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 BaylessSelby House Museum in Denton, TX 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 Denton, 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.
“Great place to work.”
“We are so grateful to Always Best Care for the exceptional care they provided to”
“My experience working with Always Best Care has been amazing! The team goes above and”
“I have worked for this company for almost 2 and half years and it has”
“Every staff member we have worked with is kind and passionate about their job and”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is”
“Melissa Watson did an amazing job with our mother. She worked so hard, changed her”
“Employees caring, compassionate folks with empathy and love for those they care for! Office staff”
“Dixie is a great resource! She shared valuable information around getting my Father In Law”
“I have worked here for awhile and it's the best. I have great clients and”
“ABC is an amazing company to work for, always were respectful, courteous, and caring of”
“The Always Best Care team (Dixie, Matthew, Shane, Shelley, and Jermey) really care about their”
“Their staff was wonderful and very trustworthy for my mom’s care- they were there for”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is”
“I have worked for ALWAYS BEST CARE for many years and have always had the”
“I have worked for a few home health care agencies in the past 15 years”
“This company is awesome! They treat their employees great and they treat their clients even”
“We contacted Always Best Senior Care for additional hospice support for our family member. Jeremy”
“Amazing place to work. This company takes pride in helping their clients!”
“Awesome place to work and the owner and office Staff take care of there employees”
“I called , and spoke with Kelly Strong about helping me with a caretaker, and”
“I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how incredibly awesome Always Best”
“Always Best Care has been providing care for my father for over two years now;”
“Great place to work.”
“We are so grateful to Always Best Care for the exceptional care they provided to my father-in-law. From the very first conversation, we felt supported and reassured that we were in good hands. Their team went above and beyond, treating him with kindness, patience, and genuine compassion every step of the way. The care service providers that we worked with were professional yet warm, and they quickly became like family to us. They didn’t just meet his medical needs—they truly cared about his comfort, dignity, and well-being. It gave us so much peace of mind to know that he was in such capable and loving hands, whether it was with personal care, companionship, or simply making him smile throughout the day. The communication was seamless, and the staff was incredibly responsive to any changes or needs. We always felt heard, understood, and valued as a family. Having Always Best Care involved made such a difference in our lives, and we cannot thank them enough. If you're looking for home care service providers who treat your loved ones with respect and compassion, I wholeheartedly recommend Always Best Care. They made a challenging time easier for us all, and we will forever be grateful for their kindness and professionalism.”
“My experience working with Always Best Care has been amazing! The team goes above and beyond to make sure my moms is taken care of and I couldn't be happier with my moms care giver, Taelyn! She is the best! I would highly recommend entrusting the ABC team with your family member.”
“I have worked for this company for almost 2 and half years and it has been the best one I have ever worked for (dixie, Matthew ,Shane,Shelly,Jeremy) care for their clients and employees couldn't ask for a better company to hire to care for your family members”
“Every staff member we have worked with is kind and passionate about their job and ABC. They are responsive to families and helpful in making documentation easy for the families. We are new to the service, but so far very pleased, especially with our mom’s caretaker Ailie. She is attentive and caring and respectful to our mom, treating her with dignity and kindness. We are so thankful to have found this service provider who came highly recommended by close friends who have been using them since the company’s inception. Thank you, Shane, and team!”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is a great person to talk with about joining our wonderful team.”
“Melissa Watson did an amazing job with our mother. She worked so hard, changed her schedule when we needed her and was very loving to our mother.”
“Employees caring, compassionate folks with empathy and love for those they care for! Office staff goes (Dixie , Shane, Shelly, Matthew and Jeremy ) above and beyond to make sure all aspects of care are covered.”
“Dixie is a great resource! She shared valuable information around getting my Father In Law benefits through the VA. I had no idea these were available. Highly recommend!”
“I have worked here for awhile and it's the best. I have great clients and great coworkers especially Dixie. Everyone is so understanding when I went through a family emergency. I'm really blessed.”
“ABC is an amazing company to work for, always were respectful, courteous, and caring of both their clients AND their staff.”
“The Always Best Care team (Dixie, Matthew, Shane, Shelley, and Jermey) really care about their caregivers! I have loved working for them and they have done so much for me as well. I would definitely recommend this job for college students who have a passion for helping others!”
