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 Buffalo Lake, 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 amazing caregivers as well as office staff. Sanjay is a pleasure”
“We were scared... Finding caretakers for my 94-year-old grandma was a daunting and emotional process. We”
“I’ve known Sanjay and Always Best Care for many years! I worked directly with him”
“Our parents were in a place in their lives where we needed to relocate them”
“Sanjay was an amazing friend during a very hard time for me and my father.”
“My husband and I first met Sanjay at a Dementia Alliance support group several years”
“I cant speak highly enough of Always ********* and ****** ***. I first met ******”
“I can’t speak highly enough of Always Best Care and Sanjay Das. I first met”
“We met Sanjay when our Dad's health took a quick turn for the worst. ”
“My mother has been bedridden for over three years now. Always Best Care has taken”
“Always Best Care has been an excellent partner in assisting my mother with caring for”
“Sanjay and his staff do amazing work. For your home care needs, give them”
“SanJay and his staff do a wonderful job explaining Senior Care. He was really helpful”
“An excellent service, always responsive & provide very compassionate care. Sanjay takes a personal interest”
“I am a current client of this provider He can't do without assistance so it has”
“I am a current client of this provider They help him with getting to activities and”
“I am a past client of this provider She did everything we asked for. She got”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above”
“I am a current client of this provider They have given her good companionship. When you call,”
“I am a current client of this provider It allows me to go and get groceries”
“I am a current client of this provider They keep her involved and stimulated. I really like”
“I am a current client of this provider They make it so that the rest of”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most with helping him with”
“Always Best went above and beyond to help us navigate a family crisis, and we”
“I am a current client of this provider They get her up every morning. They follow the”
“I am a current client of this provider My husband's in a care facility that already”
“I am a current client of this provider It makes me feel assured that he is”
“I am a current client of this provider They are giving her a shower in the”
“I am a current client of this provider They help us out. They give us time”
“I am a current client of this provider I really need the services. I would praise Always”
“I am a past client of this provider The caregiver took care of things I needed”
“I am a current client of this provider The majority of them know what to do”
“I am a current client of this provider They are good because I now have less”
“I am a past client of this provider I like how they just open the door”
“I am a current client of this provider I know that somebody is going to be”
“I am a current client of this provider They make my life easier by making my”
“I am a current client of this provider They do so well with what I ask”
“I am a current client of this provider They have someone come and check on my”
“I am a current client of this provider Most of them will help out in any”
“I am a current client of this provider I only have one and she is outstanding”
“I am a past client of this provider She provided companionship and catered to her needs. The”
“I am a current client of this provider They help her with day to day activities,”
“I am a past client of this provider They should have been more consistent and reliable. They”
“I am a past client of this provider They made sure everything was set up properly. I”
“I am a past client of this provider I didn't need much help because I am”
“Sanjay and ABCSS were outstanding to work with. Sanjay walked us through not only their”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped the most by helping me with”
“I am a current client of this provider I like the warmth and caring feeling I”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped me the most by being dependable”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom was unresponsive, so for me, it”
“I am a past client of this provider It took a lot of pressure off of”
“I am a current client of this provider We have support, and it makes a difference. They”
“I am a past client of this provider It helped my mother a whole lot in”
“I am a past client of this provider They were very helpful at the time we”
“I called on a Monday & had a care giver on Tuesday. The caregivers are”
“I am a past client of this provider I had expectations of my parents, but they”
“I am a current client of this provider My loved one doesn't want to do some”
“I am a past client of this provider My dad has severe dementia, so they would”
“I am a past client of this provider They were able to help the most by”
“I am a current client of this provider I don't know what I would do without”
“I am a current client of this provider The showers are very good, and they wash”
“I am a past client of this provider They made my loved ones life easier by”
“I am a past client of this provider The best part was the conversations. I had”
“I am a current client of this provider It is just hard getting use to what”
“I am a current client of this provider I don't have to worry about her because”
“I am a past client of this provider They did little things that I couldn't do,”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregivers aren't here for a day,”
“I am a past client of this provider I could not have manged without the help.”
“I am a past client of this provider If I hadn't had them, I wouldn't have”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me get groceries. They are efficient.”
“I am a past client of this provider The caregivers didn't really do a lot, but”
“ABC are awesome people. They are just like their name... The best”
“Always Best Care Senior Services not only provides clients with personal care needs, but also”
“this company is fantastic, love the people and the hours and they felxability they have”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very attentive to my mother, and”
“I am a current client of this provider It's good because they do things for me”
“I am a current client of this provider The cost is an issue. Their flexibility scheduling”
“I am a current client of this provider The service depends on the individual that we”
“I am a past client of this provider They were easy to deal with in regards”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me some freedom to go out”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom really liked the lady that came”
“I am a past client of this provider They were extremely accommodating. If we had to”
“I am a current client of this provider I've liked the director's patience with my father”
“I am a past client of this provider The daily living activities that they helped out”
“I am a past client of this provider They were on time and always polite. Having”
“We called Sanjay to help us find an assisted living facility for our mom when”
“I am a past client of this provider I wasn't there when they were with my”
“I am a past client of this provider Everyone at Always Best Care was very helpful”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care makes it so I don't”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was a very professional organization,”
“I am a past client of this provider I got good service and I was pleased”
“When we first started with Always Best Care, it was just to have somebody come”
“During one's lifetime, there are usually just a handful of people that impact one's life”
“I don't know what I would have done without Sanjay helping me and my family”
“Sanjay has been an absolute Godsend to work with in getting my grandmother transitioned happily”
“EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT! Finding a home for your elderly loved one is extremely emotional and daunting!”
“My mother recently moved into an Assisted Living facility in Cary. This has been a”
“I want to thank Sanjay and Always Best Care for always going above and beyond”
“Always best care has amazing caregivers as well as office staff. Sanjay is a pleasure to work with and the caregivers haven taken excellent care of my step mother. It is very hard to find good elder care like this. Highly recommend.”
