Category: Carol’s Senior Care

Milam County Appraisal District changes are underway as the district moves to a new computer software system. The transition may affect how local property owners access information and services online.

For homeowners in Rockdale, Cameron, Thorndale, Milano, and surrounding communities, this is a good time to review property records and exemptions.

The changes are especially worth noting for seniors who depend on property tax exemptions to help manage household expenses.

What’s Changing at the Milam Appraisal District?

The Milam Appraisal District has been converting to a new software system.

As part of the transition, the district closed its office from September 28 through October 2, 2026, for staff training. Regular business hours resumed October 5.

The district has also advised residents that some online services and information may be temporarily affected during the conversion.

This does not mean homeowners need to reapply for their exemptions or that their property values have automatically changed.

It simply means the district is updating the system used to manage property appraisal information.

Residents who have difficulty accessing information online should contact the appraisal district directly.

Why Homeowners Should Check Their Property Records

Property records contain important information about your home and land.

You can look up your property through the Milam Appraisal District’s online property search.

These records may include your property’s appraised value, ownership information, and exemptions.

Once the new system is operating normally, homeowners may want to review their records.

Look for the following:

• Correct property ownership information.
• Accurate property descriptions.
• The exemptions you qualify for.
• Any unexpected changes in property values.

Finding an error does not necessarily mean your taxes are wrong. However, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions before a problem becomes more complicated.

Homestead Exemptions Can Save Homeowners Money

A residence homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a qualifying primary residence.

That can lower the amount of property tax a homeowner owes.

Under current Texas law, qualifying homeowners receive a $140,000 residence homestead exemption for school district taxes.

For example, a home valued at $250,000 would have a taxable value of $110,000 for school district taxes after that exemption, before considering any additional exemptions or adjustments.

Other taxing entities may offer additional exemptions.

Homeowners must meet eligibility requirements. The home generally must be their principal residence.

If you have never applied for a homestead exemption, it is worth checking whether you qualify.

Special Property Tax Benefits for Seniors

Homeowners ages 65 and older may qualify for additional property tax benefits.

Texas provides an additional $60,000 school district residence homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners in this age group.

Combined with the general school district exemption, that means a qualifying senior may receive $200,000 in exemptions from the home’s value for school district tax purposes.

There is another important benefit.

Texas generally limits school district property taxes on a qualifying residence homestead after the homeowner becomes eligible for the age-65 exemption. Certain improvements and other exceptions can affect that limitation.

This protection can be particularly valuable for seniors living on fixed incomes.

If you are 65 or older, check that your property records reflect your eligibility.

In many cases, the additional exemption is granted automatically when the appraisal district has the necessary birthdate information. If it does not appear, contact the district.

What About Homeowners With Disabilities?

Some homeowners with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible for additional property tax exemptions.

Texas offers a school district exemption for qualifying disabled homeowners.

There are also exemptions for certain disabled veterans and eligible surviving spouses.

Requirements vary by exemption.

Homeowners should contact the appraisal district or consult the Texas Comptroller’s property tax information to determine which benefits apply.

The Appraisal District Does Not Set Your Tax Rate

This is an important distinction that sometimes causes confusion.

The appraisal district determines property values and administers exemptions.

It does not decide how much each taxing entity charges in property taxes.

Local taxing units, such as school districts, cities, and counties, adopt their own tax rates.

The tax assessor-collector handles tax billing and collection.

Your final property tax bill depends on several factors. These include taxable property value, exemptions, and applicable tax rates.

A higher appraisal does not always mean your tax bill will increase by the same percentage.

Important Warning About Mailing Tax Documents

The Milam Appraisal District has also posted a notice about changes in U.S. Postal Service postmark procedures.

Effective January 24, 2026, the date mail is postmarked may not always match the date it was placed in a mailbox.

That could matter when mailing time-sensitive tax documents.

The district recommends obtaining a Certificate of Mailing or Certified Mail receipt at the post office counter when proof of timely mailing is important.

