It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting The Johnny Nelson Katy Heritage Museum in Katy, 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 Katy, 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 Katy City Park in Katy, 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 Pearl & Vine or visit MKT Railroad Park, 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 Katy, 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 Katy, 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 Katy, 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.
KATY MAGAZINE NEWSSeptember 1, 2026By Natalie Cook ClarkTropical Storm Edouardo will make landfall in Southeast Texas today. While impact to the Katy area shouldn't be bad, this is a reminder to prep for future storms. Katy could start feeling some effects by later today.. Photo submitted to Katy Magazine during Hurricane Harvey 2017.Tropical Storm Edouardo Update...
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 1, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
Photo submitted to Katy Magazine during Hurricane Harvey 2017.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA, Tropical Storm Edouardo is projected to make landfall between 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Tuesday in Southeast Texas. This projection can still change. Any slight change can make a difference to what Katy will experience when the storm comes, but as of now we can expect to see some rain. While this storm isn't expected to have a major impact on our area, it is important to remember that we are in Hurricane Season and just now entering peak season.
As of now, rain from Tropical Storm Edouardo could reach Katy starting later today and the storm is expected to be over by tomorrow morning. While many coastal school districts canceled classes today, life in Katy, including school, is expected to go on as usual. As always, follow Katy ISD for updates.
As Katy grows, newcomers enjoy all the great city has to offer, but they also need to heed the warning of local officials and seasoned residents. Hurricane Season officially started on June 1 with experts predicting an average season.
In addition to preparing for this storm, local officials urge residents to prepare for other storms that this Hurricane Season could produce.
“Of the 9 tropical cyclones to impact Texas since 2010, only one developed outside of the Gulf of Mexico and that one redeveloped rapidly,” says City of Katy Mayor William “Dusty” Thiele. “When these storms develop in the Gulf of Mexico it means less time to prepare for everyone. That is why it is also important that we encourage our City of Katy residents to take the time to prepare now.”
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. September is considered the most active month. The City of Katy and local agencies are prepared.
“We’ve been focused on ensuring that our City of Katy Departments are prepared to respond to any type of impact from tropical weather as safely and quickly as possible,” says Greg Goedecker, Emergency Management Coordinator of the City of Katy. “We want the community to know that our public safety departments continue to spend time training and discussing response strategies. All our city resources and rescue assets are ready to respond if called upon.”
“This is so important to me to be prepared to care for my family and kids,” says Katy mom Chancie Davis. “With little ones in the house being prepared helps me to help them cope with stressful situations without the burden of not having essentials.”
The Davis family has a home generator to ensure that during power outages they would still be ok. During the pandemic they added to their preparedness supplies by purchasing 5-gallon collapsible water containers to be able to fill with water ahead of a storm.
“Living in Katy it’s not if, but when we will lose power of water,” says Davis. “I want to have confidence that my family is secure.”
Many Katy families purchased generators during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the derecho. .
Katy is growing and full of newcomers to the area. Just as families find their favorite restaurants, they need to learn about the area and any potential risks.
The past several seasons have put out more dangerous and expensive storms. So many storms have developed that officials have run out of names for them. Experts believe that this season has the same makings for such disasters because of the warm gulf waters that create the perfect scenario for a monster storm to form.
“Residents can prepare by documenting and insuring property, planning with neighbors, signing up for alerts and warnings, assembling or updating supplies, strengthening their homes, or testing their family communication plans,” says Goedecker.
has issued their latest predictions for the upcoming 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began June 1. They predict a below-normall season with 8-13 named storms. They predict that around 3-6 of those storms could have the potential to become major storms with winds of over 111 mph.
It is important to note that this data varies based on which report you view but all data points to an above average season.
However, as their website and marketing material for the season clearly states, “it only takes one storm to change your life.” A fact that Katy knows well after Hurricane Harvey devastated the area in August on 2017.
13 million people were affected by Hurricane Harvey when it stalled out over the Greater Houston area late August of 2017. The storm was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history.
The City of Katy experienced massive damage including sustained damage to 16 Katy ISD campuses. Due to extreme flooding, Creech Elementary had to relocate its 900 students and staff had to be relocated. In less than a week, Katy ISD moved the Creech students and staff to the University of Houston’s Cinco Ranch campus.
The City of Katy and each county has websites/links for Emergency preparedness with resources and where residents can register to stay informed.
If you are new to Katy and new to hurricanes, it is important to understand the U.S. Hurricane Seasons. The Atlantic Hurricane Season is what impacts Katy and it runs June 1 through November 30, with the season’s peek being in August and September.
