71 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com The Upstate A Tale of Resilience Editor’s Note: Our Upstate section is dedicated towards building a stronger relationship with readers and businesses from like-minded communities in neighboring cities and states. When Hurricane Helene crashed into Florida’s Gulf Coast in late September 2024, residents of the Lowcountry eyed it warily. We were tired. We’d already endured Hurricane Debby’s relentless rains, and our grounds were still saturated. We weren’t ready for another storm, another sleepless night, another loss of power and the cleanup that follows it. But we also never imagined that the true impact of Helene would be unleashed upon our neighbors to the north. The mountains of western North Carolina were never anticipated to be the epicenter of the storm; a natural catastrophe that made for a harrowing tragedy. Yet, as the rains fell upon the mountains – up to 2 feet in 24 hours in some rural neighborhoods – and the dams began to fail, we watched as our friends and families were inundated. Floods, mudslides, entire neighborhoods buried under 16 feet of water. Names familiar to all of us: Asheville, Hendersonville, Chimney Rock. Places where Lowcountry families have built memories for generations, washed away like names in the sand. In the wake of Helene though, something beautiful happened, and is still happening today. In the way they do in the face of a crisis, communities came together to rebuild. To restore. The work hasn’t been easy, and now, almost a year later, it continues in some of the hardest-hit regions. The event was horrific, but their story is about a community’s perseverance. The following feature is dedicated to all of the victims and survivors of Hurricane Helene. Your story of resilience during dire times is a testimony to your strength. Mountain Strong. BY LEAH MOORE Joshua & Anne Marie Long, co-owners of Senior Resource Specialists, bring years of expertise in guiding families through the often overwhelming process of finding the right senior living options. As a locally based, relationship-driven team, they understand the unique challenges Charleston families face when navigating care decisions. In this “Ask the Expert” segment, they answer real questions from local families, offering insight and clarity to help you make informed choices with confidence. Senior Resource Specialists WE HAVE SENIORS COVERED Question: Hi Joshua and Anne Marie, my mom lives out of state but wants to move closer to us in Charleston. She’s getting older and we’re worried about her managing things on her own. What’s the best way to start planning a move like this? Answer: You’re not alone—this is a very common scenario we help families navigate! Moving an aging loved one across state lines takes thoughtful planning, especially when it involves a major transition like senior living. Start by identifying your mom’s current care needs and how those might evolve. From there, explore communities in the Charleston area that offer a mix of support, amenities, and the right social setting. It’s also helpful to get medical records transferred, arrange for local physicians, and discuss things like mail forwarding and insurance coverage in SC. We regularly help coordinate these kinds of moves, making the transition as smooth as possible for both the senior and their family. Give us a call - we have you covered! ASK THE EXPERT
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