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 North Carolina Executive Mansion in Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, 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.
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“Always Best Care Senior Services is an outstanding in-home care agency that truly raises the bar when it comes to senior care. Their team of caregivers are not only skilled and dependable but also genuinely compassionate and committed to the well-being of every individual they serve. If you are looking for a dedicated and trustworthy agency to support aging loved ones, Always Best Care is one I would confidently recommend.”
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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.
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 Pullen Park in Raleigh, NC 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 The Capital Grille or visit Mordecai House, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Raleigh man embarks on a 150-mile run to honor firefighters and raise funds for the North Carolina Firefighters Fund.On Friday morning, Jalen Snipes started the longest journey of his life -- a run from Raleigh to Charlotte. His focus is to show appreciation for firefighters, as well as raise awareness and money for a fund that helps firefighters and their families through scholarships, health initiatives and public education.The run has already raised $10,000, with $5,000 in private donations matched ...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Raleigh man embarks on a 150-mile run to honor firefighters and raise funds for the North Carolina Firefighters Fund.
On Friday morning, Jalen Snipes started the longest journey of his life -- a run from Raleigh to Charlotte. His focus is to show appreciation for firefighters, as well as raise awareness and money for a fund that helps firefighters and their families through scholarships, health initiatives and public education.
The run has already raised $10,000, with $5,000 in private donations matched by his employer, The Coley Group.
"The outward support has been absolutely insane," Jalen told ABC11 before he left on Friday. "All the people that showed up, all the people to support it online, it just means the world to me. And like I said, man, the support is going to be energy and we use it as fuel to get me through."
Jalen's personal connection to firefighters runs deep. In 2011, his family's home in Greensboro was struck by lightning during a storm. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control before it destroyed everything. He also has close relatives in the profession.
Raleigh FD Captain Paul Wyatt expressed gratitude, saying, "It is such a thing to be able to reflect on and see the impact that we have had on the community, come back to us."
As he began a grueling journey, Jalen told us it was time to take his mission to the pavement.
"I'm super, super excited to be able to be out here, put our feet on the ground for the North Carolina Firefighters Fund and all the North Carolina firefighters across the state," Snipes said. "Just show them love, and show them love on this pavement."
While many of Friday night’s high school football playoff games posted lopsided results, perennial contender Rolesville and Apex Friendship battled for every yard they got Friday on their way to a rare early-round overtime result.And who else to win it for the battle-tested Rams?Amir Brown scored his second rushing touchdown of the night in overtime Friday, lifting Rolesville to a 14-7 win over Apex Friendship.Brown put the Rams on the board first, capping a late-first-quarter drive with a 20-yard rushing touchdown...
While many of Friday night’s high school football playoff games posted lopsided results, perennial contender Rolesville and Apex Friendship battled for every yard they got Friday on their way to a rare early-round overtime result.
And who else to win it for the battle-tested Rams?
Amir Brown scored his second rushing touchdown of the night in overtime Friday, lifting Rolesville to a 14-7 win over Apex Friendship.
Brown put the Rams on the board first, capping a late-first-quarter drive with a 20-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point put Rolesville in front, 7-0.
Apex Friendship responded with a fumble return for a touchdown with about four minutes to play in the first half to even the score at 7-7. The Patriots were driving again in the final minute of the half before a Derion Newborn interception gave the Rams the ball back before the buzzer.
Apex Friendship drove into the red zone midway through the third quarter, stalled, and missed a go-ahead field goal and had to hand the ball back to the Rams. That was as close as either team got to breaking the deadlock until overtime.
No. 3 Jordan 28, No. 6 Leesville Road 24 — Late-game heroics gave Leesville Road an improbable lead in the final minute of its game against Jordan on Friday. Later-game heroics lifted Jordan to the win.
Michael Young scooped up his own team’s fumble with time ticking down in the fourth quarter to power the Falcons to a 28-24 win over the Pride.
After the Pride scored in the first quarter to take a quick lead, Jordan responded in the second when Landon Melton chugged into the end zone from 6 yards out to even things at 7-7. Melton then got things done in the air late in the first half, completing 30-yard pass to Duece Sumpter to push the Falcons out to a 14-7 halftime advantage.
