Home Care In Bergheim, 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 O'Brien's Restaurant in Bergheim 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 Bergheim, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Bergheim, TX
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Bergheim, TX
Benefits of Home Care in Bergheim, TX
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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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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Elderly Care for Antoinette G.

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”

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In-home Care for Mark A.

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”

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Home Care Services for Mark A.

“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”

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In-home Care for Laurie K.

“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to”

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Home Care Services for Kristen B.

“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared”

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Non-medical Home Care for Shirley S.

“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken”

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Personal Senior Care for Chae S.

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

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Home Care for Melissa C.

“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas”

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Senior Care Services for Kelly B.

“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and”

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Personal Care Services for Chae S.

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

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Senior Caregiver for Jill &.

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

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Antoinette G.

Mark A.

Laurie K.

Kristen B.

Shirley S.

Chae S.

Melissa C.

Kelly B.

Chae S.

Jill &.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Bergheim, TX?

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.

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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.

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.

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Types of Elderly Care in Bergheim, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

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

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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

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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 Bergheim Campground and River Outfitter 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

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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 O'Brien's Restaurant in Bergheim or visit Bergheim, 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.

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Benefits of Home Care in Bergheim, 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:

Age in Place

According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.

Peace of Mind

If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.

Socialization

Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.

Personalized Care Plan

No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.

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 Bergheim, 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.

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.

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 Bergheim, 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.

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

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:

Hummingbird Assisted Living and Memory Care
Hill Country Assisted Living
Fair Oaks Assisted Living
Heritage Place of Boerne
Hill Country Senior Placements
New Hope Assisted Living

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.

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

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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 Bergheim, 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.

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End of an era for Bergheim General Store

New Year's Eve marked an end. It was the last day for normal operations at Bergheim General Store. "Now, it is time for someone else to write their own stories," the owner said.BERGHEIM, Texas — One of the oldest general stores still operating in Texas will soon be history.The Bergheim General Store, in the town of the same name northeast of Boerne, is closing up shop. The store's longevity was made possible by faith, family and hard work.Since 1903, the Bergheim General Store has been open for business a...

New Year's Eve marked an end. It was the last day for normal operations at Bergheim General Store. "Now, it is time for someone else to write their own stories," the owner said.

BERGHEIM, Texas — One of the oldest general stores still operating in Texas will soon be history.

The Bergheim General Store, in the town of the same name northeast of Boerne, is closing up shop. The store's longevity was made possible by faith, family and hard work.

Since 1903, the Bergheim General Store has been open for business and operated by high school sweethearts Stanley and Charlene Jones. After all, it runs in the Engel-Jones family.

"This store has been a big part of our life for all these years," Jones said.

For 43 years, the one-stop shop has been part of the couple's life.

"We thank you for supporting us," he said.

New Year's Eve of 2018, however, marked an end. It was the last day for normal operations at the business. Loyal customers rode their rides to say good-bye.

Kristy Watson is one of them, having visited the shop on a regular basis.

"I was upset, but I know that Stanley and Charlene deserve a break," she said. "Everyone needs to retire when they want to."

The Jones family is calling it quits, but not for nothing. All of their kids have their own careers, and the couple is ready to spend more time with them, as well as to travel.

"Enjoy our next chapter in life," he said. "We are excited."

Customers say they are going to miss the spot where you could pick up a soda or a pair of jeans.

"It started with horses coming here and people buying things, and it is ending with horses coming here and buying things," Watson said. "Isn't that special?"

It is a special place where so many paid a visit, and for that the Jones Family says it's thankful.

"Their business has allowed us to remain here, and to make it the store what it is and give us a chance to enjoy our future," Jones said.

As one chapter closes, another will begin.

"Now, it is time for someone else to write their own stories," he said.

The Jones family will have a retirement sale starting Thursday to liquidate all their inventory. They hope to completely close business by the end of January.

A new family will take over the property, but it's not yet known what kind of business they plan to open.

You can tour a hemp farm near San Antonio

BERGHEIM, Texas – Tiptoe through the... hemp farm? That’s right, you can tour a hemp farm in Bergheim, just a 40-minute drive from downtown San Antonio.Pur Isolabs offers hemp CBD products made from plants grown on-site and offers tours twice a day, six days a week.Tours start in the greenhouse and end in the field, according to Pur Isolabs spokesperson Meggan Ro...

BERGHEIM, Texas – Tiptoe through the... hemp farm? That’s right, you can tour a hemp farm in Bergheim, just a 40-minute drive from downtown San Antonio.

Pur Isolabs offers hemp CBD products made from plants grown on-site and offers tours twice a day, six days a week.

Tours start in the greenhouse and end in the field, according to Pur Isolabs spokesperson Meggan Roundtree, who said guests can expect to kick off the tour with a bottle of CBD-infused water.

