It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Old Greenville County Courthouse Building in Greenville, 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 Greenville, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped”
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate and dependable care for their loved ones. The team is caring, professional, and dedicated to making sure each resident receives the attention and support they deserve. They go above and beyond to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Their commitment to the well-being of seniors and their families truly makes a difference. It’s reassuring to know that there are care providers who treat every individual with dignity, kindness, and respect. Thank you for all that you do! Highly recommend this wonderful senior care provider! Thank you Cody Edwards!”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both of my parents in need of a asst living who are in their 90’s and he was able to place them and help me navigate the nightmare of paperwork, of moving out of state, and all the medical issues I recommend him for anyone who is going through this”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a difficult journey with a sick loved one. He worked very hard to help us in spite of challenges and setbacks. He has a great attitude, always positive and solution-oriented! Laurie Hopkins, Hickory NC”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance and knowledge made an extremely difficult situation easy. He was able to work with our schedule and set everything up. We thank you so much for all your help and for the follow up.”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in NC. Their internal staff is professional and efficient. They are always happy to answer any questions or concerns and they always respond in a very timely manner. ABC has quality sitters who will provide excellent care for your loved one with compassion, whether in a home or in a care facility. Always Best Care is appropriately named because they have “always” provided the “best care” to my mother-in-law, who has dementia. They have been helping her daily for the past three years. We are grateful for ABC’s help!”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate the meeting and tour. Loved working with her and look forward to our partnership in the future!!!!”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the well-being of those they serve. I highly recommend their services to anyone who may need them!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are met, means a lot to the community. Having care you can trust means the world to the families in need. From the first interaction over the phone to a smiling face that greets you at the door, this company is great for in home care!”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent living facilities. He contacted the facility and got all the needed information. He kept us well informed of what to expect. I appreciated his services. Cody is very caring.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He spent time talking with us to learn what my mom was looking for in a place to live during the next chapters of her life and shared a variety of options. He scheduled and accompanied us on the tours. Cody was thorough, patient, kind and answered all of our questions. Even though my mom chose not to pursue independent living at this time, we appreciated the time Cody spent working with us and he will be the first call we make when/if she decides to pursue this route in the future. Thank you Cody!!!!”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC. They were absolutley fabulous for our family.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s funny, lively, and full of great energy. I actually caught myself laughing during the call, which almost never happens when calling places. Just a genuinely positive person who makes the conversation easy and enjoyable. Loved the energy! -cora”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to help my mother and always follow their well-thought out care plan. Their program is very organized and they are great with communication. Our caregiver, Allison, is especially fabulous ... she is ABOVE and BEYOND. She is so thorough, creative, and thoughtful. We feel very lucky to be on her list!”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped my family and I find a caring, affordable, and beautiful assisted living facility for my mother. He was thorough and kind, keeping us updated with new finds and even helping me into one of the facilities we were touring with an umbrella against the pouring rain. He asked all the right questions, ensuring we found a good fit. After much searching, Cody ultimately discovered the place my mother is at now. Thanks for all the help, Cody!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Halls Chophouse Greenville or visit Pettigru Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Greenville, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Greenville, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Greenville, 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.
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina's home date with N.C. Central on gorgeous Saturday afternoon officially served as Family Weekend. But on the field, the Pirates used it as "Get Right Day."Before heading into an open date followed by the American Conference opener, ECU set out to establish an identity both offensively and defensively against an FCS opponent. For a half, the Pirates accomplished that mission and steamrolled to a 42-9 victory to improve to 2-2 on the season. Now it's back to work to tight...
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina's home date with N.C. Central on gorgeous Saturday afternoon officially served as Family Weekend. But on the field, the Pirates used it as "Get Right Day."
Before heading into an open date followed by the American Conference opener, ECU set out to establish an identity both offensively and defensively against an FCS opponent. For a half, the Pirates accomplished that mission and steamrolled to a 42-9 victory to improve to 2-2 on the season. Now it's back to work to tighten up a few more areas before Rice comes to town.
