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.
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“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.”
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“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.”
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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.
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.
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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.
Several groups have mobilized to offer assistance to people affected by the Guadalupe River floods.Kerrville officials invited the public to monitor their city’s Facebook page for the latest developments from that area.– For campers: Your reunification center is at Ingram Elementary School at 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025.– For non-campers: Your reunification center is at Arcadia Live The...
Several groups have mobilized to offer assistance to people affected by the Guadalupe River floods.
Kerrville officials invited the public to monitor their city’s Facebook page for the latest developments from that area.
– For campers: Your reunification center is at Ingram Elementary School at 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, TX 78025.
– For non-campers: Your reunification center is at Arcadia Live Theater — 717 Water St, Kerrville, TX 78028
Shelters for those displaced by the flooding have been set up in Kerrville at these locations:
– Medical shelter at First United Methodist Church — 321 Thompson Drive Kerrville, TX 78028
– Congregate shelter at Calvary Temple Church — 3000 Loop 534 Kerrville, TX 78028
– Notre Dame Catholic Church — 929 Main Street Notre Dame Catholic Church Kerrville, TX 78028
– Schreiner University — Event Center, 2100 Memorial Boulevard
Authorities also advised people to call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 if they were trying to locate a loved one.
– The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to assist relief and recovery efforts. More information here.
– Pick up/drop off of food, water, supplies, clothing established at Cross Kingdom Church, 3044 Junction Highway, Kerrville, TX 78025.
– Project Mend, which restores medical equipment for reuse, also offered to help provide “wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, walkers, or rollators” to people affected by the floods. More information at its website or call 210-429-4057.
Correction: A previous version of this story listed the wrong location for the camper reunification center. That is at Ingram Elementary School.
Families are awaiting word on about 20 girls still missing after major flooding devastated Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp in Kerr County.Here are some of the people who a...
Families are awaiting word on about 20 girls still missing after major flooding devastated Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp in Kerr County.
Here are some of the people who are missing.
Molly DeWitt of Houston is among those missing, according to social media posts and a Fox 26 report.
Former Astros and current Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman posted a screenshot asking for help finding a girl named "Virginia Hollis" with a caption of three praying emojis.
— Alex Bregman (@ABREG_1) July 4, 2025
Janie Hunt's mother told CNN that she doesn't know where her daughter is.
Hadley Hanna, an 8-year-old from Dallas, is among the girls who is missing.
Hadley's mother, Carrie Crossman Hann, told WFAA in Dallas that she received a call Friday from the camp that her daughter was missing.
Katherine Ferruzzo, 19, is from Houston and was working as a Camp Mystic counselor. She recently graduated from Memorial High School and was set to attend the University of Texas, where she planned to major in early childhood education.
Lainey Landry, a 9-year-old from Houston, is missing, according to a report from ABC 13.
Kellyanne Lytal is among those missing, according to Peyton Yager of Fox 4 in Dallas.
— Peyton Yager (@peytonyager) July 4, 2025
Blakely McCrory, 8, had spent just five days at the camp before the flood hit, her grandfather, E. Douglas McLeod, of Galveston said.
McLeod’s family has spent close to 100 years attending summer camps in the Hill County. It was at a camp dance that he and his wife first met, he said.
Blaklely, the youngest member of the family, had been excited to participate in the family tradition, he said.
“She wanted to follow in the footsteps of all of us,” McLeod said.
The family was holding out hope on Saturday that she would still be found.
“She was a precocious, sweet little girl,” McLeod said.”That’s what we’re praying for. That there’s a miracle.”
Blakely’s time at the camp also came just two months after her father, Blake McCrory, died of a heart attack, McLeod said.
McLeod said some family members, including Blakely’s older brother, had gone to the Kerrville area to help with the search effort. Blakely’s mother was at a wedding overseas and was traveling back to Texas on Saturday.
Eloise Peck's mother told Peyton Yager of Fox 4 in Dallas that her daughter and friend Lila Bonner were missing.
NBC News reported that Lila Bonner, one of the young girls reported missing from Camp Mystic, was confirmed deceased by her family.