Damacio Cueto responded in the third quarter for Leesville Road to even the score at 14-14.
Jordan found the end zone after a missed Leesville Road field goal to go in front 21-14. The Pride rallied for a field goal in the fourth to pull within four at 21-17 before briefly taking a lead in the final minute, 24-21.
No. 2 Millbrook 65, No. 7 Panther Creek 0 — Millbrook raced out to a 49-point lead at halftime and cruised to a 65-0 win in the second round of the NCHSAA 8A playoffs on Friday. The Panthers will host Leesville Road in Round 3 next week.
No. 1 Cardinal Gibbons 52, No. 17 Fuquay-Varina 8 — Cardinal Gibbons posted three touchdowns in the first quarter and cruised home from there, posting a 52-8 win over Fuquay-Varina on Friday to reach the third round, where the Crusaders will face Hillside next Friday at home.
No. 4 Garner 37, No. 13 Wake Forest 24 — Garner raced out to a 20-point halftime lead and held on to post a 37-24 win over Wake Forest on Friday. The Trojans will host Cape Fear next week, which beat Sanderson, 47-7, on Friday.
No. 3 Clayton 29, No. 14 New Hanover 0 — Fresh off an emotional regular-season finale, Clayton continued its stout defensive play on Friday, earning a 29-0 win over New Hanover to advance to the third week of the NCHSAA 7A playoffs.
Nate Lunger put Clayton on the board first with a field goal early in the second quarter. TJ Campbell converted a pass from Aiden Smalls into a touchdown later in the second to widen the lead to 10-0, and Smalls ran it in himself for a score in the third quarter to push the lead to 16-0. Noah Smith added a 59-yard scamper early in the fourth, and Smalls a 93-yard trot in the closing minutes to round out the scoring.
The Comets will face D.H. Conley, which toppled Southern Durham on Friday, in the next round.
No. 7 Southeast Raleigh 62, No. 10 New Bern 28 — New Bern scored first, but Southeast Raleigh responded quickly and often, running away with a 62-28 win. That opening Bears’ score came on the opening kickoff, which they returned for a touchdown.
The Bulldogs replied with their own kick return for a touchdown, and then piled on rushing scores of 1, 22 and 98 yards, and a passing touchdown from 28 yards out, to take a 35-7 lead. The teams traded touchdowns in the final minute of the half, as well, as Southeast Raleigh took a 42-14 lead into the break.
No. 2 Cleveland 55, No. 18 South Garner 3 — Cleveland ran over South Garner, 55-3, on Friday to advance to the third round of the NCHSAA 7A playoffs. the Rams will host Southeast Raleigh next week.
After a weekend of warm temperatures, snow is possible in central North Carolina with the arrival of a hard freeze and Arctic cold front.A chance of light snow and flurries is possible late Monday night, Nov. 10 along and north of Highway 64, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service in Raleigh.It’s unlikely that the snow would accumulate on pavement because ground temperatures will be too warm, but some flakes may accumulate on grassy and elevated areas, particularly in ...
After a weekend of warm temperatures, snow is possible in central North Carolina with the arrival of a hard freeze and Arctic cold front.
A chance of light snow and flurries is possible late Monday night, Nov. 10 along and north of Highway 64, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service in Raleigh.
It’s unlikely that the snow would accumulate on pavement because ground temperatures will be too warm, but some flakes may accumulate on grassy and elevated areas, particularly in the far northern area of the Piedmont, according to the forecast.
The precipitation would only last for an hour or two, and likely happen between 10 p.m. Monday and 2 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, Phil Badgett, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, told The News & Observer.
“It would just be kind of a novelty,” Badgett said.
A freeze warning is in effect from 8 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday for all of central North Carolina, including the Triangle. Frost and freeze conditions could kill plants and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
High temperatures Monday are expected to be between the mid-40s to lower 50s. Temperatures overnight will drop to the mid-20s to around 30, but with wind chills, it will be even colder.
Tuesday will be sunny and cold, Badgett said, and by Wednesday, Nov. 12, temperatures return to near normal, with high temperatures expected in the upper 50s and low 60s.
“It’ll rebound pretty fast,” Badgett said. “It’s not going to last too long, this go around.”
Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have 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.
