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.
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 The Museum of Western Art 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 Kerrville, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it”
“I invested $500 with Mrs Sandra and made $6500 within 6 days, Investment pay faster.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with.”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas”
“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and”
“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his”
“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to”
“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared”
“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken”
“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 .”
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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!”
“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”
“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”
“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”
“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”
“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.”
“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”
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.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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 Louise Hays Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
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 1011 Bistro or visit Schreiner Mansion, 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Request More Information
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.
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 Kerrville, 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.
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:
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 Kerrville, 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.
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:
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:
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.
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 Kerrville, 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.
Sign up for , Texas Public Radio's newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning.The kickoff of the high school football season in Texas is always a celebration under the iconic Friday night lights. But in Kerrville, at the Tivy Antler Stadium, the traditional spectacle of the high school gridiron took on an additional purpose — one shaped by a summer of heartbreak and resilience.The Antlers’ season-opener was more than just local pageantry. It was about honoring the first responder...
Sign up for , Texas Public Radio's newsletter that brings our top stories to your inbox each morning.
The kickoff of the high school football season in Texas is always a celebration under the iconic Friday night lights. But in Kerrville, at the Tivy Antler Stadium, the traditional spectacle of the high school gridiron took on an additional purpose — one shaped by a summer of heartbreak and resilience.
The Antlers’ season-opener was more than just local pageantry. It was about honoring the first responders who risked their lives during the devastating July 4th flash flood that devastated the upper Guadalupe River, claiming lives, destroying homes and upending families.
Before kickoff, the community paused to recognize firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and volunteer rescuers who worked through the chaotic hours of the disaster and in the ongoing recovery.
“I feel honored to be in the presence of all those involved in the rescues and I’m glad they were here,” said Rebecca Crider, who for over 25 years has been attending the box office and selling tickets to the games. She said this night’s game is different.
“We’re getting to do something special for them,” she said.
First responders from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Game Wardens, the Texas National Guard and others were named honorary team captains and took part in the game’s coin toss. Dozens more stood on the field in uniform as the "The Star-Spangled Banner" played. They were all greeted by a standing ovation from the packed stands while a formation of National Guard Black Hawk helicopters flew overhead.
Over the loudspeaker, an announcer said, “These people represent the bravery and commitment to keep our Hill Country community safe every day. In our greatest time of need, these individuals nobly sacrificed for our amazing Hill Country community.”
The players themselves wore helmet decals and game jerseys emblazoned with “Kerrville ISD Strong,” and “TFND” —which stands for "Tivy Fight Never Dies." Across the players’ backs, where their last names would normally appear, read “First Responders.”
Texas high school football has always been an exuberant display of local pride and celebration of the community’s spirit. In Kerrville, that tradition carried extra emotional weight this year.
Just over 50 days ago the area was declared a disaster area. In the early morning hours of July 4th, a stalled cluster of thunderstorms dumped over a foot of rain that funneled into the Guadalupe River. It rose catastrophically by almost 30 feet. Without warning, a wall of water smashed into sleeping holiday vacationers and summer campers, including at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ summer camp where 27 lost their lives.
On Friday night a survivor of Camp Mystic, 12-year-old Skyler Derrington, sang to the crowd her own rendition of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah." Her modified lyrics told the story of her survival and the heartbreaking loss of fellow campers.
Kerrville school bus drivers were also recognized for their actions that day. During the flood, they also became first responders, coming to the rescue of children trapped by the flood waters.
That morning, Kerrville High School Principal Rick Sralla said he got a call that help was needed at nearby summer camps along the raging river. He immediately organized a convoy of 10 school buses to save the children.
“It was very difficult driving, very difficult terrain— mud—all those kinds of things. And we arrived at the camps, and they were doing a good job of keeping the kids in kind of a triage session. But we arrived and there were kids in their pajamas and (holding) their stuffed animals,” he said.
Sralla said he remembers the faces of those children, and he sees in his own students the struggle of dealing with the trauma of that day.
“We didn’t know their stories when it was happening, but after a while they surface, and we help those needs. We’ve got lots of help for all our children, all our community members,” he said.
Sralla said part of that healing is football, which is more than a game.
Before kickoff, in the field house locker room, Tivy Head Coach Curtis Neill stood before his players and gave his address.
“When we get out there, support one another. There’s going to be some great things that happen. We’re going to have some setbacks. Adversity, it’s going to hit us square in the mouth. We gotta hold on to one another. We gotta support one another. We just gotta regroup. Then go. It’s that simple,” Neill said.
The Antlers then took to the field against the Del Rio Rams. The Tivy players gave their community something to cheer about, winning the game 40 to 21.
