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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 Melvin, TX

Home Care Melvin, 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 Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site 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 Melvin, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin 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 Melvin, 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 Jacoby's Cafe or visit Perrin Air Force Base - Texas State Historical Marker, 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 Melvin, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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:

  • New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care of Floresville
  • Morada Abilene
  • Heavenly Manor Assisted Living LLC
  • Heritage Creek Assisted Living
  • Adante Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • 220 Harper Kerville Assisted Living
Home Care Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, 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 Melvin, TX

Latest News in Melvin, TX

Three-star DT Melvin Hills signs with Texas

The Texas Longhorns have more talent incoming from The Boot — head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have been hard at work establishing a recruiting footprint in Louisiana the past couple of cycles and they made sure they were not closing up shop empty handed in the 2024 recruiting cycle.Melvin Hills may have a three-star ranking with the recruiting services, but you will be hard pressed to find someone that agrees that his production the past two years equates to being a three-star prospect. One thing I know for sure is that...

The Texas Longhorns have more talent incoming from The Boot — head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff have been hard at work establishing a recruiting footprint in Louisiana the past couple of cycles and they made sure they were not closing up shop empty handed in the 2024 recruiting cycle.

Melvin Hills may have a three-star ranking with the recruiting services, but you will be hard pressed to find someone that agrees that his production the past two years equates to being a three-star prospect. One thing I know for sure is that Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis has a lengthy track record with identifying and developing talent in his position room, so when he put his stamp of approval on Hills and pressed for his commitment over the summer it was definitely noteworthy for me.

1000000% committed @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/FFY6rX4sU5

— Melvin Hills III (@IiiHills) July 12, 2023

Notable offers for Hills include Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas A&M, but he was another example of a commitment that the Longhorn staff never had to worry about once he was in the boat. And now he has officially signed on the dotted line and became a Longhorn.

Welcome to the Forty, @IiiHills #AllGas24 x #HookEm pic.twitter.com/8sgMDBWQaq

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 20, 2023

Hills notched double-digit sacks and double-digit tackles for loss as a junior and he followed up that productive campaign by taking his production to another level as a senior.

Senior season highlights 80 tackles14.5 sacks23.5 TFLs41 hurries 1 FF@samspiegs @On3Recruits @RivalsCorey @TheUCReport @DemetricDWarren @ChadSimmons_ @AWilliamsUSA @JScruggs247 https://t.co/kH0PDFIjtx

— Melvin Hills III (@IiiHills) December 12, 2023

When you calculate up the amount of disruption Hills generated the past two seasons then you will eventually come to the conclusion that he is probably a little underrated by the networks.

Here is my analysis of Hills from back when he committed in the summer:

Hills possesses good size at 6’4, 270 pounds with a frame that will allow him to continue to fill out as he continues to develop. Utilized on tape as an edge defender, but will transition full time to the interior at the next level. Had a very productive junior season statistically:

90Tackles 10Sacks15TFL1FF3FR https://t.co/e942hAmsFQ

— Melvin Hills III (@IiiHills) December 24, 2022

Shows good quickness at the snap and good enough burst to beat blockers across their face on stunts. Displays good hand usage at this stage in his development and shows the ability to win with them and get off blocks. Possesses solid play strength, but can still stand to improve and that will come in time as he matures physically. Can play high at times, so playing with low pads will need to be a coaching point for him. Read and reacts well and shows good COD. Plays with urgency, high effort, and a good motor. Flashes an arm over move at times that will need to be tightened up a bit when he transitions into the interior. Can get displaced from the LOS at times and will need to improve his ability to anchor. Overall, I like the physical traits he possesses already along with the strong production from 2022. I do think though he is a guy who will need some time in the redshirt incubator so that he can mature physically and acclimate to playing inside full time.

I love the way Bo Davis is stacking talent at the defensive tackle position long term for Texas. Heading into the SEC, Texas had to make sure they had their act together from a depth and talent standpoint along the defensive front. They are on their way to be feisty and ready come prime time in 2024.

