abc-logo
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.

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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 Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in 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

location Service Areas

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.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“I'm very happy with this company. They are delivering the services what they promised to do. I'm very happy to have Judith . She is very smart and understanding. I couldn't get any better person than Judith to help me. I had a couple to othe care givers who were smart and good as well.”

Karol P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Ahana was such a pleasure to work with! We didn’t know what to expect or how the process would go at first, but she was friendly, personable, and very communicative every step of the way. She made my grandmother’s transition to assisted living feel smooth and stress-free. We really appreciated her help and support!”

Katie H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I would recommend Misty she has been great working with my mom. She goes above and beyond to make sure she is cared for, safe, and happy”

Julie R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Misty Wilkins is by far the best and most amazing caregiver she is an amazing person and a hard worker . She's always going above and beyond”

Joseph G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Asia is THE best! She has the most beautiful caregiving heart and is an exceptional caregiver. A true natural. And, she has formed a beautiful bond with my MIL. So grateful for Asia and Always Best Care.”

Tracy B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Alice Sharper is a wonderful helper. She always looks out for my health and she does chores around the house without being asked. She has driven me to multiple appointments. She is always is an up mood. Camille Bialik”

Dan B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I've done the dementia virtual training experiment with a previous employer. The experience with Always Best Care was by far a better experience. Truly a heart felt opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. Thank you ????????”

Angel W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“"Virtual Dementia Tour" was awesome - an eye opener in helping to understand.”

Mike M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We moved my mother-in-law in with us fifteen months ago. ABC has been providing excellent care since then. Her current caregivers are Felicia, Katherine, Yolanda and Robin. They all have been professional and easy to work with. I've enclosed a picture from Brownie-Making-Day. Thank you to all for a great job.”

Crystal J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Very promising????”

Gygett U.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Ive always been a old soul,being with elderly people helps my mental health and warms my heart. Theve given so much of their lives to their families and they should be comfortable for the remainder of their days. I love ABC because I can set my own hours,and that being said,give more time and love to Mrs. Dina without feeling pressure.”

Lisa B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”

katherine V.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“ABC Wake Forest has been a blessing to me and my family! The compassion ans dedication for my mom was the best. Wonderful caregivers and staff!”

Christina D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful company! Best services.”

Afton H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful company!”

Artisha B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great company !!”

Krystal P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely love this company”

Devra
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great company even better staff”

Loren
×
TESTIMONIALS

“This is an amazing company and the staff do an amazing job.”

Asia A.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great company”

Ty W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is the most respectful nicest company I’ve work with I love working with them.”

Nikita R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I love Always Best Care, it’s a great company….”

Brandi P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great company”

Keith A.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always great”

sheikh K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great people ‼️‼️‼️‼️❤️❤️❤️”

kay W.

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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 in Wilmington, NC 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.

Request More Information vector

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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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

This busy Wilmington road will see a lower speed limit

Drivers be forewarned: The speed limit on a busy Wilmington road is being reduced.A portion of Wrightsville Avenue will see its speed limit lowered from 45 mph to 35 mph.The Wilmington City Council on Sept. 1 adopted an ordinance to change the speed limit for a section of Wrightsville Avenue between Military Cutoff Road and Southerland Avenue. Both the first reading of the ordinance and a motion to waive a second reading passed, 7-0, at City Hall at Skyline Center.The action was taken at the request of the North Carolina...

Drivers be forewarned: The speed limit on a busy Wilmington road is being reduced.

A portion of Wrightsville Avenue will see its speed limit lowered from 45 mph to 35 mph.

The Wilmington City Council on Sept. 1 adopted an ordinance to change the speed limit for a section of Wrightsville Avenue between Military Cutoff Road and Southerland Avenue. Both the first reading of the ordinance and a motion to waive a second reading passed, 7-0, at City Hall at Skyline Center.

The action was taken at the request of the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Since the road is maintained by the Department of Transportation and within the city’s municipal limits, a concurring ordinance was required.

