If your parents are anything like ours, they've poured their hearts into creating a better life for you and their community. Now that they're in their golden years, they deserve to relax and savor the fruits of their labor.
However, as our loved ones age, the need for extra support around the home becomes evident, whether it's preparing meals or managing medications. When they can no longer care for themselves as they once did, worries about their safety and well-being arise. It's natural to think about their quality of life and how you can give back to them while balancing your own responsibilities.
Most seniors -94%, according to Forbes- prefer to remain in their homes as they age. If the senior in your life wants to stay at home as they get older, what's the best way to make that happen? For many families, non-medical home care offers a compassionate and affordable solution. In-home care is quickly becoming the first choice for older seniors because it supports your family while allowing your loved one to age gracefully in the familiar, safe surroundings they're used to.
If you're committed to keeping your mom, dad, or senior relative safe and happy at home, working with a home care agency might be the best way to achieve that goal.
When it comes to maintaining good senior health, early intervention is often key. Unfortunately, many adults with senior parents are stretched too thin to notice signs that their mom or dad needs help around the house. Wondering whether you really need to consider home care for you, your parents, or your loved ones? Keep these warning signs in mind.
As men and women get older, it's perfectly natural for them to have some aspects of mental decline. Age-related memory loss doesn't affect everyone, but when it involves your loved one, it can be a lot to digest. When forgetfulness begins to impact your parents' quality of life, it's time to take action.
Commonly referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), this forgetfulness often arises from reduced blood flow to the brain, a phenomenon frequently associated with aging. Other contributing factors can include typical neural lapses and a decline in hippocampal function, which is a crucial area of the brain responsible for memory. These changes can lead to frustrating side effects, such as
Seniors showing any of these signs can greatly benefit from non-medical home care providers who can help them with their daily tasks. This support can include reminding them of scheduled appointments, preparing meals, light housekeeping, and assisting with reading and other essential activities. Professional caregivers can also incorporate healthy memory practices into your loved one's daily routine. Strategies may include social interaction, engaging in simple strategy games, maintaining a nutritious diet, and participating in light exercises like slow walks around the block.
As your parents or senior loved ones get older, they often have trouble completing dayto-day tasks that are fundamental to living a normal life. There are several activities of daily living, or ADLs, that senior citizens struggle with and include
A reliable caregiver from a trusted senior care agency in Rice, TX, can help make daily life much easier for your elder relative. If they have trouble putting on or tying their shoes, your caregiver is there to help them choose their shoes and put them on correctly.
If your senior citizen isn't eating healthy food, your caregiver can help create a nutritious meal plan and assist them in preparing the food they need for energy and daily activities. When searching for a home care agency, make sure they offer tailored care plans that address your loved one's needs, not someone who has similar issues.
If you notice that your loved one can't keep themselves clean and groomed, it could be a sign that their health is on the decline. It could also be a red flag that your senior may be experiencing the early stages of dementia. Other signs include:
The best non-medical caregivers are trained to attend to your loved one's needs and quality of life as they move through the Functional Assessment Staging test of Alzheimer's Disease, also known as the FAST Scale. If you believe your parent or relative might be in the early stages of dementia, it's absolutely critical to work with a home care business like ameriCARE that specializes in dementia care.
There's a reason why almost 12 million people in the United States rely on some type of non-medical home care. Working with the right home care agency and team caregivers can be life-changing for seniors who need help but don't want to live in a nursing home. Here are just a few of the most effective services that help older adults stay happy, healthy, and active as they age.
If you notice that the senior in your life can't or won't maintain their hygiene and health, hiring an experienced caregiver can help. They'll assist with daily tasks like:
Companion home care is a unique type of in-home support tailored for individuals who require help with daily living tasks while also benefiting from meaningful social interaction and emotional support. Unlike other care options that primarily focus on medical or personal needs, companion and lifestyle home care helps form strong personal bonds and improves the overall quality of life.
People who benefit the most from companionship and lifestyle home care include:
Veterans are a special breed. They're service members who have made sacrifices for our country and deserve dignified, respectful attention. In-home care gives Veterans customized, compassionate care when they need it most. Whether they have new health challenges after returning from combat or need an extra hand throughout the day, home care can make a meaningful difference for those who deserve the utmost respect and compassion.
