It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Sam Houston Park in Houston, 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 Houston, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have enjoyed Mabel immensely. Mabel is a wonderful caregiver to my husband Larry. We”
“Monique has been an exceptional care giver to Mr Cal! Very kind, compassionate and skilled!”
“I cannot praise Kathleen enough! My wife was in the hospital, the hospice service for”
“Kathleen is truly one of a kind. I personally experienced the care and support she”
“Kathleen is an “Angel” today my mom lost AC at 4:30pm in the Hot Houston”
“I found Always Best Care (ABC) after searching for in home care for my mother”
“Muy contenta con la compa��a ☺ y con el servicio que ofreceTangice Smith muy amable”
“Merle Ratliff is the best CNA I ever had she gave me a bed bath”
“Today while my mother was struggling with groceries, lady in scrubs helped her. She was”
“Cathy is a wealth of knowledge about what seniors in our area need and want!”
“We are very pleased with Latricia Powell and recommend her to other clients.”
“This has been the best and most enjoyable hiring experience. Easygoing and enjoyable experience. Looking forward to”
“Great place to work!”
“We have had an outstanding experience with All About Care. From the very beginning, the”
“I'm not typically one to leave a review but I was at my mom's senior”
“Working with Cathy Bruce is a treat! I have referred friends to her several times”
“I have referred friends to Cathy Bruce at Always Best Care Senior Services because I”
“I have been working with Always Best Care and Kathleen for sometime now. The lines”
“Always Best Care employees are truly caring and trustworthy. Definitely would refer them!!”
“Great company and great people. Cathy Bruce and her team love serving and adding value”
“Always Best Care gives exceptional care to their clients ! They are kind, caring ,”
“This organization is full of kind compassionate caregivers! If you want to trust your loved”
“A great company doing awesome work with our family!”
“Always Best Care is the best. They bring a level of compassion that is second”
“They are awesome they are professional and have great services. Cathy Bruce deserves a raise”
“Professional service, excellent caregiving, reliable and attentive to client's needs.”
“Bryan, he does an excellent job! I would strongly recommend him for other jobs and”
“Bryan has been taking care of me for several weeks and he is always courteous”
“We had such a great experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in our community.”
“Kathleen Craig, our care coordinator from Always Best Care, was exceptional for the months we”
“Always Best Care has been amazing for my mother. Kathleen is a wonderful director. She's”
“It is with immense pleasure that I commend Kathleen Craig, an exceptional Director at Always”
“Kathleen is wonderful to work with. She truly cares about her clients and their families.”
“Kathleen Craig and the team at Always Best Care are amazing to work for. Such”
“I appreciated the ability to get out of the house for a few hours.”
“I have enjoyed Mabel immensely. Mabel is a wonderful caregiver to my husband Larry. We have many laughs together. I trust her in every way possible. I love her and I know she loves Larry and I. She is a blessing to be in my home. Thank you.”
“Monique has been an exceptional care giver to Mr Cal! Very kind, compassionate and skilled! Would like her to be one of our care givers when her schedule matches ours!”
“I cannot praise Kathleen enough! My wife was in the hospital, the hospice service for my mother in law did not come through. I was frantically trying to find someone who could help assist me at 8 AM on a Sunday. She quickly contacted me and spent over an hour and a half taking care of her needs. She is truly an angel.”
“Kathleen is truly one of a kind. I personally experienced the care and support she provides, and I can honestly say her knowledge, compassion, and understanding go far beyond what you normally find. She took the time to listen, understand my needs, and make me feel comfortable and cared for every step of the way. What stood out most to me was how genuinely she cared. It never felt like I was just another client. Kathleen brings so much experience and knowledge to what she does, but it’s her heart and the way she treats people that really makes the difference. I’m incredibly grateful for the care she provided and would recommend Kathleen to anyone looking for someone who truly knows what they’re doing and, more importantly, genuinely cares about the people she serves. She is exceptional at what she does.”
