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 the historic Rock Hill Clock Tower 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 Rock Hill, SC 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.
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is a great communicator with us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that come in and do what”
“I am a current client of this provider The first person was kind of young, so”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver as a person and who she”
“Phil Davidson and his staff provides the best service around in the York County area...Very”
“Looking for a loving and caring place for a parent, grandparent or any loved one?”
“I am a current client of this provider I have enjoyed working with Always Best. They”
“Always willing to help”
“I have worked for many agencies as a CNA. Always Best Care of Rock Hill,”
“They gave my mother the most wonderful, loving care. They were very accommodating when we”
“New Employee & I’m loving it already”
“I am a current client of this provider I could probably say that I was a”
“Needed care for my mother with dementia, and father with medical issues. The team at”
“Always willing to help”
“I am a current client of this provider We're using Always Best Care for my parents.”
“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed”
“I have had the best support from a caring and supporting staff over the past”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been providing care givers”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care service was very helpful in”
“I can honestly say that Always Best Care in Rock Hill did a very good”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your”
“Dear Phil, "We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such wonderful”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your”
“Dear Phil, Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is a great communicator with us. I live out of state and I have a brother who lives near the client, but he has a full-time job. It really takes a village to take care of the clietn now. I just feel like this agency is part of that village. They really have his best interest at heart. They give great care, but they're also super easy to work with and you feel important with them. I have recommended the agency to many people. I like the owner, Phil. He is just a really stand-up guy. He is very knowledgeable and he is very empathetic. You don't get the feeling that he is in the business to make money and provide livelihood. He really cares about people and really wants the clients taken care of well. I think he has a lot of expertise and compassion. Everyone that we have dealt with there has been great. I also like the caregiver that we've had, Fawn. She has been with the client for over 15 months. She is just really great with the client. He is in assisted living now but we choose to have her go in still for more companion care for the client. She is just a really sweet person and helps us with keeping up to date with what the client needs. He just loves having her around.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that come in and do what they got to do. I like that they are really friendly and nice. They do not talk to him in a sharp way, they are really good with him.”
“I am a current client of this provider The first person was kind of young, so I asked them for someone a bit older, and they did that. I would recommend them because they are prompt, and they have good people.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver as a person and who she is has made this so positive. I like the assistant that they have sent to help my brother.”
“Phil Davidson and his staff provides the best service around in the York County area...Very professional and they truly care about their clients...I highly recommend Always Best Care of Rock Hill”
“Looking for a loving and caring place for a parent, grandparent or any loved one? Look no further than Phil and his team at Always Best Care of Rock Hill!”
“I am a current client of this provider I have enjoyed working with Always Best. They are informative and helpful. When I need to schedule care, they are very responsive. Definitely a good choice in companion care.”
“Always willing to help”
“I have worked for many agencies as a CNA. Always Best Care of Rock Hill, SC is by far the best! They treat their clients and caregivers with generosity and compassion. They go "above and beyond" in every area. You can't go wrong with them.”
“They gave my mother the most wonderful, loving care. They were very accommodating when we needed to make changes in the schedule. After dealing with two other agencies I wish I had gone with them from the start. They deserve a 10!”
“New Employee & I’m loving it already”
“I am a current client of this provider I could probably say that I was a past client of this provider, but because I continue to receive words of encouragement and advise from them, I still claim the current client status. Their help with my mother that was provided while she was at home was fantastic. They also have helped guide us through hospital and rehab stays. I would have to give them a 5 star rating and honestly can not think of one thing that went wrong on their part while we used their care The Caregiver was excellent. I wholeheartedly would recommend Always Best Care to anyone that finds themselves needing a caregiver to come along beside them.”
“Needed care for my mother with dementia, and father with medical issues. The team at Always Best Care were very responsive to our needs for 24/7 care for about 8 weeks. They try hard to have the same caregivers come to the house for continuity of care. The family really appreciated Phil's assistance with placing my parents in Assisted Living. His knowledge of the local York County homes was invaluable to placing my parents in a welcoming environment. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to help with senior care!”