“We were scared... Finding caretakers for my 94-year-old grandma was a daunting and emotional process. We wanted to ensure she was in the hands of people we could trust, and from the moment we met Sanjay, the owner and founder of Always Best Care, we knew we had found something special. Sanjay was kind, insightful, and passionate about providing the best care possible. Our initial meeting with Sanjay gave us the confidence to move forward, and Best Care always exceeded our expectations in every way imaginable. They matched Grandma with the perfect caretakers—she genuinely looks forward to their visits! Now, I can rest easier knowing she receives the best care from people who treat her like family. Words can’t express how grateful we are for Always Best Care. If I could give more than five stars, I would!”
“I’ve known Sanjay and Always Best Care for many years! I worked directly with him and saw how he focused on nothing but his customers best in every single situation! Once I had a need in my own family, he was one of the first people I called. They delivered in a very stressful ALS situation; and made our lives easier. You should definitely contact Always Best Care. I assure you you get the best professional care possible.!!”
“Our parents were in a place in their lives where we needed to relocate them from their beloved small town mountain home to Raleigh to be closer to extended family and better medical facilities for their care. This situation was heart wrenching for us as well as utter confusion, not knowing where to begin the process. We had investigated several assisted living residences in the area, but it wasn't until we were introduced to Sanjay Das that we found some solice in our decision of where to place our parents. Sanjay knew the area extremely well and had valuable information about all the assisted living residences as well as care homes, nursing homes, home health care and such. He not only was kind enough to take multiple calls with endless questions, but met with us to discuss various options in person and for no fee. Sanjay also had knowledge of individual nursing businesses and beyond. He was caring, patient and professional and always encouraged us to contact him with any and all health care needs related to our parents care. We highly recommend anyone in our situation to contact Sanjay for advice. You won't be disappointed. To know someone who is extremely knowledgeable in this area of care for your loved ones is priceless. From the bottom of our hearts Sanjay, thank you!”
“Sanjay was an amazing friend during a very hard time for me and my father. He worked hard to find just the right place for my Dad and never gave up. I highly recommend Sanjay to anyone going through the difficult time of finding the right home for you or your family members.”
“My husband and I first met Sanjay at a Dementia Alliance support group several years ago in Raleigh. He was holding a Men’s Coffee Hangout, a unique gathering of caregivers and partners with dementia. Thanks to Sanjay the setup worked perfectly for us. We were impressed with Sanjay’s humorous and gentle approach to simply “hanging out” with the guys as we caregivers met. Years later we asked Sanjay to help us as a senior advisor when we began our search for a senior living facility. He set us on track, helped us make a chart of priorities and met us on our tours until we found one we liked. He continues today at our community with volunteering with a similar version of the Hangout. He has been an important part of our dementia journey. We feel fortunate to have him both as a supporter and a good friend.”
“I cant speak highly enough of Always ********* and ****** ***. I first met ****** at my local senior citizens center during a program on aging. I immediately found that he was experienced and knowledgeable about senior living options in The Triangle and a really nice guy too.Shortly after our meeting, I contacted ****** to learn more about how my spouse and I could best prepare for our next life chapter. He took the time to address all of my questions and concerns with compassion and care. Then he set up appointments for us to visit several senior living communities in our area. He also provided the name of a chef who prepares meals in seniors kitchens!****** delivered personalized treatment and accompanied us during the senior community visits. He emphasized how we should make our exploration fun and it was! I highly endorse Always ********* for their excellent service and expertise. Planning for our living options with ****** now is an investment in our health and happiness. If youre thinking about where you will live as you grow older, get in touch with Always *********. It will be fun!”
“I can’t speak highly enough of Always Best Care and Sanjay Das. I first met Sanjay at my local senior citizens center during a program on aging. I immediately found that he was experienced and knowledgeable about senior living options in The Triangle and a really nice guy too. Shortly after our meeting, I contacted Sanjay to learn more about how my spouse and I could best prepare for our next life chapter. He took the time to address all of my questions and concerns with compassion and care. Then he set up appointments for us to visit several senior living communities in our area. He also provided the name of a chef who prepares meals in seniors’ kitchens! Sanjay delivered personalized treatment and accompanied us during the senior community visits. He emphasized how we should make our exploration fun and it was! I highly endorse Always Best Care for their excellent service and expertise. Planning for our living options with Sanjay now is an investment in our health and happiness. If you’re thinking about where you will live as you grow older, get in touch with Always Best Care. It will be fun!”
“We met Sanjay when our Dad's health took a quick turn for the worst. We felt his health care team was MIA and had no one to help us navigate this emotional and stressful time. Sanjay quickly answered our call, helped us create a plan and had his team ready to go during a holiday weekend. His aids were all wonderful and Sanjay was always there to answer our questions and concerns. Always Best Care helped us when no one else could. I've already recommended Sanjay and his team and would do so again without hesitation.”
“My mother has been bedridden for over three years now. Always Best Care has taken wonderful care of her in these years. The management has a real desire to give care that is consistent with how they'd want their own family attended to. I appreciate the training they provide to the caregivers and the quick response to any of our concerns. It's been a great partnership.”
“Always Best Care has been an excellent partner in assisting my mother with caring for my elderly father. They are amazingly responsive. I have a single point of contact number (for Melanie), and I get an almost immediate response from her irrespective of what day or time I call/text. I have reached out at 11pm or later; I have reached out on weekends; I have reached out during holidays. In each instance Melanie has responded either immediately or within 5 minutes. They work to build a partnership. I stopped by the office unannounced recently to discuss a coverage issue that had arisen over the holidays. A new caregiver called out twice. (I would like to note that the coverage issues that arose over the holidays were highly unusual and very much outside the norm for ABC.) Sanjay, Anthony, and Melanie took an unplanned 45 minutes to sit with me and discuss my concerns and to outline the plan they had been discussing that very day to ensure we had no further issues. I do not expect any organization to never have any difficulties. The scale by which I measure an organization is 1) Does the organization take ownership of the issue? and 2) Does the organization proactively work to address the issue? ABC scores high on both these vectors. I have recommended ABC both to a coworker and to a close friend. I will continue to recommend them.”
“Sanjay and his staff do amazing work. For your home care needs, give them a call and they will take care of you. Keep up the great work!”
“SanJay and his staff do a wonderful job explaining Senior Care. He was really helpful in Dementia information. He has a tremendous amount of resources to provide.”
