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.
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 Richmond, VA 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.
“They say it takes a village and it truly does. I don’t know how”
“What I loved most about the services provided by Always Best Care is the fact”
“Always Best Care is so awesome! As a Caregiver, I will always recommend them. The”
“I am a current client of this provider We chose Always Best Care of Richmond South”
“Joan is awesome and does everything to make things right for her clients & employees”
“All of the employees at Always Best Care enjoy helping their clients and are so”
“They are a wonderful home care service and all the staff is excellent and so”
“What an amazing company to work and serve for!”
“I am a current client of this provider My father uses Always Best Care of Richmond”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care for their care, compassion and professionalism. They participated in”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. Eva was wonderful with my mom. They always worked”
“ABC works with our schedule and does their best to provide quality care for my”
“The owner Joan is kind, compassionate and does not use unsupervised contractors. Office staff of”
“My first time experience was awesome! Emily Ferguson was very helpful and compassionate to the”
“Always Best Care provided very good care to my aunt while she was in Assisted”
“Awesome staff and great caregivers!”
“The company provided a thorough evaluation of my parents and then worked very hard to”
“Other We have used Always Best for several years They have been friendly and professional. The caretakers”
“I am a past client of this provider I called late Friday afternoon and had a”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan”
“OMG I swear we have the BEST caregiver ever! Aysia is like a part of”
“Wonderful, caring staff who ensures the patients and their families are happy with services provided.”
“I am a past client of this provider The staff at Always Best Care truly cares”
“Free opportunity to toot our own horn! Always Best Care is all about family and”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also”
“Love ABC and all they offer. Great company to work for!”
“I love my job. I don't see it as work. Its more like a 2nd”
“Always best care is the best job to work for!!!!!!!”
“They say it takes a village and it truly does. I don’t know how I would have gotten through many days without you. Thanks for the good care you gave my husband and the visits spent with me. Please keep caring for folks, you make a difference.”
“What I loved most about the services provided by Always Best Care is the fact that the caregivers showed up, freed me up for grocery store or yardwork. The caregivers gave me advice to help me care for my husband. I was new to this and needed any advice, I appreciated that.”
“Always Best Care is so awesome! As a Caregiver, I will always recommend them. The professionalism and care for their caregivers goes above and beyond. They are always there to help if needed, they are always there to answer any questions, and they make you feel proud to be a team member! Thank you ABC!????”
“I am a current client of this provider We chose Always Best Care of Richmond South because they were able to get us, somebody, as quickly as we needed. Right now, they're providing help with bathing, meals, and light housework. They're also keeping an eye on my mom during the day. With regard to billing and scheduling, so far, so good. We're on a second caregiver just because of some issues on our behalf because we had to switch locations, but both caregivers seem okay. This will be our third week now.”
“Joan is awesome and does everything to make things right for her clients & employees”
“All of the employees at Always Best Care enjoy helping their clients and are so wonderful to work with!”
“They are a wonderful home care service and all the staff is excellent and so caring and loving they go out there way for there workers and clients and appreciate there hard working workers”
“What an amazing company to work and serve for!”
“I am a current client of this provider My father uses Always Best Care of Richmond South. They help with bathing, bed making, washing linen, washing clothes, they wipe and keep the floors clean, the bathtub and the bathroom area, fold clothes after they wash them, tidy up his room, and make sure that his meds are in the right place. The caregivers have been good and I'm satisfied. It's easy to contact them and they respond quickly.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care for their care, compassion and professionalism. They participated in the care of my mother as she lived out her life in her own home. The staff was always willing to answer questions, they communicated clearly, and responded to my requests with patience. The staff and caregivers made a significant contribution to my family and a huge difference at a time when I needed it the most.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. Eva was wonderful with my mom. They always worked with my schedule. Great people!”
“ABC works with our schedule and does their best to provide quality care for my elderly mother-in-law. The caregivers are conscientious and take care of her needs.”
“The owner Joan is kind, compassionate and does not use unsupervised contractors. Office staff of Always Best resolve issues quickly and genuinely care. This is a quality organization with great caregivers.”
“My first time experience was awesome! Emily Ferguson was very helpful and compassionate to the needs of my family.”
“Always Best Care provided very good care to my aunt while she was in Assisted Living at The Towers and Memory Care at Elmcroft. CNA assigned to provide personal care was great. She was able to get my aunt to cooperate with assisting in personal hygiene where others were not as successful. NP Ashley was the best. I was concerned about her being receptive to a Chaplin visiting on a regular basis. Chaplin Ed was able to get her respond and was excellent with her. He looked forward to their visits. He always had good reports of each visit. My overall experience with Always Best Care was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone who is in need of additional care for their loved one. Thanks to all the staff at Always Best Care for all you do.”
