It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bennett Place gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Durham, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“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”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Wonderful company!”
“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!”
“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!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“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 .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“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.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“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.”
“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!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sandy Creek Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nanas or visit Duke Homestead, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Durham, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Durham, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Durham, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Raleigh-DurhamThose struggling to find reliable internet access in Durham might find a welcome change as the City of Durham, NC Government has announced a new initiative aimed at increasing connectivity for its residents. With the digital divide still a significant issue in many communities, the government is now offering free MiFi hotspots to eligible individuals seeking to bridge that gap. The social media post by the City of Durham government indicates the commitment to deploy devices starting from September, with the deployment sl...
Raleigh-Durham
Those struggling to find reliable internet access in Durham might find a welcome change as the City of Durham, NC Government has announced a new initiative aimed at increasing connectivity for its residents. With the digital divide still a significant issue in many communities, the government is now offering free MiFi hotspots to eligible individuals seeking to bridge that gap. The social media post by the City of Durham government indicates the commitment to deploy devices starting from September, with the deployment slated to continue into the following year.
Connectivity is more than just a luxury; it's a cornerstone of access to education, economic opportunities, and social engagement in our modern world, many residents, without a reliable internet connection, are left at a disadvantage, striving to participate in an increasingly digital-first society, the free hotspots are a direct response to this need, providing a crucial lifeline to those in need. Interested parties are encouraged to complete a survey to determine their eligibility and can apply for the MiFi device in either English or Spanish, as stated in the Facebook post from City of Durham, NC Government.
The initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to reduce the digital divide, offering not just a band-aid solution but a step toward establishing longer-term connectivity for residents who need it most. While the program's details, including the number of devices available and the exact criteria for eligibility, have not been fully detailed, the social media announcement has been welcomed by community members who view internet access as an essential service.
In a time where virtual learning, telehealth, and remote work are not just temporary measures but permanent fixtures in our society, access to the internet is increasingly synonymous with access to opportunity, the City of Durham's push for connectivity indicates a recognition of this reality, and a drive towards inclusivity in the digital realm. Residents of Durham are urged to look into the program and, if eligible, take the opportunity to get connected as whilst the pace of technology marches on, initiatives like this offer a chance to keep stride with its ever-quickening tempo. Further information and updates can be expected as the deployment date draws nearer, and the program begins to roll out.
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Plans to develop the old Northgate Mall are moving forward.The city council unanimously approved the Walltown Small Area Plan.The site, which has been abandoned since the mall's closure in 2020, is slated for redevelopment.The mall, built in 1960, shut down because of financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic responseCharlotte-based Northwood Investors, which purchased the property in 2018, is planning to redevelop the site, though many details remain uncertain.The p...
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Plans to develop the old Northgate Mall are moving forward.
The city council unanimously approved the Walltown Small Area Plan.
The site, which has been abandoned since the mall's closure in 2020, is slated for redevelopment.
The mall, built in 1960, shut down because of financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic response
Charlotte-based Northwood Investors, which purchased the property in 2018, is planning to redevelop the site, though many details remain uncertain.
The plan is an agreement between residents and the Charlotte-based owner of the land -- on what residents want to see.
"The redevelopment must include significant affordable housing, affordable retail, community and green space, and environmental sustainability," one resident told the city council during public comment.
The plan includes transportation connectivity, affordable housing and retail, and community spaces for Walltown residents
Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton said this comprehensive plan is what current residents want. He wanted to warn everyone to be clear on what the "yes" vote really is.
"We are not addressing the injustices of the population that used to comprise Walltown. They don't live there anymore," Middleton said. "I'm voting for this Small Area Plan, but let us be clear, this, the folk who we wanted to rescue, don't live there anymore."
Middleton noted that Walltown was 60% Black residents in the 1990s, but is now 60% made up of White residents.
A business owner who used to lease space at Northgate said it is tough to see the state of the mall now. She hopes to see something positive and beneficial take its place here in the community.
"Five years later, nothing has occurred. Nothing has been beneficial to that community. It's just not right. It's not fair," said Shea Ramirez, who once operated Sh'Bella Model and Talent Agency inside the mall.
After being forced out when the pandemic response shut down the mall, Ramirez said she and other business owners were stuck and out of options.
"A lot of us felt like we were business-homeless," Ramirez said. "We didn't have anywhere to go."
Ramirez hopes developers will reenergize the area.
"Every time I drive by Northgate, it just really hurts me. I was there for 10 years," she said. "So when I drive by and I see it there dilapidated, it just really affects me."
A 2021 survey revealed that some Walltown residents hope to see affordable housing and additional green spaces included in the redevelopment plans.
