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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 Dallas, TX

Home Care Dallas, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Reunion Tower in Dallas, 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 Dallas, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Dallas, 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

“Absolutely. I’d make it sound more like you talking about people who stepped in and helped your family, rather than a formal company review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Having Always Best Care helping with my mother has truly been such a blessing during a very difficult time for our family. They provide 24-hour caregivers for her, and knowing that someone is there with her day and night has given me a sense of comfort and peace of mind that is hard to put into words. The caregivers have been kind, patient and compassionate with my mother, and I’m incredibly grateful for the care and attention they give her. The staff has also been wonderful about communicating with me and making sure we have the support we need. When you’re trying to navigate care for someone you love, it can be overwhelming, and having people you can trust makes such a difference. I’m very thankful to Always Best Care for being there for my mother and for our family. ❤”

Jennifer B.
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“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Marcus Gardner and working alongside him for over 15 years. Marcus is a genuinely caring person who always puts families first. His team at Always Best Care provides excellent in-home care and takes care of all the details, making a difficult time much less stressful for families. If you’re looking for a trustworthy company with compassionate leadership, I highly recommend Marcus and Always Best Care.”

Jeff K.
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“Always Best Care Senior Serivces is a great company with an excellent reputation. The owner is involved and works alongside his employees and clients and match their needs. The environment is warm and friendly as well as caring. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services to anyone who is need of home health services as well as employment.”

Roxie W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Serivces is a great company with an excellent reputation. The owner is involved and works alongside his employees and clients and match their needs. The environment is warm and friendly as well as caring. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services to anyone who is need of home health services as well as employment.”

Roxie P.
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“Very professional, highly recommend.”

Brooklyn C.
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“Amazing organization! If looking for care in the Dallas area please call immediately.”

Steven J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is always a pleasure to work with Always Best Care. Their staff is professional, kind and empathetic in the most difficult situations. I strongly recommend their company and services they provide.”

Audrey L.
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“Marcus runs a professional agency that is dedicated to providing the utmost compassionate care in the area. This is a group you can trust!!!”

Carlos C.
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“Marcus and his team brings excellence to all that they do in providing quality care. You get Outstanding customer experience with this agency!”

Shonda B.
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“Always Best Care Senior Services in Dallas, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional care to our clients. What truly sets this organization apart is our people-first culture—both in how we care for our clients and how we support our employees. We take great pride in creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace where caregivers and staff feel valued, heard, and empowered. From comprehensive onboarding and training programs to ongoing development opportunities, we are committed to helping our team grow professionally and personally. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing the strong bonds formed between caregivers and the families we serve. Our focus on quality, compassion, and reliability is reflected not only in client satisfaction but also in the high retention rates among our team. If you're seeking a career in home care where you’ll be appreciated and supported every step of the way, Always Best Care Dallas is a place where you can truly make a difference.”

Sharon L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC is an expert in caregiving and taking very good care of their clients. Each caregiver has a bio on the client so they are well prepared. Each client receives a ‘Meet and Greet’ with the caregiver and office staff/managers/owner before their first shift with a new caregiver. They instill best practices and training /feedback with all their caregivers. Marcus, the owner, is hands on and is invested in each client getting what they need, and goes above and beyond.”

Marie T.
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“Best customer service! Great home health care! Highly recommended!!”

Ortal C.
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“This company is committed and to delivering excellence.”

victoria T.
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“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents for over 2 years. Very professional care givers. The staff loves working for the company and the owner takes great care of them. If ever needed we would use their services again.”

Mary L.
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“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n caring they go out and beyond for there clients .”

Nakia B.
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“Great service”

Patrice B.
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“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.”

Veronica B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Mi D.
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“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.”

Guadalupe R.
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“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”

Pamela M.
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“Excellent service and friendly staff!!!”

Stefan S.
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“Great company and friendly, caring staff!! Highly recommended!”

Lauren R.
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“Very terrific company and great customer service. They found a place for my parents very quickly! I highly recommend.”

