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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Oberlin, OH

Home Care Oberlin, OH

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 Oberlin and the Underground Railroad 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 Oberlin, OH is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Oberlin, OH

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has provided excellent nursing care and therapy to both my mom and mother in law.”

Linda G.
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“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 .”

Christine S.
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“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!!”

LauraL.
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Kelly B.
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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.”

Ruth Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Niccole M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Becky G.
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“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!”

Jim F.
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“The entire staff is fantastic to work with! They are professional and knowledgeable, and go above and beyond for their patients! Highly recommend!”

Lynn Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Ryan M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Tierra T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Tammy V.
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“Nice service, staff helpful. Glad they were recommended”

Elina S.
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“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.”

Diane P.
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“My nurse Jamie is amazing and very caring , the off was always very helpful”

Kevon P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Diane P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My nurse Jamie was awesome, and support staff always helpful”

Kevon P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Cathy M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Jim S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Jim S.
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“The staff there are very knowledgeable and kind”

Jaime F.
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“care taken in matching aides to clients”

Christi B.
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“Great place and good people”

Bonnie D.
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“I am a current client of this provider Good service that seems to care about the clients.”

Mesaros
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

RK
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Theodore
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“I am a past client of this provider Couldn't be more pleased with the service and how nice the people are. - Michael D.”

Michael D.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Oberlin, OH?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Oberlin, OH

Types of Elderly Care in Oberlin, OH

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Oberlin, OH
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Oberlin, OH
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Oberlin Arboretum with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Oberlin, OH
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 1833 Restaurant At The Hotel At Oberlin or visit Ladies Grove, 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.

 In-Home Care Oberlin, OH

Benefits of Home Care in Oberlin, OH

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Oberlin, 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.

 Elderly Care Oberlin, OH

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your OH's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Oberlin, OH

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Oberlin, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Oberlin, OH

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Oberlin, OH

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:

  • Kendal at Oberlin
  • Welcome Nursing Home
  • Echoing Lake
Home Care Oberlin, OH

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.

 In-Home Care Oberlin, OH

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Oberlin, 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.

 Elderly Care Oberlin, OH

Latest News in Oberlin, OH

College of Arts & Sciences Application Deadlines

For nearly 200 years, Oberlin has offered one of the world’s great undergraduate educations. Here, students pursue multiple passions and interests within a supportive, collaborative community. We focus on undergraduate teaching, hands-on research projects, culturally immersive study away experiences, and world-class music opportunities.An Oberlin education is extraordinary, and each person experiences it differently. With over 40 majors to choose from, we’re sure there’s a place for you here.Discover what you ...

For nearly 200 years, Oberlin has offered one of the world’s great undergraduate educations. Here, students pursue multiple passions and interests within a supportive, collaborative community. We focus on undergraduate teaching, hands-on research projects, culturally immersive study away experiences, and world-class music opportunities.

An Oberlin education is extraordinary, and each person experiences it differently. With over 40 majors to choose from, we’re sure there’s a place for you here.

Discover what you need to apply to Oberlin’s College of Arts & Sciences, including important admissions deadlines, financial aid information, and more.

2/3 students participate in research

$5 rent a real Picasso for

500+ performances each year (many free!)

Applying to Oberlin Arts & Sciences

We make it as easy as possible to apply to the College of Arts & Sciences:

While we look for students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, we also seek individuals who care about the world, who believe they can improve it, and who have the courage to try.

If that describes you, we encourage you to apply!

First-year Applicants Transfer Applicants

Oberlin meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for every student

Admissions Requirements

A complete application includes:

Optional materials include:

Announcement

Read Oberlin President Carmen Twillie Ambar’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions.

Visit & Explore

(and the answer to “so where are you, anyway?”)

Oberlin College is an integral part of Oberlin, Ohio, a quintessential college town located 35 miles southwest of Cleveland. Our fair city was recently named one of Ohio’s Best Hometowns by Ohio Magazine for its historical architecture, quaint shopping and galleries, and many cultural and entertainment offerings.