“An excellent service, always responsive & provide very compassionate care. Sanjay takes a personal interest in finding the best fit for each client & I've always experienced him treating clients like family. I work for Heartland Hospice and when families I'm working with need a trusted caregiver for this fragile time of life, they have always been there - available to meet in person and start care extremely fast.”
“I am a current client of this provider He can't do without assistance so it has been great assistance. With that being said, there were some caregivers that were better than others. There are some caregivers that are fantastic and there are some who aren't. They need more consistency in the caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help him with getting to activities and do his laundry. They keep me informed about what is going on.”
“I am a past client of this provider She did everything we asked for. She got the house set up for a walker. She fixed up the bathroom.”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have given her good companionship. When you call, you always speak to a person, no matter what day it is.”
“I am a current client of this provider It allows me to go and get groceries or medication or run the errands that I need to run. We work together as a team.”
“I am a current client of this provider They keep her involved and stimulated. I really like the caregiver we have, she is excellent.”
“I am a current client of this provider They make it so that the rest of the family can still have a life while they are taking care of our mother. The caregivers are really nice and confident. They are easy to work with.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most with helping him with things that he struggles to do it on his own. I like that they are on time, that they do what they say they will, and always give us a detailed report online.”
“Always Best went above and beyond to help us navigate a family crisis, and we literally could not have done it without them. Everyone we worked with was caring, patient and responsive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They get her up every morning. They follow the care plan and do what I ask them to do.”
“I am a current client of this provider My husband's in a care facility that already has staff, and they have supported the permanent staff so he doesn't fall. They seem very caring and it's not just a business. They seem to really understand and have compassion for people in situations like my husband is in. They are friendly.”
“I am a current client of this provider It makes me feel assured that he is being checked on especially during the COVID-19 because I can't visit with him. Everyone that I have met while visiting with my father has been nice and cordial.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are giving her a shower in the morning and they are helping her at night with her dinner. I get feedback from the nurses with my mother so I know what is going on.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help us out. They give us time off and that was the main reason we got them. We just couldn't do it 7 days a week. I like that they are reliable.”
“I am a current client of this provider I really need the services. I would praise Always Best Care because they have been good to me.”
“I am a past client of this provider The caregiver took care of things I needed done in the apartment. I liked that they were always pleasant, did what we needed, and were always on time.”
“I am a current client of this provider The majority of them know what to do and when to do it. The others that don't know are being trained on it. They are very helpful. They have improved some things already. They are timely.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are good because I now have less worries. My mom is getting the care that she deserves. That takes the pressure off of me. They always take care of the burdens that I might have. If they were not there I would have to be doing it. So far they are persistent. My mother likes them and she said they treat her good and are nice. They try to make sure that they are consistent. I do not worry too much about my mom getting her medication. They have been very consistent.”
“I am a past client of this provider I like how they just open the door and say hello to me. I have no complaints.”
“I am a current client of this provider I know that somebody is going to be there to help her with her shower. One of the people who worked for her through the other agency was who Mom requested specifically, and she hasn't seen her yet. Almost always someone comes who is new, and she doesn't like that.”
“I am a current client of this provider They make my life easier by making my bed and my coffee, and they are just wonderful. I like that they come in and remember how to do their thing.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do so well with what I ask them to do. They have wonderful personalities and they seem to be so happy in my place. We talk a little and they are so polite and friendly.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have someone come and check on my mother every day in the evening. There is no way I could do that with my time constraints. The people that we have met so far are extremely pleasant and helpful.”
“I am a current client of this provider Most of them will help out in any way they can. Some of them use the dishwasher and the washing machine, and that is nice. Some are very attentive and others will stay on the telephone all the time.”
“I am a current client of this provider I only have one and she is outstanding and I used to have several. They are on the high end of pricing and went to 11 holidays a year. They could improve in consistency of caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider She provided companionship and catered to her needs. The caregiver was extremely friendly.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help her with day to day activities, and provide companionship. I like the nurse we have.”
“I am a past client of this provider They should have been more consistent and reliable. They need to be more reliable.”
“I am a past client of this provider They made sure everything was set up properly. I thought the ladies did a good job.”
“I am a past client of this provider I didn't need much help because I am a nurse. She was accurate other than with the medication recommendations. The person that came was not a nurse, but she did medication reconciliation, which was outside of her practice.”
“Sanjay and ABCSS were outstanding to work with. Sanjay walked us through not only their options but gave me his personal observations and suggestions. Day 1 they were there for us and our father. Sanjay was there and spent time with Dad. Top notch service. Thank you.”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped the most by helping me with exercises and encouraging me. I like everything about the agency. They were efficient.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like the warmth and caring feeling I get from her. She is always on time and always smiling. Her attitude is caring, and she is just a great person.”
“I am a past client of this provider They helped me the most by being dependable and took great care my father. I liked that they were responsive, and they had awesome caregivers.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom was unresponsive, so for me, it gave me an opportunity to leave the house and do what I needed or wanted to do. Every caregiver was kind, caring, loving, and reliable.”
“I am a past client of this provider It took a lot of pressure off of me. I like that they were on time and did what they were supposed to do. It was very nice.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have support, and it makes a difference. They are always available to talk about my dad's care.”
“I am a past client of this provider It helped my mother a whole lot in her daily living. I would like a little better training, but I know they have a budget to make.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were very helpful at the time we had them. I think it could be more affordable. I would recommend them because they were very prompt and flexible. They did what they said they were going to do.”
“I called on a Monday & had a care giver on Tuesday. The caregivers are always on time. Asking if there are any changes to the schedule. They fix her lunch every day and do the dishes. Amy is very attentive to my mother. She ensures she does her exercises like she is supposed to a d even does then with her. The care they give has greatly reduced my stress.”
“I am a past client of this provider I had expectations of my parents, but they were not able to fill that. I still had to be involved in the care. The caregivers did not take all of my duties away I still had to provide part time care. They are personal to the people in their care. The owner gets to know the patients, and I know that he gives extra training for any extra needs. They meet regularly with me to make sure the care is appropriate. They cared about my parents.”
“I am a current client of this provider My loved one doesn't want to do some of the activities they do. I've had success with the people that they've sent, and most of them are older. My loved one can talk to them.”