“Kathleen is an “Angel” today my mom lost AC at 4:30pm in the Hot Houston area. Kathleen came over, got my mom and sister ready and took them to a hotel. Then met the AC repair man while he got it fixed. God is good!! Thank you Kathleen ❤”
“I found Always Best Care (ABC) after searching for in home care for my mother after a fall and hospitalization. I selected BAC based on their Google reviews. The initial setup was quick and easy. Cathy Bruce (An absolutely unparalleled Senior Advocate) came to our home, interviewed me and my mother for over an hour to understand our needs and schedule, and set up the caregivers. The caregivers were on time and developed a rapport with my mother. The care provided was excellent and my mother developed a great rapport with her caregiver. Unfortunately, my mother's condition continued to deteriorate. After a hospital stay, the hospital wanted to deny my mother's post hospital rehab stay. I was in panic mode, trying to find somewhere for my mother to stay while I prepped her move into my home. While I was absolutely speeding towards Houston, Cathy Bruce was on the phone, helping me find alternatives. She went the extra mile in a way difficult to describe. Later, after the rehab stay, Cathy also helped me find an assisted living facility for a respite stay until I had modified the new home for my mother's mobility needs. Now I've moved my mother to my home, and have set up ABC in the new city. No surprise, the caregiver they sent here was also excellent. This company is miles ahead of their competitors, and Cathy Bruce is a rockstar. Ten out of five stars. Use ABC Woodlands. If you're in over your head, if it's your first time having to be a senior caregiver, they'll help. Be sure to ask for Cathy.”
“Muy contenta con la compa��a ☺ y con el servicio que ofreceTangice Smith muy amable muy servicial y profesional todo, resuelve dudas y ayuda”
“Merle Ratliff is the best CNA I ever had she gave me a bed bath Best I ever had”
“Today while my mother was struggling with groceries, lady in scrubs helped her. She was so caring, and patient. Wish others were like her. Thank you LaTricia Powell”
“Cathy is a wealth of knowledge about what seniors in our area need and want! She always takes the time to work through my questions. She truly believes that "old people are cool!"”
“We are very pleased with Latricia Powell and recommend her to other clients.”
“This has been the best and most enjoyable hiring experience. Easygoing and enjoyable experience. Looking forward to working with Always Best Care.”
“Great place to work!”
“We have had an outstanding experience with All About Care. From the very beginning, the agency has been responsive, professional, and truly compassionate. A special thank you to Kathleen Craig, who has been wonderful to work with—she is incredibly knowledgeable, a great source of information, and always attentive and supportive. She has been quick to respond to any questions or needs, which has made this process so much easier. Our caregiver, Tiara, has been exceptional. From day one, Tiara has been professional, experienced, and fully dedicated to her work. She is never on her phone and remains focused and attentive the entire time she is here. Always on time, never misses a day! My husband is bedridden and requires consistent care, and Tiara goes above and beyond during every shift. Even though she works 5-hour shifts, Tiara is always engaged, anticipating his needs and making sure he is comfortable at all times. What truly sets Tiara apart is the joy she brings into our home. Tiara not only provides excellent care, but also lifts both my husband’s spirits and mine. She has even taken the time to teach me helpful tips and share ideas that have made a meaningful difference in our daily routine, which I truly appreciate. I am incredibly grateful to All About Care, Kathleen Craig, and especially Tiara for their compassion, professionalism, and dedication. I would highly recommend this agency to anyone looking for dependable, high-quality caregiving support. I love Always Best Care and their high standards. There’s no agency in the Houston area that can compete. ♥”
“I'm not typically one to leave a review but I was at my mom's senior living home and there were several people in the lobby for some event that was going on. One of the ladies walked over to talk to us and see how our day was. Her name is Cathy Bruce, and she was just so nice. She sat down with us and we had a great conversation. She explained it was a networking event going on but she was more interested in how my mom was. She gave me her card and said if I ever wanted to just talk, to give her a call since I recently lost my husband. It was refreshing to have a complete stranger care and basically live it out loud. I haven't reached out yet but I wanted her to know how much I appreciate her sitting with my mom and I for a little bit. It meant the world to us.”
“Working with Cathy Bruce is a treat! I have referred friends to her several times and she has always been the most helpful placing their loved ones in great care!”