“Always willing to help”
“I am a current client of this provider We're using Always Best Care for my parents. They're fantastic. The caregivers are professional, courteous, entertaining, and accommodating. They mainly provide medication management and companionship. I feel like they give personal touches, and there's a certain professionalism to them that other agencies I contacted didn't have.”
“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed you.”
“I have had the best support from a caring and supporting staff over the past year. The AMAZING part is that I live in CA and they're providing these services in Rock Hill. When I have any questions they are quick to get my answer back in a timely manner.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been providing care givers for my 91 year old father for more than 2 years now. I have been happy with their staff. My father is cared for with love and dignity and with their help I've been able to keep him in my home.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care service was very helpful in locating an assisted living facility for my Mother. Very professional and I would use them again.”
“I can honestly say that Always Best Care in Rock Hill did a very good job with providing home assistance with my mother and I am happy to recommend their services to others. The home care assistantswere friendly, patient, and respectful. Above all, I was extremely pleased with the active role the president, Phil Davidson, took in my mother’s care. He was exceptional at balancing professionalism and personal concern as he took a genuine interest in my mother’s well-being, he checked in periodically to see how the home care was going, and he diligently communicated with both family and staff. Phil’s efforts and those of the ABC staff are very much appreciated.”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your business. You really stand out in an industry and a time when people just go through the motions. You are a very special man and I pray that you will be very successful in your business.”
“Dear Phil, "We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such wonderful live-in care for our Grandfather from June through October 2013. Our family found ourselves in the most unimaginable situation when our Grandmother was unexpectedly hospitalized in late May and ultimately passed away in June. As you know, she was the sole caregiver for our Grandfather who has severe Alzheimer's disease. We are so very fortunate that we discovered your agency! You were able to promptly place qualified caregivers in his home and this gave our family immediate peace of mind. The level of care and compassion that you and your caregivers demonstrated toward our Grandfather is more than we ever anticipated and we will be forever grateful. You all walked with him through the terrible tragedy of losing his wife of 67 years. You and your staff provided extraordinary physical and emotional care for him through his grief and made getting him back to a "normal" life your top priority upon her death. In addition to the care you all provided my Grandfather, you were so kind to help educate us on the progression of Alzheimer's. You were a wonderful resource to us on what to expect in the next phases of this disease and help us plan for long-term care for him. While we are very sad to have to place him in a memory care-assisted living facility, we made the decision knowing that this will be the best place for him as he ages and his disease worsens. Your guidance and expertise in helping us choose the right facility for him helped make this daunting task bearable. Thank you again for all that you have done for our grandfather and for our family! We will be forever grateful!”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your business. You really stand out in an industry and a time when people just go through the motions. You are a very special man and I pray that you will be very successful in your business.”
“Dear Phil, Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during this summer. The care givers that we had were excellent and very professional. Thanks for being so flexible with the scheduling.”
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 Westminster Park 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 The Pump House or visit Rock Hill Civil Rights Memorial, 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 Rock Hill, SC, 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 Rock Hill, SC 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 Rock Hill, SC 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.
Anyone who follows football in the Carolinas knows how successful teams from Rock Hill, S.C., have been historically. Each of the city’s three high schools has won at least two state titles in the 21st century.All three have won at least five in their histories — South Pointe with seven, Northwestern six and Rock Hill five. Those schools have also produced several NFL players, among them active players Mason Rudolph (Northwestern), Robbie Ouzts (Rock Hill), and Nick McCloud and Derion Kendrick (both South Pointe).Th...
Anyone who follows football in the Carolinas knows how successful teams from Rock Hill, S.C., have been historically. Each of the city’s three high schools has won at least two state titles in the 21st century.
All three have won at least five in their histories — South Pointe with seven, Northwestern six and Rock Hill five. Those schools have also produced several NFL players, among them active players Mason Rudolph (Northwestern), Robbie Ouzts (Rock Hill), and Nick McCloud and Derion Kendrick (both South Pointe).
The closing of former all-African-American Emmett Scott in 1970 and school desegregation led to the building of Northwestern in 1971, the Trojans’ rivalry with Rock Hill has run red hot since.