Junior Season Highlights #55

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A consensus three-star prospect, Hills is ranked as the No. 717 player nationally and the No. 79 defensive lineman, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Texas A&M Veterinarians Developing Frailty Instrument To Personalize Canine Geriatric Care

In human medicine, the ability to measure frailty is a vital aspect of geriatric care. Doctors may recommend one treatment over another based on an elderly person’s frailty score, and nursing homes may adjust care protocols as frailty increases.While the ability to measure frailty is not a new concept in human medicine, it has previously been incorporated into veterinary medicine only in research and laboratory settings.Soon, however, frailty will be an important consideration in caring for pets as well, thanks to the Dog...

In human medicine, the ability to measure frailty is a vital aspect of geriatric care. Doctors may recommend one treatment over another based on an elderly person’s frailty score, and nursing homes may adjust care protocols as frailty increases.

While the ability to measure frailty is not a new concept in human medicine, it has previously been incorporated into veterinary medicine only in research and laboratory settings.

Soon, however, frailty will be an important consideration in caring for pets as well, thanks to the Dog Aging Project, a collaborative program led by the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) and the University of Washington School of Medicine.

By working with tens of thousands of dog owners across the United States, the Dog Aging Project is creating a frailty instrument that can be used to make health decisions and personalize geriatric veterinary care for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

In an article recently published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the project’s veterinary team laid out its plan for developing the instrument by using a variety of simple tests and questionnaires that can be performed by dog owners and veterinarians.

“Dogs are living longer and longer because of the improving health care system and better nutrition,” said Dr. Rachel Melvin, a Dog Aging Project research team member and VMBS clinical trials intern. “We now have a bunch of old dogs whose owners want to do the best by them, and frailty scores help us do that by improving the personalized veterinary care those dogs receive.”

What Is Frailty?

Frailty is a complex syndrome associated with aging. Because it considers physical, mental and emotional changes associated with aging, it is a better indicator of the body’s condition and overall health than age by itself.

“Age is just a number, but it is a number that can carry a lot of baggage,” Melvin said. “Frailty is a way for us to measure aging more accurately, which we only could measure with years before.

“The higher their frailty score, the more likely a person is to fall down, need to be hospitalized, or to have complications while in a hospital,” she said. “Likewise, a dog with a higher frailty score may be more at risk for complications after surgery and take longer to recover than a less-frail dog.”

Frailty is especially important in veterinary medicine because dogs can vary greatly in size depending on their breed.

“A 12-year-old Great Dane and a 12-year-old Chihuahua are two vastly different animals in terms of health and body condition,” Melvin said. “Knowing a dog’s frailty score helps us measure and explain things like prognosis to owners, which then helps with making medical decisions.”

How To Measure Frailty

Turning an objective description of health into a numerical score is a challenging concept that requires finding tests or measurements that are indicative of an individual’s risk of death.

“In human medicine, grip strength is one common measurement used because losing strength is a good indication that your body is aging,” Melvin said. “In dogs, it gets a little more difficult because we can’t ask them to do a simple, repeatable task like gripping something. So, our surveys will have lots of questions that correlate with some of the common measurements used in human frailty scales.”

To begin the process, Melvin and her colleagues are considering many measurements that will be narrowed down once the team determines which are the most indicative of frailty.

Some of the factors being considered include body condition score, thigh girth deterioration, unintentional weight loss, gait speed, ability to climb stairs and willingness to participate in customary activities, like going on walks.

“We’re very passionate about the idea that these are simple, easy measurements that don’t require blood work or diagnostic tests,” Melvin said. “We want everyone to be able to know if their dog is frail without there being a cost or technical limitation.”

In addition to physical measurements, the surveys will include questions that cover the mental and emotional changes associated with aging.

“In human medicine, they’ve found that including psychological and social domains can lead to a more sensitive scale,” Melvin said. “There are lots of ways that the body manifests frailty beyond physical changes, and we want to make sure we cover every category.”

Some of the non-physical measurements being considered are a dog’s short-term memory, recall of learned behaviors, general anxiety and social avoidance. These would be measurable with simple tests and based on an owner’s interpretation of their dog’s behavior.

What The Scale Will Look Like

Once the team has narrowed down the questions that most effectively determine a dog’s frailty, they will develop a numerical frailty scale that general veterinary practitioners can use. After that, they plan to expand the scale into a full Frailty Instrument for Dogs (FIDo) to increase its usefulness in real-life situations.

“Our plan is to develop a three-tiered frailty instrument,” Melvin said. “There will be a screening portion with questions for the owner, a scale for general practitioners and a triage scale for emergency veterinarians and specialists. They won’t be interchangeable; they will be designed to work together.”

