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 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.
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.
“Always Best Care has been such a relief for our family. They were there when”
“I receive in home care with Sabrina & Erin at Always Best Care in Leland”
“I’ve trusted Always Best Care with almost daily care for my mom, for over a”
“Kathryn Q. was invaluable in guiding us through the process of exploring senior living options”
“ABC has been such a reliable, compassionate and helpful company!! Could not talk more highly”
“I have been searching for a care company for my Mother, upon speaking with Sabrina”
“I have been pleased with the level of consistent care provided. Sabrina is wonderful and”
“Excellent care. Sabrina is a wonderful caregiver and runs things very well.”
“Always Best Care has been such a great experience. I recently started in August,”
“I have used Always Best Care several times when I was away and my mother”
“Courtney is very professional and compassionate caregiver.”
“They have provided great service to my wife. They have helped her with several household”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care has been such a relief for our family. They were there when my mother-in-law came home from the hospital and have been incredibly flexible as her needs have changed. Brandi and Sabrina truly listen and care about finding what works best for Mom—and for us. They’ve worked hard to find the right caregiver who can keep her safe, help her maintain her independence, and take some of the stress of managing her care off our shoulders (even when Mom isn’t always the easiest customer!). I also love that they can help us navigate what comes next, from caregiving now to eventually finding the right placement when she needs a higher level of care. This stage of life is not easy, and having people you trust to help navigate it makes such a difference. We’re so grateful to have them in our corner.”
“I receive in home care with Sabrina & Erin at Always Best Care in Leland NC. Without their caregivers to assist me in my daily activities I would be lost! He fact that Hannah and Brittany are so supportive is a bonus, I adore them both for different reasons. Thank you to Always Best Care for making my time here at home so easy, and memorable!”
“I’ve trusted Always Best Care with almost daily care for my mom, for over a year. They are very professional and my mom developed a close relationship with (Super-Special) Brittany. Thank you ABC!”
“Kathryn Q. was invaluable in guiding us through the process of exploring senior living options for my sister. She thoughtfully recommended communities that aligned with her needs, coordinated all the appointments, and personally drove us to each visit. Whenever questions arose, she promptly followed up with staff and ensured we had the information needed to make informed decisions. Her patience, attentiveness, and genuine care made what could have been an overwhelming process feel smooth and manageable. Thanks to Kathryn, we were able to move forward with confidence in this important next stage of life.”
“ABC has been such a reliable, compassionate and helpful company!! Could not talk more highly of the team & environment cultivated :)”
“I have been searching for a care company for my Mother, upon speaking with Sabrina I felt like I was talking to someone who had the best interest for mom’s wellbeing and safety. She educated me on all the amazing service Always best care provides and her compassion truly made me feel like I was talking with a friend . We have been using this amazing company which now has elevated my stress as the son in another state. The care team even calls her mom!!! She looks forward to seeing them everyday. Thank you Sabrina and Shawn for putting my mind at ease. Highly recommend Always best care for anyone searching for the. Best care for their loved ones.”
“I have been pleased with the level of consistent care provided. Sabrina is wonderful and is very attentive, responsive and great at communicating. Always Best Care provides excellent service and does so with care and compassion.”
“Excellent care. Sabrina is a wonderful caregiver and runs things very well.”
“Always Best Care has been such a great experience. I recently started in August, and from the very beginning, Sabrina and Shawn have been incredibly supportive, welcoming, and helpful. They’ve taken the time to make sure I feel comfortable in my role, answer any questions I have, and provide guidance whenever needed. It’s clear they truly care not only about their clients, but also about their staff. The positive environment and strong communication have made a big difference, and I already feel like part of a team that values compassion and professionalism. I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow here and being part of such a dedicated organization.”
“I have used Always Best Care several times when I was away and my mother needed care. They were very responsive in the initial setup and visit. Sabrina is outstanding. She is patient and caring with my mother, who has dementia. Mother doesn't do well with strangers but was comfortable with Sabrina and her backup. They assisted with catheter care, dressing and meals. I have no reservations recommending ABC to a family needing help with a loved one.”
“Courtney is very professional and compassionate caregiver.”
