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 Grassy Knoll 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 Dallas, 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.
“Always Best Care in Bedford TX, staff are benevolent, attentive, generous,thoughtful, and kindhearted. They work”
“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set”
“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and”
“Excellent service and friendly staff!!!”
“Great company and friendly, caring staff!! Highly recommended!”
“Very terrific company and great customer service. They found a place for my parents very”
“Very kind people to the elderly. Vicki is a caring person. This is a wonderful”
“Rarely do I give a 5-star rating to any company, but this is clearly a”
“Always Best Care in Bedford TX, staff are benevolent, attentive, generous,thoughtful, and kindhearted. They work with your schedule and accommodate you the best they can. For a company that have been in business over 23 years, they still take pride in who they employee as well as the families they assist. I am very grateful to be working for a company that works from their heart.”
“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set up work time that are convenient to work with.”
“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set up work time that are convenient to work with.”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victoria’s husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed—wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went—sometimes only after one day—because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shameka’s character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver—she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest Regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”
“Excellent service and friendly staff!!!”
“Great company and friendly, caring staff!! Highly recommended!”
“Very terrific company and great customer service. They found a place for my parents very quickly! I highly recommend.”
“Very kind people to the elderly. Vicki is a caring person. This is a wonderful organization. Highly recommend.”
“Rarely do I give a 5-star rating to any company, but this is clearly a deserved rating. I would highly recommend Always Best Care of Ft. Worth. Their care and attention to detail is excellent. After 2 1/2 years of service to our family, they became an extension to our family. Many times they went above and beyond expectations. They communicated very well with family members.”
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 Klyde Warren 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 The Mansion Restaurant or visit John Neely Bryan Cabin, 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas, 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.
Click or tap here for Dallas-area scores.More Texas high school football contentWeek 10 scores, stories for Dallas-area teams | ...
Click or tap here for Dallas-area scores.
Week 10 scores, stories for Dallas-area teams | Standings |
CLASS 6A
Amarillo Tascosa 42, Amarillo Caprock 14
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Cypress Creek 41, Houston Northbrook 16
Edinburg Economedes 45, La Joya 29
Fort Bend Elkins 64, Fort Bend Clements 12
Fort Bend Ridge Point 35, Fort Bend Hightower 20
Garland Sachse 30, Garland Naaman Forest 7
Haltom 23, South Grand Prairie 21
Harlingen South 21, PSJA Memorial 14
Houston Memorial 24, Jersey Village 14
Houston Stratford 42, Cypress Ridge 10
Houston Westside 58, Houston Chavez 0
Humble 35, Baytown Goose Creek 7
Katy Mayde Creek 44, Katy Seven Lakes 14
Laredo United South 35, Eagle Pass 10
Mansfield Summit 21, Everman 0
Northwest Eaton 28, Keller Timber Creek 21
Prosper 84, Princeton 41
SA Northside Brennan 69, SA Northside Taft 0
SA Northside O*Connor 41, SA Northside Stevens 6
Spring 28, Aldine Nimitz 20
CLASS 5A
A&M Consolidated 49, Buda Hays 0
Boerne-Champion 31, SA Wagner 26
Brownsville Lopez 24, Brownsville Pace 21
College Station 44, Pflugerville Weiss 38
Dallas Kimball 57, Dallas Conrad 0
Dallas Wilson 56, Dallas Spruce 7
Frisco Lone Star 63, Frisco Lebanon Trail 23
Frisco Reedy 27, Frisco 17
Frisco Wakeland 42, Sherman 14
Galena Park 21, Houston Westbury 14
Lubbock Monterey 31, Abilene 17
SA Houston 38, SA Highlands 7
CLASS 4A
Andrews 41, Pecos 21
Big Spring 28, San Angelo Lake View 21
CLASS 3A
Frankston 41, Malakoff Cross Roads 7
Poth 49, San Antonio YMLA 0
CLASS 2A
Booker 73, Wildorado 28
Burkeville 78, Chester 50
Joaquin 44, Shelbyville 28
CLASS 1A
Bowie Gold-Burg 70, Ladonia Fannindel 25
Gilmer Union Hill 65, Savoy 0
Haskell Paint Creek 61, Lueders-Avoca 0
Jayton 54, Aspermont 0
Loop 69, Wilson 24
McLean 86, Afton Patton Springs 0
Meadow 32, Wellman-Union 28
Perrin-Whitt 48, Knox City 42
Saint Jo 56, Campbell 0
Zephyr 48, Sidney 0
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Marble Falls Faith 68, Bulverde Bracken 62
OTHER
Alvin Shadow Creek 49, Pasadena South Houston 0
Dallas South Oak Cliff def. Dallas Samuell , forfeit
KIPP Sunnyside 52, KIPP Houston 6
Randle 68, Santa Fe 0
Find more high school sports coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
The oil and gas industry is a keystone of the “Texas miracle.” But no one can deny the environmental damage drilling has done in our state.Texas is developing a program that can help address it. Armed with $134.1 million in federal grant funding, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will help oil and gas owners and operators voluntarily plug wells that produce a lot of pollution but very little oil or gas. Plugging involves using cement to seal off well holes and often includes environmental restoration, such as s...
