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 North Carolina Executive Mansion 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 Raleigh, 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.
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“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”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“This virtual dementia training offers an immersive experience that helps us participants understand the daily”
“The team members are good about keeping in contact with you. The caregiver has”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“It was a great experience it really opens your eyes to get a better understanding”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible! As an Employee they are also Awesome accommodating the girls working with your schedule. It’s Great working hand in hand with people that care!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very good to me”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and downs, ABC has come thru for me and my family in ways I could never put a price on. Their compassion and understanding made my Mom feel safe and secure, even during difficult times. For that, they have earned a client for life. The way they have loved on her since leaving the hospital make me smile.”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you are looking for a company you can trust your loved one with, then I would definitely recommend this company!!!”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life saver for me and my family. The staff they have is always so warm & inviting they always make my grandpa feel so comfortable. What makes ABC different is that they really care about their customers, and you can truly feel that when you’re dealing with their caregivers. I feel so much better knowing that my grandfather is in the hands of people who truly care about his wellbeing. When times got really hard for my family ABC stepped in and provided assistance & reassurance to us. If you’re looking for a company who will treat your loved one as their own I 100% recommend Always Best Care.”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have never felt at home in a workplace and actually comfortable with communication. So far working here has been amazing.”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“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.”
“Wonderful company!”
“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.”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“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 Pullen 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 The Capital Grille or visit Mordecai 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.
Request More Information
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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Commercial real estate owner and operator KBS has completed the disposition of Park Central Apartments, a luxury high-rise multifamily property located in Raleigh. San Diego-based Fairfield Residential acquired the asset for $132.5 million.KBS developed Park Central Apartments in a joint venture with locally based Kane Realty Corp. Construction on the project began in 2015 and was completed in 2017.Totaling 286 apartments, the building also features 36,000 square feet of retail space. Curr...
RALEIGH, N.C. — Commercial real estate owner and operator KBS has completed the disposition of Park Central Apartments, a luxury high-rise multifamily property located in Raleigh. San Diego-based Fairfield Residential acquired the asset for $132.5 million.
KBS developed Park Central Apartments in a joint venture with locally based Kane Realty Corp. Construction on the project began in 2015 and was completed in 2017.
Totaling 286 apartments, the building also features 36,000 square feet of retail space. Current tenants at the property include food-and-beverage concept Happy + Hale, fitness studios Midtown Yoga and Orangetheory, ice cream shop Kilwins and Jabala Coffee.
Amenities at the community include a sky deck with a saltwater pool, clubhouse, sauna, dog spa, fitness center, conference center and a dedicated parking garage.
Situated in the North Hills district, the property features access to I-440 and walkability to a grocery store, multiple fitness concepts and dozens of restaurants, entertainment venues and retailers. Park Central Apartments is also located in proximity to downtown Raleigh and North Carolina State University.
“Each project we’ve developed in North Hills has outperformed our underwriting, reinforcing our conviction to this live-work hub and our strategy,” says Allen Aldridge senior vice president at KBS and asset manager for Park Central Apartments. “Park Central Apartments embodies our approach consistently performing well year-over-year, and upon exit, returning approximately 2.4 times, the original investment to that fund.”
KBS’s adjacent office building project, the Bank of America Tower, is currently 95 percent occupied.
John Munroe of Newmark represented KBS in the sale. Attorneys Bruce Fischer and Howard Chu and paralegal Amanda Kennedy of Greenberg Traurig also assisted in the transaction.
Founded in 1992, KBS has acquired and operated a portfolio of roughly 1,700 multifamily, industrial, office and retail properties since its inception. The company is based in Newport Beach, Calif.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The NC State Fair is almost here and that means a variety of food options.This year will feature 88 new items.The dishes range from classic fair foods, deep-fried delicacies, and global cuisines.Here are some of this year's new foods:Cinnamon Peach Praline Cobbler Cookie (The Peach Cobbler Factory) Jeffrey's Taco De Calle (Ethio-Indi Alkaline Cuisine) The Salted Caramel Crunch Dough-Licious Special (Kora's Cookie Dough) Jerk Trio (Cool...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The NC State Fair is almost here and that means a variety of food options.
