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 Alfred Rehder Tree 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 Leland, 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 Westgate Nature 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 Christopher's Steakhouse and Seafood or visit Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 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 Leland, 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 Leland, 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 Leland, 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.
LELAND — Town officials expressed confusion regarding appropriate enforcement of development regulations in Leland after a lobbyist-crafted law enacted widespread regulatory changes in the state. The town’s chief building official emphasized concerns that the law limits the town’s ability to manage flood risk.READ MORE: ...
LELAND — Town officials expressed confusion regarding appropriate enforcement of development regulations in Leland after a lobbyist-crafted law enacted widespread regulatory changes in the state. The town’s chief building official emphasized concerns that the law limits the town’s ability to manage flood risk.
READ MORE: Spooked by more flooding in Stoney Creek, Leland council broaches development ordinances
Leland chief building official Daniel Knoch provided an overview of the impact of SB 166, the 2024 Building Code Reform law, at Thursday’s council meeting. The 70-page bill includes a sweeping range of provisions impacting development, fire, wastewater, and stormwater regulations in North Carolina.
Knoch said ambiguous language in the bill caused confusion about appropriate enforcement. He cited a section of the bill requiring the acceptance of “reasonable” materials, design, and construction.
“It doesn’t give clarity on what is reasonable,” he said.
“SB166 is another example of the General Assembly chipping away at municipalities’ authority over development,” council member Bill McHugh told Port City Daily.
McHugh argued that restraining local government authority over building regulations is inappropriate in North Carolina due to its large range of topography from mountains to coastline.
The General Assembly overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of SB 166 earlier this month. It came a year after lawmakers overturned Cooper’s veto of a separate building code bill, House Bill 488, banning proposed energy efficiency updates for residential homes until 2031.
The recent building code reform bills stripped authority from the governor-appointed Building Code Council and created a separate body to regulate residential development.
Leland council members were discussing strengthening the town’s flood zone development ordinances after Potential Tropical Cyclone 8 deluged some areas with nearly 20 inches of rain last week. Leland’s damage assessment included 22 homes, of which 15 were considered having major damage, and four minor.
Thursday’s council discussion came as Hurricane Helene approached landfall in Florida before moving through multiple states and devastating parts of western North Carolina with multiple landslides and overwashed roads.
Knoch noted recent flooding in Leland and emphasized the importance of grading — the process of reshaping land at a construction site. He expressed concerns SB 166 would limit local government authority over grading and exacerbate flooding.
“This has language that we cannot withhold a CO (certificate of occupancy) due to that and that’s a pretty big problem,” he said. “That is one of the last things we can do to protect the homeowner or business owners is ensure that a lot is graded properly. So that’s just one example.”
The NC Home Builders Association is the primary supporter of SB 166. The group described the bill as its top legislative priority of 2024 and worked for months crafting all of its provisions.
NCHBA director of regulatory affairs Chris Millis told Port City Daily there is no prohibition on local governments from withholding a CO due to grading. He argued Knoch misinterpreted a section of the bill that applies to landscaping.
“There appears to be a severe misunderstanding of what the legislation actually does in contrast to individual interpretations shared in the [Leland council meeting] as there are no provisions within SB 166 that weaken flood controls, building safety, or building quality,” he said.
Millis is a former state representative in Pender County and engineer with Paramounte Engineering. He said developers would still be regulated by the residential code, which requires grading that directs surface drainage to a storm sewer or other approved point rather than foundation walls.
Millis said the section of the SB 166 in question in Leland was mainly about foundation plantings. New Hanover County commissioner Rob Zapple, an appointed member of the building code council, argued the law is open to interpretation and contended inspectors could apply it to grading at their discretion.
“The builders would like to say: ‘Oh my god, the inspectors are holding up my CO because I don’t have the right color tulips in the front yard,’” Zapple joked. “Which is a gross exaggeration, trying to impress the legislators. That’s how they interpret fine landscaping, but included would be the final grading.”
Zapple raised concerns about the long-term consequences of recent building code reforms on storm resiliency. He noted a provision in H.B. 488 bans local governments from requiring roof sheathing inspections unless they are exposed to winds over 140 miles per hour.
“This is what happens when the legislature allows a special interest to write the rules,” Zapple said.
SB 166 requires local governments to refund permit application fees if initial reviews of developments are not completed within 20 days. It prohibits inspectors from requiring affidavits from developers attesting their work is in compliance with the state’s building code.
