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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 Cedar Park, TX

Home Care Cedar Park, TX

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 King Log House 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 Cedar Park, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Cedar Park, TX

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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

“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”

Stacey Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kyle and his team are great.”

Mallorca H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”

Sarah B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”

Dana C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”

Bill E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”

Elvis F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”

Ilene G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”

Jerry M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”

Antoinette G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”

David W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”

Bonnie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”

Mary A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”

Jaime T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”

Sarah E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”

Chris S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”

Jeremy N.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Cedar Park, TX?

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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 Cedar Park, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Cedar Park, TX

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 Cedar Park, TX
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 Cedar Park, TX
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 Brushy Creek Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Cedar Park, TX
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 Soto Japanese and Sushi Restaurant or visit Wilson-Leonard Brushy Creek Burial Site, 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 Cedar Park, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Cedar Park, TX

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 Cedar Park, TX, 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 Cedar Park, TX

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 TX'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 Cedar Park, TX

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 Cedar Park, TX 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 Cedar Park, TX

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 Cedar Park, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Auberge at Cedar Park
  • The Pointe at Cedar Park
  • The Enclave at Cedar Park Senior Living
  • The Monarch at Cedar Park
  • Avalon Memory Care
  • Isle at Cedar Ridge
Home Care Cedar Park, TX

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 Cedar Park, TX

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 Cedar Park, TX 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 Cedar Park, TX

Latest News in Cedar Park, TX

SCHEELS Bringing Second Store to Texas, Announcing Cedar Park Location

The 240,000 square-foot All Sports store will open Fall 2026 in Cedar Park, north of AustinFARGO, N.D., Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Employee-owned SCHEELS is excited to bring its second All Sports store to Texas, scheduled to open Fall 2026 in Cedar Park. Construction on the new shopping destination will begin early next year at CedarView, a large development near the H-E...

The 240,000 square-foot All Sports store will open Fall 2026 in Cedar Park, north of Austin

FARGO, N.D., Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Employee-owned SCHEELS is excited to bring its second All Sports store to Texas, scheduled to open Fall 2026 in Cedar Park. Construction on the new shopping destination will begin early next year at CedarView, a large development near the H-E-B Center soon to be home to Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), plus a convention center and hotel. SCHEELS will serve as the second core anchor in the development alongside NFM, and will feature 240,000 square-feet of premium retail adventure for the entire family. The Cedar Park SCHEELS joins The Colony location which opened in the north Dallas suburb in 2020, expanding the company's reach across the state.

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"The people of North Texas have welcomed SCHEELS with open arms and we could not be more excited to bring another location to the state," said SCHEELS CEO Steve M. Scheel. "Our location in The Colony at Grandscape is another NFM development, and we could not pass up the opportunity to work alongside the NFM team again. We look forward to building upon our partnership and bringing another unmatched retail experience to the Austin community when we open our doors in Cedar Park."

Cedar Park SCHEELS will be home to entertainment attractions, specialty shops, and boutiques showcasing premium products and top brands. The store will stock more than one million pieces of inventory throughout 75 specialty shops, all staffed by true experts who go through SCHEELS University training with specific focus on helping customers achieve their goals.

Like other SCHEELS locations, the store will be a destination for fun with plenty of family-friendly attractions. These include a 65-foot Ferris Wheel, 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium with more than 600 fish, a wildlife mountain, and Fuzziwig's Candy Shop. Shoppers will have the opportunity to enjoy interactive arcade games and sports simulators, and specialty treats at Ginna's Cafe, a restaurant serving gourmet soups and sandwiches, homemade fudge, and specialty coffee.

"SCHEELS is a one-of-a-kind destination retail experience that showcases not only an incredible selection of the best brands, but also the best in customer service," said NFM Chief Strategy and Development Officer Jeff Lind. "They truly offer a unique experience in the area of sporting goods and so much more. I'm so proud to welcome them to CedarView and look forward to them being neighbors of NFM."

Cedar Park SCHEELS, an employee owned company, will employ more than 500 associates, who look forward to bringing their expertise and enthusiasm when the store opens in Fall 2026. The majority of these associates will be hired locally, meaning hundreds of new jobs for the Cedar Park community. The store will be the company's 35th location, with 32 existing stores and 2 others scheduled to open in 2024 in Meridian, Idaho and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

SCHEELS History: Three acres of potatoes were the seed for the first SCHEELS store in 1902. Frederick A. Scheel, a German immigrant, used the $300 he earned from that first harvest as the down payment on the first SCHEELS, a small hardware store in Sabin, Minn. Over the years, SCHEELS opened in surrounding communities including Fargo in 1930, where the Corporate Offices are located. Customer interest grew and sports lines were added to the product mix.

SCHEELS is now a 32-store operation with stores in 14 states including North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Nevada, Illinois, Utah, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. Currently, Steve D. Scheel, the great grandson of SCHEELS founder, is the company's Chairman of the Board, and great-great grandson Steve M. Scheel is CEO. Todd Anderson serves as President and oversees SCHEELS daily operations of more than 11,000 associates.