KERRVILLE, Texas – In an emotional home opener Friday night, Tivy High School’s football team and the Kerrville community came together to honor the 117 lives lost in July’s devastating flood. A traditional Friday night football game turned into a powerful tribute to both victims and first responders.KPRC 2’s Gage Goulding was at the stadium watching it all unfold.Before the Tivy Antlers and visiting Del Rio Rams even played a down, they had a full pre-game ceremony, including a military...
KERRVILLE, Texas – In an emotional home opener Friday night, Tivy High School’s football team and the Kerrville community came together to honor the 117 lives lost in July’s devastating flood. A traditional Friday night football game turned into a powerful tribute to both victims and first responders.
KPRC 2’s Gage Goulding was at the stadium watching it all unfold.
Before the Tivy Antlers and visiting Del Rio Rams even played a down, they had a full pre-game ceremony, including a military flyover.
First responders, who were among the first to save lives in the hours after the Fourth of July flood, were in the Blackhawk helicopters and Texas Department of Public Safety choppers that flew low over Antler Stadium.
Newly appointed Tivy head coach Curtis Neill, who joined from Houston with experience at Cypress Woods, Cypress Ranch, and Klein Cain, described the game as a vital step toward normalcy.
“This place is a special place. People don’t realize how special Kerrville, Texas is,” Neill said.
The pre-game ceremony featured two Tivy High School students performing “Hallelujah” before the flyover, while first responders were named honorary captains for the coin toss.
The tribute held special significance for the team and spectators alike, as the flood’s impact touched nearly everyone in attendance.
Even the team’s senior quarterback, Collin Rose, had personal connections to the tragedy.
“There was a lot of people that I knew that sadly lost their lives,” Rose said. “My coach, I knew people out at Camp Mystic and just other people throughout the community.”
The significance of the evening extended beyond the game itself.
“Friday Night Lights football is an opportunity to gather people for people to root on their communities, support their communities fight for their communities,” Neill explained.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, present for the tribute to first responders, summed up the evening’s sentiment: “They’re honoring first responders, so it just doesn’t get better than that.”
The Tivy Antlers channeled the emotional energy of the evening into their performance, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive.
The Antlers would go on to take down the Rams, 41-20.
Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
Two people remain missing from the Hill Country FloodsKERRVILLE, Texas – More than 560,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in the Hill Country, according to Kerrville officials.Kerrville City Assistant Manager Michael Hornes provided an update on the July 4 floods on Tuesday at a city council workshop, which was followed by its regular biweekly meeting.The search continues for two people who remain missing from the flood, Hornes said.Earlier this month, officials confirmed the tw...
KERRVILLE, Texas – More than 560,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in the Hill Country, according to Kerrville officials.
Kerrville City Assistant Manager Michael Hornes provided an update on the July 4 floods on Tuesday at a city council workshop, which was followed by its regular biweekly meeting.
The search continues for two people who remain missing from the flood, Hornes said.
Earlier this month, officials confirmed the two people who are still unaccounted for, which includes one Camp Mystic camper:
Hornes said all debris at Louise Hayes Park has been removed, and what remains will stay.
“We were adamant about doing everything we could do to save every tree that was possibly there to be saved,” Hornes said.
Debris contractors set aside logs in case the city decides to use them for future memorials or use within the park, Hornes added.
As of Tuesday, Hornes said at least 86,741 cubic yards of debris have been collected by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and more than 450,000 cubic yards have been collected by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
In total, more than 560,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected following the floods in the Hill Country, according to Hornes.
Hornes said that’s equivalent to about 40 football fields worth of debris.
“It starts to become immeasurable,” Hornes said. “I can’t wrap my head around it all.”
City officials said Sept. 4 is the deadline for residents and community members to utilize Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA).
For more information on FEMA resources, click here or for SBA, click here.
Read also:
Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
KERRVILLE, Texas — More than a month after the devastating floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country, stories continue to surface about the people who risked everything to save lives. Among them, a highly trained unit of the U.S. Border Patrol based in El Paso.The Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) is an elite group of agents specializing in search and rescue operations, tactical medicine and disaster response. But even for them, the mission in Kerrville and surrounding communities was unlike anything...
KERRVILLE, Texas — More than a month after the devastating floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country, stories continue to surface about the people who risked everything to save lives. Among them, a highly trained unit of the U.S. Border Patrol based in El Paso.
The Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) is an elite group of agents specializing in search and rescue operations, tactical medicine and disaster response. But even for them, the mission in Kerrville and surrounding communities was unlike anything they had ever experienced.
“The Texas Department of Public Safety requested the Border Patrol’s assistance in search and rescue efforts from Kerrville to Canyon Lake, and we responded,” said Eric Wells, national BORSTAR commander.