“Awesome staff and great caregivers!”
“The company provided a thorough evaluation of my parents and then worked very hard to find the right match as a caregiver. The person they found was perfect and became a part of the family.”
“Other We have used Always Best for several years They have been friendly and professional. The caretakers they have sent have always been extremely helpful as well as caring. Our present caretakers is exceptional Highly recommend Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider I called late Friday afternoon and had a caregiver set up for Saturday evening. My mom was in good hands with ABC”
“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”
“OMG I swear we have the BEST caregiver ever! Aysia is like a part of the family � Jessica Thomas and Always Best Care Senior Services always provide us with the best and it makes my life so much easier. If you are ever in the need of In home care I highly recommend this group.”
“Wonderful, caring staff who ensures the patients and their families are happy with services provided. They will fight for coverage for their clients from the insurance company, which is something other senior care companies don't seem to have much time to do. This company really cares about their clients, and treat them like family.”
“I am a past client of this provider The staff at Always Best Care truly cares about their clients. They look at them as extended family and do everything possible to meet their needs and wants. They also have someone on call 24/7, which was a huge benefit! I would definitely recommend this company.”
“Free opportunity to toot our own horn! Always Best Care is all about family and spreading compassionate senior care through our outstanding caregivers, staff and community members. Need help with senior care, give us a call. 804-912-5688”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also are like family. I definitely recommend anyone looking for a job to work here.”
“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also are like family. I definitely recommend anyone looking for a job to work here.”
“Love ABC and all they offer. Great company to work for!”
“I love my job. I don't see it as work. Its more like a 2nd home.”
“Always best care is the best job to work for!!!!!!!”
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.
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. 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 Richmond, VA, 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 Richmond, VA 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.
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 Richmond, VA 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.
RICHMOND, Va. — Dr. Danielle Spencer, known to millions as "Dee" from the '70s sitcom "What's Happening!!" passed away Monday night in Richmond at the age of 60 after battling gastric cancer.While many remember her for her groundbreaking role as the youngest female child in a sitcom to be inducted into the National Mus...
RICHMOND, Va. — Dr. Danielle Spencer, known to millions as "Dee" from the '70s sitcom "What's Happening!!" passed away Monday night in Richmond at the age of 60 after battling gastric cancer.
While many remember her for her groundbreaking role as the youngest female child in a sitcom to be inducted into the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Richmond residents knew a different side of Spencer — a veterinarian, community member, and inspiration to many.
"Such a wonderful, bright and warm soul, just just sad to see her transition," said Rev. Marcus Martin, pastor of New Bridge Baptist Church.
Spencer's brother Jeremy Pelt shared that she "was a very loving spirit who fought courageously until the very end."
Her pastor remembers her as someone who made time for everyone she met.
"She actually always took time to talk to people, always took time to greet people and to talk to people," Martin said.
This wasn't Spencer's first health battle. In 2014, she opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis on CBS6.
Despite her fame, Spencer chose Richmond as her home for her final decade, where she frequently appeared on WTVR CBS 6's "Virginia This Morning" and became deeply involved in the community.
"She showed up with a determination to live life, no matter what the cards may have dealt her, no matter what situation may have been," Martin said. "She continued to just fight and to and to go forward."
Spencer documented her life's challenges in her memoir, "Through The Fire," which her pastor describes as "a journal of her as a childhood star and some of the crisis or the accidents that befell her, but how she was able to press forward."
"We become consumed by the fire. But we go through the fire and we're made better," Martin said.
Beyond her acting career, Spencer made an impact as a veterinarian and community member in Richmond.
"For Richmond, it's going to be an impact of a person who loved humanity and who loved creation, animals and things of that nature," Martin said. "She'll be remembered fondly by everyone whom she's encountered."
Martin reflected on Spencer's legacy: "She attained greatness and childhood stardom, but she also attained greatness in living like the rest of us live an ordinary life, and that that ordinary life is special, and that ordinarily, life is a blessing from God and can be a blessing to others. And I think she lived her life trying to be a blessing to others, and she was indeed, in the life and the history of our church and our faith community, she was a blessing."
"I hope our impact on her was as greatest on her as her impact was on us," he said.