“They have provided great service to my wife. They have helped her with several household and personal care duties.”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible! As an Employee they are also Awesome accommodating the girls working with your schedule. It’s Great working hand in hand with people that care!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very good to me”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and downs, ABC has come thru for me and my family in ways I could never put a price on. Their compassion and understanding made my Mom feel safe and secure, even during difficult times. For that, they have earned a client for life. The way they have loved on her since leaving the hospital make me smile.”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you are looking for a company you can trust your loved one with, then I would definitely recommend this company!!!”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life saver for me and my family. The staff they have is always so warm & inviting they always make my grandpa feel so comfortable. What makes ABC different is that they really care about their customers, and you can truly feel that when you’re dealing with their caregivers. I feel so much better knowing that my grandfather is in the hands of people who truly care about his wellbeing. When times got really hard for my family ABC stepped in and provided assistance & reassurance to us. If you’re looking for a company who will treat your loved one as their own I 100% recommend Always Best Care.”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have never felt at home in a workplace and actually comfortable with communication. So far working here has been amazing.”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
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 Greenfield Park in Wilmington, NC 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) will begin exercising water valves and flushing hydrants in several Wilmington neighborhoods next week as part of routine maintenance.The work is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 12, in Sunset Park, Woodlawn, Sherwood Forest, Belmont and Hanover Heights.Crews will work Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with maintenance expected to continue for several weeks.CFPUA plans to complete the work in three phases across Wilmington....
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) will begin exercising water valves and flushing hydrants in several Wilmington neighborhoods next week as part of routine maintenance.
The work is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 12, in Sunset Park, Woodlawn, Sherwood Forest, Belmont and Hanover Heights.
Crews will work Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with maintenance expected to continue for several weeks.
CFPUA plans to complete the work in three phases across Wilmington.
Area 1: Sunset Park, Woodlawn, Sherwood Forest, Belmont and Hanover Heights.
Area 2: Forest Hills, Princess Place, Barclay Hills, Oleander, Lincoln Forest and Glen Meade.
Area 3: Downtown Wilmington, Northside, Carolina Place, Southside and Lake Forest.
Work will begin in Area 1, while dates for Areas 2 and 3 have not yet been announced.
According to CFPUA, valve exercising is a regular maintenance procedure that helps ensure the water distribution system operates reliably. Crews close valves, monitor their performance and reopen them to confirm they are functioning properly.
The valves are used to isolate water mains during leaks, repairs and other situations that could affect water quality.
Crews will also flush fire hydrants throughout the work areas to help minimize impacts to customers.
CFPUA says some customers may temporarily experience discolored water caused by mineral deposits in pipes. The utility says the discoloration will not affect drinking water safety.
Customers may also notice temporary changes in water flow as air enters water lines when valves are opened and closed.
Anyone experiencing discolored water or unusual water flow is advised to run cold water taps at full force for one to two minutes until the water runs clear and the flow becomes steady.
Roadside signs will be placed in neighborhoods before maintenance begins to notify residents.
CFPUA says it will announce work dates for the remaining areas once they are scheduled.
By HANNAH SCHOENBAUMGolden hash browns, gravy-smothered biscuits and crispy waffles with a hearty helping of syrup are among the classic Southern comfort foods. But when hurricanes tear through Southeastern towns, the hot meals and bold yellow signs of the local Waffle House provide another kind of comfort.If a Waffle House stays open in town, even in a limited capacity, neighbors are reassured that the coming storm is unlikely to cause devastation. A closed location of the dependable diner chain has come to in...
By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM
Golden hash browns, gravy-smothered biscuits and crispy waffles with a hearty helping of syrup are among the classic Southern comfort foods. But when hurricanes tear through Southeastern towns, the hot meals and bold yellow signs of the local Waffle House provide another kind of comfort.
If a Waffle House stays open in town, even in a limited capacity, neighbors are reassured that the coming storm is unlikely to cause devastation. A closed location of the dependable diner chain has come to indicate impending disaster. The metric is known as the Waffle House Index.
What might sound like silly logic has become one of the most reliable ways for Southerners — and even federal officials — to gauge a storm’s severity and identify communities most in need of immediate aid.
The South’s favorite disaster authority provides an informal measure of how significantly a storm will affect or has affected a community.
A map of the chain’s over 1,900 locations, concentrated in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic, helps residents of storm-prone states assess whether they’re likely to lose power, experience severe flooding or endure other extreme conditions that might cause a resilient restaurant to close its doors. For some, it’s a telltale sign of whether they need to evacuate.
Waffle House is known not just for serving breakfast 24/7, 365 days a year, but also for its disaster preparedness. For decades, people across the South have noticed that the local Waffle House seemed to be the only business still open during a storm or the first to reopen after it passed.
The restaurant chain’s reputation for remaining open when people desperately needed a place to warm up, charge devices and grab a hot meal became a fairly reliable — albeit amusing — resource to help track recovery efforts. The company even operates its own storm center.
Waffle House’s social media shares color-coded maps of its restaurant locations in certain regions that will soon be hit or are recovering from storm damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also offers some live tracking.
Green means the location is serving a full menu, indicating minimal damage in the surrounding area. The lights are on and the syrup is flowing.
Yellow means the restaurant is serving a limited menu, a signal that it’s pulling power from a generator and might have a low food supply. The area might not have running water or electricity, but there’s enough gas to fry up bacon for hungry customers.
Red means the location is closed, a sign of unsafe operating conditions and severe destruction to the restaurant or nearby communities.
Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate has said he thought up the Waffle House Index while leading Florida’s emergency management efforts in 2004. He had been searching for something to eat while surveying the devastation left by Hurricane Charley and was only able to find a Waffle House serving a limited menu.
His team began to notice other open Waffle Houses in communities without power or running water. The restaurants eventually became a key feature on a color-coded map that his team provided to help the public and local officials identify where storm damage was most severe.
Fugate continued to use his color-coded map when he joined FEMA under President Barack Obama. He was the agency’s administrator in 2011 when a deadly tornado tore through the town of Joplin, Missouri. Both of the town’s Waffle Houses reportedly stayed open.
The restaurant chain’s disaster readiness is no coincidence. Seven locations were destroyed and 100 more shut down in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, but company executives saw business skyrocket at restaurants that reopened quickly.
They soon embraced a business strategy centered around keeping their restaurants operable during and after a disaster, according to the company’s website. The chain said it has invested in portable generators, bought a mobile command center and trained employees on what they can still serve if they lose electricity.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — One month into the school year, New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Chris Barnes says the district has seen both progress and growing pains. In November, voters will play a role in determining what the next chapter looks like."We had challenges globally on things like concerns about mold remediation and concerns about transportation, things that normally come up at the beginning of a school year," Barnes said.The district started the year with 17 vacant bus driver positions, forcing 54 d...
WILMINGTON, N.C. — One month into the school year, New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Chris Barnes says the district has seen both progress and growing pains. In November, voters will play a role in determining what the next chapter looks like.
"We had challenges globally on things like concerns about mold remediation and concerns about transportation, things that normally come up at the beginning of a school year," Barnes said.
The district started the year with 17 vacant bus driver positions, forcing 54 double routes in which a single driver completes one route before returning to serve another. Barnes says the number of vacancies is now down to about 10, but the work is not done. He noted that all NHCS bus drivers are full-time employees with benefits, and the district has been working to shorten the certification timeline to bring new hires on faster.
Mold concerns have also surfaced at several schools this fall, including Hoggard High School in late September, where students learned remotely for two days. Barnes said he chose to act proactively after a small area raised concerns, even when results showed only slightly elevated levels.
"Even though the results we're getting back are considered slightly elevated, or if it's surface mold and not airborne mold, it's still a problem," he said. "I still think we need to look at what's wrong."
According to the district, the highest spore count at Hoggard was found in a maintenance area closed to students. In student-occupied areas, counts were between 1,200 and 1,700 per cubic meter, well below outdoor comparison levels cited by the district's environmental consultants. Barnes said he published all air quality reports online so families could review them directly. Hoggard has since largely reopened with about four rooms still completing remediation.
Barnes said both the mold and transportation challenges point to the same underlying issue.
"A lot of this comes back to aging infrastructure. As our equipment, our buildings and our stuff gets older, it costs more to repair and it costs more to fix," he said.
A more than $320 million bond referendum on the November ballot would directly address those infrastructure needs district-wide. If approved, the money would fund HVAC upgrades with humidity control, safety improvements including security vestibules at elementary schools, new school construction at several campuses and the first phase of redevelopment at New Hanover High School.
The New Hanover County Endowment has committed up to $116 million to help offset the cost, bringing the estimated annual expense for the average homeowner to about $20 per year for a $400,000 home.
For Barnes, the most important part of the bond is making sure voters go to the polls informed.
"I'm not telling you that the best thing for you is to vote for a bond," he said. "But I'm telling you to educate yourself, because we all benefit from an educated, high-quality workforce that public school provides over the next 100 years."
He also addressed whether the bond is about growth or need.
"It's not being created to build more schools. It's to replace schools that are outdated, inefficient or unsafe," Barnes said.
Early voting in North Carolina begins October 15. The bond question will be on every New Hanover County ballot on November 3.
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Wilmington's one and only horror film festival is mostly sold out for this weekend, but there's still a chance to get in on the fun, even if you don't have tickets yet.The third annual First Cut Film Festival opens 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, with a public launch party at Waterline Brewing under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Tickets are $10, there will be live music from Jesse Stockton, Michaelwwave and Mars in Spring, with Brooke Renshaw from Oc3ans doing a special, First-Cut-inspired surprise song.Plus, top-notch Wilmington comic...
Wilmington's one and only horror film festival is mostly sold out for this weekend, but there's still a chance to get in on the fun, even if you don't have tickets yet.
The third annual First Cut Film Festival opens 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, with a public launch party at Waterline Brewing under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Tickets are $10, there will be live music from Jesse Stockton, Michaelwwave and Mars in Spring, with Brooke Renshaw from Oc3ans doing a special, First-Cut-inspired surprise song.
Plus, top-notch Wilmington comic MT Bottles will host, and I'm told there will be ticket giveaways to Saturday's sold-out screenings at Jengo's Playhouse.
