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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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.

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Home Care In Durham, NC

Home Care Durham, NC

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.

 In-Home Care Durham, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”

karen L.
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“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”

James M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”

Samidelin I.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”

Orfa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful company!”

Elizabeth C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”

Michelle M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”

Robyn P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”

Lanita C.
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“I had a great experience”

Daqua D.
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“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”

Conesha T.
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“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”

Pauline T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”

Star S.
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“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”

Gabby H.
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“Great training”

famata S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”

Mallory M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Betty H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Betty T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Laura B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Bull H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”

Kim M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Charles K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Joanne S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”

L K.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Durham, NC?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Durham, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Durham, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Durham, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Durham, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Durham, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Durham, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Durham, NC

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:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Durham, NC

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Durham, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Durham, NC

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Durham, NC

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:

  • Carolina Reserve of Durham
  • Springdaile Assisted Living
  • Brookdale Durham
  • The Addison
  • Atria Southpoint Walk
  • Durham Ridge Assisted Living
Home Care Durham, NC

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.

 In-Home Care Durham, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Durham, NC

Latest News in Durham, NC

Defeat in Durham: NC State baseball falls to Clemson in ACC quarterfinals

DURHAM, N.C. — The Pack has scuffled heading into the postseason without a series win since sweeping Clemson at the end of April.Going toe to toe with that same foe in its ACC championship opener, the Pack could not replicate its midseason success, falling 7-6 in a thriller to the Tigers.“A loss obviously hurts,” said senior shortstop Justin DeCriscio. “But it’s like if you’re 0-3 in a game, you’re not gonna let those losses hurt you. You’re going to learn from them, keep going an...

DURHAM, N.C. — The Pack has scuffled heading into the postseason without a series win since sweeping Clemson at the end of April.

Going toe to toe with that same foe in its ACC championship opener, the Pack could not replicate its midseason success, falling 7-6 in a thriller to the Tigers.

“A loss obviously hurts,” said senior shortstop Justin DeCriscio. “But it’s like if you’re 0-3 in a game, you’re not gonna let those losses hurt you. You’re going to learn from them, keep going and produce when you need to.”

The Durham Bulls Athletic Park with its iconic ‘Blue Monster’ and ‘Hit Bull Win Steak’ sign was a perfect setting for this drama-filled affair. The Pack went back-and-forth with Clemson totaling five lead changes and huge momentum swings, seemingly every inning.

“It’s just a lot of close plays,” said head coach Elliott Avent. “Both teams gave it everything they had, and they just made a couple more plays than we did.”

The Wolfpack (33-19) certainly had its chances against the Tigers (43-15), but key mistakes by the red-and-white sunk the Pack’s chances. Hitting into four double plays, NC State constantly got in its own way, tossing multiple scoring opportunities away. While the Wolfpack matched punches with Clemson throughout the evening, the inability to truly stack runs and pull away proved costly as the Tigers narrowly pulled ahead in the eighth inning.

The Wolfpack also suffered some bad luck against the Tigers. Not once but twice, NC State nearly barreled home runs to right field thanks to sophomore second baseman Luke Nixon and sophomore catcher Alex Sosa. However, both shots were caught at the warning track, leaving NC State empty handed and unable to break the game open.

Being aggressive on the base path, multiple runners were thrown out trying to extend a base hit, leaving more runs on the table. The most damaging base running error came in the eighth, with the Pack in reach of tying it. Junior Brayden Fraasman smacked an RBI single into right, but was caught trying to take second after the throw home.

In recent series, the top of the lineup has struggled mightily, with the bottom of the lineup bearing the burden of run production. Against Stanford, the top of the lineup went 10-for-50. Finally breaking through against Clemson, the first four batters went 7-for-17. With sophomore first baseman Chris McHugh back in the lineup after missing time with a hand injury, the Pack’s best hitter helped to round out the batting order.

“He’s been banged up on that hand a few times,” Avent said. “He’s wearing a handguard now and yeah it bothers him a little bit, but this time of year you compete and you suck it up.”

At the top of the lineup, McHugh went 2-for-5, junior left fielder Josh Hogue went 2-for-4 and DeCriscio went 3-for-3.

With the bats up and down throughout the night, the Wolfpack needed a strong outing on the mound. While the Pack’s pitchers certainly had their moments, especially sophomore Jacob Dudan, NC State’s pitching wasn’t at its best. Whether it was leaving starting pitcher junior Dominic Fritton in the game too long or long reliever freshman Anderson Nance never settling in, the Wolfpack suffered its share of struggles on the mound and Clemson took full advantage. Racking up 16 hits as a team, the Tigers minimized the Pack’s greatest strength — and it ultimately proved to be the difference.