MEDIA CONTACT:Kiersten HeglandSCHEELS Corporate Marketing Office[email protected] | 701.551.5860

All Sports retailer SCHEELS is bringing a second store to Texas, announcing a Cedar Park location opening Fall of 2026. The 240,000 sq. ft. retail adventure will feature a 65-foot Ferris Wheel, 16,000 gallon aquarium, and more than one million pieces of inventory throughout 75 specialty shops. Cedar Park will be the employee-owned company's 35th location.

Press Release from PR Newswirewww.prnewswire.com

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Holiday light display in Cedar Park helping community

CEDAR PARK, Texas - Central Texas is lighting up for Christmas, and one home in Cedar Park turned its twinkling lights into a way to give back to the community."It's amazing," said Monica McKitterick-Smith, the president of the board of directors for the Williamson County CASA. "I mean, where e...

CEDAR PARK, Texas - Central Texas is lighting up for Christmas, and one home in Cedar Park turned its twinkling lights into a way to give back to the community.

"It's amazing," said Monica McKitterick-Smith, the president of the board of directors for the Williamson County CASA. "I mean, where else can you just pull up off of a random road in Cedar Park and see such an amazing light show?"

The kids watching the lights dance to music couldn’t agree more.

"It's like if you were actually like at the North Pole but like way better," said Leila Jackson, who watched the Christmas lights.

The home is maybe a bit smaller than Santa's workshop, but it delivers the same amount of Christmas magic.

"Between Santa, the Grinch, and the show itself, it's become a very large attraction," said Ramon Mendoza, who owns the festive home.

Mendoza has been decorating his yard and house with Christmas lights for about ten years now.

"Our kids really enjoy it," said Mendoza.

The impact it has on his community is something he can't wrap under a tree.

"You see the memories that you make for families," said Mendoza. "The kids lighting up when they see the shows and the traditions that come about, and then you add in the fact that we're helping CASA."

Every year, Mendoza's house raises about $8,000 to $10,000 in donations for the CASA of Williamson County.

"CASA is such a great necessity in this area," said McKitterick-Smith. "We don't realize how many foster children that are in need, are neglected and abused, and that's where the volunteers of casa really step in."

Not even the Grinch, who made a surprise appearance on Friday, can steal the joy the show brings.

"I really like the about the Grinch thing and all the flowers and especially the candy canes and that too," said Leila Jackson.

"Like those snowflakes on the garage," added Austin Jackson.

The light show begins at 6 pm every night. It plays Sunday through Thursday until 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday until 10:30 pm.

The address is 905 Lone Star Dr, Cedar Park, TX, 78613.

Mendoza said Santa and the Grinch tend to show up on the weekends.

Brush fire destroys apartment building, damages others in Cedar Park; many evacuees can return home

A brush fire destroyed a Cedar Park apartment building Tuesday evening and damaged three others, leading to an evacuation of hundreds of homes and businesses as it approached the heavily populated area.The Parmer Lane Fire was 60% contained and had burned about 50 acres as of Wednesday morning, the Texas A&M Forest Service said, lowering the estimate from the night before of 120 acres burned. Crews were able to stop the brush fire's advance overnight, Cedar Park Fire Chief James Mallinger said.Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin told ...

A brush fire destroyed a Cedar Park apartment building Tuesday evening and damaged three others, leading to an evacuation of hundreds of homes and businesses as it approached the heavily populated area.

The Parmer Lane Fire was 60% contained and had burned about 50 acres as of Wednesday morning, the Texas A&M Forest Service said, lowering the estimate from the night before of 120 acres burned. Crews were able to stop the brush fire's advance overnight, Cedar Park Fire Chief James Mallinger said.

Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin told KUT that Building 10 at the Bexley at Silverado apartment complex at 12820 W. Parmer Lane — just south of the intersection with Whitestone Boulevard — was a total loss.

At a news conference Wednesday morning, Mallinger said there were 24 apartment units in Building 10. An evacuation center is open at The Hill Country Bible Church at 3351 Little Elm Trail in Cedar Park.

Buildings 11 and 12 at the Bexley were partially damaged, the fire chief said, and officials will be working with residents to determine when they can return home. Building 9, originally thought to be partially affected, had no damage. Many other evacuees in the area are able to return home immediately, he said.

Mallinger said people who don't live in the affected apartment complex should stay away from the area. Cedar Park residents will see smoke and firefighting aircraft throughout the day Wednesday, he said.

Two first responders have minor injuries, Mallinger said. One had a knee-related injury and the other got debris in their eye. No other injuries have been reported from the fire.

The fire chief said he does not know the cause of the fire at this time.

The city is asking residents to conserve water due to the effects of the brush fire. "No outdoor watering/irrigation for 48 hours," the city said in a Wednesday tweet.

'I realized my fire extinguisher was not gonna help'

Calls to 911 reporting a grass fire began coming in around 6:16 p.m. Tuesday. Around 10 p.m., the Texas A&M Forest Service, which has responded to more than 100 wildfires statewide over the last week, said crews were on the way to the Austin suburb.

