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 historic The Birmingham Museum 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 Birmingham, OH 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.
“It is never easy when a loved one is hurting. The staff here cares and”
“Great people.”
“WOW! This agency went above and beyond for my family. The care and staff personalities”
“Took great care of my uncle. Very compassionate and caring. The nurses and the office”
“Always Best Care has provided excellent nursing care and therapy to both my mom and”
“We have used always best care twice now for a bit of respite care and”
“I am a past client of this provider This was our first outreach for support -”
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“This company is amazing. The staff are excellent and they do everything they can to”
“This was the first time we had tried in home care for my mom. They”
“My dad was a patient of ABC of Grafton after triple bypass surgery. The nurses”
“Staff is very friendly and always take great care of mom, really took the pressure”
“The entire staff is fantastic to work with! They are professional and knowledgeable, and go”
“Staff is excellent to work with and communication is quick and responsive. I am able”
“Undoubtedly would recommend to any individual in need of their scope of services. Exceptional customer”
“Absolutely AMAZING staff to work with! They care for their patients like it's their own”
“Nice service, staff helpful. Glad they were recommended”
“I would recommend them to everyone that I know. I have been with them since November”
“My nurse Jamie is amazing and very caring , the off was always very helpful”
“I have been in there care since November of 2019. Jamie my nurse is amazing”
“My nurse Jamie was awesome, and support staff always helpful”
“They took care of my father-in-law AND my mother-in-law and they couldn't have been better.”
“The entire staff helped tremendously with my father's care. Jim is certified in Alzheimer's and”
“The entire staff helped tremendously with my father's care. Jim is certified in Alzheimer's and”
“The staff there are very knowledgeable and kind”
“care taken in matching aides to clients”
“Great place and good people”
“I am a current client of this provider Good service that seems to care about the”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. The caregiver”
“I am a past client of this provider I used Always Best Care Senior Services. There”
“I am a past client of this provider Couldn't be more pleased with the service and”
“It is never easy when a loved one is hurting. The staff here cares and will do everything within their power to help”
“Great people.”
“WOW! This agency went above and beyond for my family. The care and staff personalities made this a great experience. I will absolutely choose them again in the future.”
“Took great care of my uncle. Very compassionate and caring. The nurses and the office staff were amazing.”
“Always Best Care has provided excellent nursing care and therapy to both my mom and mother in law.”
“We have used always best care twice now for a bit of respite care and they are awesome !!! The nurses are wonderful with my mom who is 90 and has dementia So caring and loving with her from scheduling to care It was the best experience .”
“I am a past client of this provider This was our first outreach for support - the first time Dad expressed an interest in support while I was out of town. I wasn't sure we could find anyone who would be able to provide care quickly enough, especially through a large organization like the VA (and) I was really nervous about the type of person who would be showing up at our house. Fortunately, the VA connected me to Rebecca at Always Best Care in Grafton who helped to push through the request with our VA connection (who was also awesome) and took the time to learn a LOT about what Dad's needs would be. She chose the perfect caregiver/aide for his Respite Care, and Jada was able to start the day I left on my trip. I can't say enough wonderful things about Jada. She took the time to read my notes on her first day... about Dad's situation, our home, the cats, and my suggestions about starting and finishing her 4 hours, etc. and she followed both the letter and the spirit of my/our request for assistance. She was on time, she communicated any urgent information with me (Dad had a minor fall before she arrived one day), she respected his wishes, his way of doing things, and held the line about medicine, hydration, meals, and other essential things. She gave Dad the confidence that she would be there everyday to help him and support him. We will be back the next time I travel, we will request Jada, and I cannot recommend ABC Grafton more highly. We were so unsure about what we were asking and now know where we can turn for the assistance we need. Thank you!!”
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“This company is amazing. The staff are excellent and they do everything they can to make life easier for their clients and family. Even on short notice they provided great service on a Sunday.”
“This was the first time we had tried in home care for my mom. They made an experience I was nervous about, a huge relief for my family. Setting up the care was easy and I knew from their knowledge that my mom was in good hands. We received amazing care from the nurses, communication was easy so we knew what was going on at all times and everyone was so friendly. I will use them anytime the need arises for vacations or just a caregiver break.”
“My dad was a patient of ABC of Grafton after triple bypass surgery. The nurses and office staff was great to work with about his care. Jaime the nurse had so much compassion, she even called him periodically during the dad to remind him to do his deep breathing exercises. Our dad and family is so happy with all the services.”