This is particularly useful advice for homeowners who still handle official paperwork through the mail.

Don’t assume that placing a document in your mailbox on the deadline will guarantee an acceptable postmark.

How to Contact the Milam Appraisal District

Residents can visit the official Milam Appraisal District website for property information, announcements, and available forms.

Website: https://milamad.org/

Telephone: 254-697-6638

Regular lobby hours:

Monday through Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The office has announced that it will be closed Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Columbus Day.

If you need help with an exemption or property record, calling before visiting may save you a trip.

Helping Seniors Navigate Property Tax Information

Online services can be convenient. However, website changes sometimes create confusion.

Older homeowners may be accustomed to finding information in a particular place. A redesigned system can make familiar tasks more difficult.

Family members and caregivers can help by locating official forms, checking records, or assisting with telephone calls.

They can also help seniors organize important paperwork.

Keep property tax statements, exemption approvals, and appraisal notices together in a safe place.

Remember that official homestead exemption applications are free. Be cautious of businesses or unsolicited messages that charge fees for filing basic exemption forms.

When in doubt, contact the appraisal district directly.

Families who need additional assistance with everyday activities can learn more about our Carol’s Senior Care services.

A Good Time for a Household Paperwork Checkup

The software conversion provides a useful reminder to review important household records.

You don’t have to wait until a tax bill arrives.

Take a few minutes to check your property information and make sure your exemptions are correct.

For seniors, those few minutes could be particularly valuable.

At Driscoll Home Services, we believe that taking care of a home involves more than cleaning and repairs. It also means helping families stay informed about matters that affect their homes and finances.

Through Carol’s Senior Care, we understand how important it is for older residents to maintain their independence.

Keeping up with local changes is one more way Milam County families can protect their homes and plan for the future.

October 9, 2026

Milam County flu shot clinics are scheduled throughout October and early November. Residents will have several opportunities to get their seasonal flu vaccinations close to home.

Clinics are planned in Milano, Cameron, Thorndale, Gause, and Buckholts. The events are open to people ages 3 and older. No appointments are necessary.

The announced cost is $30 per vaccination. Residents should confirm payment and insurance details before attending.

Milam County Flu Shot Clinics: Dates and Locations

According to KMIL Radio, the following clinics are scheduled for 2026.

The October 8 clinic at the Cameron Senior Expo has already taken place.

Cost: $30, as announced.

Appointments: Not required.

Age requirement: 3 years and older.

Schedules can change. Check with the local organizers before making a special trip.

Why Flu Shots Matter for Seniors

Influenza is more than a bad cold. It can cause serious illness, especially in older adults.

As we age, our immune systems change. That can make it harder to fight infections.

Adults ages 65 and older face a greater risk of complications from influenza. These may include pneumonia and hospitalization.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu vaccination for most people ages 6 months and older.

Vaccination cannot prevent every case of influenza. However, it can reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.

Are There Special Flu Shots for Older Adults?

Yes. The CDC recommends certain flu vaccines for adults ages 65 and older.

These include high-dose, recombinant, and adjuvanted influenza vaccines.

They are designed to provide better protection for older adults than standard-dose vaccines.

If one of these preferred vaccines is unavailable, the CDC recommends receiving another appropriate flu vaccine rather than going without vaccination.

Before attending a local clinic, seniors should ask whether an age-appropriate vaccine is available.

The local announcement does not specify which vaccine products will be offered.

Helping an Older Family Member Get Vaccinated

For some seniors, getting a flu shot is simple. For others, transportation and mobility can make it difficult.

Family members and caregivers can help by planning ahead.

Start by choosing a clinic close to home. Check the date and time. Then make sure transportation is available.

It also helps to bring identification, insurance information, and a list of current medications.

Wear clothing that makes the upper arm easy to reach.

If your loved one has questions about the vaccine, encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider.

A little preparation can make the appointment much easier.

Caregivers Should Think About Their Own Protection

People who care for older adults should also consider their own flu vaccination.

