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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 Wilmington, NC

Home Care Wilmington, 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 Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Wilmington, 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

“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”

Chuck L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible! As an Employee they are also Awesome accommodating the girls working with your schedule. It’s Great working hand in hand with people that care!”

Pamela C.
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“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”

Jason I.
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“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very good to me”

margaret M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and downs, ABC has come thru for me and my family in ways I could never put a price on. Their compassion and understanding made my Mom feel safe and secure, even during difficult times. For that, they have earned a client for life. The way they have loved on her since leaving the hospital make me smile.”

Universal C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you are looking for a company you can trust your loved one with, then I would definitely recommend this company!!!”

Veronica F.
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“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life saver for me and my family. The staff they have is always so warm & inviting they always make my grandpa feel so comfortable. What makes ABC different is that they really care about their customers, and you can truly feel that when you’re dealing with their caregivers. I feel so much better knowing that my grandfather is in the hands of people who truly care about his wellbeing. When times got really hard for my family ABC stepped in and provided assistance & reassurance to us. If you’re looking for a company who will treat your loved one as their own I 100% recommend Always Best Care.”

brittany J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have never felt at home in a workplace and actually comfortable with communication. So far working here has been amazing.”

Kristian S.
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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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“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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“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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“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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“This virtual dementia training offers an immersive experience that helps us participants understand the daily challenges faced by those with dementia. It builds empathy, enhances caregiving skills, and provides practical insights into supporting individuals with dementia.”

alana S.
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“The team members are good about keeping in contact with you. The caregiver has been on time and has gotten along well with my mother.”

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

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

Star S.
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“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”

Gabby H.
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“It was a great experience it really opens your eyes to get a better understanding on what dementia patients go through.”

Lanasha T.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Greenfield Park in Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, 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 manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor 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 Wilmington, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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:

  • The Commons At Brightmore of Wilmington
  • Brookdale Wilmington
  • SeniorLife Assisted Living & Senior Care Wilmington NC
  • New Hanover House
  • Morningside of Wilmington
  • Coastal Cove of Wilmington
Home Care Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, NC

Latest News in Wilmington, NC

Following concessions, Wilmington passes ordinance prohibiting public camping

(This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. The ordinance must pass a second reading to take effect.)The city of Wilmington has toughened its stance on public camping while at the same time making concessions.A controversial ordinance prohibiting camping on any property owned by or leased to the city was passed by the Wilmington City Council on Sept. 9, which could impact the city's homeless population.The ordinance makes it unlawful to occupy, camp, sleep or place, erect or u...

(This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. The ordinance must pass a second reading to take effect.)

The city of Wilmington has toughened its stance on public camping while at the same time making concessions.

A controversial ordinance prohibiting camping on any property owned by or leased to the city was passed by the Wilmington City Council on Sept. 9, which could impact the city's homeless population.

The ordinance makes it unlawful to occupy, camp, sleep or place, erect or utilize any tents, cooking equipment or bedding between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. “or such other times as prohibited by signage, rule, policy, regulation, or law.”

In addition, personal effects, such as clothing, food and bedding, left unattended may be deemed abandoned and forfeited to the city for disposal. Any uses of entrances to city facilities and associated areas other than for ingress and egress to city facilities are prohibited.

The council voted 5-2 in favor, with council members Salette Andrews and Kevin Spears voting against. A motion to waive the second reading passed, 5-2. The second reading, which is required for the ordinance to take effect, is set for the council's Sept. 23 meeting, said the city's communications office.

A motion by council member David Joyner to remove a section of the ordinance prohibiting city parking decks and surface parking lots for uses other than parking and associated activities was accepted.

In addition, the council lessened the penalty from a Class 3 misdemeanor to an infraction. City attorney Meredith Everhart said an infraction is a noncriminal violation that is not punishable by imprisonment.

How a Wilmington nonprofit took one man from homelessness to living in the 'best place'

In attendance for the meeting at City Hall at Skyline Center were opponents of the ordinance, some holding up signs related to the city’s homeless. Following the vote, audience members yelled: “Shame!” “Shame on you!” “Vote them out!”