Whether you come to campus in person or explore virtually, an array of options are available to help introduce you to the energy and passion of this amazing place. We look forward to meeting you!

Why Apply to the College of Arts & Sciences at Oberlin?

We’re Here to Help Your Admissions Journey

We love connecting with prospective students, and we’re here to help! Reach out anytime with questions or to just to say hi.

Connect with Admissions

We employ more than 50 students here in Admissions, and, like the counselors, they love connecting with prospective Obies!

Meet Our Student Workers

Want the inside scoop on studying at Oberlin? Explore a variety of unfiltered perspectives about living and learning here.

Oberlin Blogs

Affording Your Oberlin Degree

Oberlin’s financial aid policy is simple: We meet the full demonstrated financial need of every single Obie and also offer generous merit scholarships, including our $10,000 Commitment Scholarship (renewable every year!), which we give to all admitted students.

Please introduce yourself!

Tell us a bit about yourself, and we’ll keep you informed about Oberlin and our admissions process. We’ll send you general information about Oberlin, as well as updates about deadlines, campus visit programs, and opportunities to meet with us when we travel to your area.

The Last Team in Ohio to Defeat Ohio State

*Before I go any further, LIFE UPDATE: I work for Sports Illustrated now. It still blows my mind to believe that I write for one of the greatest sports publications EVER. However, with the Coronavirus pandemic running rampant, there isn't a lot of sports to talk about, so I felt inspired to write about this very special event in Oberlin history that occurred WAY back in the day. ENJOY!*The game of football in the state of Ohio is viewed as very competitive when it comes to the people involved with it....

*Before I go any further, LIFE UPDATE: I work for Sports Illustrated now. It still blows my mind to believe that I write for one of the greatest sports publications EVER. However, with the Coronavirus pandemic running rampant, there isn't a lot of sports to talk about, so I felt inspired to write about this very special event in Oberlin history that occurred WAY back in the day. ENJOY!*

The game of football in the state of Ohio is viewed as very competitive when it comes to the people involved with it.

This includes the players, coaches, and especially the crazy fans who dedicate themselves to the teams they cheer for. However, this idea seems to apply more to the professional teams in Ohio, which are the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This idea also applies more to high school football, where there are many historic rivalries which have lasted for decades, along with teams who have been historically great. However, when a person thinks of Ohio college football, he or she would think of Ohio State University, who has been very successful as of late. Ohio State’s dominance has been noticed on a national level for decades, with eight national championships and thirty-seven conference championships to show for it. This football team is almost always a contender for the National Championship, and it always recruits some of the best high school football players in the country because of its tremendous success over the years. The state of Ohio has many elite colleges; however, when I’m using the term “elite,” I’m referring to Ohio’s institutions academically. There is only one elite college football team in the state of Ohio, and that is Ohio State.

With all of that being said, it’s time to travel back in time.

The year is 1921. Football wasn’t quite as popular as it is now, but it was still very much a big deal, especially to Ohioans. There was a very significant football game that was played this year. This game featured the Ohio State Buckeyes, of course. Who did they play against? The Oberlin College Yeomen. A typical college football fan may seem confused at this point, and might ask the question, “Who?” Indeed, Oberlin College is definitely NOT known for its football. However, it is an elite academic institution and is also known for its incredible music program. “Oberlin is also famed for its music program, which turns out world-renowned sopranos and tenors with the same regularity that Penn State mints NFL linebackers” (Stone). However, it’s not a widely known school for its football team. Back in 1921, though, Oberlin football was a pretty big deal, especially with its own rich football roots.

Before I briefly discuss the 1921 Oberlin football team, I must also address the 1892 Oberlin football team, which is arguably the most famous and most successful football team in Oberlin’s history.

I’m referring to the 1892 team because the 1921 team is always being compared to them. The reason for this (Warning, spoiler alert!) is because both of these teams had undefeated seasons. “The 1921 team was the first Oberlin squad to record an undefeated season since the 1892 varsity did so almost thirty years earlier” (Brandt 160). Therefore, people throughout history have constantly compared and referenced these two teams as being great displays of Oberlin’s glory days in football.

