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 Downtown Wake Forest Historic District 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 Wake Forest, 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.
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
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“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
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“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
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“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“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”
“Great training”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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”
“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”
“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.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“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!”
“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!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need you the most. Highly recommend!”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or 30 minute visits for 6 visits a day. They make sure that my 96 year old mother takes her meds, walks to meals, they deliver her meals when she is too tired to walk, they water her plants, bathe her, they will help in anyway to provide the best care. Shawn Cothran, the owner, made a personal visit to her room to make sure she had all that she needs. The caregivers; Vera, Jackie, Toni, Elizabeth and many others could not be better. I highly recommend this service.”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring hearts.”
“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.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
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 E. Carroll Joyner 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 Heritage Grille & Wine Barrel or visit Wake Forest Historical Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest, 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.
Week 13 of the college football is here. So, wouldn't it be rude if we didn't dive into some best bets?On the second-to-last full college football Saturday of the season, our staff came through with three best bets, including picks for Wake Forest vs. Miami, Iowa vs. Maryland and North Carolina vs. Boston College.Continue reading for all three college football best bets and noon NCAAF picks — and be sure to check out our oth...
Week 13 of the college football is here. So, wouldn't it be rude if we didn't dive into some best bets?
On the second-to-last full college football Saturday of the season, our staff came through with three best bets, including picks for Wake Forest vs. Miami, Iowa vs. Maryland and North Carolina vs. Boston College.
Continue reading for all three college football best bets and noon NCAAF picks — and be sure to check out our other top predictions for Saturday's afternoon and evening games.
By John Feltman
This is a golden opportunity to buy low on the Hurricanes offense after a disappointing effort at Georgia Tech before their bye week.
They need style points in case they're embarrassed in the ACC Championship game, and they have the perfect matchup to ensure that happens.
The Canes offense is special, ranking inside the top 15 in all of the following metrics:
Meanwhile, the Wake Forest defense has been a disaster all season long. It's one of the worst defensive units in the Power 4. The Deacons rank outside the top 100 in the following defensive categories:
The only thing going for them is that they do a solid job of limiting explosive plays, but that won't matter much.
The Canes have all the tools to destroy the Deacons, especially after a tough loss and a bye week. The situational spot is working in their favor, and the offense won't not face any resistance against the Wake defense.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal realizes that his team must put on a show for the rest of the regular season in case they slip up in the ACC Championship.
With that said, I don't think they'll take their foot off the gas until their offense puts up video game numbers.
Pick: Miami Team Total Over 44.5 (Play to 45)
I don’t think the Iowa vs. Maryland total gets to 45, and if it does, it’ll be more of an edge on under.
The "Windy Unders" PRO System specifically alerted the Iowa vs. Maryland clash as a “weather” game on Saturday of college football Week 13.
Action PRO models can oftentimes account for various filters, but the wind-based trend simply looks for games with wind speeds at certain ranges.
College Park featured snow on Friday leading up to Saturday. It won’t be freezing for Iowa vs. Maryland, but here’s where the edge becomes even more attractive: Our director of subscription and PRO savant PJ Walsh found that games under the “Windy Unders” trend (cashing 56.6% unders) boosts up north of 60% when we filter for colder games.
Plus, Maryland ranks top-20 nationally in Defensive Line Yards, when it comes to stopping Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson, the nation's third-leading rusher.
Iowa, meanwhile, sits No. 6 in the country in PFF Coverage and Tackle grades well.
The Terrapins are admittedly average in tackling and in the middle eight but shouldn’t be too overwhelmed by an Iowa offense ranking bottom-10 in college football in yards per completion.
Pick: Under 44.5 (Play to 43.5)
By Joshua Nunn
I was extremely impressed with how Boston College competed last week going toe-to-toe with SMU on the road. Grayson James stepped in nicely at quarterback and actually played pretty well for the Eagles.
Boston College should be able to move the football here against North Carolina. The game plan should once again be to run the football.