"Always good to get a W, always good to get back in that column," ECU head coach Blake Harrell said. "I told our guys like last time we were out in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (against Appalachian State), nobody's happy about that, but I thought we responded in the right way."
ECU treated a turnout 43,772 to an electric first half with a creative, field-stretching offense that scored on five of seven possessions and mixed in a defensive score to match the 42 points it put up in the first half against Florida Atlantic last season. After allowing a field goal on the Eagles' first possession, ECU quickly responded with a touchdown then erupted for 35 second-quarter points. That explosion was more than enough as the ECU defense suffocated the Eagles offense for much of the day.
"I thought, you know, regardless of our opponent, our biggest focus was on us, and I thought we made the right steps in the first half to go play the game the right way," Harrell said. "Both sides of the football and special teams, I thought we did a good job."
Harrell's objectives were many coming into the final non-conference test, but none bigger than solidifying the quarterback position. Miami transfer Emory Williams, who had seen only spot duty behind Mitch Griffis, moved into the starting role and made the most of his opportunity, completing 25 of 36 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to 11 different receivers. Williams, who had two starts at Miami in 2023, especially burned the Eagles in the first half by connecting on 18 of 22 attempts for 264 yards. His only blemishes were at pair of fumbles – one at the goal line as he was diving in for a score – and an interception.
Williams said he found out Thursday morning that he would get his first ECU start.
"Having that time to mentally prepare was nice," Williams said. "You can kind of mentally foresee and prepare of what it's going to be like to have that first game starting. And so, I was grateful for the opportunity and glad we got a win."
He also cherished having former Miami teammate Ray Ray Joseph Jr. in the lineup. With Brock Spalding and Jeremiah Melvin sidelined with injuries, Joseph emerged as the go-to guy early and had six catches for 111 yards by halftime. He finished with 10 catches for 141 yards.
"Ray Ray is a guy I've played a lot of football with," Williams said. "Any quarterback can vouch that, you know, having a guy that you can trust out there at all times, it's a comforting factor. Ray Ray is an excellent player, so I'm happy we were able to connect several times tonight."
Joseph did not find the end zone, but four of his teammates did. Running back T.J. Engleman Jr., starting in place of injured Ashton Gray, followed up his 99-yard effort against Old Dominion last week with a career-best 129 yards on just 10 carries, highlighted by an 88-yard burst up the gut for the second of ECU's five second-quarter TDs. He also scored on a 5-yard run and an 8-yard reception.
"We got the run game and the pass game going today, so I'm happy to see it coming together a little bit," Engleman said. "In the second half, you know, we got to improve that a little more, but I'm happy to see us moving in the right direction."
Running back Michale Allen, a Greenville native, and tight end Kaden Hamlett joined the scoring parade with touchdown catches. Allen caught 6-yard toss from Williams on the first play of the second period, and Hamlett hauled in a 22-yard pass on a double-reverse flea flicker. Ayden Duncanson capped the half with a 20-yard interception return, marking his second pick-six in two games and ECU's ninth defensive score since 2023.
"Ayden Duncanson got the box again, so that's always good to see," Harrell said. "Like it's hard. To get two picks in a season sometimes can be difficult, and he's done a great job of just coming down there and reading that and then going and putting all those things into points has been huge."
ECU finished with 489 total yards, compiling 396 of those by halftime. After converting just 5 of 25 third downs in the first three games, the Pirates picked up 4 of 5 in the first half and finished 7 of 12.
"We did a way better job today," Engleman said. "Hopefully we can keep that going, you know, and get like a better percentage."
The Eagles, meanwhile, managed to convert just 1 of their first 13 third downs before picking up three on a final touchdown drive. ECU's defense, which welcomed back lineman J.D. Lampley after a court injunction, registered eight sacks, 18 tackles for loss and forced three turnovers. Miles Pollard and Angelo Ross joined Duncanson with interceptions.