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LEXINGTON, Va. – Excited for a new season and a fresh start, the VMI women's soccer team will open the 2025 season under first-year Head Coach Jim Robbins Thursday night at the University of Richmond.Kick-off is set for a 5 p.m. start at President's Field at River Road in Richmond, Virginia.Two of VMI's top three scorers return to the team from the 2024 squad that earned six wins, its most victories in six years. Senior ...
LEXINGTON, Va. – Excited for a new season and a fresh start, the VMI women's soccer team will open the 2025 season under first-year Head Coach Jim Robbins Thursday night at the University of Richmond.
Kick-off is set for a 5 p.m. start at President's Field at River Road in Richmond, Virginia.
Two of VMI's top three scorers return to the team from the 2024 squad that earned six wins, its most victories in six years. Senior Riley Boucher is the top returning goal scorer from last season as she earned nine for the year while junior Barrett Callejo also returns after registering four goals in 2024.
Returning starters Gianna De Cicco, Cadee Hegarty, Caroline Marini, Cameron Jones and Emma Rice also return to the team after tracking one goal apiece last season.
The Keydets also return an experienced defense as Marini, Katy Layman and Paige Becker all have multiple years of starting experience on the back line.
SERIES HISTORY (2-1) Despite just a two-hour proximity from one another, the Keydets and Spiders have faced off only three times in their series history with VMI owning two wins to Richmond's one.
Richmond won the first game back in 2007 by a 2-0 tally, but the Keydets have won the last two from 2008 and 2018, the latter a 2-0 VMI victory in Richmond.
About Richmond (0-0, 0-0) After going 4-10-3 overall and 2-7-1 in A10 play, the Spiders look for a strong start to the 2025 season returning three of their top scorers from a year ago.
Senior Kiley Fitzgerald scored three goals to go with one assist in 2024, while Brigitte Bussiere and Anna Garcia also return having scored one goal apiece last season. Richmond will be without the services of graduate Kelly Hutton, who led the team with three goals and three assists during the 2024 campaign.
RICHMOND, Va. — Dr. Danielle Louise Spencer, known worldwide as "Dee" from the popular 70s sitcom "What's Happening!!" passed away Monday night in Richmond after a long battle with cancer, a family spokesperson confirmed to CBS 6.The former child actor turned Richmond-area veterinarian was 60 years old.Dr. Spencer had previously shared her cancer story with CBS 6.Watch this report on Dr. Danielle Spencer from 2016.She said she was first diagnosed in 2014."I came into th...
RICHMOND, Va. — Dr. Danielle Louise Spencer, known worldwide as "Dee" from the popular 70s sitcom "What's Happening!!" passed away Monday night in Richmond after a long battle with cancer, a family spokesperson confirmed to CBS 6.
The former child actor turned Richmond-area veterinarian was 60 years old.
Dr. Spencer had previously shared her cancer story with CBS 6.
Watch this report on Dr. Danielle Spencer from 2016.
She said she was first diagnosed in 2014.
"I came into the room, there were about five doctors in there," she said. "So that scared the living daylights out of me. And they told me I had breast cancer."
From doing her own breast self exam, she said she'd discovered lumps in her right breast. After having a biopsy that confirmed she had cancer, she then opted for a preventative double mastectomy at VCU Massey Cancer Center.
Spencer often appeared on WTVR CBS 6's "Virginia This Morning" and was inducted into the National Museum of African American History and Culture as the youngest female child in a sitcom.
Spencer's "What's Happening!!" co-star Haywood Nelson honored his longtime friend.
"Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body. We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer," he wrote. "We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, “What’s Happening” cast member, veterinarian animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine. Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced."
"What's Happening!!" aired from 1976-1979 on ABC. In the 1980s, Spencer appeared on the sitcom's spin-off show "What's Happening Now!!"
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Get ready for a purrfectly good time as Richmond’s new cat café is set to launch its grand opening on Friday, August 15.Located at 214 North Lombardy St., The Purrfect Bean is set to become the cat’s meow. The café will feature several menu items such as coffees, teas, espresso drinks, drip coffe...
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Get ready for a purrfectly good time as Richmond’s new cat café is set to launch its grand opening on Friday, August 15.
Located at 214 North Lombardy St., The Purrfect Bean is set to become the cat’s meow. The café will feature several menu items such as coffees, teas, espresso drinks, drip coffee, donuts, seasonal specials and cat themed drinks.
Owner, Michelle Langham, told 8News why she decided to bring this cat café to Richmond.
“There was a giant hole in the market in Richmond, there’s no, there was no cat café here, and it’s such an amazing city,” Langham said.