Kevin M.
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“Very kind people to the elderly. Vicki is a caring person. This is a wonderful organization. Highly recommend.”

Emily C.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Dallas, TX?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Dallas, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Dallas, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Dallas, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Dallas, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Dallas, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Dragonfly or visit Pioneer Plaza, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Dallas, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Dallas, 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 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.

 Elderly Care Dallas, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Dallas, 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 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Dallas, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Dallas, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Sage Oak
  • The Preston of the Park Cities
  • Iris Memory Care of Turtle Creek
  • Caruth Haven Court
  • Discovery Village North Dallas
  • The Forum at Park Lane
Home Care Dallas, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Dallas, 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 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.

 Elderly Care Dallas, TX

Latest News in Dallas, TX

Dallas Rain and Flooding Update: What to Know Heading Into the Weekend

We may have gone more than two months without rain, but Mother Nature has made up for that over the last 48 hours or so, and she’s not finished yet.According to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office, the North Texas region is still likely to see rain through the weekend. A flood watch has been extended through 7 p.m. today, and the NWS early morning discussion warns that showers today could quickly drop 1 to 2 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 2 to 4 inches. However, the rain won’t be as widespread a...

We may have gone more than two months without rain, but Mother Nature has made up for that over the last 48 hours or so, and she’s not finished yet.

According to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office, the North Texas region is still likely to see rain through the weekend. A flood watch has been extended through 7 p.m. today, and the NWS early morning discussion warns that showers today could quickly drop 1 to 2 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 2 to 4 inches. However, the rain won’t be as widespread as it was yesterday and will likely weaken into the afternoon and evening. Another round of rain is possible tonight into Saturday morning, which could increase the risk of localized flooding as the ground becomes more saturated. Rain chances should gradually decrease from Saturday into Sunday morning. Temperatures will also cool, with overnight lows reaching the mid-60s through the weekend.

According to the city’s flood control data, pockets of Far North Dallas received more than 3 inches of rain on Thursday, while other parts of the city received less than an inch. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the Trinity River near downtown, where a flood warning remains in effect until late tonight. Oncor’s latest outage map reports 125 active outages, down from more than 300 yesterday. (That included the Erickson household, which went dark around 3 p.m. yesterday before the lights came back on around 7 p.m.)

Cancellations and postponements should also begin to taper off. Although the State Fair of Texas delayed opening Thursday morning, there is, so far, no delay for Friday. The event is “rain or shine,” the fair’s website says, though some outdoor programming could be canceled or delayed because of weather. Fair officials suggest checking the State Fair of Texas’ official social media accounts for updates. “If severe weather is approaching the fairgrounds ahead of opening, our goal is to notify fairgoers 45 minutes prior to the storm’s arrival to ensure folks have enough time to seek shelter or return to their vehicles,” officials said in a statement Thursday.

Yesterday afternoon, FlightAware showed 1,324 cancellations at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and 1,183 delays. The picture is considerably different this morning, with only a handful of delays and cancellations reported at both DFW and Dallas Love Field. As of 8 a.m. today, the FAA had not issued any ground stops.

One thing rain alone is unlikely to cancel or delay is high school football. The University Interscholastic League, which governs competitions in Texas schools, says that rain isn’t enough to stop a game: outdoor activity should be suspended when lightning is detected within 10 miles. The game can’t resume until specific all-clear instructions are met, including waiting half an hour since the last flash of lightning is observed. Game officials can use weather apps to determine this, or they can use the old-fashioned “flash to bang” method, which requires someone to count the seconds between the lightning and the thunder, then divide by five to estimate the distance in miles. Activities should be suspended when the flash-to-bang count is 30 seconds or less, the UIL says.

