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 Henry Staiti House 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.
“Susan and her team were incredible. They were so supportive through a really difficult process”
“Always Best Care is not just a company name, it's what they stand for. I”
“Keith answered all my questions very knowledgeably and thoroughly.”
“Keith was very helpful go see him. Very kind and understanding.”
“Excellent care provided!”
“Thank you for all you and the team did for our mother. The”
“Acceptable service but pricey”
“Acceptable service but pricey”
“Acceptable service but pricey”
“I have somebody from Always Best Care coming in three days a week. They're always”
“Karena and her team do amazing work and provide outstanding service. I would highly”
“Great support when caring for my mother at home. She loved the staff that”
“If you’re looking for somewhere to take care of your loved ones this home care”
“Karena is amazing, she is very interested in your family and is willing to help”
“My 91 year old father, who is a stroke patient, came to live with me”
“Heaven sent this group of compassionate caregivers into our lives! Everyone who has cared”
“My 91 year old father, who is a stroke patient, came to live with me”
“Karena, Roxane and the team at Always Best Care, provide amazing service in a time”
“Heaven sent this group of compassionate caregivers into our lives! Everyone who has cared for”
“Other Karena, Roxane and the team of Always Best Care, provide excellent service in a time”
“Other ABC has become our extended family in caring for our Mom. From taking her to”
“Working for always Best care in Houston tx I love it so much”
“Always Best Care was literally a godsend for my family! From my first phone”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care Senior Services. They”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided superb care, for both”
“Susan and her team were incredible. They were so supportive through a really difficult process for our family. Highly recommend their services to anyone needing family care.”
“Always Best Care is not just a company name, it's what they stand for. I spoke with Keith about finding care for my mother-in-law and he was a great source -- I felt he cared more for getting her needs taken care of than just adding another patient to their service. If you're thinking about calling them, do so... and ask for Keith.”
“Keith answered all my questions very knowledgeably and thoroughly.”
“Keith was very helpful go see him. Very kind and understanding.”
“Excellent care provided!”
“Thank you for all you and the team did for our mother. The care and comfort that the team brought her was amazing and very much appreciated by our family”
“Acceptable service but pricey”
“Acceptable service but pricey”
“Acceptable service but pricey”
“I have somebody from Always Best Care coming in three days a week. They're always very polite, very caring, and dependable, and they're always there for your needs. I have been using them for two years now. Mainly, this lady comes and drives me to my doctor's appointments, to shopping, and to whatever I ask her to do. She also washes clothes for me on the days we don't go out. She does different little things that I need. She is very polite and always on time, and I just pay once a month. They're good.”
“Karena and her team do amazing work and provide outstanding service. I would highly recommend giving them a call for your loved one! They go above and beyond to service the aging population in the community. Call Always Best Care today.”
“Great support when caring for my mother at home. She loved the staff that took care of her and I was very pleased with the communication, service and responsiveness. THANK YOU”
“If you’re looking for somewhere to take care of your loved ones this home care is the best. They take pride in their work and always have empathy and compassion for their clients.”
“Karena is amazing, she is very interested in your family and is willing to help in whatever way she is able. She and her staff are very flexible as well!!”
“My 91 year old father, who is a stroke patient, came to live with me and my husband 3 years ago after my mother passed away. We struggled weekly to get him to take a bath with assistance by my husband. On the agreed scheduled day for bathing, my father would "feel bad" and negotiate a later date. Bathing a partly paralyzed, uncooperative adult is not easy. So last fall when my husband and I were going to travel overseas for our 25th wedding anniversary, we needed help. Our son was coming to live at our house to take care of my father . It was not appropriate for our son to bathe his grandfather. So my father's doctor recommended I contact Karena Kirk with Always Best Care Senior Services. I had never considered using outside care for my father. Best phone call I have ever made. Ms. Kirk came to meet with me to discuss my father's needs. My father was very reluctant at first. But after the first bathing event, HE IS IN LOVE. Ms. Kirk was gentle, kind, engaging in conversation and asking my father regarding what he needed in this new care relationship. My father knows that his bath schedule is every Monday and Friday and looks forward to Ms. Kirk and her staff coming to care for him. He has in-depth talks and loves their visits. Ms. Kirk and her staff will do other chores like changing out his bedding and washing the linens and his clothes. Any other tasks that I need assistance with they are more than happy to help. It has changed all of our lives for the better.”
