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 Downtown Wake Forest Historic District 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 Wake Forest, 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.
“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”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“We recently had to move my Dad from one senior care center to another. It”
“Oh my goodness! I was at the very bottom of my rope with no where”
“I started with Always Best Care in October of 2018 and they have been fabulous”
“I’ve been employed by Always Best Care Senior Services as a caregiver for almost four”
“This is a great place to work . The management team goes beyond there duties.They”
“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”
“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.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need you the most. Highly recommend!”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or 30 minute visits for 6 visits a day. They make sure that my 96 year old mother takes her meds, walks to meals, they deliver her meals when she is too tired to walk, they water her plants, bathe her, they will help in anyway to provide the best care. Shawn Cothran, the owner, made a personal visit to her room to make sure she had all that she needs. The caregivers; Vera, Jackie, Toni, Elizabeth and many others could not be better. I highly recommend this service.”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring hearts.”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my mother. We found a new home for her and the extra attention she is now receiving has given both the family and her comfort and peace of mind. It is a challenging transition and the help was invaluable. Many thanks!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
“We recently had to move my Dad from one senior care center to another. It was wonderful to have Paige from Always Best Care make all the appointments and show us different options. She knew all the ins & outs, positives & negatives and was such a huge help in finding him a new place to live! I highly recommend this service to anyone in need of finding a place for their loved one.”
“Oh my goodness! I was at the very bottom of my rope with no where to turn. Almost overnight, my mom went from being totally independent to needing assisted living, and I didn't know where or how to even start. The hospital was breathing down my neck to get her out of there, and I had nowhere to take her. I couldn't provide the care she needed at home. Then a friend sent me a copy of Shawn Cothran's business card. She said he could help. Shawn called me when I was at my lowest point. He offered me hope with the possibility of placement the same day or next for my mom. By that afternoon, we had signed a contract and placed a bed in mom's new home. The next day, she moved in to a very nice, beautiful and caring community. I will be forever grateful to Always Best Care Senior Services and Shawn!!”
“I started with Always Best Care in October of 2018 and they have been fabulous with their flexibility. I have been able to make my own schedule to accommodate other things in my life.”
“I’ve been employed by Always Best Care Senior Services as a caregiver for almost four years. I’ve been impressed by their professional, ethical and caring work environment, as well as the continuing training and support given to employees. As a caregiver it has been a rewarding experience to lovingly provide for the physical and emotional needs of our clients.”
“This is a great place to work . The management team goes beyond there duties.They care a lot about their clients and their workers . If you are looking for a good place to work with flexible schedule I would recommend you ABC care .”
“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”
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 E. Carroll Joyner 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 The Heritage Grille & Wine Barrel or visit Wake Forest Historical Museum, 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 Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest, 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.
As of October 2024, the average solar panel system costs $2.33/W including installation in Wake Forest, NC. For a 5 kW installation, this comes out to about $11,631 before incentives, though prices range from $9,886 to $13,376. After the federal tax credit, the average price drops by 30%.You'll probably pay even less than what we show here. It doesn't include the federal ITC or Wake Forest, NC state incentive...
As of October 2024, the average solar panel system costs $2.33/W including installation in Wake Forest, NC. For a 5 kW installation, this comes out to about $11,631 before incentives, though prices range from $9,886 to $13,376. After the federal tax credit, the average price drops by 30%.
You'll probably pay even less than what we show here. It doesn't include the federal ITC or Wake Forest, NC state incentives, which will lower this price by at least a few thousand dollars.
It may seem obvious but larger solar panel systems cost more money. We use cost per watt ($/W) so you can easily compare quotes, controlling for slight variations in system size.
While a 5 kW system will only cost you $11,631 in Wake Forest, NC, doubling the system size effectively doubles the price, so you'll pay about twice that for a 10 kW system. The higher the price tag, though, the more you'll get back as a credit towards your federal tax bill.