The energy and number of rivalries doubled when South Pointe opened in 2006. This week, Northwestern hosts South Pointe in the 22nd meeting of a rivalry that keeps growing in stature - even as it’ll be only the 14th time they’ve met in non-conference play.
“I call Rock Hill the original rivalry, but this is definitely a huge rivalry because of the proximity of our schools and the kids all know each other,” Northwestern head coach Page Wofford said. “We share so many elementary and middle school kids with South Pointe.”
Wofford is well-schooled in the rivalry as he spent six years as a Trojans’ assistant from 2012 to 2017, then became Northwestern’s head coach in 2019.
He’s been fortunate enough to get the better in both of his school’s biggest rivalries as a head coach. He’s 5-1 against Rock Hill (they’ll meet this season on Oct. 17) and is 4-2 against South Pointe.
“We take football pretty seriously in Rock Hill and want those bragging rights for the whole year,” Wofford said. “But when this game is over, I’m rooting for South Pointe to win every game that they play. It’s the same with Rock Hill. I want football to be strong around here and I want everybody to be successful.
“I just don’t want them to beat us.”
South Pointe High coach Bobby Collins has the same sentiments.
Last week, in the aftermath of a 10-7 overtime home victory over West Charlotte, Collins asked local media how other schools in his area did — particularly Northwestern and Rock Hill. He was happy to hear of their success.
“Football’s big down here and next week, we’ve got our crosstown rivalry coming up,” said Collins, whose team has already defeated Rock Hill (28-6) this season. “They’re 3-0 and we’re 2-1 - and we know a lot of riding on the game.”
In recent South Carolina High School League realignments, the teams have been sent to different conferences due to the differences in school size.
Currently, Northwestern and Rock Hill are in Region 3 5A, while South Pointe is in Region 3 4A.
Both Northwestern and South Pointe feature players rated among the state’s best by recruiting website 247sports.com; Northwestern has No. 7-ranked Tamarion Watkins (defensive back, Texas A&M commit) and No. 31-rated Kameron Vance (athlete, Lafayette commit) and South Pointe has No. 1-rated Z’Zavien Currence (defensive back, South Carolina commit), No. 22-rated Anthony Baxter (offensive line, South Carolina) and No. 36-rated Brysen Ginn (linebacker, uncommitted).
Currence, whose 90-yard interception return was his team’s only touchdown last week, knows this is the Stallions’ final non-conference tuneup before league play begins on Sept. 19 at A.C. Flora.
“They’re all important, but I think this is the start of what I call the ‘money round’ for us,” Currence said.
Just nine months ago, parts of Camp Canaan were under 7 feet of water, with decades of work destroyed.Floodwater from Tropical Storm Helene covered the camp’s multipurpose room, where campers spend their lunches laughing and bonding. Water lines left marks on the camp’s yurts used for sleeping. The welcome center needed to be completely redone.Nine months later, the final fixes such as new plumbing are still being completed. But the camp rebuilt the welcome center, took out a Small Business Administration loan, inve...
Just nine months ago, parts of Camp Canaan were under 7 feet of water, with decades of work destroyed.
Floodwater from Tropical Storm Helene covered the camp’s multipurpose room, where campers spend their lunches laughing and bonding. Water lines left marks on the camp’s yurts used for sleeping. The welcome center needed to be completely redone.
Nine months later, the final fixes such as new plumbing are still being completed. But the camp rebuilt the welcome center, took out a Small Business Administration loan, invested in flood insurance to protect parts of the camp and started construction of a new dining hall that will be weather-proofed.
A recent storm is bringing heightened attention to that work.
Just 11 days ago, torrential rainfall swept through central Texas killing at least 120 people, leaving around 160 missing, CNN reported. Located in a flood-prone area of Texas, a local Christian camp, Camp Mystic, lost 27 campers and counselors in the storm.
Camp Canaan also sits in a flood plain, and the camp staff have spent the past couple weeks putting campers’ families at ease about their ability to handle any storm, said1 camp executive director and co-founder Matt Harper.
“Our hearts broke like it put me in pretty deep depression that Saturday. When I got the news, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I didn’t know their directors directly, but I have a lot of friends kids that go to that camp,” Harper said.
