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 Fort Caroline National Memorial in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, 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.
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 Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville, 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 Matthew's Restaurant or visit Walter Jones Historic Park, 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, 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.
The Croatan Cougars visited the Northside (of Jacksonville) Monarchs in a Coastal Conference high school football game on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. Posted 10/3/2026, 3:39:25 AM JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – In a statement game between Coastal Conference favorites, the Northside-Jacksonville Monarchs and the Croatan Cougars faced off with first place in the conference on the line.In the end, the Monarchs' physicality on both sides of the line made a major difference in a big 46-11 victory.Northside took early...
The Croatan Cougars visited the Northside (of Jacksonville) Monarchs in a Coastal Conference high school football game on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
Posted 10/3/2026, 3:39:25 AM
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – In a statement game between Coastal Conference favorites, the Northside-Jacksonville Monarchs and the Croatan Cougars faced off with first place in the conference on the line.
In the end, the Monarchs' physicality on both sides of the line made a major difference in a big 46-11 victory.
Northside took early control on Friday thanks to four rushing touchdowns from Rahlai Anderson and three turnovers forced by their defense.
After forcing a three-and-out on Croatan’s opening possession, Northside wasted no time setting the tone. The Monarchs (6-0, 2-0) featured their senior standout and the ground game heavily on their first drive.
The hosts opened the scoring after a three-yard score from Anderson and a two-point run from quarterback Reginald Gray made it 8-0 early. Northside’s offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage as they didn’t go backwards at any point of their first possession.
Croatan (6-1, 2-1) countered quickly as a long pass from Kannon McBride to Andrew Boucher set up first-and-goal from the nine. Then, after a false start penalty, McBride set up a 14-yard screen pass to Antoine Blunt and tied the game with a two-point pass to Caleb Davis.
The Monarchs kept their foot on the gas as the first quarter went on. They took their next drive for points thanks to more quality runs. It was Zion Jones’ turn to get in on the action as a 21-yard rushing touchdown gave Northside their lead back.
After getting a quality drive going, the Croatan offense sputtered and out and they were forced to punt again. Then, the Monarchs attack continued to ignite the raucous home crowd.
Anderson burst for a 40-yard score marking his second rushing touchdown of the first quarter doubling Northside’s advantage to 24-8 after one. Jamir Mitchell and Gavin Wisnewski kept the good times going with two monstrous defensive plays to close out the quarter.
However, the Cougars would find their footing going into the second quarter with a McBride completion to Davis to set up the visitors with a chance to score. However, despite getting inside the 10, the Monarchs defense rose to the occasion as Matthew Smoot came up with an interception to end the threat.
Then, the Anderson show continued as the Monarchs offensive line kept their momentum going. A third rushing touchdown of the first half made it 31-8 with 8:37 left in the second.
Croatan tried to find their footing late in the first half driving into Northside territory after their defense forced a turnover on downs. However, the Monarchs once again held firm as a McBride pass in the final seconds of the half was picked off by Evan Wanga.
After the Monarchs were stopped on fourth down on their opening drive of the second half, Croatan put some points on the board. A 42-yard field goal from McBride cut into the deficit with 3:24 left in the third.
They also got a huge boost on special teams from their do-it-all star as a perfectly executed onside kick helped the visitors retain possession. However, turnovers continued to hurt Croatan’s chances to comeback.
A third McBride interception, this time by Kaiden Bell after the Monarchs front four pressed him into an errant throw, put Northside in position to score again. That’s when Anderson continued to make an impact.
His fourth rushing touchdown of the night put him over 200 yards on the evening and effectively sealed the contest. Tack on a touchdown pass from Gray to Drake Hopkins early in the fourth and the Monarchs summoned the running clock with 10:05 remaining.
After losing the first ever meeting between the two programs, Northside has been on a tear against Croatan. The Monarchs have now won 19 straight games in this series dating back to the 2001 season.
Croatan continues Coastal 5A/6A Conference play with a home game against Richlands next Friday. Meanwhile, Northside will be back in action at home where they’ll face West Carteret in another conference tilt.
When most people hear “Jacksonville,” Florida is usually the first state that comes to mind. But North Carolina has a Jacksonville of its very own, and it’s a destination worth getting to know.Just inland from the coast, Jacksonville blends a deep military heritage—it’s home to Camp Lejeune, a major Marine Corps base—with an unexpectedly international food scene and easy access to waterways, beaches, and coastal communities. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning learning about...