“I am a past client of this provider My dad has severe dementia, so they would sit with him at night to make sure he didn't pull on his wires. Essentially, they helped keep him alive. They helped us when we needed it most.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were able to help the most by keeping my mom's mind interacted. The caregiver was very personable and interactive with my mom.”
“I am a current client of this provider I don't know what I would do without them. They give my mom a lot of company. I like that they keep me informed about what is going on.”
“I am a current client of this provider The showers are very good, and they wash the clothes very well. The caregiver came to me, and I decided that I would be able to have them take care of my laundry and stuff around my house. They haven't helped me much around the house.”
“I am a past client of this provider They made my loved ones life easier by helping them with their daily activities. I liked the quality time, professionalism and that they did a good job.”
“I am a past client of this provider The best part was the conversations. I had very long conversations with both of them about a lot of things, and it was nice. It was a lot of fun actually. They were interested in me, and I could tell they really cared. We've had a long relationship with them, so we were familiar with them and felt comfortable with them. I've had nothing but good experiences with them. The people they sent were warm, friendly, and nice. Management was very competent and professional. They really do try to do the best for their people.”
“I am a current client of this provider It is just hard getting use to what services are needed. The caregivers seem to be very caring, and I like that they have a website where they document all the visits and what they did.”
“I am a current client of this provider I don't have to worry about her because they're taking care of her. I like their personal care and communication.”
“I am a past client of this provider They did little things that I couldn't do, like sweeping a floor. They offered excellent service. My only problem was that I didn't know that they were coming. That just got messed up from my doctor's office. I needed the help, I just didn't know they were coming.”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregivers aren't here for a day, I have to do what they usually do, and then I truly miss my caregivers. However, they need to be more willing to take me different places. I think the company needs to spend more time training their caregivers how to cook.”
“I am a past client of this provider I could not have manged without the help. Just knowing that they were here helped. My husband was completely incapacitated. I could not have taken care of his needs. All of the aides were very compassionate and very helpful.”
“I am a past client of this provider If I hadn't had them, I wouldn't have had any free time at all. There were times that the arrangements got mixed up, and the people were late a few times.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me get groceries. They are efficient.”
“I am a past client of this provider The caregivers didn't really do a lot, but it was good that they were there. During nighttime, the caregivers weren't really checking on me. They were pretty much sitting in my apartment watching TV.”
“ABC are awesome people. They are just like their name... The best”
“Always Best Care Senior Services not only provides clients with personal care needs, but also with companionship. Our goal is to keep our clients safe and to give them the best care possible by meeting each clients needs specifically. I have recommended this company for new clients as well as for new caregivers. I have had a very pleasant experience working for this company. The office staff works great together to help with assessments and scheduling needs for each client. ABC staff and caregivers really go above and beyond to provide assistance to their clients.”
“this company is fantastic, love the people and the hours and they felxability they have to your life schedule”
“I am a current client of this provider They are very attentive to my mother, and even though my father does not need the care, they are nice to him. They come on time, and all of the aides have been very kind and caring.”
“I am a current client of this provider It's good because they do things for me that make my life easier. They are very responsive to my needs and concerns.”
“I am a current client of this provider The cost is an issue. Their flexibility scheduling caregivers is very helpful. They had intake classes when I first stated using them, and the amount of time that they spent explaining things to me and helping me with the resources was helpful. They also have an app that is helpful.”
“I am a current client of this provider The service depends on the individual that we have. If I have a problem of any kind, they are willing to listen to me and help me with that problem. I think they pick nice people.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were easy to deal with in regards to administration and I didn't have to worry about the care for my mother. The management and the company was run well. The caregiver assigned to my mother was excellent.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me some freedom to go out and do what I need to do. I have found that they make a lot of effort to match the caregiver to the client. They go the extra mile to make sure that everyone is happy.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom really liked the lady that came in and she always stayed busy. The price was too high.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were extremely accommodating. If we had to change the schedule last-minute, it wasn't a big deal at all. They significantly lowered my stress level because they did things I would have had to do.”
“I am a current client of this provider I've liked the director's patience with my father and the encouragement of music in my father's treatment. My father can go on a schedule now that fits his needs and takes his time. He can have one-on-one attention, which wasn't the case in the facility.”
“I am a past client of this provider The daily living activities that they helped out with were very helpful to me. They freed me up to leave, do errands, and other things like that when they were here.”
“I am a past client of this provider They were on time and always polite. Having them around made my life much easier.”
“We called Sanjay to help us find an assisted living facility for our mom when her health took a sudden turn for the worse. His compassion and care for our parents in the past and actually for the whole family unit told us he would help us find the perfect place for her. Well he did - he sought out the perfect place which is amazing - Spring Arbor. Not only did he meet us at a couple of places on his time - he visited our mom at the rehab center she was at - again on his own time. He gives his all to the entire family unit and helps you through the entire process till the end. We will be forever grateful for his help and compassion throughout this stressful time in our lives. Knowing our mom is in such a warm loving environment as Spring Arbor gives us total peace of mind and for that we are eternally grateful!”
“I am a past client of this provider I wasn't there when they were with my dad, but they were really easy to work with and get set up. I needed them in a hurry and they were great to work with and make that happen. My dad actually had fallen and was taken to the emergency room twice in a day. They immediately were able to go over there and sit with him to make sure he didn't get up again. Stress for me fell to a zero knowing he was being watched over and cared for.”
“I am a past client of this provider Everyone at Always Best Care was very helpful and was always there. Always Best Care allowed me to not have to worry about my mother, and they took such great care of her.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care makes it so I don't need to worry. I work while my mother is here at home and the service makes it so I don't have to worry about her.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was a very professional organization, I was treated fantastic, and they answered any and all questions that we had. The impact depended quite a lot on the caregiver that came to help my loved one.”
“I am a past client of this provider I got good service and I was pleased with my outcome from Always Best Care. The services made a lot of difference because I could very little for myself.”
