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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 Houston, TX

Home Care Houston, 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.

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 Houston, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Houston, 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

“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that came here was amazing to my parents. Alexandra was priceless to us. Thank you.”

John Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that came here was amazing to my parents. Alexandra was priceless to us. Thank you.”

Gary Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great place to work for”

James B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“There's one thing I look for in an Agency and that's Communication, Communication covers a lot, how a Company interacts with its Clients and Their Employees if You have Happy Employees You Will have Happy Clients All the Agency wants is Happiness for All: I really Enjoy working for Always Best Care! The End????”

Roger H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known Kathy Godwin for over 30 years and she has been actively involved with my family for all of those years. She has always been a part of our family, and I would trust her with any situation that should arise. Kathy is and has been a loyal friend to both me and my father. She watched all my children grow up and has always been active in their lives. If there was ever a family emergency Kathy was always there to assist with any of our needs. We treasure her friendship and know that we can always count on her support in any situation. I can honestly and highly recommend Kathy Godwin's business as a care provider. I know that all clients she receives will get the best care and attention that they deserve. I would not hesitate to use her service for my personal family.”

Kasey H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kathy and her caretakers made our difficult situation less difficult. They were warm , accommodating and willing to go the extra mile and that means the world to our family. We had a lot of questions and they had all the answers. I highly recommend this company to anybody who is going through the difficulties of hospice or just needs that extra helping hand with their loved ones. 6 stars!”

joel W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Houston, 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.

Home Care Houston, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Houston, 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
Home Care Houston, 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
Home Care Houston, 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.

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 Houston, 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. 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.

Home Care Houston, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Houston, 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 Houston, 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.

Home Care Houston, 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.
Home Care Houston, 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 Houston, 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.

Home Care Houston, 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
Home Care Houston, 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.

Home Care Houston, 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.

Home Care Houston, 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 Houston, 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.

Home Care Houston, TX

Latest News in Houston, TX

Houston Christian vs Texas Picks and Prediction – 11/9/2024

| Game Start: 11/9/2024, 1:00 AM UTCLatest Odds: TEX -33 ; O/U 150.5Houston Christian vs Texas PredictionThe Houston Christian Huskies will be on the road for the first time this season Friday night with a game in Austin against the Texas Longhorns. Houston Christian comes into game two of the season undefeated following a 27 point victory against the Avila Eagles in game one of the year. Defensively Houston Christian controlled the game giving up 59 points on 39.3% shooting fr...

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Game Start: 11/9/2024, 1:00 AM UTC

Latest Odds: TEX -33 ; O/U 150.5

Houston Christian vs Texas Prediction

The Houston Christian Huskies will be on the road for the first time this season Friday night with a game in Austin against the Texas Longhorns. Houston Christian comes into game two of the season undefeated following a 27 point victory against the Avila Eagles in game one of the year. Defensively Houston Christian controlled the game giving up 59 points on 39.3% shooting from the floor. The Huskies also won the rebounding battle by double digits and forced 15 turnovers in the game. Offensively Houston Christian rolled scoring 86 points on 44.3% shooting from the floor. Stay in the loop with our College Basketball Picks.

Bryson Dawkins led the way for the Houston Christian offense with 18 points on 10 shots and 17 minutes. Demari Williams was the second leading score in the starting unit with 11 points on seven shots and 17 minutes. Julian Mackey led the way off the Houston Christian bench with 11 points in 23 minutes of action. D’Aundre Samuels came up big as well with eight points in 12 minutes.

The Texas Longhorns are the number 19 ranked team in the nation coming into Thursday despite being winless on the year following an 8 point loss to Ohio State in game one of the season. Defensively Texas struggled immensely giving up eighty points on 45% shooting and 50% from beyond the arc. The Longhorns lost the rebounding battle and turned the ball over 9 times in the game. Offensively Texas struggled immensely scoring 72 points including just 31 in the first half on 36.8% shooting from the floor.

Tre Johnson carried the load for the Texas offense scoring 29 points on 20 shots in 39 minutes. Arthur Kaluma and Kadin Shedrick both chipped in heavily for Texas scoring 10 points apiece. The Texas reserves were terrible in the game as three different players combined to score 10 total points.

Houston Christian vs Texas Pick Analysis

The Longhorns are a top 20 team and will come into this game with a bad taste in their mouth. Texas fell to Ohio State in game 1 of the year and will bounce back in a huge way Friday. Take the Longhorns Friday night to roll to the easy win and cover at home. Final Score Prediction, Texas Longhorns win and cover 104-55.