If you don't land tickets for Saturday, there's a public after-party at Jengo's on Saturday night, and there are still some tickets left for the best-of-the-fest "First Cut Gems" 5 p.m. Sunday at Jengo's, followed by a wrap party at Hollywood East Brewseum on Market Street.
OK, now let's see what else is going down in Wilmington this weekend.
Explore the Crossword page and play the new MidGrid Crossword.It's shaping up to be a wet weekend. Driest times look to be Friday evening and Saturday morning, with chance of rain and storms pretty sure-to-certain starting Saturday afternoon into Sunday. Highs in the mid to upper 70s, lows in the mid to upper 60s.
A good many fall festivals are scheduled for this weekend, but if and when it rains we've also got a number of concerts and touring shows, not to mention comedy, local theater, film screenings and more. Peep the full list below.
19 things to do in Wilmington this weekend, from shows to festivalsA Wilmington Indian restaurant is closing, but there's a replacement in the works. Plus, food writer Allison Ballard checks into a local deli where you can earn a spot on the menu, and an area seafood festival adds some celebrity chefs to its lineup.
After a handful of anniversary screenings earlier this year, an iconic Wilmington-shot film will soon have a new book marking its 40th birthday. We've got the details.
New book to mark 40th anniversary of iconic Wilmington-shot filmWe've got a sneak peek into major renovations at Wilmington's most historic theater, Thalian Hall. Plus, Wilmington's film industry gets a lifeline, maybe, and learn how to score tickets to one of Wilmington's hottest annual holiday events.
How to get tickets to Wilmington's Enchanted Airlie in 2026Don't miss another food or entertainment story. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/StarNewsMedia.
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John Staton is the arts and culture reporter at the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The N.C. State Ports Authority is asking the Army Corps to pause the $1.3 billion Wilmington Harbor Navigation Expansion project over PFAS and environmental concerns.In a Sept. 18 letter to D. Lee Forsgren, the senior official performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Ports Executive Director Brian E. Clark requested the Corps suspend further consideration of the project and associated Wilmington Harbor 403 Letter Report activities.Clark also asked the Corps to suspend a...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The N.C. State Ports Authority is asking the Army Corps to pause the $1.3 billion Wilmington Harbor Navigation Expansion project over PFAS and environmental concerns.
In a Sept. 18 letter to D. Lee Forsgren, the senior official performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Ports Executive Director Brian E. Clark requested the Corps suspend further consideration of the project and associated Wilmington Harbor 403 Letter Report activities.
Clark also asked the Corps to suspend additional consideration of the pending record of decision as outlined in the project scope and timeline.
The request marks a significant shift after a decade of study into deepening Wilmington Harbor from its current 42-foot authorized depth to potentially 47 feet.
“While we are certain the economic benefits from such a project could have lasting positive impacts on the entire State, what has become clear during this process is a need to pause and give adequate study and reflection to the potential environmental impacts of a project of this magnitude, including the potential impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS,” Clark wrote.
Clark wrote that questions raised by residents, researchers and other stakeholders about potential PFAS effects “are too important to be subject to a systematic timeline,” and said the Ports Authority has a responsibility to proceed “in a thoughtful and thorough manner.”
For leaders with Cape Fear Sierra Club, who have been one of the voices with concerns around this project, this letter is reassuring.
“To see that this public action to prevent environmental harm actually worked was really encouraging and it gives us a lot of energy and motivation to keep going and keep moving forward,” said Kelly McConnell, Cape Fear Sierra Club Chair.
Clark said next steps should be guided by sound science and rigorous research, and said it is in the best interests of the state and host communities to pause.
Clark emphasized the Ports Authority values its partnership with the Corps, specifically with the Wilmington District, and said work will continue as the agency embarks on a new strategic plan calling for an overall increase in tonnage traversing Wilmington Harbor.
“We will no doubt lean on that close relationship while we seek to utilize the current channel to the fullest extent possible,” Clark wrote.
The $1.3 billion project would deepen and widen up to 35 miles of the navigation channel to accommodate larger container vessels, including dredging about 35 million cubic yards of material and extending the offshore entrance channel by roughly nine miles.
Supporters say the work is needed to keep the Port of Wilmington competitive, but it faces widespread opposition. All 72 speakers at a November 2025 hearing opposed it, as did 125 of 132 written comments. Wilmington, Southport, Bald Head Island, Kure Beach, Caswell Beach and Leland have formally opposed it. Bald Head Island and Southport alone have spent more than $250,000 on related legal costs.
In February, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management objected over PFAS in dredged sediment, flooding and sea level rise, placement of material in coastal wetlands and mitigation concerns. The Corps made what it called “minor” adjustments to its report in April, then released a Final Environmental Impact Statement in July, triggering a 30-day review before a record of decision.
No decision on the Ports Authority’s suspension request had been announced as of publication.
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