Influenza spreads through respiratory particles when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk.

A caregiver who becomes ill may expose the person receiving care.

Vaccination is one way to reduce that risk.

Good handwashing habits also matter. So does staying home when you’re sick.

These everyday precautions can help protect vulnerable family members.

Don’t Wait Until Flu Season Is in Full Swing

October is generally a good time to receive a flu vaccination.

It takes about two weeks for the body to develop protective antibodies after vaccination.

That means getting vaccinated before influenza becomes widespread is helpful.

If you miss the October clinics, the Buckholts clinic is scheduled for November 4.

You can also ask your healthcare provider or local pharmacy about other vaccination opportunities.

A Valuable Service for Rural Communities

Living in rural Central Texas has many advantages. But reaching medical services can sometimes require a long drive.

Community vaccination clinics help bring preventive healthcare closer to home.

That is especially valuable for seniors who no longer drive or who depend on family members for transportation.

These local clinics give Milam County residents another opportunity to prepare for flu season.

Taking Care of Our Milam County Neighbors

At Carol’s Senior Care, we understand how important the little things can be when caring for an older loved one.

A ride to an appointment, help with errands, or a little assistance around the house can make a real difference.

Preventive healthcare is another important part of helping seniors remain healthy and independent.

At Driscoll Home Services, we enjoy sharing local information that can help families throughout Milam County.

If you or someone you love needs a flu vaccination, take a look at the upcoming clinic schedule. There may be a convenient opportunity right in your community.

The Milam County Senior Expo is coming to Cameron on Thursday, October 8. The event will give local seniors and caregivers a chance to learn about services available in our community.

The expo will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Milam Community Theatre in Cameron. It is being hosted by Milam County TRIAD.

For older adults and the people who care for them, events like this can be a great way to find help close to home.

What Is the Milam County Senior Expo?

The Milam County Senior Expo brings together information and resources for older adults, caregivers, and their families.

Visitors can learn about services related to senior health, safety, financial well-being, and quality of life.

That can be especially helpful in a rural area.

Finding services for an older family member isn’t always easy. Sometimes you don’t even know what help is available until you need it.

An event like the Senior Expo puts many of those resources in one place.

Helping Seniors Stay Safe at Home

Many older adults want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Sometimes a little extra help can make that easier.

It might mean getting help with errands or household chores. It could mean making a bathroom safer. A family might also need transportation help for medical appointments.

Small changes around the house can make a big difference.

For example, bathrooms can become difficult as mobility changes. Grab bars, a sturdy shower chair, a nonslip surface, and a handheld shower wand can make bathing safer.

Good lighting is important too. So are clear walkways and secure handrails.

The goal isn’t necessarily to change someone’s entire home. It is often about noticing the little things that have become harder or less safe.

Carol’s Senior Care

Caregivers Need Resources Too

Senior services aren’t only for seniors.

Family caregivers often need information and support as well.

Caring for an aging parent or another family member can involve many responsibilities. There may be doctor visits, meals, housekeeping, errands, medications, finances, and home maintenance to manage.

It can become a lot for one person.

Knowing what services are available in Milam County can help families decide where they need assistance.

The Senior Expo gives caregivers an opportunity to ask questions and learn about local resources before a crisis happens.

Ask Questions While You’re There

If you attend the expo, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

You might want to know what services are available in your part of Milam County. Ask whether there are eligibility requirements. Find out whether a program has a cost.

It can also help to collect contact information.

You may not need a particular service today. Six months from now, you might be very glad you know who to call.

Senior Care Is Close to Our Hearts

Senior care is personal to me.

Before starting Carol’s Senior Care, I spent about ten years helping care for my own parents. That experience taught me how important the everyday things can become.

Cooking a meal matters. Keeping the house clean matters. Getting someone to a doctor’s appointment matters.

Sometimes just having another person there to help can make the day easier.

That is one reason I believe local resources such as the Milam County Senior Expo are so valuable.