“When we first started with Always Best Care, it was just to have somebody come visit mom once a week at assisted-living they care whatever needed to be done, going with her on errands and so on. They were great. Their support really became important, however, when mom fractured her pelvis. I texted Sanjay, the CEO and they were at the hospital with CMTs as soon as she got her room. That was important, because mom was not entirely aware that she had fractured her pelvis, would keep trying to get up, and the hospital had not yet resourced a sitter. They also provided in room sitter services for mom when she was in rehab, at a facility they helped us down-select to. Then, when she was released from rehab, they helped locate a micro-community that provided Mom with the extra support she needed, after discussing the issues we needed to work through via conference call when there was more than could be managed via txt or email. I live out of state, so we could not have done this without them. Sanjay and team really care about the patient, and were always available. They have my highest recommendation. -WRJ, Raleigh NC”
“During one's lifetime, there are usually just a handful of people that impact one's life in a profound way. Family and friends would be a safe bet that most would include in this category. However, who do you turn to when you only have one parent who can no longer take on life's challenges or remember life's blessings? My sister and I were fortunate enough to have our challenge with our father met by a group of strangers that flourished into what I would consider a blessing. My dad has early onset dimentia, and at only 63 years of age, he was (and still is) deteriorating at a quicker pace as times pushes forward. To describe our experience and to not write a well thought out review would not do these people justice. My name is Brandon Ficklin, and my family is truly grateful for the work done by everyone involved. They took the time to find the kind of person that would be best suited for someone like my dad. They met with my sister and I regularly, made us feel comfortable and confident within our own minds and hearts, and the caregiver that my dad came to know was (and still is) a person that anyone would be lucky to know. Her name is Frances, and she came to treat my dad in the best way possible. The whole team (Sanjay, Dawn, and Frances), during one of the most trying times in our lives, were all compassionate, honest, straight forward, endearing, and professional. Words can not adequately express the thanks and appreciation my sister and I feel. So, in closing, I would say that Sanjay, Dawn, and Frances have, collectively, impacted our lives in a profound way. Thank you all and much love.”
“I don't know what I would have done without Sanjay helping me and my family through one of the most difficult times of our lives. My mother was gravely ill and had been hospitalized for 8 months, totally bedridden. I needed to move my Dad to the area, needed to find a place where Mom could get the best in physical rehab and had no idea where to start. He sorted through the options, made visits with me, met my Dad and visited my Mom in the hospital while she was recovering. He went above and beyond and I can't thank him enough for guiding me through the maze of Senior care options and getting them to where they needed to be. I would never have been able to do it without him.”
“Sanjay has been an absolute Godsend to work with in getting my grandmother transitioned happily to an independent living community. He has been ever so prompt and attentive to our needs and wants and through the very end has made sure to not only follow up but go above and beyond even after the ink had dried on the contracts. I am so grateful that he came so highly referred by a financial planner friend of mine and I will no doubt continue to sing his praises to anyone and everyone that I meet in need of a wonderful "senior living real estate agent" as I have so fondly dubbed him.”
“EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT! Finding a home for your elderly loved one is extremely emotional and daunting! Asking questions you never thought you would be asking. The hundreds of places you could visit. If this is you, I would highly recommend calling Sanjay Das. Sanjay, visited my home, and over the next few days had long conversations, with both my husband and myself to determine what we "thought"our loved one needs were. And after much consideration, and using all of his resources, Sanjay recommend several places. Together With Sanjay, we toured them all and in the end, we decided on something completely different then the very first community we viewed. Sanjay was able to change mid stream, and help us to understand what Mom's needs truly were. We started a whole new search with new criteria. Sanjay was knowledgeable, very soft spoken, kind and respectful. He was extremely patient and would give up until he found the perfect home for Mom. Thank you Sanjay. Dina Pahl”
“My mother recently moved into an Assisted Living facility in Cary. This has been a difficult journey for mom and our family, and I honestly don't know what we would have done without Sanjay Das. He has been with us every step of the way for the past four months. He arranged and accompanied us on visits to many area facilities, answered countless questions we had, was available to my mom and us literally 24/7, and helped us walk through the maze of details in getting mom settled. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to a degree one rarely sees, and his kindness, efficiency, and professionalism are unparallelled. I am pretty picky about customer service and I don't normally rave about things, but I can't say enough good things about Sanjay and how important his help has been to us. He has actually kind of become our family's hero and I wholeheartedly recommend him.”
“I want to thank Sanjay and Always Best Care for always going above and beyond to exceed expectations. I live out of state and had an emergency situation with my mother who needed immediate care with no notice. No other provider could rise to the occasion on short notice, but Sanjay was able to fill the need by providing 24 hour care that evening and consistently thereafter while my mother was recovering. He went above and beyond by treating my mother like one of his family, and made constant communication standard operating procedure. He also informed me of services that were beneficial to my mother which were beyond the scope of those offered by his firm. He delivers service with empathy and care that focuses first and always on the person in need and the person's family! I highly recommend Sanjay and Always Best Care for all elder care needs.”
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 Buffalo Lake, 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 Buffalo Lake, 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.
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 Buffalo Lake, 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.
LAKE LURE — Conserving Carolina has protected 49 acres on the east side of Lake Lure that will be an anchor for future trails.The nonprofit is spearheading a vision for the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. This vision includes a loop that completely encircles Lake Lure, connecting Chimney Rock State Park, Weed Patch Mountain and Youngs Mountain. The planned trail system will also link to the Upper Hickory Nut ...
LAKE LURE — Conserving Carolina has protected 49 acres on the east side of Lake Lure that will be an anchor for future trails.
The nonprofit is spearheading a vision for the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail. This vision includes a loop that completely encircles Lake Lure, connecting Chimney Rock State Park, Weed Patch Mountain and Youngs Mountain. The planned trail system will also link to the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge around Bearwallow Mountain — more than 100 miles in all.
This spring, Conserving Carolina took a step toward this goal by purchasing land for future trails on Buffalo Shoals Road. This property will be an anchor for trails on the east side of the lake.
While Conserving Carolina and their partners will need to secure more land before they can start building trails, they were excited to acquire this property, which is right on the proposed route and ideal for a sustainable contour trail. The land is near neighborhoods on the lakeshore and would likely be developed if the local nonprofit hadn’t seized the opportunity to conserve it. Key funding came from NC Complete the Trails program.