This 1892 team featured one particular player/coach who is quite well-known in the world of sports. That player/coach is John Heisman, who is seen by many to be one of the greatest football players to ever live. Heisman did indeed coach the team as well as play for it. People could actually do that back then, as long as they were enrolled in the college they were playing and coaching for. However, people don’t coach and play for a team these days, because the game of football is a lot more complex. Also it’s a violation of the NCAA rules and regulations. Heisman was also Oberlin’s very first football coach, which makes his significance at the college even greater.

Therefore, Heisman and his greatness with the 1892 team tends to overshadow Oberlin’s 1921 team and all it had accomplished at its time.

The 1921 Oberlin College football team is often overlooked and lost in the shadow of the 1892 team’s greatness. However, the 1921 team was just as great and just as significant, if not even more so. This all ties back to the fact that this Oberlin team was the last team before Ohio State to reign supreme in the game of football in the state of Ohio.

Ever since 1922, Ohio State has been the best team in the state. Schools larger than Oberlin such as Ohio University, the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, and Youngstown State University have all failed at trying to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes. Of all teams, the Oberlin College Yeomen were the last group of men to defeat Ohio State, and this occurred nearly a century ago. This fact alone displays the greatness of that 1921 Oberlin football team, who were also expected to lose that game against Ohio State.

How did Oberlin do it? How in the world did Oberlin College of all teams defeat the great Ohio State in 1921?

The Buckeyes were indeed predicted to win that game, which made the Yeomen underdogs. Oberlin was David, and Ohio State was Goliath. Sure, Oberlin was still considered to be a respected football school. However, Oberlin hadn’t been considered as an elite football program since the Heisman years decades prior to this game. This made no difference for the Yeomen, who were highly determined to face this challenge.

As for the Ohio State football players, they were highly confident in their abilities to defeat Oberlin. In fact, they felt highly superior to Oberlin and believed it would be an easy task to beat them with ease. “The Buckeyes didn’t seem worried about the conditions or the game, which the Columbus Dispatch regarded as a 'practice game'” (Podolski). Ohio State wasn’t worried about Oberlin, to say the least. Here is some context which displays why Ohio State felt so confident: “It made sense since OSU beat Oberlin, 37-0, the year before, and 128-0 in 1916” (Podolski). 128-0 is a score that is an absolute atrocity, even back then. It’s completely understandable for Ohio State to approach this game with extreme confidence.

There was also another advantage which Ohio State benefitted from, and that was the fact that Ohio State was becoming a much larger school than Oberlin was. “Before the turn of the 20th century, Ohio State and Oberlin were comparative in size, but by 1921, Ohio State’s enrollment grew to over four times the size of Oberlin’s student body” (GoYeo.com). Because of Ohio State’s growing population, it gained access to a lot more talent than Oberlin did, and this also applies to how the two schools compare to this day.

While Ohio State approached the game with little to no concern, Oberlin felt highly disrespected.

Any team who is highly favored to lose by the community and the media would feel this way. Therefore, Oberlin did what an upset yet determined football team would do at this point; they prepared with high intensity and heavy focus. People all across the state of Ohio as well as the rest of the United States of America believed Oberlin would lose to Ohio State again. That thought more than likely angered and motivated the Yeomen to rise to the challenge and conquer it, which would shut the mouths of all the doubters who had their own negative opinions about them.

The game itself seemed to be quite sloppy.

The two teams played on a very wet field in Columbus, Ohio. “As for the game, it was played on Oct. 8, 1921, and conditions at Ohio Field were soggy because of heavy rain the night before” (Podolski). Usually, football games that are played on soggy fields tend to have very low scores. This fact remained true with this particular college football game in October. The final score only consisted of two touchdowns total. Playing football on a wet field is extremely difficult, because it limits the mobility for both teams. Also, this makes aspects such as carrying and throwing the football a lot more difficult, because the moisture that the football is exposed to makes it very wet. This also means the game was played on a muddy field, because Ohio Stadium consisted of grass. Turf wasn’t a concept that was developed until later in history. The Yeomen didn’t use this as an excuse to give up, though; they persevered.