N.C. Central hovered around 0 rushing yards much of the game before finishing with 35. The Eagles had 208 total yards and punted nine times.
"I talked to the defensive coaches about that, like our confidence, our momentum, our vibe, our juice has to be contagious on both sides of the football," Harrell said. "Right now, I think we're a little still young offensively. We've got 11 new starters out there. I think sometimes we look side of that, there's 11 guys out there that are playing together.
"It's a game four, but a new quarterback today, so defensively we have to pick up. We have to set the tempo for both sides of the football, and I thought our coaches on that side of the ball did a really good job of that in the first half. You know me. I always want it better defensively. I want the shutouts and zero yards. But I think we're getting there. We're getting to be a defense that if we'll play the game the right way, we can be pretty stingy."
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Central on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Bagwell Field inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (50,000) ... Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (ET) and will streamed on ESPN+ ... The Pirates are coming off their first win of the season at Old Dominion (20-17) where they extended their series streak to six wins over the Monarchs ... The Eagles are coming off a road loss at Gardner-Webb (44-20) ... Saturday's matchup will be just the second all-time between the schools with ECU leading 1-0 after a 52-7 win victory in 2014 ... Thi...
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Central on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Bagwell Field inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (50,000) ... Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (ET) and will streamed on ESPN+ ... The Pirates are coming off their first win of the season at Old Dominion (20-17) where they extended their series streak to six wins over the Monarchs ... The Eagles are coming off a road loss at Gardner-Webb (44-20) ... Saturday's matchup will be just the second all-time between the schools with ECU leading 1-0 after a 52-7 win victory in 2014 ... This weekend's game, which is sponsored by Pepsi, has been tabbed Family Weekend/Junior Pirate Club Day.
THE HEAD COACH Blake Harrell (Western Carolina '02), who is in his sixth overall season at East Carolina, was officially named the 23rd head football coach on Nov. 27, 2024. Harrell, the program's interim head coach (Oct. 20-Nov. 26, 2024) and the squad's defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach since his initial hire in January of 2020, led the Pirates (9-4, 6-2 American) in 2025 and a share for fourth place in league play. His team stood among the FBS leaders (Top 25) in 15 statistical categories with his offense averaging 32.7 points per game while allowing 20.1, the fewest since at East Carolina since 1999. He has guided the Pirates to a 15-7 (.682) record in 22 games. He became the fastest head coach to 14 victories and the quickest to 10 wins in conference play, while becoming the second coach in program history to win consecutive bowl games with a 23-17 victory over Pittsburgh at the 2025 Go Bowling Military Bowl. In 2024, he posted a 5-1 record over a six-game span which included a 26-21 come from behind victory over NC State in the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl in Annapolis, Md. On Dec. 28, 2024. The win was the first over a Power 4 team since 2018, when ECU topped North Carolina, 41-19. Following the Charlotte win, ECU secured bowl eligibility in consecutive games and for the fourth time in the last five campaigns (2021 Military, 2022 Birmingham, 2024 Military).
FAST FACTS Record: 1-2 (.333); American Record/Standings: 0-0 (.000); Last 5 Games: 3-2; Last 10 Games: 7-3; Last 15 Games: 10-5; Streaks: When East Carolina hosts N.C. Central, it will be the 23rd game of the Blake Harrell era (1507) ... The Pirates contest against the Eagles will be the 959th since the start of ECU football in 1932 (482-465-11/.509).
ANALYZING THE 2026 OVERALL SCHEDULE COMPOSITE RECORDS: ECU's 2026 opponents posted a combined 77-76 (.503) record in 2025. The Pirates' four non-conference foes were 24-29 (.453), while the eight American squads tallied a collective 53-47 (.530) mark. Five programs had eight or more wins – Alabama (11), Old Dominion (10), South Florida (9), N.C. Central (8) and Memphis (8).