Harper sent out emails to campers families to explain there is an emergency action plan and constant communication with Duke Energy, which operates the Lake Wylie Dam adjacent to the camp.
Located on Fewell Island on the Catawba River in York County, the 100 acres of land has been a place for thousands of kids from ages 5 to 16 to unplug and dive into the outdoors.
Founded in 2004, Camp Canaan became a nonprofit organization and phase one of its 10-year plan began. After the construction of cabins, music pavilions and more, the doors opened in 2009. It built a swimming pool complex, high adventure course and a championship disc golf course.
Registration for the summer fills as early as December, and the camp serves 200 children each week, totaling 1,800 children a summer.
It welcomes children from all over. Some families even travel from Virginia and Georgia to stay at Camp Canaan.
Camp Canaan has had an emergency action plan for years that’s approved by York County officials and Duke Energy.
The plan includes an evacuation process with a bus that sits in between the sleeping cabins and brings all campers to Westminster Park — the meeting point for when the camp needs to take everyone off the premises.
According to section 4.3 of the camp’s handbook, all directors and staff are trained on proper communication steps and the protocol for any emergency situation. Directors and staff are also CPR and first-aid certified in addition to a nurse who is on the grounds 24/7.
Counselors learn to read water levels, perform face counts— instead of headcounts to account for each camper personally — and repeat counts on evacuation buses.
To start the each day, staff take attendance. There are no visitors allowed unless approved by staff or in case of emergency, according to Harper. Visitors also are required to wear identifying lanyards when walking around the camp grounds
Outside of the camp grounds, there are protocols to be followed by York County Emergency Management.
In case of emergency evacuation, Chuck Haynes, York County Emergency Management director, is in charge of coordinating routes to shelter as well as communicating with the county’s public information officer to provide the public with any updates.
Right next to the camp are the hydro stations run by Duke Energy, which controls water releases into the Catawba River.
On a daily basis, Duke Energy and Camp Canaan staff communicate about water rate changes the camp might see because it’s immediately downriver from Lake Wylie Dam. Duke also communicates with the camp whenever there is severe weather storms coming in and about predictions for rainfall or resulting water levels.
Prior to Helene, the camp faced another 100-year flood incident in 2019. At the time, the camp had 50 campers and 12 staff members on the property. All of them had to evacuate at 3:30 a.m.
With only one way in and out, the camp had to move quickly to get over a wooden bridge held up by metal poles onto the main land.
Harper said Duke in 2019 did not predict that the water would exceed the river’s typical threshold. Campers and staff took a shuttle bus to Charlotte as the camp alarm siren went off. Sleepy-eyed campers got on while counselors and staff tried to remain calm.
“So we had to cancel camp that week in 2019, but we got back open by the next week. We had three industrial pumps out here, pumping off the island to get back to normal,” Harper said.
The camp followed each step of their emergency action plan to control the situation in 2019. However, no plan was able to prevent Helene steamrolling through Western Carolina.
“The office we’re sitting in. It had 4 feet of feet of water in it,” Harper told the Herald.
He learned Helene’s water would be released through Lake Wylie’s dam three days before the flood, but no one predicted just how much water was on the way.
All the camp’s buildings are built to withstand a 100-year flood without damage, but they are not made to endure a 1,000-year floods such as Hurricane Helene without damage.
After canceling the Navy retreat planned for that week, the camp closed its doors while the post-Helene damage was repaired.
South Pointe’s defense stifled the No. 5 team in The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 high school football rankings, the West Charlotte Lions in a 10-7 old school barn burner over the weekend.In a game that had no offensive touchdowns, South Pointe coach Bobby Collins said that his team had the best defense in the state of South Carolina and it showed against a strong West Charlotte team.“On defense they didn’t score on us,” Collins said. “Their score was a kickoff return. So, in the last three ...
South Pointe’s defense stifled the No. 5 team in The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 high school football rankings, the West Charlotte Lions in a 10-7 old school barn burner over the weekend.
In a game that had no offensive touchdowns, South Pointe coach Bobby Collins said that his team had the best defense in the state of South Carolina and it showed against a strong West Charlotte team.