Dropping seven of its last ten games, the Wolfpack is quickly trending in the wrong direction entering the postseason. Likely a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Wolfpack will have to turn things around in a hurry to make some noise in the postseason.

Next up NC State will await its destination for the NCAA Tournament. The full bracket will be announced on Monday May 26 and the regional round will begin on Friday May 30.

A popular burger chain looks to expand to the Triangle. Here’s the menu

Another chain known for burgers is eyeing North Carolina for expansion.Fat Patty’s is looking to bring new franchises to the Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte areas.“As we continue to grow beyond our roots, we’re thrilled to bring Fat Patty’s to new audiences in a thriving state like North Carolina,” Sean Oatney, the chief development officer at Fat Patty’s, said in a news release. “Charlotte and Raleigh-Durh...

Another chain known for burgers is eyeing North Carolina for expansion.

Fat Patty’s is looking to bring new franchises to the Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte areas.

“As we continue to grow beyond our roots, we’re thrilled to bring Fat Patty’s to new audiences in a thriving state like North Carolina,” Sean Oatney, the chief development officer at Fat Patty’s, said in a news release. “Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham are dynamic cities full of food lovers and community pride, which is everything we look for in a great market. We’re excited to find the right franchise partners who share our passion for people, great food and hometown hospitality.”

Founded in West Virginia in 2007, the self-described “home away from home” restaurant and bar Fat Patty’s has since grown to five locations across West Virginia and Kentucky, with another in development in New Jersey. The chain started franchising in 2022 and has said it hopes to expand in the South and the East Coast.

As the chain has just recently announced it is looking for franchisees in North Carolina, no specific locations or projected openings have been shared.

Fat Patty’s is the latest burger outsider to make its way into the Tar Heel State and the Triangle market, where loyal fans frequent well-established Cook Outs and Char-Grills.

So what can Triangle eaters expect to find at Fat Patty’s? An eclectic mix.

Starting with starters, aka “munchies,” Fat Patty’s serves pretzels with a choice of beer cheese or poblano queso, potato chips with pimento cheese, egg rolls stuffed with chicken, black beans, corn and cheese, loaded potato boats, and a lot of fried foods: mozzarella sticks, onions, green tomatoes, mushrooms and bacon cheddar fries.

There are a few nachos and quesadillas available, along with salads, chicken wings, chicken and traditional sandwiches (think French dip, Italian, club) and pizza.

The focus of the menu, though, is the burgers, which they call “Patties,” made with a half-pound of fresh beef and served on brioche buns.

Sure, there’s the plain Jane staples, but Fat Patty also offers a variety of specialty burgers. Here are a few examples:

Finish off the meal with an ice cream sundae, molten chocolate cake or dessert pretzel a la mode, topped with cinnamon, sugar, caramel and whipped cream.

Have a question about your community you’d like answered? Or maybe a tip or story idea you’d like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

Well here it is, the era of Shake Shack is upon us.

Last year the Triangle suffered the culinary indignity of being beaten to the punch by Charlotte at something food related, when the global burger brand opened its first North Carolina location there. Now it’s the Triangle’s turn, or more specifically Cary, as Shake Shack opens its doors Wednesday in Waverly Place.

Shake Shack is well known to burger lovers, but for the uninitiated, the New York-based burger chain serves griddled burgers and hot dogs in the spirit of the highway shack, along with crinkle cut french fries and frozen custard. In a decade and a half the company has grown from a stand in Manhattan’s Madison Square Park to a publicly traded fast food phenomenon.

Cary’s Shake Shack is number 247 worldwide, but there are a few local touches that make it a singular spot within the burger empire.

Shake Shack has a lineup of frozen custard concretes. There’s the Shark Attack, which pushes the limits of chocolate, made with chocolate custard, fudge, chocolate truffle cookie dough, chunks of Mast Brothers chocolate and chocolate sprinkles. Then there’s the Cary Cookie Crumble, with vanilla custard, marshmallow sauce and cookie butter, plus a black sesame concrete, a limited-time import from Shake Shacks in Japan.

Special for the Triangle is a blended concrete made with chunks of seasonal fruit pies from East Durham Bake Shop. Area director Allan Ng said a team from Shake Shack scoured the Triangle for the best baker and arrived at the one-year-old shop from husband and wife owners Ali Rudel and Ben Filippo.

“Each time we go to a market we really look for the best baker in town, that has the same ethos as us,” Ng said.