It will be important to keep your head on a swivel on the roads, too, especially now through Friday morning. Big note: Texas law requires drivers to use their headlights when rain, fog, or other conditions reduce visibility enough that people or vehicles can’t be clearly seen from 1,000 feet away. Rule of thumb: If the wipers are on, your lights should be too. One thing to keep in mind tonight: water that has accumulated on the road gets a lot harder to see after dark. Add heavy rain and highway speeds, and the risk of hydroplaning goes up quickly. Slow down, leave more room than usual, and don’t assume that those puddles are harmless.

Some pockets of Dallas flood, sometimes with the slightest provocation. It’s also a good time to bookmark a tool surprisingly few Dallas residents know exists: Dallas Water Utilities’floodway operations map. It tracks conditions in some of the city’s most flood-prone areas as the rain falls, helping you determine which parts of town to avoid. If you want to follow rainfall totals even more closely, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration maintains a full map of all flood gauges in the area, including the Trinity River near downtown and White Rock Creek as it runs under Greenville Avenue near Moss Park.

An app like Waze may also flag flooded or closed roads as conditions develop, and you can also check the Department of Transportation’s DriveTexas.org map.

Dallas’ most important news stories of the week, delivered to your inbox each Sunday.

If you find yourself on a flooded roadway, the Texas Department of Transportation advises against driving, walking, or swimming through floodwaters. “The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road,” the agency says. Also know it’s illegal to drive around barriers that block low water crossings or flooded streets: You could earn yourself a fine up to $2,000 and/or jail time.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 8:30 a.m. on October 2 to reflect updated forecasts and cancellations.

Why Dallas' biggest tradition actually began in Houston

Join us on a journey to better understand Houston, one question at a time. I'll admit I came into this one looking for an excuse to take a few shots at Dallas, as any Houstonian would (and should) when handed a chance to fan the flames of an intrastate rivalry that dates back to the 19th century.The State Fair of Texas, now back at Dallas' Fair Park with its corny dogs, its giant talking cowboy and its annual contest to fry whatever has yet to be fried, made for an easy target, I thought. Houston, the center of my univ...

Join us on a journey to better understand Houston, one question at a time.

I'll admit I came into this one looking for an excuse to take a few shots at Dallas, as any Houstonian would (and should) when handed a chance to fan the flames of an intrastate rivalry that dates back to the 19th century.

The State Fair of Texas, now back at Dallas' Fair Park with its corny dogs, its giant talking cowboy and its annual contest to fry whatever has yet to be fried, made for an easy target, I thought. Houston, the center of my universe, has the rodeo, after all, and no city in Texas can beat that spectacle.

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But the more I read up on Dallas' signature event, which runs through Oct. 18 this year, the more I realized the joke was on Houston. Because the State Fair of Texas actually began here, along Buffalo Bayou in 1870, and the city let it get away.

How the State Fair of Texas got its start in Houston

The original state fair was the brainchild of attorney and politician John Thomas Brady, who got a group of local leaders together and organized the event under the clunky banner of the Agricultural, Mechanical and Blood Stock Association of Texas.

The first iteration was held in 1870 just south of Washington Avenue, on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, where Houstonians still gather for massive civic events today. The fairgrounds were moved to a bigger site in what we know as Midtown by 1872.

By the mid-1870s, Houston's version of the state fair included a grandstand and a racetrack. The city had even laid streetcar track so large crowds of fairgoers could ride from downtown right up to the front gate. (Knowing the nature of mass transit in Houston, I would bet that the streetcars probably ran late.)

But by the end of the decade, with attendance dwindling, the whole thing went under. The Agricultural, Mechanical and Blood Stock Association of Texas held its last fair in 1878 and went bankrupt the next year, a fate Houstonians would come to know well, especially in this century, as music and arts festivals came and went.

How the State Fair of Texas ended up in ... Dallas

Dallas actually managed to host two state fairs at once after the event floundered in Houston.

In 1886, a group of the North Texas businessmen decided to revive it as the Dallas State Fair, but they couldn't agree on where to hold it. The squabble led to a rival faction of organizers putting on their own event, the Texas State Fair and Exposition, which opened just one day before the original. Neither made enough money, so the organizations merged the following year.

