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 Michael Gaffney Home 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 Gaffney, 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 McCluney 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 Best Pizza In Town or visit T-Bridge, 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 Gaffney, 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 Gaffney, 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 Gaffney, 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.
GAFFNEY, S.C. (WSPA) – After 179 years as an institution of higher education, Limestone University could soon close its doors.The college held meetings with students and staff on Wednesday to inform them the college is facing “financial uncertainty,” which could lead to the school switching to a fully-online model or permanently closing.According to a press release on the college website, Limestone’s Board of Trustees has announced unless the university can obtain “immediate financial support in th...
GAFFNEY, S.C. (WSPA) – After 179 years as an institution of higher education, Limestone University could soon close its doors.
The college held meetings with students and staff on Wednesday to inform them the college is facing “financial uncertainty,” which could lead to the school switching to a fully-online model or permanently closing.
According to a press release on the college website, Limestone’s Board of Trustees has announced unless the university can obtain “immediate financial support in the amount of $6 million” the institution will need to move fully online or begin the process of closing.
Faculty and students said that no one saw this coming.
“I’m just a bit scared,” said sophomore Annabelle Dougherty. “We don’t really know like the next steps of what’s gonna happen or fully what’s going on but we just have to take it one step at a time and figure out what we’re gonna do for ourselves and how we’re gonna say goodbye to each other if we have to.”
The Board will convene on April 22, to discuss the next steps for the institution.
“Limestone remains committed to our students and we will work directly with current students to help them identify the best path to successfully complete their educational journey,” said Randall Richardson, chair of the Limestone University Board of Trustees. “We are reaching out separately to students with information regarding options to continue their education.”
In the event the university were to swap to online model, it would discontinue all in-person operations, including athletics in Gaffney.
“The Board’s priority is to preserve the Limestone mission of education and service on our campus in addition to online. But without this financial lifeline, we will have no choice but to move all operations online, which means closing our physical campus,” said Richardson.
The college said its financial challenges stem from a combination of nationwide enrollment declines, rising costs, and long-standing structural pressures facing small, private institutions. The proposed $6 million emergency fund would stabilize operations and give the university the opportunity to pursue long-term solutions that preserve its on-campus identity, according to a media release.
Limestone University opened in 1845 as Limestone College, an independent non-denomination Christian college located in Gaffney. The school changed its name to include the university moniker in 2020.
At the time of its opening, Limestone was the first women’s college in South Carolina, and among the first in the country. The college began admitting men in the early 1900s, but did not allow them to live on campus.
The school offers programs on-campus and online from associate, undergraduate and masters programs.
In 2024 the college named Dr. Nathan Copeland as its newest president. Earlier this year the school kicked off a $1.5 million athletic campaign by naming its first female athletic director.
According to nonprofit investigative journalism outlet ProPublica, Limestone University’s finances have dipped in recent years. The school operated at a $12.6 million deficit in 2022-23, up significantly from a $2 million annual deficit in previous years.
A tax form for the 2022-23 tax year show the university received $9 million less in donations and grants that year.
Notes from tax forms said the university was home to 2,250 full-time equivalent students and 330 employees.
Some people emphasized that the impact of Limestone’s potential closure will hit Gaffney and Cherokee County.
“The county is going to definitely feel it if the institutions close the university has a $150 million annual economic impact. The hotel and the restaurants will all see a significant decline,” said Dr. Suzanne Lindley, the Dean of Health Sciences. “The thought of Gaffney without Limestone is incomprehensible. I can’t imagine.”
In a post on Facebook, Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins said the closure would be a “significant blow to our community.”
“The economic impact will be substantial. Limestone has provided countless jobs, brought in students and families who supported local businesses and served as a catalyst for growth. In our current efforts to revitalize downtown Gaffney, Limestone students have played a vital role. Their energy, involvement, and contributions have breathed life into our city and helped us build momentum for the future.”
“The psychological and emotional toll will be equally profound. Limestone has been a point of pride, tradition, and inspiration for our residents. It has opened doors for countless local students and families. Many of them were first-generation college students and helped shape dreams into realities. As a proud alumni, I will forever love and honor Limestone University.”
Mayor Lyman Dawkins III
For now, the university said the main focus is working with students and staff.
Limestone University has already been in contact with the NCAA and plan to host a “reverse college fair” on April 25, where students can speak with other universities.
Limestone University will close its campus at the end of the semester, college officials informed students and staff on April 16.Limestone spokesperson K.C. Barnhill said the school will end in-person classes at the end of spring semester, affecting about 1,...
Limestone University will close its campus at the end of the semester, college officials informed students and staff on April 16.