“I have referred friends to Cathy Bruce at Always Best Care Senior Services because I know she will go above and beyond to help them. She is very educated in insurance coverage and will help you find care for your senior loved ones, whether needed at home or finding a facility. She cares deeply about her clients. I would highly recommend you give Always Best Care Senior Services a call!!!”
“I have been working with Always Best Care and Kathleen for sometime now. The lines of communication are wonderful and their services are great. They have successfully helped me and my family taking care of our loved ones without worry.”
“Always Best Care employees are truly caring and trustworthy. Definitely would refer them!!”
“Great company and great people. Cathy Bruce and her team love serving and adding value to our elders.”
“Always Best Care gives exceptional care to their clients ! They are kind, caring , and professional !!”
“This organization is full of kind compassionate caregivers! If you want to trust your loved ones with the best care speak to Kelly Britton or Cathy Bruce they are amazing!”
“A great company doing awesome work with our family!”
“Always Best Care is the best. They bring a level of compassion that is second to none! ALWAYS!!”
“They are awesome they are professional and have great services. Cathy Bruce deserves a raise she’s awesome”
“Professional service, excellent caregiving, reliable and attentive to client's needs.”
“Bryan, he does an excellent job! I would strongly recommend him for other jobs and if we ever need someone again. I would strongly like to have him. Yours truly, Earl JOHN.”
“Bryan has been taking care of me for several weeks and he is always courteous and attentive to my needs! I think he was a great choice for your company as a health professional.”
“We had such a great experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in our community. Kathleen is a wealth of knowledge and has such a heart for what she does. She was full of smiles and so patient with our residents. It was really special to have her in the community. I look forward to partnering together in the future.”
“Kathleen Craig, our care coordinator from Always Best Care, was exceptional for the months we used the agency’s services. She was able to accurately assess our home care needs during our first encounter and was always accessible by text/phone to make any needed adjustments to the schedule as our needs changed. This was a HUGE relief during an especially challenging time for us. Kathleen understood our criteria for caregivers (skills for dementia care) and was attentive to identifying the best providers. Kathleen even stepped in to cover a shift at a different location (during a hospitalization of my loved one) and offered useful strategies to make care more effective. Thank you, Kathleen for your compassion, creativity , accessibility and Care (with a capital C!).”
“Always Best Care has been amazing for my mother. Kathleen is a wonderful director. She's so kind and clearly cares about her clients, and she's always on the ball. She's communicative, available, anticipates problems (like making sure my mom had last-minute overnight care during a winter storm), and has resolved any issues immediately. Best of all, she paired my mother with her caregiver Evelyn, who has been an absolute godsend and a perfect match. Evelyn cares for my mother like her own family, and treats her with such care and respect. I never thought I could feel this safe and at ease with someone other than me taking care of my mom, but the Always Best team has done it! I'll simply never be able to thank you all enough.”
“It is with immense pleasure that I commend Kathleen Craig, an exceptional Director at Always Best Care. Kathleen consistently exemplifies outstanding professionalism and leadership within her role. She possesses a remarkable ability to proactively engage with and effectively resolve diverse challenges, demonstrating a keen dedication to finding practical and comprehensive solutions. Furthermore, Kathleen consistently approaches all interactions with profound empathy and respect, ensuring that individual perspectives and concerns are acknowledged and addressed with the utmost consideration. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and understanding environment is truly invaluable.”
“Kathleen is wonderful to work with. She truly cares about her clients and their families.”
“Kathleen Craig and the team at Always Best Care are amazing to work for. Such an involved team who knows how to communicate and works hard to make everyone including their employees happy. They are flexible understanding amazing ladies who work hard and strive for better. It was such a great experience working for them and being a part of this awesome team.”
“I appreciated the ability to get out of the house for a few hours.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Levy Park in Houston, TX with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Brenner's on the Bayou or visit Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in 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.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in 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.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in 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.