The oil and gas industry is a keystone of the “Texas miracle.” But no one can deny the environmental damage drilling has done in our state.
Texas is developing a program that can help address it. Armed with $134.1 million in federal grant funding, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will help oil and gas owners and operators voluntarily plug wells that produce a lot of pollution but very little oil or gas. Plugging involves using cement to seal off well holes and often includes environmental restoration, such as soil remediation.
Historically, Texas has done a poor job of ensuring that the cleanup gets done after the oil money has been made. The result is a huge number of wells that have long since outlived their usefulness. Despite producing little or no oil or gas, these wells continue to threaten soil, contaminate groundwater and emit noxious gases.
TCEQ’s new program deals with what are called “marginal conventional wells.” The agency defines them as wells producing 15 barrels of oil or 90 thousand cubic feet of gas per day or less over a calendar year.
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These underproducing wells accounted for just 7% of U.S. oil and gas production in 2021 but were responsible for about half of oil and gas methane emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They are more of a drag than a benefit.
Optimistically, this grant funding might cover the cost of plugging about 2,500 wells, said Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift, an oil and gas watchdog group. It’s hard to say exactly how many of these underperforming wells there are in Texas. But TCEQ confirmed there are tens of thousands, based on information from the Texas Railroad Commission, the agency that oversees the oil and gas industry. In short, this program represents only a drop in the bucket of what Texas must do.
And it’s important to note that this program doesn’t deal with orphaned wells. These abandoned wells are eyesores that produce nothing except pollution and number in the thousands. The Railroad Commission has a program to deal with these, but the problem nevertheless remains largely unaddressed.
Federal grants to clean up wells are an important resource, but we must remember that it’s the taxpayer footing the bill. That’s why the Railroad Commission must hold oil and gas producers accountable for operating responsibly, so that it’s not taxpayers who are left to clean up their messes.
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at [email protected]
Dallas, TX (October 30, 2024) – A vehicle collision occurred on Highland Rd in Dallas, resulting in injuries. The incident took place earlier today, prompting a swift response from local emergency services.Preliminary reports indicate that multiple vehicles were involved in the collision, leading to a variety of injuries among those involved. Emergency responders from Dallas Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene to provide medical assistance and manage traffic flow. Authorities closed off the affected area to fac...
Dallas, TX (October 30, 2024) – A vehicle collision occurred on Highland Rd in Dallas, resulting in injuries. The incident took place earlier today, prompting a swift response from local emergency services.
Preliminary reports indicate that multiple vehicles were involved in the collision, leading to a variety of injuries among those involved. Emergency responders from Dallas Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene to provide medical assistance and manage traffic flow. Authorities closed off the affected area to facilitate their investigation and ensure the safety of all involved.
As the situation develops, motorists are advised to avoid this area and seek alternative routes to minimize delays. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.
Vehicle Collisions in Texas
Vehicle accidents are a pressing issue throughout Texas, affecting thousands of individuals each year. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that many of these incidents stem from factors like distracted driving, excessive speed, and impaired driving. The repercussions of such collisions can be dire, frequently resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities.
In bustling urban centers like Dallas, heavy traffic can heighten the likelihood of accidents, making it vital for drivers to stay alert and comply with traffic regulations. The fallout from a vehicle collision can be catastrophic, impacting not only the injured parties but also their families and the broader community. Survivors often endure long recovery periods, substantial medical expenses, and significant emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has experienced a vehicle accident in Texas, seeking legal advice is crucial to understanding your rights and available options. Local Accident Reports is dedicated to providing valuable information and resources to assist you in navigating the aftermath of an incident.