“Staff is very friendly and always take great care of mom, really took the pressure off. Its a win all the way around! Perfectly splendid!”
“The entire staff is fantastic to work with! They are professional and knowledgeable, and go above and beyond for their patients! Highly recommend!”
“Staff is excellent to work with and communication is quick and responsive. I am able to easily work with everyone within the company for any issues that have come up.”
“Undoubtedly would recommend to any individual in need of their scope of services. Exceptional customer service in all aspects. The best company to use by far in Northern Ohio and top notch quality in any category you can think of! The staff are superb and efficient and have been helpful beyond measure with my Aunt Betty Lou and Uncle Jim! The best!”
“Absolutely AMAZING staff to work with! They care for their patients like it's their own grandma, grandpa, mother, father, aunt, uncle etc. They respond to all requests expeditiously and not only instill but expect these same expectations in all their staff. Highly recommend ABC whether for medical or non-medical needs!”
“Nice service, staff helpful. Glad they were recommended”
“I would recommend them to everyone that I know. I have been with them since November of 2019. My nurse Jamie is amazing. I also love the everyone at the office they are very helpful, courteous and friendly people.”
“My nurse Jamie is amazing and very caring , the off was always very helpful”
“I have been in there care since November of 2019. Jamie my nurse is amazing and will always go above and beyond for me. The office staff is very helpful, courteous and amazing to work with. I always recommend them. Thanks again for all you guys do. Stay safe.”
“My nurse Jamie was awesome, and support staff always helpful”
“They took care of my father-in-law AND my mother-in-law and they couldn't have been better. Very attentive to their needs, called before coming out. The nurses are wound certified and provide excellent care. I highly recommend them and would use them again anytime the need arises.”
“The entire staff helped tremendously with my father's care. Jim is certified in Alzheimer's and dementia care and took the time to sit with our entire family a provided a great deal of information, knowledge and tips on care as this is so overwhelming. Helped get us connected with the VA, as dad was a vet and also provided other community resources to lend assistance. Aides who care for dad are truly a blessing and mom is much less stressed. Highly recommend-they're GREAT!”
“The entire staff helped tremendously with my father's care. Jim is certified in Alzheimer's and dementia care and took the time to sit with our entire family a provided a great deal of information, knowledge and tips on care as this is so overwhelming. Helped get us connected with the VA, as dad was a vet and also provided other community resources to lend assistance. Aides who care for dad are truly a blessing and mom is much less stressed. Highly recommend-they're GREAT!”
“The staff there are very knowledgeable and kind”
“care taken in matching aides to clients”
“Great place and good people”
“I am a current client of this provider Good service that seems to care about the clients.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. The caregiver comes in. She washes the floor, she cleans the bathroom, she vacuums, she changes the beds, and she does the laundry. She also talks to me. It is good. The management is very cooperative with us. There have been no problems. The pricing is reasonable.”
“I am a past client of this provider I used Always Best Care Senior Services. There were problems, but not very many. There was a few people I didn't care for and neither did the management over there. They would come over every day, and they did a pretty good job. There were times when they were short on people, and the younger people took a while to immediately give people what they needed. There were a couple of times when they were supposed to come in, but the caregiver was too young and she didn't show up on a Saturday night. As far as everything else they seemed to be alright.”
“I am a past client of this provider Couldn't be more pleased with the service and how nice the people are. - Michael D.”
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 Booth Park 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 Forest or visit Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 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 Birmingham, OH, 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 Birmingham, OH 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 Birmingham, OH 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.
The news came after one shopper took to the social media platformn X - formerly Twitter - to ask where they had gone.What's OnSainsbury's axes entire range with 'gutted' shoppers crying 'oh no'Sainsbury’s has announced it has discontinued a popular range from its stores across the UK. The supermarket has confirmed that shoppers can no longer buy Patisserie Valerie cake s...
Sainsbury's axes entire range with 'gutted' shoppers crying 'oh no'
Sainsbury’s has announced it has discontinued a popular range from its stores across the UK. The supermarket has confirmed that shoppers can no longer buy Patisserie Valerie cake slices and some have been left shocked.
The news came after one shopper took to the social media platformn X - formerly Twitter - to ask where they had gone.
In response to the shopper, the supermarket's social media team wrote: "Unfortunately, this range has been discontinued.” Another shopper also discovered the axing recent sharing that they were "gutted". They wrote: "Oh no! The Patisserie Valerie counter in Sainsbury’s has gone! #gutted".