HOUSTON — The Rice men's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a commanding 100-55 victory over Dallas Christian, Monday night from Tudor Fieldhouse.The Story Rice scored the first eight points of the game behind three-pointers from Carmelo Adkins and Jacob Dar. After the teams traded baskets, a layup by Jimmy Oladokun, Jr., sent the Owls on a 13-0 run. The Crusaders scored four straight points, but Rice stepped up its defense, holding Dallas Christian scoreless over the next 5:14, as i...
HOUSTON — The Rice men's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a commanding 100-55 victory over Dallas Christian, Monday night from Tudor Fieldhouse.
The Story Rice scored the first eight points of the game behind three-pointers from Carmelo Adkins and Jacob Dar. After the teams traded baskets, a layup by Jimmy Oladokun, Jr., sent the Owls on a 13-0 run. The Crusaders scored four straight points, but Rice stepped up its defense, holding Dallas Christian scoreless over the next 5:14, as it went on a 19-0 run to take a 42-8 lead. DCC finally got into double-digits when Michael McLeod hit a pair of free throws with 1:57 to play in the half. But a Jaxson Thompson three gave Rice its largest lead of the half. Dallas Christian scored four straight before two Alexander Leeth free throws sent Rice into the break with a 47-14 lead.
The Crusaders scored the first three points of the second half before an Oladokun offensive putback started an 8-0 run for the Owls. DCC wouldn't go away, going on a 15-4 run. But an Oladokun dunk and three from Bodey Howell sent Rice on a 14-2 run midway through the second half. Dallas Christian scored 14 of the next 17 points. However, Rice closed the game on a 24-7 run.
The Stats Rice connected on 45.1% from the field, 32.6% from three, and 66.7% from the free throw line. Dallas Christian was held to 31.1% from the floor and 23.8% from three. Rice outrebounded the Crusaders, 58-to-34.
What Head Coach Rob Lanier Had to Say "As a coach, you're always happy to get a win and you're always trying to find ways to get better. We got the win, and we displayed a lot of things that need improvement. These games can be difficult. A lot of times, human nature can get the better of you. What I want these guys to do is to play the game without playing the scoreboard, no matter how the game is going. Just do what we practice. Focus on what we do every day. But tonight was a win and an opportunity for us to move forward."
Notes Series vs. Dallas Christian • This was the first meeting between Rice and Dallas Christian.
Team Notes • Rice improved to 64-49 all-time in season openers, and 44-14 when opening the season at home. • The Owls won their ninth straight home opener and improved to 79-31 all-time. • 14 players saw action for the Owls with 11 playing at least 10 minutes. • 11 players scored for the Owls. • Rice scored 100 points for the 38th time in school history, and the first time since scoring 109 against the College of Biblical Studies on Nov. 4, 2025. • Rice had five players score in double-figures for the first time since Dec. 17, 2025 against Southwestern Christian. • Rice's 82 field goal attempts are the most since recording 82 against Southern Utah on Mar. 20, 2023. • Rice's 43 three-point attempts are the second-most in school history. • The Owls grabbed 58 rebounds, its most since pulling down 61 against Our Lady of the Lake on Nov. 28, 2020. • Rice's 23 assists are the most since recording 25 against Southwestern Christian on Dec. 17, 2025. • Its 16 steals are the most since having 17 at James Madison on Nov. 13, 2016. • G Jaxson Thompson and G Tristan Vukotic were the first freshmen to start the season opener since Keanu Dawes in 2023-24.
Player Notes #14 G Carmelo Adkins • Adkins scored seven points, grabbed six rebounds, and had three steals.
#5 G/F Jacob Dar • Dar had game-highs of 20 points and eight rebounds. • It's his 38th career double-digit scoring game, and his 11th at Rice. • It's also his 12th career 20-point game, and his third at Rice. • Dar's 20 points are the most in a season opener since Travis Evee had 24 against Pepperdine on Nov. 9, 2021.
#8 F Eternity Eguagie • Eguagie scored 10 points and grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. • It is his ninth career double-digit scoring game.
#0 G Dallas Hobbs • Hobbs scored five points, had a game-high seven assists, and tied a career-high with three steals.
#6 F Alexander Leeth • Leeth grabbed a game-high eight rebounds.