At first, “the Buckeyes gained the lead in the first five minutes of the game after they scooped up a blocked Yeomen punt and scored” (GoYeo.com). This didn’t stop Oberlin, though. In fact, the next statement is the ultimate display of the grit the Oberlin football team had at the time: “The Buckeye score would be the last time Ohio State crossed Oberlin’s goal line” (GoYeo.com). Oberlin scored a touchdown late in the game, and their kicker made the PAT, which is the point after the touchdown. The score ended up being 7-6, and Oberlin defeated Ohio State.

This achievement is one Oberlin College still cherishes.

As a "retired" football player for Oberlin College, I can assure people that the win over Ohio State in 1921 is still indeed a huge deal to many people. It’s significant to many Oberlin alumni. It’s significant to the people in the town of Oberlin. It’s significant to the current players and coaches who represent the Yeomen.

I believe it should be a significant fact to anybody who cares about Oberlin College. At the end of the day, who else is going to cherish this historic victory? Since 1921, Ohio State has never lost to a college in the state of Ohio. The last Ohio team to do so is Oberlin, and that is indeed something to be proud of.

SOURCES:

Brandt, Nat. When Oberlin Was King of the Gridiron: The Heisman Years. Oberlin, OH: Oberlin College, 2001. Print.

<http://www.goyeo.com/hof.aspx?hof=153&path=hc&kiosk=>.

Podolski, Mark. “College Football: Oberlin College Still Savors Historic Win over Ohio State in 1921.” Morning Journal, 26 Sept. 2014. Web. 03 Dec. 2016.

Stone, Christian. “LOST GLORY OBERLIN IS JOHN HEISMAN’S ALMA MATER AND A FABLED CONQUEROR OF OHIO STATE, BUT THE YEOMEN HAVE HAD LITTLE TO CELEBRATE LATELY.” SI.com. Sports illustrated, 26 Aug. 1996. Web. 01 Dec. 2016.

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Away Game: The Super Bowl at Oberlin

One of my favorite family traditions is our annual Super Bowl party. I feel like it’s relatively standard; my dad crafts an incredible spread of snacks and appetizers that my sisters and I eat faster than we should, and my mom, who usually makes dinner, enjoys a well-deserved night off from cooking. I keep a steady watch on the score of the game, not because I care who wins*, but rather in hopes that the points will align with my name on our family football prize squares, and I’ll get a few bucks out of it.The late January...

One of my favorite family traditions is our annual Super Bowl party. I feel like it’s relatively standard; my dad crafts an incredible spread of snacks and appetizers that my sisters and I eat faster than we should, and my mom, who usually makes dinner, enjoys a well-deserved night off from cooking. I keep a steady watch on the score of the game, not because I care who wins*, but rather in hopes that the points will align with my name on our family football prize squares, and I’ll get a few bucks out of it.

The late January to early February start of the Spring semester at Oberlin is nice for all reasons except the Super Bowl. Both years I’ve been here, the first day of classes began the next morning, so I was already back in Ohio while my family ate all of their snacks without me in New York. My first year at Oberlin, my dad helped me bridge this gap by getting me some classic, hometown favorite Super Bowl foods to bring back to school. My original plan was to share this food with a friend I planned to watch the game with. Less fun than at home, but it was something, right? I never got to find out how that would have gone, because our game plan changed when I got back to campus.

The friend I mentioned found out that there was going to be a Super Bowl screening at the ‘Sco, the student nightclub on campus, which he favored over our plan because of the convenience and the big screen. Disappointed that my snacks couldn’t come along, I reluctantly joined him. To my surprise, the screening was a lot more fun than I originally anticipated. There was pizza, so I still got food like I wanted, the screen was significantly bigger than a dorm TV, and there were many more people to sit back and enjoy the game with. The best part, however, was that there were football squares, which I thought I would miss out on by not being at home. These squares gave away prizes instead of cash, and I sadly didn’t win anything, but even a year later, I’m glad I had the opportunity to participate.

