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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 Bandera, TX

Home Care Bandera, 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 Great Western Cattle Trail 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 Bandera, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Bandera, 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

“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

“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”

Laurie K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”

Kristen B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”

Shirley S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”

Chae S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”

Melissa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and their families. He is a local senior care expert and leader in his community. If you are need of assistance in navigating your local senior care options, then do not hesitate to give Ken a call!”

Kelly B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”

Chae S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”

Jill &.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Bandera, 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 Bandera, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera City 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 Bandera, 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 Tj's @ The Old Forge or visit Historic Bandera County Jail,, 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 Bandera, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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:

  • Cedar Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
  • Bandera Nursing & Rehabilitation
  • River Hills Care Center
  • Silver Sage
  • Assisted living facilities dallas
Home Care Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, 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 Bandera, TX

Latest News in Bandera, TX

Power back on for residents in Bandera, Gillespie counties after outages during freezing weather

SAN ANTONIO – Power has been restored to thousands of residents in Bandera and Gillespie counties who experienced power outages on Friday morning amid freezing temperatures.“We had an equipment failure at the Medina Lake substation,” Bandera Electric Cooperative Chief Administrative Officer John Padalino said. “That piece of equipment served over 1,400 homes. When that equipment failed, we tried to shift those homes to ...

SAN ANTONIO – Power has been restored to thousands of residents in Bandera and Gillespie counties who experienced power outages on Friday morning amid freezing temperatures.

“We had an equipment failure at the Medina Lake substation,” Bandera Electric Cooperative Chief Administrative Officer John Padalino said. “That piece of equipment served over 1,400 homes. When that equipment failed, we tried to shift those homes to a different substation at the time.”

In a statement on Friday afternoon, the Bandera Electric Cooperative said the utility is experiencing “unprecedented” demand and equipment failures due to the freeze.

Earlier Friday, the utility announced that it was implementing rolling outages in Bandera, Pipe Creek and Wharton’s Dock. BEC said they will attempt to keep outages limited to 30 minutes.

Due to the high energy demand and to maintain the integrity of our electric grid, BEC will have rolling outages in the Bandera, Pipe Creek, and Wharton's Dock areas. We will attempt to keep outages limited to 30 minutes. We appreciate your patience. pic.twitter.com/5Fo2L1GLkd

— Bandera Electric Cooperative (@BanderaElectric) December 23, 2022

“(The demand) made it very problematic to shift those number of homes to a different substation,” Padalino said. “When we tried to shift that load, other equipment along the line, kind of upstream from there, started tripping out because it became overloaded. It took us through the morning to reset all that equipment.”

As of 1 p.m., fewer than 500 people in Bandera and Medina Counties were without power. Dozens of BEC customers in Kendall and Kerr were also without power.

The full statement reads:

Click here to see an outage map from BEC.

The Central Texas Electric Cooperative in Fredericksburg said residents there also experienced power outages, but crews have located the problem and are working on repairs.

Power for most of the major outages was restored by 10:30 a.m.

Click here to see an outage map from CTEC.

CPS Energy in San Antonio has not reported major outages.

See the CPS Energy outage map here.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has said there are enough resources to meet the demand, but local utility companies may experience some issues.

People who are experiencing a power outage should contact their local power provider, ERCOT says.

Click here to see the outage map of Texas.

5:05AM FRI: Some power outages this morning. 200 customers are seeing issues in Bexar Co, but bigger numbers are being reported in Bandera and Gillespie Co. These are not widespread grid issues, but rather localized problems. Crews are working hard to get power restored. pic.twitter.com/H2k0bafEJU

— Justin Horne (@Justin_Horne) December 23, 2022

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Bandera, TX Announces Partnership with CivicEye for Records Management as Company Enters Texas Law Enforcement

The agency is the first law enforcement agency in TX to leverage CivicEye's cloud-based RMS software.BANDERA, Texas, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CivicEye, a leading software provider specializing in web-based solutions for law enforcement and prosecutors, is proud to have been selected by the Bandera, TX Marshal's Office, marking its entry into Texas law enforcement and introducing the innovative CivicRMS solution to the Lone Star State. The company already serves the District Attorney Office in Ellis County, TX, on their pro...

