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

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

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Home Care In Raleigh, NC

Home Care Raleigh, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic 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.

 In-Home Care Raleigh, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

karen L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”

James M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Samidelin I.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Orfa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful company!”

Elizabeth C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Michelle M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”

Robyn P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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 .”

Lanita C.
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“I had a great experience”

Daqua D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”

Conesha T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Pauline T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”

Star S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”

Gabby H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great training”

famata S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”

cpowell52
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TESTIMONIALS

“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”

Mallory M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”

Betty H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”

Betty T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”

Laura B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”

Bull H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”

Kim M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your loved ones. Always Best Care makes it possible to stay in home, and stay as independent as possible. ABC staff are there to assist in keeping you or your loved ones safe, healthy and happy. If you are looking for top quality care, you have found the right place!”

Sabrina O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”

Charles K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”

L K.

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

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

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

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

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

 Senior Care Raleigh, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Raleigh, NC

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

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

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Raleigh, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

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

Companionship Services

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

Common companionship services include:

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

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local 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.

 In-Home Care Raleigh, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Raleigh, NC

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

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

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

With the help of elderly care in 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.

 Elderly Care Raleigh, NC

Affordable Care

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

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

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

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

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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

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

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

Assisted Living Referral Services

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

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


Respite Care Raleigh, NC

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

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

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

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Brighton Gardens of Raleigh
  • Magnolia Glen
  • Sunrise of Raleigh
  • TerraBella Northridge
  • Sunrise at North Hills
  • Abbotswood at Stonehenge
Home Care Raleigh, NC

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

 In-Home Care Raleigh, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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

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

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

 Elderly Care Raleigh, NC

Latest News in Raleigh, NC

Hurricane Erin expected to bring strong winds, dangerous surf and waves along Outer Banks

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 First Alert Weather team is continuing to track Erin, which strengthened into a hurricane Friday, and intensified into a major storm over the weekend.Erin is expected to stay offshore but will make its closest approach to the ...

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 First Alert Weather team is continuing to track Erin, which strengthened into a hurricane Friday, and intensified into a major storm over the weekend.

Erin is expected to stay offshore but will make its closest approach to the NC coast around Wednesday or Thursday. As of right now, impacts are limited in the Triangle.

Gusty winds and flooding tides could wash out parts of the highway that connects the North Carolina Outer Banks by midweek, the National Weather Service said. State route NC-12 will likely be heavily damaged from life-threatening, heavy surf of 15-20 feet and strong coastal erosion.

NC Emergency Management

State emergency management staff say they are preparing for the impacts of Hurricane Erin along the coast. Forecasts have signaled a possible impact to the Outer Banks beginning as early as Tuesday. The State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh, as well as the Eastern Regional Coordination Center, are staffed and monitoring the situation.

"The State Emergency Response Team is poised and ready to respond to any needs from our local communities this week," said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray. "As forecasted impacts become clearer, we will plan for the pre-positioning of any necessary resources for rapid deployment along our coast. In the meantime, all visitors and residents along the coast should follow the instructions of local emergency management officials to keep you and your family safe," he added.

With current forecasts showing the potential for tropical storm force winds, dangerous surf with waves of 15-20 feet, inundation to roadways and neighborhoods, and rip current along the Outer Banks, local emergency management officials in Dare and Hyde County announced evacuation orders this weekend.

Officials in Dare County issued a local state of emergency on Sunday, and issued a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island.

The evacuations started Monday morning for visitors and will start Tuesday morning for people how live in the area. Dare County Emergency Management held a news conference to remind visitors and people who live in the area to heed the warnings.

County leaders said that although the storm is expected to stay off the coast of North Carolina, the system is expected to increase in size and is forecast to bring life-threatening impacts to the county's coastline.

Hyde County officials have also enacted a state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island due to anticipated flooding impacts from the storm.

Tracking Erin

The setup for Tuesday and Wednesday will depend on the exact speed, location, and intensity of Erin as it swirls between the Outer Banks and Bermuda.

Beachfront homes are also at risk due to the high probability of beach erosion. Waves will still be high outside of that timeframe, but they will peak during it. It's not out of the question that gusty winds over 40 mph.

What does Hurricane Erin mean for Raleigh, the Triangle and Central NC?

The powerful hurricane churning off North Carolina coast will bring little impact to Raleigh and the Triangle beyond a light breeze and a sprinkling of rain, forecasters said Monday.But Hurricane Erin poses a life-threatening risk to anyone cruising to the beach this week for a last gasp of summer, bringing rough seas and dangerous currents even when the weather seems pleasant.“I would not let my family go in...

