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 Bennett Place 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 Durham, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“I'm a beginner with the company. You must be patient when applying and beautiful things”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“We recently had to move my Dad from one senior care center to another. It”
“Oh my goodness! I was at the very bottom of my rope with no where”
“I started with Always Best Care in October of 2018 and they have been fabulous”
“Other Nurses aide care my elderly parent receives is excellent. Aides all well trained, caring, professional,”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best went above and beyond to help”
“I am a current client of this provider I called on a Monday & had a”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was a God sent when”
“Other When we first started with Always Best Care, it was just to have somebody come”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“I'm a beginner with the company. You must be patient when applying and beautiful things will unfold for you. This company has great position offers. Come check them out for yourself! ????”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need you the most. Highly recommend!”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or 30 minute visits for 6 visits a day. They make sure that my 96 year old mother takes her meds, walks to meals, they deliver her meals when she is too tired to walk, they water her plants, bathe her, they will help in anyway to provide the best care. Shawn Cothran, the owner, made a personal visit to her room to make sure she had all that she needs. The caregivers; Vera, Jackie, Toni, Elizabeth and many others could not be better. I highly recommend this service.”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring hearts.”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my mother. We found a new home for her and the extra attention she is now receiving has given both the family and her comfort and peace of mind. It is a challenging transition and the help was invaluable. Many thanks!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
“We recently had to move my Dad from one senior care center to another. It was wonderful to have Paige from Always Best Care make all the appointments and show us different options. She knew all the ins & outs, positives & negatives and was such a huge help in finding him a new place to live! I highly recommend this service to anyone in need of finding a place for their loved one.”
“Oh my goodness! I was at the very bottom of my rope with no where to turn. Almost overnight, my mom went from being totally independent to needing assisted living, and I didn't know where or how to even start. The hospital was breathing down my neck to get her out of there, and I had nowhere to take her. I couldn't provide the care she needed at home. Then a friend sent me a copy of Shawn Cothran's business card. She said he could help. Shawn called me when I was at my lowest point. He offered me hope with the possibility of placement the same day or next for my mom. By that afternoon, we had signed a contract and placed a bed in mom's new home. The next day, she moved in to a very nice, beautiful and caring community. I will be forever grateful to Always Best Care Senior Services and Shawn!!”
“I started with Always Best Care in October of 2018 and they have been fabulous with their flexibility. I have been able to make my own schedule to accommodate other things in my life.”
“Other Nurses aide care my elderly parent receives is excellent. Aides all well trained, caring, professional, and “go the extra mile”. Aides arrive as scheduled and maintain very good communication with the family. Owner goes out of her way to respond to requests in timely fashion. We recommend this agency strongly to friends who have parents who need care. What a blessing ABC has been to our parent and entire family. A model of what quality care looks like!”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best went above and beyond to help us navigate a family crisis, and we literally could not have done it without them. Everyone we worked with was caring, patient and responsive.”
“I am a current client of this provider I called on a Monday & had a care giver on Tuesday. The caregivers are always on time. Asking if there are any changes to the schedule. They fix her lunch every day and do the dishes. Amy is very attentive to my mother. She ensures she does her exercises like she is supposed to a d even does then with her. The care they give has greatly reduced my stress.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was a God sent when my Mother broke her hip at 99 years old about 4 years ago. They provided 24 hour care at her place while we were getting our home ready for her to come and live with us. My wife and I both worked and needed a care service that we trusted to come into our house and not only provide excellent care for our loved one, but also treaded our home with respect. And Stephine's angels at Always Best Care were the answer to our prayers. Caregivers Cheryle and Mellissa provided a loving service that I believe extended my mother's life to 103, with the one on one care that you get in a comfortable home environment, rather than a group care that you get at at a nursing facility . We will always be grateful to Always Best Care.”