This is a pretty good matchup for the Boston College defense — so long as it can hold up against the run. The BC secondary ranks 17th nationally in Defensive Passing Down EPA Per Play and 14th in Passing Down Success Rate and should be able to limit big-play pass explosives in third-and-long situations.
This is going to be a wildly physical football game played in cold and windy conditions, and I like the matchup for the BC offensive line. It should control the line of scrimmage here and impose its will on UNC's defensive front.
BC needs a win to unlock bowl eligibility, and I expect this bunch to be extremely motivated to get there. Take the Eagles to win outright.
Pick: Boston College ML +120 (Play to +105)
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.— Omarion Hampton ran for a career-high 244 yards on a career-high 35 carries to lead North Carolina to its third win in a row, 31-24, over Wake Forest on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium.Carolina's offense scored 14 points in under 90 seconds in the third quarter and its defense forced three second-half turnovers to break open a tied, 10-10 game. UNC scored back-to-back TDs in just 1:21...
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.— Omarion Hampton ran for a career-high 244 yards on a career-high 35 carries to lead North Carolina to its third win in a row, 31-24, over Wake Forest on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium.
Carolina's offense scored 14 points in under 90 seconds in the third quarter and its defense forced three second-half turnovers to break open a tied, 10-10 game. UNC scored back-to-back TDs in just 1:21 to grab a 24-10 lead with eight minutes left in the third period.
The quick, 14-point spurt allowed Hampton and the Tar Heel rushing attack to milk the clock and limit Wake's opportunities to cut into the UNC lead for much of the remainder of the game.
UNC quarterback Jacolby Criswell completed 14 of 22 passing attempts for 132 yards and a touchdown. Eight different Tar Heels caught passes, including J.J. Jones' scoring grab.
"This game was very tough," Carolina head coach Mack Brown said. "You've got to give Wake Forest a lot of credit. We didn't play as well offensively in the passing game as we have the last three weeks. Defensively, we continued to play great. We're stopping the run and running the ball. We won the turnover game tonight. And when you do that, the large majority of the time, you're going to win a game. And the kicking game was good. So I'm really, really proud of our guys."
The Demon Deacons made things interesting when backup quarterback Michael Kern hit Taylor Morin for a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 to play to pull within a score at 31-24. Carolina recovered Wake's onside kick attempt and ran out the clock for the win.
Making their first home appearance in over a month, the Tar Heels won their third game in a row and improved to 6-4 overall, 3-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Wake fell to 4-6, 2-4.
UNC is bowl eligible for the sixth straight season, which is the second-longest streak in Carolina history (behind seven straight from 1992-98). This will be Carolina's 38th bowl appearance.
Hampton has rushed for 100 or more yards in nine of 10 games this fall. His 244-yard rushing day is tied for 11th-best in school history. He is the third Tar Heel to have three games with at least 200 rushing yards in his career, tying the most in school history. Mike Voight and Amos Lawrence also had three.
Hampton has 1,422 rushing yards this season, which is the fourth-most in a season by a Tar Heel. He has 38 career touchdowns, which is tied for fourth all-time at UNC with Kelvin Bryant and Marquise Williams.
Carolina improved to 76-10 all-time when scoring 30 or more points under head coach Mack Brown.
How It Happened First Quarter • The Demon Deacons scored the only points of the first quarter on a 33-yard field goal by Matthew Dennis, capping a nine-play, 65-yard drive with 3:21 remaining. • Hampton had rushed for 105 yards before the end of the opening period.
Second Quarter • On the ensuing drive after Wake's field goal, Carolina methodically went 75 yards in 11 plays over nearly six minutes and took the lead. Criswell ran it in from four yards out for a 7-3 Tar Heel advantage. • Late in the quarter, Criswell led the Tar Heels down the field inside the Wake 10 with five seconds remaining, setting up a short field goal by Noah Burnette to make the score 10-3. The field goal completed a seven-play, 56-yard drive in 1:38 just before the halftime break.