Families shouldn’t have to wait until they are overwhelmed to start looking for help.

Mark Your Calendar

The Milam County Senior Expo will be held:

Thursday, October 8, 2026
9 a.m. to noon
Milam Community Theatre
Cameron, Texas

The event is intended for seniors, caregivers, and families who want to learn more about resources available in our area.

If you have an older parent or family member, consider attending together. You may discover a service you didn’t know Milam County had.

At Driscoll Home Services, we believe taking care of a home also means taking care of the people who live there. We’ll continue sharing local information that can help families throughout Milam County.

When severe weather or another emergency is headed our way, knowing what’s happening as quickly as possible can make a real difference.

Beginning September 1, Milam County moved to Everbridge for its emergency notification system. The new system replaces CodeRED and can send important public-safety information to residents, businesses and others throughout the county.

For those of us who live in Milam County, this is one of those changes that’s worth taking a few minutes to learn about—before we actually need it.

What Are Milam County Emergency Alerts?

The Everbridge system allows local officials to send emergency notifications about situations affecting our communities.

These alerts can include information about severe weather, fires, flooding, road closures, utility problems and other emergencies.

Depending on the information and preferences associated with your account, notifications may be delivered through several methods, including your phone.

That’s particularly useful in a rural county like ours, where conditions can be very different from one community to another.

A storm affecting Cameron may not be affecting Rockdale in quite the same way. A flooded road, fire or other emergency may be important to people in one particular part of the county.

Local alerts can help provide information that is relevant to where we actually live.

Milam County Has Switched From CodeRED to Everbridge

Residents may recognize the name CodeRED, which Milam County previously used for emergency notifications.

As of September 1, the county has transitioned to Everbridge.

Existing CodeRED information is expected to transfer to the new system, but residents are still being encouraged to create an Everbridge account and review their notification preferences.

I wouldn’t assume that because you were registered before, there’s nothing else you need to do.

Take a few minutes to make sure your information is correct and that your notification preferences are set the way you want them.

Register for Everbridge.

Don’t Wait Until the Weather Turns Bad

One of the worst times to figure out how an emergency-alert system works is when you’re already in the middle of an emergency.

We’ve seen plenty of reminders here in Central Texas that our weather can change quickly.

Severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, flooding, wildfire conditions and other hazards can develop with surprisingly little warning.

Setting up Milam County emergency alerts ahead of time gives you one more way to receive information when something important is happening.

It only takes a few minutes now, and then it’s done.

Help an Older Family Member Get Set Up

This is one area where I think we should pay particular attention to our seniors.

Some older adults are perfectly comfortable setting up accounts, changing notification preferences and using smartphones.

Others aren’t.

If you have an elderly parent, relative, friend or neighbor who might have difficulty setting up the new Everbridge system, consider sitting down with them and helping.

Make sure their contact information is correct and that they understand what the alerts are.

You might also want to make sure another family member receives emergency information so someone can check on them when necessary.

Sometimes helping someone prepare for an emergency is as simple as helping them with their phone.

More information on Carol’s Senior Care.

Make Emergency Alerts Part of Your Household Plan

Emergency notifications work best when they’re just one part of being prepared.

Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if severe weather approaches.

Keep flashlights somewhere you can find them. Know where important medications are. Keep phones charged when storms are expected. Make sure pets can be brought to a safe location quickly.

If you live in a rural area, make sure your house number is visible from the road so emergency responders can find you.

And if flooding occurs, never drive through water covering a roadway.

None of these preparations is complicated.

They’re simply small things that are much easier to take care of before something happens.

Don’t Depend on Just One Source of Information

Everbridge is a useful tool, but I wouldn’t rely on any single method of receiving emergency information.

Keep an eye on National Weather Service forecasts when severe weather is expected. Pay attention to local authorities and emergency-management information.

A weather radio can also provide another way to receive warnings, particularly if cellular service or electricity is interrupted.

The goal isn’t to have your phone constantly buzzing with warnings.