Betting Trends for Texas vs Houston Christian

Houston Christian

Houston Baptist has hit the Game Total Over in 10 of their last 13 games

Houston Baptist has hit the 1H Game Total Over in 6 of their last 8 games

Houston Baptist has hit the Team Total Over in 10 of their last 14 games

Texas

Texas has hit the 1H Moneyline in 18 of their last 22 games at home

Texas has hit the Game Total Over in 15 of their last 21 games

Our Free NCAA Basketball Pick for Texas vs Houston Christian

Texas Longhorns -33

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At least 12 classrooms flooded after water pipe busts at Houston-area high school

The mayhem inside the school was caught on video as students and staff members tried to get away from the water coming out of the ceiling.FULSHEAR, Texas — Students were drenched Thursday morning when a pipe busted at Fulshear High School.The rush of water sent students and staff members scrambling out of their classrooms.Several people took videos of what was happening and posted them to social media and sent them to K...

The mayhem inside the school was caught on video as students and staff members tried to get away from the water coming out of the ceiling.

FULSHEAR, Texas — Students were drenched Thursday morning when a pipe busted at Fulshear High School.

The rush of water sent students and staff members scrambling out of their classrooms.

Several people took videos of what was happening and posted them to social media and sent them to KHOU 11 News.

Concerned parents showed up to see what was happening.

One mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, said her daughter was inside one of the 12 classrooms that were affected.

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District officials said the campus was placed on hold to make sure the students and staff members were safe as the custodial and maintenance crews worked to fix the issue.

Videos posted from inside the school showed what happened. You could see water gushing down from the ceiling as students rushed to get out of the flooded classrooms.

Parents said two emails were sent, the first one alerting them to what happened and a second note to address some of the rumors that were circulating.

"It kind of smelled in the hallways," one student said.

District officials said that despite the rumors, urine and fecal matter weren't in the water that was leaking.

Still, several students left early just to be safe. Parents were also worried.

"I just wanted to be sure it doesn't smell and it's not toxic," a parent said.

In a statement sent to KHOU 11 News, LCISD officials said they wanted to clarify what they called "misinformation" and that the water pipe that busted was only carrying domestic water and their maintenance team responded to the issue immediately to assess the situation and begin necessary repairs. They also said the discolored water was due to debris and there were no health or safety risks.

The district said impacted students were relocated to other parts of the school while parents outside commended campus workers for what they said was a prompt response.

"They're handling it very well. They're very organized. I think they've really stepped up," a parent said.

There were also concerns about the water being shut off and there not being running toilets for kids and staff members.

In an updated email sent by the school principal, he said the water was turned back on everywhere except for the affected areas of the school.

LCISD officials didn't know how long repairs would take.

Here's what was said in one of the letters sent to families from Principal Brian Forshee:

"I wanted to provide a detailed update regarding this morning’s pipe burst. Earlier today, a water pipe in the 1300 hall burst, affecting approximately 12 classrooms. The pipe in question carried only domestic water, and reports of a toilet falling through the ceiling, along with fecal matter and urine pouring down, are completely inaccurate. Our maintenance team assessed the situation promptly and confirmed these facts.

"We are aware of the rumors circulating regarding the infrastructure issue at Fulshear High School that occurred this morning. We want to clarify the situation and address the misinformation directly. The campus was placed on a HOLD to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff as we resolved the issue. The classes that were in the impacted area were relocated to other areas in the building.

"In addition, the water is back on at our campus, except for in the two hallways where the incident occurred while repairs are underway.

"We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we work to maintain a safe learning environment for all. School is still operating today and will be open tomorrow.

"Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] should you have further questions or need additional details."

Nuclear companies want land to build new plants. Texas A&M is inviting them to come to Bryan.

Texas A&M University has started the process to offer companies land at its Rellis Campus in Bryan for construction of the latest generation of nuclear reactors.If approved by federal regulators, the Texas A&M System would be the only higher education institution in the country with a commercial nuclear reactor site license, according to John Sharp, its chancellor. The unive...

Texas A&M University has started the process to offer companies land at its Rellis Campus in Bryan for construction of the latest generation of nuclear reactors.

If approved by federal regulators, the Texas A&M System would be the only higher education institution in the country with a commercial nuclear reactor site license, according to John Sharp, its chancellor. The university had offered up land it owns around the state for developers to build natural gas power plants in May.

Texas A&M is now courting nuclear energy companies because its leaders believe building more nuclear plants is the “obvious and only answer to the power supply problems in Texas,” Sharp said in an interview.

“The reason that we decided to look at it is because we can. If you look at the politics of the West Coast, the politics of the East Coast, in some places even in Texas, any mention of the nuclear reactors is politically not feasible. That's not the case here,” Sharp said. He cited existing nuclear facilities throughout campus, including a 1-megawatt reactor near Easterwood Airport used for research.

Demand for power in Texas could almost double by 2030 as the state welcomes more people and businesses, especially power-hungry data centers necessary for the development of artificial intelligence, further straining the already stretched-thin Texas power grid. Though clean energy resources have grown rapidly, state leaders say they are still concerned about power supply because wind and solar farms are dependent on weather conditions and batteries can only store a couple hours' worth of power.

