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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 Lancaster, SC

Home Care Lancaster, SC

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 President James K. Polk State Historic Site 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 Lancaster, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Lancaster, SC

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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

“Phil Davidson and his staff provides the best service around in the York County area...Very professional and they truly care about their clients...I highly recommend Always Best Care of Rock Hill”

Will J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Looking for a loving and caring place for a parent, grandparent or any loved one? Look no further than Phil and his team at Always Best Care of Rock Hill!”

Tamaya M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have enjoyed working with Always Best. They are informative and helpful. When I need to schedule care, they are very responsive. Definitely a good choice in companion care.”

AshS
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always willing to help”

Christine B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked for many agencies as a CNA. Always Best Care of Rock Hill, SC is by far the best! They treat their clients and caregivers with generosity and compassion. They go "above and beyond" in every area. You can't go wrong with them.”

Loretta B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They gave my mother the most wonderful, loving care. They were very accommodating when we needed to make changes in the schedule. After dealing with two other agencies I wish I had gone with them from the start. They deserve a 10!”

Bobbie S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“New Employee & I’m loving it already”

Sonda P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Needed care for my mother with dementia, and father with medical issues. The team at Always Best Care were very responsive to our needs for 24/7 care for about 8 weeks. They try hard to have the same caregivers come to the house for continuity of care. The family really appreciated Phil's assistance with placing my parents in Assisted Living. His knowledge of the local York County homes was invaluable to placing my parents in a welcoming environment. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to help with senior care!”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have had the best support from a caring and supporting staff over the past year. The AMAZING part is that I live in CA and they're providing these services in Rock Hill. When I have any questions they are quick to get my answer back in a timely manner.”

James G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I could probably say that I was a past client of this provider, but because I continue to receive words of encouragement and advise from them, I still claim the current client status. Their help with my mother that was provided while she was at home was fantastic. They also have helped guide us through hospital and rehab stays. I would have to give them a 5 star rating and honestly can not think of one thing that went wrong on their part while we used their care The Caregiver was excellent. I wholeheartedly would recommend Always Best Care to anyone that finds themselves needing a caregiver to come along beside them.”

CBrakefield
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always willing to help”

Christine G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We're using Always Best Care for my parents. They're fantastic. The caregivers are professional, courteous, entertaining, and accommodating. They mainly provide medication management and companionship. I feel like they give personal touches, and there's a certain professionalism to them that other agencies I contacted didn't have.”

Van
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed you.”

Robin J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been providing care givers for my 91 year old father for more than 2 years now. I have been happy with their staff. My father is cared for with love and dignity and with their help I've been able to keep him in my home.”

Laura A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care service was very helpful in locating an assisted living facility for my Mother. Very professional and I would use them again.”

TWright
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TESTIMONIALS

“It was time to consider alternative living arrangements for my mom. She was living on her own in a single-family home that she loved. She was in need of assistance with daily household chores, driving, and managing daily functions. I was given Phil Davidson's name from a social worker. He explained that Phil (and his company Always Best Care), may be a good resource for me and my mom. We began with some in home care (3-5 days a week). Phil met my mom, established a great working relationship with her, and had one of his staff members become my mom's in home caregiver. Phil took the time to get to know my mom and aligned her needs and personality with the right person to help her. Eventually we needed to look for an Assisted Living community. Phil was there to guide us. He arranged meetings with a variety of communities and toured with them with us. Phil knew the right questions to ask and always kept my mom's wishes on his checklist. I especially liked that Phil does not get paid by us, but rather by the facility that we ended up choosing. Phil and his staff were great to work with. Exceptionally professional and understanding of my mom.”

Rich S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I had a wonderful experience using Always Best Care Senior Services! The owner, Phil Davidson, along with our wonderful caregiver, Sarah , came to my house so that I could meet them and get to know them before my parents moved in with my family for several months! As we sat discussing our plan of care, I got the feeling they would treat my parents like part of their family! And they sure did! Sarah was kind, patient and very knowledgeable with my parents and their medical issues. Sarah was so helpful to me and my family! I would not have been able to make it through those months without her! I felt at ease and had no worries when I was at work, or having some ME time! I knew my parents were in caring and trustworthy hands! So, I would highly recommend Always Best Care senior Services!!”