“Heaven sent this group of compassionate caregivers into our lives! Everyone who has cared for our Mom has a light within. Having this extended family support is a treasure!”
“My 91 year old father, who is a stroke patient, came to live with me and my husband 3 years ago after my mother passed away. We struggled weekly to get him to take a bath with assistance by my husband. On the agreed scheduled day for bathing, my father would "feel bad" and negotiate a later date. Bathing a partly paralyzed, uncooperative adult is not easy. So last fall when my husband and I were going to travel overseas for our 25th wedding anniversary, we needed help. Our son was coming to live at our house to take care of my father . It was not appropriate for our son to bathe his grandfather. So my father's doctor recommended I contact Karena Kirk with Always Best Care Senior Services. I had never considered using outside care for my father. Best phone call I have ever made. Ms. Kirk came to meet with me to discuss my father's needs. My father was very reluctant at first. But after the first bathing event, HE IS IN LOVE. Ms. Kirk was gentle, kind, engaging in conversation and asking my father regarding what he needed in this new care relationship. My father knows that his bath schedule is every Monday and Friday and looks forward to Ms. Kirk and her staff coming to care for him. He has in-depth talks and loves their visits. Ms. Kirk and her staff will do other chores like changing out his bedding and washing the linens and his clothes. Any other tasks that I need assistance with they are more than happy to help. It has changed all of our lives for the better.”
“Karena, Roxane and the team at Always Best Care, provide amazing service in a time when good service is hard to find. They are a resource for families in time of need. I highly recommend if you have a loved one needing assistance full time or for a few hours. They accommodate for everyone's needs.”
“Heaven sent this group of compassionate caregivers into our lives! Everyone who has cared for our Mom has a light within. Having this extended family support is a treasure!”
“Other Karena, Roxane and the team of Always Best Care, provide excellent service in a time where quality care is hard to find. I would highly recommend their service if you have a loved one who needs personal assistance from full-time or just a few hours. They are a huge resource for families and provide peace of mind. They accommodate for each individuals needs.”
“Other ABC has become our extended family in caring for our Mom. From taking her to doctor appointments to in home care as needed, they provide excellent compassionate care. The prompt feedback and easy billing is a blessing too. They are heaven sent!”
“Working for always Best care in Houston tx I love it so much”
“Always Best Care was literally a godsend for my family! From my first phone call with Roxane who was able to put an amazing team of caregivers in the hospital that day for the my dad's 10 week stay (which included Hurricane Harvey) through the next 5 months in a skilled nursing facility, ABC never let me down. The kindness and quality of ABC's caregivers and the way Karena manages her company exceeded what I thought was possible based on my prior 10 years of experience with other outside caregivers during my mom's decline from Alzheimer's. With no family in Houston, knowing I could count on Roxane's and Karena's caring oversight and communication enabled me to advocate for my dad from out of state and gave me peace of mind to be able to honor his wish to stay in Houston. The kindness and skills of ABC's caregivers were extraordinary (and I have very high expectations)! They became extended family for which I will always be grateful.”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care Senior Services. They take care of my brother while I'm at work. They make sure he takes his medications, they help him go to the bathroom, and they make sure he eats his dinner. They're patient and caring.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided superb care, for both my mom and dad, for a combined total of 6 years. As a result, my parents were able to live out their lives in their own home. Their caregivers provided daily comfort, care, and kept them safe during their difficult final years. We were truly blessed to have the right caregivers for our parents. Thank You Karena!”
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 Hermann 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 Étoile or visit Historical Marker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in 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 — A historic Houston mansion tied to East Texas lumber magnate John Henry Kirby was partially demolished Friday before city officials halted the work over missing permits.Crews began tearing down the Kirby Mansion at 2000 Smith Street in Midtown.Preservation Houston said roughly half the building was gone by the time a city inspector issued a stop-work order. The group said it had repeatedly asked the new owner to discuss preserving the home, documenting it or salvaging historic features, but received no re...
HOUSTON — A historic Houston mansion tied to East Texas lumber magnate John Henry Kirby was partially demolished Friday before city officials halted the work over missing permits.