On Monday afternoon, Middleton spoke to ABC11 about the city's plan for affordable housing, retail, and spaces that are community-centric for Walltown residents to enjoy.
"We're going to do everything we can to pull every lever and push every button with the developer once they develop this property to make sure they do what they need to do, but also comports with community wishes to the best of their ability," Middleton said.
Northwood Investors has said it wants to put a life sciences campus on the property along with retail and housing options.
"Although they own the land, although they have certain prerogatives, they're listening," Middleton said. "Because they know in the long-term for their business outlook and for their comfort in Durham, it's important to listen to the people who live in the neighborhood."
Update: Find our latest forecast story here.The powerful hurricane churning off North Carolina coast will bring little impact to Raleigh and the Triangle beyond a light breeze and a sprinkling of rain, forecasters said Monday.But Hurricane Erin poses a life-threatening risk to anyone cruising to the beach this week for a last gasp of summer, bringing rough seas and dangerous currents even when the weather seems pleasant.“I would not let my family go into the water,” said Nick Petro, meteorologist for t...
Update: Find our latest forecast story here.
The powerful hurricane churning off North Carolina coast will bring little impact to Raleigh and the Triangle beyond a light breeze and a sprinkling of rain, forecasters said Monday.
But Hurricane Erin poses a life-threatening risk to anyone cruising to the beach this week for a last gasp of summer, bringing rough seas and dangerous currents even when the weather seems pleasant.
“I would not let my family go into the water,” said Nick Petro, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Raleigh Monday. “The rip currents are going to be just powerful.”
As of Monday morning, Erin, a Category 4 storm, was churning just east of the southern Bahamas with winds at 130 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Dare and Hyde counties expect waves reaching 20 feet Wednesday and Thursday and have ordered both tourists and locals to leave Hatteras and Ocracoke islands.
Petro said overwash is pretty much a certainty on the Outer Banks, and that NC 12 will likely see flooded sections. Officials there warn that EMS will probably not be able to reach people in the heaviest-hit areas.
North Carolina has experienced an extremely wet summer with an average of 5.85 inches of rain falling across the state, especially during Tropical Storm Chantal in July.
Normally, this would create a possibility for downed trees with the soil so saturated.
But Petro said the forecasting models agree so far that Erin won’t make much of an impact beyond the coast when it arrives late Wednesday.
“Maybe some breezy winds later Wednesday and into Thursday,” he said. “You’ll feel the air moving around. You’ll know it’s a little unusual.”
A “stray outer band” from Erin may venture across Interstate 95 on Wednesday, but those rarely bring more than a light rain.
Wake County schools start classes Aug. 25 for students on a traditional calendar, giving central NC one last week at the beach.
Petro said weather leading up to storms is often at its nicest, tempting swimmers as Erin arrives. But he stresses this warning:
“I would maybe put a toe in the sand,” he said, “but I would not go in the water.”
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 First Alert Weather team is continuing to track Erin, which strengthened into a hurricane Friday, and intensified into a major storm during the weekend.Erin is expected to stay offshore but will make its closest approach to the NC coast around Wednesday or Thursday. As of right now, impacts are limited in the Triangle.At 11 p.m., the storm maintained winds of 125 mph and was moving northwest at 8 mph.Gusty winds and flooding tides could wash out parts of the highway that connects the North ...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 First Alert Weather team is continuing to track Erin, which strengthened into a hurricane Friday, and intensified into a major storm during the weekend.
Erin is expected to stay offshore but will make its closest approach to the NC coast around Wednesday or Thursday. As of right now, impacts are limited in the Triangle.
At 11 p.m., the storm maintained winds of 125 mph and was moving northwest at 8 mph.
Gusty winds and flooding tides could wash out parts of the highway that connects the North Carolina Outer Banks by midweek, the National Weather Service said. State route NC-12 will likely be heavily damaged from life-threatening, heavy surf of 15-20 feet and strong coastal erosion.
Dozens of rip current rescues were conducted Monday at Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington. The town has issued a no-swimming recommendation through Friday of this week.
State emergency management staff say they are preparing for the impacts of Hurricane Erin along the coast. Forecasts have signaled a possible impact to the Outer Banks beginning as early as Tuesday. The State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh, as well as the Eastern Regional Coordination Center, are staffed and monitoring the situation.
"The State Emergency Response Team is poised and ready to respond to any needs from our local communities this week," said North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray. "As forecasted impacts become clearer, we will plan for the pre-positioning of any necessary resources for rapid deployment along our coast. In the meantime, all visitors and residents along the coast should follow the instructions of local emergency management officials to keep you and your family safe," he added.