Dallas has hosted the State Fair of Texas ever since.

Houston took more than half a century to come up with an answer that stuck. There was the No-Tsu-Oh festival, a kind of Houston Mardi Gras that featured masked party-goers, cross-dressers and drunks dressed as crawfish, but that vanished by the end of World War I.

In 1931, a group of businessmen met at the Texas State Hotel downtown and decided to put on a livestock exposition, and the first Houston Fat Stock Show opened the next spring at the old Democratic Convention Hall. It would eventually become the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Nearly a century later, the rodeo is as much a part of Houston's identity as the state fair is of Dallas', so I'd say we came out of it just fine. But every fall, when Big Tex goes up and those Red River rivals play their little football game, remember that Dallas' biggest tradition started out as one of ours.

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Texas A&M AgriLife releases guidance on short-spined thrips

TEXAS (KAUZ) - Texas A&M AgriLife is sharing an updated fact sheet about the short-spined thrip to help producers, commercial nurseries, and home gardeners take preventative measures against the invasive insect.The short-spined thrip, otherwise known as Thrips parvispinus, affects commodity and specialty crops. AgriLife said this pest, newly found in Texas, is a tiny invasive insect that can scar, curl, and stunt plants from peppers and tomatoes to cotton and hibiscus.They originated from Southeast Asia and were conf...

TEXAS (KAUZ) - Texas A&M AgriLife is sharing an updated fact sheet about the short-spined thrip to help producers, commercial nurseries, and home gardeners take preventative measures against the invasive insect.

The short-spined thrip, otherwise known as Thrips parvispinus, affects commodity and specialty crops. AgriLife said this pest, newly found in Texas, is a tiny invasive insect that can scar, curl, and stunt plants from peppers and tomatoes to cotton and hibiscus.

They originated from Southeast Asia and were confirmed in Texas in late 2025 from plant samples collected in the Dallas area. Adults can fly short distances and ride air currents, but the pest spreads most readily on infested plants. So, a single new plant can carry them into a greenhouse, field or backyard.

According to Texas A&M AgriLife, short-spined thrips are about the size and shape of a printed hyphen. They feed by piercing leaves, buds and flowers and sucking out their contents.

The pest threatens dozens of Texas crops, ranging from cotton and sorghum to peppers, melons and squash, as well as a range of nursery and landscape ornamental plants.

A new fact sheet from AgriLife provides background information, identification characteristics and current management recommendations to help Texans respond effectively.

Texas A&M AgriLife’s Fact Sheet on the short-spined thrip can be found .

Texas A&M AgriLife adds that warm conditions in Texas could allow the pest to establish and persist if left unchecked, making awareness and reporting critical components of response efforts. Growers, industry professionals, and home gardeners are encouraged to report suspected infestations and submit samples for identification.

Paragon Realtors joins Compass, as DFW boutique brokerages face survival pressure

As independent brokerages increasingly partner with large conglomerates to survive, Compass’s North Texas presence is expanding.Paragon Realtors, a Dallas-based independent boutique brokerage, joined Compass this week, in a move the firm said would position it for long-term sustainable growth. In the past year alone, the real estate conglomerate has brought on at least two other independent brokerages headquartered in Dallas, including Rogers Healy and Associates and Bray Real Estate Group.“For brokers that really w...

As independent brokerages increasingly partner with large conglomerates to survive, Compass’s North Texas presence is expanding.

Paragon Realtors, a Dallas-based independent boutique brokerage, joined Compass this week, in a move the firm said would position it for long-term sustainable growth. In the past year alone, the real estate conglomerate has brought on at least two other independent brokerages headquartered in Dallas, including Rogers Healy and Associates and Bray Real Estate Group.

“For brokers that really want to provide better services and more for their clients and their agents, it’s almost imperative that they can’t stay a boutique, because they can’t be competitive,” Mike Miller, who founded Paragon 26 years ago, said.

