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 Orange, NC

Home Care Orange, 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 Historic Occoneechee Speedway 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 Orange, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Orange, 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

“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
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Michael B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Mary E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

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

Phillip B.
×
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.
×
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 Orange, 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 Orange, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Eisenhower 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 Orange, 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 The Hobbit or visit James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage, 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 Orange, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, 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:

  • Assisted Living Locators of the Triangle
  • TerraBella Hillsborough
  • Senior Care Authority of the Triangle
  • Carolina Reserve of Durham
  • Sunrise of Orange
  • Lavender Hills Orange Campus
Home Care Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, 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 Orange, NC

Latest News in Orange, NC

Syracuse Orange v. North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction and Preview (10/31/25)

As we countdown to kickoff for the start of the Syracuse football season on Aug. 30, The Juice Online will be doing a team-by-team preview of its opponents.We left off on Thursday with my prediction of a Syracuse ACC road win over Georgia Tech. After that game, the Orange return to the dome in week 10 to take on the UNC Tar Heels on a Friday night for a Halloween showdown....

As we countdown to kickoff for the start of the Syracuse football season on Aug. 30, The Juice Online will be doing a team-by-team preview of its opponents.

We left off on Thursday with my prediction of a Syracuse ACC road win over Georgia Tech. After that game, the Orange return to the dome in week 10 to take on the UNC Tar Heels on a Friday night for a Halloween showdown.

The matchup is set to be nationally televised on ESPN. The last time these two teams faced off was in 2023 when future New England Patriot, Drake Maye, dissected the Orange defense en route to 40-7 win. This matchup carries weight as the Orange face a brutal two-game road stretch against Miami and Notre Dame following this game.

A look at the UNC offense

UNC has been in the media all offseason following the move to hire 6-time super bowl head coach, Bill Belicheck, to fill the vacant HC position. After 5 seasons of Mack Brown, UNC decided they’d seen enough.

The 2025 campaign will certainly be a turnover year for the Tar Heels as Belichick looks to build his program. The Tar Heels have yet to name a starting QB at this point. The three options are Max Johnson, Bryce Baker, and Gio Lopez. Johnson was named the starter last year but suffered a leg injury in the first game.

Jacolby Criswell took over for the rest of the season and has since transferred out of the school. Baker is an incoming 4-star first year who was the 5th ranked player in North Carolina for 2025. Baker offers a dual-threat option for the Tar Heels.

Finally, Lopez is a redshirt sophomore transfer from South Alabama who will get a chance to earn the starting role. UNC lost their most productive offensive weapon, Omarion Hampton to the draft. The running back ran for an ACC-leading 1,660 yards and found the endzone 15 times.

His absence necessitates a rise from returning sophomore Davion Gause, and incoming Michigan transfer, Benjamin Hall. In the receiver room, there was almost complete turnover with just 1 rotational starter returning. Senior Kobe Paysour (21 receptions, 365 yards) will be joined by CU Boulder transfer, Adrian Wilson, and Purdue transfer, Nathan Leacock.

The Tar Heel line presents a mix of returns and newcomers including redshirt seniors Daniel King, Christo Kelly, Jakai Moore, and Chad Lindberg, along with redshirt juniors Trevyon Green and William Boone.

Scouting the UNC defense

The defense will remain a loose end for the Tar Heels in 2025. They are coming off a season where they allowed 29.6 points per game (89th in the nation) and are currently ranked as the 74th defense in SP+.

The secondary lost key contributors Antavious Lane and Power Echols, who combined for 105 solo tackles and 6 pass deflections and 2 interceptions. The front-seven lost game-wrecker Amare Campbell, who transferred to Penn State as a 4-star. Campbell tallied 11 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. In exchange, they attracted from 4-star edge, Joseph Mupoyi away from Penn State.

On the line, they lost Beau Atkinson (7.5 sacks), Jahvaree Ritzie (6.5 sacks), and Desmond Evans (5.0 sacks). These 3 helped contribute to a sack rate of 9.95% (4th in the nation). Belichick replaced them with former Florida 4-star, D’antre Robinson and Arizona 3-star, Isaiah Johnson.

A prediction and preview for the matchup

This would be a great game for Syracuse to finally build momentum in.

Stringing together a couple wins for the first time this season would be huge for morale heading into the brute of an away stretch they have. UNC is in an adjustment year, and Syracuse should be able to take advantage of it.