From July 4 to Aug. 5, a team of 46 BORSTAR agents joined state and local agencies, along with community volunteers, in a desperate month-long search for the missing. Their tasks ranged from swiftwater rescues and K-9 recovery operations to underwater dive missions and medical support in treacherous conditions.
“We were doing swift water rescue missions, operating with search-and-rescue K-9s, human remains detection K-9s, and providing dive support in the area,” Wells said.
The agents, accustomed to conducting rescues in the deadly deserts along the U.S.-Mexico border, deployed their full range of skills. Outfitted with flotation devices, medical kits and emergency gear, every BORSTAR operator on site was trained as an EMT or paramedic.
But no amount of preparation could soften the emotional toll of this deployment.
“We did have one swift water rescue and one medical rescue,” Wells said. “Otherwise, we were in recovery mode for most of the duration.”
What weighed heaviest on the team was the tragic reality that many of the victims were children.
“We as operators are parents as well,” Wells said. “When you’re out there and you find an individual that could be the same age as your own child, it adds a different dynamic. The resiliency required to keep focus and push through was extremely difficult.”
Despite the heartbreak, Wells says the mission underscored BORSTAR’s purpose and commitment to the communities they serve.
“Our motto is ‘So others may live,’ and I fully believe in that,” he said. “That’s why we are out there helping those individuals in a time of need.”
For the BORSTAR agents who answered the call in Kerrville, the operation may have been one of the toughest in their careers, but it also reaffirmed their dedication to be there when the unthinkable happens.
Governor Abbott was in attendance along with local school district leaders and organizations.KERRVILLE, Texas — On Thursday, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced a major update on its plans to help families impacted by July's deadly floods.Austin Dixon, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said $40 million has been committed toward a new housing fund as part of their long-term recovery plan. Construction is reportedly going on now.“Rebuilding a safe stable place to...
Governor Abbott was in attendance along with local school district leaders and organizations.
KERRVILLE, Texas — On Thursday, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced a major update on its plans to help families impacted by July's deadly floods.
Austin Dixon, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said $40 million has been committed toward a new housing fund as part of their long-term recovery plan. Construction is reportedly going on now.
“Rebuilding a safe stable place to call home is at the heart of recovery," Dixon said. "This is more than bricks and lumbar. It's about restoring stability, dignity and hope for families.
Dixon also mentioned that during the first 45 days since recovery efforts began, the foundation granted $16 million to support more than 50 nonprofit organization that worked directly with flood survivors. The grants have also helped more than 700 families, supported over 200 small business, funded 17 volunteer fire departments and two public school districts including Hunt and Ingram.
The foundation has organized their response into four main categories which encompasses housing, mental health and well-being, economic recovery and quality of life and long-term recovery needs.
Dixon also thanked multiple organizations and partners that helped with the recovery efforts including Governor Abbot, federal officials, Airbnb.org, local nonprofits and builders.
The foundation has also established a local advisory counsel who will guide funding decisions regarding the $40 million housing commitment.
"This is one of the fastest and largest philanthropic responses ever mounted by a community foundation," Dixon said. "And it's proof of what we already know about Texas and the Hill Country - when disaster strikes it brings out the best in all of us."
Gov. Greg Abbott praised the fast action by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
“In my experience as governor I’ve never seen a community or a foundation respond faster," Abbott said.
The governor said every time the state has seen a disaster they focus on saving lives, removing debris and legislation - mentioning Senate Bill 1 which would create a comprehensive set of new safety requirements for youth camps.
Abbott said thanks to the generous people in the state of Texas millions of dollars are going to ensure the families impacted get back into their homes.
The governor said 75 families and residences will be housed during the rebuilding process.
Abbott also compared the recovery efforts of the July 4 floods to Hurricane Harvey's - where funds got stuck in several processes. He then thanked the foundation and its partnering organizations for making sure the Hill Country does not have to deal with those same obstacles.
Several other officials including the Superintended of Hunt ISD Lucy Harmon, and the former Ingram ISD Superintendent Bobby Templeton gave remarks on how the quick responses have helped the districts focus on their students.
“The community foundation has been there time and time again. We’re extremely grateful," Harmon said.
The school administrators agreed that students thrive when their homes are stable and the foundation has helped them create that steadiness.
Harmon mentioned that schools in Hunt did get hit with some flood damage but they were able to use their building to house first responders before pivoting back to an operating school.
Harmon said that school opened in Hunt on Wednesday.
"The community foundation is making a real tangible difference for our students, our schools in both Ingram and Hunt and our families," Harmon said. "Together we're going to ensure that children can focus on learning and healing while their families can rebuild their lives."
830.888.9559
