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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

3 EF-1 tornadoes leave trail of damage in parts of Edgecombe County

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Storms Monday night into Tuesday left behind damage across our viewing area. The National Weather Service confirmed late Tuesday that three tornadoes hit Edgecombe County.The NWS said an EF-1 tornado hit Monday evening between 5:06 p.m. and 5:12 p.m. in the Tarboro and Princeville areas. The second, also an EF1, touched down Tuesday morning betwee...

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Storms Monday night into Tuesday left behind damage across our viewing area. The National Weather Service confirmed late Tuesday that three tornadoes hit Edgecombe County.

The NWS said an EF-1 tornado hit Monday evening between 5:06 p.m. and 5:12 p.m. in the Tarboro and Princeville areas. The second, also an EF1, touched down Tuesday morning between 3:27 a.m. and 3:29 a.m. in the Southern Macclesfield area near Pinetops.

A third EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Pinetops, touching down between 3:40 a.m. and 3:43 a.m. with peak winds of 75-110 mph.

The Pinetops Fire Chief said about six homes were damaged in the storm.

Savanna Brooks and her kids were sleeping inside one of the homes. Neighbors woke them up by banging on the window.

"We knew there were two small children inside and immediately, we just started screaming and banging on the windows," Amy Robinette said, "just trying to make sure they are okay."

"I looked out the window and saw that our porch was in front of it," Brooks said, "and so I was just shocked that we all just slept through it."

ALSO SEE | Tarboro mother recounts close call as storm brings tree down on her parking spot

Thankfully, no one was injured. The family is staying at a hotel for the time being.

Over in Durham County, fallen trees damaged three townhomes on Hartford Court. No injuries were reported.

About two to four inches will fall across the region, with some areas experiencing more.

SEE LIVE WEATHER RADAR

This prompted several weather alerts in our viewing area, including a Flood Watch and Flood Advisory.

Many across the Triangle have lost power, according to the Duke Energy power outage map.

Wednesday is also a First Alert Day. You can expect scattered storms across our viewing area.

Against the odds, mother and son to share graduation spotlight at NCCU: 'Super proud'

Tamika Stanton and her son Tomantae Stanton-Jones will both receive degrees in a remarkable culmination of parallel academic journeys.DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- When graduates cross the stage this Saturday at North Carolina Central University, two familiar faces will share an extraordinary milestone: Tamika Stanton and her son Tomantae Stanton-Jones will both receive degrees in a remarkable culmination of parallel academic journeys.Stanton, already an NCCU graduate, will earn her Master's degree in social work this Saturday, offici...

Tamika Stanton and her son Tomantae Stanton-Jones will both receive degrees in a remarkable culmination of parallel academic journeys.

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- When graduates cross the stage this Saturday at North Carolina Central University, two familiar faces will share an extraordinary milestone: Tamika Stanton and her son Tomantae Stanton-Jones will both receive degrees in a remarkable culmination of parallel academic journeys.

Stanton, already an NCCU graduate, will earn her Master's degree in social work this Saturday, officially becoming what's known as a "Double Eagle" at NCCU. Her son will graduate summa cum laude from Central's Law School during the same ceremonies.

Their path to this shared achievement began nearly two decades ago when Stanton was just 15 years old and a student at Hillside High School in Durham. She became pregnant with Tomantae while she and his father, Leniel Jones, were teenagers.

This is a story for everyone to see. We were young. She was 15. I was 16. And he had every reason to not be where he is right now. And he didn't let that happen. And she didn't let that happen. It's never too late.- Leniel Jones, father of Tomantae

"Being in high school and pregnant was very challenging for me. It was my first real adult decision," Stanton recalled.

The challenges mounted when Jones' family relocated to Connecticut, where he was subsequently arrested and served three years in prison. Tomantae spent his early childhood without knowing his father.

"When I was 8 years old, I met my dad for the first time," Tomantae said.

Despite these obstacles, Stanton persevered with the support of family, friends, and community. She successfully co-parented with Jones after his release, when he committed to being present in his son's life.