Crews began tearing down the Kirby Mansion at 2000 Smith Street in Midtown.
Preservation Houston said roughly half the building was gone by the time a city inspector issued a stop-work order. The group said it had repeatedly asked the new owner to discuss preserving the home, documenting it or salvaging historic features, but received no response.
Jim Parsons, Preservation Houston’s program and communications director, told the Houston Chronicle: “It looks like he’s gone ahead and made a move.”
The City of Houston told the Chronicle that inspectors confirmed demolition was underway without the required permit. A sewer-disconnection plumbing permit had been issued Oct. 14, but a city inspection on Oct. 20 found corrections that had not been resolved.
The city said, “Demolition work may not resume until the required permits and approvals have been obtained.”
KTRK-TV reported that a neighbor said the owner later obtained a permit, which could allow work to resume. The city’s reported statement said required permits and approvals still had to be obtained.
Preservation Houston said in its Oct. 30 statement that plans for a gas station at the site were already underway. Earlier reporting said the property’s future use had not been confirmed, and records tied to the address did not establish what would replace the mansion.
Parsons said the group had offered to document the house and salvage historic materials.
“We could have arranged documentation, we could have arranged salvage so that there was a lasting record of this building and the materials don’t just go to a landfill,” he told the Chronicle.
The building had no local, state or federal historic designation, according to Preservation Houston.
KTRK reported that preservation advocates said the mansion hosted President George H.W. Bush and world leaders during the 1990 Economic Summit.
A Houston mansion with East Texas roots
The mansion began as a home built in 1894 for Houston businessman J.S. Price.
Kirby bought the property in 1896, and architect James Ruskin Bailey remodeled it in 1926 into a 36-room Tudor Revival residence. Its features included a hand-carved oak staircase and paneling made from timber from Kirby’s East Texas forests, Preservation Houston said. The house later served as the Houston-Harris County Red Cross headquarters.
Kirby’s connection to the region began in Tyler County. The Texas State Historical Association says he was born near Peachtree Village in 1860. He married Lelia Stewart of Woodville in 1883 and practiced law there for four years before moving to Houston. Kirby later became known as a lumberman and East Texas timberland owner.
Kirby’s name is also part of the history of Kirbyville in Jasper County. The town was first named Kirby for him. In 1895, a railroad reached the site where Kirby planned a community to help market lumber from his timber holdings. The name changed to Kirbyville after postal officials found another town called Kirby.
Kirby Lumber Company at one time controlled more than 300,000 acres of East Texas pine forests and operated 13 sawmills, according to the Texas State Historical Association. The Texas Historical Commission’s marker for Kirbyville credits Kirby and railroad partner R.P. Allen with founding the town after their Gulf, Beaumont and Kansas City railroad reached the site.
Facebook statement by Preservation Houston
A heartbreaking day for Houston’s history.
This morning, demolition began at the historic Kirby Mansion without proper permit. Approximately half of the 132-year-old building was destroyed before a City of Houston inspector arrived and issued a stop-work order.
Preservation Houston strongly condemns the unpermitted demolition of this irreplaceable landmark.
For generations, the century-old building stood as a reminder of Houston’s architectural heritage and the stories that shaped our city. Its loss is devastating, but our efforts are not over.
We remain committed to exploring every opportunity to preserve, document or salvage what remains of this historic property.
We’re grateful to the community members, preservation advocates and journalists who have helped bring attention to the Kirby Mansion. Your voices matter.
Houston can grow while honoring its history. We must continue advocating for both.
Read our full statement and the latest developments: https://www.preservationhouston.org/.../unpermitted...
Technically not halfway, but close enough. Grades will be involved. Spoiler: improvement needed for the TexansGetty ImagesFew seasons in the 25-year history of the franchise opened with as much anticipation and expectation as this season did for the Houston Texans. Coming off a season that tied the franchise record for wins (12) and its third straight season with a trip to the divisional round, Houston seemingly built a foundation for bigger and better things. That the squad practically returned all its key defensive starters o...