“Our team educates guests on everything hemp, from obtaining the hemp seeds to the end of harvest. It’s definitely a sensory tour where you can see, smell, and touch the plants,” Roundtree said.

Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call (830)-755-8000 to schedule a tour.

The cost for a tour is $10-per-person but that fee can be applied to any in-store purchase.

Hemp farm just outside Boerne sees growth in first crop

“When the 2018 Farm Bill passed and it became legal to grow hemp in Texas we wanted to take the opportunity to grow and use it as an educational tool so that others could see and touch the plant while learning about it,” said Roundtree.

Pur Isolabs owner Austin Ruple “grew up in South Texas farming peanuts with his family, so this was a natural extension of his background,” Roundtree told KSAT in an interview on Friday.

As for those who are wondering about the legality of a hemp farm, Roundtree explained that while hemp and marijuana are both in the cannabis family “the differentiation occurs with the THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, levels.”

“Any plant with a level of under 0.3% is designated as hemp and legal in most states. Plants with levels over this 0.3% (generally 5% to 35%) are classified as marijuana,” Roundtree said.

The 2018 Texas Farm Bill legalized the commercial production of hemp and authorized states to submit plans to administer hemp programs, according to TexasAgriculture.gov.

Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1325 into law on June 10, 2019, authorizing the production, manufacture, retail sale, and inspection of industrial hemp crops and products in Texas.

What’s the difference between hemp and marijuana?

All tours are limited to 10 people, in accordance with state guidelines, and all guests are required to wear a mask. “The majority of the tour is conducted outdoors, where social distancing is easily practiced,” said Roundtree. “If anyone has special health concerns, a private tour can be requested.”

Pur Isolabs is located at 46 North FM 3351 in Bergheim.

You can tour a hemp farm right outside San Antonio

BERGHEIM, Texas – Hemp farm tours in Bergheim, just a 40-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, have resumed at Pur Isolabs as the new crop grows.Tours start in the greenhouse and end in the field, Pur Isolabs spokesperson Meggan Roundtree previously told KSAT. Guests can expect to kick off the tour with a bottle of CBD-infused water or lemonade.&ldquo...

BERGHEIM, Texas – Hemp farm tours in Bergheim, just a 40-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, have resumed at Pur Isolabs as the new crop grows.

Tours start in the greenhouse and end in the field, Pur Isolabs spokesperson Meggan Roundtree previously told KSAT. Guests can expect to kick off the tour with a bottle of CBD-infused water or lemonade.

Pur Isolabs offers hemp CBD products made from plants grown on-site and offers tours Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Call 830-755-8000 to schedule a tour.

The cost for a tour is $10 per person but that fee can be applied to any in-store purchase. Special group rates are also available for large parties and tours are expected to continue until it’s time to harvest in November.

For anyone wondering about the legality of a hemp farm, while hemp and marijuana are both in the cannabis family, the differentiation occurs with the THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, levels.

“Any plant with a level of under 0.3% is designated as hemp and legal in most states. Plants with levels over this 0.3% (generally 5% to 35%) are classified as marijuana,” Roundtree said.

The 2018 Texas Farm Bill legalized the commercial production of hemp and authorized states to submit plans to administer hemp programs, according to TexasAgriculture.gov.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1325 into law on June 10, 2019, authorizing the production, manufacture, retail sale, and inspection of industrial hemp crops and products in Texas.

More recently, the Texas Compassionate Use Program, the state’s medical cannabis program, has expanded and starting Sept. 1 will allow people with PTSD and all stages of cancer to use low-THC cannabis.

Pur Isolabs is located at 46 North FM 3351 in Bergheim. To book your tour, click here.

Ready to float the river? Here's a few tubing options near Austin

Special to the StatesmanThere is a direct correlation between temperatures skyrocketing and Texans taking to the rivers and lakes across the state. Tubing, or floating the river, is a highly popular and economical activity, with no age limitations. Across Central Texas, there are multiple options for thos...

Special to the Statesman

There is a direct correlation between temperatures skyrocketing and Texans taking to the rivers and lakes across the state. Tubing, or floating the river, is a highly popular and economical activity, with no age limitations. Across Central Texas, there are multiple options for those seeking out a relaxing weekend activity.

San Marcos River (45 minutes from Austin)

Popular with adults and children alike, the San Marcos River makes for a lulling tubing experience in the refreshing 72-degree water. The best points of entry are at Texas State Tubes (2024 North Old Bastrop Hwy, San Marcos), the Lions Club Tube Rentals (170 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos) and Don’s Fish Camp (105 Nelle Ln, Martindale).

Comal River (1 hour from Austin)

The Comal is a popular river to float for those wanting to have a multi-watersports day and make a stop at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The river does adhere to a strict ban on anything disposable, namely cans, so it is best to plan ahead and bring reusable bottles. Points of entry are located at Texas Tubes (250 Meusebach St, New Braunfels), Landa Falls (133 Landa St, New Braunfels), and 444 Tubing (444 E San Antonio St, New Braunfels).