Third Quarter • Wake quarterback Hank Bachmeier left the game with an injury after the first offensive play of the second half. • Kern came off the bench in relief of Bachmeier and completed a 28-yard pass to Donovan Greene on his first snap, Wake's longest play of the night to that point. Kern was 3-for-3 passing for 43 yards on his initial drive as Demond Claiborne scored his 10th rushing touchdown of the year from two yards out to tie the score at 10-10. • Hampton was the driving force as the Tar Heels replied quickly to retake the lead, running for 53 of UNC's 75 yards on a six-play scoring drive, including ripping off a 38-yard run on third-and-one down to the WFU 28. • Criswell connected with Jones for a 15-yard scoring toss to make the score 17-10 UNC. • On Wake's next drive, Power Echols intercepted a Kern pass and ran it back 42 yards for a score and a 24-10 Tar Heel advantage. • Later in the quarter, Criswell fumbled the ball and the Deacons recovered at the UNC seven yard line. Claiborne scored his second TD of the quarter on the next play, cutting the deficit to 24-17.
Fourth Quarter • Neither team did much offensively for much of the fourth quarter until Travis Shaw strip-sacked Kern and recovered the ball at the Wake 18. • Hampton accounted for all 23 yards on UNC's ensuing scoring drive and scored his 14th touchdown of the season from six yards away to take a commanding, 31-17, lead with 2:26 remaining. • Wake replied with a TD with 1:15 to play when Kern hit Taylor Morin for a scoring pass.
Up Next Carolina will play its final road game of the season when it visits Boston College next Saturday, November 23, at noon in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
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The North Carolina Tar Heels football team host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday (8 p.m., ACC...
The North Carolina Tar Heels football team host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday (8 p.m., ACC Network) at Kenan Stadium in Week 12 of the college football season.
Following blowout wins at Virginia and Florida State, the Tar Heels (5-4, 2-3 ACC) can become bowl eligible with a win against the Demon Deacons (4-5, 2-3) this weekend. Coming off an idle week, UNC will try to secure its fourth win in a row against Wake Forest, which hasn't won in Chapel Hill since 2006.
Breaking down Omarion Hampton's'unbelievable'night
Following its in-state rivalry matchup with the Demon Deacons, UNC will head to Boston College (5-4, 2-3) before returning to Kenan Stadium for the regular-season finale against N.C. State (5-5, 2-4) on Nov. 30.
Keep this page refreshed and bookmarked for live updates for UNC vs. Wake Forest.
Live scoreboard:
This section will be updated once the game begins.
Omarion Hampton had a career-high 33 carries for 238 yards and a touchdown against Wake Forest.
UNC will carry a 24-17 lead into the fourth quarter.
UNC cornerback Marcus Allen had an interception for the Tar Heels' second pick in the third quarter.
Right after UNC's fumble, Wake Forest scored on a 7-yard rushing touchdown by Demond Claiborne. The Tar Heels have a 24-17 lead with 5:14 left in the third quarter.
UNC quarterback Jacolby Criswell had a fumble late in the third quarter, allowing Wake Forest the opportunity to set up in the red zone.
UNC linebacker Power Echols had a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown to extend the Tar Heels' lead in the third quarter. UNC leads 24-10.
UNC answers with a 6-play, 75-yard drive in just under three minutes. Jacolby Criswell with a 15-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Jones. Tar Heels retake the lead, 17-10, early in the third quarter
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne had a 2-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive of the second half to help the Demon Deacons tie the game at 10.
UNC has a 10-3 halftime lead
UNC kicker Noah Burnette made a 24-yard field goal to extend the Tar Heels' lead to 10-3 just before halftime.
UNC quarterback Jacolby Criswell escaped pressure and tumbled into the end zone on a 4-yard run to give the Tar Heels a lead in the second quarter. UNC is up 7-3 with 12:26 left in the first half.