Technically not halfway, but close enough. Grades will be involved. Spoiler: improvement needed for the Texans
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Few seasons in the 25-year history of the franchise opened with as much anticipation and expectation as this season did for the Houston Texans. Coming off a season that tied the franchise record for wins (12) and its third straight season with a trip to the divisional round, Houston seemingly built a foundation for bigger and better things. That the squad practically returned all its key defensive starters only added to the expectations. Free agency and the draft addressed the biggest weaknesses of the squad, mainly the offensive line and the running game. The team added reinforcements to the defense with the free agent signing of Reed Blankenship and drafting of All-American DL MacDonald. All reasons for optimism.
Once the regular season started...the optimism, uh, didn’t last. Houston sits at 2-5, 2-3 in the conference and 2-1 in the division. They are an alarming 0-4 at home. Penalties are still a major concern fours years into the Ryans regime, and he faces the most negative press of his career. Nick Caley is still on many fans “fire into the sun” list, but perhaps the worst coach award has been between DC Matt Burke and DB coach Dino Vasso. The team is getting picked apart through the air, and too often you see defenders confused about coverage schemes/assignments.
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OFFENSE: C
Coming into the season, if Houston struggled, you figured it because of the continued struggles of CJ Stroud. His 2025-26 playoff performance stunned most. While his draft-mate Will Anderson Jr. got the big second contract, Stroud just got the 5th year option pick-up. As of now, Stroud is putting much of the negative press behind him. The Texans are 8th in total passing yards, with Stroud 5th in passing, with only three turnovers against him (2 of those came in the first game against Buffalo). WR Nico Collins is still Stroud’s primary offensive weapon. When he missed two games due to injury, the offense could only generate 2 total TDs. 2nd-year receiver Jaylin Noel was having a breakout season but suffered a season-ending injury against the Giants. Dalton Schultz is still a solid receiving TE, but the rest of the receiving corps, to include newly acquired Marvin Harrison Jr are mostly just...there.
As for the previously maligned running game...it is not better. Aside from the opener against a porous Bills defense and the London game against Jacksonville, the team struggled to rush for more than 80 total yards/game. David Montgomery, outside of his 3 total touchdown effort in Week 1, has offered nothing of significance and missed two games due to injury. Woody Marks resumed the RB1 role, but he, nor any other back on the roster, has rushed for more than 66 yards in a game, and the squad’s longest single run on the season is 25 yards. The offense line has not been particularly effective in run-blocking, with the pass-blocking only slightly better. Play-calling consistency and philosophy are also up for debate. Remember the talk about 12 formations? Houston is using them, but they can’t quit the heavy formations with the extra O-lineman, with less-than-ideal results.
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Offensive MVP: QB CJ Stroud.
He is the one constant on the offense. While not perfect, he has put Houston in position to win almost all of its games, leading the team to take a late 4th quarter lead or tie in 6 of the 7 games played.
Also considered: WR Nico Collins, WR Jaylin Noel
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Offensive LVP: G Wyatt Teller.
Signed to offer competition for the starting line, he slated into the RG slot when Ed Ingram went out with injury. His performance has not been...quality. Especially in run-blocking, which is a critical evaluation point for that position, Teller hasn’t lived up to his (relatively) modest contract. Not that Ingram has lit up the running game when he’s been in, but if Ingram is out and Teller has to play, don’t expect a lot of goodness to come from that side of the line. Really, the entire run-blocking scheme is up for debate.
Also considered: RB David Montgomery
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DEFENSE: D-
Usually, strengths quickly devolving into weaknesses only happen in comics and politics. Consider the Texans’ defense. They were #1 in yards allowed, #2 in points allowed and generally atop almost all defensive metrics in 2025. In 2026, not so much. In particular, the pass defense, which was #6 in pass yards allowed in 2025, now ranks 27th. In explosive plays allowed, the team is second-worst. Secondary players have only 2 INTs (3 total for the team), far off the pace for 17 INTs (19 team total) they set last season. At least until the Giants game, the run defense was solid. The defensive line is a mixed bag, for while Anderson and Hunter still bring the pressure (11.5 combined sacks/15.5 TFLs), the rest of the line has been so-so. The LB unit is fighting injuries and inconsistency. However, the secondary is most hurting the squad. Between regression, injuries and poor communication, this secondary reminds fans more of the 2010 defense vs. the lockdown-unit of 2025.
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Defensive MVP: Will Anderson, Jr.