“Their staff was wonderful and very trustworthy for my mom’s care- they were there for her through ice storms and hail!! Melissa and Laina took great care of my mom and I didn’t have to worry!! Very trustworthy company!!!”
“A great place to work and team members all around to help out anytime Dixie is a great person to talk with about joining our wonderful team.”
“I have worked for ALWAYS BEST CARE for many years and have always had the Support of a Wonderful Owner and Management Team. This Team not only takes care of its Clients and their Family, but we also make sure that We take care of each other as well! I am truly Grateful and Blessed to be a part of this Team.”
“I have worked for a few home health care agencies in the past 15 years and none compare to ALWAYS BEST CARE! I have never worked with a group who TRULY care about each and everyone of their clients. I have never seen a group so committed to what they do. I feel it is an honor and a privilege to work here. I enjoy the dynamics in the office and never mind getting up to go to work. If you want an agency who truly cares about theirs clients, then ALWAYS BEST CARE is for you and your loved ones.”
“This company is awesome! They treat their employees great and they treat their clients even better.”
“We contacted Always Best Senior Care for additional hospice support for our family member. Jeremy was so prompt in returning our call and putting together a care plan that would work for us. I highly recommend their services as well as Jeremy as the coordinator. Top Notch!”
“Amazing place to work. This company takes pride in helping their clients!”
“Awesome place to work and the owner and office Staff take care of there employees 10/10 would recommend this place for anyone looking for a job in the health care industry.”
“I called , and spoke with Kelly Strong about helping me with a caretaker, and explained my needs. She told me she had the perfect person for me, and I can testify, that she was the best caretaker ever. She was patient, kind, had a great personality , and had great work ethics. I have to say that Kelly Strong has the same qualities as a coordinator. Kelly has always helped me with whatever I needed. It’s great to know that if I need help, I can always depend on her. Thank You Sincerely , Cathy Sewell”
“I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how incredibly awesome Always Best Care is! I had someone recommend them to me and I called them as soon as I could! As soon as Shane answered the phone they immediately started taking care of us! They scheduled the most amazing team of people to be by our side and by my mother-in-laws side. They even jumped through hoops to gather extra people when we needed them round the clock! They always found ways to work their schedule around us! The people they hire are incredible people who truly know how to do their job and truly love who they are taking care of. All of them became family to us and are still family to us to this day. I just cannot tell you how awesome they are, but I can give you the best advice and that is to not call anybody else but Always Best Care!!!!!”
“Always Best Care has been providing care for my father for over two years now; and I’m not quite sure where we’d be without their meticulous care, attention to detail, and compassion for my elderly dad. Their support has enabled our family to have our dad home with us and involved in our daily lives as much as possible. We are forever grateful to Kelly and her team!”
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 South Lakes Park in Denton, TX 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 Hannah's or visit Historic Downtown Denton, 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 Denton, 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 Denton, 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 Denton, 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.
Programs in the College of Professional Education (COPE) at Texas Woman’s University have earned a reputation for producing extraordinary professionals who are leaders in their communities.We are passionate about advancing quality in our schools, libraries and communities.How do you want to make a difference?Our faculty in the School of Education share your passion. Whether you want to start your career in education, enhance your current teaching career or want to move into teaching from a different career, our pro...
Programs in the College of Professional Education (COPE) at Texas Woman’s University have earned a reputation for producing extraordinary professionals who are leaders in their communities.
We are passionate about advancing quality in our schools, libraries and communities.
How do you want to make a difference?
Our faculty in the School of Education share your passion. Whether you want to start your career in education, enhance your current teaching career or want to move into teaching from a different career, our programs prepare you to make an impact in the classroom and beyond.
Check into programs that focus on early childhood in grades pre-kindergarten to grade 3, or from early childhood through sixth grade, the middle grades (4-8), or up through grade 12. We also have excellent programs that dive into literacy in all ages as well as languages.
Texas Woman’s School of Human Sciences provides programs aimed at strengthening families. Prepare to work as a counselor, parent educator, child life specialist or marriage and family therapist; administer programs for infants/toddlers; or enter other fields aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families.