SEVEN BOWL TEAMS: For the second consecutive season, ECU's schedule features contests against seven teams which participated in bowl games a year ago. In addition to Alabama (CFP first round and Rose Bowl), Appalachian State (JLab Birmingham Bowl), Army (Wasabi Bowl), Memphis (Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl), Old Dominion (StaffDNA Cure Bowl), Rice (Lockhead Martin Armed Forces Bowl) and South Florida (StaffDNA Cure Bowl) each made FBS postseason appearances last December and January. Of the Pirates' six home games, five will be against 2025 bowl qualifiers, while two of six road contests will be against postseason teams.
IN THE FINAL POLLS: Alabama is the lone ECU opponent that finished ranked in the two major polls (Associated Press, AFCA Coaches) to end the 2025 season coming in at No. 9. Old Dominion received votes in both polls, while Army garnered on vote in the AFCA poll along with East Carolina.
NON-SATURDAY ACTION: ECU will have three non-Saturday contests in 2026. For the seventh-straight campaign (and eighth in the last nine years), ECU will play at least one weeknight contest. The Pirates will have consecutive road Thursday night contests playing at UAB (Oct. 15) and at Memphis (Oct. 22), while hosting South Florida on Friday, Nov. 6. The Pirates regular season finale inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium against Florida Atlantic will be played either Nov. 27 (Friday) or Nov. 28 (Saturday). ECU is 40-50-1 (.451) all-time on non-Saturday games (17-24-1/home, 19-20/road, 4-6/neutral) after posting a 2-2 record in 2025.
CHARTING THE PIRATES MONTH-BY-MONTH
In all, East Carolina is 4-4-0 in August, 140-133-1 in September, 172-172-4 in October, 154-139-5 in November, 12-12-0 in December and 1-4-0 in January ... With the Pirates win over NC State in 2024, ECU remained somewhat productive in December - a month in which it has won six of its last 10 outings (wins vs. Boise State/'07, Tulsa/'08, Houston/'09, Ohio/'13, Coastal Carolina/'22, NC State/'24; losses to Maryland/'10, ULLafayette/'12, UCF/'14 and NC State/'18).
PIRATE NATION - OVER 10 MILLION STRONG East Carolina has usually been able to claim plenty of hometown support when playing at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium - establishing itself among conference attendance leaders on a near annual basis ... In all, a total of 10,113,918 fans have seen the Pirates in action since 1963, and since the completion of a 7,000-seat expansion project in 2010 (to push capacity to 50,000), the Pirates have drawn 3,842,629 fans.
AT DOWDY-FICKLEN STADIUM East Carolina's all-time record at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is 210-122 (.633) ... The Pirates opened the facility on Sept. 21, 1963 with a 20-10 win over Wake Forest in front of 17,000 fans, celebrated the stadium's 50th anniversary in 2013, hosted its 300th game vs. Tulane in 2020 and won its 200th game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in 2022 with a 34-13 victory over UCF ...In 2025, ECU finished 5-1 at home marking the first time with five victories inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium wince 2014 ... Last year, ECU posted a 4-2 ledger ... The Pirates played seven home games in 2022 posting a 4-3 record and a 4-2 clip in 2021, 1-3 in 2020 and a collective 13-19 mark from 2015-2019, ECU was 5-1 in 2014, 2013 and 2012 (15-3) and won a combined 10 of 12 home matchups in 2009 (6-1) and 2008 (4-1) ... With its 48-22 win over Charlotte (Nov. 8, 2025), ECU posted its 43rd winning campaign at DFS sine 1963.
AGAINST NON-CONFERENCE OPPONENTS The Pirates have produced a 49-68 (.418) regular season non-league record since 1997, which includes a 1-2 clip in 2026. Last year ECU was 2-2, 2-2 in 2024, 1-3 in 2023 and 3-1 in 2022 picking up wins against Old Dominion, Campbell and BYU, while dropping the home opener to NC State ... In 2021, they split their four non-conference games falling to Appalachian State and South Carolina to open the season before rallying back to post victories against Marshall and Charleston Southern ... In 2019, the Pirates posted a 3-1 record - the program's first winning non-conference ledger since 2014 ... ECU has won 14 of the last 28 non-conference games dating back to 2019.