Stephanie C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Phil, I just wanted to recount to you what my Mother told me on the phone this morning about your employee, and my parent's caretaker, Vicky Jo. Vicky Jo started with my parents in March of 2012, during a very difficult time. My father had fallen and broken his neck, on top of coping with Parkinson's. My mother took care of him, as well as their home and while we could help some, the day to day chores took a toll on her. We were afraid we were going to lose her health as well. In a huge stroke of luck, we were able to find a two-bedroom apartment at Chandler Place which would provide meals and emergency response services, alleviating a good bit of my mom's responsibilities and stress. In an even bigger stroke of luck, we began using Vicky Jo two hours every morning to help my father with bathing and dressing. In the months that followed, Vicky Jo has not only provided physical support, but significant moral support to both my parents. She is very capable, upbeat and genuine. My mother is absolutely devoted to her and feels she can trust her with anything. We couldn't be more grateful for her, and for you as well for providing her to us. I also want to take a moment to thank you, as you have gone above and beyond in your interaction and care of my parents. I can tell you truly care about my folks and their well being and it is such an amazing thing to see in this day and age when everything seems like it is only about the money. Blessing to you and your business. I know that you will be a God Send to other families as well and I wish you the best. Please know that if you are ever in need of a referral, I would be delighted to provide one for you.”

Barbara S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is a pleasure doing business with a professional and ethical company”

Kristen B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your business. You really stand out in an industry and a time when people just go through the motions. You are a very special man and I pray that you will be very successful in your business.”

Karissa L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during this summer. The care givers that we had were excellent and very professional. Thanks for being so flexible with the scheduling.”

John R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Phil, "We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such wonderful live-in care for our Grandfather from June through October 2013. Our family found ourselves in the most unimaginable situation when our Grandmother was unexpectedly hospitalized in late May and ultimately passed away in June. As you know, she was the sole caregiver for our Grandfather who has severe Alzheimer's disease. We are so very fortunate that we discovered your agency! You were able to promptly place qualified caregivers in his home and this gave our family immediate peace of mind. The level of care and compassion that you and your caregivers demonstrated toward our Grandfather is more than we ever anticipated and we will be forever grateful. You all walked with him through the terrible tragedy of losing his wife of 67 years. You and your staff provided extraordinary physical and emotional care for him through his grief and made getting him back to a "normal" life your top priority upon her death. In addition to the care you all provided my Grandfather, you were so kind to help educate us on the progression of Alzheimer's. You were a wonderful resource to us on what to expect in the next phases of this disease and help us plan for long-term care for him. While we are very sad to have to place him in a memory care-assisted living facility, we made the decision knowing that this will be the best place for him as he ages and his disease worsens. Your guidance and expertise in helping us choose the right facility for him helped make this daunting task bearable. Thank you again for all that you have done for our grandfather and for our family! We will be forever grateful!”

Ashley S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your business. You really stand out in an industry and a time when people just go through the motions. You are a very special man and I pray that you will be very successful in your business.”

K L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Phil, Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during this summer. The care givers that we had were excellent and very professional. Thanks for being so flexible with the scheduling.”

John A.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Lancaster, SC?

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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 Lancaster, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Lancaster, SC

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 Lancaster, SC
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 Lancaster, SC
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 Bear Creek 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 Lancaster, SC
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 Belvedere Inn or visit Robert Mills House and Gardens, 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 Lancaster, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Lancaster, SC

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 Lancaster, SC, 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 Lancaster, SC

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 SC'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 Lancaster, SC

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 Lancaster, SC 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 Lancaster, SC

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 Lancaster, SC

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:

  • Red Rose Manor
  • Mennonite Home
  • Woodcrest Villa
  • Evergreen Estates Retirement Community
  • The Long Home
  • Providence Place Senior Living of Lancaster
Home Care Lancaster, SC

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 Lancaster, SC

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 Lancaster, SC 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 Lancaster, SC

Latest News in Lancaster, SC

Should Indian Land become its own city by 2040? New county plan urges considering it

Indian Land residents who haven’t been here long want their community to slow down the growth. But would they want to create their own city?Tucked into a new Lancaster County long-term plan is a goal to consider a “measured and intentional plan” to transition the county panhandle to a municipality.Work o...

