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

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Wilmington, NC

Home Care Wilmington, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bellamy Mansion Museum 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 Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Wilmington, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

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

karen L.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

James M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Samidelin I.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Orfa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful company!”

Elizabeth C.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Michelle M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Robyn P.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Lanita C.
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“I had a great experience”

Daqua D.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Conesha T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Pauline T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Gabby H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great training”

famata S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

cpowell52
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Mallory M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”

Betty H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”

Betty T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”

Laura B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”

Bull H.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kim M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”

Charles K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”

Joanne S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alison B.

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

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Wilmington, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Wilmington, NC

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Wilmington, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

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

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

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

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor 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.

 In-Home Care Wilmington, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Wilmington, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

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

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

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

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Wilmington, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Wilmington, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

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

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Commons At Brightmore of Wilmington
  • Brookdale Wilmington
  • SeniorLife Assisted Living & Senior Care Wilmington NC
  • New Hanover House
  • Morningside of Wilmington
  • Coastal Cove of Wilmington
Home Care Wilmington, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Wilmington, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Wilmington, NC

Latest News in Wilmington, NC

Where to find pumpkin patches, fall festivals and corn mazes in the Wilmington area

The fall season officially began on Sept. 22. While the weather in Wilmington hasn't cooled off too much yet, you can still find ways to get into the fall spirit.With Halloween just around the corner, here is a list of pumpkin patches and markets in the Wilmington area to get your pumpkin.Did we miss yours? Let us know by emailing [email protected] cow cuddling to flower picking, these Wilmington-area farms offer unique experiencesNew HanoverAmber Dale's Pumpkin Patch...

The fall season officially began on Sept. 22. While the weather in Wilmington hasn't cooled off too much yet, you can still find ways to get into the fall spirit.

With Halloween just around the corner, here is a list of pumpkin patches and markets in the Wilmington area to get your pumpkin.

Did we miss yours? Let us know by emailing [email protected].

From cow cuddling to flower picking, these Wilmington-area farms offer unique experiences

New Hanover

Amber Dale's Pumpkin Patch

Amber Dale's Pumpkin Patch, a family-owned business, is located at 2307 N. College Road in Wilmington. The pumpkin patch's hours are 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. They also offer mums and photo opportunities. 910-912-6237.

Barr Evergreens

While Barr Evergreens, located at 37 Covil Ave. in Wilmington, may specialize in Christmas trees, they also offer pumpkins in the autumn season. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 800-991-3326.

The Pumpkin Patch at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church

The Pumpkin Patch at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church was established in 1990 and is still going. They offer pumpkins and gourds, as well as pumpkin merch like sweatshirts and mugs. The pumpkin patch also features local artisans. They opened Sept. 27 and will stay open until Oct. 31. Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 1401 S. College Road in Wilmington. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Carolina Beach Pier Pumpkin Patch

Carolina Beach Pier, located at 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. North, will open its fourth annual pumpkin patch from Oct. 1-30. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Biggers Market

Biggers Market has pumpkin patches at both of its Wilmington locations: 6250 Market St. and 6458 Carolina Beach Road. The pumpkin patch offers over 25 varieties of pumpkins and gourds to eat and decorate with. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Trask Family Farms

Trask Family Farms is located at 3650 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne. Trask Family Farms advertises as the biggest pumpkin patch in the area. Alongside pumpkins, they offer a 4-mile corn maze, hayrides and other produce. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; and closed Monday-Tuesday. 910-617-3893.

You'll find fresh produce, meat, events and more at these 48 Wilmington-area farms

Brunswick

Horseplay Farms

Horseplay Farms, located at 1737 Clemmons Road SE in Bolivia, will host a two-day fall festival on Oct. 17 and 18 that will feature a pumpkin patch. The festival will also include hayrides, pony rides, games, food trucks, vendors, raffles and more. The entry fee is $10 per car. Hours are 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. 910-253-7722.