AGAINST THE FCS The Pirates currently own an all-time 21-3 record against programs that currently compete or competed on the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) level when the game was played ... Among all of the Pirates' previous FCS opponents, Appalachian State (2-0), Georgia Southern (3-0), UCF (2-0), Southwest Texas State (1-0, now referred to as Texas State), have since made the transition to the FBS level.
UP NEXT After a bye week, ECU will open up American Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 10 hosting Rice inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Game time and television designation is still to be determined.
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GREENVILLE — Quarterback Emory Williams on Saturday helped free a previously jammed offense during his first start for East Carolina.The fourth-year transfer threw a career-best three touchdowns, all in the first half, to help ECU blow past visiting North Carolina Central 42-9. It marked a second straight win for the Pirates (2-2), who ended with season highs in just about every offensive category, including 489 yards from scrimmage.Williams, a backup at Miami the past three seasons, finished 25-of-36 for 341 yards and on...
GREENVILLE — Quarterback Emory Williams on Saturday helped free a previously jammed offense during his first start for East Carolina.
The fourth-year transfer threw a career-best three touchdowns, all in the first half, to help ECU blow past visiting North Carolina Central 42-9. It marked a second straight win for the Pirates (2-2), who ended with season highs in just about every offensive category, including 489 yards from scrimmage.
Williams, a backup at Miami the past three seasons, finished 25-of-36 for 341 yards and one interception in place of Mitch Griffis, who started the first three games this fall.
"Just been thinking about what's the best combination for our football team? … It felt like just a slight little changeup may help us get a little momentum tonight, and it certainly did," Pirates coach Blake Harrell said of his QB1 decision, which came midweek.
After fumbling on the goal line during ECU's opening possession, Williams led four consecutive scoring marches.
T.J. Engleman Jr. capped a four-play drive using his 5-yard TD run with 4:39 left in the first, putting the Pirates up 7-3. Engleman for the second straight contest set a new career mark, this time totaling 129 yards on just 10 totes.
Williams' first TD pass as a Pirate came just moments into the second period. On second-and-goal from the 6, he found Greenville native Michael Allen in the flat to help put ECU ahead 14-3. Minutes later, Williams found Engleman on an 8-yard scoring connection that grew their margin to 21-3.
Midway through the period, his final touchdown toss came on a trick play, that eventually landed into the hands of Kanen Hamlett to make it a 28-3 advantage.
"Really, just doing the simple things right," Williams said of the offense's successes. "I did have two turnovers, that's on me — lackadaisical with my ball security. But, overall I thought we were executing and being very efficient, and we weren't beating ourselves."
Just before the half, Engleman got loose for an 88-yard sprint to pay dirt, then Pirates safety Ayden Duncanson logged his second pick-6 in as many weeks to put them up 42-3.
The ECU defense tallied three interceptions, with Angelo Ross and Myles Pollard each picking one off, and eight sacks.
Veteran end Jasiyah Robinson finished with 2.5 sacks, while teammate D.J. Johnson collected a team-best 10 tackles and also ended with 2.5 stops in the backfield. J.D. Lampley, who this week was granted a fifth year of eligibility from an Indiana circuit court, also logged 2.5 tackles for loss as a starter up front.
The only second-half score for either side came with ticks left in the fourth. NCCU backup QB Cobey Thompkins found Nasim Cosby for a 10-yard TD connection, that made it 42-9 and followed with a blocked extra-point attempt.
ECU sits out next week, then welcomes Rice on Oct. 10 for its American Conference opener.
"All in all, to get back in the win column ... getting ready to go attack conference play — we're moving in the right direction," Harrell said. "You always want to catch a little bit of momentum, catch a little bit of forward pace and identity of who you are, and I thought we did that tonight.