The goal is to make sure that when something important is happening, you have a good chance of hearing about it.

A Few Minutes Now Could Matter Later

At Driscoll Home Services, many of the things we talk about come back to the same basic idea: taking care of small things before they turn into bigger problems.

Signing up for Milam County emergency alerts fits right into that philosophy.

Take a few minutes to make sure your Everbridge information is set up correctly. Then think about the people around you.

Does Mom have it?

Does Dad understand how the alerts work?

What about an elderly neighbor who lives alone?

Helping someone get connected to local emergency information isn’t a very big job.

But someday, that little bit of help could be very important.

Milam County has provided us with another tool for staying informed. Now it’s up to each of us to make sure we’re ready to use it.

Good news is coming to Milam County as construction gets underway on a new EMS station in Cameron.

The new facility will give Milam County EMS a purpose-built location for emergency medical services. And it represents an important investment in the people who live throughout our county.

Construction began in August, with completion expected in April 2027. The approximately 10,000-square-foot facility will provide space for two ambulances along with training and administrative operations.

For those of us who live in Milam County, this is more than simply another new building. Emergency medical services are something most of us hope we’ll never need—but when we do need them, every minute matters.

A New Home for Milam County EMS in Cameron

Milam County ESD No. 1 provides emergency medical services throughout the county, with ambulances operating from Rockdale, Cameron, Thorndale and Milano.

The new Cameron EMS station will provide a facility specifically designed around the needs of emergency medical personnel and their equipment.

That’s particularly significant in a rural county like ours. Our communities are spread across a large geographic area, and emergency responders may have considerable distances to travel when someone calls for help.

Investing in emergency medical infrastructure helps give the people providing those services the facilities and resources they need to do their jobs.

Emergency Preparedness Begins at Home

A new EMS station is certainly good news, but there are also things each of us can do at home to make an emergency response a little easier.

One of the simplest is making sure your house number is clearly visible from the road.

Think about whether an ambulance driver who has never been to your home could find it quickly—at night, in bad weather, or when approaching from an unfamiliar direction.

If your address numbers are faded, hidden behind vegetation, too small to see from the road or missing altogether, this is a good time to fix that.

Those few minutes spent replacing an address sign could become very important someday.

Keep Driveways and Entrances Accessible

This is particularly important for those of us living outside town.

Rural properties can have long driveways, gates, cattle guards, low tree limbs or other obstacles between the road and the house.

Take an occasional look at your property from the perspective of an emergency responder.

Could an ambulance get down your driveway?

Are tree limbs or brush obstructing the entrance?

Would someone unfamiliar with the property know which house or building they’re trying to reach?

Keeping entrances and driveways reasonably accessible isn’t just routine property maintenance. It can also help emergency personnel reach you when time matters.

Seniors Can Benefit From a Simple Emergency Information List

Families with an older adult living at home might want to take one additional step.

Prepare a simple emergency information sheet and keep it somewhere easy to find.

It might include the person’s name, emergency contacts, doctors, current medications, allergies and other important information that emergency medical personnel may need.

Make sure the information stays current.

If Mom’s medication changed six months ago but the emergency list still shows the old prescription, the list isn’t nearly as useful as it could be.

This is also something adult children can help elderly parents or relatives prepare.

Make Sure Someone Knows How to Reach You

Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated.

Keep emergency contact numbers current. Make sure family members know the property’s physical address. If you live somewhere that’s difficult to locate, be prepared to give a 911 dispatcher clear information about how to reach the property.

And if an elderly relative lives alone, have a plan for checking on them.

Sometimes the most useful emergency preparations are also the simplest.

An Important Investment in Milam County

The construction of the new Cameron EMS station is something worth celebrating.

As Milam County continues to grow and change, maintaining strong emergency services will remain important for families in Cameron, Rockdale, Thorndale, Milano and the rural communities in between.

At Driscoll Home Services, we spend much of our time helping people take care of their homes and, through Carol’s Senior Care, helping older members of our community remain comfortable and independent in their own homes.