Langham, originally from northern Virginia, and her husband have been long-time animal lovers and have done a lot of fostering and volunteering with cats and dogs before Langham opened the café.
In 2022, she and her husband decided to move to Powhatan — into a space that offered more room for the animals.
“We sold our house in Vienna, moved out there, and we rescued a bunch of animals, so we have chickens, we have donkeys, I mean, lots of cats and dogs,” Langham said.
“When we moved here, I started working for the SPCA and really got involved in animal rescue, and, yeah, from there, [I] was there almost three years, and this idea formed and I was like, you know, I could do, I could do this,” Langham added.
In terms of getting the cat café up and running for a claw-some time, Langham said:
“I first started reaching out to other cat cafes, so I reached out to them on social media, and a couple of them were extremely helpful and talked to me on the phone and all of my questions.”
She then added “the next step was, I reached out to small business owners in Richmond. So I sat down with a couple different people, I was like, what is this going to look like? What are my challenges going to be? What neighborhoods are best? So I just started collecting information.”
Beyond her love of animals, the café also serves as a refuge for the animals as they work in partnership with Purring Hearts VA, an organization aimed at helping cats find new homes.
“We’re hoping to support Purring Hearts by keeping a number of their cats here, getting them adopted, raising funds for Purring Hearts, also, just education maybe,” Langham said. “We want to do some classes and teach people, why spaying, [and] neutering is important.”
According to the business owner, there is currently a cat overpopulation crisis which is especially present in the Richmond area. Langham said she hopes to mitigate this by getting more cats adopted and into homes.
“We are technically fostering the house for them,” she said. “They’re our partner organization, and they pull cats that are directly in danger of euthanasia.”
According to Langham, their rescue partner, Purring Hearts, also partners with smaller, overcrowded and non-funded shelters, and when those spaces become full, they then have to euthanize the animals for space.
“They’ll call Laura, who’s the head of Purring Hearts, and she will find people to pick them up and distribute them to foster homes,” Langham said. “So providing space for them here directly save[s] their lives.”
Langham also said that as a business owner, saving the cats has made her feel good.
“It’s the whole reason why I started this,” she said. “We did two adoptions on our first off opening day, it feels really good.”
Whether you’re looking to adopt a furry friend or get a cup of coffee, The Purrfect Bean offers both.
The business operates Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are needed for the cat portion of the café located upstairs, however, for their in-house baked goods and drinks, no reservation is required.
Reservations for time with the furry friends are in 50 minute sessions.
8News hopes that you found these puns a-mew-sing.
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival at Maymont returns August 9 and 10 with a new stage layout designed to enhance the audience experience.For the first time in the festival's history, performances will not overlap, and stages are positioned closer together."It gives people the opportunity to see every artist performing this year because none of the sets are going to overlap... that's the first time we've done that," Frances Burruss said.Burruss, with the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival,...
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival at Maymont returns August 9 and 10 with a new stage layout designed to enhance the audience experience.
For the first time in the festival's history, performances will not overlap, and stages are positioned closer together.
"It gives people the opportunity to see every artist performing this year because none of the sets are going to overlap... that's the first time we've done that," Frances Burruss said.
Burruss, with the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival, explained the benefits of the new arrangement.
"You can either sit where you are and listen to all of the acts, or you can move easily between the two stages and catch every moment," Burruss said.
WATCH: New Richmond Jazz and Music Festival stage setup lets you see every performance
This year's festival features a diverse lineup including hip-hop and R&B artists like CeeLo Green alongside jazz performers such as Norman Brown and Kirk Whalumwith.
"We want to make sure that we're appealing to all of the Richmond audience," Burruss said.
"I think people are really excited about T.I. and Jodeci and Drew Hill, and we've got Muni Long and Marsha Ambrosius, we've got Masego, who's from Virginia, and then we've got some local talent as well."
WATCH: Richmond Jazz and Music Festival features T.I., Jodeci, Ceelo Green and Dru Hill
Food and other vendors will be on site during the two-day event. Free shuttles are available from Dogwood Dell and VCU West Cary parking deck, where attendees can park at no cost.
Festival-goers should bring lawn chairs and sunscreen but leave alcohol and pets at home, as they are not permitted at Maymont.
The festival is presented by Dominion Energy with support from numerous partners, but Burruss emphasized the importance of ticket holders.
"We could not do this festival with our patrons and the support they've been giving us all these years," Burruss said.
Gates open at 1 p.m. both days, and tickets are available online or at the gate.
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