Indian Land residents who haven’t been here long want their community to slow down the growth. But would they want to create their own city?

Tucked into a new Lancaster County long-term plan is a goal to consider a “measured and intentional plan” to transition the county panhandle to a municipality.

Work on the plan began in 2021. Once approved by Lancaster County Council — which could be as soon as next month — it will guide land use decisions for more than a decade.

The plan doesn’t list details for when and how a push might form to incorporate Indian Land. But if it happens, it won’t be the first time Indian Land faced the townhood question.

A small but connected group of residents pushed for an incorporation vote in early 2018.

The issue became contentious between residents concerned about tax increases and organizers who wanted to keep tax revenue, franchise fees and more from the high-growth Indian Land there.

Organizers cleared several state hurdles to get the decision to a ballot. That push in Indian Land caused the smaller Van Wyck community to hurriedly petition for their own incorporation so they wouldn’t be sucked into Indian Land. Van Wyck became a town by public vote in 2017.

The Indian Land campaign, scrambled somewhat by the loss of Van Wyck, sputtered.

About 83% of voters opted not to make Indian Land a town. The only intrigue in the election came from a question of what the potential town should be named. Voters got creative, with options from “Fancy Town” to “Overtaxville” to “Towny McTownface.”

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March 29, 2018 12:14 PM

If a new move toward incorporation develops, it will have to focus north of Van Wyck. That area still includes most of the county panhandle, north of Highway 75.

The Lancaster 2040 plan includes a lot of numbers that highlight what the panhandle has become in recent years:

? 40,680

The panhandle resident count in the 2020 Census is roughly the same as the populations of Fort Mill, York and Lancaster combined. If the panhandle were a city or town, it would rank No. 10 in South Carolina ahead of Spartanburg, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and others.

? 476%

Panhandle growth from 2000 to 2020 transitioned a mostly rural area into an urbanized one. The county grew 179% from 2000 to 2010 and 106% from 2010 to 2020.

? 14,400

New homes built in the panhandle from 2000 to 2022, which provided space for about 30,000 residents.

? 12%

Developed land in the panhandle increased from 2010 to 2020.

? 5,360

New homes (3,200) and apartments (2,160) were approved but not yet built, as of last fall. Those residences are expected to add 13,000 people.

? 32,000

The average number of daily traffic trips along U.S. 521, or Charlotte Highway, is the most in the county. S.C. 160 and S.C. 5 in the panhandle see more than 10,000 trips a day.

? 2030

The year almost all Lancaster County schools are projected to be over capacity, though planning is ongoing for a bond referendum.

? 83.2%

The share of panhandle homes built since 2000 shows dwarfs any prior period. The 2000 to 2009 decade accounts for 42.8% of homes, followed by 40.4% since then.

? 70%

Panhandle residents who moved to their current address since 2010 are in the majority.

? $113,000

The panhandle median household income is well above Lancaster County ($72,186) and state ($63,623) averages.

? 46.9

The median age of panhandle residents is almost seven years older than Lancaster County as a whole. A major driver of that difference is the Sun City retirement community.

Indian Land’s potential to become a municipality is one of almost 20 panhandle priorities.

Others include possible Charlotte Area Transit System bus connection to Ballantyne and light rail at the Interstate 485 station in Pineville, North Carolina; a “central civic gathering space” in Indian Land, a funding stream for road improvements and more access to the Catawba River.

Of almost 2,000 survey responses to Lancaster 2040, some 62% came from panhandle residents. About 79% came from some unincorporated part of the county.

About 59% of responses consider quality of life in the county as average. Just 30% marked high, and 11% went low. Among concerns, growth and development was the top first- and second-place answer given by the most participants. Traffic was second, for both. Schools were the third-greatest concern.

Most responses, 63%, said growth is happening too fast. In the panhandle, 82% said its too fast.

Countywide, 74% of responses listed traffic congestion as the top transportation issue. In the panhandle, congestion was the top issue for 95% of people. In southern Lancaster, by contrast, the top response was “no concerns” at 41%.

Among all responses, 26% of residents have lived in Lancaster County less than five years. More than half, 52%, moved here in the past 10 years.

The Lancaster 2040 plan has public meetings upcoming Tuesday at the Kershaw library, Jan. 29 at the Lancaster County Historic Courthouse and Jan. 30 at the Del Webb library in Indian Land.