“Other When we first started with Always Best Care, it was just to have somebody come visit mom once a week at assisted-living they care whatever needed to be done, going with her on errands and so on. They were great. Their support really became important, however, when mom fractured her pelvis. I texted Sanjay, the CEO and they were at the hospital with CMTs as soon as she got her room. That was important, because mom was not entirely aware that she had fractured her pelvis, would keep trying to get up, and the hospital had not yet resourced a sitter. They also provided in room sitter services for mom when she was in rehab, at a facility they helped us down-select to. Then, when she was released from rehab, they helped locate a micro-community that provided Mom with the extra support she needed, after discussing the issues we needed to work through via conference call when there was more than could be managed via txt or email. I live out of state, so we could not have done this without them. Sanjay and team really care about the patient, and were always available. They have my highest recommendation. -WRJ, Raleigh NC”
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 Sandy Creek 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 Nanas or visit Duke Homestead, 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.
Request More Information
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 Durham, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Durham, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Durham, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Voters in the Triangle will decide on a variety of bond referendums on the ballot during the upcoming election.Use this guide to learn more about referendums on ballots across Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston and Chatham counties. Triangle voters won’t see all of these referendums, as they are location-specific. Check out your county and/or town to dig into the ballot measures you’ll see, and go deeper with The News & Observer’s in-depth reporting on each bond referendum.Remember, ...
Voters in the Triangle will decide on a variety of bond referendums on the ballot during the upcoming election.
Use this guide to learn more about referendums on ballots across Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston and Chatham counties. Triangle voters won’t see all of these referendums, as they are location-specific. Check out your county and/or town to dig into the ballot measures you’ll see, and go deeper with The News & Observer’s in-depth reporting on each bond referendum.
Remember, you can see what your ballot will look like before you head to the polls.
October 21, 2024 6:00 AM
North Carolina voters will decide whether to amend the state’s constitution to only allow U.S. citizens who are 18 or older to vote.
Voters can vote “for” and “against” the referendum, which would change the voter eligibility language in the state constitution. The state constitution currently says that “every” person born in the United States or naturalized can vote. The amendment, if passed, would replace that wording to say that “only” a U.S. citizen can vote, The News & Observer previously reported.
The referendum’s wording has misled some critics. One claimed on Reddit that lawmakers slipped the phrase “and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting” into the amendment as a ploy to support new voting restrictions in the future. In fact, the amendment does not include that phrase.
Whether it passes or not, it would still be unlawful for a noncitizen to cast a ballot in federal and state elections.
October 28, 2024 11:00 AM
Wake County voters will decide on a $142 million bond for improvements to local libraries.
Potential projects include building two new community libraries, expanding the Fuquay-Varina branch, replacing the Athens Drive and Wendell branches and renovating seven branches. If approved, construction on these projects could begin as soon as 2026.
The 2024 bond would cost $2.50 per $100,000 of assessed property value. A homeowner with a house valued at $462,000, the county’s median, would see an annual increase in their county tax bill of $11.50.
October 23, 2024 8:00 AM
Cary voters will have two bond referendums on the ballot this year: $560 million to finance park and recreation projects, and $30 million to fund housing projects.
Park projects would include the construction of a two-acre Asian garden, the addition of up to 30 pickleball courts at Cary Tennis Park and a $150 million multi-purpose center in western Cary with basketball courts, an indoor playground and more.
Funds for housing projects would be used to assist residents with lower incomes across Cary through new housing opportunities and preservation of affordable housing.
The property tax rate, currently 32.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value, would increase by 9 cents over about seven to 10 years.
Durham residents will have the chance to vote on a $200 million referendum that will improve streets, sidewalks and parks in the city. The referendum will appear as two separate questions on the ballot.
The $115 million would be used to repair roads, pave dirt streets and build new sidewalks.
The remaining $85 million would be used to upgrade Long Meadow and East End parks, plus it would add a new water park next to the Wheels Roller Rink at Merrick-Moore Park.
The bond would up the city property tax rate a maximum of 3.45 cents per $100 of assessed value, starting in 2026 and slowly dropping off over the following 20 years. On a median home in the city, valued around $244,539 last year, that would add about $84 to the annual tax bill of about $3,411.
Zebulon has a $20 million bond to fund streets and sidewalks on the ballot this year.
The bond would fund enhancements to North Arendell Avenue, including added lanes and medians, and the construction of a roundabout at the Pearces Road and Proctor Street intersections.
If approved, bond funds will be combined with grants from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the North Carolina Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to share the cost of the construction projects.
Residents can expect an increase of $42.30 per $100,000 of assessed value, which would be $153.17 for a home valued at $362,000, roughly the median value in Zebulon.