Leading technology companies are faced with their own quandary: How can they thread the needle of building new data centers that need electricity 24/7, without propping up fossil fuels against their commitments to reduce carbon emissions? For many, one answer has been to revive the nation’s nuclear energy industry, which began stagnating in the 1970s due to escalating cost and safety concerns.

As Big Tech and nuclear power companies forge deals, however, few suitable locations have been identified for where those new plants will go, according to a statement issued Thursday by Texas A&M. That’s where the university hopes to step in.

Texas A&M’s Board of Regents voted unanimously at a Thursday meeting to send the Nuclear Regulatory Commission a notice of its intent to seek an early site permit that would allow nuclear reactors to be built on Rellis Campus, the first official step in providing land to developers.

The goal is to have about five nuclear reactors from different companies scattered across parcels of the 2,300-acre campus by the early- to mid-2030s, Sharp said. They’d range from 10 megawatts to 200 megawatts – much bigger than the research nuclear generator near the airport – and be connected to the grid operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, he said. (One megawatt can power 250 Texas homes, according to ERCOT.)

Earlier this year, 23 organizations replied to a request from Texas A&M for feedback on its plans to potentially invite nuclear reactors to campus, Sharp said. The university declined to share how many companies or which ones responded to its subsequent request for proposals to build reactors, though the founder of Natura Resources, a nuclear company based in Abilene, told Texas lawmakers at a September committee hearing the company planned to submit one.

The type of nuclear plants Texas A&M wants to host are known as small modular reactors, which are smaller and designed to be cheaper to build than traditional reactors. They’re often touted as safer, though some environmental organizations and scientists remain skeptical.

Texas A&M aims to serve as a proving ground for the new technology given that it has the largest nuclear engineering program in the country, Sharp said. How the university would participate in the projects is subject to negotiations with potential developers, which are expected to begin soon.

But even if the university’s future site permit application is approved, a process that could take years, prospective developers would still have to go through other lengthy approvals while the advanced nuclear industry works to overcome significant cost barriers to prove its commercial viability. One company, Oregon-based NuScale Power, canceled its project last year after cost estimates skyrocketed to $9.3 billion from an initial $3 billion.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has put together a working group to study how the state can encourage nuclear development, with its report due to Gov. Greg Abbott by Dec. 1.

The Biden administration announced $900 million in funding to support small modular reactors in October, with applications due in January. It’s unclear if the Department of Energy’s enthusiasm for nuclear will continue under President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed concerns about the technology’s costs and safety.

Correction 9:07 p.m., Nov. 7: A previous headline erroneously said Texas A&M University could be the first higher education institution to have a nuclear reactor site license. It actually could be the first to have a commercial nuclear reactor site license.

Nov 7, 2024

Energy & Power Grid Reporter

Claire Hao is a reporter on the Houston Chronicle business desk covering the Texas power grid, the clean energy transition and other electricity-related topics.

Claire previously spent a year on the climate and environment team of the San Francisco Chronicle. She has written for the news desks of Bloomberg Law and the Chicago Tribune as well as for the editorial board of the Washington Post. Claire graduated from the University of Michigan.

VB: Huskies Triumph in Five-Set Thriller Over East Texas A&M

Next Match: Northwestern State 11/9/2024 | 6:30 p.m. Follow @HCUVolleyballHOUSTON, Texas – The HCU volleyball team triumphed in a thrilling five-set battle against East Texas A&M, clinching a hard-fought 3-2 victory in Southland Conference play. The Huskies showcased resilience and skill, taking the first set 25-22 and the second 25-21 before East Texas A&M stormed bac...

Follow @HCUVolleyball

HOUSTON, Texas – The HCU volleyball team triumphed in a thrilling five-set battle against East Texas A&M, clinching a hard-fought 3-2 victory in Southland Conference play. The Huskies showcased resilience and skill, taking the first set 25-22 and the second 25-21 before East Texas A&M stormed back to win the third and fourth sets 25-20 and 25-19. In the decisive fifth set, HCU surged ahead to close out the match 15-11, adding another conference win to their record.

East Texas A&M narrowly claimed the opening set 25-22 after a tightly contested battle. HCU started strong with early blocks from Ravyn Dash and Allana Archie, but East Texas A&M's offense, led by Reese Fetty, kept the pressure on. Despite HCU's solid defensive plays, East Texas A&M capitalized on key kills and service errors from HCU to secure the set.

In the second set, East Texas A&M once again edged out HCU with a close 25-22 finish. The Huskies maintained a steady offense, with Audrey Pearce and Dash contributing kills, but East Texas A&M's powerful attacks from Kitana Tuufuli and Fetty, combined with service and attack errors from HCU, allowed East Texas A&M to extend their lead to 2-0.