In-home care can be very helpful for Veterans suffering from:
Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's can be quite challenging, as it involves managing a mix of complex and changing needs. Those living with the disease may face memory problems, mood swings, and difficulties in communicating. Alzheimer's care includes various services aimed at providing a supportive environment that helps maintain both physical and emotional well-being, even as the disease evolves.
Common Alzheimer's care services include:
Giving the older adult in your life the gift of in-home care can be a hugely positive decision on multiple levels. It not only gives them access to high-quality care in a place where they feel comfortable - it gives them the independence they crave and have earned over their lifetime.
Some of the most significant advantages of hiring a home care agency to help your senior loved one include:
Great in-home caregivers support your loved one's independence while providing the necessary assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. When you choose an agency that creates tailored care plans, your loved one can continue to live their lives on their terms, making choices about their daily activities and routines with the support of caregivers.
Receiving care at home offers a unique set of benefits that facility settings just can't match. Home care companies like ameriCARE offer personalized care services designed to cater to specific needs while allowing seniors to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Choosing non-medical home care in Rice, TX, can be a cost-effective solution, especially when compared to long-term, residential options like nursing homes. Care provided in facilities typically incurs significant costs for lodging and extra services. On the other hand, home care enables clients to receive tailored support at a much lower price.
Having you and other members of your family involved in your loved one's care process is integral. If you're on the hunt for a home care agency to work with, make sure to choose one that encourages your involvement. This collaborative approach allows for care that aligns with your family values, expectations, and overall goals.
When you work with a senior care agency that carefully selects caregivers and provides ongoing training to provide a range of services, your parent or relative benefits greatly. ameriCARE caregivers are seasoned professionals, dedicated to serving others in ways that often go unnoticed.
We know that choosing the best senior care agency for your loved is a top priority. Some key factors to consider include:
The agency you choose should have a proven track record and should be transparent when talking about caregiver credentials, training, and programs.
Working with a home care company that pushes open communication, transparency, and responsiveness keeps everyone in your circle informed about care plan updates and adjustments.
Look for a company that offers a robust range of senior care services and provides custom care plans that meet your senior's unique needs.
Inquire about the agency's caregiver recruitment process, including background checks, screening procedures, and ongoing training.
By taking these factors into account, you can make a well-informed choice when selecting a home care agency that provides the quality, compassion, and support necessary to improve the well-being and comfort of yourself or your loved one.
At ameriCARE, we understand that in-home care should reflect the individuality of those we assist. Our guiding principle focuses on creating a caregiving experience that is tailored, uplifting, and impactful. We aim to broaden and strengthen your care circle.
Our dedication to conscientious in-home care has helped establish our reputation for outstanding service. We believe that non-medical in-home care holds the potential to sustain and enrich one's quality of life, regardless of the challenges a person faces. By adopting a holistic perspective on care, we ensure our services are thorough, nurturing, and beneficial to our clients' overall wellness.
At ameriCARE, our goal is to deliver caregiving that is reliable, compassionate, and respectful. We are committed to positively influencing the lives of those we assist by making certain that our care is more than just a service - it's a source of comfort and empowerment. We aim to foster an atmosphere where each person feels appreciated, supported, and honored, thereby enhancing their capacity to live while improving their quality of life.
Our agencies are at the forefront of a new kind of in-home care that extends beyond traditional services. Unlike some home care companies, we believe in addressing the needs of the whole person.
To that end, we see care as a collaborative effort. Our caregivers are dedicated professionals who serve others in often unrecognized ways. We honor their commitment by providing top-notch training and career opportunities, ensuring they have the skills and support necessary to deliver exceptional care.
By going above and beyond to provide care that exceeds your expectations, we help ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Seniors, their adult children, and other relatives choose ameriCARE because we're committed to:
Our care plans are customized to address the specific requirements of every individual and their family. We consider personal preferences, health issues, and family relationships to deliver care that is both personal and impactful.
We utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance your home care experience. With straightforward booking and payment methods, along with real-time updates and feedback, our technological solutions simplify and optimize care management.
If you're looking for help after surgery, a break from caregiving, or just someone to keep you company, our trustworthy caregivers are here for you. We provide a free care assessment with no strings attached to help you develop a home care plan that's just right for you.
The first step to seeing your loved one happy at home is to call ameriCARE for a free, no-obligation care assessment. Let us help you create a home care plan that brings your family peace of mind, comfort, and support. Request More Info today, and by tomorrow, you'll be closer to keeping your loved one safe and comfortable, no matter how many miles you may be apart.