With current forecasts showing the potential for tropical storm force winds, dangerous surf with waves of 15-20 feet, inundation to roadways and neighborhoods, and rip current along the Outer Banks, local emergency management officials in Dare and Hyde County announced evacuation orders this weekend.
Officials in Dare County issued a local state of emergency on Sunday, and issued a mandatory evacuation order for Hatteras Island.
The evacuations started Monday morning for visitors and will start Tuesday morning for people how live in the area. Dare County Emergency Management held a news conference to remind visitors and people who live in the area to heed the warnings.
County leaders said that although the storm is expected to stay off the coast of North Carolina, the system is expected to increase in size and is forecast to bring life-threatening impacts to the county's coastline.
Hyde County officials have also enacted a state of emergency and mandatory evacuation for Ocracoke Island due to anticipated flooding impacts from the storm.
The setup for Tuesday and Wednesday will depend on the exact speed, location, and intensity of Erin as it swirls between the Outer Banks and Bermuda.
Beachfront homes are also at risk due to the high probability of beach erosion. Waves will still be high outside of that timeframe, but they will peak during it. It's not out of the question that gusty winds over 40 mph.
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- New questions about the Durham Foundation, CJF America. The Troubleshooter ITEAM has been investigating the foundation for weeks, first for not paying the Durham restaurant, The Chicken Hut, for meals they provided to CJF's summer camp, which they eventually paid after ABC11 stories. We also heard from more than a dozen employees who said they haven't been paid for their work.Now, ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson has uncovered new non-payment allegations. The foundation is being accused of not paying rent at it...
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- New questions about the Durham Foundation, CJF America. The Troubleshooter ITEAM has been investigating the foundation for weeks, first for not paying the Durham restaurant, The Chicken Hut, for meals they provided to CJF's summer camp, which they eventually paid after ABC11 stories. We also heard from more than a dozen employees who said they haven't been paid for their work.
Now, ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson has uncovered new non-payment allegations. The foundation is being accused of not paying rent at its CJF America Durham office since June. This current complaint filed in Durham County Small Claims Court initiates the eviction process for CJF America from their Durham office in this business complex along Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. When Wilson went to CJF's office, we found the lights out and the door locked. The management company of the building filed a complaint against CJF America, saying they are owed more than $9,600 for June, July, and August rent.
Besides this complaint, the ITEAM also found another complaint from 2023. In this case, CJF allegedly didn't pay $8,000 worth of rent for a lease at a Raleigh location. According to the property management company in the 2023 case, CJF signed the lease, but never paid the lease agreement despite multiple promises to pay. According to the court document, multiple attempts were made to contact CJF, but neither CJF nor the president of CJF, Kristen Picot, was served in the case. The property manager says they tried all the way into 2024 to serve CJF, but it never happened, and she says the judge refused to hear the case until CJF was served.
When it comes to Picot, Wilson has tried to get answers for the employees of CJF who say they are owed thousands after they got these paychecks for their weeks of work at the foundation, either as summer camp counselors or executives. Like Briana Thompson, who worked as a CJF camp counselor at the Durham camp. She says when she got her first paycheck and went to the bank, "They said that they couldn't cash our checks because it hadn't been verified." Dr. Cherisse Collins also worked for months at CJF and said her paycheck couldn't be cashed. "We went to the bank and were told that there was no money in the account," Collins adds.
Last Monday, August 11th, Wilson tracked Picot down at CJF's summer camp to get answers. Wilson asked, "You have to have the answer for your employees. They worked for you for months, for weeks." Picot replied, "And we are, we are literally gonna, we're literally taking care of everything. They will be taken care of." Picot didn't want to elaborate on how employees would get paid; instead wanted to wait until after the kids got picked up from camp. She told Wilson that she would talk to her at 6:00 in depth and even shook hands, agreeing to be there.
Despite that handshake for a 6:00 meeting, Picot said the time no longer worked. CJF's Director of External Communications emailed Wilson asking for the meeting to move to Tuesday at 6:00 so Picot could speak with "full transparency and accuracy on staff compensation matters and disbursement updates," along with other topics CJF wanted to discuss. Wilson agreed to Tuesday at 6:00, but we never heard again from Picot until after 6:00 on Tuesday about a location. To date, the meeting still has not happened despite several attempts.
CJF did pay one of their obligations we've been investigating. After Wilson's stories, they did pay The Chicken Hut the $3,400 the Durham restaurant was owed for providing meals to CJF's Durham summer camp.
Troubleshooter Diane Wilson has reached out to Picot and CJF a number of times but has not heard back. In our previous reporting, Picot said in a statement that, "CJF America is currently addressing all outstanding compensation matters through legal counsel. Those who may be impacted will receive direct communication from our legal representatives."
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