The powerful hurricane churning off North Carolina coast will bring little impact to Raleigh and the Triangle beyond a light breeze and a sprinkling of rain, forecasters said Monday.

But Hurricane Erin poses a life-threatening risk to anyone cruising to the beach this week for a last gasp of summer, bringing rough seas and dangerous currents even when the weather seems pleasant.

“I would not let my family go into the water,” said Nick Petro, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Raleigh Monday. “The rip currents are going to be just powerful.”

Evacuations ordered on OBX

As of Monday morning, Erin, a Category 4 storm, was churning just east of the southern Bahamas with winds at 130 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Dare and Hyde counties expect waves reaching 20 feet Wednesday and Thursday and have ordered both tourists and locals to leave Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.

Petro said overwash is pretty much a certainty on the Outer Banks, and that NC 12 will likely see flooded sections. Officials there warn that EMS will probably not be able to reach people in the heaviest-hit areas.

What the Triangle will see Wednesday, Thursday

North Carolina has experienced an extremely wet summer with an average of 5.85 inches of rain falling across the state, especially during Tropical Storm Chantal in July.

Normally, this would create a possibility for downed trees with the soil so saturated.

But Petro said the forecasting models agree so far that Erin won’t make much of an impact beyond the coast when it arrives late Wednesday.

“Maybe some breezy winds later Wednesday and into Thursday,” he said. “You’ll feel the air moving around. You’ll know it’s a little unusual.”

A “stray outer band” from Erin may venture across Interstate 95 on Wednesday, but those rarely bring more than a light rain.

Don’t go in the water as Erin arrives

Wake County schools start classes Aug. 25 for students on a traditional calendar, giving central NC one last week at the beach.

Petro said weather leading up to storms is often at its nicest, tempting swimmers as Erin arrives. But he stresses this warning:

“I would maybe put a toe in the sand,” he said, “but I would not go in the water.”

Revenue share changed NIL. How NC State’s collective works under new framework

The House v. NCAA settlement made multiple changes to college athletics, including the implementation of in-house revenue sharing. Schools no longer need third-party NIL collectives to pay players, and can make financial arrangements themselves.Collectives still exist, though. One Pack NIL, and its football subsidiary Savage Wolves, will have a different role, but remains actively involved with the athletic department.“There was a time six, eight...

The House v. NCAA settlement made multiple changes to college athletics, including the implementation of in-house revenue sharing. Schools no longer need third-party NIL collectives to pay players, and can make financial arrangements themselves.

Collectives still exist, though. One Pack NIL, and its football subsidiary Savage Wolves, will have a different role, but remains actively involved with the athletic department.

“There was a time six, eight months ago that everyone’s like, ‘All right, we’re going to shutter all of our collectives,’” N.C. State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan said during a news conference earlier this month. “That was kind of the general thought that people were going to have. We didn’t. We talked to them to try to figure out, ‘Is there a place for One Pack moving forward?’”

There are still unknowns in how One Pack will operate in this new space. Corrigan cited the new NIL Go model, operated by the College Sports Commission.

Though player payment is now done through the universities, student-athletes are still allowed to enter into third-party NIL deals. They must be evaluated by NIL Go, which is a system designed to promote compliance. It analyzes NIL agreements for their business purposes and whether the compensation is fair market value.

One Pack Executive Director Chris Vurnakes said Saturday at Meet the Pack the organization’s scope decreased. However, it remains committed to opportunities outside of revenue sharing.

“Our collective’s very focused on finding NIL opportunities for our student athletes in the community, above and beyond the things that they’re doing for revenue share,” Vurnakes said. “What that looks like is things like meet and greets, autograph signings. We’re really focused on growing the corporate side of what we do, connecting our student athletes with the corporate community to be able to do what I think many people look at as true NIL.”

Originally, collectives were not viewed as independent businesses, and that would have required their dissolution. A new ruling states they are independent businesses and can continue operations.

There are additional steps student-athletes must complete to ensure compliance and protect their eligibility, but One Pack and Blueprint Sports, which helps operate the collective, have worked to develop a process that will prevent any issues.

“One Pack has really stepped up, not only from the more significant donors but the subscription model that they’ve laid out,” Corrigan said.

How One Pack will work

The organization offers a monthly donation option, but it also started a round-up donation campaign. Fans enroll by connecting a debit card, credit card or bank account for daily purchases. For every purchase made by the connected card or account, the total is rounded up to the nearest dollar. The spare change is calculated weekly. If the amount totals $10 or more, it will be deducted from the account. If it is less than $10, it will be carried over until the threshold is reached.