Indigo Farms Market

Indigo Farms Market, located at 1542 Hickman Road NW in Calabash, will open its grounds for a pumpkin patch and hayrides on two weekends in October. Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 and 17; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11 and 18. Indigo Farms On-Farm Market also sells pumpkins. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Northwest Land and Cattle

Northwest Land and Cattle opened its third annual pumpkin patch on Sept. 20. Alongside pumpkins — many of which were grown in Southeastern North Carolina — the patch offers activities for kids, photo opportunities, local vendors and live music on the weekends. Northwest Land and Cattle is located at 5014 Northwest Road in Leland. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 910-465-4074.

Stump Hill Farms

Stump Hill Farms, located at 2030 Ash Little River Road NW in Ash, will host a fall festival that includes a pumpkin patch. The festival opened on Sept. 20 and will be open on Oct. 4, Oct. 11 and Oct. 25. Other activities at the fall festival include hayrides, gem mining and an obstacle course. 910-231 0044.

Pender

Hampstead United Methodist Church

Hampstead United Methodist Church is holding its annual Pumpkin Patch, which opened on Sept. 28. The church is located in Hampstead at 15395 U.S. 17 beside the Dunkin' Donuts. The Pumpkin Patch sales benefit the Navajo tribe that grows the pumpkins, designated local charities, the youth building project and youth scholarships.

Humphrey Farm

Humphrey Farms, located at 6611 NC 53 West in Burgaw, has its pumpkin patch open for the fall. The farm also sells mums, fall wreaths, haybales and cornstalks. Photo opportunities are available as well. 910-524-7455.

Charlie Kingree is a reporting intern for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].

These Wilmington-area schools are considered low performing, according to state data

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction released annual data for 2024-25, which gives schools a letter grade based on achievement and growth. Overall, districts in the Wilmington area saw a slight increase in the number of schools deemed low performing compared to the previous school year.The performance score is based 80% on the school’s achievement score and 20% upon the school’s growth score. Schools are designated as low performing if they receive an N.C. Report Card grade of D or F and do not exceed expected growth....

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction released annual data for 2024-25, which gives schools a letter grade based on achievement and growth. Overall, districts in the Wilmington area saw a slight increase in the number of schools deemed low performing compared to the previous school year.

The performance score is based 80% on the school’s achievement score and 20% upon the school’s growth score. Schools are designated as low performing if they receive an N.C. Report Card grade of D or F and do not exceed expected growth.

Burgaw Middle, Cape Fear Elementary, Malpass Corner Elementary and West Pender Middle in Pender County all received Ds but are not considered low performing schools because they exceeded their expected growth statuses.

NC report cards: Here's the list of grades for Wilmington-area schools

Here are the low-performing schools in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties.

Brunswick County Schools

Bolivia Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 63. The school's achievement score was 62 and the growth score was 67. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Cedar Grove Middle: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 50. The school's achievement score was 47 and the growth score was 59. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Leland Middle: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 47. The school's achievement score was 46 and the growth score was 55. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Lincoln Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 52. The school's achievement score was 49 and the growth score was 66. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Supply Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 49. The school's achievement score was 46 and the growth score was 57. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

New Hanover County Schools

Alderman Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 42. The school's achievement score was 35 and the growth score was 73. This school met its expected growth status.

Blair Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 51. The school's achievement score was 49 and the growth score was 60. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Career Readiness Academy at Mosley: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 49. The school's achievement score was 40 and the growth score was 82. This school met its expected growth status.

College Park Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 49. The school's achievement score was 40 and the growth score was 82. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Forest Hills Global: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 51. The school's achievement score was 43 and the growth score was 83. This school met its expected growth status.

Freeman School of Engineering: This school received an F, earning a performance score of 24. The school's achievement score was 16 and the growth score was 57. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Snipes Academy: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 4. The school's achievement score was 37 and the growth score was 74. This school met its expected growth status.

Sunset Park Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 51. The school's achievement score was 44 and the growth score was 79. This school met its expected growth status.