Ng, a Raleigh native and NC State graduate, is area director for Shake Shack locations in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and now part of North Carolina. He said he’s well aware of the beloved burger joints that have been here for decades, that he loved them too.

“I grew up eating Char-grill on HIllsborough Street,” Ng said. “The owner of Snoopy’s used to come into my parents’ Chinese restaurant. Those are my childhood places to go. I went there in college. I love what they do. We didn’t invent the burger, or the milkshake or the hot dog. What we want to do is come here and be a modern version of the roadside burger stand and be part of this community.”

In planting its burger flag in Cary’s Waverly Place development, Shake Shack disregarded the allure of booming downtowns in Raleigh and Durham, and developments like North Hills. The Waverly Place Shake Shack is a new build, with a wrap-around patio looking out on the rest of the development. Ng said Cary’s growth and nearby Holly Springs and Apex made this Waverly the place for the first Triangle location.

“Cary has that small, hometown feel, where we can enter the Triangle area and learn,” Ng said. “I think this is a good starting point.”

There are already two Shake Shacks in Charlotte, with a third in the airport. Ng wouldn’t commit the company to a second Triangle location just yet, but he did tell his mom he’ll be visiting more often.

“My mom asked me that same question,” Ng said. “I said, ‘Mom, you’ll see me more.’”

The Cary Shake Shack is located at 310 Colonades Way in Cary’s Waverly Place shopping center. It’s open seven days a week, starting at 11 a.m.

Bank restricts 100-year-old North Carolina woman's checking account for months: 'It hurt me'

DURHAM, N.C. -- A 100-year-old North Carolina woman was fed up after she says she had no access to thousands of dollars in her checking account.It was no small chunk of change for Marie Green, of Durham, as the total in her checking account was more than $7,700."It hurt me because I couldn't pay my bills," Green said.The sad saga started at the end of January, when Green's son, Steve Riggsbee, said he helped his mom open a new checking account with Capital One, depositing a $3,600 check in the new account....

DURHAM, N.C. -- A 100-year-old North Carolina woman was fed up after she says she had no access to thousands of dollars in her checking account.

It was no small chunk of change for Marie Green, of Durham, as the total in her checking account was more than $7,700.

"It hurt me because I couldn't pay my bills," Green said.

The sad saga started at the end of January, when Green's son, Steve Riggsbee, said he helped his mom open a new checking account with Capital One, depositing a $3,600 check in the new account.

"We deposited it by mobile, and then the next thing we know, we get back on, we look, and it says your account is restricted," Riggsbee said.

I'm trying to help her, but they thought I wasn't supposed to be helping her. I said, 'My mother's 100 years old. Come on, she can't hear too good. That's the only reason I'm trying to help her.- Steve Rigsbee

He said he helps his mom with daily tasks because of her age, so he called Capitol One right away.

"The check has been red-flagged or something," he said the bank told him. "So, I said, 'What for?"

Weeks turned into more than a month, and Green said she still had no access to her account. She filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and Capital One sent a letter in March stating her account is restricted because of fraud concerns.

Riggsbee said each time he called Capital One to help his mom, the conversation went nowhere.

"I'm trying to help her, but they thought I wasn't supposed to be helping her. I said, 'My mother's 100 years old. Come on, she can't hear too good. That's the only reason I'm trying to help her." Rigsbee said.

Meanwhile, Green's Social Security checks were directly deposited into that Capital One account, and she now had more than $7,700 in the account, and she had no access to the money.

"Because of all of that, it's run her MasterCard up because we had no other way to pay her bills," Rigsbee said. "So, she has about $3,000-something on MasterCard for her bills now from January to now."

Rigsbee said Capital One wanted him to get power of attorney so that they could speak to him on behalf of his hearing-impaired mother.

"I said, 'My mother is competent. She don't need a power of attorney. She can talk to you right now,'" Riggsbee said he told the Capital One representative. Green confirmed to Troubleshooter Diane Wilson that she didn't need her son to be her power of attorney.

"He wasn't trying to take my money away, and he was just helping me," Green said.

Mother and son, who both said they were loyal viewers of our Raleigh sister station, ABC11 Eyewitness News, reached out to the Troubleshooter for help.

"We thought you could help us," Green said. "Nobody else has. The bank didn't, they didn't tell us anything, so that's why we thought maybe you could."

The Troubleshooter reached out to Capital One, which then provided this statement:

"While we cannot go into specifics on customer cases, we can confirm that this matter has been resolved directly with the individual. The security of our customers' accounts is a top priority for Capital One. If we detect unusual activity on a customer's account, we may reach out to the customer to verify their identity and that the activity is authorized in order to keep customer funds secure. We also understand customers may sometimes need support from their loved ones in managing their finances. We provide several options to allow for that support while also maintaining the security of those accounts."