When you find yourself in need of support post-accident, Local Accident Reports is here for you. We have gathered important information and resources specifically for accident victims like yourself. Our extensive database offers critical details and support options tailored for those impacted by accidents.
Don’t face this challenging situation alone. We are committed to aiding your recovery process by providing the resources and information you need. Let us help you explore your options and locate the support necessary during this trying time.
Reach out to us today to discover how we can assist you on your recovery journey.
A North Texas doctor was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison Tuesday for a scheme to defraud Medicare out of millions of dollars, authorities said.Dr. Daniel Canchola, 54, of Flower Mound, accepted bribes and kickbacks for ordering bogus cancer screening tests and medical equipment, the Justice Department said. Canchola, who pleaded gui...
A North Texas doctor was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison Tuesday for a scheme to defraud Medicare out of millions of dollars, authorities said.
Dr. Daniel Canchola, 54, of Flower Mound, accepted bribes and kickbacks for ordering bogus cancer screening tests and medical equipment, the Justice Department said. Canchola, who pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was also ordered to pay $34 million in restitution.
Federal prosecutors say Canchola signed scores of phony doctor’s orders for genetic cancer tests without examining or speaking to patients, who were recruited at health fairs and by telemarketers.
Between August 2018 to April 2019, Canchola received about $30 for each order, totaling more than $466,000 in kickbacks, federal court documents say. Orders signed by Canchola were then used to submit more than $54 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare.
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Canchola’s arrest in 2019 was part of a nationwide bust targeting fraudulent genetic cancer testing, which the Justice Department called “one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever charged.” The case produced charges against 35 people in several states, including Texas, Florida and Georgia, according to federal officials. A total of $2.1 billion was billed to Medicare for the bogus DNA tests.
The nine physicians, including Canchola, were associated with telemedicine companies that provided remote care and cancer genetic testing laboratories. Two other Texas physicians, Dr. Sekhar Rao and Dr. Vinay Parameswara, both of Austin, were also convicted in the scheme.
An investigation by CBS News in 2019 found that recruiters convinced seniors to submit DNA samples in exchange for a “free” genetic cancer risk test. Many never received the results from the tests, but their Medicare accounts were billed for thousands of dollars.
Bob Thomas, a former federal prosecutor who now represents whistleblowers in healthcare fraud cases, told CBS News that some of these people may not qualify for legitimate DNA tests in the future.
“And it’s tragic in some ways because these people aren’t going to get two bites at this apple,” he said.
The Fort Worth Zoo announced the release of a record number of Texas horned lizards back into their natural environment this year on its X account. Out of the 617 horned lizards that were hatched at the Fort Worth Zoo, 301 were released at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, as part of the zoo’s conservation program with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other zoo partners.As pioneers in breeding Texas horned liz...
The Fort Worth Zoo announced the release of a record number of Texas horned lizards back into their natural environment this year on its X account.
Out of the 617 horned lizards that were hatched at the Fort Worth Zoo, 301 were released at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area, as part of the zoo’s conservation program with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other zoo partners.
As pioneers in breeding Texas horned lizards, the Fort Worth Zoo also maintains the largest group of these reptiles under human care, according to a news release.
Since the lizard project began in 2011, the zoo has refined breeding and care protocols, which are now used by various organizations across Texas.
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“The more we study and learn about horned lizard behavior, reproduction, and interactions with other organisms and communities within their preferred habitat, the faster we can decipher key factors for the establishment of populations in new areas,” said Diane Barber, senior curator of ectotherms.
301! Yes, you read that right. This little hatchling marks number 301 to be released by the Fort Worth Zoo this year alone! The Zoo’s Texas Horned Lizard Conservation Coalition has reached new heights with a record-breaking number of lizards hatched this year. pic.twitter.com/Cdv875CjSv
— Fort Worth Zoo (@FortWorthZoo) October 11, 2024
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, this species is also known as a horny toad. The lizard features several noticeable horns, with two central spines that are significantly longer than the others. It is brownish and adorned with two rows of fringed scales on either side of its body.
The species — classified as threatened in Texas — is found from the south-central United States down to northern Mexico, covering some portions of Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Its habitat is arid and semiarid environments, typically in open areas with limited vegetation. The lizards often live in loose sand or loamy soils, which allow them to dig for hibernation, nesting and insulation.
The conservation success was in collaboration with the Dallas Zoo, Caldwell Zoo, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Pearland Nature Center.
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