"In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time," the statement said, according to NBC. "We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly."
JUST IN: 23 girls are unaccounted for from the TX Hill Country summer camp Camp Mystic due to the flooding along the Guadalupe River. 2 Dallas girls are among the missing. Eloise Peck’s mom sent us this photo of Eloise (left) and her friend Lila Bonner. @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/bBPd43nvEB
— Peyton Yager (@peytonyager) July 4, 2025
Peyton Yager of Fox 4 in Dallas reported that Renee Smajstrla is among those missing. No other information on Renee was provided in the report.
— Peyton Yager (@peytonyager) July 4, 2025
Greta Toranzo, an HISD student, is among those missing, according to the Sinclair Elementary School PTO.
"As of this morning, Greta is still missing. We encourage everyone to continue sharing her picture and to continue sending positive energy to her friends and family during this unimaginable time. ...Toranzo Family, please know the entire Sinclair community holds you in our hearts.
Severe flooding in Central Texas claimed at least 27 lives and left dozens missing, officials said.KERRVILLE, Texas — Catastrophic and deadly flooding hit Central Texas on July 4, causing dozens of people to be reported missing and dead Saturday morning.At least 27 people were conf...
Severe flooding in Central Texas claimed at least 27 lives and left dozens missing, officials said.
KERRVILLE, Texas — Catastrophic and deadly flooding hit Central Texas on July 4, causing dozens of people to be reported missing and dead Saturday morning.
At least 27 people were confirmed dead Saturday morning, Kerrville officials said in a press conference. Of the 27 bodies found, 18 are adults and nine of them are children. Six of the adults were unidentified, and one child was unidentified as of 9 a.m.
Officials said more than 850 people were rescued from the flooding. Some people were found clinging to trees for hours while waiting for help, officials said.
The area is home to several camps, including Camp Mystic, where more than 20 kids are missing from the camp, officials said.
Kerr County and Kerrville officials say they are working closely with state and federal officials for assistance in the search and rescue operations.
"People need to know today will be a hard day," Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said during the news conference. "Please pray for our community."
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said families can report people who are still missing by calling 830-258-1111 or by sending an email to floodrecovery@co.kerr.tx.us.
The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said people can call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 to find out about missing loved ones. Reunification centers were set up at Ingram Elementary School in Ingram and the Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville.
The following are North Texas families and children who are confirmed missing or are confirmed deceased by their families. Several more people are reported missing, but WFAA has not been able to confirm their status with family:
Eric Steele confirmed to WFAA that his brother-in-law, Jeff Ramsey, died after floodwaters rushed through the HTR campground along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville overnight on Friday, where the family was staying. Jeff's wife, Tanya Ramsey, remains missing as of 11:15 a.m. Saturday.
Carrie Crossman Hanna told WFAA she heard from Camp Mystic today that her daughter, Hadley Hanna, is one of the girls currently unaccounted for at Camp Mystic.
Robert Brake, 67, and Joni Brake, 66, were visiting their youngest son, who lives in an RV near the Guadalupe River, when conditions worsened early Friday morning. The couple was staying in a nearby cabin at the time, the family said.
Ty Mabey of Mansfield was last seen around 5 a.m. at the HTR campground in Kerrville. Her family is hoping for information about her whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call Chelsey Rustenhaven at 469-951-3210.
Many people living in Kerr County are dealing with the loss of their homes – as well as more than 30 of their friends and neighbors after historic flooding devastated the Hill Country.And families in North Texas are mourning their daughters who are among those deceased victims swept away from a riverside summer camp.HOMES DESTROYED BY GUADALUPE RIVERAiden Duncan has been de...
Many people living in Kerr County are dealing with the loss of their homes – as well as more than 30 of their friends and neighbors after historic flooding devastated the Hill Country.
And families in North Texas are mourning their daughters who are among those deceased victims swept away from a riverside summer camp.
Aiden Duncan has been dealing with a home and a city torn apart.