After months of frustration at her account being restricted, Green finally got good news that her account with Capital One was closed, and the bank sent her a check for the amount she had in her account.

"I appreciate you helping, I really do," Green told the Troubleshooter. "We weren't able to get help anywhere else."

Green also said she opened a new account with a local bank. She deposited the $7,700 check and got access to the money, so she says she can now pay her bills.

Officials push back after DHS labels Durham County a 'sanctuary jurisdiction'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham County has been designated as a "sanctuary jurisdiction" by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a label strongly contested by local officials.In a statement released Friday, the Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the...

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham County has been designated as a "sanctuary jurisdiction" by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a label strongly contested by local officials.

In a statement released Friday, the Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Durham County Sheriff's Office refuted the designation, calling it "neither supported by law or facts."

The U.S. Department of Justice defines "sanctuary jurisdictions" as those with official policies, laws, or practices that hinder cooperation with immigration enforcement or limit compliance with detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"We are asking DHS to provide the reason for this designation," said Durham County Attorney Larissa Williamson. "There is no legal or factual basis for it, and we aim to defend the County's reputation and financial integrity."

Sheriff Clarence Birkhead called the designation "grossly inaccurate."

"Durham County has never adopted any ordinance, resolution, policy, or proclamation declaring itself a 'sanctuary jurisdiction,'" the statement said. "Furthermore, the County does not have any policies/procedures, nor engage in any practices, that would impede cooperation with immigration enforcement or limit compliance with detainer requests."

The statement continued: "The County has consistently upheld and complied with all applicable federal and state laws, including legally required cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. To be clear, neither the Board nor the Sheriff's Office has taken any action that could be reasonably interpreted as interfering with or refusing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement."

The county is among 500 nationwide labeled as "sanctuary jurisdictions," alongside neighboring Chatham and Orange counties.

Local officials also raised concerns about the potential impact on federal funding, which is critical to the community.

"(The county) will take all available measures to ensure that the record is correct and the county's interests are protected,'" the statement said.

2025 ACC baseball tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores

The 2025 ACC baseball tournament began on May 20 and runs through May 25 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina.No. 3 North Carolina and No. 5 Clemson will meet in the championship game, the first meeting between both programs all year. The Tar Heels charged through No. 14 Boston College and No. 2 Florida State in hopes of claiming their third tournament title since 2019. The Tigers downed No. 4 NC State and No. 1 Georgia Tech and seek their first championship since 2016.Follow along here for the bracket, s...

The 2025 ACC baseball tournament began on May 20 and runs through May 25 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina.

No. 3 North Carolina and No. 5 Clemson will meet in the championship game, the first meeting between both programs all year. The Tar Heels charged through No. 14 Boston College and No. 2 Florida State in hopes of claiming their third tournament title since 2019. The Tigers downed No. 4 NC State and No. 1 Georgia Tech and seek their first championship since 2016.

Follow along here for the bracket, schedule, game times and scores.

Click or tap here for the PDF bracket

All times ET.

Sunday, May 25 — Championship

Tuesday, May 20 — First round

Wednesday, May 21 — Second round

Thursday, May 22 — Quarterfinals

Friday, May 23 — Quarterfinals

Saturday, May 24 — Semifinals

Here are all the winners of the annual ACC baseball tournament. Duke won the title in 2024, beating Florida State 16-4 in the final.

YEAR CHAMPION
1973 NC State
1974 NC State
1975 NC State
1976 Clemson
1977 Wake Forest
1978 Clemson
1980 Clemson
1981 Clemson
1982 North Carolina
1983 North Carolina
1984 North Carolina
1985 Georgia Tech
1986 Georgia Tech
1987 Georgia Tech
1988 Georgia Tech
1989 Clemson
1990 North Carolina
1991 Clemson
1992 NC State
1993 Clemson
1994 Clemson
1995 Florida State
1996 Virginia
1997 Florida State
1998 Wake Forest
1999 Wake Forest
2000 Georgia Tech
2001 Wake Forest
2002 Florida State
2003 Georgia Tech
2004 Florida State
2005 Georgia Tech
2006 Clemson
2007 North Carolina
2008 Miami (Fla.)
2009 Virginia
2010 Florida State
2011 Virginia
2012 Georgia Tech
2013 North Carolina
2014 Georgia Tech
2015 Florida State
2016 Clemson
2017 Florida State
2018 Florida State
2019 North Carolina
2021 Duke
2022 North Carolina
2023 Clemson
2024 Duke

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