#4 G Kaiden Myers • Myers scored seven points and had two assists.
#24 F Jimmy Oladokun, Jr. • Oladokun, Jr. scored 15 points and had seven rebounds. • His 15 points are his most at Rice. • Oladokun was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field. • He has eight career double-digit scoring games, and three at Rice. • He tied a career-high with three steals. • Oladokun also recorded three blocks, the fourth time in his career with at least three.
#2 G Jaxson Thompson • Thompson scored 11 points, his first career double-digit scoring game, and had two assists.
#23 G Tristan Vukotic • Vukotic scored 13 points behind three, three-pointers. • It was his first career double-digit point game.
The Houston Rockets hosted the Boston Celtics on a second night of a back-to-back, Monday night. Boston kept things close in the first half, but eventually ran out of gas in Houston. Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 26 points, Jayson Tatum had 19 points and Neemias Queta 16 points for Boston. Boston moved to 5 and 2 on the season, and Houston led the Western Conference with seven wins.Boston rested veteran Paul George for the night after a nice road win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez got the s...
The Houston Rockets hosted the Boston Celtics on a second night of a back-to-back, Monday night. Boston kept things close in the first half, but eventually ran out of gas in Houston. Alperen Sengun led all scorers with 26 points, Jayson Tatum had 19 points and Neemias Queta 16 points for Boston. Boston moved to 5 and 2 on the season, and Houston led the Western Conference with seven wins.
Boston rested veteran Paul George for the night after a nice road win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez got the starting nod alongside Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta for Boston. The Houston Rockets started the game with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr, and Alperen Sengun.
The full-strength Houston Rockets got off to a good start with five points to start the game. Amen Thompson was aggressive attacking the basket for six quick points. Kevin Durant had a pair of turn-around jumpers to start the game for the home team.
Jayson Tatum was looking to get others involved; fresh off his Eastern Conference player of the week award, he had 2 assists at the six-minute mark. Baylor Scheierman had five points to start the game before he took a seat on the bench.
Mitchell Robinson, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard were first off the bench for Boston. Robinson would go to the locker room late in the first quarter with a thumb sprain after only playing a few minutes. Tari Eason hit 2 threes off the bench for Houston as they took an early ten-point lead and looked in control.
Boston missed 32 of 44 3-pointers in Orlando last night, and they continued to struggle shooting the ball to start the game with just 1-9 from downtown. Luka Garza got into the game and had a big impact on the scoreboard, hitting two straight triples in just three minutes of play. Boston had tied the game after a quarter of play, 29-29.
Mike Conley started the second quarter in his second game of the year for his new team; he hit a three-pointer before going back to the bench in a very short stint of play.
The Houston Rockets outscored the Celtics by seven points in the second quarter as Jayson Tatum got a rest after playing the first 12 minutes of the game. Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with twelve points in the half on 6 of 8 shooting from the field, doing most of his damage in the paint.
Luka Garza hit his third 3-pointer of the game from the corner on a wide open attempt, he had 9 points at the half in just eight minutes of play. Mitchell Robinson returned to the court halfway through the second quarter with a strapped hand. The big man peeled off a screen to dunk home a two-hander off a beautiful Jayson Tatum lob pass.
Payton Pritchard was scoreless for 14 minutes of the game before he finally scored from the foul line. The Celtics had 6 turnovers at the half; shooting just 42% from the field and going just 7 of 22 from three. Jayson Tatum led the C's with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, all 11 players had scored for Boston at the half.
The Boston Celtics started the second half with a pair of big men, Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson against the taller Rockets squad. The lineup switch paid off, as Neemias Queta was rolling for Boston with 7 straight points; he hit a rare corner triple and got a pair of tip-ins to start the quarter.
Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson connected on a second thunderous lob of the night as Boston cut Houston's lead back to one point. Hugo Gonzalez had a breakaway layup attempt blocked by Alperen Sengun on the chase down. Jabari Smith Jr. went down the other end and drilled a three-pointer as Houston went up by 7 points.