“One of the [North Carolina Home Builders Association’s] main agenda items is to limit as many inspections as possible,” Zapple said.
Leland council member Veronica Carter emphasized a provision banning municipalities from requiring backflow preventers, a device used to prevent water from flowing back into the main water supply. Backflow can cause drinking water contamination.
“It just throws building into confusion,” Carter said at the meeting. “How do you cite somebody when it’s subjective or confusing? Or you can’t even enforce things that you know are safe?”
Drew Ball, southeastern campaigns director of environmentalist nonprofit National Resources Defense Council, told Port City Daily his organization shared concerns about potential environmental and safety ramifications of limiting backflow preventers. He also noted a provision removing elevation requirements for electric water heaters, which he argued is a safety and cost risk in flood prone areas.
Critics including Gov. Roy Cooper, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, the NC Fire Marshals Association, and the NC State Fire Association have raised concerns both the Senate and House bills will reduce expertise on regulatory boards, raise insurance rates for homeowners, limit federal grant opportunities, and cause safety risks.
The North Carolina Home Builders Association disputes the arguments. It contends the building code reform bills will increase affordable housing and economic opportunity in the state without negatively impacting safety, federal grant eligibility, or insurance costs. The group contends developers can be excessively burdened by municipal regulations and argues builders can still choose to include items such as backflow preventers and elevated electric water heaters without local government requirements.
NCHBA was heavily involved in writing both bills. It spent $346,458 on lobbying in 2023 and has spent $278,736 on campaign donations for the 2024 election, including maximum donations to local officials.
The North Carolina Home Builders Association PAC receives donations from members including prominent developers and real estate professionals based in the tri-county region:
NCHBA notes it worked directly with House Speaker Tim Moore to move forward with the SB 166 veto-override vote. NCHBA has donated $52,600 to the lawmaker and the national Home Builders Association donated $5,000 to his campaign in 2023.
Moore and Senate President Phil Berger — who has received $88,300 from NCHBA — appointed six NCHBA members to the Residential Code Council in June, including former NCHBA lobbyist Robert Privott.
“It’s pretty clear who it’s designed to benefit,” McHugh said.
Tips or comments? Email journalist Peter Castagno at [email protected].
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
LELAND — The Leland Town Council is discussing the future of its development ordinances, particularly in flood zones, after last week’s storm unleashed almost 20 inches in some areas and left many neighborhoods flooded.READ MORE: Stranded: Locals, tourists stuck as flooding overwhelms coastal regionsOne was S...
LELAND — The Leland Town Council is discussing the future of its development ordinances, particularly in flood zones, after last week’s storm unleashed almost 20 inches in some areas and left many neighborhoods flooded.
READ MORE: Stranded: Locals, tourists stuck as flooding overwhelms coastal regions
One was Stoney Creek located off Hazel Branch Road. Residents were stranded as floodwaters rose to window height on some homes. Approximately 27 residents and several pets were rescued by Leland and New Hanover County fire and rescue teams, and at least 19 homes sustained damage.
Planning and Inspections Director Ben Andrea told council there were three homes his team has not been able to assess yet.
At Monday’s town council agenda meeting, recommendations came from staff to strengthen the town’s CAMA land use plan; this outlines policies and ordinances for development in North Carolina’s 20 coastal areas. Leland staff is updating its certified CAMA plan, in effect since 2011, to become current with CAMA requirements.
Staff has been working on changes to the CAMA plan before the storm. Of the 14 recommendations, three specifically address development in areas susceptible to coastal inundation and flooding from rain events:
However, the CAMA update led to council members discussing Stoney Creek and whether they should continue building in flood zones.
“I would like us to move forward with and effectively ending flood-zone development in the town of Leland,” council member Bill McHugh said. “And hopefully do so in an expedient manner before we see any more.”
Although the water from Monday’s storm has since receded in Stoney Creek, it’s not the first time the neighborhood has faced such historic flooding. During 2018’s Hurricane Florence, dozens of homes were inundated with over 8 feet of water, reaching up to the second stories in some houses.
Some of the neighborhood is part of a 100-year FEMA floodplain, which means there is a 1% annual chance of shallow flooding at an average depth from 1 to 3 feet.
Andrea told council 17 of the 19 damaged homes are situated in a FEMA-designated special flood hazard zone. These properties have been classified as high risk for rising waters.
“We now know we have at least one area that is subject to repetitive flooding and we’ve got to do something about it, OK?” council member Veronica Carter said. “We need to sit there and figure out what we can do to eliminate development in that area.”