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Patisserie Valerie’s handmade cake slices were available at 400 Sainsbury's locations. At the time, Sainsbury’s Director of Fresh Food, Adrian Cook, said: “We’re committed to offering our customers an even greater choice of delicious, high-quality food in our stores and by working with much-loved, trusted brands such as Patisserie Valerie we’re attracting new shoppers.
"Customers love the convenience of being able to buy everything they need for a celebration quickly, easily and all under one roof, including delicious Patisserie Valerie products.
"Having seen such a positive response to the trial, we’re excited to be bringing these premium products to bakery counters and customers all over the UK.”
Patisserie Valerie’s CEO, Paul May, said: “We are very pleased to be continuing our partnership. This is such an exciting venture, which we feel brings a taste of Patisserie Valerie to your local Sainsbury’s supermarket.
"This is an amazing opportunity due to the convenience it provides for our customers, when opting to purchase and collect our scrumptious gateaux.”
The supermarket has also recently revealed its new line-up of desserts as part of its summer 2025 range. It said: “Prepare to be dazzled by this showstopper, a crisp, melt-in-the-mouth meringue coated with luscious passionfruit cream, juicy raspberries and nutty crunchy pistachios a dessert that’s simply un-pav-lievable!
“Treat yourself with this creamy delight. Combining a rich, smooth coffee-infused mascarpone alongside a crisp buttery base, this scrumptious dessert strikes the perfect balance of bold coffee and velvety sweetness, topped with a chocolate cocoa dusting.”
Despite facing serious allegations in an ongoing lawsuit from their former employer, Ohio State football reporters Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham are moving forward with a new media venture backed by 97.1 The Fan, 10TV, and 10TV+ in Columbus.The two were recently terminated by THE Media, which produced THE Podcast, a popular Buckeyes-focused podcast they co-hosted. While...
Despite facing serious allegations in an ongoing lawsuit from their former employer, Ohio State football reporters Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham are moving forward with a new media venture backed by 97.1 The Fan, 10TV, and 10TV+ in Columbus.
The two were recently terminated by THE Media, which produced THE Podcast, a popular Buckeyes-focused podcast they co-hosted. While both were affiliated with the Rivals Network during their time on THE Podcast, Ward remains with Rivals, while Birmingham has since joined Buckeye Huddle to continue his recruiting coverage.
An amended complaint filed last month accuses Ward and Birmingham of skimming money from sponsorship and ad deals — funds that were exclusively intended to compensate Ohio State athletes appearances on THE Podcast. The suit alleges the two even admitted in writing to pocketing a portion of those payments, with Birmingham specifically stating that after paying players, the leftover revenue was split between him, Ward, and an unnamed third party.
THE Media is now suing for civil theft, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment. Additional claims against Birmingham include computer trespass, invasion of privacy, and a defamation claim against Ward related to his public comments following the fallout. The company also alleges that Ward sent out a rogue invoice to an unauthorized sponsor just 32 minutes after being terminated and that Birmingham unlawfully accessed company email after his own dismissal. Both have denied the accusations and have been largely mum on specifics, instead opting to work through the legal process.
None of these developments were addressed in Tuesday’s press release announcing the duo’s new content deal with 97.1 The Fan and 10TV, the local Columbus CBS affiliate.
Under the agreement, their revamped “Austin & Birm” show will be distributed on the 10TV+ streaming app and the YouTube channels of both 10TV and 97.1 The Fan. Former Ohio State star Bobby Carpenter is also seeing his local morning show go a similar digital route in the midst of larger changes at the station.
The Austin & Birm Daily Podcast will debut in video-on-demand format starting Wednesday, May 7 and can be accessed for free on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and other major streaming services.
Austin and Birm are back. @AWardSports @Birm pic.twitter.com/tCglCIsA7k
— 97.1 The Fan (@971thefan) May 6, 2025
“This partnership is exciting for me on so many levels,” Ward said in a press release. “I’m incredibly proud of the work Birm and I have done covering Ohio State as a team, and I’ve loved getting to work with the talented people at 97.1 The Fan and 10TV over the last couple of years. This feels like the perfect opportunity to grow our shows while continuing to tell the stories of the Buckeyes for the most passionate fans in the country.”
Austin Ward has covered the program since 2012, including a stretch with ESPN. Jeremy Birmingham is well known among Ohio State fans for his recruiting coverage and podcast work. Both have been regular contributors to 97.1 The Fan as guests across their daily lineup of local sports talk radio.
“I’ve long admired the way The Fan and 10TV have covered the Buckeyes, and it’s an honor to be part of that team,” Birmingham added in the announcement. “Austin and I are passionate about telling the stories that matter to Ohio State fans, and this partnership gives us an incredible platform to keep doing what we love for the most dedicated fans in college sports.”