The agency is the first law enforcement agency in TX to leverage CivicEye's cloud-based RMS software.

BANDERA, Texas, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CivicEye, a leading software provider specializing in web-based solutions for law enforcement and prosecutors, is proud to have been selected by the Bandera, TX Marshal's Office, marking its entry into Texas law enforcement and introducing the innovative CivicRMS solution to the Lone Star State. The company already serves the District Attorney Office in Ellis County, TX, on their prosecutor software tools CivicDocs and CivicCase.

CivicRMS, CivicEye's advanced records management system, offers a comprehensive and seamless approach to managing critical law enforcement data. By embracing CivicRMS, the Bandera, TX Marshal's Office will revolutionize its records management practices, streamlining data entry, retrieval, and analysis. This transition to modernized technology is poised to enhance operational efficiency, increase collaboration across jurisdictions, ensure compliance with State-mandated reporting requirements, and ultimately facilitate improved decision-making within the agency.

"CivicEye worked meticulously to bring us a tailored solution within our budget," said Marshal Nancy De Foster. "In my career, I've had the ability to vet and work with so many different companies. CivicEye's approach established a new standard for superior service and innovation compared to Texas' legacy software providers."

"Despite the abundance of technological advances that we have all enjoyed in our personal lives over the last ten to fifteen years, there are still countless law enforcement agencies in need of modern solutions that meet their unique needs," said Josh South, Head of Operations at CivicEye. "Our web-based platform scales to meet the needs of agencies of all sizes, allowing our clients to keep progressing their technology with the emerging updates and integrations vital in supporting their communities."

Driven by its core mission, CivicEye is steadfast in providing law enforcement agencies with advanced technology solutions to improve community outcomes. Through partnerships with law enforcement agencies like Bandera, CivicEye's influence extends across Texas, enhancing data sharing and fostering a more connected law enforcement landscape and unified strategies to ensure public safety.

About CivicEye

CivicEye delivers modern, easy-to-use cloud software for law enforcement and prosecutors that enhances daily workflows and improves community outcomes. The CivicEye platform includes Records, Digital Evidence, and Case Management solutions that reduce friction points within and across departments. CivicEye serves over 130 agencies across the United States.

Media Contact:Adrienne Clarke, [email protected]

Sales Contact:Khristian Gutierrez, [email protected]

www.civiceye.com

SOURCE CivicEye

This Small Texas Town Has Less Than 1,000 Residents — and It's the 'Cowboy Capital of the World'

Rodeos, Southern fare, and sprawling outdoor spaces come together in Bandera, Texas.In Texas Hill Country, about an hour northwest of San Antonio, lies Bandera, where Western history, stunning outdoor spaces, and adventure meet. Bandera is known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," earning its mo...

Rodeos, Southern fare, and sprawling outdoor spaces come together in Bandera, Texas.

In Texas Hill Country, about an hour northwest of San Antonio, lies Bandera, where Western history, stunning outdoor spaces, and adventure meet. Bandera is known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," earning its moniker from when it was a staging area for the last cattle drives of the 1800s. The destination got its actual name, however, from the numerous battles between the Comanche and Apache nations and the Spanish conquistadors that took place here in Bandera Pass. As the story goes, for years after these battles, a red bandera (flag in Spanish) was flown at the site to mark the boundary between Spanish and Indian hunting grounds.

Today, Bandera is a must-visit when traveling through South Texas, thanks to its outdoor recreation, delicious bites, and dude ranches. Here's how to plan the perfect trip.

Best Things to Do in Bandera

If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors, Bandera has plenty of ways to explore. There’s Hill Country State Natural Area, where more than 5,000 acres of canyons and rolling hills provide hiking, camping, backpacking, and horseback riding opportunities. The Medina River also winds through town, allowing those who want a quiet oasis to float or kayak underneath the towering bald cypress trees lining the water. Outfitters such as The Medina River Company can set you up with kayaks, tubes, and shuttle service. Back in town, Bandera City Park offers swimming, fishing, picnic areas, and barbecue pits — an ideal place to let the kids roam.

For even more fun, hop in the saddle and head out for a horseback ride. Bandera is full of riding facilities where you can explore a variety of trails and learn about how to connect with your horse. If you’ve never seen a rodeo, Bandera hosts them periodically throughout the year. You can also learn more about Bandera’s pioneer history at the Frontier Times Museum, where weekly activities include Pioneer Day, rodeo demonstrations, and more.