“Acquiring property is one of the biggest hurdles to constructing a new trail," said Trails and Greenways Manager Kristin Cozza.
"The Complete the Trails Program gives state trail sponsors like Conserving Carolina a boost over this hurdle so we can get trails on the ground and provide public access to some of the state’s most magnificent landscapes.”
By conserving this land, Conserving Carolina is also saving rich wildlife habitat. A survey found 239 species, as well as potential habitat for 27 rare species. During a visit this spring, the land trust's staff saw a black bear roaming the forest, heard migratory songbirds in the tree canopy, and enjoyed the mountain laurels in full bloom. It will be a beautiful place for new trails.
Rose Jenkins Lane is the communications director for Conserving Carolina, a land trust based in Hendersonville.
Editor's note: Follow USA TODAY's Thursday coverage of a winter storm impacting the eastern US.The latest wave of lake-effect snow began crashing across parts of the nation's northern tier Wednesday, this one threatening to bring travel havoc to New York City and Washington, D.C.The rolling line of ...
Editor's note: Follow USA TODAY's Thursday coverage of a winter storm impacting the eastern US.
The latest wave of lake-effect snow began crashing across parts of the nation's northern tier Wednesday, this one threatening to bring travel havoc to New York City and Washington, D.C.
The rolling line of storms extending into a seventh day has dumped more than 5 feet of snow in some areas near the Great Lakes in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York state. Heavy "lake-enhanced" snow was forecast downwind from Lakes Erie and Ontario on Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service said in an update, adding that heavy snow was also expected over parts of Northern New England.
But the latest storm also could prompt a travel nightmare along parts of I-95 below New England. Commuters driving near Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City on Thursday morning may be forced to drive through what could be blinding squalls, AccuWeather says.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Alyssa Glenny said rain could turn to snow as the cold front approaches amid high winds.
"A sudden drop in visibility will occur, and that alone can boost the risk of accidents," Glenny said. "In some cases, a heavy snow squall will pass through a portion of the I-95 zone, which can briefly make bridges, overpasses and elevated surfaces slushy in a matter of minutes."
From Hartford, Connecticut, to Boston and Portland, Maine, the risk will be during the midday hours when there is less traffic and less chance of roads being covered with slush.
Developments:
? The weather service in Ohio issued a lake-effect snow warning for the Cleveland area. Additional total snow accumulations from 6 to 10 inches with locally higher amounts were expected through Friday.
? Lake effect snow, gusty winds and blowing snow were forecast through Thursday for areas around Buffalo, New York. Although the forecast for Buffalo only called for 4-6 inches of new snow, areas around Lewis County could see up to 24 inches, the weather service said.
Thursday will be a rough weather day for millions of people in the eastern U.S., with howling winds and heavy snow expected in many areas.
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful Arctic cold front will sweep the northeastern U.S. Thursday. "Expect brief, intense bursts of heavy snowfall and gusty winds. Dangerous travel conditions are likely, including whiteout visibility and rapidly worsening road conditions," the weather service said.
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph will roar across the Central Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast throughout the day on Thursday. Blizzard conditions may develop in lake-effect snow belts and the Central Appalachians, creating treacherous travel, the weather service warned. Gusty winds may down tree branches and cause power outages.
Snow will be measured in feet in the lake-effect snow belts. Heavy snow is also possible along the Central Appalachians and across interior New England, the weather service said.
According to AccuWeather, the snowy dangers of Thursday's storm will be farther-reaching compared to the recent round of lake-effect snow, where impacts were primarily confined to areas closer to the Great Lakes. "Snow showers and intense snow squalls can extend hundreds of miles away from the lakes, including highways near major cities," said AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, where bands of snow have already pounded the region with up to 5 feet of snow, another 2 feet was possible through Friday, the weather service said. In Watertown, New York, which has been similarly snowed under in recent days, the outlook was a bit better − up to 10 inches of additional snow were in the forecast.
Parts of Michigan, where an additional foot or more of snow has fallen in the last 24 hours, could see another 6 inches or more.
The biting cold that has gripped much of the Midwest and Northeast was being fueled by a new surge of arctic air. However, forecasters said the front would swing through at a much faster pace than the cold wave that lingered for much of the extended Thanksgiving weekend and into the start of this week. Warmer temperatures should begin breaking through this weekend.
The cold air will slide east and south, and temperatures will be 10 to 15 degrees below average, the weather service warned. That will translate to the middle to lower 20s as far south and east as parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and North Carolina late this week. From New York City to Washington, D.C., heavy snow showers could reduce visibility on Thursday.
The good news is a warm-up forecast for next week, when Washington, D.C., could reach 65 degrees.
The steadiest snow will track across northern areas of Minnesota, Michigan, New York and New England, AccuWeather said. Initially, heavy lake-effect snow will hit southwest-facing shorelines of the Great Lakes, including Buffalo and Watertown, on Wednesday. Late Wednesday and Thursday, winds will shift, with bands of heavy lake-effect snow crossing northern Wisconsin and Michigan to northern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania and western and central New York, AccuWeather said.
Cities that could experience a quick snow squall with a rapid freeze − and thus treacherous driving conditions − include Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Columbus, Ohio.
Blowing and drifting snow could create havoc as temperatures fall and the snow becomes more dry and powdery. Gusts averaging 30-50 mph sweeping the Midwest and Northeast on Wednesday will reach the Northeast on Thursday.
"Strong winds are expected today through Thursday with gusts of 40-50 mph possible," the weather service in Cleveland said on a social media post. "Wind chill values tonight will dip into the single digits which may present a threat of exposure, if unprepared."
The high winds could bring blizzard conditions to some areas. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm that contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for at least three hours.
The snow has caused multiple days of school closing across the region. Students and parents in dozens of districts have been watching for daily notifications as teachers and administrators attempt to squeeze in school days when possible. In Erie, all public schools were closed and education halted Wednesday "as municipal street crews continue to clear roads. Wednesday will not be a flexible instruction day; there will be no in-person or virtual instruction."
The blasts of extreme cold forecast for Texas this winter could test the state's electric grid in early 2025 similar to four years ago, the grid operator's chief meteorologist said Tuesday. Storm Uri caused blackouts to millions of homes and businesses in Texas and was blamed for at least 240 deaths. Uri's impact prompted Texas to begin overhauling its grid to increase reliability.