Ready to learn more or need personalized support? Contact ameriCARE today! Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, provide expert advice, and guide you through every step of the homecare journey.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, who had a distinguished 13-year career in the U.S. Army, provided the keynote address during the 2025 Kerr County Memorial Day Program on Monday morning, May 26.First an infantryman, Rice deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. After completing U.S. Special Forces training, he was assigned to a Commander’s In-Extremis Force Unit in A Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, KY.Upon leaving active duty, Rice joined the Texas National Guard, serving with C C...
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, who had a distinguished 13-year career in the U.S. Army, provided the keynote address during the 2025 Kerr County Memorial Day Program on Monday morning, May 26.
First an infantryman, Rice deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. After completing U.S. Special Forces training, he was assigned to a Commander’s In-Extremis Force Unit in A Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, KY.
Upon leaving active duty, Rice joined the Texas National Guard, serving with C Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group in San Antonio. He later served with the Special Operations Detachment – Africa out of Austin, completing a six-month tour in Germany with Special Operations Command Africa, where he contributed to contingency response efforts throughout Africa, before being honorably discharged and pursuing a career as a paramedic, firefighter and healthcare administrator.
He has been the city manager for the City of Kerrville since 2023.
The following are his remarks delivered during the ceremony:
Good morning everyone,
It’s an incredible honor—and I’ll admit, a deeply humbling one—to stand before you today. I can think of so many more distinguished veterans and families who have carried heavier burdens and walked harder roads. And yet, here we are, together, to reflect, to remember, and to honor.
Before we begin, let me first recognize and thank the Gold Star families in attendance. Your presence today is a testament to the strength, love, and enduring sacrifice that can never truly be put into words. You represent the very heart of what Memorial Day is about.
I’d also like to acknowledge our distinguished guests who have joined us this morning: Mayor Joe Herring Jr., members of the Kerrville City Council, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly and our County Commissioners, active duty military and first responders.
Thank you for your leadership, your support of our veterans, and your commitment to honoring those who have given everything for our freedom.
Let me ask you a question. How many of you have lost someone in uniform? How many of you know someone who has? Look around. That’s the weight of today. That’s the reason we’re gathered here.
We say this often, but it bears repeating: Memorial Day is not a happy holiday. It’s not a day of celebration in the traditional sense. While many of us — including myself — will spend this weekend with friends and family enjoying a barbecue or some sunshine, let us never lose sight of why we are able to do that. This day is for those who gave up that very privilege, who laid down their lives so we could live in this amazing country -- free and unafraid.
We all carry our stories. Some of us wear them openly. Others silently. What we’ve seen, what we’ve done, and who we’ve lost ... those memories don’t vanish. And if you’re struggling with that, please know: you are not alone. We carry these memories not just as burdens, but as bonds -- links to one another and to those who never came home.
Through quiet moments, through shared glances, and sometimes through dark humor that only those who’ve been there understand, we keep them with us. In remembering them, we remind ourselves that their lives mattered. And, that we’re still here for each other.
Every Memorial Day, my phone lights up with phone calls and messages from guys I served with. We share stories — some hilarious, some heartbreaking. We remember the ones who didn’t make it home. We remember the stupid things we did as young men and women, trying to make sense of chaos. We remember their faces, their families, their kids. Not just today. But, but every single day.
Many Memorial Day speeches dive deep into its history. And they should. But this morning, I want to take a moment to talk about something we often keep to ourselves, a silent killer: mental health.
Combat is terrifying. The chaos, the noise, the loss -- it leaves a mark. But sometimes, coming home brings a different kind of fear. A silent one. One that too many never overcome. We lose far too many brothers and sisters long after the battle is over. And that should haunt us just as much as any battlefield.
So, as we honor, remember, and celebrate the lives of those we lost, let’s also look out for each other. The “foxhole” of civilian life — of normalcy — can be just as challenging as the ones we dug in sand or mud. We must be willing to reach out, to speak up, and to check in.
Earlier, I asked how many of you have lost someone or know someone who has. Almost every hand went up. Let that remind us of something powerful: while today is a day of remembrance, every day is a day to remember. To carry forward their stories, their legacies, and most importantly, to live in a way that honors their sacrifices.