Especially in an ER setting, knowing a dog’s frailty score will help manage owner expectations and ensure that the medical decisions being made accurately consider the dog’s prognosis and quality of life.

Ultimately, measuring frailty is an important part of the Dog Aging Project’s overall mission of helping dogs live longer, healthier lives.

“To be able to fight frailty, you have to be able to detect frailty,” Melvin said. “If we can identify dogs that are frail, there are potentially steps we can take to prevent or delay progression and help them stay healthier longer.”

In addition to Melvin, the Texas A&M researchers working on this project are clinical trials intern Dr. Elizabeth Pearson and Dr. Kate Creevy, a VMBS professor and the chief veterinary officer for the Dog Aging Project. Other collaborators include Dr. Audrey Ruple, from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Natasha Olby, from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Annette Fitzpatrick, from the University of Washington.

LCA 4-star DL Melvin Hills III chooses Texas Longhorns over LSU football, others

Lafayette Christian Academy defensive lineman Melvin Hills III announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns during a ceremony Wednesday.Surrounded by his family, the four-star interior defensive lineman chose the Longhorns over Auburn, Ole Miss, LSU and Tennessee....

Lafayette Christian Academy defensive lineman Melvin Hills III announced his commitment to the Texas Longhorns during a ceremony Wednesday.

Surrounded by his family, the four-star interior defensive lineman chose the Longhorns over Auburn, Ole Miss, LSU and Tennessee.

Following his decision, Hills said that Texas' move to the Southeastern Conference, which is where the other teams play that he was pondering, made his choice that much easier.

"This is a dream," he told Louisiana vs. All Y'all sports outfit. "It's a dream to play college football and they're going to the SEC so that was even better. When I first visited Texas, I knew that was a place that I always wanted to be at for real.

"(Texas defensive line coach) Bo Davis and (head coach Steve Sarkisian) treated me like family. So it was a no-brainer after I took like the second visit."

In the 2024 recruiting class, Hills ranks as the state's top defensive line product and according to 247sports composite, is Louisiana's 27th best overall recruit coming out this year.

TOP SENIORS IN ACADIANAThese players are the top Class of 2024 high school football recruits from Acadiana

TOP JUNIORS IN ACADIANAThese players are the top Class of 2025 high school football recruits from Acadiana

Hills played a big role in LCA's defense during his junior campaign and helped the team reach the LHSAA Select Division II state championship game inside the Caesar's Superdome in New Orleans.

The Knights' standout ended the 2022 season with 90 tackles, including 10 sacks and 15 tackles-for-loss, and had three fumble recoveries. Hills was a First Team All-Acadiana selection.

Hills in the second Lafayette Christian star to commit to play Power Five college football this offseason. Star quarterback Ju'Juan Johnson initially committed to Deion Sanders and Colorado before changing his mind to LSU football a couple of months ago.

Three-star DT Melvin Hills commits to Texas

The Texas Longhorns continue to add depth and size on the line ahead of their move to the SEC with the addition of defensive lineman Melvin Hills to the class of 2024 on Wednesday. BREAKING: Class of 2024 DL Melvin Hills III tells me he has Committed to Texas!The 6’4 270 DL from Lafayette, LA chose the Longhorns over LSU, Auburn, & Ole Miss“Coach Bo will make me a 1st round draf...

The Texas Longhorns continue to add depth and size on the line ahead of their move to the SEC with the addition of defensive lineman Melvin Hills to the class of 2024 on Wednesday.

BREAKING: Class of 2024 DL Melvin Hills III tells me he has Committed to Texas!The 6’4 270 DL from Lafayette, LA chose the Longhorns over LSU, Auburn, & Ole Miss“Coach Bo will make me a 1st round draft pick & I highly believe that.”https://t.co/ij5lKflZT4 pic.twitter.com/vjyV4Fr5ru

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 12, 2023

Hills, a three-star prospect out of Lafayette (La.) Christian Academy, was a highly-coveted name on the defensive line, boasting 22 offers, including the Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, and the Texas A&M Aggies. The list narrowed to two in June, with only the Longhorns and the Ole Miss Rebels getting visits during the busy summer recruiting month. Ultimately, the pitch from Bo Davis won out over former Texas coach Coleman Hutzler and Hills made the call for the Longhorns.