A Texas resident has taken home a $1 million prize in the Texas Lottery.A Katy resident claimed a top prize-winning ticket worth $1 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game 200X The Cash. The ticket was purchased at Kroger 733, located at 1550 W. Grand Parkway S., in Katy. The claimant elected to remain anonymous.AdvertisementArticle continues below this adThis was the second of four top prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game. 200X The Cash offers more than $115 million in total prizes.I...
A Texas resident has taken home a $1 million prize in the Texas Lottery.
A Katy resident claimed a top prize-winning ticket worth $1 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game 200X The Cash. The ticket was purchased at Kroger 733, located at 1550 W. Grand Parkway S., in Katy. The claimant elected to remain anonymous.
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This was the second of four top prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game. 200X The Cash offers more than $115 million in total prizes.
In other Texas Lottery news, a jackpot-winning Texas Two Step ticket worth $200,000 for the drawing held on March 9 is approaching its expiration date. The ticket, matching all four of the white ball numbers drawn (1-2-21-23) and the red Bonus Ball (19), was purchased at H-E-B Food Store 079 Convenience, located at 909 10th St., in Floresville. The prize remains unclaimed and the ticket will expire on Saturday, Sept. 5, if not validated by the deadline.
If choosing to claim the prize in-person, the ticket holder must do so at a Texas Lottery claim center by 5 p.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 4. Hours of operation at some Texas Lottery claim center locations may unexpectedly change, so it is advisable to check texaslottery.com for updates.
A ticket holder forfeits any claim to a prize for a draw game after the expiration of the 180th day following the draw date. The deadline may be extended for a period of time for certain eligible military personnel. Unclaimed prizes revert to the state for programs authorized by the Texas Legislature.
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The ticket holder may also claim the prize by mail. The ticket, along with a claim form, must be postmarked on or prior to the Sept. 5 ticket expiration date and should be mailed to:
The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-GAMBLER.
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The network is a single national access point to local resources for people seeking help with gambling problems. It has 28 contact centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states and U.S. territories. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
Help is also available via an online peer support forum at gamtalk.org.
Sep 3, 2026
KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — Texas Heritage Marketplace is moving closer to becoming a major shopping and dining destination on Katy's rapidly developing western edge, with Lowe's preparing to open its new store and the City of Katy taking ownership of key infrastructure serving the $400 million development.The Katy City Council on Aug. 10 accepted water, sanitary sewer, drainage and street improvements along Heritage Oak Lane, as well as a sanitary sewer lift station that will be operated by the city.The action rep...
KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — Texas Heritage Marketplace is moving closer to becoming a major shopping and dining destination on Katy's rapidly developing western edge, with Lowe's preparing to open its new store and the City of Katy taking ownership of key infrastructure serving the $400 million development.
The Katy City Council on Aug. 10 accepted water, sanitary sewer, drainage and street improvements along Heritage Oak Lane, as well as a sanitary sewer lift station that will be operated by the city.
The action represents another milestone for Texas Heritage Marketplace, a 165-acre development along the eastbound side of Interstate 10 at Texas Heritage Parkway. The development is just west of Buc-ee's, which sits across the freeway on the westbound side of I-10.
For Katy-area residents, the changes are becoming increasingly visible as stores, restaurants and other projects move toward opening.
Among the most prominent is a new 95,000-square-foot Lowe's store that is preparing to open in September. The store will also include a 30,000-square-foot outdoor garden center and is expected to employ more than 100 full- and part-time workers.
The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sept. 4. Lowe's has not announced an official opening date for shoppers.
The Katy location is part of a broader expansion by Lowe's into fast-growing markets across the country. The company has said it plans to open approximately 10 to 15 stores annually over the next several years.
"We have a strong pipeline of new stores planned for high-growth markets where we see opportunities to conveniently serve more homeowners and Pros," Lowe's Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison said when the company announced its expansion strategy.
The strategy makes the Katy area a natural fit. Thousands of homes have been built or are planned along the Interstate 10 and Texas Heritage Parkway corridors, including large residential developments stretching west toward Brookshire and south toward Fulshear.
Lowe's is only one part of the much larger Texas Heritage Marketplace.
Developer NewQuest describes the project as a 750,000-plus-square-foot mixed-use retail and regional destination. The 165-acre project is planned to include major retailers and restaurants, along with a Houston Methodist emergency room. Future phases call for 550 apartment units, while NewQuest's broader plans also include medical office space and self-storage.
The development's anchor lineup includes Target, which is nearing completion and expected to open in October. Sam's Club is also under construction.
Academy Sports + Outdoors, Burlington, Spec's and Ulta Beauty are among the junior anchors. EoS Fitness will also be part of the lineup.
