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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 Dripping Springs, TX

Home Care Dripping Springs, 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 Mercer Street Historical Marker 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 Dripping Springs, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Dripping Springs, 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

“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it gets! I have a dear friend that is in hospice and needed a little extra home care. Ken, the owner, was fast to respond to my call and started home care right away. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Always Best Care Senior Services' staff and owner.”

Edward C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I invested $500 with Mrs Sandra and made $6500 within 6 days, Investment pay faster. Every rich man you see today invested, it's not just their hardworks that makes them who they are today. So don't let someone else opinion stop you from investing on binary option trading. Start building your future and the future of your generations today Contact her now on.”

Tsholofelo 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

“I am a past client of this provider 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

“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

“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 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

“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

“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

“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

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

Jill &.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Veterans Memorial 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Epicure or visit Charro Ranch Park, 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 Dripping Springs, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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:

  • Hill Country Nursing and Rehab
  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Hannah Wright
  • Lavender Springs Assisted Living
  • Hill Country Senior Center
  • Ledgestone Senior Living
  • Merritt Hill Country
Home Care Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, 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 Dripping Springs, TX

Latest News in Dripping Springs, TX

Texas Supreme Court ruling clears way for Dripping Springs wastewater plan

A long-awaited Texas Supreme Court decision has cleared the way for Dripping Springs to move forward with its wastewater treatment plan, Mayor Bill Foulds Jr. announced this week at the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon.The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the city of Dripping Springs, in a dispute over wastewater permitting, affirming TCEQ’s authority to evaluate permit applications based on their overall environmental impact. The ruling ended a 12- year battl...

A long-awaited Texas Supreme Court decision has cleared the way for Dripping Springs to move forward with its wastewater treatment plan, Mayor Bill Foulds Jr. announced this week at the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the city of Dripping Springs, in a dispute over wastewater permitting, affirming TCEQ’s authority to evaluate permit applications based on their overall environmental impact. The ruling ended a 12- year battle over the permit.

“This is a great day,” Foulds said to those attending. “We’re excited. I never thought I’d get choked up over talking about wastewater.”

The dispute centered on opposition claims that a reduction in dissolved oxygen level at the point of discharge constitutes degradation of water quality as a matter of law. TCEQ rules prohibit permitted discharges into high-quality waterbodies that would either disturb existing water uses or degrade water quality. TCEQ’s practice is to assess degradation of water quality on a whole water basis rather than affording decisive weight to numeric changes in individual water quality parameters. The Supreme Court affirmed that TCEQ did not misread or misapply its rules in issuing the permit. The decision acknowledged that TCEQ’s practice of assessing degradation of water quality on a whole water basis rather than affording decisive weight to numeric changes in individual water quality parameters, conforms to the antidegradation standards as written.

Foulds emphasized that, although the city now holds a discharge permit, the current plan doesn’t include releasing wastewater into local waterways. Instead, the city has a plan for 27 million gallons of storage capacity and expects to reuse all of its treated water for irrigation in parks, golf courses and green spaces.

“When you’re producing less than 800,000 gallons a day, and the golf course alone wants a million, it’s pretty clear we’re not going to be discharging,” Foulds said. “The majority of the treated effluent we are currently producing is being used to irrigate city parks and subdivision green space areas that would otherwise be using drinking water or ground water for irrigation.” The permit will eventually allow the city to eliminate the need for up to three other wastewater treatment plants that had been approved for surrounding subdivisions, including Village Grove, Big Sky and the Heritage Subdivision.

“That’s good for everyone,” Foulds said. “If we can handle this regionally, it saves money and it’s better for the environment.”

Still, challenges remain. Due to project delays, the city must return to the Texas Water Development Board to request an additional $51 million in funding on top of a $43 million dollar loan secured in 2019. Design work is nearly complete, and Foulds said bid packets should go out by mid-summer. Initial improvements are expected on the west side of town, with eventual benefits planned for downtown and the east side as funding allows.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” Foulds said. “But we’re moving forward.”

The city has scheduled a follow-up meeting next Monday to review next steps and assess financial constraints with project teams.

How to watch Texas high school baseball: Kingwood vs. DSHS, May 29

Data SkriveOn Thursday, May 29, Kingwood High School will host Dripping Springs High School, starting at 7 p.m. CT.How to watch DSHS vs. Kingwood baseballDSHS and Kingwood will match up on Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m. CT. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network.The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country. Watch games live and on demand, all year long...