Payton Pritchard had a chance to cut Houston's lead to 2 points, but he missed a wide-open three-pointer. The shooting woes continued for Boston; Derrick White, Sam Hauser and Pritchard were a combined 0-11 from three after 3 quarters of play. Houston took a 9-point lead into the fourth quarter, 73-82 at the end of three.
Marcus Smart flopped on two straight plays to start the fourth quarter, Payton Pritchard converted on just 1 of 2 free throws. Marcus Smart hit a pair of triples, Reed Shepard hit his first points of the game as Joe Mazzulla called a timeout to discuss things, Houston were up 93-79.
Derrick White finally connected on his first 3-pointer of the night, after 26 minutes of game time. Boston ran of legs in this one, Houston's swarming defenders taking their toll on the second night of a back-to-back. Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell got into the game for the final two minutes as Joe Mazzulla waved the white flag in H-Town.
Boston have a day off before next hosting the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday at 7:30 pm EST at TD Garden.
HOUSTON — Rice begins the third season of the Rob Lanier era this Monday, Nov. 2, when it hosts Dallas Christian. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed by ESPN+. It is the first game of a doubleheader, with the women's team playing at 8:25 p.m.Game 1 What: Rice (0-0) vs. Dallas Christian (0-3) When: Monday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m. Where: Houston, Texas Stadium: Tudor Fieldhouse (5,208) Stream: ESPN+ Listen: RiceOwls.com Live Stats: StatBroadcast.com Tickets: RiceOw...
HOUSTON — Rice begins the third season of the Rob Lanier era this Monday, Nov. 2, when it hosts Dallas Christian. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed by ESPN+. It is the first game of a doubleheader, with the women's team playing at 8:25 p.m.
Game 1 What: Rice (0-0) vs. Dallas Christian (0-3) When: Monday, November 2 at 5:30 p.m. Where: Houston, Texas Stadium: Tudor Fieldhouse (5,208) Stream: ESPN+ Listen: RiceOwls.com Live Stats: StatBroadcast.com Tickets: RiceOwls.com Series Information: First Meeting
Scouting Rice • Rice returns seven letterwinners and two starters from last year's squad. • Sophomore guard Cam Carroll is the leading returning scorer, averaging 6.8 points per game. He was second on the team in assists with 2.3 per game while leading the team in free throw percentage, connecting on 84.3%. • Junior forward Eternity Eguagie averaged 6.0 points per game and 2.8 rebounds, while connecting on 39.0% from three. • Senior forward Jimmy Oladokun, Jr., was second on the team with 4.9 rebounds and connected on 47.9% from the floor. • Rice has added nine newcomers to this year's team, which include four freshmen, three transfers, one junior college transfer, and one sophomore. • The three transfers include guard Carmelo Adkins (Lubbock, Texas/USC Upstate), guard/forward Jacob Dar (Omaha, Neb./Seton Hall), and forward Jarne Elouna Eyenga (Keerbergeen, Belgium/Charlotte). • The freshmen are guards Jaxson Thompson (Dallas, Texas) and Tristan Vukotic (Zgornja Kungota, Slovenia), and forwards Zalan Flasar (Sopron, Hungary) and Alexander Leeth (Knoxville, Tenn.). • Also joining the team are junior college guard Kaiden Myers (McKinney, Texas/Kilgore College) and sophomore Rohan Amin (Los Angeles, Calif.). • Last year, Rice averaged 73.9 points per game while allowing 74.5. • The Owls connected on 42.0% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc, which was third in the conference. Their opponents connected on 43.8% from the floor and 33.1% from three. • Rice outrebounded its opponents, 38.1-to-36.7. • The Owls were third in the league in three-pointers, making 9.2 per game, while placing ninth in the nation with 13.9 offensive rebounds per game. • Head coach Rob Lanier is in his third season at the helm of the Rice men's basketball program.