Multiple new housing developments ‘just the beginning’ for growth in Lancaster, city says

From Indian Land to Kershaw, growth is on full display in Lancaster County.LANCASTER, S.C. — It's often noted that about 100 people move to Charlotte every day, but the Queen City isn't the only area seeing growth.Surrounding counties, cities, and towns are also seeing a surge of people moving in....

From Indian Land to Kershaw, growth is on full display in Lancaster County.

LANCASTER, S.C. — It's often noted that about 100 people move to Charlotte every day, but the Queen City isn't the only area seeing growth.

Surrounding counties, cities, and towns are also seeing a surge of people moving in.

Lancaster, South Carolina is one of them with several major housing developments on the way.

Recent census data shows the city has a population of more than 8,800.

But, Alize Thomas, a city spokeswoman, said growth from Charlotte is bringing new life.

“All these years I've heard, you know, we're just a slow little town and all this, but now it's like, fastly moving," Thomas said. “Right now, we have three huge subdivisions happening right here in the city of Lancaster.”

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She said one project will bring around 280 homes to University Drive off Charlotte Highway with construction expected to begin next spring.

Then, minutes away, near the Arrowood subdivision, 250 homes are expected. Developers are working through the approval process and hoping to have it underway next year, according to Thomas.

Also, behind Applebee's off Highway 9 bypass, Thomas said, dozens of additional homes are on the way.

"It's just the beginning for Lancaster and even the county," Thomas said.

From Indian Land to Kershaw, County Administrator Dennis Marstall said there's a lot in the works.

"Where the new Duke Energy whitewater center is between here and Great Falls, there's going to be over 400 units there," Marstall said, "There's even a talk for larger track of maybe up to over 1000 units. So, we have growth county wide.”

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Nicholas Turbyfill lives in Lancaster and helps manage 521 BBQ & Grill downtown. He believes the developments will be good for the city and the restaurants bottom line.

"It’ll help out the economy a lot," Turbyfill said. "It’ll help everything build, you know? Just have more business going. In a town that’s really thriving for it.”

To accommodate the growth, the city said it's looking at ways to fix roads, improve traffic, and add to quality of life, including enhancing the greenway.

Thousands lose power in York, Lancaster SC as storm hits. Tornado watch issued

Thousands of customers lost power, creeks topped their banks and water pooled on roadways Tuesday as a severe storm with high winds and rain lashed York, Chester, and Lancaster counties.The storm caused some roads to flood in the city of Rock Hill and swaths of York County — ranging from the northwest near the North Carolina border to near the Catawba Indian Reservation along the county’s eastern edge at the C...

Thousands of customers lost power, creeks topped their banks and water pooled on roadways Tuesday as a severe storm with high winds and rain lashed York, Chester, and Lancaster counties.

The storm caused some roads to flood in the city of Rock Hill and swaths of York County — ranging from the northwest near the North Carolina border to near the Catawba Indian Reservation along the county’s eastern edge at the Catawba River.

The rain pelted the areas strong enough for the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning was issued for northeast York County just after 1 p.m. The areas included Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and Clover. The flood warning expired at 5 p.m.

Chuck Haynes, York County Emergency Management Director, said at 5 p.m. all areas of the county received heavy rains and pockets of flooding. No injuries or fatalties were reported, Haynes said.

“This really affected all of York County,” Haynes said.

Haynes urged the public to remain vigilant through Wednesday, because trees weakened by the water could still fall.

Deputies with the York County Sheriff’s Office continued to monitor roads as of 5 p.m. and will be looking for problem areas overnight, said Trent Faris, spokesman for the sheriff’s office.

Among the flooded roads: a busy stretch of S.C. 161, Celanese Road, near the York County airport.

High water was also reported near the busy intersection of S.C. 72, Saluda Road and S.C. 901, Heckle Boulevard.

The sheriff’s office also posted alerts of flooding at Springdale Road and Hopewell Road east of Rock Hill, and flooding in western York County at Kings Mountain State Park and areas near S.C. 55.