While Ward and Birmingham press forward with their new media venture covering the Ohio State Buckeyes, the legal storm surrounding their last video home remains up in the air.
A shocking claim has surfaced on social media which says that Ohio State University football beat reporters Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham allegedly stole money from Caleb Downs, the star safety of the Ohio Buckeyes. The two beat reporters were reportedly fired from the Ohio State beat podcast, called THE Podcast, over the issue.Ward respond...
A shocking claim has surfaced on social media which says that Ohio State University football beat reporters Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham allegedly stole money from Caleb Downs, the star safety of the Ohio Buckeyes. The two beat reporters were reportedly fired from the Ohio State beat podcast, called THE Podcast, over the issue.
Ward responded to the issue with a post on X on Friday and said the allegations are false. Per the allegations going viral on social media, Ward and Birmingham allegedly defrauded Caleb Browns regarding a sponsorship deal and profited from it in the process.
"I know you all have a ton of questions about what has happened with The Podcast and my firing there this week," Ward wrote in his statement. "I’m really looking forward to being able to discuss and provide as many answers as I can when I’m able.
"The 'cause' of the matter is a sponsorship for a recent series that the company alleges that I directly profited from and accuses me of theft. This is unequivocally, demonstrably false and all records can prove that easily, he added, denying the allegations against him. "Until the suit is resolved, that’s all I can discuss at this time."
The allegations surfaced on a social media post in the context of the duo being fired from the podcast. In the viral screenshot, an anonymous commenter alleges Austin Ward and Jeremy Birmingham are widely disliked on the Ohio State beat and receive special access because they handle significant NIL payments to players.
They specifically accuse Ward and Birmingham of arranging a $25,000 sponsorship deal for Caleb Downs, paying him only $5,000, and pocketing the remaining $20,000. These actions, the commenter suggests, led to their firings and underpin the accusations of theft and fraud.
Here's the viral screenshot:
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However, Ward has categorically denied the allegations, in his statement and in subsequent posts on X. Technically it was paid to the ownership of THE Podcast, which is THE Media, he wrote responding to a comment on the allegations.
"No NIL payments were involved, and the entire amount that was agreed on by the company was dispersed to THE Media in its entirety," he added.
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Two prominent Ohio State beat writers were fired from their podcasting roles on Friday.Jeremy Birmingham and Austin Ward, who still cover Ohio State for Rivals, were terminated from their podcasting duties. They hosted THE Podcast, which they co-hosted alongside longtime OSU beat writer Doug Lesmerises.According to screenshots of a text message that circulated on social media, Lesmerises informed subscribers of their departure while announcing the shutdown of the company’s text alert service. He noted Birmingham ...
Two prominent Ohio State beat writers were fired from their podcasting roles on Friday.
Jeremy Birmingham and Austin Ward, who still cover Ohio State for Rivals, were terminated from their podcasting duties. They hosted THE Podcast, which they co-hosted alongside longtime OSU beat writer Doug Lesmerises.
According to screenshots of a text message that circulated on social media, Lesmerises informed subscribers of their departure while announcing the shutdown of the company’s text alert service. He noted Birmingham and Ward were terminated “for cause” but did not provide further details.
“At this time, we believe it appropriate to remind you that canceling is as easy as typing STOP,” Lesmerises wrote. “We anticipate providing additional information next week. In the meantime, we understand your decision should you choose to cancel your subscription and want to do everything in our power to maintain your trust as we contemplate our future coverage.”
This is what Doug just said ab it probably not good hearing they stole money from downs on 11 warriors pic.twitter.com/SBVGVqiwqF
— AB (@OSUFAN718) April 4, 2025
Then came the rumors.
A post from a longtime insider on the Eleven Warriors message board quickly went viral, sparking speculation about the reasons behind Birmingham and Ward’s sudden exit from THE Podcast.
According to the post, which has now been widely distributed across social media, Birmingham and Ward were allegedly backed by the financial group responsible for delivering up to 80% of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day’s direct NIL payments to players. The post accuses the two of mishandling NIL funds in a deal involving star safety Caleb Downs.
Specifically, the allegation claims Birmingham and Ward brokered a $25,000 NIL agreement for Downs to promote their brand but only paid him $5,000, pocketing the rest.
TheOracle has had a lot of juice in the past. (And since multiple people have asked me: No, it’s not me.)