“On defense they didn’t score on us,” Collins said. “Their score was a kickoff return. So, in the last three games, our defense has given up two touchdowns. So, hats off to the defense. They have been playing really well. We’ve got to make some adjustments on offense. It may have been the first time in a long time that South Pointe was shut out on offense too, but at the end of the day it is a win and defense wins championships.”
South Pointe athlete J’Zavien Currence was once again the jack of all trades for the Stallions, making an impact while playing on both sides of the ball. Currence was responsible for the game’s only touchdown, an 87-yard interception returned for a score. On offense, he has taken over the quarterback position permanently after Cam McMillon decided to transfer. Currence made a handful of good throws but even better runs, extending a lot of Stallion drives with his legs.
“He’s a Sunday player,” Collins said of Currence. “When it is time to make a play, he makes a play and gives us a chance. I love him, I think he does a great job, but most importantly, he is selfless and very humble. He comes to work every day at practice and goes above and beyond to help this team be successful.”
Currence added three pass breakups on defense as well as four tackles. Playing both sides of the ball can take a toll on a lot of players, but for Currence, he will do what is needed to win.
“You can’t say no when your team needs you,” Currence said. “Sometimes there are a lot of players that don’t always respond the best to adversity. So, it was my job to answer the call when my number was called.”
The Stallions next face Northwestern on Friday night. Collins and Currence both are ready for the challenge.
“They have to deal with the best defense in the state,” Collins said. “I feel good about it. It is a 10-minute ride up the road so we consider it a home game. We will be ready to go and we will just go out there and play South Pointe football.”
When asked how to stop a high-powered offense like Northwestern, Currence was brief in his answer.
“We are the best defense in the state.”
Xavier Means, Northwestern, junior quarterback: Means put up Madden numbers in a dominant 55-35 win against South Florence. Means was 24-for-30 for 250 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He rushed 17 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He looked like Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens out there ripping his opponents’ hearts on the ground and the air.
Rock Hill defense: Rock Hill improved to 2-1 on the season with a win against Lancaster. The Bearcats held the Panthers to just 11 points and held them scoreless in three quarters. Rock Hill forced six punts and two turnovers on downs. This performance helped extend the Bearcats’ win streak against Lancaster to three games.
C.J. Wherry, South Pointe, senior defensive back: Cherry had five total tackles in the 10-7 win against West Charlotte. He blocked the 20-yard Angel Ruiz field-goal attempt that ended West Charlotte’s overtime possession.
Catawba Ridge (2-1) at Spring Valley (2-1), 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Catawba Ridge picked up a close 27-24 win over Chester last week. The Copperheads will travel to Columbia to take on the Vikings of Spring Valley, 7-6 winners against Chapin last week. Catawba Ridge is looking to improve to 3-1 for the second straight season after going 1-9 in 2023.
South Pointe (2-1) at Northwestern (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday: The premier rivalry in not just the upper state, but arguably all of South Carolina will renew when the high flying offense of Northwestern welcomes neighbor South Pointe for what could be the best game across the Carolinas in Week 4. Northwestern is averaging 43 points per game through three weeks while South Pointe is allowing just nine points per game. Contrasting styles will clash for the title of best team in Football City USA.
Lancaster (0-3) at Fort Mill (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday: The Fort Mill Yellow Jackets keep on winning. After their first 2-0 start in 10 years, they figured why not keep it going with a dominant win against Blythewood. Lancaster is hungry for its first win of the season having lost a close game to Chester in Week 1 followed by lopsided losses to Indian Land and Rock Hill.
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.The NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC released an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 7 p.m. on Saturday in effect until 8 p.m. The warning is for Chester, Union and York counties.Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph."At 6:59 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 9 miles east of Union, or near Lockhart, moving east at 30 mph...
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
The NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC released an updated severe thunderstorm warning at 7 p.m. on Saturday in effect until 8 p.m. The warning is for Chester, Union and York counties.
Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
"At 6:59 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located 9 miles east of Union, or near Lockhart, moving east at 30 mph," according to the NWS. "Expect damage to trees and power lines."