UNC trails 3-0 to Wake Forest at the end of the first quarter.
UNC running back Omarion Hampton had 10 carries for 100 yards late in the first quarter. That's eight straight games with at least 100 rushing yards.
TV Channel: ACC Network
Live stream: Fubo (free trial), ESPN+
Watch UNC vs Wake Forest on Fubo (free trial)
UNC vs. Wake Forest will be broadcast on ACC Network in Week 12 of the 2024 college football season. Wes Durham and Tom Luginbill will call the game from the booth at Kenan Stadium, with Dan Boyle reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers. Jones Angell, Bryn Renner, Joe Jauch and Lee Pace will have the radio call on the Tar Heel Sports Network.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 16
Start time: 8 p.m.
The UNC vs. Wake Forest game starts at 8 p.m. from Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Series record: UNC 72-36-2
UNC's last win: 2022 (36-34)
Wake Forest's last win: 2019 (24-18)
UNC 36, Wake Forest 23: The Tar Heels will continue to lean on star running back Omarion Hampton and a resurgent defense to become bowl eligible under the lights on Saturday night in Chapel Hill.
Game lines and odds from BetMGM will be posted as they become available.
Spread: UNC is an 11-point favorite
Over/under: 63.5 points
Moneyline: UNC (-450), Wake Forest (+340)
Temperatures for kickoff will be around 50 degrees under clear skies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Winds will be between 3-7 mph, with gusts up to 19 mph.
This section will updated in the pregame.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at [email protected] or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
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North Carolina’s late-season football resurgence continues.The Tar Heels made it three straight wins Saturday by turning back Wake Forest 31-24 at Kenan Stadium behind 244 rushing yards from Omarion Hampton and a defense that gave up a few big plays, but made the ones that counted.With the victory, the Tar Heels (6-4, 3-3 ACC) became bowl eligible for the sixth time in Mack Brown’s second run as UNC coach.Hampton, fresh and quick after the Tar Heels’ second bye week of the season, rambled and rumbled fo...
North Carolina’s late-season football resurgence continues.
The Tar Heels made it three straight wins Saturday by turning back Wake Forest 31-24 at Kenan Stadium behind 244 rushing yards from Omarion Hampton and a defense that gave up a few big plays, but made the ones that counted.
With the victory, the Tar Heels (6-4, 3-3 ACC) became bowl eligible for the sixth time in Mack Brown’s second run as UNC coach.
Hampton, fresh and quick after the Tar Heels’ second bye week of the season, rambled and rumbled for his 244 yards on 35 carries, both career highs. It was the junior’s eighth consecutive 100-yard rushing game, setting a school record, his third career 200-yard game and topped his previous high of 234 rushing yards, set last season against Appalachian State.
The UNC defense came up with a pair of interceptions, including a 42-yard pick-six by linebacker Power Echols in the third quarter that gave the Heels a 24-10 lead. Cornerback Marcus Allen also had a pickoff later in the third — both off Wake Forest’s Michael Kern, who replaced injured quarterback Hank Bachmeier early in the third quarter.
UNC forced a fumble in the fourth quarter that soon had Hampton bulling into the end zone for a clinching 6-yard score.
November 17, 2024 3:08 AM
UNC quarterback Jacolby Criswell ran for one touchdown and passed for a second but was not as sharp as he was in wins over Virginia and Florida State. Criswell’s fumble inside the UNC 10 in the third quarter set up a Wake Forest touchdown run by Demond Claiborne, and he had a few other errant throws.
Kern teamed up with Taylor Morin on a TD throw late in regulation but the Deacons’ line-drive onside kick was recovered by UNC’s Kaimon Rucker.
Three takeaways from the ACC game:
Hampton just keeps on coming.
At this point in the season, there’s not a lot more that can be said about the 6-foot, 220-pound junior from Clayton. UNC has had a long line of productive running backs through the years, several recruited and brought to Chapel Hill by Mack Brown, but Hampton ranks among the elite.