Bob Hammond, a Department of Transportation traffic engineering technician, stated in a letter to the city that the 45 mph speed limit for a 0.511-mile stretch on the westerly end of Wrightsville Avenue needs to be repealed. “The 0.36-mile-long remainder of the road, to US 74/76 (Eastwood Road), has a statutory speed limit of 35 mph,” he wrote.

The City Council voted to reduce the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph for that smaller part of Wrightsville Avenue on May 6, 2014.

The ordinance will be effective upon its adoption by the Department of Transportation and subject to the erection of the appropriate signs.

As a result of this action, the entirety of Wrightsville Avenue will have a 35 mph speed limit.

All streets in the city limits default to a speed limit of 35 mph unless otherwise posted.

The City Council on May 15, 2018, delegated many responsibilities in the traffic schedules to the city manager to adopt administratively, however, the council retained the responsibility for setting speed limits.

Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].

Battlefield circulation connects new deputy commander with Wilmington District projects, people

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Meetings and briefings can tell U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District Deputy Commander Maj. Bruce Merrill a lot about the district’s projects. But for a new member of the command team, there is no substitute for seeing those projects — and meeting the people behind them — firsthand. Merrill traveled to Philpott Lake and John H. Kerr Reservoir in Virginia Sept. 1-2 as part of battlefield circulation intended to familiarize him with the district’s projects, missions and personnel. &ld...

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Meetings and briefings can tell U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District Deputy Commander Maj. Bruce Merrill a lot about the district’s projects. But for a new member of the command team, there is no substitute for seeing those projects — and meeting the people behind them — firsthand. Merrill traveled to Philpott Lake and John H. Kerr Reservoir in Virginia Sept. 1-2 as part of battlefield circulation intended to familiarize him with the district’s projects, missions and personnel. “My primary purpose for battlefield circulation was to firsthand see the projects and the unique environment that each of our projects works in,” Merrill said. “It’s important for leadership to get out of the office to interact with the workforce so we can hear directly from the folks executing our mission.” Merrill began his circulation Sept. 1 at Philpott Lake, where he met with project personnel at the visitor center to discuss morale, workplace concerns and issues affecting employees as they carry out the project’s missions. He then toured Philpott Dam and its powerhouse, where employees provided an overview of the facility, its operations and ongoing work at the project. The visit gave Merrill an opportunity to connect information typically conveyed through meetings and briefings with the infrastructure and personnel responsible for executing the mission. The following day, Merrill traveled to John H. Kerr Reservoir, where he again met with project personnel and heard directly from employees about their work and concerns. During the visit, Merrill toured recreation areas around the lake and visited several facilities associated with the project’s varied missions, including the Tungsten Queen mine site, a pumping station and John H. Kerr Dam. At the dam, he toured the powerhouse and received briefings on hydroelectric power production and water control. For Merrill, seeing the projects firsthand provided context to the information he receives as a member of the district command team. “I hear projects talked about in meetings and it’s crucial to visually see the key aspects of the projects,” Merrill said. The two visits also highlighted the different environments in which Wilmington District employees operate. Although both projects are located in Virginia, each has its own missions, infrastructure, surrounding communities and challenges. “No two projects and their surrounding communities are the same,” Merrill said. “Some areas are extremely rural and others are located in a metropolitan area. Each is unique.” Despite those differences, Merrill said one thing that stood out was the depth of knowledge among the employees responsible for operating and maintaining the projects. “The amount of SMEs we have at each of our sites is impressive,” Merrill said. “Everyone knows all the details of their projects and is willing to share such details.” The circulation also gave employees an opportunity to speak directly with district leadership about challenges affecting their ability to execute the mission. Staffing was one recurring concern Merrill heard during the visits. “The most common theme from all our projects is the challenges with staffing,” Merrill said. “While everyone’s hard work to keep the mission going does not go unnoticed, the staffing shortages remain a challenge that we must overcome.” As Merrill continues familiarizing himself with the Wilmington District, the visits provided a firsthand look at not only the projects and missions under the district’s responsibility, but also the people responsible for their success. “This team continues to impress me with their dedication to our mission,” Merrill said. “I thank everyone for their hard work and their continued service.”