Chapel Hill voters will decide if the town can borrow up to $44 million in bonds for affordable housing, public facilities, streets and sidewalks, parks and recreation facilities, and open space and greenways. Here’s a cost breakdown:
Property taxes won’t increase if the bond passes. This is because the town has a debt fund that annually allocates a portion of the property tax rate to pay existing debt services and build future debt capacity.
Orange County residents will have the opportunity to vote on a $300 million bond referendum to fund facility replacements, renovations, and repairs for Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS).
The $300 million bond — $480.36 million with interest — would be split between the districts based on enrollment. CHCCS could get $175 million, and Orange County Schools could get $125 million, The News & Observer previously reported.
? CHCCS would replace Carrboro, Estes Hills and Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe elementary schools over the next 10 years. It would also make major renovations at Culbreth and Phillips Middle schools.
? Orange County Schools would build a new 600-student elementary school, replace Orange Middle School and fund a major renovation and addition to one additional school.
The tax rate could increase up to 3.41 cents per $100 in property value next year, adding $136.40 to the county tax bill for a $400,000 home. More tax rate increases are possible over the next 10 years, for a total projected increase of 8.42 cents per $100 in assessed property value.
Two bond referendums will be included on Johnston County voters’ ballots this year.
? A $30 million bond for Johnston Community College (JCC) would fund a new medical campus facility in Clayton and upgrades to public facilities on JCC’s Smithfield campus.
The 120,000-square-foot medical campus will include a virtual hospital, classroom and lab space for nursing and other current healthcare and transfer programs, and provide room for expanded offerings in healthcare. The public safety upgrades will help JCC serve fire, EMS, and basic law enforcement programs.
? A $120 million bond for Johnston County Public Schools would upgrade HVAC systems, replace furniture, scoreboards and other equipment, upgrade gym lights and repair bleachers at multiple schools across the district.
There are currently no plans to raise taxes to pay for the bonds.
The N&O’s Kristen Johnson, Tammy Grubb and Mary Helen Moore contributed to this story, as well as correspondent Emily Vespa.
Assistant professor charged in NCCU shooting caseNorth Carolina Central University students are back in class Monday after two unrelated shootings over homecoming weekend.DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Central University students are back in class Monday after two unrelated shootings over homecoming weekend.Danye Negash Medhin, who was an assistant professor at NCCU, faced a judge Monday morning since his arrest in connection to one of the shootings. He was charged with discharging a firearm on educational property and f...
Assistant professor charged in NCCU shooting caseNorth Carolina Central University students are back in class Monday after two unrelated shootings over homecoming weekend.
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Central University students are back in class Monday after two unrelated shootings over homecoming weekend.
Danye Negash Medhin, who was an assistant professor at NCCU, faced a judge Monday morning since his arrest in connection to one of the shootings. He was charged with discharging a firearm on educational property and felony riot. His employment with the university was discontinued Saturday.
Investigators said Medhin fired three shots into the air at around 7:45 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot behind the Debra Saunders-White Residence Hall. Nobody was injured.
Approximately 90 minutes after that another shooting happened, but this second one resulted in four people being injured, including one student. The person responsible for this shooting has not been captured or even identified.
Durham native and Hillside High School graduate Jamya lived through the second shooting.
"I got on the ground...like three dudes over me (protecting me) and I was trying to get back up," she said. "I don't know who they were, but I appreciate y'all."
The school is holding a safe space for students to check in about what happened on Saturday.
"I would definitely say not to let this discourage you in the future. Definitely keep your head on a swivel at all times because the world's getting crazier every year, and we really don't know where we're stepping into," student Myles Payne said. "And if you need time to step away from your classes in order to mentally handle this then definitely do take your time because this is huge."
There is no current suspect information involving the second shooting.
Police did arrest Joshua Michael Virgil, 21, Saturday after finding a gun in a black Dodge Challenger. He was charged with carrying a gun on educational property, but has not been charged with anything related to the shooting at this time and has not been linked to the second shooting.
Virgil did not appear in court Monday morning.
State and local law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations into both shootings.
Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The Durham Rescue Mission is gathering donations from the Triangle community to help those in need in western North Carolina impacted by flooding after Helene.The supply drive began Sunday and will last through Monday before volunteers take the supplies west on Tuesday.The organization is specifically asking for “toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, bottled water, soda pop, tanned canned food, shelf-stable food, baby wipes, and diapers.” ...
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The Durham Rescue Mission is gathering donations from the Triangle community to help those in need in western North Carolina impacted by flooding after Helene.
The supply drive began Sunday and will last through Monday before volunteers take the supplies west on Tuesday.
The organization is specifically asking for “toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, bottled water, soda pop, tanned canned food, shelf-stable food, baby wipes, and diapers.”
“We brought a lot of water, diapers, some deodorant, toiletries, things like that we heard were going to be helpful,” Todd Christy told CBS17 while dropping off donations.
In the wake of flooding from Helene, the American Red Cross says it has around 2,000 people deployed from Florida to Tennessee, between 200 and 300 of which are in North Carolina.
Mike DeCinti from the American Red Cross told CBS 17 that relief efforts have been difficult because of the destruction in the area.
“There are still over 400 roads closed where we cannot get to folks and folks can’t get to us. But for those people that have been in our shelters, we are making sure that they are safe, they are clean, they are dry, and they are fed to the best of our abilities,” DeCinti said.
Ernie Mills Jr., Durham Rescue Mission’s vice president of development, told CBS 17 that the support he’s seeing from the community is overwhelming.
“You know I thought we were going to need a trailer, but we’re gonna need a whole box truck,” Mills said.
Mills said the plan, for now, is to leave Tuesday to deliver supplies, but that could change depending on the situation. But, he said no matter what, they’re committed to getting the aid to those who need it.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross said they need money more than supplies, because it can be difficult to transport.
READ MOREHurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. The News & Observer and the Charlotte Observer have a collection of stories about Hurricane Helene and the damage it left, particularly in Western North Carolina.Expand AllAs Helene made her slog through North Carolina, she brought heavy rains and gusty winds to the state, leaving behind flash flooding, two tornadoes and at least two deaths.The storm’s eye made landfall in Florid...
Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. The News & Observer and the Charlotte Observer have a collection of stories about Hurricane Helene and the damage it left, particularly in Western North Carolina.
As Helene made her slog through North Carolina, she brought heavy rains and gusty winds to the state, leaving behind flash flooding, two tornadoes and at least two deaths.
The storm’s eye made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend around 11:10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, as a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
By 5 a.m. Sept. 27, Helene had been downgraded to a tropical storm, according to the NHC. Maximum sustained winds had decreased to around 70 mph, and the center of the storm was expected to move over central and northeastern Georgia before turning northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley.
The NHC predicted “catastrophic and life-threatening flash and urban flooding, including numerous landslides” across parts of the southern Appalachians and “damaging wind gusts” over parts of Georgia and the Carolinas on Sept. 27.
But damage wasn’t limited to the mountains. At least 15 people were injured, four seriously, in Nash County when a tornado hit the Eastern North Carolina city of Rocky Mount.
By the time Helene crawled out of the state, it had become a tropical depression and then a post-tropical cyclone.
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for North Carolina on Sept. 26, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help fund emergency protective measures in much of western North Carolina, including evacuations and emergency shelters, The News & Observer previously reported.
The National Weather Service’s office in Greenville, South Carolina, called Helene “one of the most significant weather events to happen in the western portions of the area in the modern era” in a Sept. 26 social media post.
Helene was predicted to bring heavy rain to western North Carolina, increasing the risk of landslides.
Flash flood warnings were issued across western North Carolina — including in Asheville, Hickory and Charlotte — the morning of Sept. 27.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for parts of Mecklenburg, Transylvania and McDowell counties.
Severe weather had moved out of the Triangle by Friday afternoon.
A band of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain moved across the Triangle through the morning.
1110 am: BREAKING - Orange, Wake, and Durham Counties - Greatest risk of heavy rain, wind gusts in excess of 50 mph, and isolated tornadoes will spread across the area over the next 90 minutes. Please find a safe place. pic.twitter.com/RipsAsSjMi
— NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) September 27, 2024
Sustained wind speeds of 15-25 mph were expected, with gusts of 35-45 mph, throughout the morning and early afternoon Sept. 27.