Nine speakers in opposition to the ordinance approached the podium during the public information segment. Concern was expressed for how the city’s homeless population would be impacted by the ordinance, which some feared would criminalize homelessness.

Don Skinner said he has worked with the homeless population for 23 years. “They’re not human garbage,” he said. “They’re human beings like you and I.”

Concern from downtown business owners in support of the ordinance was a “major driver” in its consideration, said council member Luke Waddell.

“I think their voice certainly matters and deserves to be heard as well,” Waddell said.

Andrews argued that the ordinance doesn’t solve homelessness. “It just punishes people for being homeless,” she said.

Moreover, she said, the ordinance undermines constitutional principles such as free speech and assembly, and disproportionately affects the homeless.

“This is not an abstract or an abstract legal debate,” Andrews said. “Tonight's decision will shape how we treat both our unhoused neighbors and our constitutional traditions.”

Mayor Bill Saffo said this has been an emotional issue.

“If it was easy to fix, it would have already been fixed because every major city in America is dealing with it,” he said, noting that insufficient affordable housing, mental health and substance abuse also factor into the complicated problem.

Saffo said Wilmington has done more than any other area local government to address homelessness by committing $2.3 million to provide stable housing options in the current budget and contributing over $5.5 million in homeless services over the past five years.

The city, Saffo said, needs to strengthen partnerships with other governments, nonprofits, health care agencies and the private sector to attack the problem further. He said he will ask the area’s counties to reengage with the city on this topic “because we’re going to need their resources, folks. This is not going to be done alone by us.”

Saffo said he will ask city manager Becky Hawke to evaluate city-owned properties the city could give to an organization to serve as a low barrier shelter for the homeless. He also wants the city to hire four social workers to engage with the homeless.

The Cape Fear Homeless Continuum of Care, in its most recent such report, stated that 558 people in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties experienced homelessness on a given night in 2023.

Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].

Novant Plans For Leland Hospital, Brunswick Expansion

Novant Health announced plans Monday to expand its footprint in Brunswick County, including a new hospital in Leland.Novant has submitted a certificate of need application to build a 20-bed hospital in Leland, according to a news release. This would be the first new hospital in Brunswick County since 2011, when the 74-bed Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center opened in Bolivia.The new hospital, to be called the Novant Health Leland Medical Center, would be located on just over 40 acres near the intersection of Fawnbrook Way an...

Novant Health announced plans Monday to expand its footprint in Brunswick County, including a new hospital in Leland.

Novant has submitted a certificate of need application to build a 20-bed hospital in Leland, according to a news release. This would be the first new hospital in Brunswick County since 2011, when the 74-bed Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center opened in Bolivia.

The new hospital, to be called the Novant Health Leland Medical Center, would be located on just over 40 acres near the intersection of Fawnbrook Way and U.S. 74/76 in Leland, according to a certificate of need application Novant submitted to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services last week.

The land is part of Terrapin, a neighborhood set to hold about 2,800 homes in Leland. Logan Developers Inc. broke ground on the nearly 1,000-acre master-planned community in January.

Development of the two-story, 142,460-square-foot hospital is expected to cost more than $251 million and could accept patients beginning in January 2030, according to the certificate of need application.

The hospital will serve as a new campus of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, according to the application. Novant plans to relocate 20 licensed acute care beds from Brunswick Medical Center to the new hospital location. Novant also plans to develop five procedure rooms, four of which will be constructed to operating room standards. Four of the acute care beds will be intensive care unit beds.

Novant’s application highlights Brunswick County’s growing population and states that the new hospital aims to bring health care closer to patients.

“Current patient destination data indicate that a significant proportion of Brunswick County residents travel outside the county – most often to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NH New Hanover) – for acute care services,” the application states. “This project is designed to redirect care back into the county, bringing services closer to where patients live.”

The site eyed for the hospital is made up of two parcels. Novant could purchase the larger 37-acre parcel for $350,000 per acre, according to the certificate of need application. The purchase price for an adjacent 5-acre parcel is listed as just over $2 million. Novant is under contract to purchase the land needed for the project, according to spokesperson Julian March.

If the certificate of need is approved, the application states that the site would need to be rezoned for a medical center.