Date Taken: 09.10.2026
Date Posted: 09.11.2026 14:46
Story ID: 574469
Location: NORTH CAROLINA, US

From the archives: Wilmington-based boat takes on 9/11 mission

A day after terrorist attacks rocked the country, a Wilmington-based ship received its orders to protect the nation's waterways.According to a story in the Sept. 13, 2001, Wilmington Morning Star, the Coast Guard cutter Diligence set out from downtown Wilmington to patrol the coast. Before Sept. 11, plans were to set sail along the Caribbean. The new mission began by working the North and South Carolina coast.By October, the orders were to head north to New York Harbor, where the 77-man crew was expected to patrol for more than...

A day after terrorist attacks rocked the country, a Wilmington-based ship received its orders to protect the nation's waterways.

According to a story in the Sept. 13, 2001, Wilmington Morning Star, the Coast Guard cutter Diligence set out from downtown Wilmington to patrol the coast. Before Sept. 11, plans were to set sail along the Caribbean. The new mission began by working the North and South Carolina coast.

By October, the orders were to head north to New York Harbor, where the 77-man crew was expected to patrol for more than a month. Bodies were still being recovered at the toppled World Trade Center.

"When you come here and you see the dust roll out from under the wreckage, it sort of brings it on home and makes it real," Lt. James Thompson told reporter Trista Talton, standing on a lower deck of the 210-foot cutter. "It's strange looking without the towers there."

Long hours, quick schedule changes mark ’Diligence’ mission on New York’s coast

At the time it was the largest Coast Guard vessel in the harbor. Along with about 10 smaller Coast Guard vessels, it was sweeping the harbor and looking for anything out of the ordinary. The cutter was called to a New York taxi with reports a bomb might be on board. As it went to respond, the threat turned out to be a hoax.

Crew believed the ship's presence alone could deter further attacks.

"It kind of makes you open your eyes," Chief Petty Allen Bliven said. "It's just unreal. I think, overall, we take stuff for granted. We've lost some freedom."

The Diligence left Wilmington for good in 2020 and is now based in Pensacola, Florida.

Owen Hassell is the local news editor for the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].

How many jobs were added in Wilmington, NC area last month?

It gained 400 jobs in July 2026. Those figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ state and local employment report, which tracks monthly job changes. Job numbers can swing month to month as local economies expand or contract, but over the past five years the Wilmington, NC Metro Area has averaged about 495 new jobs per month. These figures are often revised in later months as more complete data rolls in.+400month to month change in number of jobs (July 2026)Source: Bureau of Labor StatisticsTh...

It gained 400 jobs in July 2026. Those figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ state and local employment report, which tracks monthly job changes. Job numbers can swing month to month as local economies expand or contract, but over the past five years the Wilmington, NC Metro Area has averaged about 495 new jobs per month. These figures are often revised in later months as more complete data rolls in.

+400

month to month change in number of jobs (July 2026)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Wilmington, NC area job growth of 400 in July 2026 was larger than the 100 jobs gained in June 2026.

During the latest five-year period (August 2021 to July 2026), the Wilmington, NC area gained jobs in 50 out of 60 months. July 2026 had the 24th-lowest job growth during this period. The highest gains during this period occurred in February 2022 (+1,900) while job growth was weakest in January 2024 (-500).

Monthly change in nonfarm employment in the Wilmington, NC area

How has the Wilmington, NC area's job growth changed over time?

In 2025, the Wilmington, NC area has gained an average of 358 jobs every month. That's higher than the 2024 average monthly increase of 317, and the highest since 2023. The 2025 average ranks as sixth-highest in job growth since 2007.

When excluding the two pandemic-affected years of 2020 and 2021, job growth ranged from a loss of 642 every month in 2009 to a gain of 558 every month in 2019.

Average monthly change in the number of jobs in the Wilmington, NC area, seasonally adjusted

Keep exploring

Methodology

USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.

Page sources

USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.