On a Leland Fire/Rescue social media post, showcasing pictures of flooding and rescues, Leland residents have been critical of the town’s development. Comments have included:
Hurricane Florence’s flooding of Stoney Creek prompted a former resident, Zac Ahrens, to relocate to another Leland neighborhood. His family moved into Stoney Creek in August 2018 and Ahrens mentioned he never purchased flood insurance because he was told their home was not located in a flood zone. In North Carolina, homeowners are required to obtain flood insurance if their property is in a flood zone.
“We had 6-and-a-half-feet of water in our home,” Ahrens said. “We had lived there for a month.”
Ahrens and his family incurred approximately $100,000 in damages, paid for out of pocket, to rebuild the house while living in a camper in the driveway. FEMA gave the family $25,000 to help toward costs; FEMA provides help to uninsured homeowners through its Individuals and Households Program (IHP), which provides money for temporary housing and repairs. Ultimately, they decided to move out of the neighborhood, but Ahrens said the homes should have never been built there.
“Where is the water supposed to go?” he questioned.
Due to Florence, around 34 residents petitioned for a federal buyout of the backend of the neighborhood to demolish homes and turn it into open space. It was an unprecedented request seeing as only half the homes were in the floodplain, a requirement for qualification. Residents meeting with Congressman David Rouzer and the request was vouched for by Leland to proper authorities.
Through FEMA relief funding, the county acquired three of the homes in Stoney Creek.
A month after the hurricane hit, the Town of Leland first heard about a proposed neighborhood to be developed abutting Stoney Creek. Eighteen acres were annexed into Leland at the request of Logan Homes developer and Bishops Ridge eventually was built to include up to 120 single-family units. The town was paid $100,000 in a development agreement for providing sewer; part of the neighborhood is also located in a 100-year floodplain.
McHugh suggested at Monday’s agenda review meeting to model any development changes to Leland’s ordinances after those in Raleigh. It prohibits residential development in flood zones, with exemptions allowed on properties already developed within the floodplain or properties that are 0.5 acres or less. Raleigh’s approach also limits development in these areas to low-impact uses, such as parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and picnic grounds.
“We are putting them at risk — physically and financially — putting the community at risk and our first-responders,” McHugh told Port City Daily Tuesday.
No action was taken Monday, as the item was brought up for discussion only. However, staff told the council they would look into addressing potential ordinance changes and report back.
[Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect that three properties were acquired in a buyout after Hurricane Florence. PCD regrets the error. ]
Tips or comments? Email [email protected]
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
Name of business: What the Grill LLCAddress: 1026 Appleton Way #110, LelandType of merchandise: Outdoor kitchens, gas grills, pizza ovens, pellet grills, rubs and sauces along with grilling gadgets, etc.Price range: Varies on product. Can be as low as $6 for a rub or sauce to $1,000s for the ultimate outdoor kitchen.Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Contact: Jeff Jones, 910-399-...
Name of business: What the Grill LLC
Address: 1026 Appleton Way #110, Leland
Type of merchandise: Outdoor kitchens, gas grills, pizza ovens, pellet grills, rubs and sauces along with grilling gadgets, etc.
Price range: Varies on product. Can be as low as $6 for a rub or sauce to $1,000s for the ultimate outdoor kitchen.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Contact: Jeff Jones, 910-399-1262.
What the Grill opened on Sept. 8. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 28.
Husband and wife owners Jeff and Lisa Jones have extensive and diverse backgrounds in their respective fields.
Jeff has over 30 years of industry experience, specializing in grills, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and chimneys. He has held various roles, including installation, technical services, distribution, and manufacturer sales and service management. Jeff's most recent position was as a sales manager in the southeastern region for a prominent manufacturer of grills and hearth products. Jeff is also on the board of directors of the Southeast Hearth Patio Barbecue Association, a division of the national trade association Hearth Patio Barbecue Association.
Lisa has over two decades of experience in corporate financial services, telecommunications, and nonprofit industries. Her roles have encompassed infrastructure project delivery, project/program supply chain management, and sales and marketing operational processes and procedures. Lisa has a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's degree in information systems management.
More:This sassy clothing store has opened at a vintage Brunswick shopping center
At What the Grill, we don't just believe in the power of community; we live it," Jeff Jones said. "We are not just a business but a part of a more significant cause. Our dedication to hosting fundraising events that unite our community and contribute to meaningful causes is a testament to our commitment.