Novant has also submitted a certificate of need application to develop a new freestanding emergency department near U.S. 17 in Carolina Shores. The $24.2 million project would operate under the Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center license and is expected to open in September 2028.

Plans for the emergency department aim to “close a critical gap in emergency medical access for the southern portion of Brunswick County.”

“Currently, this North Carolina region relies solely on two existing hospital-based Emergency Departments (EDs) – one in Bolivia and one in Southport – both of which are a significant and challenging distance from the Carolina Shores area,” the application states. “Due to high population growth and seasonal tourist traffic, particularly along the U.S. 17 corridor, patients face unacceptably long transit times, where delays can range from a half-hour to over an hour.”

Novant also plans to invest in Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, including an expanded MRI space and a new cardiac catheterization lab. The new lab will allow patients to receive interventional cardiology procedures, such as stent placements, without having to travel outside the county, according to the release.

These plans complement ongoing construction for an ambulatory surgery center in the Leland area, which broke ground earlier this year. The center is slated to open in 2026.

“Our strategic efforts are designed to expand access to care close to home to meet the current and future care needs of this community,” Ernie Bovio, president of the Novant Health Coastal Region, stated in the release. “Novant Health has proudly served Brunswick County for nearly 20 years, and we’re excited to continue to add facilities and recruit needed physicians to secure healthcare access throughout the county.”

In the release, Laurie Whalin, president, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and acute care operations for the Novant Health Coastal Region, stated the plans could expand access throughout the county.

“Our existing inpatient and emergency care is concentrated in the middle of the county, so we’re focused on extending care options to better serve population centers throughout the county,” she wrote. “We’re also continuing to explore other opportunities to grow care in this community and throughout the region.”

D Logan of Logan Developers said he's excited about Novant's plans.

He said, "I think it will add great value to the (Terrapin) community and its residents and to the community overall."

Will the Wilmington area see snow this year? Here's the Old Farmer's Almanac's prediction

After a long summer and an early fall season that brought plenty of warm days, temperatures have finally cooled down in Wilmington.While the official start of winter isn't until December, chilly weather could get here sooner.Here's what to know about the Old Farmer's Almanac's predictions for temperature, precipitation and snow.When is the winter solstice?The winter solstice, which marks the first day of winter, will occur at 10:03 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. The winter solstice marks the day when the sun's apparen...

After a long summer and an early fall season that brought plenty of warm days, temperatures have finally cooled down in Wilmington.

While the official start of winter isn't until December, chilly weather could get here sooner.

Here's what to know about the Old Farmer's Almanac's predictions for temperature, precipitation and snow.

When is the winter solstice?

The winter solstice, which marks the first day of winter, will occur at 10:03 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. The winter solstice marks the day when the sun's apparent movement stops and reverses direction or stands still. The winter solstice has the fewest hours of sunlight out of any day in the year.

When will it get cold in North Carolina?

The 2026 Old Farmer's Almanac groups the United States into 18 regions for its weather predictions. Wilmington is included in the Southeast region.

The almanac is predicting a colder-than-normal winter for the Southeast. The almanac predicts the coldest periods to be in mid- to late December, early and late January, and early February.

Accuweather's month-long forecast for December in Wilmington shows high temperatures beginning and staying in the low to mid 60s throughout December, while low temperatures mostly vary between the low 40s and high 30s.

The last time Wilmington had a white Christmas was in 1989, when 15 inches of snow fell 36 hours before Dec. 25.

A look back at when we saw measurable snowfall since 1870

How much rain/snow will North Carolina see this winter?

The almanac is predicting "some snowy surprises" for Southeastern North Carolina. Last winter, Wilmington saw its first significant snowfall in seven years, receiving up to 5 inches of snow in areas across the region.

While overall precipitation is predicted to be below normal, the almanac is forecasting above-average snowfall in eastern North Carolina, with the snowiest time in mid-December.

The almanac bases its predictions on solar science, climatology and meteorology.

What is the Old Farmer’s Almanac?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been around for more than 225 years. It is an almanac containing weather forecasts, planting charts, astronomical data, recipes, and articles. An almanac is an annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data and tide tables.

Charlie Kingree is the trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].

