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

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

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Home Care In Oak Ridge, NC

Home Care Oak Ridge, NC

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

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center 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 Oak Ridge, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Oak Ridge, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

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TESTIMONIALS

“Looking for a placement is always difficult for a family. Contacting Sandy to help was the best option. She was familiar with all assisted living/memory care facilities around town and was quick to respond to the family with tours. She delivered FL2 forms to physician's and made the transition an easy process. I recommend Sandy 100 % for any family needing a smaller community for their elderly family member.”

MATTCH
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful for my position. The staff are acceptable, the clients are lovely, and the environments are professional. I highly recommend PCAs and CNAs to apply.”

Samantha T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”

Kelly P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”

Ffbjj B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”

Beth G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Oak Ridge, NC?

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

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

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

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

 Senior Care Oak Ridge, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Melton Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Oak Ridge, 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 Flemings Prime Steakhouse Wine Bar or visit Secret City Commemorative Walk, 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 Oak Ridge, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Oak Ridge, NC

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

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

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

With the help of elderly care in Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Groves at Oak Ridge
  • VIVA Senior Living at Oak Ridge
  • Canterfield of Oak Ridge
  • Diversicare of Oak Ridge
  • The Courtyards Senior Living
  • Patriot Assisted Living
Home Care Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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

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

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge, NC

Latest News in Oak Ridge, NC

Where can I give in Oak Ridge and Anderson County to hurricane victims? Updated list

This story was updated to add information and delete old information. It was also updated because one news release included an incorrect company name, which was subsequently published in this story.Area governments, businesses, schools and others are collecting donations of water and other items for the people devastated by Hurricane Helene in northeast Tennessee, western North Carolina and Georgia.The city of Oak Ridge's collections of bottled water at the Municipal Building concluded Thursda...

This story was updated to add information and delete old information. It was also updated because one news release included an incorrect company name, which was subsequently published in this story.

Area governments, businesses, schools and others are collecting donations of water and other items for the people devastated by Hurricane Helene in northeast Tennessee, western North Carolina and Georgia.

The city of Oak Ridge's collections of bottled water at the Municipal Building concluded Thursday, Oct. 3, but a city Electric Department lineman has a personal connection to the area and that department is collecting items other than bottled water for the hurricane victims through Oct. 11.

Chris Russell, a senior engineering technician and lineman, has a "first-hand account of the area and devastation in Erwin, Tennessee and Boone, North Carolina and left Wednesday (Oct. 2) to bring multiple truckloads and trailers of supplies up to the area."Anyone wanting to donate items other than bottled water can bring them by the Oak Ridge Central Services Complex at 100 Woodbury Lane through Oct. 11," stated the information provided by the city via email. "He will be making as many trips as needed between now and then!"

To donate to supplies for small animals and livestock, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is collecting supplies at the Brehm Animal Science Arena located at 2506 River Drive in Knoxville until 6 p.m. Wednesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3 and 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, according to a city of Oak Ridge news release.

Citizens throughout Anderson County are being asked to donate bottled water at the Anderson County jail to help people in Cocke County. Carter Express Inc. and Advanced Transportation are making the semi-trucks available and will take the donations to Cocke County. Semi-trucks are parked at the Anderson County Detention Facility, more familiarly called the Anderson County jail, located at 308 Public Safety Lane in Clinton. People may drop off packs of bottled water that will be loaded onto the trucks, and when the trailers are full, the water will be delivered to specific distribution points in Cocke County in coordination with government officials in that county.

Both the American Museum of Science and Energy, 115 E. Main St., and K-25 History Center, 652 Enrichment St., Oak Ridge are collecting items ranging from bottled water and toiletries to portable generators and candles, according to an email. Both museums are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.

The city, on its Facebook page, also said donations of water could be made in Knox County at its Engineering and Public Works Department: 205 W Baxter Ave., Knoxville. The phone number is 865-215-5800.

Already over the weekend, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office called for residents to donate water. Within a day, residents had donated enough bottled water to fill a truck and a trailer, leading Sheriff Russell Barker to pause the donations.

"You made our country proud today with your water donations," the sheriff stated on the office's Facebook page. "The Sheriff's Office employees are proud to live in a community where this kind of response is seen. Anderson County, you showed up and showed out!" The water was donated by the Anderson County Emergency Management Agency to upper East Tennessee.

At Anderson County High School in Clinton, the Mavericks are calling for everyone to fill a tractor trailer by donating water to be taken to those in need in upper East Tennessee. The Mavericks, via social media, said the water can be dropped off at the school's front lobby. The school is located at 130 Maverick Circle.

Ada Herna?ndez-Bell, United Way of Anderson County, said in an email that they are encouraging partners to donate to area relief funds and use local drop-offs. The local United Way included a graphic that tells of the most-needed items: Bottled water, non-perishable food, feminine products, pet food, diapers, blankets, first aid kits, baby wipes, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and other toiletries.