Data Skrive

On Thursday, May 29, Kingwood High School will host Dripping Springs High School, starting at 7 p.m. CT.

How to watch DSHS vs. Kingwood baseball

DSHS and Kingwood will match up on Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m. CT. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network.

The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country. Watch games live and on demand, all year long, on any device. Follow your favorite team and never miss a game!

Want to track your alma mater, local team or family member's school throughout the playoffs? NFHS Network has high school baseball streaming live, plus on-demand replays and highlights of all the action from thousands of schools across America.

Watch Kingwood vs. DSHS on NFHS Network!

Dripping Springs High School baseball schedule

Kingwood High School baseball schedule

Team schedules reflect available data from NFHS and may not include every upcoming game.

All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at NFHS Network and through the NFHS Network Mobile Apps for iOS and Android and TV Apps for ROKU, Amazon Fire, Google TV and Apple TV.

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Totally Texas | Longhorn cattle in Dripping Springs mosey up to pool for a drink

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.Credit: John and Sherri Hendrix at triplehranchevents.comYou can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — Just when you thought you've seen everything Texas has to offer, you stumble across a photo of a Longhorn cow taking a sip of water out of a swimming pool.Other states may let you swim with the dolphins but here in Texas, you can swim with the Longhorns....

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.

Credit: John and Sherri Hendrix at triplehranchevents.com

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — Just when you thought you've seen everything Texas has to offer, you stumble across a photo of a Longhorn cow taking a sip of water out of a swimming pool.

Other states may let you swim with the dolphins but here in Texas, you can swim with the Longhorns.

John and Sherri Hendrix have a ranch in Dripping Springs, deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, about 30 miles east of Austin.

Their home, Triple H Ranch, sits on 23 acres with breathtaking views in every direction. They host weddings on their property and have a couple of AirBNBs that you can book so that you, too, can swim with the Longhorns.

Sherri said that she gave the cattle to her husband for Christmas six years ago. He was shocked.

"While many Longhorns are now kept as a hobby, the breed remains prevalent in Texas, with nearly half of the U.S. Longhorn population residing in the state," according to the Texas Historical Commission.

But everyone that visits Triple H Ranch loves to take photos with the cattle, while enjoying the refreshing pool during the heat of a Texas summer.

Now THAT'S totally Texas!

Totally Texas | Longhorn cattle in Dripping Springs mosey up to pool for a drink

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John and Sherri Hendrix at triplehranchevents.com

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.

Texas high school sports: Austin-area softball seasons end one round shy of state finals

Rouse softball finished strong, just not strong enough, as the Raiders fell in the Class 5A Division II state semifinals to unbeaten and two-time MaxPreps national champion Montgomery Lake Creek 4-3 and 8-4. And fellow state semifinalist Dripping Springs ran into a red-hot Humble Kingwood team and was swept in Class 6A Division II.This week's UIL state softball tournament begins Thursday at McCombs Field and concludes Saturday afternoon.Meanwhile, in baseball, four Central Texas schools — Lake Travis, Dripp...

Rouse softball finished strong, just not strong enough, as the Raiders fell in the Class 5A Division II state semifinals to unbeaten and two-time MaxPreps national champion Montgomery Lake Creek 4-3 and 8-4. And fellow state semifinalist Dripping Springs ran into a red-hot Humble Kingwood team and was swept in Class 6A Division II.

This week's UIL state softball tournament begins Thursday at McCombs Field and concludes Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, in baseball, four Central Texas schools — Lake Travis, Dripping Springs, Liberty Hill and Wimberley — won regional championships and advanced to this week's state semifinals.

MORE:This year's best track athletes? Our 2025 All-Central Texas team

Softball

Class 6A: Humble Kingwood's fast start doomed Dripping Springs in Game 1 as the Mustangs scored five runs in the first inning and prevailed 7-1. Sadie Bradford had two hits and scored the Tigers' lone run. Dripping Springs put up a stronger offensive showing early in Game 2, scoring three runs in the first inning, but Kingwood tied it up 3-3 quickly and then added four runs in the second and five more in the third to win 16-6. Kingwood pounded out 18 hits. Dripping Springs closed the season with a 31-11-1 record.

