Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Flooding is likely at the Outer Banks from Hurricane Erin, although dangerous winds from the storm are forecast to steer clear of the Tar Heel state.
The entire North Carolina coast is forecast to receive impacts from Hurricane Erin.
“The threat for coastal hazards continues to increase — coastal flooding and ocean overwash are likely for portions of N.C. Highway 12,” the National Weather Service in Morehead City said Saturday.
Meanwhile, coastal flooding from high surf is also likely in “areas with vulnerable or non-existent dune structure like those in Buxton and on the north end of Rodanthe,” the Dare County Sheriff’s Office said Saturday.
Waves up to 12 feet are forecast along the Outer Banks and N.C. 12 could be “impassible at times,” the weather service said.
The National Weather Service also said Hurricane Erin will likely impact all North Carolina beaches, including New Hanover and Pender counties.
Brunswick County islands such as Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach, have a forecast for breaking waves up to 10 feet on Wednesday.
Flooding and overwash are possible as early as Tuesday but will peak on Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service said.
“For those in areas that routinely see ocean overwash due to no dune between them and the ocean, be ready to protect your property and to move away from the oceanfront,” the sheriff’s office said.
As of Friday, the path from the National Hurricane Center brings Hurricane Erin as close as 330 miles from the North Carolina coast — and as far as 550 miles, according to CBS 17 Chief Meteorologist Wes Hohenstein.
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