Chris Coleman, chief meteorologist at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, cited ocean and atmospheric patterns similar to early 2021. Coleman said the current weather pattern "supports something like a Uri this winter."
Spikes in cold weather are increasing in Texas, but average winter temperatures are generally warmer, Coleman said. Last winter was the state's 11th warmest since 1895, National Weather Service data.
Lake-effect snow, which can last from a few minutes to several days, develops from narrow bands of clouds that form when cold, dry arctic air passes over a large, relatively mild lake. As the cold air passes over the unfrozen and "warm" waters of the Great Lakes, warmth and moisture are transferred into the lowest portion of the atmosphere, the National Weather Service says. The air rises and clouds form and grow into narrow bands that produce 2 to 3 inches of snow an hour or more.
Wind direction is also a key component in determining which areas will receive lake-effect snow. Heavy snow may be falling in one spot, while the sun may be shining just a mile or two away in either direction.
The wind chill temperature is how cold people feel outside. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combination of wind and cold, according to the National Weather Service. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the body's internal temperature. Wind chill temperatures are determined on a sliding scale shown on the weather service wind chill chart. If the temperature is 0 degrees and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the wind chill is 19 degrees below zero.
Contributing: Reuters
Ahead of Wednesday’s Powerball drawing, the estimated jackpot was at $137 million, with a $93.8 million cash value, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery website.Mega Millions stands at $117 million, with an $83.6 million cash value ahead of Friday’s drawing.Since 2019, some Cumberland County residents and ...
Ahead of Wednesday’s Powerball drawing, the estimated jackpot was at $137 million, with a $93.8 million cash value, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery website.
Mega Millions stands at $117 million, with an $83.6 million cash value ahead of Friday’s drawing.
Since 2019, some Cumberland County residents and those living in neighboring counties have hit the jackpot already.
Here’s a look at the winners and where they found their luck.
• On May 19, Fredderick Russell Carroll, of Coats, won $1 million on a quick pick Powerball ticket he bought from Shri Sharda Petroleum on East Stewart Street in Coats.
He claimed his prize nearly three weeks later.
After required federal and state tax withholdings, he will share $707,501 with his wife, Princess, and his son.
“I want to pay my bills off and I’m going to get my wife in to see some doctors, Carroll told lottery officials. “That’s my main priority.”
• Demetrius Underwood, of Eastover, won a whopping $10 million on a Colossal Cash scratch-off ticket he bought from the EPCO 3 Way Food Mart on Dunn Road in Eastover, according to a Jan. 2, 2019, news release.
Underwood had the option of taking a $10 million annuity of 20 payments at$500,000 a year or a lump sum of $6 million.
He chose the lump sum and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home a little more than $4.23 million.
Underwood told lottery officials he planned to use the winnings to pay his mortgage and his wife’s student loans.
• Andrea Broadnax, of Fayetteville, is the latest winner. Officials with the North Carolina Education Lottery announced Thursday that Broadnax purchased a winning $2 million 100X The Cash ticket from the Tobacco Express on McArthur Road in Fayetteville.
She had the choice of taking an annuity of $100,000 a year for 20 years, or a lump sum of $1.2 million.
Broadnax chose the lump sum and after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $849,006.
She told lottery officials she planned to donate some of the money to her favorite charity.
• Army veteran Shelese Clay, of Fayetteville, purchased a $1 million winning $5,000 Loaded game ticket from at the Circle V Mart on South McPherson Church Road in Fayetteville, according to a June 4, 2019, news release.
Clay had the option to receive a $1 million annuity over 20 years or take a lump sum of $600,000 and chose the lump sum. After required state and federal withholdings, she took home $425,503.
The Fayetteville State University alumna said she planned to invest her winnings for savings and possibly take a trip to Disney World.
• Catrina Hanton, of Fayetteville, purchased a winning $1 million Bankroll ticket at Short Stop on Gillispie Street in Fayetteville and decided to take the lump sum, according to a Dec. 4 news release.
“I just plan to help my family out,” Hanton told lottery officials.
• Makela Meeks, of Fayetteville, won $1 million on a Back Scratch ticket she purchased at the One Stop Shop on Strickland Bridge Road in Fayetteville, according to a May 3, 2019, news release.
Meeks had a choice of taking the $1 million over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. She chose the lump sum and after tax withholdings, took home $424,503.
• Rose Pinkney, of Fayetteville, was the winner of a $1 million Colossal Cash prize, according to an April 9 news release.
She purchased her winning $30 ticket from the Speedway on Yadkin Road in Fayetteville.
She chose the lump sum and took home $424,509.
• On April 24, Tyler Reece Jr., of Southern Pines, was also a Millionaire Maker winner.
Reece purchased the ticket from Food Lion on Andrews Road in Fayetteville.
“I always said if I’d win something that big, I’m going to remain the same person that everybody has come to know,” Reece told lottery officials. “I’m not going to let it change me.”
He told lottery officials he planned to use the winnings to build another home with his wife and pay off bills, as the couple approach retirement.
Reece also plans to contribute to his community and share some of the prize money with family.
Reece also chose the lump sum payment.
• Ruth Robinson won $4 million after purchasing a Gold Rush winning ticket from Short Stop on Skibo Road, according to a Nov. 3 news release.
She had the option of taking the $4 million as an annuity of $200,000 a year for 20 years or a lump sum of $2.4 million.
She chose the lump sum and, after federal and state tax withholdings, took home $1,698,006.
Robinson, who is a retired rest home dietary manager, told lottery officials she planned to use the money to pay off bills.
• Vielka Roman, of Autryville, won $1.3 million on a Cash 5 ticket she bought at Carlie C’s IGA on Cedar Creek Road in Fayetteville, according to a May 14, 2019, news release.
After required state and federal withholdings, Roman took home $958,078. She said planned to use the prize to pay off her house and car.
• In May, Artina Siler, of Fayetteville, purchased a winning Millionaire Maker scratch-off ticket from 365 Fast Mart on North Reilly Road in Fayetteville.