Whataburger sits at the front of the development and has already opened.
Other announced eateries include Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Escalante's, Tony C's, Aji Izakaya, a casual Japanese pub and restaurant, and Kilwin's, which sells ice cream, fudge and other sweets. Mattress Firm, James Avery, The Kebab Shop and Chase Bank have also been announced for the development.
Several of the restaurants and retailers will be located around a nearly five-acre green space planned near Target and EoS Fitness.
“With a project this size, we typically develop it in phases,” said David Meyers, NewQuest's managing director of leasing and development partner. “But the demand for retail in this high-growth area is immediate so everyone is committed to getting it done as quickly as possible.”
The development's location is particularly significant because Texas Heritage Parkway provides a 6.5-mile connection between Interstate 10 and Fulshear. NewQuest says the center is positioned to serve major master-planned communities including Cane Island, Cross Creek Ranch, Firethorne, Jordan Ranch, Lakehouse and Young Ranch, along with the fast-growing Sunterra and Tamarron communities.
Texas Heritage Marketplace is emerging at a time when development is rapidly changing what was once a comparatively undeveloped stretch of Interstate 10 west of Katy.
New subdivisions, schools, road projects and commercial developments have followed population growth farther west, increasing demand for stores, restaurants and public services.
The opening of Lowe's and the City of Katy's acceptance of the development's infrastructure are signs that Texas Heritage Marketplace is moving beyond plans and construction and into the next phase of becoming an active commercial center.
Additional retailers and restaurants are expected to open as construction continues throughout the development.
Covering Katy News tracks the developments, road projects, new businesses and government decisions shaping the Katy area. Subscribe to support independent local reporting and stay ahead of the changes affecting your community. SUBSCRIBE HERE
New right-to-repair protections, residential solar registration requirements, public-school funding changes and manufactured-housing rules are among the Texas laws taking effect.By The Katy NewsKATY, Texas — A new group of Texas laws and delayed legislative provisions took effect Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, bringing changes that could affect consumers, homeowners, educators, school districts, businesses and local governments.The measures originated during the 89th Texa...
New right-to-repair protections, residential solar registration requirements, public-school funding changes and manufactured-housing rules are among the Texas laws taking effect.
By The Katy News
KATY, Texas — A new group of Texas laws and delayed legislative provisions took effect Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, bringing changes that could affect consumers, homeowners, educators, school districts, businesses and local governments.
The measures originated during the 89th Texas Legislature. The Texas Legislative Reference Library’s effective-date list includes both entire laws beginning Sept. 1 and individual sections of larger bills that took effect in stages. That distinction is important because the appearance of a bill on the Sept. 1 list does not necessarily mean every provision in that bill started on that date.
For Katy-area residents, some of the most notable changes involve repairing electronic devices, purchasing residential solar systems, funding special-education services and regulating manufactured housing.
House Bill 2963 establishes new right-to-repair requirements for certain consumer electronic devices sold in Texas.
The law generally applies to digital electronic equipment sold to a Texas consumer with a wholesale price of at least $50. Manufacturers must make the documentation, replacement parts and tools needed to diagnose, maintain or repair covered equipment available on fair and reasonable terms to independent repair businesses and equipment owners.
This could eventually give consumers more choices when deciding where to repair certain phones, tablets, laptops and other eligible electronic devices instead of relying exclusively on a manufacturer or its authorized repair network.
However, the law will not immediately apply to every electronic device currently owned by a Texas resident.
HB 2963 applies only to covered equipment that was originally made available for sale in Texas by the manufacturer on or after Sept. 1, 2026. Manufacturers also have up to one year after the product’s first Texas sale to make the required repair materials available.
The law contains several exclusions, including certain motor vehicles, medical devices, farm equipment, heavy equipment, major home appliances, alarm and life-safety systems, video-game consoles and equipment used in critical infrastructure.
Enforcement belongs to the Texas attorney general. The law does not create a private right of action allowing an individual consumer to sue solely under the new right-to-repair chapter.
For consumers, the main point is that the change will develop gradually as newly introduced products become subject to the law.
Beginning Sept. 1, residential solar retailers and solar salespeople must be registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation before conducting covered sales or leases of residential solar panels and solar-energy systems.
The registration requirement is part of Senate Bill 1036, which created the Residential Solar Retailers program. Certain prohibited business practices and additional regulatory requirements also became enforceable Sept. 1.
Several consumer protections under the law had already taken effect on Sept. 1, 2025.