Limestone spokesperson K.C. Barnhill said the school will end in-person classes at the end of spring semester, affecting about 1,000 students. Also ending are Limestone athletics, but the school will continue to offer online classes and will continue as a charter school authorizer.
The Post and Courier’s Education Lab focuses on issues and policies affecting South Carolina’s education system. It is supported by donations and grants to the nonprofit Public Service and Investigative Fund, whose contributors are subject to the same coverage we apply to everyone else. For more information and to donate, go to postandcourierfund.com.
The campus will be sold, and about 300 employees working at the university will lose their jobs, said Nathan Copeland, Limestone president.
Recently elected Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins — himself a graduate of Limestone — called news of the closure "devastating."
"They've been around through the Civil War, the Great Depression and all the other tough times," Dawkins said. "It's hard to see them close the doors at this point."
School officials estimate the annual economic impact of the school to be $150 million for the surrounding community. In addition to being one of the larger employers in the city, Limestone's students buy supplies, meals and housing.
Copeland said the school is $30 million in debt and wouldn't get an infusion of cash from tuition until September, making its continued operation unviable.
The announcement came at a pair of abruptly organized campus-wide meetings after years of financial struggles, weighed down in part by a series of federal lawsuits over allegations a former employee secretly filmed visiting female student-athletes in the locker room, then posted the videos to porn websites.
While some lawsuits have been settled, one with nine plaintiffs is scheduled to go to trial in October.
Copeland told The Post and Courier that those lawsuits were just a small piece of the overall financial picture.
He attributed the unsustainable financial situation to the mix of students paying full tuition and those on scholarship, as well as the previous administration dipping too much into the school's endowment to balance budgets.
Because the school will be continuing as an online institution of higher education, its Limestone Charter Association will continue to be able to sponsor its 13 K-12 public charter schools, Copeland said.
The latest available tax filing, Limestone's Form 990 for 2022-23, showed expenses were $12.6 million more than revenue that year, and the endowment plunged from $31.5 million on July 1, 2021, to $12.7 million on June 30, 2023.
Copeland, who took the reins as university president last year, had plans that could have sustained the school, but there was not enough time, Charles Wyatt, vice president for communications, told The Post and Courier.
“We ran out of runway. … If we just could have made it until September,” Wyatt said.
If a white knight were to come forward with a $6 million donation, Wyatt said, the school could stay open.
He said Limestone is working to help students by opening the transfer portal so the school's student-athletes can begin the transfer process immediately.
Cameron Wells, a music major who transferred to Limestone from Coastal Carolina, was shocked to learn the campus would soon close.
"We were just getting things popping," he said.
Matthew Hensley contributed to this report.
Days after buying a Powerball ticket, an Upstate woman was on her lunch break when she went to the convenience store where she purchased the game to see if she’d won a prize, according to South Carolina Education Lottery officials.She had a clerk scan the ticket and learned the Powerball ticket was a winner, but wasn’t told anything about the size of the jac...
Days after buying a Powerball ticket, an Upstate woman was on her lunch break when she went to the convenience store where she purchased the game to see if she’d won a prize, according to South Carolina Education Lottery officials.
She had a clerk scan the ticket and learned the Powerball ticket was a winner, but wasn’t told anything about the size of the jackpot, other than it was more than the $500 the Gaffney store could pay, officials said Tuesday in a news release.
So she told her boss she was taking the rest of the day off from work and was making the 100-mile trek to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center in Columbia to find out just how much she had won, according to the release.
It turned out to be worth her time as the woman discovered she had won a $150,000 prize from a Powerball drawing in February, officials said.
“It felt like a dream,” the winner said in the release.
While hard to believe, it wasn’t a total shock as the woman had a notion that she might have won a six-figure prize while en route to Columbia, officials said.
On the way to South Carolina’s capital city, she spoke with family and friends who told her they heard a ticket sold in Gaffney had won $150,000, according to the release. Of course, she wondered if it was hers, officials said.
“When I arrived with the ticket, I was so excited and nervous,” she said.
Lottery staff at the claims center confirmed she was the $150,000 winner, according to the release.
The Powerball ticket that she purchased at the Corner Store gas station/convenience store on Hyatt Street matched all but one number drawn on Feb. 5, officials said.
The winning numbers in the Feb. 5 drawing were 19, 27, 30, 50, 62 and Powerball: 14.
Because she purchased the Power Play option for an additional dollar, her initial $50,000 prize was tripled the Power Play number was revealed to be 3, officials said.
The odds of matching four white ball numbers and the red Powerball number were 1-in-913,129, according to the release.
The winner said she’s going to use her newfound windfall to do something she never thought she could afford, officials said.
“I’m buying a house,” she said.