Scouting Dallas Christian • Dallas Christian enters Monday game with a 0-3 record. • Senior guard Nick Lancit leads the Crusaders in scoring, averaging 13.3 points per game while adding 3.7 rebounds. • Sophomore forward Sam Murray is second on the team with 11.0 points per game and 8.0 rebounds. • Junior guard Jason Ezeadiugwu and senior guard Kordon Henderson are both averaging 8.3 points, while Henderson leads the team with 3.0 assists per game. • Senior forward Dion Grisnold is adding 7.7 points per game and a team-high 8.7 rebounds. • Dallas Christian is averaging 66.7 points per game while allowing 75.3. • The Crusaders are connecting on 33.3% from the field and 22.9% from three. They are allowing 39.9% from the field and 31.7% from three. • DCC is being outrebounded by its opponents, 49.0-to-41.0. • It is also averaging 9.3 steals and 5.0 blocks per game. • Head coach Emmanuel Bland is in his fourth season at the helm of the Dallas Christian men's basketball program.
Rice-Dallas Christian Series History • This is the first meeting between Rice and Dallas Christian.
Next Up • Rice closes its season-opening, two-game homestand to start the year this Thursday, Nov. 5, when it hosts East Texas A&M. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed by ESPN+.
Eric Leonard Mattson, Jr. 11/04/1951 - 01/16/2026Eric would be turning 75 this week. Though his passing in January brought his life to an end, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, authenticity, and love. Eric grew up in Pittsburgh, along with his sister, Karen. He attended Penn State for both undergraduate and graduate degrees and began his career in Pittsburgh in commercial banking. He then ventured into the oil and gas business with a move to California in 1980. It was there he would meet his wife, Wendy, and begin a life with her and h...
Eric Leonard Mattson, Jr. 11/04/1951 - 01/16/2026Eric would be turning 75 this week. Though his passing in January brought his life to an end, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, authenticity, and love. Eric grew up in Pittsburgh, along with his sister, Karen. He attended Penn State for both undergraduate and graduate degrees and began his career in Pittsburgh in commercial banking. He then ventured into the oil and gas business with a move to California in 1980. It was there he would meet his wife, Wendy, and begin a life with her and her two children, Bryce and Evan Fraser. His career brought them to Houston in 1987. Eric and Wendy had two more children, Trey and Emma, and found tremendous joy in watching their family grow. Bryce and his wife, Sarah, live in Rye, New York, with their three boys, Everett, Griffin, and Cole. Evan lives in Seattle and visits Houston regularly. Trey and his wife, Kelly, live in Houston with their two children, Wells and Remy. Emma and her husband, Dylan Durham, also live in Houston with their two-year-old son, Davis. Nothing made Eric happier than time spent with the family he loved so dearly.Eric passed on his love of golf to his children, but the lessons he taught on the course went far beyond the game. He was a patient teacher, a thoughtful listener and a steady source of perspective and resilience. He also passed on his loyalty to Penn State. One fall football weekend in State College was all it took to make Nittany Lions out of the boys, and Saturdays centered around attending or watching college football games. When Emma and Dylan attended The University of Texas, Eric graciously made room for the Longhorns, at least when they were not playing Penn State!As a family, they found their hearts were drawn to the mountains and trees of western North Carolina. Their home in Asheville became a cherished retreat filled with golf, Thanksgiving gatherings, and unhurried time together. A beloved spot for all the family, there was no greater delight than time "on the porch."Eric took pride in his work and accomplished much professionally. But he would have wanted to be remembered first and foremost as a devoted husband, father and Pops. Eric was a mentor to so many, an advisor, a patient listener, and an even more patient teacher. Family dinners were never just about the meal, though his chicken piccata was legendary. Around the table, stories were told, opinions exchanged, advice offered, and memories made. His warmth, his quiet wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor made the gatherings memorable. Being Pops brought Eric a particular kind of joy. He delighted in time with his grandchildren, whether sharing his love of golf, strumming a little James Taylor on his guitar, or simply enjoying their company. He treasured the opportunity to watch his family grow and took great pride in the lives they were building. These moments captured so much of who Eric was: generous with his time, devoted to his family, and fully present with the people he loved.He is missed beyond words. He lived a life of honesty, dignity and kindness, always caring for those he loved and wearing his perpetual smile. We so wish we were celebrating your birthday with you, Eric, Dad, Pops…we love you.