When most people hear “Jacksonville,” Florida is usually the first state that comes to mind. But North Carolina has a Jacksonville of its very own, and it’s a destination worth getting to know.
Just inland from the coast, Jacksonville blends a deep military heritage—it’s home to Camp Lejeune, a major Marine Corps base—with an unexpectedly international food scene and easy access to waterways, beaches, and coastal communities. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning learning about the history of the Marine Corps, the afternoon on the water, and the evening sampling food from around the world.
“What makes Jacksonville special is its people,” local resident Brittany Stevenson tells Travel + Leisure. For Stevenson, that sense of community is personal. Her parents met at Camp Lejeune while serving in the Marines, and although her family eventually moved away after her father retired, she found her way back to Jacksonville two decades later with her husband, who also served as a Marine.
“You will meet lifelong locals, military families, and people who have come here from all over the country and the world, yet Jacksonville still maintains that welcoming, small-town feeling,” Stevenson says. “It is a down-to-earth community filled with people who believe in showing up for one another, investing in their neighbors, and creating roots.”
Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Downtown Jacksonville’s tree-lined streets and views of the New River accompany a growing collection of independent shops like Miladas, which stocks clothing, jewelry, and bags, and The Tattered Cottage, a local favorite for furniture, artwork, and home decor.
For a deeper look at Jacksonville’s military history, Stevenson recommends the newly opened Carolina Museum of the Marine, where she serves as volunteer coordinator. “It’s a must-see,” she says. “The museum captures the history of Onslow County and shares the pivotal moments, people, and Marines who shaped our military community,” she continues. “The stories binding Jacksonville to its military culture run deep, and the museum brings them to life in a way that is personal, powerful, and accessible—even for visitors without a military background.”
Water is another important part of the city’s identity. At Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center learn about the area’s waterways and environmental history before exploring the adjoining park’s paved trails and boardwalks. For a guided experience on the water, head to nearby Swansboro, North Carolina, and book an excursion with Marsh Cruises; the two-hour scenic cruise gives passengers insight into the area’s natural and cultural history.
Beach lovers will also appreciate Jacksonville’s proximity to the coast. North Topsail Beach is about a 30-minute drive away and has a quiet shoreline and the 1,000-foot Seaview Fishing Pier, one of the longest of its kind in the state. Meanwhile, Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro offers a more undeveloped coastal experience. From April through October, a ferry takes visitors to Bear Island, a four-mile-long barrier island with a pristine beach and lots of opportunities for paddling, hiking, and fishing.
Jacksonville’s international community has helped create one of the city’s most distinctive attractions: the International Food Trail. As its name suggests, the trail highlights restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine whips up dishes like spanakopita, moussaka, and gyros, while Liliana’s Colombian Restaurant & Bakery has arepas, empanadas, and fried plantains on its menu. At The Old Siam, chef Eddie draws on the culinary traditions of his native Thailand.
Stevenson also recommends Bistro 1940 for deli-style sandwiches, salads, and smoothies. “Be sure to try the Hug-A-Hero sandwich,” she says. “A portion of its proceeds supports the Hug A Hero organization. It is a wonderful example of how Jacksonville’s local businesses turn even an everyday meal into an opportunity to give back.”
For coffee, head to The Milk Road where you can pair your latte with a homemade quiche or a warm chocolate chip muffin. The veteran-owned shop has two brick-and-mortar locations (downtown and Gum Branch Road), and it serves the Carolina Museum of the Marine‘s on-site café.
For the “best burgers in town,” in Stevenson’s words, go to Overruled Smash Kitchen. Right next door, you’ll find The Clove Hitch Beer Co., a relaxed, welcoming place to gather. “Together, these businesses are an excellent representation of the energy and growth happening in downtown Jacksonville,” Stevenson says. Also on the drinks side of things, there’s Walton’s Distillery. Here, a family tradition of moonshine-making lives on through small-batch spirits.
Hotel brand loyalists can earn or use points at the pet-friendly Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville—which has a restaurant, indoor pool, and fitness center—or the Staybridge Suites Jacksonville. At the latter, guests enjoy daily complimentary breakfast and evening social hours on select days. Meanwhile, Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville, another solid option, has laundry facilities, an on-site restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
If you’d prefer residential-style accommodations, Jacksonville has plenty of vacation rentals, from cozy apartments to spacious homes with water views. Many listings have kitchens and living areas, making them practical choices for families or travelers who like more space to spread out. You can also look at beachfront rentals in nearby Swansboro for a classic coastal getaway.
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