Hundreds gather in downtown Wilmington for ‘No Kings’ protest

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Hundreds, possibly thousands, of people filled downtown Wilmington Saturday afternoon as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with participants marching from three different launch sites before converging downtown for a rally at Innes Park. Marchers gathered at 1898 Memorial Park on North 3rd Street, Castle Street between 4th and 5th streets, and the Alton Lennon Federal Building on Princess Street.The event was part of a coordinated s...

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Hundreds, possibly thousands, of people filled downtown Wilmington Saturday afternoon as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.

The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with participants marching from three different launch sites before converging downtown for a rally at Innes Park. Marchers gathered at 1898 Memorial Park on North 3rd Street, Castle Street between 4th and 5th streets, and the Alton Lennon Federal Building on Princess Street.

The event was part of a coordinated series of protests held across the country in response to what organizers describe as abuse of power by President Donald Trump and his administration, including immigration crackdowns and the use of troops in American cities.

Protesters marched through downtown streets before converging at the park, chanting and carrying signs declaring “No Kings.” Organizers say the slogan is meant to highlight that America was founded without monarchs and to push back against what they call authoritarian tendencies in government.

Event leaders stressed that the “No Kings” movement is rooted in nonviolence and urged participants to act lawfully and avoid confrontation. Protesters were encouraged to wear yellow as a sign of peace. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, were prohibited.

The rally and marches were hosted by a coalition of community organizations, including Indivisible Actions Southeast North Carolina, Indivisible Wilmington, ILM Action Network, Immigrant Allies Forum, Brunswick Indivisible Stepping Forward for Action, Indivisible Defenders of Democracy, Brunswick Voices 4 Democracy, Women Organizing for Wilmington, SENC Central Labor Council, SENC Women Forward, the New Hanover County Chapter of the National Black Leadership Caucus, NHCDP, and the North Carolina State AFL-CIO

Similar rallies took place in more than 2,600 locations nationwide, including Shallotte and Surf City, with organizers predicting millions of participants.

Want to vote early? Here's what to know about dates, places in the Wilmington area

Residents across the Wilmington area are heading to the polls this year to choose elected officials for municipalities.Historically, only a fraction of eligible voters cast ballots in municipal elections. According to voter statistics found on the North Carolina State Board of Elections page, there were 4,438,725 voters registered in municipalities with elections across the state, but only 613,835 ballots were cast for a turnout of just 13.8%.While Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, more people are choosing to vote during the one...

Residents across the Wilmington area are heading to the polls this year to choose elected officials for municipalities.

Historically, only a fraction of eligible voters cast ballots in municipal elections. According to voter statistics found on the North Carolina State Board of Elections page, there were 4,438,725 voters registered in municipalities with elections across the state, but only 613,835 ballots were cast for a turnout of just 13.8%.

While Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, more people are choosing to vote during the one-stop early voting period. Nearly a third of those who cast ballots in the 2023 November municipal election did so during the early voting period.

Here’s what to know if you plan to vote early.

Who can vote?

The 2025 election is a municipal election, and to be eligible to vote, a person must live in that municipality for at least 30 days before Election Day. Those who live outside the boundaries of a municipality, such as those in an incorporated area of the county, are not eligible to in municipal elections.

The State Board of Elections “Voter Search” tool can help determine voter eligibility. If the area they live in conducts municipal elections, they will find a municipality under “You Jurisdictions.”

Meet the candidates for Wilmington mayor, city council and other races

When is the voter registration deadline?

The voter registration deadline has passed for the 2025 municipal election. Those planning to vote must be registered 25 days before Election Day, which was on Oct. 10 for the Nov. 4 municipal election.

What if I missed the voter registration deadline?

It is still possible to register to vote and cast a ballot in the 2025 municipal election. Voters who have missed the voter registration deadline and have been a resident of the county for 30 days prior to the election can go to an early voting site in his or her county of residence to register and vote the same day. The person must provide acceptable proof of residence before they can register. Same-day registration is only available during early voting and will not be available on Election Day.

When is the early voting period?

The in-person early voting period for the November 2025 municipal elections runs from Thursday, Oct. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 1.

Where can I vote early in-person?

Each county has different early voting sites. Here are the sites, dates and times for the Wilmington area.

Brunswick County

New Hanover County

Pender County

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