This year will feature 88 new items.
The dishes range from classic fair foods, deep-fried delicacies, and global cuisines.
Here are some of this year's new foods:
Cinnamon Peach Praline Cobbler Cookie (The Peach Cobbler Factory) Jeffrey's Taco De Calle (Ethio-Indi Alkaline Cuisine) The Salted Caramel Crunch Dough-Licious Special (Kora's Cookie Dough) Jerk Trio (Cool Runnings Jamaican) Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone (Kono Pizza) Dirty Cheerwine (Granny's Country Kitchen) Deep Fried Lamb Chops (Lawrence & Perry Barbeque) Granny's Sticky B (Magdalena's Chimney Cakes) Carolina Shawarma Burger (Neomonde Mediterranean) Freeze Dried North Carolina Bites Box (Sugar Snap Treats) Cowgirl Bites (Fat Boys BBQ) Oxtail Fried Rice (Lee's Kitchen) Home Style Ranch Deep Fried Cheese Curds (The Cheese Curd Shack) Cotton Candy Iced Tea (Tiki Tea Inc.) Cupcake Shake (Boozie Bakes) La Montanera/ The Country Girl (Arepa Loca LLC) Dirty Duck Bowl (Chick-N-Que) Carolina Hoe Down (Ezzell's Somethin' Good) South of the Border Stuffed Turkey Leg (Hickory Tree Turkey BBQ) Chicken Caesar Mac Stack (Hot Chix Hotcakes & Chicken) Chicken Feet (Jacks Seafood and Soulfood) Pizza Croissant (La Farm Bakery) Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup (Mini's Chocolate Tap / Bubba's Bacon) Cheerwine "Dream" (Moose Joose Slush) Swordfish Pop (Oak City Fish and Chips) Plaka Gyro (Strates Fine Foods)
If you would like to plan your eating adventure in advance take a look a the map below.
The NC State Fair will happen from October 16-26 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Tickets are available here.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina State University has filed a lawsuit against chemical company Monsanto over PCBs found in Poe Hall.The university alleges Monsanto manufactured and furnished the PCBs used in building materials to construct Poe Hall in 1971 and marketed the PCB mixtures as non-toxic.Poe Hall was closed in November 2023 when PCBs were found, setting off an investigation by the federal government. PCBs are toxic chemicals that have been linked to an increased risk of diseases, including cancer.The law...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina State University has filed a lawsuit against chemical company Monsanto over PCBs found in Poe Hall.
The university alleges Monsanto manufactured and furnished the PCBs used in building materials to construct Poe Hall in 1971 and marketed the PCB mixtures as non-toxic.
Poe Hall was closed in November 2023 when PCBs were found, setting off an investigation by the federal government. PCBs are toxic chemicals that have been linked to an increased risk of diseases, including cancer.
The lawsuit states that the EPA acknowledges the toxicity of PCBs, and expert analysis indicates that Monsanto's PCBs were disseminated through the building's HVAC system. The school claims Monsanto knew then that its marketing claims were false.
The lawsuit is seeking damages for the hundreds of millions of dollars it will cost to remediate Poe Hall, as well as punitive damages and attorneys' fees.It also seeks to hold Monsanto responsible for any possible future liability that may arise from personal injury claims.
NC State University Chancellor Kevin Howell said, "Since I joined as chancellor in May, a vacant, contaminated instruction hall that has caused much concern and worry for many has been sitting idle and must be remediated. This lawsuit is about responsibility and accountability for the cleanup of this building, so we can get our students back to learning. In the meantime, along with concerned students, faculty and staff, we eagerly await the results of the pending NIOSH report."
Monsanto sent the following response to the lawsuit:
"The Company believes these claims lack merit and will respond in court in due course. Monsanto discontinued its production of bulk industrial PCBs nearly five decades ago, conducted hundreds of studies on PCB safety, and provided appropriate warnings to its sophisticated industrial customers based on the state of the science at the time. Furthermore, any PCB-containing building products used in Poe Hall or other buildings on campus were manufactured, sold and installed by sophisticated third-parties, and maintained by the University."