At the time, she was the 12th person to claim one of the 30 Millionaire Maker tickets with the $1 million prize.
She chose the lump sum of $600,000 and took home $424,509 after required federal and state tax withholdings, according to an April 29 news release.
• Young Suh, of Fayetteville, won more than $1.12 million in th Cash 5 drawing on a ticket purchased from Sunoco on Ramsey Street in Fayetteville, according to a Sept. 20, 2019, news release.
After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $795,489.
Suh told lottery officials he planned to use the winnings to make his wife’s dream of owning a house come true.
• Salon owner Jeffrey Yi won more than $1.24 million from the Cash 5 jackpot, according to a Sept. 29 news release.
Using his own numbers, Yi purchased his ticket at Speedway on Yadkin Road in Fayetteville.
After required federal and state tax withholdings, he took home $882,923.
Yi told lottery officials the earnings would help him reopen his business, which had to close during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• One of the biggest winners in recent years is Cumberland County resident Charles W. Jackson Jr., who purchased a winning $344.6 million Powerball ticket, according to a June 2, 2019, news release.
Jackson bought the ticket from Carlie C’s IGA on North Main Street in Hope Mills.
He had a choice of an estimated annuity of $344.6 million paid in 30 payments over 29 years or a lump sum payment of $223.3 million. He opted for the lump sum payment and took home $158 million after withholdings.
Jackson told lottery officials he wouldn’t let the winnings change who he was.
"Let me put it this way, I will still wear jeans, but I will probably buy some new ones,” he said during livestreamed news conference.
Jackson said he planned to also donate some of his winnings to St. Jude Hospital, the Wounded Warriors Project and the Shriners.
• In April, Samuel James Jr. was the ninth person to claim one of the Millionaire Maker tickets.
James purchased his winning $30 ticket from the Community Mart 2 on South Main Street in Lillington.
He, too, chose the lump sum payment.
• James Montgomery, of Sanford, won $1 million on a quick pick Powerball ticket he bought at the Food Lion on Buffalo Lake Road in Harnett County, according to an April 30, 2019, news release.
The retired Army veteran took home $707,501, after state and federal tax withholdings.
He and his wife planned to use the winnings to pay off bills, do a little traveling and save for retirement.
• Robert Grimone, of Pinehurst, purchased his winning $1 million Colossal Cash ticket from the Circle K on Beverly Lane in Southern Pines, according to a Feb. 10 news release. He chose the lump sum and took home $424,509.
• Leo Thomas, of Aberdeen, bought a winning $1 million WIN IT ALL scratch-off ticket during the holiday season, according to a Jan. 6, 2020, news release.
The retired post office worker purchased the ticket from Quality Mart on Old U.S. Highway 1 South in Southern Pines.
He had the choice of taking a $1 million annuity that has 20 payments of $50,000 a year or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum. After federal and state tax withholdings, he took home $424,503.
Thomas told lottery officials he planned to use some of the winnings to purchase his wife a new car and put the rest into savings.
Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at [email protected] or 910-486-3528.
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The Broad Riverkeeper is warning people to keep an eye out for a recurring algae bloom in Moss Lake.In June, Riverkeeper David Caldwell was testing the waters like he does every Wednesday on Moss Lake, when he noticed discoloration and a foul smell coming from the water. He started taking pH levels and looking for how much dissolved oxygen was in the water. His findings caused some concern.“The water is really green, and I got readings of (dissolved oxygen) at 128.8% and a pH of 9.6. I've never seen numbers this high,&rdq...
The Broad Riverkeeper is warning people to keep an eye out for a recurring algae bloom in Moss Lake.
In June, Riverkeeper David Caldwell was testing the waters like he does every Wednesday on Moss Lake, when he noticed discoloration and a foul smell coming from the water. He started taking pH levels and looking for how much dissolved oxygen was in the water. His findings caused some concern.
“The water is really green, and I got readings of (dissolved oxygen) at 128.8% and a pH of 9.6. I've never seen numbers this high,” Caldwell wrote in an email to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
After some research, Caldwell realized that he could be dealing with an algae bloom that could potentially be harmful to people and animals that came in contact with it.
And he wasn’t the only one noticing things either.
“I was talking to friends on the lake, and they noticed the really green color on lake and that the lake fish were dead,” Caldwell said.
N.C. DEQ sent someone to check the conditions at the lake.
A report by Elizabeth Fensin, an Algal Ecologist with DEQ, indicates that a bloom of the cyanobacteria, Aphanizomenon and Cylindrospermopsis and the diatom, Synedra were present in Moss Lake waters. Blooms of these algae are very common in North Carolina lakes during summer.
Cyanobacteria and other types of algae can grow quickly in summer when the daylight is more intense and temperatures are higher. Cyanobacteria are known to form blooms that discolor water along with causing taste and odor problems. Some cyanobacteria, such as Aphanizomenon and Cylindrospermopsis found at Moss Lake, could produce cyanotoxins. These blooms are commonly referred to as harmful algal blooms, according to Fensin’s report.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, harmful algal blooms can produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals, create dead zones in the water, raise treatment costs for drinking water and hurt industries that depend on clean water.
So far, there have been no reports of any ill effects linked to the Moss Lake algae bloom.
Caldwell believes that Moss Lake, the water supply for the city of Kings Mountain, may be experiencing this because water quality from Buffalo Creek that feeds into the lake.
“From all the data I have collected, Buffalo Creek, the source, has big water quality issues including bacteria and sediment,” he wrote in another email.
As a riverkeeper, Caldwell has asked DEQ to list Buffalo Creek once again on the impaired water lists the state agency compiles every two years. This list comes after water quality tests are done on waterways across that state. Impaired waters are a subset of the assessments made where water quality samples for a particular parameter on a waterbody exceed water quality standards and the assessment methodology determines that the waterbody is indeed impaired for the particular parameter.
Parts of Buffalo Creek, the First Broad River, Kings Creek, Sandy Run Creek, were part of the impaired water list in 2018.
Caldwell believes that Buffalo Creek being added to the list again may help with finding funds to make improvements.
Improving water quality in the area will take some time, so until then Caldwell is urging people to be cautious, and on the lookout for discoloration in the water while they are out on the lake.
919-724-4297