Class 5A: Rouse's season came to an end with a pair of 4-3 and 8-4 losses to Montgomery Lake Creek. Madi George had two hits in each game and scored two runs in Game 2. Blakely Barber drove in a pair of runs in Game 2; she also pitched Game 1, striking out four and scattering seven hits. "Becoming state semifinalists was the result of months of hard work, dedication and a commitment to building a strong team culture —all culminating in a best-of-three battle against an undefeated, very talented team," Rouse coach Brenda Samuels said. "Our girls left everything on the field and their hearts in the game.”

Baseball

Dripping Springs and Wimberley joined Liberty Hill and Lake Travis as Austin-area teams advancing to the state semifinals. Wimberley swept Sinton in Class 4A Division II, while Dripping Springs rebounded after dropping Game 1 to oust Pharr-San Juan-Alamo in Class 6A Division II.

Class 6A: Lake Travis lost its Division I series to Johnson and then had to overcome a 4-1 deficit in Game 2, but came back to win that one 11-4 and then rallied in the seventh inning in Game 3. ... Likewise, after dropping the first game of their Division II series, Dripping Springs swept PSJA 4-2 and 4-1. Blake Cox pitched a complete game with five strikeouts in Game 2 and Gavin Hoel blasted a sole home run and Taylor Tracey went 2-for-3 with an RBI. In Game 3, Tracey pitched a complete game with 12 strikeouts and allowed only two hits and helped himself at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs.

Class 4A: Ty Thames tossed a one-hitter with six strikeouts, Cody Stoever went 2-for-2 with an RBI and Sage Hall ripped a run-scoring double to pace Wimberley past Sinton to advance.

UIL state softball finals

Thursday — Class 2A DII: Sundown vs. Shiner, 10 a.m.; 2A DI: Waco Riesel vs. Ganado, 1 p.m.; 3A DII: Coahoma vs. Lexington, 4 p.m.; 3A DI: Whitesboro vs. Grandview, 7 p.m. Friday — Class 4A DII: Aubrey vs. Waco Robinson, 10 a.m.; 4A DI: Andrews vs. Corpus Christi Calallen, 1 p.m.; 5A DII: Hallsville vs. Montgomery Lake Creek, 4 p.m.; 5A DI: Melissa vs. Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill, 7 p.m. Saturday — Class 1A: Jonesboro vs. Brookeland, 10 a.m.; 6A DII: Forney vs. Humble Kingwood, 1 p.m.; 6A DI: Waco Midway vs. League City Clear Springs, 4 p.m.

City of Dripping Springs to host town hall on crosswalk improvements

Dripping Springs residents can learn about potential transportation improvements to come to the area during a town hall May 28 at 4 p.m. at City Hall.The detailsCity staff will provide a presentation on the Transportati...

Dripping Springs residents can learn about potential transportation improvements to come to the area during a town hall May 28 at 4 p.m. at City Hall.

The details

City staff will provide a presentation on the Transportation Alternative Program from the Texas Department of Transportation. The program, which has $250 million available statewide, funds alternative transportation projects, such as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

The city of Dripping Springs will be submitting two separate applications to the TA program—one for high-visibility crosswalks and one for an Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan, Dripping Springs Planning Director Tory Carpenter said during a May 20 City Council meeting.

The town hall will give community members an opportunity to learn about the TA program and more, including:

Dig deeper

If approved for the high-visibility crosswalk application, the city is looking to implement:

The funding would be for the 2027-29 fiscal years with a project budget of an estimated $1.5 million. The program requires the city to match 20% of the grant, meaning the city would match $300,000 for the project, Carpenter said.

The ADA transition plan would aim to ensure city public facilities, building, sidewalks and parks facilities are within ADA requirements. Carpenter said the funding wouldn’t fund the construction of the improvement projects, but would fund costs associated with the creation of the plan.

The grant would fund an ADA transition plan that would include the following:

The project would be funded through FY 2027-29 with a $250,000 estimated budget. The city would match $50,000 as part of the 20% match requirement.

Dripping Springs previously received improvements through the TA program including projects for the following:

Carpenter said that while the city can submit both applications, they can only receive funding for one project.

The city must submit the full applications by June 20 to be considered, according to agenda documents.

Elisabeth joined Community Impact in October 2024 and covers all things Austin ISD, Dripping Springs and Hays County. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin May 2024 with a degree in journalism and certificates in creative writing and environment and sustainability. In her free time, she enjoys catching live music in Austin, watching movies and doing art projects. Send tips, feedback or questions to [email protected].

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