33 Total Tackles (17 Solo)/7.5 sacks/11.5 TFLs/1 FF/1 FR. If there were worries about falling off after securing his $50M/year contract, those are no longer a concern.
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Defensive LVP: CB Kamari Lassiter.
Last season, you could’ve called Lassiter the best CB2 in the league. This season, he is more a coverage liability. In addition to hurting the team defense, this performance is likely costing him a lot of money, as he approaches eligibility for a contract extension.
Also considered: S Reed Blankenship, who is continuing the trend of ex-Philly safeties playing poorly once in Houston.
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SPECIAL TEAMS: C+/B-
Frank Ross’ units generally rank in the top tier of special teams categories. However, this season, that has been inconsistent. The kick return coverage does not always reward the squad for forcing kickoffs, as seen with Indy, Dallas and Jacksonville. Ka’imi Fairbairn is playing to his usually solid level for FGs, save a meh game against Cincinnati. His kickoff capabilities have been a little more mercurial. The punting unit is solid, but not spectacular. Brinkman had a bad snap against the Bengals when Houston missed that early FG. The return units haven’t been all that special, although Noel before his injury did have his moments. Perhaps Tank Dell can step back into being a dangerous returner, especially on punts.
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Special Teams MVP: PK Ka’imi Fairbairn.
Improving on kick-offs and his placekicking is consistent.
Also considered: Jaylin Noel.
Special Teams LVP: No obvious candidate here.
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BEST WIN: 34-31 over Jacksonville in London.
Only had two to choose from, so may as well go with the one over an opponent with a pulse.
WORSE LOSS: 19-17 at Indianapolis.
No shortage of options. Given the fire-sale of players going on with the Colts, losing to them like they did may really come back to hurt the Texans on so many levels.
Also considered: 34-30 loss to the Cowboys, ‘cause...Dallas.
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KEY PLAY (SO FAR): Week 1, 2:10, 2nd Qtr, BUF Ball @ BUF 4, Josh Allen 38-yard pass to TE Dalton Kincaid to BUF 42.
Not a play highlighted in the TDATDA archives. However, when Josh Allen, long victimized at NRG/Reliant, somehow landed a [KITTEN]-It ball deep to TE Kincaid with All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. on the coverage, it set the tone for the team’s not just for that game, but for the first part of the season for the Texans. Last season, that is a play that Houston would pick off or at least force as an incompletion.
Also considered: Week 4, 6:59, 3rd Qtr, DAL ball at the HOU 4, 4th and Goal: Prescott pass incomplete. Penalty on Lassiter (Defensive Holding)
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OVERALL MID-SEASON MVP: QB CJ Stroud.
So far, when Houston succeeds, it is due to the offense, thus, the best player wins here.
Also considered: DE Will Anderson, Jr.
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OVERALL MID-SEASON LVP: Secondary Coach Dino Vasso.
So much inconsistency and poor play in the secondary that spans multiple players. While Vasso is not solely responsible, he does shoulder blame for the apparent lack of adjustments.
Also considered: Texans run blocking, DBs Lassiter/Blankenship.
OVERALL MID-TERM ASSESSMENT: D-
There is no other way to call the start of the season but disappointing. This squad had visions of a high playoff seed and a deep playoff run. The former is pretty much off the table, given that Houston is down in many of the conference tiebreakers. The latter, well, they are still alive for the playoffs, but the margin of error is nil. Stroud’s rebounding from this horrid postseason is arguably the only thing keeping this team’s slim chances alive. In theory, the first few games post-bye should offer the team a chance to rebound. Then again, until this squad can showcase consistency commiserate with its talent, it is hard to get too hopeful of another big run.
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Swimming & Diving team defeated North Texas (216-147) inside the CRWC Natatorium on Saturday morning. Following two days of competition, the Cougars collected 16 events wins across the two-day dual meet, including 13 wins on Friday.A 200-yard medley relay team of seniors Elizabeth Jimenez, Evelyn Entrekin and Tierney Howell, along with junior Alexia Duncan, took the first event of day two with a time of 1:40.79.Juniors Mariana Cote and Sienna Bruner won their respec...