“Someone was pounding on my door yelling, ‘Fire!’ … so I went and grabbed my fire extinguisher and I ran outside,” said Carrie Muraca, a resident of the Bexley apartments, who was sitting near caution tape at the entrance to the complex Tuesday. “I walked out and I just saw it all on fire, so I realized my fire extinguisher was not gonna help the situation.”

Muraca said she was able to get some personal items out and, most importantly, her three dogs.

She said she has been asking for updates, but officials haven't told her anything. She said she will stay there all night.

“I can’t bring myself to leave,” she said. “I need to know what’s gonna happen.”

This story has been updated. Scroll below for photos and video of the scene.

Cedar Park shopping center hopes to bring in hundred of jobs, thousands of shoppers

CEDAR PARK, Texas - A huge shopping center near the intersection of New Hope Road and U.S. Highway 183 in Cedar Park will be opening in the next few years.It will include a hotel, convention center, and two new stores."Cedar Park and the Austin community is certainly in growth mode and seems to really ...

CEDAR PARK, Texas - A huge shopping center near the intersection of New Hope Road and U.S. Highway 183 in Cedar Park will be opening in the next few years.

It will include a hotel, convention center, and two new stores.

"Cedar Park and the Austin community is certainly in growth mode and seems to really match up nicely with our culture and our style," said Andy Shefsky, the PR and community manager for NFM.

Nebraska Furniture Mart is one of the two new businesses making the move to central Texas.

"Anything and everything that you might need whether it's a one-item visit, or you want to completely start from the beginning with a home makeover," said Shefsky.

The other latest addition is SCHEELS, a large retail and sports store.

"The average customer spends about 2 and half hours in the store," said Ashley Sornsin, the brand manager for SCHEELS.

Inside each store is also a restaurant, aquarium, and even a 65-foot Ferris Wheel.

"We felt that making ourselves stand apart and offering some of these different amenities brings a lot of joy to families and family is important to us," said Sornsin.

Altogether, the development will be nearly 1.5 million square feet.

The companies said they've picked out a plot of land right behind the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park to build on.

"The Austin community and Cedar Park area, specifically, was I guess a great fit for us, and the Nebraska Furniture Mart, which we are with in the Grandscape in The Colony, they were building in Cedar Park, and so we knew we couldn't pass up the opportunity," said Sornsin.

Combined, both stores are looking at hiring 1200 people.

"Those positions are mainly going to be anything from management to sales professionals, interior designers, customer service designers, and staff for our warehouse."

Tony Moline, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce, sent FOX 7 Austin the following statement:

"New businesses like NFM and Scheels are vital to the Cedar Park business community and its residents because they contribute to economic growth, job creation, and enhanced local shopping and recreational options. These new establishments not only boost the city's tax revenue but also provide residents with diverse employment opportunities and a wider range of products and services, ultimately improving the overall quality of life in the area. All of this combined is what continues to make Cedar Park an attractive area to live and work."

Both stores expect to break ground in 2024 and open in 2026.

Evacuees return home as firefighters continue to work brush fire in Cedar Park

Carrie Muraca said she felt "blessed" that her home was spared when a brush fire burned down a building in her Cedar Park apartment complex Tuesday night."[I feel] incredibly thankful," she said after first responders let her return to her home in the morning.Muraca and hundreds of other residents of the Bexley at Silverado and Whitestone Landing apartment complexes were evacuated after the fire broke out.The fire destroyed one building and damaged two others at Muraca's complex on West Parmer Lane....

Carrie Muraca said she felt "blessed" that her home was spared when a brush fire burned down a building in her Cedar Park apartment complex Tuesday night.

"[I feel] incredibly thankful," she said after first responders let her return to her home in the morning.

Muraca and hundreds of other residents of the Bexley at Silverado and Whitestone Landing apartment complexes were evacuated after the fire broke out.

The fire destroyed one building and damaged two others at Muraca's complex on West Parmer Lane.

"I was convinced there was gonna be damage," she said inside her home.

A few hundred yards away, firefighters continued to work to put out flames and hotspots. City officials asked Cedar Park water customers not to water outdoors through Friday in an effort to conserve for firefighting efforts.

"It's really important for us to get all our tanks and towers recharged as soon as possible because as long as this heat and wind continue, there's still danger, you know, not just from this fire, but there could be other fires," Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin said.

As of Thursday morning, the fire had burned about 37 acres and was 75% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

City officials said two first responders had minor injuries as a result of the fire.

"My heart just goes out to the people that are in Building 10. My neighbors showed me a picture, and it's basically hollowed out," Muraca said, referring to the building that was destroyed. "You know, here I am worried about restocking my refrigerator and freezer, and they're gonna have to restock their whole apartment."

The American Red Cross is providing assistance to people affected by the fire. Those needing assistance can call the organization's Austin office at 1-800-733-2767.

The City of Cedar Park has also partnered with the Central Texas Community Foundation to create the Parmer Lane Fire Recovery Fund. All of the money raised will be distributed through an application process administered by the city and the foundation.

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