Our School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) offers master’s degree and certification programs that prepare professionals to work in information environments including academic, public, medical or school libraries; corporate and other special libraries; government agencies; and more.
In addition to our literacy and language degree programs, TWU dives further into literacy in our Reading Recovery Training Center, one of only two in the U.S. that can train trainers for other universities, and is the only Descubriendo la Lectura training center in the world.
Urban Education Micro-Credential
The TWU Urban Education Micro-Credential is a FREE new opportunity for TWU School of Education students to prepare for work in urban education.
Learn to navigate complexities of urban education, explore historical and cultural legacies of urban populations, and foster an educational environment that honors and respects urban communities.
Support our faculty and students
We educate teachers, counselors, librarians and more who go on to fill vital roles in our communities. Our faculty gives them the expertise they need, but you can give them the support they need.
Please consider a gift to support the students and faculty of the College of Professional Education.
Our programs focus on the helping professions aimed at building better communities — one student, one person, and one family at a time. Through high-impact, hands-on learning experiences, we create opportunities for you to thrive.
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As a first-year student, you may be admitted under one of the following two categories:Assured Admissionor Regular Admission.Assured AdmissionYour admission is automatically approved if you meet both of the following:Although admission to TWU is assured, ACT or SAT scores are optional and may be used for proper advising, course placement, honors and scholarship purposes.*Class ranking is based on the end of 11th grade, middle of 12th grade or at high school ...
As a first-year student, you may be admitted under one of the following two categories:Assured Admissionor Regular Admission.
Your admission is automatically approved if you meet both of the following:
Although admission to TWU is assured, ACT or SAT scores are optional and may be used for proper advising, course placement, honors and scholarship purposes.
*Class ranking is based on the end of 11th grade, middle of 12th grade or at high school graduation, whichever is most recent when the application is reviewed.
You meet the requirements for regular admission if you meet all of the following:
If you’ve attended TWU in the past, you may be eligible for readmission under transfer admission requirements.
*GED certificate of completion must reflect a minimum score of 145 on each of the four exams. HiSET certificate completion must reflect a minimum of 8 on each of the five exams; a combined score of 45; and a minimum score of 2 on the Language Arts-Writing essay.
**Changes to the Foundation, Recommended and/or Distinguished Curriculum adopted by the state will be followed by TWU.
Incoming freshman applicants who do not meet all of the Assured Admission or Regular Admission requirements will be holistically reviewed. Additional credentials or materials may be requested from applicants for this individual review.
These following factors may be considered in the holistic review process:
Students from Denton ISD or Dallas county school districts may be eligible for admissions promises and scholarships. Learn more about TWU’s partnerships with Denton and Dallas county.
Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 is a night forever etched into the history of Denton, TX and North Texas Mean Green football.Everything perfectly coordinated to manufacture a gathering like DATCU Stadium had never seen before. North Texas cleared its first five opponents, highlighted by a 59-10 thrashing of Washington State, to claim its first 5-0 start since 1959. Next on the home slate was none other than No. 24 South Florida, which already pummeled Boise State and knocked off Florida at The Swamp to piece together an impressive résum&...
Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 is a night forever etched into the history of Denton, TX and North Texas Mean Green football.
Everything perfectly coordinated to manufacture a gathering like DATCU Stadium had never seen before. North Texas cleared its first five opponents, highlighted by a 59-10 thrashing of Washington State, to claim its first 5-0 start since 1959. Next on the home slate was none other than No. 24 South Florida, which already pummeled Boise State and knocked off Florida at The Swamp to piece together an impressive résumé. Best of all, it was a nationally televised Friday night game on ESPN2, serving as a standalone college football spectacle for the first two hours after kickoff.
American Conference title stakes were on the line, and everybody associated with both schools knew it, especially given North Texas’ friendly schedule to conclude the year, devoid of perennial powers like Memphis and Tulane. In anticipation of the high-stakes showdown, North Texas president Harrison Keller canceled classes after 12 p.m. to provide students, faculty, and staff ample time to gear up for the main event.