In the city of Rock Hill, police department officials urged caution for drivers. Police said on social media flooding was reported around 3:30 p.m. on Neely Road, part of Heckle Boulevard near Friedheim Road, the Dave Lyle Boulevard underpass at Interstate 77, and the Dave Lyle Boulevard ramps to Anderson Road.

Use caution if traveling and avoid these areas that are blocked due to flooding: Neely Rd at College Downs (pictured); Dave Lyle ramps from Anderson Rd; Dave Lyle underpass at I-77.Northbound Heckle from Ogden to Friedheim is one lane. Please drive slowly. pic.twitter.com/g1RxYNQD3U

— Rock Hill PD (@rockhillpd) January 9, 2024

A tornado watch for the area also was issued before noon for all three counties and much of South Carolina and the Charlotte area, according to the National Weather Service. The tornado watch was scheduled to last through 6 p.m., the weather service said.

TREE & POWER LINE DOWN: Another incident on Lincoln Rd. this time at the 1300 block of Lincoln Rd. York, SC. Deputies are helping with #traffic control while crews work to clear the road and get the power back on. #YCSONews #YOCONews #scwx #yocowx pic.twitter.com/ylryQ4e7w9

— York County Sheriff (@YCSO_SC) January 9, 2024

Power outages on Tuesday afternoon after 4 p.m. showed just over 4,000 customers without service in York , Chester, and Lancaster counties, according to PowerOutage.us, a website that aggregates live data from utilities across the country.

York Electric reported more than 480 outages in York County as of 4 p.m.., according to its outage map.

That number went down Tuesday afternoon from a number in the thousands earlier as repairs were made. York Electric Cooperative spokesman Marc Howie said crews are responding to the outages.

Duke Energy had more than 1,000 outages Tuesday morning but showed less than 50 outages after 4 p.m. in York County, according to its outage map.

Rock Hill Utilities’ outage map showed about 395 customers without power after 4 p.m.

Lancaster County had over 2,600 outages reported after 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to PowerOutage.us. Chester County had more than 275 outages.

Schools in York and Lancaster counties decided Monday to hold virtual school because of the forecast.

Rain forecasts for the Rock Hill area for Tuesday were from 1 to 2 inches with the possibility of more, according to the Weather Service. Winds were expected to be 20-30 miles per hour, with guts of 45 MPH.

The area remains under a wind advisory and flood watch through 10 p.m. Tuesday, the weather service said.

Alexa Adams, a second grade teacher at River Trail Elementary School, gives a lesson from home Tuesday. The Fort Mill school district had remote learning due to severe weather. By Tracy Kimball

This story was originally published January 9, 2024, 11:24 AM.

Crews battle factory fire in Lancaster County, SC

The fire happened Sunday at the Archer Daniels Midland factory in Kershaw.KERSHAW, S.C. — A large fire at the Archer Daniels Midland factory in Lancaster County prompted a large response on Sunday afternoon and evening.For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charl...

The fire happened Sunday at the Archer Daniels Midland factory in Kershaw.

KERSHAW, S.C. — A large fire at the Archer Daniels Midland factory in Lancaster County prompted a large response on Sunday afternoon and evening.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

The fire began around 5:20 p.m. and was contained by 8 p.m. on Sunday night. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Several crews were on the scene this evening battling the flames. Kershaw County Fire Service also responded after Lancaster County requested assistance.

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The ADM Kershaw location is a soybean processing plant, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. It is located in the 400 block of N. Hampton Street in the Town of Kershaw.

Dane Lisser, a spokesperson with ADM, sent WCNC Charlotte the following statement about Sunday's fire:

ADM is committed to ensuring the safety of our employees, our communities and the environment.

At approximately 5:20 p.m. Sunday evening, ADM officials detected a fire in the aspiration system of the preparation plant at ADM’s Kershaw, South Carolina, facility. ADM immediately contacted the Kershaw fire department. The fire was contained around 8 p.m. and the Kershaw Fire Department remains on site as a precaution. There were no injuries. We appreciate the fast response of the Kershaw Fire Department to quickly get the resulting fire under control. We are investigating the cause of the incident.

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Homeowners in Lancaster County say tap water has odor, strange taste

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — Some Lancaster County homeowners claim their tap water has had a strange taste and odor for about three weeks now.The water looks normal, but neighbors say it tastes and smells weird. The Lancaster County Water and Sewer District is calling it an aesthetic issue.One woman told Channel 9′s Almiya White she started buying cases of water because she says the taste is unbearable.“It tastes horrible,” Susan Danna said....