The announcement of the new Milam County EMS facility is also a good reminder that taking care of a home includes being prepared for the unexpected.

Take a few minutes this week to look at your house numbers, driveway and emergency information.

Hopefully, you’ll never need an ambulance to come to your home.

But if that day ever comes, a little preparation beforehand can help make an already difficult situation just a little easier.

Here in Central Texas, we’re certainly no strangers to hot summers. But there comes a point when the heat goes beyond simply being uncomfortable and becomes dangerous.

Milam County, including Rockdale and Cameron, is under an Extreme Heat Warning today, August 23, with the National Weather Service warning of dangerously hot conditions. The heat is expected to continue into the coming week, making this an especially important time to check on our homes, ourselves, and the people around us.

Check on the Seniors in Your Life

One of the first things that comes to my mind during extremely hot weather is our senior citizens.

Many of us have an older parent, relative, friend, or neighbor living alone. During periods of extreme heat, it only takes a phone call or a quick visit to make sure they’re doing all right.

Ask whether their air conditioner is working properly and whether the house feels comfortably cool. Make sure they have something available to drink and aren’t spending unnecessary time outside during the hottest part of the day.

The National Weather Service specifically recommends checking on relatives and neighbors during extreme heat.

Sometimes a simple “Are you doing okay?” can be more important than we realize.

Keep the House as Cool as Possible

Your air conditioner has a difficult job when Central Texas temperatures climb this high.

Closing blinds or curtains against direct sunlight can help reduce some of the heat entering the house. Avoid unnecessarily heating the house during the hottest part of the afternoon, and make sure air-conditioning vents aren’t blocked by furniture or other items.

If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling the house normally, don’t ignore it and hope the problem will go away. During extreme heat, a cooling problem can quickly become much more serious, particularly in a home occupied by an older adult.

Save Outdoor Work for a Cooler Time

There will always be grass to mow, something that needs repairing, or another outdoor job waiting for us. On days like these, some of those jobs can wait.

If outdoor work has to be done, try to schedule it for early in the morning or later in the evening rather than during the hottest part of the afternoon. Take frequent breaks, get into the shade or air conditioning when possible, and drink plenty of water.

The National Weather Service advises limiting strenuous outdoor activity and notes that the hottest portion of the day is typically from about 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. during this extreme heat event.

Know When the Heat Is Becoming Dangerous

It’s important to recognize when someone may be experiencing more than ordinary discomfort from the heat.

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea and other symptoms. A person experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler environment and monitored carefully.

Heat stroke is much more serious. Confusion, loss of consciousness and an extremely high body temperature are among its warning signs. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate emergency assistance.

Knowing the difference can be especially important when you’re checking on an elderly family member, friend or neighbor.

Don’t Forget About Pets

Our pets depend on us during extreme weather too.

Make sure outdoor animals have plenty of fresh water and access to shade. Avoid leaving pets outside unnecessarily during the hottest part of the day, and never leave a pet—or a person—in a parked vehicle.

Vehicle temperatures can rise to dangerous levels very quickly, even when you only intend to be gone for a short time. The National Weather Service specifically warns against leaving children or pets in an enclosed vehicle during extreme heat.

A Little Extra Attention Can Make a Difference

Extreme heat is part of living in Central Texas, but that doesn’t mean we should become careless about it.

At Driscoll Home Services, much of what we do revolves around helping people remain comfortable and safe in their homes. Through Carol’s Senior Care, that is especially true when it comes to helping older adults with some of the everyday things that can become more difficult as we age.

During this period of extreme heat in Milam County, take a few minutes to check your home, check on your pets, and most importantly, check on the people in your life who may need a little extra help.

Sometimes something as simple as a phone call, a glass of water, closing a curtain, or noticing that an air conditioner isn’t working properly can prevent a much bigger problem.

And in weather like this, looking out for one another is simply the neighborly thing to do.