Williston Middle: This school received an F, earning a performance score of 34. The school's achievement score was 30 and the growth score was 51. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Wrightsboro Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 48. The school's achievement score was 41 and the growth score was 76. This school met its expected growth status.

Pender County Schools:

C.F. Pope Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 46. The school's achievement score was 37 and the growth score was 84. This school met its expected growth status.

Pender High: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 53. The school's achievement score was 51 and the growth score was 57. This school did not meet its expected growth status.

Penderlea Elementary: This school received a D, earning a performance score of 54. The school's achievement score was 47 and the growth score was 81. This school met its expected growth status.

Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].

Here are the top performing schools in the Wilmington area, according to state data

Schools in the Wilmington area have seen a slight decline in performance in the past year, with one less top performing school and an increase in low performers.The N.C. Department of Public Instruction recently released letter grades for each school in the state for the 2024-2025 school year. The performance grade is made up of the school's 80% achievement score and 20% growth score.Last year, Wilmington Early College was among the top performers, but the school’s letter grade has since dropped to a B.Here are the...

Schools in the Wilmington area have seen a slight decline in performance in the past year, with one less top performing school and an increase in low performers.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction recently released letter grades for each school in the state for the 2024-2025 school year. The performance grade is made up of the school's 80% achievement score and 20% growth score.

Last year, Wilmington Early College was among the top performers, but the school’s letter grade has since dropped to a B.

Here are the schools in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties that earned As.

NC report cards: Here's the list of grades for Wilmington-area schools

Brunswick County Schools

Brunswick County Early College High:The school earned a performance score of 90. Its achievement score was 92 and it had a growth score of 83. The school’s graduation rate was greater than 95%, up from 88.5% the previous year.

New Hanover County Schools

Isaac M. Bear Early College High:The school earned a performance score of 90. Its achievement score was 97 and it had a growth score of 61. The school maintained a graduation rate of greater than 95%.

Masonboro Elementary: The school earned a performance score of 90. Its achievement score was 89 and it had a growth score of 95. Its overall performance remained the same as the previous year.

Ogden Elementary: The school earned a performance score of 88. Its achievement score was 88 and it had a growth score of 90. Its overall performance fell by one percentage point compared to the previous year.

SEA-Tech:The school earned a performance score of 86. Its achievement score was 85 and it had a growth score of 90. Its overall performance fell by one percentage point compared to the previous year.

Wrightsville Beach Elementary: The school earned a performance score of 90. Its achievement score was 91 and it had a growth score of 90. Its overall performance increased by two percentage points compared to the previous year.

Pender County Schools

Pender Early College High:The school earned a performance score of 94. Its achievement score was 96 and it had a growth score of 86. The school maintained a graduation rate of greater than 95%.

Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].

From the archives: A look back at damage from Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in Wilmington

With Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine tracking toward the North Carolina coast, it brings back memories from a year ago.In September 2024, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight dumped more than 15 inches of rain in some parts of the Cape Fear region and brought gusty winds and power outages.Here's a look back at more on the storm through photos and videos.The latest updates on tropical conditionsPhotos of Carolina Beach and SouthportDuring Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, most -- if not all -- Carolina Beach ...

With Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine tracking toward the North Carolina coast, it brings back memories from a year ago.

In September 2024, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight dumped more than 15 inches of rain in some parts of the Cape Fear region and brought gusty winds and power outages.

Here's a look back at more on the storm through photos and videos.

The latest updates on tropical conditions

Photos of Carolina Beach and Southport

During Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight, most -- if not all -- Carolina Beach roads were not safe for driving. The same could be said for many roads in Southport.

Southport officials were reporting extensive flooding in the city at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, with several roads overwashed and impassable. There also were numerous reports of flooding impacting homes.

At Carolina Beach, Mayor Lynn Barbee called for a state of emergency to enable additional resources for the area.

Drivers on U.S. 17 in Brunswick stranded

For many on U.S. 17 in Brunswick County, it was an experience. A long, long experience.