Covered residential solar agreements must provide for installation by a licensed electrical contractor, identify the contractor or possible contractors and require the appropriate permits and utility interconnection approvals. A buyer or lessee must also be allowed to cancel the contract without a penalty by providing written notice no later than the fifth business day after signing. The agreement must identify the final calendar date of the cancellation period and provide an address for submitting the cancellation.
Before signing a solar agreement, Katy-area homeowners should:
TDLR says it is currently accepting retailer and salesperson registration applications. The agency is temporarily suspending enforcement of two administrative rules involving contract disclosures and consumer educational materials until Nov. 1, 2026. TDLR separately states that the retailer and salesperson registration requirement begins Sept. 1, 2026.
Senate Bill 568 includes major changes to the way Texas funds special-education services.
Beginning Sept. 1, the state moves from a placement-based special-education funding model toward a service intensity-based model. In general, the revised approach is intended to connect state funding more closely to the level and intensity of services provided to a student rather than relying primarily on the student’s instructional placement.
The delayed provisions also:
Because these provisions primarily address state funding formulas, classifications and reporting, their earliest effects are likely to be seen in school-district budgeting and administration. Parents should not assume that every student’s services or educational plan automatically changes because the funding model has changed.
Area school districts may provide additional information as the Texas Education Agency implements the new funding structure.
Delayed sections of House Bill 2, the state’s major public-education and school-finance legislation, also took effect Sept. 1.
The law revises the Teacher Incentive Allotment by increasing allotment payments and accounting for new teacher-designation levels. HB 2 also expanded local teacher-designation systems and established grants intended to help districts make more teachers eligible for designations.
The Sept. 1 change does not mean every Texas teacher automatically receives the same raise. The amount available to a district or teacher can depend on designation status, the district’s approved system and the way state allotment funds are implemented locally.
Other delayed HB 2 provisions concern educator-preparation allotments, achievement academies, special-education financing and grants supporting early-grade instruction.
House Bill 8 from the Legislature’s second called session also appears on the Sept. 1 effective-date list, but only one delayed section of the bill begins on that date.
The broader law directs the Texas Education Agency to transition from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, commonly known as STAAR, to a new instructionally supportive assessment program. However, most of the assessment-system changes apply beginning with the 2027–2028 school year—not Sept. 1, 2026.
The section taking effect Sept. 1, 2026, concerns a future school-finance calculation involving certain reading-support grants and third-grade assessment performance. The funding reduction described in that section does not begin until the 2030–2031 school year.
Therefore, families should not interpret HB 8’s appearance on the Sept. 1 list as meaning STAAR testing was immediately eliminated or replaced at the start of September 2026.
Senate Bill 785 changes how municipalities with zoning regulations may treat new homes built under the federal HUD manufactured-housing code.
Under the law, a municipality generally may not require a specific-use permit for a compliant new HUD-code manufactured home when the municipality does not impose the same type of permit requirement on other residential property within the same zoning classification.
Municipalities with zoning regulations must also allow new HUD-code manufactured homes by right in at least one residential zoning classification, residential zoning district or dedicated manufactured-housing district. Municipalities with comprehensive zoning maps must identify the applicable areas on those maps.
The law does not allow a manufactured home to be placed automatically on any property. Other zoning requirements, development standards, deed restrictions, utility requirements and applicable construction rules may still apply. Anyone considering the purchase or placement of a manufactured home should confirm the requirements for the specific property before making a financial commitment.
Part of House Bill 1056 also took effect Sept. 1.
The law recognizes qualifying gold and silver specie as legal tender in Texas. However, it expressly provides that a person or business cannot be required to offer or accept gold, silver or a gold- or silver-backed currency as payment.
The legislation also authorizes the Texas comptroller to establish electronic payment systems involving currency backed by gold or silver bullion held by the Texas Bullion Depository. Most of those broader implementation provisions are scheduled to take effect May 1, 2027.
For consumers, the practical distinction is that the state’s recognition of gold and silver does not require Katy-area stores, landlords, lenders or service providers to accept precious metals as payment.
House Bill 5424 changes the method used to calculate the maximum compensation, reimbursements or benefits that may be provided to an individual designated as a volunteer or auxiliary firefighter.
A fire department may not provide annual compensation, reimbursement or benefits exceeding 20 percent of the highest total compensation paid to full-time fire-protection personnel by a local government in the same county. When no local government in that county pays full-time fire-protection personnel, the comparison may be based on an adjacent county.
The change may be particularly relevant to volunteer and combination fire departments when structuring stipends, reimbursements and benefits.
The state’s Sept. 1 list also includes narrower or more technical provisions concerning court administration, advisory bodies connected to the Department of Family and Protective Services, governmental operations in the Texas border region, continuing education for certain property-tax arbitrators, veterinary regulation and compensation for distributed renewable-energy owners in certain areas outside ERCOT.