"By supporting our business, you are not just purchasing a product but also supporting local initiatives and making a positive impact. We want you to feel that your purchase is more than just a transaction; it's a step towards a better community, and we invite you to be part of this inspiring journey."
Specialties: Anything that involves creating the the ultimate outdoor culinary experience.
Most popular item: Outdoor kitchens as we provide many multiple options to understand and meet our customers desires.
Why should a customer purchase your items? We have a core belief in maintaining integrity for everything in life.
RALEIGHToday, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Brunswick County to meet with local emergency management officials to assess storm damage and discuss impacts from the recent tropical system. On Tuesday, the Governor declared a State of Emergency for Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties in response to damages from the storm. On Wednesday, the Governor amended the emergency declaration to add four additional counties and issue...
RALEIGH
Today, Governor Roy Cooper traveled to Brunswick County to meet with local emergency management officials to assess storm damage and discuss impacts from the recent tropical system. On Tuesday, the Governor declared a State of Emergency for Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover counties in response to damages from the storm. On Wednesday, the Governor amended the emergency declaration to add four additional counties and issued transportation waivers to assist in the recovery.
“I’m grateful for the efforts of Emergency Management, first responders and local officials who jumped into action to deal with the fallout from this storm,” said Governor Cooper. “As we continue to tackle the impacts from this storm, North Carolinians should keep exercising caution and listen to instructions from local authorities and emergency management officials. Please do not drive through flooded areas and be mindful of any road barricades that remain in effect.”
Gov. Cooper met with Brunswick County Emergency Management Director David McIntire and New Hanover Emergency Management Director Steven Still and viewed damage during a brief flight along the coast before touring impacted areas on the ground. The Governor was joined by NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray, NC Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie Buffaloe and NC Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins.
The State Highway Patrol and Transportation Officials are working to respond to road closures and reports of damage. Areas of southeastern North Carolina experienced historical rainfall resulting in flooding, damage to roadways, and hazardous conditions. Carolina Beach, NC received a reported 20.81” of rainfall.
Today, the NC State Highway Patrol also announced one storm-related fatality after a motorist drove around stationary Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and into high waters.
The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes in association with the recent tropical system.
There are two county Emergency Operations Centers activated in Brunswick and Columbus counties and two local State of Emergencies in place in Brunswick and Columbus counties. There are 6 municipalities State of Emergencies in place: Boiling Springs Lake, Bolivia, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island, Southport, St. James and Sandy Creek.
Brunswick County Schools are closed through September 20. There is 1 shelter currently open in Leland, NC with an occupancy of 2 people. Baptists on Mission has established a recovery site to support local cleanup efforts at Beach Road Baptist Church in Southport, NC.
Several Flood Warnings remain in effect across central and eastern NC where minor river flooding is ongoing or forecast. A Flood Warning is also in effect for the NE Cape Fear River near Burgaw where moderate flooding is forecast. All gauges are expected to recede below flood stage by this weekend.
North Carolinians can visit DriveNC.Gov for the latest roadway conditions from the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT). As of noon Wednesday, 47 roads in over a dozen counties were closed. The closures include 13 primaries. Most of the roads impacted are in Brunswick County. Many areas in Brunswick County are flooded, and numerous routes are impassable due to high water and road damage. In Brunswick County, portions of major routes are closed, including U.S. 17, N.C. 211 and N.C. 133. Three bridges on N.C. 211 have severe damage. Contract & Maintenance crews are in the process of making repairs.
Southport-Fort Fisher ferry is still closed due to flooding and damage to roads leading to the Southport terminal.
Several water main breaks caused partial system loss of pressure in Brunswick County. There are 2 boil water advisories currently in place. The Southpoint Wastewater Collection System was impacted and has temporary pumps in place. NCDOT’s Highway Division 3 (Wilmington-based) used drones to assess damage and share information with the public.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated and will remain activated through at least Friday, September 20th, with a focus on supporting impacted communities with any requests for commodities, equipment, or personnel as needed. Earlier in the event, high clearance vehicles were mobilized from Pender County to support response efforts in Brunswick County and North Carolina Search and Rescue Taskforce 11 from New Hanover County remains in Brunswick County today, providing assistance. Representatives from North Carolina Emergency Management are in contact with impacted communities and damage assessments are being scheduled for the coming days.
Read the State of Emergency for Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and New Hanover Counties here.
Read the Amended State of Emergency with the addition of Carteret, Dare, Onslow, and Pender counties and transportation waivers here.
###
919-554-2223