Families with kids will especially enjoy the Bandera Natural History Museum, home to life-size replica dinosaurs and Ice Age animals along the walking trails, bone-digging play stations, more than 100 full-body animal mounts, a pollinator garden, Latin American ceremonial masks, a 20,000-year-old mammoth femur bone, and the New Spain Art Collection, which showcases works from Juan Correa, Cristóbal de Villalpando, José de Ibarra, and more.

Best Places to Stay in Bandera

Bandera is home to an array of dude ranches that welcome guests to stay overnight. Dixie Dude Ranch is a working ranch on 725 acres where visitors enjoy home-cooked meals, hiking, campfire singalongs, swimming, fishing, and even hayrides. Mayan Dude Ranch offers open-range breakfasts, fossil finding, bird-watching, horseback riding, hiking, and more. Rancho Cortez, meanwhile, markets itself as a dude ranch and “fitness farm,” where guests can enroll in the wellness program and partake in healthy meals, yoga, strength training, guided meditation, and campfire time.

At the Flying L Ranch Resort, families will love the wagon rides, pool, golf course, driving range, fishing, s’mores by the campfire, playgrounds, and more. Just off Main Street back in town, The Vaquero Motel is dotted with rustic cabins complete with their own fire pits, plus access to the Medina River and ample places for a picnic and hiking. Just outside of town, the Medina River Ranch Resort offers hunting, fishing, ATV and pontoon boat rentals, and clay shooting.

Best Time to Visit Bandera

Summer in Texas can be brutally hot, and more travelers tend to hop through Hill Country during this time because of school vacations. Spring, fall, and even winter are all great times to visit Bandera. Spring brings a yearly abundance of gorgeous wildflowers (bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and firewheels, to name a few) that paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Fall provides a break from the Texas heat, making it a great time for outdoor exploration, and winter in Hill Country is generally mild as well, with crisp mornings and moderately chilly afternoons that still allow visitors to shop, dine on patios, and enjoy their days in Bandera.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or seeking a great spot for a casual meal, Bandera has you covered. O.S.T. Restaurant serves classic diner fare such as chicken fried steak and hamburger steak, as well as Tex-Mex staples like enchiladas and chile rellenos. TJ’s at the Old Forge offers fresh seafood and prime meats, plus pastas and burgers. Brick’s River Cafe is loved by locals and visitors alike, and has a beautiful location right on the Medina River. For a true Bandera experience, head to 11th Street Cowboy Bar for live music, nightly drink specials, and guitar pickin' on the patio. Another great option for live music and drinks is Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, the oldest continuously operated honky-tonk in Texas.

'We don't know this person' | Bandera co. investigators searching for person of interest in missing elderly man case

Investigators said 88-year-old Robert Isaacks disappeared on Wednesday, November 15 and was last seen with Freda Thomas that morning.More VideosBANDERA COUNTY, Texas — The ...

Investigators said 88-year-old Robert Isaacks disappeared on Wednesday, November 15 and was last seen with Freda Thomas that morning.

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BANDERA COUNTY, Texas — The Bandera County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing elderly man and a person of interest.

Investigators said 88-year-old Robert Isaacks disappeared on Wednesday, November 15. They are searching for Freda Thomas who was the last person seen with Isaacks, according to family.

“We don’t know this person, we’ve never seen her before,” Isaack’s granddaughter, Stephanie Holan said.

Holan said her grandfather was living with her aunt in Bandera. He was spotted on her aunt’s ring camera video entering the home around 10 a.m. that Wednesday with Thomas.

A few hours later, the camera captured Thomas leaving the back door, alone.

“My grandfather is not in the home, he is no where on the property, his jeep is gone and there are things left behind he wouldn’t normally leave if he intended on leaving,” Holan said.

Holan said he would normally leave her aunt a note if he was going out of town but there was no note and his jeep was missing. She said her aunt did not notice he had left his cell phone behind until it rang the next day.

“Him being up and busy and everything, that’s not a surprise but leaving the phone behind? That was something that he always had with him,” Holan said.