I have Syracuse moving to 5-4 on the season with a 30-16 win over the Tar Heels.

SUPPORT THE JUICE ONLINE

You can find our podcast, The Juice on the Cuse, a Syracuse Orange podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever else you may listen!

Businesses in Orange Co. face recovery challenges after Chantal

It wasn’t that they didn’t know their businesses could flood. They just didn’t realize how bad it could get — until Tropical Depression Chantal hit Central North Carolina last week.Up to 6 feet of water filled shops in one of Chapel Hill’s most beloved shopping centers as Chantal’s rains ...

It wasn’t that they didn’t know their businesses could flood. They just didn’t realize how bad it could get — until Tropical Depression Chantal hit Central North Carolina last week.

Up to 6 feet of water filled shops in one of Chapel Hill’s most beloved shopping centers as Chantal’s rains pounded the area on July 6. Flooding destroyed inventory, equipment and interiors. It left local business owners, employees and customers in shock.

Across Orange County, in towns like Hillsborough, Carrboro and Chapel Hill, businesses large and small are dealing with the destruction wrought by Chantal. As recovery begins, it’s hard not to still feel underwater.

Carolina Public Press spoke with owners and community leaders in Orange County to get a sense of what things look like one week out.

When Sean Scott walked into Guglhupf Bakery on Monday morning, July 7, he stopped in his tracks. Chantal was gone, but the bakery’s Chapel Hill location was ruined.

He thought that perhaps the 4-foot metal flood gates would be enough to spare the bakery the worst of it. He was wrong. Water rose to five-and-a-half feet in under two hours.

“It was kind of surreal,” Scott told CPP. “No one was ready for that. There’s been some pretty catastrophic damage. All of our equipment was lost. We had to tear down the walls.”

For Scott, the next steps of recovery pose a daunting challenge.

“The legalities, the insurance, all of that stuff — it’s pretty hard to manage, especially when everything is so emotionally charged,” he said.

Guglhupf Bakery’s Chapel Hill location is at the Eastgate Crossing plaza, which is owned by a parent company called Kite Realty. Although each business has a different lease agreement with Kite, for Guglhupf, Kite is only responsible for damage to the exterior of the business.

This is just one of the complex nuances that Scott is trying to manage. He is unsatisfied by the protocol in place for this kind of event.

“There’s not a checklist or order of operations,” he said. “I think it’s a wake-up call for the town, because Eastgate is in a known floodplain. There needs to be a bit more planning involved, and a bit more transparency.”

To remedy this perceived lack of transparency, Scott says he is getting to work on a database of revenue loss and flood levels from Chantal. He feels like he was leased the property without a real briefing on the flood risk. In addition, he is attempting to renegotiate his lease with Kite Realty.

He thinks the bakery will reopen within a month. Even so, he estimates Guglhupf will lose $110,000, in addition to $150,000 in lost revenue. He knows Guglhupf will recover, but he isn’t so sure about other Eastgate businesses.

He’s planning a concert and auction event to raise money for businesses, the details of which are yet to come.

“I want to do an in-person event, instead of some Go-Fund-Me, because then you get to see your neighbors,” Scott said. “That’s just a really beautiful part of tragedy: connecting with others and creating a good energy around the disaster.”

Nearly every business in the plaza, including a Trader Joe’s grocery store, is devastated. Most of the shops will need to be gutted completely. Many have flood insurance policies in place, but they are likely inadequate to their needs this time around, due to the severity of flooding from Chantal, according to Ian Scott, vice president for advocacy of Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.

“These are long-standing, beloved businesses,” Scott said. “Most are locally-owned, even if at first glance they look like chains. The impact of this will ripple around the community because Chapel Hill is really a hyper-local place.”

Eastgate wasn’t the only plaza in the area that flooded during Chantal.

Nearby, at University Place, formerly the University Mall, flooding overtook many businesses, including The Frame and Print Shop, several restaurants and the Silverspot Cinema.

Cleanup from Chantal at these locations continued through the weekend and is likely to continue for a while at several stores. Saturday, lines of dumpsters full of garbage bags of flood-damaged goods and materials stood alongside the curb outside the University Place businesses.

The Chantal flooding impact was uneven at University Place. A few businesses, including Hawker’s restaurant, had reopened by Saturday after shorter closures.