Hampton had 100 yards on 10 carries Saturday — in the first quarter. In a 75-yard TD drive by UNC in the first half, he carried nine times.
Hampton now has rushed for 100 or more yards in eight consecutive games. That set the official school record — former All-America Don McCauley had eight in a row, but one was in a bowl game, which then was not included in season statistics.
Hampton became the third UNC back to have three career 200-yard rushing games, joining Mike Voight and Amos Lawrence, famous names in UNC’s football lore.
It was not what Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson wanted to see — starting quarterback Hank Bachmeier, on the ground, hurt, unable to continue.
The Deacons, trailing 10-3 at halftime, received the second-half kickoff, only to have Bachmeier go down on a short run on the first play of the third quarter. The Deacs turned to Michael Kern, a redshirt senior from Orlando, and immediately put together a touchdown drive for a 10-10 tie.
Kern did have some big mistakes that became turnovers. His short pass over the middle was picked off by UNC linebacker Power Echols and returned 42 yards for a TD and 24-10 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Kern was hit in the pocket by Josh Harris and fumbled, Travis Shaw recovering for UNC at the Wake Forest 14. Kern later led a nine-play, 75-yard drive and had a late TD throw to Taylor Morin.
Kern had thrown 19 passes this season, with nine competitions. It was his team in the second half.
The UNC defense has been pretty salty in the past three games, but the Wake Forest game was more of a play-to-play grind than some kind of game-long sack party.
The Heels entered the game fourth in the country in sacks with 32, piling up 10 against Virginia and then seven against Florida State. Kaimon Rucker picked up a first-half sack Saturday, and Josh Harris had another in the fourth quarter that was timely for UNC, causing a fumble that Travis Shaw recovered at the Wake 14.
Another defensive trend did continue: stopping the running game. The Deacons finished with 114 yards after neither Virginia nor FSU could top 100.
The Wake Forest “slow mesh” offense offers a different kind of challenge and requires defensive discipline, and the Tar Heels were up for the challenge.
This story was originally published November 16, 2024, 8:03 PM.
WATCH: Wake Forest Basketball coach Steve Forbes post-Xavier press conferenceCameron Lemons DebroWake Forest at North Carolina previewWake Forest at North Carolina previewNov 15th, 3:02 PMVIPWake Forest is playing essentially for their bowl game lives, which has been the barometer for this season all along. Make a bowl game and you're back on t...
Nov 15th, 3:02 PMVIP
Wake Forest is playing essentially for their bowl game lives, which has been the barometer for this season all along. Make a bowl game and you're back on track for solidifying what the floor should be for this program. Yes they still have two more games after this one, but are you going to place money on them getting out of Miami with a win?
Now the Deacs enter a place of comfort. On the road, and doing so a week after a completely deflating loss. Wake is 3-0 on the road taking down NC State, a UConn team having their best season in almost two decades, and a Stanford team that really needs this era of football to end. With the wins in Raleigh and East Hartford, both of those game after a crushing loss at home to a Lousiana team that'll be playing for a Sun Belt championship unless they throw up on themselves and getting absolutely mauled after the second quarter against Clemson.
It's never easy with this school is it?
But their goals are still on the table of both making a bowl and making noise against a Big 4 opponent as they head to Kenan Stadium to take on a UNC team that may have found something after a midseason lull.
"They are a team that got off to a good start," explained Clawson during his opening statement on Tuesday. "Had a four-game skid, and then kind of found themselves. They found a quarterback and established an offensive identity. They are the number one rushing offense in the ACC, averaging over 200 yards a game. Hampton is who the offense goes through."
This is Wake Forest team that has played with a ton of fire. They've gotten burned a couple of times and also come out of it with their hair on fire a couple of times. Those sort of teams leave you with more questions than answers. Using that idea, after the nuts and bolts, we'll go a little bit untraditional with this preview. I've got four questions that I'm looking for the answers to when Wake Forest and UNC take the field Saturday night.
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