Any funding One Pack receives supports the program and members remain eligible for exclusive perks. They can watch the team in closed scrimmages, receive early access to events like Meet the Pack — though the event itself is no longer operated by the collective — personalized meetings, team gear, exclusive travel opportunities and other benefits. The funding goes toward paying players who participate in these activities and remains separate from the Wolfpack Club.

“There is a lot of overlap in the people that support the Wolfpack Club and the collective, but I think there are very separate lanes that we run in,” Vurnakes said. “Even though we are definitely and wholly committed to supporting NC State and our student athletes, we’re just two separate entities that had that same shared goal.”

Vurnakes reiterated the collective wants to be collaborative with the university and plans to deliver the same opportunities and experiences as things continue to evolve.

“When collectives are in lockstep with their universities and athletics department — which I feel is the case at N.C. State — there is success because we’re delivering upon what we’ve what the expectation we’ve set for our student athletes,” Vurnakes said. “That’s the most important thing for me. For three years, it’s been meeting and exceeding expectations for our student-athletes. Now, with revenue sharing and $20.5 million coming from the school, we’re able to be supplementary to that.”

Evacuations underway on the NC Outer Banks ahead of Hurricane Erin. The forecast

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are bracing for high waves, strong winds and flooding that could close sections of N.C. 12 for days as a powerful Hurricane Erin passes by this week.As of Monday morning, Erin was about 115 miles north northeast of Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos, and about 890 miles south southeast of Cape Hatteras, according to the National Hurricane Center.Several Caribbean islands — including the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas — are expected to face tropical storm conditions, heavy ...

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are bracing for high waves, strong winds and flooding that could close sections of N.C. 12 for days as a powerful Hurricane Erin passes by this week.

As of Monday morning, Erin was about 115 miles north northeast of Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos, and about 890 miles south southeast of Cape Hatteras, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Several Caribbean islands — including the Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas — are expected to face tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and possible flash and urban flooding Monday, Aug. 18 and Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Erin is a category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph. It is moving toward the northwest near 13 mph.

Evacuation orders issued for Outer Banks

With forecasters calling for waves up to 20 feet in the surf on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 20 and 21, Dare and Hyde counties ordered tourists and residents to leave flood-prone Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.

In its announcement Sunday, Hyde County reminded those who might consider riding out the storm that, “It is extremely likely that Hyde County EMS services will not be available in Ocracoke due to Highway 12 being inaccessible. Please take this warning seriously, especially if you have medical issues or are likely to need special care.”

Both counties declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, which is expected to begin traveling north on Monday, on a path that will have the center of the storm passing 200 to 300 miles off the North Carolina coast. By the time Erin gets this far north, it’s expected to have grown larger and stronger with a wind field that will reach all way to shore.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of the N.C. coast.

The National Park Service on Monday announced closures at Cape Lookout National Seashore in response to the hurricane. The seashore, Light Station Visitor Center and Keepers Quarters Museum will close at noon Tuesday, according to a press release.

Also, the Island Express Ferry Service will pause service out of Beaufort and Harkers Island beginning Wednesday through Friday.

Erin developed rapidly from a disturbance in the Atlantic to a tropical storm and then a powerful hurricane, with sustained winds of 125 mph as of Sunday evening, when it was centered north of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The storm knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of people there.

The National Hurricane Center said Sunday that Erin is expected to move northward over the next couple of days, passing North Carolina Wednesday night and Thursday, before eventually turning to the northeast, away from the U.S. coast.

Hatteras Island, which projects off the coastline, can expect breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet or more in the surf zone as the storm passes, Dare County officials said Sunday.

Local forecasts for other communities along the coast as of Sunday evening were calling for gusty winds on Wednesday and especially Thursday, with gusts up to 26 mph at Carolina Beach, up to 30 mph at Emerald Isle, and up to 42 mph at Hatteras Island.

How often do N.C. counties evacuate for hurricanes?

Beach communities in North Carolina don’t order evacuations lightly, in part because a mandatory evacuation order may trigger travel insurance or rental companies to make partial or full refunds on vacation stays. Dare County officials say they reserve the move for when there is a likely safety threat.

Hatteras and Ocracoke, along with other islands, were ordered to evacuate for Hurricane Isaias in August 2020 and for Dorian in August 2019.

Forecasters have said the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be busier than average. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued its updated forecast earlier this month, calling for 13 to 18 named storms (with winds of 39 mph or greater), with five to 9 becoming hurricanes and two to five becoming major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater.