May we never forget what they stood for.
May we always remember who they are.
Thank you.
HOUSTON — Jalen Smith scored a career-high 25 points, and Nick Anderson added 20, as Rice defeated UTSA on Senior Day, 80-71, Sunday afternoon from Tudor Fieldhouse.The Story The teams exchanged baskets through the first two minutes. A three-pointer by Jalen Smith sent the Owls on a 7-0 run. After trading baskets, threes from Smith and Nick Anderson bookended an 11-0, giving Rice its largest lead of the half at 25-7, 7:24 into the game. They went back-and-forth before a 10-3 UTSA run cut the def...
HOUSTON — Jalen Smith scored a career-high 25 points, and Nick Anderson added 20, as Rice defeated UTSA on Senior Day, 80-71, Sunday afternoon from Tudor Fieldhouse.
The Story The teams exchanged baskets through the first two minutes. A three-pointer by Jalen Smith sent the Owls on a 7-0 run. After trading baskets, threes from Smith and Nick Anderson bookended an 11-0, giving Rice its largest lead of the half at 25-7, 7:24 into the game. They went back-and-forth before a 10-3 UTSA run cut the deficit to nine. A jumper by Andrew Akuchie followed by an Anderson three extended Rice's lead back to 14. The Roadrunners then scored seven of the next 10 points to pull within 10. But the Owls scored six of the next seven points before a basket by UTSA closed the half, as Rice went into the break with a 45-32 lead.
The second half began as a back-and-forth affair. After UTSA scored to open the half, Smith drilled a three and Anderson turned a steal into a dunk. They then traded baskets over the next 5:24. With Rice holding a 12-point lead, it scored seven straight points to grab its largest lead of the day, 69-50, with 8:40 to play. The Roadrunners scored eight of the next 10 points, cutting the deficit to 13. But the Owls answered, scoring seven of the next nine points, extending their lead to 78-60 with 4:54 remaining to seal the game.
What Head Coach Rob Lanier Had to Say "I'm just proud of the guys. You never how young people are going to approach not playing in the conference tournament. But the last couple of days leading up to today was phenomenal. I think it speaks to the group of seniors that we have that the rest of the guys wanted to win today for them. We weren't very efficient as a team. I think we got a little caught up in the score. But in general, their hearts were in the right place. What I wanted to see was that we wanted to play, and we did. I thought that was the difference."
The Stats Rice was held to 38.5% (30-of-78) from the field, 26.1% (12-of-46) from three, and 57.1% (8-of-14) from the free throw line. UTSA was held to 35.7% (25-of-70) from the floor, 25.0% (7-of-28) from three, and 60.9% (14-of-23) from the free throw line. Rice won the rebounding battle, 50-to-47.
Notes • Rice finished the season with a 13-18 record, including 7-11 in the American Conference. • Rice moves to 13-15 all-time against UTSA. • The Owls are now 8-7 in games played in Houston. • Rice connected on 12 three-pointers, the 15th time this year it made at least 10 threes. • Rice grabbed 50 rebounds, the fourth time this year it finished with at least 50. • Rice's 46 three-point attempts are the most in school history. • The 78 field goal attempts are the most since recording 82 against Southern Utah on Mar. 20, 2023. • G Jalen Smith scored a career-high 25 points, tying a career-high with five three-pointers, while grabbing six rebounds. • It was his third 20-point game of the year. • It was also 20th double-figure scoring game this year, and the 33rd of his career. • Smith's 17 three-point attempts tied the most in a game in school history. • He finished the year with 80 three-pointers, the 12th player in school history to reach at least 80. • G Nick Anderson scored 20 points on a season-high six three-pointers. • The six three-pointers were the most by an Owl this year. • It was his seventh 20-point game this year and the 28th of his career. • It was also his 26th double-figure scoring game this year, and the 72nd of his career. • He finished the year with 84 three-pointers, the 13th player in school history to reach at least 80. • His 84 threes are the eighth-most in a season in school history. • Smith and Anderson became the third duo in school history to each reach at least 80 three-pointers. • G Trae Broadnax scored 12 points and had five rebounds and five assists. • It was also his 28th double-figure scoring game this year, and the 100th of his career. • With five assists, he finished the year with 101, becoming the ninth player in school history with at least 100 assists in back-to-back seasons. • F Andrew Akuchie scored six points and added eight rebounds. • C Stephen Giwa scored six points and grabbed a team-high 10 rebounds. • It was his second double-digit rebound game this year and the seventh of his career.