North Carolina Central: Plays host to Campbell on Saturday.
East Carolina: At home Oct. 10 against Rice.
How Handyman Expert Tim Ferruzzi of Greenville, North Carolina Explains Safe Home Remodeling for HelloNationHow Handyman Expert Tim Ferruzzi of Greenville, North Carolina Explains Safe Home Remodeling for HelloNationPR NewswireGREENVILLE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2026GREENVILLE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Is it safe to start remodeling an older home in Greenville, NC if it looks solid at first glance? A HelloNation article answers this question by explaining why safety planning should come be...
How Handyman Expert Tim Ferruzzi of Greenville, North Carolina Explains Safe Home Remodeling for HelloNation
PR Newswire
GREENVILLE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2026
GREENVILLE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Is it safe to start remodeling an older home in Greenville, NC if it looks solid at first glance? A HelloNation article answers this question by explaining why safety planning should come before cosmetic updates, especially in Eastern North Carolina homes built decades ago. The article walks readers through what should be checked behind walls and under floors so a Greenville NC renovation is based on real conditions, not assumptions. The guidance appears in a HelloNation article.
The HelloNation feature explains that remodeling an older home can be rewarding, but older construction often comes with unknowns. It notes that homes built before 1980 may have different materials, different code requirements at the time, and different installation methods than modern houses. Even when an older home appears well maintained, hidden systems may no longer meet today's safety expectations, which can affect the pace and cost of a renovation.
A key message in the article is to begin with a structural evaluation rather than focusing first on finishes or layout changes. It points to warning signs homeowners can notice, such as sagging floors, sticky doors, uneven frames, or visible cracks. In this region, the article explains that moisture and soil conditions can contribute to settlement and shifting over time, which is one reason Eastern North Carolina homes should be assessed carefully before demolition or heavy construction starts.
Electrical safety is another major focus of the HelloNation piece. The article describes how outdated wiring, undersized panels, or past modifications can create risks that are not visible from a room's surface. It also explains that remodeling often increases electrical demand, which can strain older systems if they are not reviewed and upgraded first. For homeowners planning new lighting, appliances, or added outlets, the article frames electrical review as a core step in safe home remodeling.
Plumbing is also addressed as a system that deserves early attention. The article notes that aging plumbing can be prone to corrosion or leaks, particularly in homes with original materials still in place. During remodeling an older home, opening walls can expose weakened sections that require replacement, and catching those issues early can prevent repeat work later in the project.
Moisture conditions are highlighted as especially important for this area. The article explains that crawlspaces in older houses may lack vapor barriers or proper ventilation, which can allow damp conditions to persist over long periods. That long term exposure can weaken framing and subflooring, and the damage may not be obvious until demolition begins. This is why the article treats moisture awareness as part of structural evaluation, not a separate afterthought, particularly for Eastern North Carolina homes.
The article also cautions homeowners to plan carefully around load bearing components. It explains that removing walls or altering layouts without understanding structural loads can compromise the home's integrity. In older houses, framing methods may not match modern conventions, so professional input can be essential before major layout changes are approved.
In addition, the HelloNation feature reminds readers that some older materials require extra caution. It notes that lead based paint, asbestos insulation, or older adhesives may be present, and disturbing these materials during renovation can create health risks if proper precautions are not taken. The article frames this as another reason a Greenville NC renovation should begin with a comprehensive assessment, not just design decisions.
The overall takeaway is that safety planning helps manage costs and reduces delays. The article explains that discovering major issues after finishes are installed can lead to rework, added expense, and extended timelines. By sequencing repairs and upgrades first, homeowners can approach cosmetic improvements with more confidence and support long term safe home remodeling results.
Safe Remodeling Strategies for Older Homes in Eastern NC features insights from Tim Ferruzzi, Handyman Expert of Greenville, North Carolina, in HelloNation.
About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.
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