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Swimming & Diving team defeated North Texas (216-147) inside the CRWC Natatorium on Saturday morning. Following two days of competition, the Cougars collected 16 events wins across the two-day dual meet, including 13 wins on Friday.
A 200-yard medley relay team of seniors Elizabeth Jimenez, Evelyn Entrekin and Tierney Howell, along with junior Alexia Duncan, took the first event of day two with a time of 1:40.79.
Juniors Mariana Cote and Sienna Bruner won their respective events. Cote timed at 16:51.34 in the 1650-yard freestyle, while Bruner recorded a time of 1:49.64 in the 200-yard freestyle.
Sophomore Megan Jones and junior Regina Torres Pomar set personal bests in the 100-yard IM. Jones timed at 58.63 while Torres Pomar clocked in at 56.93.
Sophomore Helen Randolph reached a new personal best in the 200-yard butterfly with a time of 2:06.14.
Senior Michelle McLeod finished on the top of the leaderboard on the platform with a score of 287.18
McLeod, junior Caroline Roelen, and sophomore Maisy Woloszyn competed in the team diviing event with a final score of 350.85 for a top place finish.
Event Wins (Across Both Days)
Top Three Finishes (Across Both Days)
Personal Bests (Across Both Days)
UP NEXT
Houston invites Rice and Tulane into the CRWC Natatorium for a tri-meet on Nov. 7. The action begins at 3 p.m.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Swimming & Diving by providing NIL opportunities or by joining the Freestyle Fund which provides financial support directly to Houston Swimming & Diving for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSwim on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSwim or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarswim.
– UHCougars.com –
The demolition of a historic Houston landmark began Friday morning, less than a month after the property was purchased by a company with apparent ties to the gas station and convenience store industry.The approximately 20,000-square-foot Kirby Mansion had stood at 2000 Smith St. for more than 100 years and was one of the city's last remaining examples of a Tudor Revival home. The demolition came only a few weeks after Houston Public Media reported that OB Texas Properties LLC had bought the property.According to public r...
The demolition of a historic Houston landmark began Friday morning, less than a month after the property was purchased by a company with apparent ties to the gas station and convenience store industry.
The approximately 20,000-square-foot Kirby Mansion had stood at 2000 Smith St. for more than 100 years and was one of the city's last remaining examples of a Tudor Revival home. The demolition came only a few weeks after Houston Public Media reported that OB Texas Properties LLC had bought the property.
According to public records, OB Texas Properties LLC's registered agent, Omair Bashir, is also the registered agent of Smith St. C Store LLC and has business connections to Brake Time Corner Market LLC — a convenience store and gas station company.
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Bashir and his companies have not responded to repeated requests for comment regarding further development plans for the property.
As of Friday morning, half of the mansion's southwest facade was already gone. A shelf, decorated with neatly organized leather-bound books, could still be seen in what remained in one of the building’s second-floor rooms.
Eric Lezias was waiting at a Houston METRO bus stop on the same block, gazing through the property's fence at what remained of the mansion. He remembered seeing the "ancient building" throughout his childhood.
"We always thought that it could be something like a food spot or something like that," Lezias said. "I always wondered that it could be something better, something more. ... It really is sad to see it gone, but it's how it is in this city. They're tearing down stuff that's ancient."
As previously reported by Houston Public Media, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission records show that Smith St C Store LLC applied for and received a liquor license for the property earlier this year.
Last week, Preservation Houston — a non-profit organization that advocates for local historic buildings and neighborhoods — shared that a sewer disconnection permit had been issued for the property on Oct. 14. Additionally, Preservation Houston said that the Texas Department of State Health Services had listed an asbestos abatement for the property.
Speaking on Houston Public Media's on Friday, Preservation Houston Executive Director Jennifer Krapal said the property will likely turn into a gas station.
"There's a long history, there's a lot of craftsmanship, a lot of significance to this building," Krapal said. "And we're losing it to a gas station and convenience store, from what we can tell from all the permits."
Though the property did not have a historical designation, according to Krapal, the building’s demolition appeared to have paused by late Friday morning. Krapal said this was likely a result of lacking proper permission.
"There do need to be a series of approvals for permitting for demolition, and there was not a demolition permit for this building, so they started demolition without a permit," she said. "So, the city came and stopped the rest of the demolition. Now there are just a few checkboxes that need to be set. ... But I mean, you can see from the images, a lot has already been lost."