"When I came home, that's when I really wanted to be in his life," Jones explained. "I was young, so I wasn't thinking as far as how important it was."

Their efforts paid off. Tomantae graduated from Hillside High School, just as his mother had, and was honored as a Gates Scholar before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

While Tomantae excelled in Chapel Hill, Stanton pursued her own academic goals at NCCU, first earning her bachelor's degree. She then continued her education, pursuing a master's in social work.

"My ultimate goal was to be finished before he finished school because I was like, 'Oh, he is killing it. I got to show him that I can do it," she said.

Now, as they prepare to don their caps and gowns for Saturday's ceremonies, both mother and son express pride in their shared accomplishment.

"It's been a long journey. I'd say I'm super proud of my mom," Tomantae said.

Jones, who has transformed his own life after incarceration, is now an entrepreneur with two restaurants in Connecticut and runs a nonprofit mentoring at-risk youth. He'll be watching proudly from the audience on Saturday.

"That's why we're here now, because this is a story for everyone to see," Jones said. "We were young. She was 15. I was 16. And he had every reason to not be where he is right now. And he didn't let that happen. And she didn't let that happen. It's never too late."

Their story stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, family strength, and achievement against the odds.

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4 Raleigh and Durham NC venue milestones to watch for in 2025

Raleigh and Durham are racing into 2025 with big venue moves and fresh energy. This list of stories outlines how the Red Hat Amphitheater will relocate downtown, while the massive Lenovo Center entertainment district reshapes west Raleigh with plans for hotels, apartments, and a new 4,300-seat concert venue. Long-awaited upgrades are slated for the arena complex—once known as PNC Arena—including a 600-foot promenade and tailgating suites.Meanwhile, Wheels Durham roller rink swings open its doors again, bringing a beloved c...

Raleigh and Durham are racing into 2025 with big venue moves and fresh energy. This list of stories outlines how the Red Hat Amphitheater will relocate downtown, while the massive Lenovo Center entertainment district reshapes west Raleigh with plans for hotels, apartments, and a new 4,300-seat concert venue. Long-awaited upgrades are slated for the arena complex—once known as PNC Arena—including a 600-foot promenade and tailgating suites.

Meanwhile, Wheels Durham roller rink swings open its doors again, bringing a beloved community spot back to life and promising more fun with future additions like an aquatic center. Together, these updates will draw crowds, boost experiences, and give fans and families new places to gather and celebrate.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The Carolina Hurricanes unveiled details of the first phase of a $1 billion mixed-use project, which has a 15-year development timeline, on Wednesday. | Published September 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by [email protected] [email protected] Stradling

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NC chipmaker Wolfspeed says bankruptcy is possible as it faces looming debt

Executives of the struggling Durham semiconductor firm Wolfspeed said they are exploring “in-court or out-of-court options” to address the company’s approaching debt obligations.“We remained actively engaged with our lenders addressing our capital structure,” board chairman Tom Werner said during a first-quarter earnings call Thursday.Wolfspeed owes creditors $575 million in convertible de...

Executives of the struggling Durham semiconductor firm Wolfspeed said they are exploring “in-court or out-of-court options” to address the company’s approaching debt obligations.

“We remained actively engaged with our lenders addressing our capital structure,” board chairman Tom Werner said during a first-quarter earnings call Thursday.

Wolfspeed owes creditors $575 million in convertible debt on May 1, 2026 — with more money due in 2028, 2029, and 2030. The company ended March with $1.3 billion in cash, and Werner said Wolfspeed has the liquidity to operate in the short term.

Werner discussed Wolfspeed’s aggressive cost cutting, including shrinking its 5,000-person workforce by a quarter since last year through buyouts and mass layoffs. As a further step, he announced Wolfspeed would cut 30% of its senior leadership team. The chipmaker is also shutting its 150-millimeter device factory in Durham.

“We’ve engaged external experts to continue to identify additional cost-saving measures beyond those already underway,” Werner said.