More:Austin is magical in the summer. Here are 12 things you must do

Pedernales River (1 hour from Austin)

For those wanting a more DIY approach to floating a river, the Pedernales Falls State Park (2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City) is a great option to get away from crowds, because it does not have any commercial tube rentals. However, it is not for the faint of heart, given that the current can pick up, and quickly turn into rapids. The river floating can be combined with hiking through the park and camping overnight.

Guadalupe River (1.5 hours from Austin)

Furthest afield from Austin, the Guadalupe River’s water levels are controlled by the Canyon Lake dam. Drought conditions during the summer tubing season can also affect the water levels, so it’s best to check with tubing companies before journeying out. There are numerous points of entry along the river, but among the most popular are the Guadalupe State Park (??3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch), Bergheim Campground (103 White Water Road, Boerne), WhiteWater Sports (11860 FM306 New Braunfels) and Tube Haus (12454 FM 306, Canyon Lake).

More:22 Austin pools and Central Texas swimming holes to visit this summer

Map of tubing locations near Austin

Safety tips for floating the river

Here are some tips and tricks to make your tubing experience a floating success:

'See you around, kid': Luke got adopted | Forgotten Friends

A young Anatolian Shepherd named Luke had been waiting at a shelter that's not too far, far away. But now he's home!NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — UPDATE 5/17Proving that the force was with us, we are happy to report that Luke is no longer a Forgotten Friend. A KENS 5 viewer saw his story and decided to bring him home to their galaxy.Sara Berry, a UK RAF veteran and owner and lead instructor of Equissage Texas, married to Lowell, a US Army veteran, adopted Luke. Luke is now based in Bergheim, Texas. He and Vesper also have...

A young Anatolian Shepherd named Luke had been waiting at a shelter that's not too far, far away. But now he's home!

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — UPDATE 5/17

Proving that the force was with us, we are happy to report that Luke is no longer a Forgotten Friend. A KENS 5 viewer saw his story and decided to bring him home to their galaxy.

Sara Berry, a UK RAF veteran and owner and lead instructor of Equissage Texas, married to Lowell, a US Army veteran, adopted Luke. Luke is now based in Bergheim, Texas. He and Vesper also have a horse barn to take care of at Sophia’s Grove in Spring Branch, Texas, and enjoy going in to the office with Mom. Life is Good!

Credit: Sara Berry

"See You Around, Kid."

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Our "Forgotten Friends" series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.

Luke is a one to two year old Anatolian Shepherd that arrived as a stray at the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. He weighs in at about 90 pounds.

Anatolian Shepherd's are fiercely loyal and protective, and are friendly to those they consider as being part of their pack, according to the American Kennel Club. The breed originated in ancient Turkey where it helped nomadic tribes protect and wrangle their flocks.

Because he's a big dog, Luke will need some room to roam around, so a house with a fenced in backyard would be perfect.

Who wants to be Luke's father? | Forgotten Friends

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HSNBA

Who wants to be Luke's father? | Forgotten Friends

We think that Luke would probably do well with an active family with older kids, or a single adult or couple with no small children.

"It really depends on the kids and whether or not the parents have realistic expectations about supervising and teaching the kids how to be good with the dog," said Sarah Hammond, Executive Director HSNBA. "He has exhibited no worrisome behavior towards any children here walking through the kennels."

He hasn't been able to interact with any other dogs at the shelter yet, but the shelter staff says he is very friendly when folks pass by. He just wants a friend!

Luke is current on all of his vaccinations, and is now neutered and he appears to be very healthy.

He is great on a leash, loves treats and adores any and all physical attention he can get. Sadly, he has never experienced a puppuccino... Add that to his bucket list.

"He just loves everyone," said Sarah. "It's adorable."

Who's ready for Luke? May the force be with you.

For whoever adopts Luke, Lucy's Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free "Glow Up" Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy's most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!

Visit the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area located at 3353 Morningside Drive in New Braunfels or call them at (830) 629-5287.

They are open:

Would you like to help the animals at the shelter? You can order from their Amazon Wish List!

CLICK HERE to see what they need most.

As with all shelters, cash is always appreciated, since money comes in handy to pay the veterinary bills associated with saving all the animals in need.

CLICK HERE to donate to the shelter.

Maybe Luke is not the type of dog you're looking for, but you want to adopt. Visit their website to see all of their available pets CLICK HERE.

Do you have some extra time on your hands and love animals? They also could use some volunteers. CLICK HERE to see how you can help them out.

Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives... the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.

If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a "furr-ever" home, contact Andrea at [email protected].

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

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Who wants to be Luke's father? | Forgotten Friends

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