She said her aunt checked her ring cameras and realized something was off. An official missing person report was filed Friday morning with the sheriff’s office. Investigators then came by the house and collected evidence, including the video.

“I wish that I could say that at this point after a weeks time had passed, that I believed my grandfather would be found alive,” she said.

Holan said she was planning on spending Thanksgiving with her grandfather but now she is left wondering where he could be.

“I lost my grandmother in March so this is very hard,” she said.

She said the photos being shared of the person of interest have been digitally enhanced. She added, her family was hoping to get a silver alert activated for her grandfather but because he is not diagnosed with any medical conditions, his case did not qualify.

If you know anything about his disappearance or the person of interest, contact the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office.

Power restored for thousands of San Antonio households after brief Sunday storms

SAN ANTONIO — Showers moved through the Hill Country and the northern areas of San Antonio Sunday afternoon, bringing a welcome relief from triple-digit heat and knocking out power to thousands of CPS Energy residents in the Alamo City.A Thunderstorm Warning ended around 2:40 p.m. for the cities of Bandera and Medina, according to the National Weather Service. At 6:20 p.m. there were still about 6,400 households without power. At 9:10 p.m., that number had dropped back to under 1,000. CPS Energy said crews were working to resolv...

SAN ANTONIO — Showers moved through the Hill Country and the northern areas of San Antonio Sunday afternoon, bringing a welcome relief from triple-digit heat and knocking out power to thousands of CPS Energy residents in the Alamo City.

A Thunderstorm Warning ended around 2:40 p.m. for the cities of Bandera and Medina, according to the National Weather Service. At 6:20 p.m. there were still about 6,400 households without power. At 9:10 p.m., that number had dropped back to under 1,000. CPS Energy said crews were working to resolve those "weather-related outages."

Several KENS 5 viewers have sent in video and photos of the storms. This is video from a viewer in the Sonterra area.

A KENS 5 viewer in the San Marcos area says the storms caused their tree to split.

A KENS 5 viewer in Castroville also sent in a photo of a rain cloud.

This is a developing weather event. Refresh the page for the latest updates.

When severe weather threatens the area, it is important to know what risks a storm can bring and what you should do to stay safe.

One of the most important things to know is where you are located on a map, so when a watch or warning is put into place, you can identify if you are at risk. When the National Weather Service puts out warnings, they are county-based and sometimes include cities as well. It is important to know where you live in the county and that you can identify it on a map.

It is also important to know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that conditions are favorable for something to happen, but a warning means that something has developed and it is important to take action.

So, what would cause a thunderstorm to be qualified as a "severe" thunderstorm?

Hail that is one inch large is also considered to be about the size of a quarter.

Another ingredient that would lead to a storm becoming severe is if winds are 58 mph or greater.

Winds at this strength could cause damage to roofs and could even cause trees to be knocked down.

Finally, if a tornado is present inside a thunderstorm it would qualify the storm as becoming severe.

In this instance, a tornado warning would be issued.

A tornado watch can be issued for an area if strong storms are expected, and if the storms bring the risk for tornadoes, but not all storms include the threat for tornadoes. The ingredients in the atmosphere for a tornado to form are not always there when storms are present.

If the area you are in is ever under a tornado warning, it is important to know where you should go inside your home.

Head to the lowest, interior room of your home. The basement would be best, but if you don't have one, head to the first floor of the home and get away from exterior walls, or walls that lead to the outside of the home.

It is also important to stay away from glass. The more walls you can put between you and the outside, the better.

While lightning can be frequent in storms and very dangerous, it does not lead to a storm being qualified as severe.

Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.

Storms can also lead to flooding. Flooding may not cause a storm to be labeled as being severe, but it is the deadliest kind of weather.

South Texas is known to have major flood events every few years, so it is important to use caution and to always stay out of floodwaters. Remember, turn around, don't drown.

Entering flood water is very dangerous as you can be swept off of your feet and you don't know what could be in the water that could hurt you.

The best thing you can do to be ready for severe weather is know what you will do in the event it strikes where you live.

Make sure your family has a severe weather action plan.

Have a place everyone goes inside your home and keep supplies there, such as food, medication, batteries, and flashlights.

Weather Minds Classroom: Take a class in Severe Weather 101

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