The history of Kirby Mansion
The mansion’s history dates back to 1894, when then-businessman J.S. Price built the property’s original home.
However, Jim Parsons, the programs and communications director for Preservation Houston, previously told Houston Public Media that the mansion's Tudor Revival form was not constructed until 1926.
“[Price] sold it relatively early on to John Henry Kirby,” Parsons said. “Kirby was a huge name in East Texas lumber and one of the leaders in the Houston lumber market. … He brought in an architect named James Ruskin Bailey to essentially rebuild the place into the home that we see today, which I think is 36 rooms.”
According to Parsons, some believe that parts of the original 1892 home still existed inside.
“The interesting story there is the sort of urban legend that the Kirbys were superstitious about living in a completely new house,” Parsons said. “So, it may be that there are elements of that 1892 house contained within.”
Parsons said it was one of the few remaining remnants of Houston’s old South End neighborhood.
“That was the elite residential area in Houston in the late 19th century and early 20th century. So, it was sort of the River Oaks of Houston in those days,” he said. “It’s a little jarring to see the Kirby mansion in its current setting, but you have to remember, 100 years ago it would have been surrounded by similar houses.”
Along with the mansion, Kirby is also the namesake for Kirby Drive and the Upper Kirby area of Houston.
Parsons said the mansion had been open to the public periodically in the past, but that it hasn’t been open to visitors for at least 10 years.
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Swimming & Diving team is set to host its home opener starting Friday October 30 against North Texas inside the CRWC Natatorium. The first session begins at 3 p.m., Friday with session two starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. vs North Texas Date | Time ...
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Swimming & Diving team is set to host its home opener starting Friday October 30 against North Texas inside the CRWC Natatorium. The first session begins at 3 p.m., Friday with session two starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Admission is free.
| vs North Texas | |
| Date | Time | Oct. 30 | 3 p.m. Oct. 31 | 10 a.m. |
| Location | CRWC Natatorium | Houston, Texas |
| Live Stream | Friday - Watch Saturday - Watch |
| Live Results | Meet Mobile($) |
LAST TIME OUT Houston finished second at the Gary Ota Memorial Invite in Fresno, California. The Cougars scored 1072.5 points at the Gary Ota Memorial Invite.
San Diego State finished first with 1090.5 points followed by Fresno State (772 points), UC Davis (540 points) and San Jose State rounding out the standings (518 points).
Houston placed in the top three across 17 events.
Junior Alexia Duncan finished first in the 200-yard backstroke (1:58.02), 200-yard IM (1:59.83) and 100-yard backstroke (53.59).
Senior Michelle McLeod placed first in the 1-meter dive with 285.85 points.
Seniors Elizabeth Jimenez and Tierney Howell, junior Sienna Bruner and 5th year Manita Sathianchokwisan placed first place in the 200-yard free relay at 1:32.31.
The 400-yard medley relay team of Elizabeth Jimenez, Senior Evelyn Entrekin, Alexia Duncan, and Sienna Bruner finished second with a time of 3:40.23.
Six cougars set new personal best times in the 100-yard IM including juniors Regina Torres Pomar (57.68), Kristina DiPietro (1:00.53) and Sienna Bruner (1:01.16), sophomore Megan Jones (58.78), freshmen Ruby Esparza (58.92) and Tierney Howell (59.34)
Jimenez placed second in the 200-yard backstroke at 57.89. She touched just behind Duncan. Junior Elizabeth Benoit finished second in the 1650-yard freestyle at 1:58.09. Juniors Mariana Cote and Kaeli White finished second and third in the 500 free with times of 4:54.78 and 5:57.21.
Four other Cougars hit new personal best times. Megan Jones in the 50-yard freestyle (24.05), freshman Carly Mauldin in the 100-yard butterfly (57.35) and sophomores Nicole Christensen in the 400-yard IM (4:19.74) and Rylee Simoneaux in the 200-yard freestyle (1:51.28).
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Swimming & Diving by providing NIL opportunities or by joining the Freestyle Fund which provides financial support directly to Houston Swimming & Diving for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSwim on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSwim or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarswim.
– UHCougars.com –
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