Despite significant damage, the Frame and Print Shop was operating again. Mud and water from Chantal filled the bottom of the shop, according to owner Becky Woodruff. They lost supplies and equipment, resulting in a loss Woodruff estimates at $10,000.

“The main thing we’re focused on is keeping our staff healthy and employed,” Woodruff told CPP.

“We don’t have any supplies at the moment, but customers are already coming back in.”

In Hillsborough, the most widespread impact of Chantal on local businesses was a boil-water advisory that was lifted Thursday. Both the town’s water treatment plant and sewage treatment plant flooded, leaving the local water supply compromised.

Durham stepped in to supply Hillsborough with water, but still, the town was still under a mandate to conserve water. That was finally lifted over the weekend.

“This is worse than anything I ever saw in the past 20 years in Hillsborough,” Hillsborough mayor Mark Bell told CPP.

“No hurricane ever produced this much water in such a short period of time. There are a lot of people and a lot of businesses scrambling.”

In addition to flash-flooding in several places, major flooding occurred along the Eno River, inundating an old mill building that houses a charter school and the Eno Arts Commission. Many original works of art were lost in the flood. The town’s riverwalk and parks, a major attraction to the historic downtown area, will require major repairs.

By Wednesday night, downtown Hillsborough Italian restaurant Antonia’s had already begun a carry-out and delivery service, according to owner Brian Pearson.

That way, they don’t have to worry about boiling water to wash silverware and plates. Pearson says it reminds him of the COVID protocols they used in the pandemic.

The main message Scott Czechlewski, CEO of the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, wants to communicate is this: we are open for business despite the damage from Chantal.

In Chapel Hill, they too are planning their economic rebound. In the summer, though, when the UNC-Chapel Hill students are gone on break, the town can be pretty dead.

Still, Bedford and others are planning to go ahead with Uproar, the second-annual August arts festival in Orange County. One of the main locations of the festival is the now-devastated Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough.

“After a lot of debate with my boards, staff, and our Uproar town partners, we have decided to move forward with Uproar,” wrote Katie Murray, director of the Orange County Arts Commission.

“Our capacity is challenged due to this unexpected loss of our space, but we feel like showing up for our community, especially after this devastating storm, is exactly what needs to happen right now.”

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. You may republish our stories for free, online or in print. Simply copy and paste the article contents from the box below. Note, some images and interactive features may not be included here.

Jane Winik Sartwell is a staff reporter for Carolina Public Press, who focuses on coverage of health and business. Jane has a bachelor's degree in photography from Bard College and master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. She is based in Wilmington. Email Jane at [email protected] to contact her.

Bike or walk: Orange County is the two wheels transportation leader in NC, 30th in US

ORANGE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Orange County is becoming a leader in helping people find ways to get around besides cars.A new national study from the transportation data group StreetLight put Orange County in the top 30 nationwide for active transportation, with the most people saying they walked or biked on their last trip, with 18 percent, which is higher than Durham County at 11 percent, and Wake County at 9 percent.Ja...

ORANGE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Orange County is becoming a leader in helping people find ways to get around besides cars.

A new national study from the transportation data group StreetLight put Orange County in the top 30 nationwide for active transportation, with the most people saying they walked or biked on their last trip, with 18 percent, which is higher than Durham County at 11 percent, and Wake County at 9 percent.

Jarrett Hayes from Chapel Hill says it's easy getting around on two wheels. He says sometimes he logs up to 30 miles a day.

And he's not alone- Around Chapel Hill, there are bike paths, bike racks and even an easy setup at the bus stop to hook up your bike and catch public transportation.

Combine that with being a college town, and it's a recipe for walkability and bikeability.

But in a car-centric world, it doesn't mean it's perfect.

Jarrett says there are still gaps in the road, and he wants more bike lanes. "If you ride at night like I do, a lot of places don't have street lights, you've got to use a flashlight or a lamp," he says.

Orange County tells ABC11 they're working to make improvements. They're working on the county trails plan to add more options in rural areas, especially access to public transit.

They're also working with surrounding counties to better connect the entire Triangle.

A more car-free world, some say, is long overdue.

"Cars can't continue. And electric cars are good, much better than gas. But we're going backwards, I think," says Linda Thompson from Chapel Hill.