You can submit your question by filling out this form.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in North Carolina began receiving payments on their EBT cards Friday morning, covering roughly 50% of their benefits, Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Friday.Some eligible recipients could receive up to 65% of their benefits, as of 5 a.m. Friday, he said during a news conference at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there are 1.4 million SNAP recipients i...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in North Carolina began receiving payments on their EBT cards Friday morning, covering roughly 50% of their benefits, Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Friday.
Some eligible recipients could receive up to 65% of their benefits, as of 5 a.m. Friday, he said during a news conference at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there are 1.4 million SNAP recipients in North Carolina, including 580,000 children. Usually, money is added on the first of the month.
This development stems from a lawsuit filed by Jackson, along with 22 other states, against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to protect SNAP food assistance benefits.
WATCH: AG Jeff Jackson gives update to lawsuit on SNAP benefits
Earlier this week, in response to the lawsuit, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it would allocate $4.65 billion in emergency funds to cover about half of the federal SNAP program for November. Jackson said that while the remedy is still under negotiation, they are pushing for full payment.
"Whereas some other states are having more difficulty with processing, NCDHHS has been working around the clock and was able to get those payments out as of today," Jackson said. "There was a brief interruption in service for a few days, but people are now seeing funds on their EBT cards."
The USDA is notifying states that it is working toward paying November SNAP benefits in full, complying with a federal judge's order.
In a news release, NCDHHS acknowledged receiving notice from USDA, writing:
"The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received notice Friday afternoon that the United States Department of Agriculture will fully fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. While NCDHHS works with federal partners to get the remainder of November processed, beneficiaries could see the additional funds on their EBT cards possibly as soon as this weekend."
It comes just hours after recipients received the partial benefits on their EBT cards.
"Some folks are seeing up to 65% payment on their (EBT) card, depending on their overall eligibility. But the average that folks are seeing right now is a 50% payment," said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson Friday morning.
Last week, ABC11 met with Julie Rappleyea, a Durham SNAP recipient who cares for two children, before the freeze went into effect. On Friday afternoon, she shared plans to go to the grocery store now that funds have been loaded onto her EBT card.
"I'm just grateful for anything that was sent. You know, something's better than nothing. So I was relieved knowing that we at least have enough for food for the next couple of weeks," said Rappleyea.
Eshawney Gaston, a SNAP recipient and mother of three who is set to welcome her fourth child, reacted to the partial funds.
"Relief because it is something. Frustration because it's not the full amount," said Gaston.
Typically, SNAP benefits are applied on the first of the month. According to NCDHHS, more than 60% of beneficiaries had $25 or less on their accounts at the beginning of November.
"My kids have medical conditions where they really have to eat specific (food). Trying to make sure they get the food that they need, the most nutrition that they can get," said Gaston, who is a temp worker.
She's been relying in part on food banks during the first week of the month.
"Our partners were reporting before the shutdown they're seeing anywhere between 20 and 60% increases month over month. Now we have our federal employees who have not received paychecks that may be accessing the system for the first time," said Amy Beros, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
Gaston said she believes the funding freezes strengthen calls for living wages and stronger employee protections.
"There is no reason why our workers should be struggling the way they are. No reason why we shouldn't have healthcare (or) child care. Food is a basic necessity. That's something that we shouldn't have to struggle or ask about. We should just be able to get that," said Gaston.
Meanwhile, in Orange County, emergency funds have already been approved to support the community, as many residents faced uncertainty about their benefits at the end of October.
SEE ALSO: NC Attorney General thinking about additional action as Trump threatens not to release SNAP funds
A federal judge criticized the Trump administration for not acting swiftly enough to secure funding for the program. The USDA has been ordered to tap into a contingency fund to ensure full payments to states by the end of Friday.
Then, Trump asked the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday to issue an emergency stay of a judge's ruling Thursday ordering the administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The administration said it is unable to further fund SNAP because they had to save additional funds for child nutritional programs.
SEE ALSO: Heart to Home Meals launches initiative to provide free meals to those who lost SNAP benefits
Patients spent thousands to get braces from The Smiling Face Company.Last month, the business closed its doors just one day after notifying patients.Other WRAL Top StoriesIn an email, the company said, “We are unable to continue orthodontic adjustments or related procedures.”The email went on to say that patients could reach out via email to get their records.However, patients tell WRAL News the owner, Ebony McBean Grady, eventually stopped answering. Their inquiries about refunds, future servic...