The winner is allowed to retain some privacy, as South Carolina is one of 11 states — along with Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas and Virginia — that allow lottery winners to remain anonymous.
For selling the claimed ticket, the Corner Store received a commission of $1,500, according to the release.
The jackpot for Wednesday’s Powerball drawing is $113 million, according to the game’s website.
Anyone looking to buy a ticket must make a purchase by 9:59 p.m. Wednesday for the 10:59 p.m. drawing. Tickets are $2, and could cost more with additional options.
The odds of winning Powerball’s grand prize are 1-in-293 million.
This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM.
GAFFNEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Limestone University announced plans to close following a board meeting Tuesday night.Limestone University sent an email to students that the Board of Trustees has decided to close it’s doors. The email also stated that the university will not be offering online classes.The university received more than $2 million dollars in donations after announcing their ...
GAFFNEY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Limestone University announced plans to close following a board meeting Tuesday night.
Limestone University sent an email to students that the Board of Trustees has decided to close it’s doors. The email also stated that the university will not be offering online classes.
The university received more than $2 million dollars in donations after announcing their financial crisis two weeks ago. According to the university, the donations will be given back to those contributors.
FOX Carolina spoke with some students who said they feel betrayed by the decision and are uncertain about their next steps.
Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins III gave the following statement:
Cherokee County officials also released a statement after learning the news:
“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the announcement of Limestone University’s closure. For 179 years, Limestone has been a defining part of our community — educating generations, supporting local businesses, and enriching our culture. Today we mourn!"
This is more than the closing of a school; it’s the loss of a cornerstone that has touched thousands of lives. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and families across the region are feeling the deep emotional and economic impact of this news.
Let us stand together in this moment. Whether you’re a graduate, a neighbor, a business owner, or simply someone who has benefited from Limestone’s presence, we urge you to support one another as we navigate the challenges ahead. The legacy of Limestone University lives on in each of us.”
Cherokee County Government
Congressman Ralph Norman also released a statement:
“This is a devastating loss for our community. Limestone University, located right here in South Carolina’s 5th District, has been a cornerstone of higher education and economic vitality for generations. The impact of this closure will be felt far beyond the classroom--from the students and faculty to the small businesses and families that relied on the university’s presence.
For over 180 years, Limestone has shaped lives and strengthened our local economy. Its contributions to Gaffney and Cherokee County cannot be overstated.
This closure is a wake-up call on the importance of financial transparency and long-term planning in higher education. Our students and communities deserve better."
Rep. Ralph Norman
Governor Henry McMaster reacted to the closing with the following statement:
“Limestone University is a prestigious institution with a long and proud tradition of educating generations of South Carolinians. Its closure marks a sad day, not just for Gaffney and the Upstate but for all of South Carolina. The impact it has had on our state and countless students will live on long after its closure.”
Governor Henry McMaster
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An Upstate college will have to close its doors if it doesn’t find the necessary money to keep going, and fast.Limestone University, a private, Christian college in Gaffney, is facing a “critical turning point” in its 179 years, the college announced in a news release on Wednesday. The board of trustees announced that if it does not immediately find $6 million in financial support, it will have to transition to purely online instruction. Or worse, cease operations completely.According to a news release, Limest...
An Upstate college will have to close its doors if it doesn’t find the necessary money to keep going, and fast.
Limestone University, a private, Christian college in Gaffney, is facing a “critical turning point” in its 179 years, the college announced in a news release on Wednesday. The board of trustees announced that if it does not immediately find $6 million in financial support, it will have to transition to purely online instruction. Or worse, cease operations completely.
According to a news release, Limestone’s financial challenges stem from rising costs, declining enrollment and “long-standing structural pressures facing small, private institutions.”
The badly-needed $6 million would stabilize operations and “give the university the opportunity to pursue long-term solutions that preserve its on-campus identity.”
“Limestone remains committed to our students and we will work directly with current students to help them identify the best path to successfully complete their educational journey,” Limestone board chair Randall Richardson said in a news release. “We are reaching out separately to students with information regarding options to continue their education.”
The board is set to meet on April 22 in light of the “serious financial outlook,” to discuss next steps.
While closure remains a risk, Limestone is considering a scenario that would discontinue in-person academic operations, activities and athletics in Gaffney, according to a press release. The college currently offers both in-person and online classes to its approximately 1,500 students.
“The Board’s priority is to preserve the Limestone mission of education and service on our campus in addition to online. But without this financial lifeline, we will have no choice but to move all operations online, which means closing our physical campus,” Richardson said in a news release.
This story was originally published April 16, 2025 at 3:27 PM.
The State
Alexa Jurado reports on the University of South Carolina for The State. She is from the Chicago suburbs and recently graduated from Marquette University. Alexa previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin.
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