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 Medina Public Square Historic District 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 Medina, 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 Roscoe Ewing 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 Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute or visit King-Phillips-Deibel House, 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 Medina, 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 Medina, 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 Medina, 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.
I-71 North between State Route 83 and I-76 was closed for several hours because of a crash that blocked all three lanes.MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio — A portion of I-71 northbound has been reopened in Medina County following a crash involving a semi truck on Tuesday morning.According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the left lane of I-71 North between State Route 83 and I-76 remains closed while crews continue cleaning up debris from the crash."Motorists are no longer being detoured at SR 83. Traffic is still ...
I-71 North between State Route 83 and I-76 was closed for several hours because of a crash that blocked all three lanes.
MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio — A portion of I-71 northbound has been reopened in Medina County following a crash involving a semi truck on Tuesday morning.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the left lane of I-71 North between State Route 83 and I-76 remains closed while crews continue cleaning up debris from the crash.
"Motorists are no longer being detoured at SR 83. Traffic is still moving slowly, so be sure to give yourself some extra time if you are traveling that way," ODOT advised.
According to an ODOT spokesperson, crews are continuing to clean up the crash during the afternoon. The semi was apparently hauling a refrigerated trailer and when it rolled, it spread food across the roadway. That means crews have had to haul away all of the damaged goods, plus empty out the trailer in order for it to be erect and removed.
At approximately 7:43 a.m., the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced that the right two lanes on I-71 northbound between State Route 83 and I-76 would be reopening. "Crews are working to clear out the waiting traffic on I-71 and will then stop detouring motorists off at SR 83."
At 5:09 a.m., ODOT announced that a crash blocking all three lanes had closed the stretch of I-71. Motorists were being detoured off of I-71 at SR 83. Emergency crews were at the scene, however, ODOT did not provide any specifics about the crash itself.
The right two lanes of I-71 north are opening up! Crews are going to work on clearing out the traffic backup and then they will stop detouring motorists at SR 83. https://t.co/vdc7aZuQSp
— ODOT_NorthCenOH (@ODOT_NorthCenOH) September 23, 2025
MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - The Medina County Health Department says there are “elevated” numbers of Hodgkin’s lymphoma among teenagers attending Medina City Schools.After the Medina County Health Department (MCHD) were told the concerns of a resident, they conducted an investigation.“MCHD responded by completing an investigation into the observed and expected number of Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases among 15-19 year olds in Medina County. Although the numbers from that time period were slightly elevate...
MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) - The Medina County Health Department says there are “elevated” numbers of Hodgkin’s lymphoma among teenagers attending Medina City Schools.
After the Medina County Health Department (MCHD) were told the concerns of a resident, they conducted an investigation.
“MCHD responded by completing an investigation into the observed and expected number of Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases among 15-19 year olds in Medina County. Although the numbers from that time period were slightly elevated, the number of cases was not necessarily significantly higher than what we would expect to see between 2014 and 2023 for that age group,” the MCHD said in a release.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that can develop in your lymphatic system.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the most common cancer about teenagers and young adults.
“Healthcare providers consider Hodgkin lymphoma to be a treatable and highly curable cancer,” the Cleveland Clinic said.
The MCHD interviewed patients and their families for details about individual cases, according to the release.
“While it is very rare to have a cancer cluster with a common environmental cause, MCHD will continue to gather information and monitor the situation,” the release said.
If Medina County parents would like to discuss their child’s case of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you can call the health department at 330-723-9688 and choose option 2.
“To protect patient privacy, no information related to any of the cases will be shared,” the release said.
19 News has reached out to Medina City Schools for a statement on this issue. We have not yet heard back.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A state investigation has concluded that an Ohio Department of Transportation engineer entered false information on a federal funding application for a Medina County roundabout project that was eventually awarded $2 million.The Ohio Inspector General’s Office began its inquiry after receiving a February 2024 complaint alleging that ODOT and the Medina County Engineer’s Office submitted fraudulent information to secure money from a federal program aimed at reducing emissions and congestion.Inve...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A state investigation has concluded that an Ohio Department of Transportation engineer entered false information on a federal funding application for a Medina County roundabout project that was eventually awarded $2 million.
The Ohio Inspector General’s Office began its inquiry after receiving a February 2024 complaint alleging that ODOT and the Medina County Engineer’s Office submitted fraudulent information to secure money from a federal program aimed at reducing emissions and congestion.
Investigators found that an ODOT employee edited the report to contain a lower rating, casting traffic as worse than it was known to be. The application was later submitted by the county engineer.
The Inspector General said it is forwarding its report to the U.S. Department of Transportation for consideration.
However, it was unclear if the findings would impact the work planned for next summer and fall at Ohio Route 162 and River Styx Road, just east of Medina in Montville Township. In total, the project is estimated to cost $3.7 million.
Inspector General Randall Meyer said whether the award is rescinded will be a federal decision.
Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer also reached out to Medina County Engineer Andy Conrad and the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, which made the $2 million award in 2022.
“We appreciate the Inspector General’s Office taking time to look into these allegations. We are reviewing the report and will respond within the requested 60 days,” ODOT spokesman Matt Bruning said.
Investigators focused on the ODOT District 3 planning engineer Scott Ockunzzi, who they said in May 2021 edited the application later submitted by Conrad. The state Inspector General does not have investigative authority over county officials.
Records show that Ockunzzi changed the intersection’s “existing” level of service — a traffic flow measurement — to an “F,” the worst possible rating, even though a 2019 study placed the intersection at a “D” in the morning and a “C” in the evening, the report said.
The report said Ockunzzi admitted making the false entry and knew the correct ratings. He told investigators he thought he may have been advised to use the “F” rating but could not identify who told him that.
Officials interviewed at NOACA denied ever giving such advice.
Investigators reviewed two operational studies: a 2019 study that gave the “D” and “C” grades, and a 2021 study that projected “F” grades for the year 2046.
The Inspector General concluded there was “reasonable cause to believe wrongdoing occurred” in violation of ODOT work rules involving dishonesty and good behavior.
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