A typical hurricane season brings 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes, three of them major hurricanes. Climate experts have said global warming is contributing to more frequent and more intense storms.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the busiest part of the season from mid-August to mid-October.

Will Hurricane Erin affect Raleigh and central NC?

Local forecasts show a chance of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday and Thursday but otherwise there should no significant effects from the storm this far inland.

This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and Green South Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. If you would like to help support local journalism, please consider signing up for a digital subscription, which you can do here.

Evacuations ordered for Hatteras, Ocracoke islands as Hurricane Erin heads north

Hurricane Erin remains a Category 3 storm but is expected to intensify again while growing in size, the National Hurricane Center said Sunday evening.Dare County officials announced a state of emergency on Sunday and ordered mandatory evacuations for visitors and residents on Hatteras Island, and Hyde County did the same for Ocracoke Island, which is south of Hatteras.Officials are urging visitors to begin evacuating at 10 a.m. Monday from Hurricane Evacuation Zone A, which includes the unincorporate...

Hurricane Erin remains a Category 3 storm but is expected to intensify again while growing in size, the National Hurricane Center said Sunday evening.

Dare County officials announced a state of emergency on Sunday and ordered mandatory evacuations for visitors and residents on Hatteras Island, and Hyde County did the same for Ocracoke Island, which is south of Hatteras.

Officials are urging visitors to begin evacuating at 10 a.m. Monday from Hurricane Evacuation Zone A, which includes the unincorporated villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras.

Residents are to begin evacuating at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

In neighboring Hyde County, officials ordered ordered visitors to begin evacuating at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, and residents beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Over the weekend, Erin had intensified rapidly from Category 3 to Category 5 in the span of a few hours to reach sustained winds of 160 mph. But the storm weakened in intensity on Aug. 17 back to Category 3 with sustained winds of 125 mph.

“It’s forecast to gain some strength in the next couple of days and return to Category 4 status,” National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome said in a video update Sunday.

Erin is not projected to make a direct landfall on the U.S., forecasters say. But because the storm is expected to gain size and strength, its wind field likely will have effects along the North Carolina coast, especially the Outer Banks.

Weather forecasters are urging people to prepare for the arrival of the first major hurricane of the season.

Tracking Erin’s progress

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, Erin was about 275 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for several Caribbean islands and the Southeastern Bahamas. The National Hurricane Center said Erin will produce heavy rainfall on Sunday across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico before diminishing on Monday.

The rain could lead to isolated and locally considerable flash and urban flooding, landslides or mudslides, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Forecasters expected Erin to continue moving toward the west-northwest at about 13 mph on Sunday. Its center was expected to pass to the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas Sunday and Monday.

Will Erin hit NC or the East Coast?

The latest experimental cone forecast from the National Hurricane Center doesn’t show Erin making direct landfall on the East Coast. But weather forecasters are warning the storm will likely impact all area beaches on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Rhome said a tropical storm warning for the Outer Banks may be required as soon as Monday. The impacts of Erin will start Tuesday, peak Wednesday into Thursday, and diminish late week.

“While we still expect Erin to track well offshore, impacts along the Outer Banks due to waves and coastal flooding are expected,” the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Newport/Morehead said in a social media post Sunday afternoon. “The risk for high rip currents will begin tomorrow and continue through the week.”

The National Weather Service warned that coastal flooding in North Carolina could be a prolonged duration event.

Forecasters said there’s potential for NC-12 and secondary roads along the Outer Banks, in particular on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, to be impassable and/or inaccessible for several days.

Numerous roads will likely be impassable under several feet of water and vehicles will likely be submerged. Forecasters advised people along the coast to consider moving cars to higher ground.

Life-threatening rip currents are expected the majority of the week along the Outer Banks.

“If you’re going to the beach this week, swim near a lifeguard, check local beach conditions and just be mindful and safe,” Rhome said.

Portions of Highway 12 on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands are most at risk from flooding.

Atlantic hurricane season 2025

Erin is the fifth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30.

It is also the first hurricane of the season. The next named tropical cyclone would be Fernand.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in August updated its predictions on hurricane activity.

The expected total number of named storms dropped. Now, NOAA is expecting up to 18 named storms, down from 19. And instead of six to 10 hurricanes, forecasters predict there will be between five and nine hurricanes, including two to five major hurricanes. NOAA’s previous prediction, issued in May, included three to five major hurricanes.

A typical Atlantic hurricane season includes 14 named storms, and NOAA said the likelihood of above-normal activity this year is 50%.

Colorado State University’s latest forecast predicts 16 named storms, including eight hurricanes, this season. That’s down from its April forecast of 17 named storms and nine hurricanes.

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