Measuring 6’3, 270 pounds, Hills is a menace in the middle for Lafayette Christian, turning in 90 tackles, 10 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss in his junior campaign. Another year like that, and Hills’ ranking will likely match his offer sheet as he closes out his high school career.

A consensus three-star prospect ranked as the No. 708 player nationally and the No. 70 defensive lineman, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Hill becomes commitment No. 14 for the Longhorns, six of which have happened in the month of July, as Texas continues to bolster the trenches ahead of its 2024 SEC debut. Hills joins Alex January along the interior defensive line, a group vital to the success of Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense.

Analysis (by Daniel Seahorn):

Hills possesses good size at 6’4, 270 pounds with a frame that will allow him to continue to fill out as he continues to develop. Utilized on tape as an edge defender, but will transition full time to the interior at the next level. Had a very productive junior season statistically:

90Tackles 10Sacks15TFL1FF3FR https://t.co/e942hAmsFQ

— Melvin Hills III (@IiiHills) December 24, 2022

Shows good quickness at the snap and good enough burst to beat blockers across their face on stunts. Displays good hand usage at this stage in his development and shows the ability to win with them and get off blocks. Possesses solid play strength, but can still stand to improve and that will come in time as he matures physically. Can play high at times, so playing with low pads will need to be a coaching point for him. Read and reacts well and shows good COD. Plays with urgency, high effort, and a good motor. Flashes an arm over move at times that will need to be tightened up a bit when he transitions into the interior. Can get displaced from the LOS at times and will need to improve his ability to anchor. Overall, I like the physical traits he possesses already along with the strong production from 2022. I do think though he is a guy who will need some time in the redshirt incubator so that he can mature physically and acclimate to playing inside full time.

Junior Season Highlights #55

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Get to know Texas signee Melvin Hills on national signing day

Whether you’re a diehard recruiting fan in need of a refresher or a casual fan in need of only the particulars, this will be the series for you.[Join Inside Texas today using our National Signing Day sale and choose from two great offers!]The first national signing day for college football begins December 20 and runs through December 22. This series gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with the next class...

Whether you’re a diehard recruiting fan in need of a refresher or a casual fan in need of only the particulars, this will be the series for you.

[Join Inside Texas today using our National Signing Day sale and choose from two great offers!]

The first national signing day for college football begins December 20 and runs through December 22. This series gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with the next class charged with keeping Texas in a position of national prominence.

To win at a consistently high level means stacking talented class after talented class. The top-five 2024 class does just that following top-five finishes in the 2022 and 2023 classes.

On the first national signing day, Inside Texas will offer profiles of each member of the 2024 signing class. Up next, Melvin Hills.

The Player: Melvin Hills, DL, Lafayette (La.) Christian Academy

The Rating: 87.77 (three-star)

The Ranking: Hills is ranked as the No. 644 overall prospect, the No. 59 defensive lineman, and the No. 18 prospect in Louisiana in the On3 Industry Ranking. On3 ranks Hills as the No. 62 defensive lineman and the No. 17 player in Louisiana.

The Highlights:

Melvin Hills III senior highlights

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The Recruitment: Hills’ final five in his recruitment were Texas, LSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Auburn. In June of 2023, Hills took official visits to Ole Miss, Texas, and Auburn. He was not able to trip to Rocky Top or Death Valley. The battle came down to Ole Miss and Texas, with Hills choosing the Longhorns on July 12.

The Projection: Bo Davis sold Hills on being able to play a number of spots but he’s likely to fit into the position that lines up at 3-tech or 4i in Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense.

The Reasoning: “I really felt a great connection with Texas the first time I visited. Coach Bo, he was straight forward with me and everything. He told me how many players they were losing, and how many players they need. And that they were going to the SEC, and he needed players that could and want to play in the SEC. So I felt that I wanted to play in the SEC as a top defensive lineman. And seeing what he’s done with players that went to the NFL, that was a big part too.”

The Relationship: Bo Davis drove the bus in this recruitment and is the main reason why Hills is a Longhorn.

The Enrollment: Hills will enroll in the summer.

[Subscribe to the brand new Inside Texas YouTube channel!]

The Final Word: Texas ventured into The Boot and took a defensive lineman fellow SEC schools sought after. The Longhorns needed D-lineman after a one-man 2023 class and Hills answered the call.

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