The atmosphere drew a North Texas record 31,386 spectators in the first sellout in stadium history. The picture painted underneath the October Denton sky was one only North Texas fans could dream of. Even with backed up I-35 traffic, the stands were nearly packed to capacity at the 6:30 p.m. kickoff time, with everybody in attendance receiving the memo to adhere to a “blackout” — mirroring the color of the Mean Green’s alternate uniforms. By the second quarter, you couldn’t locate an empty seat in the house, and there were even black shirts occupying the top corners of the “eagle wings” behind the north end zone — typically the most vacant area of the venue.
“I definitely enjoyed it because this is my fifth year here and I’ve never even seen it that close to getting packed,” North Texas center Gabe Blair said. “That was awesome to see that many people here.”
North Texas embraced the energy and South Florida needed to adjust to it. The Bulls committed three turnovers in the first quarter alone, and the Mean Green capitalized by never trailing in the first half. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker made several pro-level throws in the early goings of the contest, and each of the Mean Green’s first three touchdowns were met by vociferous crowd pops, unlike anything ever heard at DATCU Stadium.
“I thought the crowd played a huge part in it early, hearing the roars after the fumble and the interception,” North Texas head coach Eric Morris said. “The energy running out was true college football homefield advantage. It was incredible.”
It was an all-out party. The crowd embraced the call-and-response chants of “North” and “Texas,” with the “North” side of the stadium amplifying in volume with each iteration, trying to outdo the “Texas” half. Sheck Wes’ 2018 smash hit Mo Bamba was also sung in unison by the record crowd, vibrating the bleachers like an XBOX controller when you’re playing a road game on EA Sports College Football 26. The pyrotechnics specialists repeatedly launched green fireworks from pregame to the start of the third quarter in a display that would make local downtown Fourth of July shows jealous.
Everything was perfect. Until it wasn’t.
Despite a homefield advantage many longtime Denton residents never imagined would occur, North Texas couldn’t meet the moment. The Mean Green spectacularly collapsed in a 5-minute stretch spanning from the last minute of the first half to the first four minutes of the third quarter. In that timeframe, South Florida concocted a 28-0 run and snatched three takeaways to ultimately put the game away. By the time the third quarter concluded, there were more bleachers visible than black t-shirts. North Texas lost, 63-36, taking the first blemish on its 2025 résumé.
“I’ll beat myself up for a long time over this one because it was such a great opportunity for our fans, our program, our university on national TV,” Morris said. “We had a stretch there to capture the momentum at the end of the first half, and we did just the opposite.”
South Florida brushed off the record atmosphere in Denton. The Bulls already played the role of spoiler in front of 89,909 at Florida in Week 2, silencing The Swamp with a game-winning field goal at the buzzer — citing that experience as a reason they thrived in Denton.
“Going on the road hasn’t really phased us at all,” strong safety Fred Gaskin said. “We always go to the same mentality. We actually feed off the crowd, all the loud noise, all the extra-ness that we got from Miami and Florida. We already know what to expect going into another team’s homefield.”
South Florida was eager to play the role of spoiler as outside linebacker Mac Harris paraded around postgame with a whiteboard, with the words “Should’ve went to class” scribbled on it, referring to North Texas’ decision to cancel classes in anticipation of the game.
Meanwhile, head coach Alex Golesh acknowledged how important of a moment Friday was for Morris’ program, while also suggesting such an electrifying environment should become the standard for conference matchups in the American.
“I thought it was cool. That’s the way it should be,” Golesh said. “It’s October. It’s two really good football teams. It’s in the conference. It should be loud. I know that’s why I give Eric (Morris) so much credit with his ability to get so much excitement going up until this moment about football here. It’s awesome for him, but I did tell our guys last night the reason it’s a sellout is because the Bulls were in town.”
For many North Texas students, that was their first football game. And the busiest show in town became a desolate desert by the fourth quarter. It’s only one loss and the Mean Green are very much alive in a crowded conference championship picture. But it begs the question, can North Texas manufacture such a moment again?
Athletic director Jared Mosley penned a letter to Mean Green Nation, requesting to replicate the Oct. 10 environment when UTSA travels to Denton on Oct. 18.
“While Friday night was incredible, the sellout isn’t a one-time deal,” Mosley wrote. “It’s the new standard for Mean Green Football, and we will continue to work diligently to provide as many opportunities as possible for all fans to join us on game days at DATCU Stadium! … So let’s run it back Mean Green Nation! Your energy will fuel our team as we fight towards victory and a 6-1 record next Saturday afternoon.”