Some of those laws took effect earlier, with only designated sections delayed until Sept. 1, 2026.
The most immediate consumer-facing changes are the solar registration requirement and the beginning of the right-to-repair framework.
Homeowners considering solar should verify registrations before signing, carefully examine financing terms and keep copies of all contracts, cancellation notices and communications.
Consumers seeking electronic repairs should remember that right-to-repair coverage depends on the type of product, when it was first made available for sale in Texas and whether it falls within one of the law’s exemptions.
Parents, teachers and school employees should watch for notices from their school districts and the Texas Education Agency explaining how the new special-education and teacher-incentive funding provisions will be administered locally.
Because many Texas bills contain multiple effective dates, residents should review the enacted text—not merely the bill’s overall title—before deciding whether a particular provision applies to them.
This article provides general public information and is not legal advice.
This photo shows the Panera Bread restaurant at 25546 Kingsland Blvd. in Katy shortly after it closed in August 2025. The restaurant is expected to reopen soon under new ownership as part of a Houston-area expansion by Hamra Enterprises.KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — Nearly a year after Covering Katy first reported the closures in August 2025, two Panera Bread restaurants serving the Katy area are preparing to reopen under new ownership.Hamra Enterprises, a Missouri-based franchise operator, announced it will reopen ...
This photo shows the Panera Bread restaurant at 25546 Kingsland Blvd. in Katy shortly after it closed in August 2025. The restaurant is expected to reopen soon under new ownership as part of a Houston-area expansion by Hamra Enterprises.
KATY, Texas (Covering Katy News) — Nearly a year after Covering Katy first reported the closures in August 2025, two Panera Bread restaurants serving the Katy area are preparing to reopen under new ownership.
Hamra Enterprises, a Missouri-based franchise operator, announced it will reopen the restaurants at 25546 Kingsland Blvd., near Katy Mills, and 19506 Katy Freeway, on the westbound frontage road between Greenhouse and Fry roads.
The company said the Kingsland Boulevard restaurant will be among the first of seven Houston-area Panera Bread locations to reopen, with the first restaurants expected to open this month. All seven locations are expected to be open by the end of 2026.
The announcement brings Panera Bread back to Katy after the two restaurants unexpectedly closed, along with 13 other Houston-area locations, in August 2025.
The closures followed a legal dispute between Panera Bread and franchise operator EYM Café of Texas LLC, which lost the right to operate under the Panera Bread name. EYM later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after reporting millions of dollars in liabilities.
For longtime Katy residents, this is not the first change to Panera Bread's local footprint. Before the Kingsland Boulevard and Katy Freeway restaurants closed in 2025, the chain operated a popular restaurant at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. That location closed in 2023 after its lease ended, leaving the Kingsland Boulevard and Katy Freeway restaurants as the only Panera Bread locations serving the Katy area.
Hamra Enterprises purchased seven of the former Panera Bread restaurants during a November 2025 bankruptcy sale, marking the company's first expansion into Texas.
"We have spent 50 years earning the trust of guests across 11 states, and we do not take lightly what it means to serve in a new market," Hamra Enterprises CEO Mike Hamra said in a statement. "Houston is one of the most dynamic, diverse and food-forward cities in the country, and we are committed to being an operator this community is proud to have. We are here to serve, we are here to give back, and we are here to stay."
The company said reopening the seven restaurants will create approximately 280 jobs across the Houston area.
The Kingsland Boulevard restaurant is located near Katy Mills, placing it in one of the city's busiest shopping areas. While the restaurant benefits from heavy traffic generated by the mall and surrounding businesses, it also faces strong competition from dozens of nearby restaurants for the lunchtime crowd.
The Katy Freeway restaurant has long served commuters, nearby office workers and residents traveling the Interstate 10 corridor on Katy's east side.
When the restaurants reopen, customers can expect Panera Bread's familiar menu of freshly baked breads, bagels, sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and beverages. MyPanera loyalty rewards, Rapid Pick-Up service and drive-thru service also will be available where offered.
Hamra Enterprises also announced a partnership with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, allowing customers to support children with critical illnesses through future fundraising efforts.
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Hamra Enterprises operates Panera Bread, Wendy's, Noodles & Company and Caribou Coffee restaurants across 12 states and employs more than 6,000 people. The company currently operates 88 Panera Bread restaurants and said the Houston expansion represents its first venture into Texas.
Specific opening dates for the two Katy-area restaurants have not yet been announced.
For many residents who have driven past the vacant buildings for nearly a year, the announcement answers a lingering question: Panera Bread is coming back to Katy.
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