He was in his family’s RV by the Guadalupe River in Kerrville early Friday morning when the sirens started sounding and first responders told them to evacuate.
“From here all the way up, it was all gone, it was all flooded,” said Duncan.
The river’s record rise of more than 20 feet had torn apart the landscape and carried off or severely damaged homes, including Adiel Carrizales’s.
He took his three boys to safety and tried to come back for their belongings.
“But by the time I came back the water was already right here,” said Carrizales. “I’m just glad everybody was able to get out of here, I know people are dealing with a lot more than we are.”
Officials said as of Saturday afternoon at least 32 people were confirmed dead in the flooding.
NBC 5 has learned that several of them are North Texas girls who were swept away from Camp Mystic along the river near Hunt, Texas.
Loved ones told us camper Janie Hunt from Dallas was found deceased after the flood.
The family of Dallas elementary schooler Lila Bonner said she had also passed away.
“In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time,” said Bonner’s family. “We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”
As of Saturday afternoon, families told NBC 5 that Eloise Peck and Wynne Naylor from Dallas were still missing from the camp.
“It hurts honestly,” said Duncan.
In Kerrville, state leaders said they were proud of the resilience of Texans – and they wouldn’t stop searching until every missing person was found.
Still, those who live in and love the Hill Country have been struggling to look away from its new scars.
“If you just look at all the devastation it’s horrible,” said Duncan. “All of it’s gone.”
In response to questions about what people can do to help the area recover from the deadly flood, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501(c)(3) charity serving the Texas Hill Country, has established a relief fund to support vetted local response, relief and recovery efforts.
Organizers said all donations go directly to organizations working on the front lines of the July 4 flooding emergency. All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for your gift.
To learn more or donate, visit the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country here.
Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.The Texas Hill Country is reeling after a devastating flood with a confirmed death toll of 43 as of Saturday afternoon. The Kerr County’s sheriff's office said the victims include 28 adults and 15 c...
Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
The Texas Hill Country is reeling after a devastating flood with a confirmed death toll of 43 as of Saturday afternoon. The Kerr County’s sheriff's office said the victims include 28 adults and 15 children.
Rescue efforts are still underway as authorities search for 27 girls who went missing from Camp Mystic, a long-running Christian camp. With families turning to social media for answers, officials warn the full scope of the disaster may not be known yet.
Texas still faces flood threats as officials warn caution. Saturday's forecast predicts 2-4 inches of rain, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches per the National Weather Service.
As rescue efforts continue in Kerrville, questions are arising about how to assist those affected by the flood. Here is a guide on how you can help those in need, along with safety tips for dealing with flood warnings and what to do when you encounter flood waters.
The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has been set up to help those impacted by the floods.
The fund was created by The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501(c)(3) charity, that will be directing money to “vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance,” according to its site.
Additionally, Southern Oaks Church is organizing a supply drive to support those impacted. Church officials urged locals to stay off the roads today but are encouraging people to start gathering items from home. Supplies can be dropped off at 122 Valley View in Kerrville.
They are looking for hygiene kits, baby and child essentials, clothing, food and nutrition, comfort and coping materials and more.
For those who live far away, the church has set up an online donation on its site. Select “River Flood Relief Fund” to donate to flood victims.
Austin’s Jester King Brewery is collecting items as well. Materials can be dropped off on Saturday or Sunday at their address: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd in Austin. Materials will be dropped off at Cross Kingdom Church.
Items most in need are bottled water, non-perishable food, new socks and underwear, kids clothing, diapers and baby wipes, flashlights and batteries, toiletries and cleaning supplies and pet food.
Treaty Oak Distillery in Dripping Springs is also taking donations. The address is 16604 Fitzhugh Rd in Dripping Springs. They are looking for cleaning and recovery supplies, food and water, emergency supplies, personal hygiene products, tools and more.
TEXSAR, an Austin-based nonprofit specializing in emergency response, has deployed swiftwater rescue teams, boats, drones and search dogs to aid in the search for the missing. The group is aiming to raise $100,000 to sustain its efforts. Donations can be made online.