HOUSTON — Rice closes its regular season this Sunday, Mar. 8, when it hosts UTSA on Senior Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed by ESPN+.Game 31 What: Rice (12-18, 6-11) vs. UTSA (5-24, 1-16) When: Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. CT Where: Houston, Texas Stadium: Tudor Fieldhouse (5,208) Tickets: RiceOwls.com Watch: ESPN+ Listen: RiceOwls.com Live Stats: RiceOwls.com Series Information: North Texas leads 26-10 (Leads 12-2 in Denton)Scouting Rice...
HOUSTON — Rice closes its regular season this Sunday, Mar. 8, when it hosts UTSA on Senior Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT, and the game will be streamed by ESPN+.
Game 31 What: Rice (12-18, 6-11) vs. UTSA (5-24, 1-16) When: Sunday, March 8 at 2 p.m. CT Where: Houston, Texas Stadium: Tudor Fieldhouse (5,208) Tickets: RiceOwls.com Watch: ESPN+ Listen: RiceOwls.com Live Stats: RiceOwls.com Series Information: North Texas leads 26-10 (Leads 12-2 in Denton)
Scouting Rice • Rice enters Sunday's game with a 12-18 record and is 6-11 in the American. The Owls are coming off a 62-58 defeat at North Texas on Wednesday. • Graduate guard Trae Broadnax leads the team with 15.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. He's also connecting on 79.6% from the free throw line and 32.5% from three. • Senior guard/forward Nick Anderson is second on the team with 15.4 points per game while adding 4.3 rebounds. He is second in the league in three-point percentage (39.4%) and fifth in three-pointers made per game (2.6), while placing seventh in free throw percentage (81.2%). • Redshirt senior guard Jalen Smith is scoring 12.1 points per game and is second on the team with 2.3 assists. He's third in the conference in three-point field goal percentage (39.1%) and sixth with 2.5 three-pointers per game. • Junior forward Jimmy Oladokun, Jr., is second on the team with 5.0 rebounds, and redshirt senior center Stephen Giwa is pulling down 4.7 boards and ranks 10th in the league with 1.1 blocks. • Rice is averaging 73.7 points per game while allowing 74.7. • The Owls are connecting on 42.1% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc, which is second in the conference. Their opponents are connecting on 44.1% from the floor and 33.5% from three. • Rice is outrebounding its opponents, 37.7-to-36.3. • The Owls are third in the league in three-pointers, making 9.1 per game, while placing 12th in the nation with 13.7 offensive rebounds per game. • Head coach Rob Lanier is in his second season at the helm of the Rice men's basketball program.
Scouting UTSA • UTSA enters Sunday's game with a 5-24 record and is 1-16 in the American. The Roadrunners have dropped four straight after falling to Wichita State last Sunday, 84-67. • Graduate student guard Jamir Simpson is the only Roadrunner averaging double-figures, leading the team with 16.3 points per game, good for seventh in the league. He's also averaging 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists. • Redshirt junior guard Austin Nunez is second on the squad with 9.8 points while adding a team-high 2.8 assists. • Junior guard/forward Brent Moss is third on the team with 9.4 points and sophomore forward Baboucarr Njie is averaging 9.2 points and is fourth in the conference with 1.6 blocks. • UTSA is scoring a league-low 69.4 points per game, but is allowing a league-high 80.8. • The Roadrunners are connecting on 40.0% from the floor and 29.9% from three. Their opponents are connecting on 44.9% from the floor and 34.4% from three. • UTSA is being outrebounded the opposition, 41.2-to-35.9. • UTSA is third in the conference in blocks with 4.4 per game. • Head coach Austin Claunch is in his second season at the helm of the UTSA men's basketball program, where he has a 17-43 record. In seven seasons as a head coach, he is 107-104.
Rice-UTSA Series History • Rice and UTSA will meet for the second time this year and the 28th time overall. • UTSA holds a 15-12 record in the series, but it is tied at seven when played in Houston. • The first six meetings came as non-conference foes. Since 2014, the teams have competed as conference foes when UTSA joined Conference USA. The Roadrunners hold an 11-10 advantage as conference opponents. • Rice earned an 89-73 victory at UTSA on Jan. 14.
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