If you can't shell out $11,631 in cash to pay for solar, don't sweat it. You can choose to finance your system with a loan instead. Some companies even offer $0-down loans so you can start saving on day one if your loan payments are less than your current electric bills. Just keep in mind that your long-term savings will be lower with a loan due to interest rates.
The numbers we're showing are averages. The price you'll pay for solar depends on many factors unique to you and your home:
If you're looking for solar companies in NC, here are some popular suggestions:
Solar is a major purchase, but you can get the price tag to come down a bit by being an educated shopper. Taking advantage of incentives and rebates and shopping around for quotes can bring down your cost of solar in Wake Forest, NC.
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal tax credit in Wake Forest, NC. This incentive allows you to apply 30% of your solar installation and equipment costs toward your federal tax bill. If the amount exceeds your tax bill, you can roll over the remaining credit to the following year. Many states also offer great local incentives and rebates.
Comparing multiple solar quotes can save you money through competition and transparency. Each additional quote you receive for solar will help you find the right solar panel system at the right price.
This is where EnergySage can help. With funding from the Department of Energy’s SunShot Prize, EnergySage opened the country’s first (and now the largest) marketplace for home solar panel installations. We gather custom solar quotes from local installers on your behalf and put them in an easy-to-compare format. When you compare quotes for solar panels on the EnergySage Marketplace, you can expect to see prices up to 20% lower than if you work with a single solar company.
The combination of barbecue restaurant and smoothie bar made Smiths Smokehouse in Wake Forest one of the most distinctive joints in North Carolina’s new wave of barbecue.After a little more than two years in business, Smiths will close Oct. 27, the owners announced this week.In an Instagram post, owners Rashad and Saadia Smith said they would wind down their brick and mortar restaurant in Wake Forest, but vowed to continue cooking and cater...
The combination of barbecue restaurant and smoothie bar made Smiths Smokehouse in Wake Forest one of the most distinctive joints in North Carolina’s new wave of barbecue.
After a little more than two years in business, Smiths will close Oct. 27, the owners announced this week.
In an Instagram post, owners Rashad and Saadia Smith said they would wind down their brick and mortar restaurant in Wake Forest, but vowed to continue cooking and catering under the Smitty Experience name.
“October 27th will be our last day of Brunch and Service,” the post reads. “This is not the end of Smiths Smokehouse and Smoothies. It will be more of a transition for us into new levels and new opportunities that align with our vision. We know we are purposed to serve, we know that God has given us these skills to bring Y’all the Smitty Experience and trust me, we are not done.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Smiths Smokehouse and Smoothies (@smokehousesmoothies)
In the Triangle’s red hot barbecue scene, Smiths stood out as one of the few Black-owned restaurants and the only one also serving fruit and dessert smoothies.
Situated on Main Street in Wake Forest, Smiths appealed to the sweet side of barbecue. Sauces and rubs carried a bit of fruit and sweetness, plus even mac and cheese had some spice and sugar, and the bread option was a blueberry corn muffin.
In a ranking last year of the best Triangle barbecue joints, I put Smiths at number 18 out of the top 20 spots.
The Smiths barbecue menu veered away from North Carolina tradition, embracing the modern hunger for brisket and burnt ends alongside pulled pork and beef ribs.
On the smoothie side, Smiths served creative sweetened concoctions like banana pudding and strawberry shortcake and fruit options like pineapple, mango and granola.
Before the brick and mortar, Smiths popped up around Raleigh and Wake County in 2020 as a barbecue trailer, often selling out at events and breweries.
Ain’t no rest for the Devils.While students were relaxing during their fall break, Duke volleyball took a few trips down Tobacco Road this weekend, winning against Wake Forest Friday and dropping a matchup with N.C. State Sunday.“We played great Friday,” head coach Jolene Nagel said. “... but not so great [Sunday].”All things considered, it was a positive weekend for the Blue Devils. Friday saw a breakout performance from freshman Taylor Williams, as she tied for the game high in kills at 16...
Ain’t no rest for the Devils.
While students were relaxing during their fall break, Duke volleyball took a few trips down Tobacco Road this weekend, winning against Wake Forest Friday and dropping a matchup with N.C. State Sunday.