Here's information she provided on a few of those efforts and drop-offs. Call the locations for specific information and to find out if the efforts have ended:

In addition to donating physical items, you can also give money to relief funds, she said. Among those United Way suggested:

Anderson Farmers Co-Op in Clinton is giving residents the chance to help the people and their animals. In a post to Facebook, people were asked to donate non-perishable food, bottled water, baby formula, diapers, pet foods and livestock feeds at donation boxes at the business, located at 110 Charles G. Seivers Blvd, Clinton. Or, you can buy a bag of feed at the co-ope that will be sent to an area in need.

Tim Patterson Trucking in Rocky Top is accepting donations this week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Our goal is to have a trailer load by the end of the week. If anyone would like to donate bottled water, paper towels, toilet paper, non perishable food, ready to eat food, plastic utensils, paper plates, cleaning supplies, etc., they can be dropped off at 189 Hustler Boat Lane, Rocky Top," is the message posted to the company's Facebook page.

Anderson County government provided the following information in a news release.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency works closely with the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TNVOAD) to organize both volunteers and donations for areas that are impacted by disasters and emergencies. To learn where you can volunteer your time or make donations, visit www.TNVOAD.org.

“While local communities appreciate the volunteer spirit during disasters and emergencies, it is important to refrain from sending resources that have not been requested by state or local authorities,” TEMA said in a statement released over the weekend.

If local citizens wish to make monetary donations to storm relief, a fund has been set up with the East Tennessee Foundation. Instructions for donating money can be found on the organization’s website at https://easttennesseefoundation.org.

Donations of bottled water and necessities can be delivered to specific locations within the affected counties. For current locations and drop-off times, visit the donations section online at https://www.tn.gov/tema/updates/hurricane-helene.html.

Donations of water are also being accepted at all Roane State Community College campuses, including the one in Oak Ridge at 701 Briarcliff Ave.

RSCC students and employees can bring donations to any Roane State campus until further notice, according to a college news release. Members of the local community are invited to donate as well. Signage will soon be posted at campuses directing donors where to go. Accepted donations include any kind of drinkable bottled water, which is of critical need right now.

At the Oak Ridge Campus, water donations can be dropped off at the front desk inside the Coffey/McNally Building. At the Roane County Campus in Harriman, the water donation drop-off and collection point will be inside the Gymnasium near Room G-200.

The Oak Ridger's News Editor Donna Smith covers Oak Ridge area news. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter@ridgernewsed.

Support The Oak Ridger by subscribing. Offers available at https://subscribe.oakridger.com/offers.

Sold before they’re built: Oak Ridge’s housing boom

OAK RIDGE, N.C. — As companies at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) grow, so do the neighborhoods nearby. One town seeing the biggest transformation? Oak Ridge—about seven miles away and booming.The demand for homes in Oak Ridge is so high that many houses are sold before construction even begins. What used to be dense for...

OAK RIDGE, N.C. — As companies at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) grow, so do the neighborhoods nearby. One town seeing the biggest transformation? Oak Ridge—about seven miles away and booming.

The demand for homes in Oak Ridge is so high that many houses are sold before construction even begins. What used to be dense forest just a year and a half ago is now a row of newly built homes.

Samyra and Walt Wooten, owners of WD Custom Homes, are part of that growth. They're building some of the homes popping up across Oak Ridge. Samyra and Walt moved to Oak Ridge back in 2012 when their first son was just under a year old. Drawn by the area's strong schools and family-friendly vibe, they planted roots and later changed careers to meet the growing need for housing. Samyra, once a physical therapist, and Walt, who worked in apparel, now focus on building neighborhoods in Greenboro's suburbs.

“We think we can continue to build more beautiful homes, which will make us competitive with markets like Charlotte and Raleigh,” Samyra said.

See a tour of a new WD Custom Home in Oak Ridge:

Realtor Maureena Shepherd has also seen the boom firsthand. She moved into real estate about nine years ago after working in the aviation industry, inspired by the influx of people moving to the area. Many of her clients are landing jobs with the new businesses at PTI.

“I think what people love about Oak Ridge is that you get really large lots, but the town itself is compact,” Shepherd said. “It feels spread out, but you're just a mile from parks, sports fields, and restaurants. Everything you need is close by.”

And the numbers back it up. In 2023, 143 homes sold in Oak Ridge. By 2024, that number climbed to 160—an almost 12% increase.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Stone says the town is working hard to keep up with the demand, approving construction permits as fast as possible.

“We’re seeing a lot of hard work from the past come to fruition right now,” Stone said. “We love seeing new families move in and all the opportunities that come with them.”

He noted that while there are still infill opportunities and some available properties, the town will eventually run out of land but he says they have room to expand for several more years.

"People come from all different backgrounds into Oak Ridge," Stone said. "It's really neat to see this type of thing going on and build on Oak Ridge's heritage.”

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