HCU fought back with renewed energy in the third set, winning 25-18. Pearce led the charge with multiple kills, while Emerald Jacobs added three aces, giving HCU the momentum. Defensive adjustments, including strong blocks from Archie, helped the Huskies control the set and keep the match alive.

The Huskies continued their comeback in the fourth set, claiming a 25-21 victory. Pearce and Dash combined for effective kills, while HCU's blocking proved a significant challenge for East Texas A&M. Grace McLaughlin's consistent assists helped HCU build a lead, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set.

In a nail-biting fifth set, HCU edged out East Texas A&M 15-11 to secure the match win. Pearce's offensive contributions, along with McLaughlin's assists, kept HCU's momentum steady. Despite a strong push from East Texas A&M, HCU's defense held firm to complete the comeback and clinch the 3-2 victory.

HCU had strong individual performances throughout the match, with Audrey Pearce leading the way with 19 kills, followed by Dash with 13 and Jacobs with 12. Jacobs contributed three aces, McLaughlin added two, and Alexia Jones chipped in with one. At the net, Archie tallied six blocks, supported by Dash with five and Pearce with four. McLaughlin set up the offense with 33 assists, with Peyton Fadal adding 28 and Tatiana Evans four. Defensively, Evans led with a standout 29 digs, while Jacobs recorded 17 and McLaughlin added 13, anchoring HCU's back-row defense.

Up next, the Huskies will host their final home game on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 6:30 p.m. against Northwestern State. Following that, they'll conclude their regular season with two road games: Nov. 14 at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi and Nov. 16 at UT Rio Grande Valley.

Texas A&M University gets ‘historic gift,’ renames College of Medicine

Texas A&M University’s College of Medicine has received its largest gift ever, the university announced Nov. 7.The amount of the historic gift was not disclosed, but it came from Arlington entrepreneur Naresh K. Vashisht.The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted unanimously to rename the medical school the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht Coll...

Texas A&M University’s College of Medicine has received its largest gift ever, the university announced Nov. 7.

The amount of the historic gift was not disclosed, but it came from Arlington entrepreneur Naresh K. Vashisht.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted unanimously to rename the medical school the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine. In addition to its main campus in College Station, the college also has campuses in Houston, Dallas and Round Rock.

“Texas A&M is a place that tackles the biggest challenges facing our state, our nation and our world head on,” General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University, said in a press release. “Mr. Vashisht’s generous gift ensures that we can expand upon our land-grant mission by educating outstanding Aggie doctors, discovering new knowledge, and leading the charge in the areas of medical research and health care, all while supporting our rural and underserved communities.”

Vashisht has a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (formerly Indian School of Mines), a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M and an MBA in finance from Eastern New Mexico University, according to the release.

He began his four-decade career by working with major and independent oil companies in a variety of engineering and management positions. In 1987, he founded Omimex Resources Inc. and became its CEO. After drilling and operating oil and gas wells in the United States, Canada and Colombia, the company diversified into the chemical fertilizer industry in Colombia and seven additional South American countries. The company currently is building fertilizer plants in Brazil, according to the release.

“My three college degrees enabled my professional success, so I want to provide the same to as many people as I can,” Vashisht said in the release. “Once one person in a family is educated, the whole family’s quality of life improves.”

Many of Vashisht's past philanthropic gifts have supported educational efforts as well.

The Texas A&M gift will allow the medical school to provide “more scholarships that will make our college even more attractive to applicants and help us retain students, particularly those from rural or underserved parts of the state who are committed to becoming Aggie doctors,” Amy Waer, the Jean and Tom McMullin endowed dean and the College of Medicine’s dean, said in the release. “This gift will also help our Rural Medicine Program tremendously and enable us to be even more innovative, particularly around academic student success and research.”

Locally, the Texas A&M College of Medicine established its Houston campus at 2121 W. Holcombe Blvd. in 2014 and welcomed the first cohort of students in June 2015, according to the school’s website. Now, the college’s Houston presence includes a joint MD/Ph.D. program with Houston Methodist; the EnMed program, which combines engineering and medicine; the Houston Aggie Medical Society; and the Institute of Biosciences and Technology.

Texas A&M’s Houston presence also includes the $550 million Innovation Plaza adjacent to the Texas Medical Center. The project includes Horizon Tower, a 17-story life sciences and medical office building opening soon; Life Tower, a 19-story student apartment building; and Discovery Tower, the 18-story building Texas A&M purchased and repurposed to house the two-degree EnMed program.

Additionally, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center has had a research presence in the TMC since 1999, the school said previously. In 2017, the university system approved joining the TMC3 campus, which is now known as Helix Park.

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