The most life-threatening risks were flash flooding and tornadoes, the meteorologist said, encouraging people to have a way to quickly receive alerts about weather hazards as they arise.
July 21, 2023 3:58 PM
Duke Energy customers may report and track outages on the provider’s website. More than 215,000 Duke Energy customers in North Carolina were without power around 7 a.m. Sept. 27.
Check where tornado, flood and other severe weather watches and warnings have been issued here.
Gov. Roy Cooper said during a morning briefing Sept. 27 that there are an estimated 879,000 power outages across the state and that there have already been more than 100 swift water rescues.
”This is one of the worst storms in modern history for parts of Western North Carolina. The end of the rain is not the end of the threat,” Cooper said.
As N.C. Emergency Management Director Will Ray gave a Sept. 27 morning update on Helene, a harsh tone sounded from cell phones throughout the room, warning of a flash flood warning in the immediate area until 3 p.m.
”With such significant rainfall, water levels and flooding in the Western North Carolina mountains can rapidly change and cause a substantial threat to life. Many counties in Western North Carolina have ordered evacuations to save lives,” Ray said.
Cooper also emphasized that Western North Carolinians should stay at home instead of driving through stormy conditions on roadways that could be susceptible to flooding.
”People in Western North Carolina should consider all roads closed unless you’re seeking higher ground,” Cooper said.
Statewide, there were more than 290 road closures the morning of Sept. 27, many in the western part of the state but some lingering in the Southeastern corner from last week’s unnamed storm that brought heavy rains to the region.
All public schools in the Triangle were closed to students and staff Sept. 27. These include:
Wake Tech and Durham Tech also closed their campuses.
Helene created problems for travelers out of RDU Airport on Sept. 27. Flights to Charlotte scheduled to leave RDU before noon were canceled, and some afternoon flights are delayed. More than 1,000 flights at Charlotte’s airport have been disrupted during the past couple of days, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Flights scheduled to leave RDU before noon Sept. 27, headed to cities including Boston, Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Washington, D.C., Orlando and Austin, were canceled or delayed.
Check the status of flights to and from RDU Airport here.
This story was originally published September 27, 2024, 8:11 AM.
What is the best internet provider in Durham?CNET recommends AT&T Fiber as the best internet provider in Durham due to its fiber availability, plan variety and high customer satisfaction. The ultra-fast plans at reasonable prices make it an obvious choice. However, Google Fiber is a close sec...
CNET recommends AT&T Fiber as the best internet provider in Durham due to its fiber availability, plan variety and high customer satisfaction. The ultra-fast plans at reasonable prices make it an obvious choice. However, Google Fiber is a close second and offers even faster plans going up to 8000 megabits per second. That said, not everyone needs such high speeds.
Frontier Fiber is another excellent choice for internet in Durham, especially for those who want a fast, affordable internet plan. Frontier Fiber internet starts at $30 a month -- the cheapest price for internet in Durham -- and comes with symmetrical speeds up to 200Mbps. Spectrum and Verizon 5G Home Internet are also top choices for cheap internet, especially the latter if you qualify for the provider's mobile bundle discount.
With multiple internet providers serving the Durham area, the best one for your home will come down to what’s available in your area and what you need. You’ll find details of the area’s top providers below to help you decide.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Durham depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Durham internet providers, such as AT&T Fiber, may offer gift cards or other signup bonuses for a limited time. Many, however, including Frontier, Google Fiber and Spectrum, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What is the best internet service provider in Durham?
Durham is home to multiple high-quality internet service providers, but AT&T Fiber is arguably the best, having the largest fiber network in the area and a lower starting price than Google Fiber. AT&T Fiber also received higher customer satisfaction ratings than other Durham ISPs, including Google Fiber and Frontier Fiber.
Is fiber internet available in Durham?
Fiber internet is available to just over half of Durham households, according to the FCC. Fiber coverage is greatest in the New Hope Valley, Waterford and Keene communities, though service is available in select neighborhoods throughout Durham.
AT&T is the largest fiber internet provider in Durham, but fiber internet may also be available from Google Fiber or Frontier Fiber, depending on where you live.
919-554-2223