“We played great Friday,” head coach Jolene Nagel said. “... but not so great [Sunday].”
All things considered, it was a positive weekend for the Blue Devils. Friday saw a breakout performance from freshman Taylor Williams, as she tied for the game high in kills at 16 with teammate Kerry Keefe. Keefe has All-ACC accolades under her belt, so it is a personal success for Williams to go blow-for-blow with her.
“All of the freshmen are getting their first look at the ACC right now and experiencing it,” Nagel said of her young standout. “Friday night, things weren't going great for [Williams] initially, but then she was able to get it going, and she really helped us get the third and fourth set.”
Williams wasn’t the only newcomer with a strong weekend. The Blue Devils needed all hands on deck in a game far more tiring than an average 3-1 victory Friday, as the second set was a 33-31 marathon that ended in a Wake Forest victory.
“It was kind of neck and neck the whole way through,” Nagel said, “I think it shows it's tough to lose a set 33-31. I was really happy to see our team just pull it together, be strong mentally and just go right back out there and keep working, keep executing.”
Green Bay transfer and PhD student Tiffany Paalman was one of Duke’s rotational players who saw action this weekend. Paalman slammed the door on the Demon Deacons, spiking home a set from fellow graduate student Grace Penn to clinch Friday’s victory.
Paalman’s appearance was a part of a weekend-long trend spurred on by a schematic switch. Nagel’s staff moved from a 5-1 offense to a 6-2 system, a more offensive-focused scheme that requires a high level of play from a team’s defensive specialists.
“Friday we had our [defensive specialists] playing well and being a big help to us. They've been working hard,” Nagel said of her team’s flexibility. “We were able to move them around a little bit to play more to their strengths against our opponent.”
Unfortunately, flexibility is not always a result of taking an advantage. On Sunday, the Blue Devils were fighting an uphill battle against N.C. State and had to exhaust their bench in hopes of finding a spark.
“We were able to just give opportunity, because some of the other stuff that we had wasn't working,” Nagel said. “So we tried to allow others to get in there and see what they could do.”
The head coach found sparks in Sydney Tomlak, Avery Hamlin and Christina Barrow in Sunday’s contest, with each bringing something different.
“Tommy has been really doing well in our serve-receive, getting her in there was to help our serve-receive as a team,” Nagel said of the junior’s role.
Hamlin brought a spark in the third set, playing fundamentally sound volleyball with three digs alongside three kills on 14 attempts. For her part, Barrow brought strong defense while the Blue Devils moved towards the more offensive-focused 6-2 formation.
“Barrow did a good job this weekend of playing defense for us, and was out there early in the set.” Nagel said. “But once we made some changes, we went from a 5-1 in this match today to 6-2, then it gets harder to have our defensive specialists out there.”
A new scheme could well mark a turnaround for the Blue Devils, who have been looking for a consistent team identity throughout the early part of the season.
“I think the fact that we were able to play so well on the road Friday night in a tough match that was point for point is a really great quality for our team to have. We were very encouraged,” Nagel said.
Duke travels north next weekend for two games against Virginia and Virginia Tech.
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N.C. State quarterback Grayson McCall, who lay motionless on the turf following a collision in Saturday’s game against Wake Forest and had to be carted off the field, has not been ruled out for the rest of the season, head coach Dave Doeren said on Monday during his weekly news conference.McCall left the game on Saturday after a hit near the Wake Forest goal line during a running play left him briefly unconscious on the field and sent him to the hospital, where he was treated and released several hours later.“He&rsq...
N.C. State quarterback Grayson McCall, who lay motionless on the turf following a collision in Saturday’s game against Wake Forest and had to be carted off the field, has not been ruled out for the rest of the season, head coach Dave Doeren said on Monday during his weekly news conference.
McCall left the game on Saturday after a hit near the Wake Forest goal line during a running play left him briefly unconscious on the field and sent him to the hospital, where he was treated and released several hours later.