SEE ALSO

Orange County, NC Offers Financial Relief, Storm Chantal Victims Exempt from Disposal Fees at Local Landfill

In the wake of the devastation brought by Storm Chantal, the Orange County Sheriff's Office - North Carolina has announced a financial reprieve for residents dealing with the fallout. The Orange County Disposal Center is set to waive tipping fees for those discarding storm-damaged materials from their homes. This decision comes as a relief to many who are beginning the daunting task of rebuilding and restoring what was lost to nature's fury. The ...

In the wake of the devastation brought by Storm Chantal, the Orange County Sheriff's Office - North Carolina has announced a financial reprieve for residents dealing with the fallout. The Orange County Disposal Center is set to waive tipping fees for those discarding storm-damaged materials from their homes. This decision comes as a relief to many who are beginning the daunting task of rebuilding and restoring what was lost to nature's fury. The Orange County Sheriff's Office's social media post outlines the specifics of the waiver, stating “tipping fees WAIVED for Storm Related Materials,” and providing essential information on how residents can benefit from this initiative.

The categories of debris accepted by the landfill encompass various structural components, emphasizing the extent of damage that Chantal has rendered upon the community. To expedite the clearing process and help swiftly to ease residents back into a semblance of normalcy, the landfill at 1514 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill will not charge for the disposal of shingles, siding, or other structural materials. Required to demonstrate proof of residency, individuals affected by the storm can also bring yard waste to the landfill without incurring the usual costs.

For those whose homes have suffered internal damage, the storm's impact spilling over into the very fabrics of domestic life, the Orange County officials have made provisions. The contents of a storm-ravaged home, such as drenched mattresses, toppled furniture, and electrical appliances rendered dysfunctional by water, are often the unspoken casualties of such environmental catastrophes. The Orange County Solid Waste website offers additional details on the intake of such items at designated Waste and Recycling Centers across the county.

Listed locations accepting household debris ensure that residents have multiple points to to conveniently dispose of their unwanted items. The addresses, inclusive of places such as 3605 Walnut Grove Church Rd. and 6705 Bradshaw Quarry Road, offer accessible venues across Orange County for the drop-off of personal effects tainted by the storm's touch. Mattresses, often a significant concern due to their size and composition, are specifically mentioned as being accepted at Eubanks, Walnut Grove, and the Landfill locations.

The official Orange County Solid Waste website serves as a cornerstone of information for those seeking to understand the full remit of services offered during this period of restoration. This move by the local authorities not only aids in material clean-up but also, symbolically, in the clearing of a path for emotional recovery in the aftermath of Chantal's chaos.

Orange County community supporting storm recovery relief

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — As a boiling water notice went into effect Monday in Orange County after Tropical Storm Chantal, some community members are lending a helping hand.U.S. Army veteran Robert Gilmore heard about what happened Sunday and drove from Winstead, North Carolina to help deliver cases of water to those who need it. “I'm going to keep going as long as there's a need and if they tell me that they don't need any more water, then I'll be waiting to hear if there's other needs,” Gilmore said....

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — As a boiling water notice went into effect Monday in Orange County after Tropical Storm Chantal, some community members are lending a helping hand.

U.S. Army veteran Robert Gilmore heard about what happened Sunday and drove from Winstead, North Carolina to help deliver cases of water to those who need it.

“I'm going to keep going as long as there's a need and if they tell me that they don't need any more water, then I'll be waiting to hear if there's other needs,” Gilmore said.

After 24 years serving in the Army, he went to work for Orange County local government. He now works part-time with the Orange County Department of Social Services. Gilmore said he donated more than 20 cases of water for families in need, and he won’t stop until everyone has what they need.

For Kirby Saunders, an emergency services director for Orange County, this has been a difficult time for the community.

“This is a time of struggle and uncertainty for those who are impacted during the storm,” Saunders said during a virtual news conference. “I just want to reiterate that our efforts, collectively as local government with the support of the state’s Northern Division of Emergency Management and various partners are here to support our community.”

The boiling effect remains in place until Thursday. There has been 59 damage reports to road and bridge infrastructure, downed trees and utilities lines.

On Tuesday, the distribution site outside of the Orange County Social Services Center said there were 720 cars that came through and picked up a case of water. They will allow for more cars to come through the line to get another case of water, Wednesday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. The location for that site is 113 Mayo St., in Hillsborough.

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.
No data found.