Whether this will be enough to stave off bankruptcy remains unclear. The looming debt issue appears to have scared analysts, several of whom downgraded the company Friday. The investment firm William Blair even suspended its coverage of Wolfspeed, noting bankruptcy and Wolfspeed’s ability to restructure its debt as risks.

Wolfspeed stock fell 26% Friday after it forecast lower-than-expected revenue for next year — $850 million against analysts’ expectations of more than $950 million. The selloff may also have been prompted by the company publishing financial information it had previously provided to debt holders, which signaled the failure of one potential restructuring deal.

Wolfspeed has issued more than $3 billion in convertible bonds in recent years to fund its transformation from traditional LED lighting operations toward exclusively manufacturing a unique type of semiconductor called silicon carbide. This material is used in electric vehicles, power systems, defense equipment and other applications.

In 2022, the company opened a new chip fabrication facility in New York State’s Mohawk Valley and a massive silicon carbide materials plant near Siler City in western Chatham County, which Wolfspeed expects to open this summer.

Wolfspeed began last summer with more than 5,000 employees worldwide, financial records show. Most were based in North Carolina, where the company was Durham County’s fifth-largest employer. Over the past six months, the chipmaker has also shaken up its executive team; Thursday’s earnings call was the first attended by new CEO Robert Feurle and the last one for outgoing chief financial officer Neill Reynolds.

“One thing is abundantly clear,” Feurle said. “Wolfspeed is a company with enormous potential underpinned by strong foundational elements already in place.”

The company did not take analysts’ questions during the earnings call.

While some creditors have offered the company a deal to restructure its debt obligations, Wolfspeed leaders indicate that they want a broader answer as they contemplate “a strategic in-court transaction.”

In an email Friday, Wolfspeed head of investor relations Tyler Gronbach said the “in-court” language conveyed the company’s belief that it “will likely need a comprehensive solution to strengthen our balance sheet over the next 12 months.”

This story was originally published May 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM.

The News & Observer

919-861-1238

Brian Gordon is the Business & Technology reporter for The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. He writes about jobs, start-ups and all the big tech things transforming the Triangle. Brian previously worked as a senior statewide reporter for the USA Today Network. Please contact him via email, phone, or Signal at 919-861-1238.

A Few Storms Possible Later Today

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- First Alert- Evening Storm Risk: A few storm clusters may develop later this evening. There is a Level 1 of 5 severe storm risk from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Triangle and points north and east. The main concerns will be damaging winds and hail. There is an isolated tornado risk.Good morning! It's humid and warm again this morning with temps in the 60s for most. Fog impacts will linger through around 9am. Afternoon highs will reach into the mid/upper 80s, which will be around 5-10 degrees above average. Clouds w...

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- First Alert- Evening Storm Risk: A few storm clusters may develop later this evening. There is a Level 1 of 5 severe storm risk from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Triangle and points north and east. The main concerns will be damaging winds and hail. There is an isolated tornado risk.

Good morning! It's humid and warm again this morning with temps in the 60s for most. Fog impacts will linger through around 9am. Afternoon highs will reach into the mid/upper 80s, which will be around 5-10 degrees above average. Clouds will increase as a disturbance approaches from the west later today. This will kick off a few storms later this afternoon into the evening. There is an isolated severe risk.

Tonight will be dry with patchy fog potential. Lows will be in the 60s.

Highs will be in the low 90s on Friday, with feels-like temps around 100 Friday afternoon.

While dry weather will be expected generally, the humidity won't be going away any time soon. Spotty showers and storms will be possible Friday and a gusty, strong storm is possible.

A cold front will try and make its way through this weekend, bringing a spotty chance for a thunderstorm again on Saturday, but otherwise dry and warm weather will persist. Highs in the mid-to-upper 80s look likely through early next week, around 5 degrees above historical average. This front will help to ease the humidity a bit early next week, making things more comfortable at the least.

Rain and storm chances increase next Wednesday.

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