“He’s in concussion protocol, and we’ll give him time to go through the steps that he wants to go through before we talk any more about what the next steps are,” Doeren said. “I think it’s only fair to him and his family to allow them that opportunity and be supportive of him as he goes through this tough time. Thankful that he is, for the most part, OK and it’s just a concussion.”
McCall, serving as a ball carrier, was hit on the Wolfpack’s first offensive drive of the game. Doeren said McCall thought about sliding on the play but did not. The quarterback lost his helmet and mouth guard due to the force of impact. Then, his head made contact with Wake Forest linebacker Quincy Bryant — he was officially charged with the tackle — and two other Demon Deacons defenders.
McCall hit the ground, briefly losing consciousness, and teammates immediately signaled for the medical staff. Paramedics stabilized McCall’s neck and carted him off the field on a stretcher.
“Grayson, once he came to, was talking and said, ‘I want the boys to win the game,’” Doeren said. “He was trying to get up, and the (medic) wouldn’t let him. I felt bad for him and his parents. You know, you’re just trying to be comforting and pray for him in that moment.”
Doeren said on Monday it was probably “the scariest moment” he’s experienced in 30 years as a college football coach.
McCall was taken to WakeMed Hospital, where Doeren said the initial reports were positive, and released around 6 p.m. Saturday.
McCall underwent a number of tests and scans, including those that look for brain bleeds and swelling. Doeren said the medical team put all its resources into the evaluation and received “glowing results.”
N.C. State players signaled to the sideline to review for targeting and play stoppage when McCall collapsed. The officials did not immediately stop play.
The result of the play was scored as a fumble, recovered by Wake Forest and returned to the Wolfpack 2-yard line. The Deacs scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass.
Doeren said after the game he didn’t see targeting from his location.
ACC officials drew criticism over the weekend for their apparent lack of review, but each play involving a league team is reviewed by league officials at the replay center in Charlotte. The crew there has the ability to signal to game officials on site to prevent the next play from beginning if the officials haven’t already done so.
Saturday’s hit and play were evaluated while medical staff tended to McCall, despite the lack of on-field announcement or additional game stoppage. No penalty was observed and play continued.
According to NCAA rules 9-1-3, 9-1-4 and 2-27-14, players cannot make forcible contact with the head or neck area of a defenseless player. They also cannot make forcible contact with the crown of the helmet.
After watching the play on film, Doeren said it was a clean hit.
Doeren said McCall was not considered a defenseless player, nor did Bryant hit McCall with the crown of his head. Bryant made contact with the front of his helmet. He does not believe there was malicious intent on the play, but he thinks the rules need to be evaluated.
He spoke to ACC Head of Football Officials Alberto Riveron. Doeren could not share the details of the conversation, but said the two are in agreement that there needs to be additional study on the targeting rule.
“I think the language in it puts the refs in a tough spot, particularly on a play like that one,” Doeren said. “There’s not a lot of plays where a helmet comes off and at the same time someone else is coming in to hit him like that. It really highlights the rule and the verbiage of the rule.”
Doeren thinks officials will have conversations about how the rule is written and if the current format is the right way to officiate it.
“I know (Riveron) felt terrible about what happened, and I have respect for him and how he does his job,” Doeren said.
Even though the play did not qualify for targeting, the play likely should’ve been blown dead, though, according to NCAA rules 3-3-10 and 3-3-10-C.
“If the ball carrier’s helmet comes off (through play), the ball is dead,” the 2024 NCAA football rule book says.
Doeren said the ball came loose at the same time McCall’s helmet came off, so the officials didn’t rule the play dead.
“I could see where that could happen, but you’re asking me to officiate, and I’m not an official,” Doeren said. “Some of those calls are on the field in the moment. If a guy continues to play with his helmet off, you usually see that, but as you know, that play, (McCall) went directly to the ground, so it’s a tough one.”
The hit came just three weeks after McCall left the Wolfpack’s game against Louisiana Tech before halftime with an undisclosed upper body injury. Doeren said the following Monday the team was told McCall was “day-to-day,” and the injury wasn’t season ending.