Hey there!I hope everyone had a fun Halloween weekend! I had a great time handing out candy, and loved seeing so many families out enjoying the neighborhood. And the costumes! You all did not disappoint. ????If you snapped any photos of your little ones, pets or favorite Halloween decorations around the Heights, send them my way. I’d love to share some of your photos!Share your thoughts in the comments.Here’s what’s happening around the neighborhood this week.There’s a lot to look fo...
Hey there!
I hope everyone had a fun Halloween weekend! I had a great time handing out candy, and loved seeing so many families out enjoying the neighborhood. And the costumes! You all did not disappoint. ????
If you snapped any photos of your little ones, pets or favorite Halloween decorations around the Heights, send them my way. I’d love to share some of your photos!
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Here’s what’s happening around the neighborhood this week.
There’s a lot to look forward to at Donovan Park!
Plans for the park’s next phase of renovations were shared over the weekend during the Donovan Park Halloween Party, which organizers say drew a great turnout and positive feedback from the community.
The proposed improvements include two playgrounds designed for different age groups: one for children ages 2 to 5 and another for ages 5 to 12.
Other features in the plans include:
But there’s an important distinction: This is phase two, and the park still needs to raise the money to build it.
Donovan Park is privately owned and managed by the Houston Heights Association. The estimated construction cost is approximately $2 million.
Organizers say they have raised about $150,000 so far. That funding helped cover phase one, including the creation of the park’s master plan, which cost about $60,000. The remaining funds are being saved toward the construction goal.
The association says sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.
So, while the plans are exciting, there is still a significant fundraising effort ahead before construction can begin.
If you didn’t early vote, Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where to vote:
You are not limited to one assigned polling place. You can vote at any open Harris County Voting Center on Election Day.
That said, there are several around the Greater Heights.
Some include:
More locations can be found, here.
What should you bring?
Texas voters should bring an acceptable form of photo ID. That includes:
You can also bring a printed sample ballot or notes to help you remember your choices.
One more thing: Your ballot depends on your home address. Two people who both consider themselves Heights residents may have different local races.
I put together a full voting guide with information about what’s on the ballot, voter ID requirements and how to find your sample ballot.
This is something I hear from Heights residents all the time: What happened to that road project? Why did construction stop? Is it still happening? And when will it finally be finished?
Last week, Houston City Council adopted a measure intended to give council members more information when certain city construction projects are delayed, canceled or significantly changed.
The measure addresses proposed changes to certain infrastructure projects, including work involving streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, drainage, bridges, trails and parks.
In simple terms, it’s intended to help council members keep track of significant changes to city projects, including work that may be delayed or no longer moving forward.
I’ll be watching for how this affects projects in and around the Heights.
If you’ve driven by Lawrence Park lately, you’ve probably noticed a pretty major transformation underway. And by transformation, I mean there’s dirt EVERYWHERE.
The park is in the middle of a major renovation following a September groundbreaking. So if you’ve passed by and wondered what in the world is happening, don’t be alarmed. This is what construction looks like!
The project includes two new shaded playgrounds, improved walking paths and park surfaces, new connections to the MKT Trail, a fitness area and improvements to the baseball field bleachers.
The improvements are intended to make the park more accessible and create better connections for people walking, biking and using the trail.
Construction is on schedule to be complete in up to a year (summer 2027!!)
So, yes, it’s a little messy right now. But there’s a lot planned for this park!
A historic property in the Heights has a new chapter. The Victorian on Heights has opened as a venue for weddings and private events, bringing a new gathering space to the neighborhood.
As the venue gets started, One of you messaged me wanting to learn more about what neighbors can expect, particularly when it comes to parking, event sizes and noise.
I spoke with owner April Dardis, who says she and her husband live directly across the street. Here’s what she shared about how they plan to manage events:
It’s always interesting to see a historic Heights property take on a new life. As the venue gets established, I’ll be keeping an eye on how it is settling into the neighborhood!
___
That’s it for this week! As always, if there’s something happening on your block, a neighborhood issue you think deserves a closer look, or a story you think I should know about, send it my way.
And don’t forget those Halloween photos. I’d love to see them!
Nicole
832-585-1941