Patients spent thousands to get braces from The Smiling Face Company.
Last month, the business closed its doors just one day after notifying patients.
Other WRAL Top Stories
In an email, the company said, “We are unable to continue orthodontic adjustments or related procedures.”
The email went on to say that patients could reach out via email to get their records.
However, patients tell WRAL News the owner, Ebony McBean Grady, eventually stopped answering. Their inquiries about refunds, future service and patient records yielded no clear answers.
“I requested treatment records several times; I requested them via email, I did request them via text message. I never got my treatment records,” Nichelle Boone told WRAL News. “I still have yet to receive any type of proof of payment.”
Another patient, Iyonna Singletary, said she even inquired about whether she should make her final payment. She received no response.
WRAL News also sent an email to the listed address for the company, asking why the business closed and whether patients should expect refunds. It bounced back.
Brandon Grady is also listed on business filings with the state. He defended his wife on Facebook to another frustrated patient, saying, "Legally, I am not able to say much. However, the narratives that my wife operates without integrity, or presumed to be a doctor, could not be more from the truth. There’s a lot that I want to say to set the record straight."
Boone said she made her last payment in April. In total, she spent nearly $4,500 on her services. However, she said it became increasingly difficult to book an appointment at the office over the summer.
“I was getting a lot of ‘Sorry, I forgot about your appointment.’ I'd be getting pushed out. I’d have to reschedule,” Boone said.
Shayla Gist's son still has his braces on, as well. She said she spent $4,000 on his treatment. Both Gist and Singletary told WRAL they did not have the option of using insurance.
"All this was money that I really didn’t have to just give away without getting what I paid for," Gist said.
Throughout their treatment, all of the patients WRAL talked to said Grady was the person who put on their braces and made adjustments throughout the process. However, a search for her name in the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners portal yielded no results.
On Yelp, Grady boasts a 15-year career as an orthodontic assistant.
North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners CEO Bobby White said no results likely means she does not have a dental license.
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A growing problem
White said unlicensed dental practices are a growing problem in the state.
“They cover the whole gait, from orthodontics to repair of chipped or missing teeth [or] veneers,” White explained.
White said the agency is limited in what it can do, but it's working to stop it.
“We do as much investigating as we possibly can to find out where the people are, what they're doing, and if we can talk to patients,” White said. “We've seen some very unfortunate results of the unauthorized license practices … We want to do all we can to keep dentistry safe for everybody in North Carolina.”
He said patients served by unlicensed workers can file a complaint with the board.
Dr. Darren Ramsey is the listed provider on invoices obtained by WRAL News. He is also listed as the dental medical director for the company.
Ramsey's license is in probationary status, according to the board’s portal. Documents from the licensing board say he allowed unlicensed people to perform services and didn’t keep patient records at another business in Charlotte.
WRAL News asked Singletary if she ever interacted with Ramsey.
“No, I never met him a day in my life,” she replied.
“I never saw the Dr. Ramsey that [Grady] had referred to during my initial consultation,” Boone also recalled in a separate interview.
WRAL News’ attempts to reach Grady were unsuccessful. WRAL News also reached out to Ramsey through his other business in Charlotte. We did not immediately hear back.
The business is listed as permanently closed on Google. In an accompanying message, The Smiling Face Company wrote, “The Smiling Face Company – Permanently Closed Our smile shop is permanently closed as of October 1, 2025. We are no longer providing services. Patient records will be available upon request. To request records, please email us at: [email protected] We thank all our patients for allowing us to be part of your smile journey.”
Both Boone and Singletary say they plan to sue. They say they at least want a refund for the services.
New quotes from orthodontists in the area ranged from $4,000 to $6,000. Singletary said at least one business said she would likely have to restart the process.
How to check your providers' credentials
You can search for your provider through the NC Board of Dental Examiners' portal. If the provider has a license, you can view the status of their license and whether any disciplinary actions have been taken against them at any point.
The board's website also lists any recent disciplinary actions.
You can also file a complaint through the board.
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