Saturday, after McCall’s second injury of the season and first start since Sept. 14, Doeren said the quarterback “went through the entire protocol and was cleared.”
“He’s a captain, and you don’t lose your position to injury,” Doeren said after the game. “He was ready to play, and he took a really vicious hit. Football’s a very violent sport at times and that was a big hit that he took. I hate it for him. You just hate to see a guy get hit like that, and, obviously, the results of those kind of hits are scary.”
McCall’s 2023 season at Coastal Carolina ended because of a similar injury. He made helmet-to-helmet contact with an Arkansas State defender and landed on the ground. Medical professionals took him to a local hospital and he was diagnosed with a concussion. Due to the NCAA’s concussion protocol, McCall did not play the rest of the season.
The NCAA’s concussion protocol checklist gives team doctors authority to approve or deny clearance for activities, but it specifies the need for a multi-disciplinary team in the cases of severe head injuries.
The policy includes preseason testing and education, an emergency action plan and follow-up testing.
In more severe cases, like McCall’s, the checklist requires evaluating a player’s spine, balance, memory, vomiting, skull deformities, changes in vitals when the player stands up, and ocular dysfunction on a regular basis. This is not an exhaustive list of requirements.
The NCAA requires the completion of a “step-wise progression” plan, implemented by a doctor specializing in concussions, before a student-athlete returns to sport-related activities. Unrestricted athletic activities should not take place before unrestricted learning activities.
Doeren said he is not opposed to ruling a player out due to health risks, but he will defer to medical professionals, the player and the player’s family.
“I have no problem making that call, but I’m going to start with them. That’s the right way to do it,” Doeren said. “I have three sons, and I would want them to be treated the same way that I’’m going to treat these guys. If that’s where we’re at, that’s where we’ll be. … But, the steps are not head coach first. It’s medical team first, family and then bring the head coach in.”
As McCall goes through concussion protocol, conversations about the remainder of the season will take place and a decision will eventually be shared publicly.
“I’m not going to supersede what he’s asking for,” Doeren said.
McCall has never played a full season of college football. He was not a starter his true freshman year, and missed at least one game due to injury in his remaining seasons.
N.C. State true freshman CJ Bailey will return to the starting role in McCall’s absence.
This story was originally published October 7, 2024, 12:13 PM.
The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season!Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here.RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — N.C. State quarterback Grayson McCall was taken off the field on a cart a...
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — N.C. State quarterback Grayson McCall was taken off the field on a cart after being placed in a brace following a first-quarter hit that jarred his helmet and the football loose Saturday in a 34-30 loss to Wake Forest.
McCall scrambled for a gain of about 9 yards before he was hit by multiple Wake Forest defenders, including Quincy Bryant, Dylan Hazen and Nick Andersen. While players headed to the other end of the field in pursuit of Wake Forest’s fumble return, N.C. State medical personnel rushed onto the field as play continued.
“He took a really vicious hit,” NC State coach Dave Doeren said. “Sometimes football is a very violent sport.”
McCall, who hadn’t played since exiting with a first-half injury on Sept. 14 against Louisiana Tech, is in his first season with the Wolfpack after transferring from Coastal Carolina, where he had a record-setting career. He lifted his head briefly when he was on the cart.
“Once he came to, he was talking,” Doeren said.
On Saturday night, N.C. State announced on social media that McCall had been released from the hospital and “is alert and in good spirits and all scans were normal.”
McCall, whose injury last month was unspecified but who has a concussion history, was back as the first-string quarterback Saturday. On the Wolfpack’s first snap, McCall was hit after releasing the ball on an incomplete pass, but he didn’t appear fazed.
Doeren said McCall “had a great week of practice” in gearing up for his return to the field.
“I hate it for him,” Doeren said. “The results of those kind of hits is scary.”
Wake Forest’s Evan Slocum returned the ball 88 yards to the N.C. State 2-yard line. The Demon Deacons converted for a 10-0 lead a little more than six minutes into the game.
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