State announces settlement in fight over Cape Fear River contamination

(This story has been updated to add new information.)North Carolina officials on Sept. 10 announced a nearly $600 million settlement with Chemours and DuPont over contamination tied to the production of manmade chemicals like GenX at the Fayetteville Works plant roughly 70 miles upstream of Wilmington.“Chemours and DuPont devastated North Carolina’s water and natural resources for decades,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “This deal forces them to pay for the harm they caused the people of S...

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

North Carolina officials on Sept. 10 announced a nearly $600 million settlement with Chemours and DuPont over contamination tied to the production of manmade chemicals like GenX at the Fayetteville Works plant roughly 70 miles upstream of Wilmington.

“Chemours and DuPont devastated North Carolina’s water and natural resources for decades,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “This deal forces them to pay for the harm they caused the people of Southeastern North Carolina and gives our local governments more resources to help ensure clean drinking water for families."

The deal between the state, 11 local governments and the two companies − DuPont operated Fayetteville Works for decades before spinning it off to Chemours last decade - is the largest environmental settlement in North Carolina history. It also marks a significant victory for state regulators who have been criticized in the past for not doing more to hold the companies accountable for the massive environmental mess they created after knowingly discharging the manmade chemicals into the state's water, air and groundwater for decades.

It was nine years ago that the StarNews first reported that DuPont and now Chemours had been dumping unknown manmade chemicals into the Cape Fear River that couldn't be filtered out before entering public water systems. The chemicals, formally known as per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are manmade substances that don't break down quickly − hence their name forever chemicals − and have been tied to a host of health problems, including several types of cancer, immune suppression issues and organ disruptions.

The discovery of these unknown substances in water supplies prompted many public utilities, including the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority that serves most of New Hanover County, to install large and expensive filtration systems to deal with the contamination, with ratepayers picking up the tab. People who rely on private wells for their drinking water have been largely left to fend for themselves.

The legal fight to get Chemours and DuPont to pay for clean-up and mitigation efforts has dragged on for years, frustrating residents and local officials. State regulators have been more successful in stopping new discharges from Fayetteville Works by threatening to pull the facility's permits if Chemours didn't clean up its act, but even those actions haven't moved quickly enough for many.

New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair LeAnn Pierce said that the county will receive $22.8 million over a 10-year period.

"The board intends to use those funds to address the problem itself," Pierce said. "Providing clean drinking water and addressing PFAS contamination here at home, starting with the people who rely on private wells who have carried this burden the longest."

According to a news release, Brunswick County's portion of the settlement agreement is $95 million payable over an eight-year period.

State officials said the Sept. 10 announcement represents significant progress in holding the polluters accountable.

“This settlement is a huge victory for North Carolina,” said Reid Wilson, head of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. “These companies are finally paying for the damage they caused to North Carolina’s land and waters."

The announcement also comes just three months after Chemours reached a deal with the federal government over forever chemical contamination in four states, including North Carolina.

Under that settlement, Chemours would pay a fine and conduct a program to mitigate PFAS discharges from its plants in four states, including North Carolina. In all, the deal was expected to cost the company roughly $450 million.

But North Carolina officials blasted the deal, saying it represented little more than a slap on the wrist for Chemours, removed the company from future liabilities, and did little to nothing to improve the existing PFAS contamination problems in the Tar Heel State.

While the settlement represents a step in the right direction, environmental and clean water advocates said there remains much work to be done to clean up the mess left behind by decades of unregulated dumping of manmade chemicals into North Carolina's environment.

“This settlement provides much needed money for municipalities impacted by Chemours’ pollution, but it is not the end of the story,” said Jean Zhuang, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, which has represented groups suing the company over the forever chemical contamination. “Chemours' planned expansion, extensive groundwater contamination, and ongoing releases of ultra short-chain PFAS into drinking water supplies all remain unresolved.”

Chemours has announced plans to expand PFAS production at Fayetteville Works, and is seeking state approval for the project. But many activists and local governments have said the company should clean up its existing forever chemical contamination before being allowed to ramp up its operations. Concerns over ultra-short PFAS chemicals, which can slip through existing filtration systems, also are growing and deserve more study, they say.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

Invalid Phone Format

Please do not include the country code "1". Just enter your valid 10-digit phone number starting with the area code.