He said Paragon was one of the last boutiques in Dallas, and that over the years, “they’ve been gobbled up.”

Paragon has closed over $260 million in real estate volume over the past year, according to a press release.

Compass opened its doors in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in 2018. Today, it has about 600 real estate teams in the region, with over 1,650 agents, according to Bryan Pacholski, senior managing director of Compass DFW. The additions of Paragon, Rogers Healy and Bray have brought 400 new agents under Compass’ umbrella in the metroplex, he said.

85 total Paragon agents will fold into Compass, according to a press release. 35 agents in Sherman, Texas, an area northeast of Frisco near the Oklahoma border, will operate as the Paragon Group, and Compass will serve as their broker of record. 40-45 agents will work out of Compass’s East Dallas office, according to Pacholski.

“We already have agents that work there [Sherman, Texas], but this will grow our presence significantly in that area,” he said.

Miller characterized the additions as “hybrid,” since the Sherman office will still be operated by Paragon the same way as before, with the same staff and leadership. Now, it will just be “powered by Compass,” he said, by receiving the firm’s resources, collaborative global agent network and technology.

“Real estate has always been in the dark ages because there weren’t companies large enough to spend enough money to create amazing technology,” Miller said. “We had all these third parties that would design one software here, one software there. … It made it a lot harder for the agents, and the customers’ experience wasn’t there.”

Compass’ technology platform provides an experience for the agent and the client, he said, which to him is a huge advantage.

Miller said he made the decision to look for partnership options in February of this year, with Corcoran as the second contender.

He ultimately went with Compass over other options, because the firm is focused on the tools it provides the agent so they in turn provide the best service to the buyer and seller.

Compass’ Pacholski said the firm has a very active recruitment network nationally and in the DFW metroplex, and will continue to be a “solution for smaller brokerages needing a solution.”

“Today in the DFW Metroplex, there are still boutique brokerages without questions, and my hope is that they continue to be boutique small brokerages that are mom and pop sort of shops,” he said.

“But it’s becoming harder and harder to do that. The market, the industry is changing. The compliance rules and regulations are changing,” Pacholski said. “Agents and other brokerages are looking for bigger solutions to support their business needs.”

Texas A&M's Shelley brings size, skill and Dallas roots to Aggies basketball

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KRHD) — Texas A&M basketball is entering the upcoming season with a clear identity: longer, more athletic, and built to finish at the rim. At the center of that transformation is transfer forward Jalen Shelley, a 6-foot-9 playmaker from Dallas whom head coach Bucky McMillan targeted specifically to address the team's need for positional length — without sacrificing the skill that defined last year's squad."Whenever you can find length with skill, like that's — you got to grab that up,...

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KRHD) — Texas A&M basketball is entering the upcoming season with a clear identity: longer, more athletic, and built to finish at the rim. At the center of that transformation is transfer forward Jalen Shelley, a 6-foot-9 playmaker from Dallas whom head coach Bucky McMillan targeted specifically to address the team's need for positional length — without sacrificing the skill that defined last year's squad.

"Whenever you can find length with skill, like that's — you got to grab that up," McMillan said.

Shelley joins the Aggies after playing in the West Coast Conference and brings a rare combination of size and guard-like versatility. McMillan envisions him primarily at the 3 position, though his skill set allows him to slide between positions 1 through 4."He can play a point guard; he could play a 4," McMillan said. "What we do, which is 4 guys on the perimeter — really he's developed the shooting, really sees the game well, and a really good defender."

McMillan pointed to a structural gap in American player development as the reason players like Shelley are so hard to find."A lot of times here you have a taller player; they put them on the block, so that's why you don't see the skill with long players as much," McMillan said.

He credited assistant coach Bill Armstrong — who coached Shelley at Link Academy in high school — with helping him evaluate the forward's upside. "I asked him a lot about him and he had a lot of good things to say about his potential," McMillan said. "Not many out there — we had to get him. Texas kid, right here from Dallas." Shelley is currently managing a minor injury but is expected to contribute significantly this season. He was officially cleared on Aug. 2 — the same day the Aggies played their first game on their foreign tour in the Bahamas.