ABC11 spoke with an expert in environmental law. UNC law professor Donald Hornstein said NC State likely has a strong case, since PCBs have been successfully challenged in court before.
"It's like a tiger, if you bring a tiger into the neighborhood, if it gets out, it doesn't matter what precautions you took. You're liable. It's intrinsically dangerous and hazardous," Hornstein said. "PCBs are like a tiger, according to the allegations made by NC State."
It is worth noting that this case only applies to the building and the cost to clean it up.
Many other victims who claim they got sick from exposure have their own lawsuits, which aren't related to this one.
But Hornstein said that if this case is successful, it could be good news for them, too.
"This lawsuit is going to be, to some extent, a referendum on PCBs. As to the other lawsuits by the individuals of they will have they have they have good attorneys on their sides. And they will have evidence on their sides, but they will have to then prove that they are particular ailments were caused by this exposure," Hornstein said.
Our team provides maintenance for 2,350 lane miles of City streets and rights-of-way within the City limits. We strive to ensure safe travel for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians through cost-effective maintenance.Services include: patching and resurfacing asphalt pavements; repairs to concrete sidewalks; curbs and gutters; snow and ice control; Downtown Raleigh cleanliness; emergency response to natural disasters; graffiti removal; and nuisance abatement.Interactive Citywide Street Maintenance MapTo determine if a...
Our team provides maintenance for 2,350 lane miles of City streets and rights-of-way within the City limits. We strive to ensure safe travel for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians through cost-effective maintenance.
Services include: patching and resurfacing asphalt pavements; repairs to concrete sidewalks; curbs and gutters; snow and ice control; Downtown Raleigh cleanliness; emergency response to natural disasters; graffiti removal; and nuisance abatement.
To determine if a street or right or way is maintained by the City, visit the Interactive Street Maintenance Map or call 919-996-6446.
Downtown crews help to maintain and keep our streets and sidewalks clean. Team Downtown managers 8 routes of 3.5 miles around downtown Raleigh, focusing on litter/debris, small graffiti, stickers and hazards.
Days: 7 days a week including holidaysHours: Routes begin at 6:30 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. (hours may vary depending on the season)First Priority: Fayetteville Street and Glenwood Avenue cleaned firstDowntown Power Washing: April - October
Fun Fact: Per their cleaning schedule, Team Downtown walks about 1,000 miles a month!
To see if your street is in the downtown coverage area, use our interactive map. The areas within the red lines are part of the downtown clean up zone.
To report a pothole, please complete our Pothole Repair Request Form.
To report graffiti, please complete the Graffiti Report Form or call 919-996-6446. Learn more about graffiti prevention and removal.
Damaged sidewalks can be reported to our repair team by emailing [email protected] or by calling 919-996-6446.
Report downtown Raleigh cleanliness or appearance issues by using Ask Raleigh.
The Housing and Neighborhoods Department serves as the clearinghouse for coordinating issues such as the cleanup of nuisance properties, overgrown grass or vegetation blocking sidewalks.
Citizens can report nuisance properties by making an Ask Raleigh request or by contacting the Code Enforcement Division.
NC State University has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto, the chemical giant, over the presence of toxic chemicals discovered in Poe Hall nearly two years ago.Monsanto, which was acquired by Bayer in 2018, was the sole manufacturer of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, in the United States from roughly 1930 to 1977. The chemicals were commonly used in industrial and commercial building materials during that time. In 1979, the U.S. banned the production of PCBs because of the harms they pose to human and environmental health.Po...
NC State University has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto, the chemical giant, over the presence of toxic chemicals discovered in Poe Hall nearly two years ago.
Monsanto, which was acquired by Bayer in 2018, was the sole manufacturer of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, in the United States from roughly 1930 to 1977. The chemicals were commonly used in industrial and commercial building materials during that time. In 1979, the U.S. banned the production of PCBs because of the harms they pose to human and environmental health.
Poe Hall, which housed the College of Education and the psychology department, was constructed in 1971.