The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Kerrville is collecting nonperishable food, diapers, and cleaning items like bleach, trash bags, brooms and shovels. Donations can be dropped off at its Social Services office, located at 855 Hays Street in Kerrville.
Cross Kingdom Church in Kerrville has received many donations, and church officials said people can come by and grab things. The address is 3044 Junction Hwy in Kerrville.
Texans who sustained damage caused by the storms are encouraged to report it through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool.The tool helps emergency management officials understand the scope of the damage, which can influence emergency declarations and federal spending.
If you are impacted by a natural disaster, government services and community resources are available to help you with recovery.
Organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and local volunteer organizations can help you find food, shelter and supplies, as well as assist you with clean-up efforts. Texas Health and Human Services is responsible for coordinating efforts to help Texans in need immediately after a widespread emergency.
After a disaster, a state’s governor can issue a disaster declaration, asking the president to declare an emergency or major disaster, which then frees up federal funds to help those affected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides disaster assistance in these situations.
Before applying for assistance from FEMA, insured Texans should first file claims through their existing policies. People cannot receive disaster and insurance assistance for the same damages. Doing so would be considered insurance fraud, according to FEMA.
If you need to file an insurance claim because your home or property was damaged, call your insurance company to report the damages and be ready to answer questions about how you were impacted. Be sure to take photos and videos to submit to insurance or FEMA and document damages for your records.
If you need help quickly, you can ask your insurance company about an advanced payment. If you aren’t able to live in your home after the disaster because of extensive damage, most policies will cover some housing costs, according to the Texas Department of Insurance, so be sure to keep your receipts.
If you need help filing a claim, TDI has a helpline that operates Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Texans can call 800-252-3439 to find out contact information for their insurance company and ask any questions about claims.
The State Bar of Texas also offers a toll-free legal hotline to assist low-income Texans with issues like replacing lost documents, insurance questions, landlord-tenant problems, price-gouging or avoiding contractor scams following a natural disaster. Residents can call 800-504-7030, which is answered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Those who qualify for assistance are matched with Texas lawyers who can provide free, limited legal help, according to the state bar’s website.
To know when a weather emergency is expected or to stay updated during a disaster, sign up for emergency alerts from your city or county. Residents can look up their county emergency management office online to sign up for emergency emails and texts.
Texans who rely on electricity for medical reasons can apply for chronic conditions or critical care status, which provide extra notifications ahead of interruptions or suspensions of service. Applications have to be approved by a physician and submitted to the transmission and distribution utility that covers your address. The status doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted power, so if electricity is a necessity, make other arrangements ahead of a storm if possible.
Texans with disabilities or people who would require additional medical assistance during an emergency can also sign up for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, a free system run by the state that gives emergency responders additional information about the communities they are helping in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Major phone providers participate in the federal wireless emergency alert system, which enables federal, state and local authorities to broadcast alerts to mobile devices. Check the settings on your phone to ensure you have these alerts turned on. They are often labeled “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages.”
If you need to find community resources during a disaster, dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for information about resources including food, health, housing and more.
It is normal for people to experience shock in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. People like those with existing mental health conditions may see increased symptoms of stress. Others may focus on recovery and relief efforts but may feel symptoms of stress and trauma later on, according to experts.
Symptoms can include aches, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, losing motivation, getting frustrated more frequently and feeling overwhelmed, sad, numb, lonely and physically or mentally drained.
Most emotional responses and stress symptoms are temporary, but if they persist for two weeks or longer, it is recommended to seek help. Signs of greater emotional distress can include feeling hopeless, feeling guilty without being sure why, having difficulty readjusting to home and work life, excessive smoking, drinking or drug use or thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, according to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
SAMHSA runs the Disaster Distress Helpline, which provides support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. The helpline operates year-round, 24 hours a day and is free and confidential. You can call or text 800-985-5990 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can provide counseling, healthy coping tips and more information on signs of emotional distress. Crisis counselors can also provide local resources for additional support.
Trained crisis counselors are also available through the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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