But! The allegations are basically Birm and Austin Ward swindled money from Caleb Downs. But they’re still covering the team for Rivals? Wild, stuff. https://t.co/7o1vrrEPoW pic.twitter.com/Ei9AhFhTR5
— The Rooster (@rooster_ohio) April 4, 2025
Neither Rivals nor THE Media has commented on the specifics behind their dismissal.
However, Ward has unequivocally denied the allegations.
Absolutely not.
— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) April 4, 2025
He also provided a statement.
“The ’cause’ of the matter is a sponsorship for a recent series that the company alleges that I directly profited from and accuses me of theft,” Ward wrote. “This is unequivocally, demonstrably false, and all records can prove that easily.”
— Austin Ward (@AWardSports) April 4, 2025
Birmingham, meanwhile, has yet to address the matter publicly, but replied to a since-deleted post by calling it “patently false and libelous.”
Whether this is a messy business dispute or something more serious remains to be seen. We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.
Bristol Rovers fell to an unfortunate defeat at home to League One leaders Birmingham City as the Gas rued missed opportunities in a 2-1 loss at the Mem.Rovers got off to another terrible start, conceding in the third minute as Keshi Anderson was allowed far too much space to curl an effort past Jed Ward to hand Birmingham the lead.However, after a shaky opening 10 or so minutes, the Gas grew into the game and eventually found an equaliser as Gatlin O'Donkor headed in a well-worked free-kick.Inigo Calderon's side then ha...
Bristol Rovers fell to an unfortunate defeat at home to League One leaders Birmingham City as the Gas rued missed opportunities in a 2-1 loss at the Mem.
Rovers got off to another terrible start, conceding in the third minute as Keshi Anderson was allowed far too much space to curl an effort past Jed Ward to hand Birmingham the lead.
However, after a shaky opening 10 or so minutes, the Gas grew into the game and eventually found an equaliser as Gatlin O'Donkor headed in a well-worked free-kick.
Inigo Calderon's side then had opportunities to take the lead as O'Donkor directed a header wide while Ruel Sotiriou saw an effort saved onto the post.
In the second half, Anderson forced a decent save from Ward within a few minutes of the restart but it was the hosts who had the better chances with Sotiriou firing over the crossbar from inside the penalty area the stand out.
Birmingham then were awarded a golden opportunity to take the lead late on after a handball from Connor Taylor in the penalty area. League One record signing Jay Stansfield stepped up and scored, clinching all three points for the visitors despite a spirited display from their hosts.
Here is how we rated the players on a evening of mixed emotion...
Alert to danger throughout and, somewhat incredibly, was forced into only one save. Could not have done anything with the opening goal and penalties are always a lottery.
Decent in spells. Was up against Keshi Anderson when the Birmingham forward fired in the opening goal but he controlled his side of the pitch well for the most part, especially considering he isn't a natural right-back. Perhaps some question marks with the build-up to the penalty decision but overall solid.
Solid throughout the evening and will subsequently be disappointed to be on the losing team.
A mixed night for the centre-back. Did well for Gatlin O'Donkor's goal, getting the assist, but did concede the handball that led to the penalty, dubious or not. Defensively, looked pretty comfortable against some excellent players for the level.
A welcome returnee after missing Saturday. Did well in spells.
Another good game in the middle of the park. Just controls things so well.
Looked decent alongside Sawyers. Looks to be a partnership that we've been waiting to be possible with the latter's injury.
We will get the viewing figures in due course from Sky Sports, but I'm sure there were plenty of spectators at home googling the 18-year-old as a result of being impressed by his display. Played a key role in Gatlin O'Donkor's equaliser and should have had an assist with another one in the first half. He was not fazed by the fact that his opponents were largely Championship standard at all.
Better again. Looked lively in the first half but didn't quite have the clear-cut moment. Putting the ball into the back of the net, albeit from an offside position, was the catalyst for confidence that grew as the game went on.
Should have found himself on the scoresheet. Unlucky to see an effort tipped onto the post in the first half but firing over crossbar in the second half was the opportunity, especially considering that it would have put them ahead.
That is in contention for the Oxford United loanee's best performances in a Rovers shirt. Was in the right place at the right time to head the ball into the goal for his third effort for the Gas and was a major handful for Birmingham all night. Used his strength superbly and had a few nice link-up moments too. A shame he came off when he did but the striker's fitness does need to be managed.
Did fine. Looked like he came on with plenty of energy.
Surely would have scored it that Ruel Sotiriou cross had reached him at the back-post.
Came on late.
Same as above.
Same as above.
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