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — Some Lancaster County homeowners claim their tap water has had a strange taste and odor for about three weeks now.

The water looks normal, but neighbors say it tastes and smells weird. The Lancaster County Water and Sewer District is calling it an aesthetic issue.

One woman told Channel 9′s Almiya White she started buying cases of water because she says the taste is unbearable.

“It tastes horrible,” Susan Danna said.

ALSO READ: Attorneys file lawsuit claiming New-Indy is releasing toxins in Catawba River

Danna said she hasn’t been able to drink the tap water inside of her Lancaster County home.

“About three weeks ago, I started to notice that the water was tasting kind of weird,” she said.

“For me, it’s a combination of dirt and chemicals,” she described.

Danna said the strange taste forced her to buy cases of water to drink and cook with.

“So that’s another issue from the cost, paying for water that I can’t use and buying water. So it’s a lose-lose for consumers,” she said.

Danna said Lancaster County Water and Sewer acknowledged the unusual taste and tested her water. She said they told her the water was safe and said the odd taste should go away in a week.

“It’s been over three weeks,” she said.

There was no change so she reached out to Channel 9.

According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, “the seasonal turnover in the raw water reservoir caused the recent taste and odor concern,” adding “the drinking water carbon treatment system needed repair.”

The Lancaster County Water and Sewer District released a statement saying, “these are aesthetic issues not related to water safety.” The department said they’ve already implemented water treatment modifications to help return the taste and order of water to normal.

Danna said once things are back to normal, she’ll feel comfortable drinking the tap water again.

“I’d like the water to be drinkable and be reassured that it’s safe,” she said.

DHEC said the carbon treatment system has been repaired. Lancaster County Water and Sewer District said it usually takes two weeks for the adjustment to be fully effective. For areas still experiencing issues, it could take a few additional days to work throughout the system.

Read the full statements from the Lancaster County Water and Sewer District and DHEC below.

Lancaster County Water and Sewer District:

“The temporary taste and odor issues experienced by some LCWSD customers are related to changes in the untreated water from the Catawba River and our 92-acre reservoir before it is treated at the Catawba River Water Treatment Plant.

“It is important to note that our treated water is safe to drink, and it has always met or exceeded state and federal standards during this issue. The safety of our drinking water is confirmed by a water quality testing regimen conducted in full accordance with state regulations with samples taken at the water plant and throughout our water distribution system.

“We understand the concerns of some of our customers, but we would like to assure them these are aesthetic issues not related to water safety.

“Taste and odor issues can be common across the Southeast, including South Carolina. There are multiple potential causes for the issues including warm weather, higher levels of iron and manganese, and impacts from non-toxic algal blooms. The existence of one or more of these factors can cause the water to have a musty or earthy taste and odor, which some people are more sensitive to than others. Our area has experienced warm weather, dry conditions, and seasonal changes and we are continually conducting testing to confirm other potential causes.

“Two weeks ago, LCWSD first implemented water treatment modifications to help return the taste and odor of the water to normal. When conditions require an adjustment to the treatment process, it can take up to two weeks for the adjustment to be fully effective throughout our entire system.

“Some areas have already returned to normal, however, it may take a few additional days for our adjustment to work throughout our system. We will continue to closely monitor the situation.

“There are ways an affected customer can reduce their temporary taste and odor issues. Chilling the water and/or adding lemon can help, as well as the use of a properly maintained carbon filter like a Brita pitcher or faucet filter. There is no need to purchase bottled water for safety.

“We greatly appreciate our customers’ understanding and patience as we continue addressing the issue.”

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control:

“DHEC has been in contact with the drinking water system. Seasonal turnover in the raw water reservoir has caused the recent taste and odor concerns. During this turnover time, the drinking water carbon treatment system needed repair and was not effectively treating the taste and odor issues. The carbon treatment system has been repaired and the taste and odor issues are being addressed. The water system took coliform samples which came back negative. They are also testing for indications of an algal bloom, but we have not received those results yet. Everything that is contributing to the taste and odor issues are believed to be naturally occurring and should not be considered to be harmful to health.”

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