With sections of the main road through the county flooded or even washed out, drivers were left waiting for hours as Brunswick law enforcement and other emergency personnel helped with food, water and alternate routes.

Some along the stretch offered their places for drivers to spend the night, and an Exxon station at the intersection on 17 and N.C. 87 turned into a large gathering.

Photos throughout the area show impact

A number of roads throughout New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties were flooded by Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight. Some power outages were also reported.

See water flow through Southport streets

Vehicles flooded at Carolina Beach

The aftermath

While Carolina Beach was accessible a day after the storm, several roads remained flooded, mostly around the lake.

Longtime Carolina Beach resident Evan Pye said, in the past, the town had drained Carolina Beach Lake when they knew a storm was coming. But for this storm, Pye said, many in the town were "blindsided."

Roads washed out in Brunswick

Several spots on U.S. 17 in Brunswick County were impassable, and many people waiting on the road were either detoured or stayed in their vehicles overnight.

While some roads saw less flooding, others had sections washed away with no immediate timetable for repair.

Where to watch NC State vs. UNC Wilmington men's soccer: Channel, live stream, time, TV schedule for college game

NC State remains undefeated on the season after drawing with Pitt. The Wolfpack will now take on a UNC Wilmington squad that's had an up-and-down start to the 2025 season.The Wolfpack were the No. 1 team heading into the weekend before their tie with the Panthers. They now sit at 7-0-2.The Seahawks are 3-3-2 heading into the inter-state matchup.NC State is 3-1 all-time against UNC Wilmington since 2016, including a 4-1 win in 2024.Donavan Phillip is the top man to watch for the Wolfpack. He has scored 13 goals in ...

NC State remains undefeated on the season after drawing with Pitt. The Wolfpack will now take on a UNC Wilmington squad that's had an up-and-down start to the 2025 season.

The Wolfpack were the No. 1 team heading into the weekend before their tie with the Panthers. They now sit at 7-0-2.

The Seahawks are 3-3-2 heading into the inter-state matchup.

NC State is 3-1 all-time against UNC Wilmington since 2016, including a 4-1 win in 2024.

Donavan Phillip is the top man to watch for the Wolfpack. He has scored 13 goals in nine games.

Osei Gyamfi leads the Seahawks with three goals and three assists on the year.

Here's everything you need to know about the NC State vs. UNC Wilmington men's soccer match, including start time, TV channel, streaming options and more.

How to watch NC State vs. UNC Wilmington men's soccer

The NC State vs. UNC Wilmington men's soccer game won't be available on TV. Instead, fans can stream it on FloCollege.

New subscribers can get a 15 percent discount on a FloCollege annual subscription through The Sporting News' exclusive offer. Purchasing a FloCollege subscription gives sports fans access to live streams, event replays and FloSports Originals.

NC State vs. UNC Wilmington men's soccer start time

NC State vs. UNC Wilmington will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The game will be played at UNCW Soccer Stadium in Wilmington, North Carolina.

NC State 2025 schedule

Here is the remaining schedule for the Wolfpack.

DateGameTime (ET)
Oct. 5vs. #12 Virginia6 p.m.
Oct. 10vs. #14 Clemson7 p.m.
Oct. 17at #21 Notre Dame7 p.m.
Oct. 21vs. #17 UNC Greensboro6 p.m.
Oct. 25at #16 Duke7 p.m.
Oct. 31vs. Syracuse6 p.m.

UNC Wilmington 2025 schedule

Here is the remaining schedule for the Seahawks.

DateGameTime (ET)
Oct. 4at William & Mary7 p.m.
Oct. 11at Elon7 p.m.
Oct. 18vs. Campbell7 p.m.
Oct. 21at Clemson7 p.m.
Oct. 29at Campbell*6 p.m.
Nov. 1at Charleston7 p.m.

* Resumption of suspended game in 29th minute on Sept. 6

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