A female patient was sexually assaulted by a male patient at University Behavioral Health Denton, according to a federal inspection report.The report, which was completed in March, found that University Behavioral Health failed to keep both patients safe.In February, the female patient was found naked laying down on the floor of the male patient’s bathroom, according to the report. When staff entered the room, the male patient was pulling his pants back on, according to the inspection. The female patient said “she w...
A female patient was sexually assaulted by a male patient at University Behavioral Health Denton, according to a federal inspection report.
The report, which was completed in March, found that University Behavioral Health failed to keep both patients safe.
In February, the female patient was found naked laying down on the floor of the male patient’s bathroom, according to the report. When staff entered the room, the male patient was pulling his pants back on, according to the inspection. The female patient said “she was raped by the male patient,” according to the report.
In a statement, hospital CEO Matthew Bertagnole said: “I can confirm that University Behavioral Health – Denton is in compliance with all regulatory requirements. We take regulatory surveys seriously and we approach them as opportunities for continuous improvement.”
The inspection found that the female patient had entered the male patient’s room “without staff knowledge or supervision” before the assault happened.
A staff member told the surveyor that no employee was reprimanded in connection with the assault.
Between Jan. 1 and March 20, there were 65 incidents that involved “sexually acting out behavior” at University Behavioral Health, according to the inspection. A staff member reported the hospital was short staffed and unable to adequately supervise patients.
This isn’t the first time University Behavioral Health has been cited for patients engaging in sexual behavior.
In December, inspectors found the hospital failed five patients their right to receive care in a safe setting. In November, one patient accused her roommate of raping her while she was half asleep in bed, according to the inspection report. The patients later reported that the incident was consensual.
A staff member told inspectors that staff were conducting rounds at the time of the incident, but “they were not changing their routine and they were predictable with their rounding, causing the patients to know when the staff were going to come into their room and check on them.”
This story was originally published September 2, 2025 at 10:34 AM.
Though Halloween is still nearly two months away, that's not stopping one North Texas city from looking forward to the days when the leaves turn golden and the temperatures drop to the chilly mid-80s. One major reason for Denton to look forward to spooky season is that the city has been named the Halloween Capital of Texas.Just northwest of Dallas, the city of Denton is home to the University of North Texas — and a month-long Halloween celebration. It earned the Halloween Capital designation earlier this summer in recognition of...
Though Halloween is still nearly two months away, that's not stopping one North Texas city from looking forward to the days when the leaves turn golden and the temperatures drop to the chilly mid-80s. One major reason for Denton to look forward to spooky season is that the city has been named the Halloween Capital of Texas.
Just northwest of Dallas, the city of Denton is home to the University of North Texas — and a month-long Halloween celebration. It earned the Halloween Capital designation earlier this summer in recognition of the month-long spooky season celebration held last year that kicked off a new tradition: Denton Halloween. According to the city, the 2024 celebration drew more than 660,000 visitors from around the world. Decorations took over the iconic Denton Square, and a plethora of seasonal events were thrown all over the city.
This year, a spokesperson for the City of Denton told MySA in an email that the city is gearing up for more than 200 Halloween-themed events throughout October, including some returning favorites from last year, like coffin races, scary stories and decor pop-ups. New to the second annual Denton Halloween is a haunted maze, a big top tent with a variety of shows, a pedal pub and other immersive experiences. Also available is a seasonal food and drink tour of DFW, with stops to be announced Monday, September 1. While in town, visitors can also take a self-guided ghost tour of Denton's many haunted spots.
"Denton has long been known for its artistic creativity and unique experiences, and adding the official designation of Halloween Capital of Texas truly highlights the energy our city brings to the season," a spokesperson for the city told MySA. "Our goal has been to go beyond traditional trick-or-treating, offering nostalgic experiences that transport visitors into immersive activities that captures the essence of Halloween. From our historic downtown square to our local businesses, you’ll find something truly special for all ages."
The city gets to keep the spine-chilling title for 10 years, "solidifying Denton’s place as the ultimate Halloween destination in Texas for years to come."
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