"I think like maybe a month before we went to the Bahamas is when things started really ramping up," Shelley said. "My actual day of being fully clear was like August 2nd, so like the day we played our first game in the Bahamas was like the actual day I could've been live and stuff like that."

Shelley said the defense McMillan runs is unlike anything he played in college before — and he reached for a football analogy to explain it.

"It's aggressive," Shelley said. "Kind of reminds me — if we put it in a football sense — like the Vikings defense. Like the Vikings defense blitz a lot and they're trying to go at the quarterback, and they put a lot of men. That same aggression is on the basketball floor. We just trying to come at you, trying to wear people down, and just keep going and going."

The closest parallel in his background, he said, came from high school. "We ran a 2-2-1 press like the whole game," Shelley said. "But nothing like where it's just constant, like we nonstop track meet." Shelley's path to College Station has not been linear. He originally committed to Arkansas before the coaching staff departed for USC, forcing him back into the transfer portal. Texas A&M is now his third school.

"Not everything will go exactly how you wanted or planned, but I think I'm back on track," Shelley said.

Being back in Texas was a significant factor in his decision, and so were familiar faces already on the roster. Shelley said he has known teammate Ryland since kindergarten and has trained with Jeremiah since sixth grade — a bond that gave him candid insight into what McMillan's program is really like. "Coaches aren't really the most honest when it comes to recruitment, so you have to really talk to a player to really understand how they are as a person," Shelley said.

What those conversations revealed only deepened his interest. "They were just telling me, like, Bucky really cares," Shelley said. "He's not like a coach that's like worried about his resume and winning games. He really cares about just the production and getting guys better and trying to do what's best for the team."

McMillan is equally high on Shelley as a person and a player. "He's like a really smart kid, a very smart, high basketball IQ," McMillan said. "Dad was a professional athlete. Dribble, pass, shoot — a joy to be around. Other players gravitate towards him. He's a good dude."

Returning forward Zach Clemence has embraced a leadership role as one of the few players back from last year's group, and he echoed that assessment of his new teammate.

"He's a freak athlete, super good," Clemence said. "I've only seen him get better, so it's encouraging. I'm actually excited to see him play because he's super athletic and he's fun to watch." For Clemence, the addition of length across the roster has been an immediate, visible upgrade."We got a bunch of bigger players," Clemence said. "It definitely helps. You can notice it when you just walk into practice. There's less space on the floor, and it just helps with everything else."

He has also taken seriously the responsibility of helping new players understand the program's standards.

"I've been here for a year; we've done it," Clemence said. "So just trying to show the new guys just what the role is and what the expectations are."

McMillan identified finishing around the rim as the area where the offseason additions have had the most tangible impact.

"Finishing around the rim — we were not good around the rim at all last year, particularly with our guards," McMillan said. "Now we can finish and attack the basket. Our guys can get to the paint."

Off the court, the team's chemistry has been a noteworthy development. McMillan described this group as distinctly different from last year's squad.

"They're that kind of team. If you go bowling, they're all going to be bowling," McMillan said. "They're not too cool for school."

Clemence confirmed it, noting the team has gone to Topgolf, eaten out together, and made a point of spending time as a group throughout the offseason. Shelley, meanwhile, said that kind of togetherness is something he actively cultivates.

"Just being able to relate to everybody," Shelley said. "I could talk to this friend group, talk to this friend group, and be able to hear people out — because I feel like that's just important as a teammate to know, like, I got this guy's back, he got my back, and we could trust each other."

As for what he wants Aggie fans to understand about him heading into the season: "I'm gonna put everything in," Shelley said. "I care about all my teammates and what we have going on. I've been at three schools, but I kind of feel like this is a situation where I'm here to stay — whether it's NBA next year or I'm gonna be right back. I don't see myself going anywhere else."

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