NC State’s 78-page lawsuit, filed in Wake County court, alleges that Monsanto “marketed PCB mixtures to the building industry while representing them as non-toxic and non-volatile, despite internal knowledge dating back decades that PCBs are toxic, persistent, and prone to migrate and contaminate indoor environments.”
“Monsanto never advised NC State or the public that its PCB products would inevitably leach, leak, off-gas, emit, discharge, and release PCBs, particularly in such a manner that requires remediation despite being used for their ordinary and intended use,” the lawsuit reads. “Had Monsanto adequately warned NC State prior to construction of Poe Hall, NC State would not have allowed the use of building materials with PCBs in the construction process.”
NC State is seeking damages — which could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars — to cover the costs required to remediate Poe Hall, as well as other punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. The university is also seeking to have Monsanto assume responsibility for any liabilities incurred from the personal injury claims of those who worked in the building, though the lawsuit states NC State does not allege or concede anyone “has sustained personal injury as a result of exposure at Poe Hall.”
UNC System President Peter Hans supported the action.
“This legal action is just the right thing to do, and I applaud NC State for taking this step,” Hans said in a statement. “Countless people are understandably fearful and concerned and the University and taxpayers face at least a nine-figure bill. This lawsuit is about assigning accountability and responsibility where it properly belongs.”
A spokesperson for Monsanto issued this statement Wednesday: “The Company believes these claims lack merit and will respond in court in due course. Monsanto discontinued its production of bulk industrial PCBs nearly five decades ago, conducted hundreds of studies on PCB safety, and provided appropriate warnings to its sophisticated industrial customers based on the state-of-the science at the time.
“Furthermore, any PCB-containing building products used in Poe Hall or other buildings on campus were manufactured, sold and installed by sophisticated third-parties, and maintained by the University.”
NC State officials first closed Poe Hall in November 2023, citing preliminary test results that showed the presence of PCBs on various surfaces throughout the building.
Last summer, additional test results from the building showed that the PCBs originated — as university leaders had said was likely the case — from the HVAC system. But the results also showed that levels of the chemicals in the air, where they pose the greatest health risks, were found to be below exposure levels recommended by the EPA for school environments.
Still, federal regulations require any materials with concentrations of PCBs higher than 500 parts per million to be removed from buildings once they are discovered. The early-June test results last year showed PCB materials in the building had concentrations ranging from 0.91 to 53,000 parts per million.
Weeks after the university shared those results, then-Chancellor Randy Woodson said university officials had decided to remove the HVAC system and other building materials to remedy the presence of the toxic chemicals.
On Wednesday, an NC State news release said “engineering analyses indicate full remediation requires Poe Hall to be almost completely demolished and rebuilt.”
The release stated the university would continue with remediation despite several personal-injury attorneys threatening “to seek a court order” preventing NC State from doing so. The university previously allowed attorneys into the building to conduct sampling and take photos and video, the release noted.
“The suit filed today seeks damages from Monsanto to fund that remediation, but NC State does not intend to wait for the suit to conclude before proceeding,” the release read. “The university has begun that process to comply with federal regulations.”
An evaluation of the building by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which could determine whether exposure to toxic chemicals in the building was responsible for employees’ illnesses, such as cancer, has resumed after it briefly ended due to job cuts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which houses NIOSH.
NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell, who assumed his role in May, said in a statement that the vacant, contaminated building “has caused much concern and worry for many” and “has been sitting idle and must be remediated.”
“This lawsuit is about responsibility and accountability for the cleanup of this building so we can get our students back to learning,” Howell said. “In the meantime, along with concerned students, faculty and staff, we eagerly await the results of the pending NIOSH report.”
There is precedent for successfully suing Monsanto over PCBs. Three years ago, the company settled with the state of Oregon for nearly $700 million over Monsanto’s alleged role in polluting the state over multiple decades.
North Carolina lawmakers also have shown interest in helping the university fix the issues in Poe Hall, earmarking millions of dollars last year for the rehabilitation and renovation of the building.
919-554-2223