Locations impacted by the warning include Rock Hill, Chester, Lockhart, Mcconnells, Richburg, Lowrys, Chester State Park, Edgemoor, Bullock Creek and Adamsburg.
The NWS states, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning."
This warning is in effect until 8 p.m.
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months. The NWS reports that these strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually. The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm:
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is primarily caused by three factors:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
A matchup of longtime powers in the Carolinas turned a defensive-minded contest at The Corral at South Pointe High School.How defensive?Neither team scored an offensive touchdown.Lawson Miller’s 30-yard field goal in overtime split the uprights, lifting South Pointe to a 10-7 victory over West Charlotte.“We’ve got the best defense in the state,” South Pointe head coach Bobby Collins said. “They showed it tonight.”West Charlotte, which scored its only touchdown on Davion J...
A matchup of longtime powers in the Carolinas turned a defensive-minded contest at The Corral at South Pointe High School.
How defensive?
Neither team scored an offensive touchdown.
Lawson Miller’s 30-yard field goal in overtime split the uprights, lifting South Pointe to a 10-7 victory over West Charlotte.
“We’ve got the best defense in the state,” South Pointe head coach Bobby Collins said. “They showed it tonight.”
West Charlotte, which scored its only touchdown on Davion Jones’ 83-yard return of the opening kickoff, finished with 173 yards of total offense (92 rushing and 81 passing) and 12 hard-earned first downs.
The host Stallions, who scored their lone touchdown on top-rated South Carolina high school recruit J’Zavien Currence’s 90-yard interception return late in the first quarter, finished with 72 yards total offense (48 rushing and 24 passing) and five first downs.
“When our defense plays that good, we’ve got to find a way to win,” West Charlotte head coach Sam Greiner said.
The fierceness of the matchup had its roots in a West Charlotte win over the Stallions on the last play of a 7-on-7 scrimmage at the University of South Carolina in Columbia in June.
“We told them it would be different in pads,” said Currence, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound safety who has committed to play for the University of South Carolina. “I don’t guess they believed us.”
J’Zavien Currence, South Pointe: The quarterback-safety created both of the Stallions’ scoring opportunities as he scored on a 90-yard interception return, and three straight quarterback draws set up the field goal in the middle of the field.
C.J. Wherry, South Pointe: His block of a 20-yard Angel Ruiz field goal ended West Charlotte’s overtime possession.
Jamouri Nichols, West Charlotte: Despite being slowed by the flu, the junior quarterback accounted for 136 yards of West Charlotte’s 173 yards of offense; He rushed for 55 yards and passed for 81.
— West Charlotte is located 25 miles from the South Pointe High campus in Rock Hill, S.C. and about 14 miles from the S.C. state line. But the Lions have played only two games against S.C. schools in the past 66 seasons — a 21-12 win at Lamar in 1990, and a 43-6 loss at Gaffney in 2016. West Charlotte played Columbia’s old Booker T. Washington 10 times from 1946 to 1959, and the last time it played a game in Rock Hill was against old Emmett Scott High School in 1939; The school closed in 1970.
— West Charlotte’s score came on a re-kick of the opening kickoff after it had gone out of bounds inside the Lions’ 5. Davion Jones caught the second kickoff and raced virtually untouched down the right sideline for his team’s lone touchdown.
— Three West Charlotte turnovers snuffed out scoring opportunities; Currence’s interception came after West Charlotte had 1st-and-10 at the South Pointe 12, Darien Judge recovered a fumble after a high shotgun snap after the Lions had 1st-and-10 at the South Pointe 49 and Zymier Gordon-Miles intercepted a West Charlotte pass at the South Pointe 20 after the Lions had 3rd-and-14 at the Stallions 33.
“He (Jamouri Nichols) was sick tonight. I wish he had a ‘Michael Jordan flu game,’ but he was sick. He fought through it as much as he could. But you could tell he wasn’t fully himself.” — West Charlotte coach Sam Greiner
First quarter
WC: Davion Jones 83 kickoff return (Angel Ruiz kick)
SP: J’Zavien Currence 90 yard interception return (Lawson Miller kick)
Overtime
SP: FG Lawson Miller 33
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