At the very end of January, when I came back to campus for Spring semester round two, I didn’t even bother bringing Super Bowl snacks because I knew ahead of time that there would be a party at the ‘Sco. It was a warm night for Ohio February (I miss that right now, it’s snowing as I write this), which helped soften the stress of starting school in the morning. Another thing great at softening stress is free food, and when I walked inside, I got some pizza. There was also cake, pretzels, and skittles, the last of which were meant to be used as markers for a game of Commercial Bingo (which I played, but it didn’t stop me from eating some skittles). Football squares were happening again, as was a raffle, which you got a ticket for automatically when you walked in the door. There were prizes of all sizes throughout the game, ranging from candy, to Cleveland Cavaliers tickets, to a milkshake machine. I ended up winning a couple of small things, specifically a stress ball shaped like a football (for getting bingo after the bigger bingo prizes were gone), and a nice five subject notebook (from the ticket raffle).

That about sums up my two Oberlin Super Bowl experiences, but there is one crucial detail to this story that I’m still missing: what happened to the snacks I brought in 2019? Don’t worry, they definitely got eaten. After the game, I met up with some friends who were much less into watching football games (but still very into snacks) and shared with them. This was the perfect solution, because it served as a second sort of welcome back party that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t go to the one at the ‘Sco. Yay for more parties!

*The exception to me not caring who wins is the Patriots. Being from Buffalo, I have to root against them. My home team, the Bills, is not an exception, because they have not made it to the Super Bowl once in the entire two decades I’ve been alive, and I doubt that will change anytime soon. However, if sometime in the next three years the odds of the universe change and the Bills make it to the Super Bowl, I will not be at the Oberlin Super Bowl party. Instead, I will be in my hometown, where the festivities will inevitably be insane, and (quite literally) a once in a lifetime experience. Definitely worth missing the first class or two of the semester.

Medicine, Magic, and Witchcraft… Oh, My

This spring, a class of Oberlin students is studying the history of medicine, the biology of cancer, and ancient practices of magic and witchcraft, all while immersing themselves in the culture and history of London.The Danenburg Oberlin-in-London program is an interdisciplinary study away offered each spring. It gives students the opportunity to take classes with two Oberlin faculty from different departments while also learning about London&rsquo...

This spring, a class of Oberlin students is studying the history of medicine, the biology of cancer, and ancient practices of magic and witchcraft, all while immersing themselves in the culture and history of London.

The Danenburg Oberlin-in-London program is an interdisciplinary study away offered each spring. It gives students the opportunity to take classes with two Oberlin faculty from different departments while also learning about London’s history and theater.

This year’s program is led by faculty members Maureen Peters, associate professor of biology, and Drew Wilburn, associate professor and chair of classics, with courses geared toward students majoring in life sciences and preparing for health careers. Resident Director Donna Vinter teaches the London Stage.

“We worked hard through our advertising and networking to make this opportunity widely known to science students since they have fewer study abroad opportunities that count toward their majors,” Peters says. “We had a big turnout from the life sciences. In fact, we had to turn away some very talented applicants this year, which was hard to do.”

Peters and Wilburn have teamed up to teach The History of Medicine: Germs, Sex, and the Brain, an interdisciplinary course that counts toward a major in biology, classics, or history. The class traces the development of scientific methods for understanding the body from antiquity to modernity. It’s full of juicy topics such as infectious diseases, epidemics, mental health and madness, and sexuality and reproductive health.

Wilburn has previously worked in the British Museum for his research on ancient magic. He’s teaching a classics course that traces the history of magic and witchcraft in the United Kingdom, with a special focus on the ways in which magic has been contrasted and opposed to established religion.

He says the material in the team course has helped him put ancient concerns into greater perspective.

“The joint course has helped me think about how prevalent concerns about health were in the pre-modern world, where magic and religion—in addition to bleeding—were the major kinds of ‘medicine’ that most people used. I’ve realized how much has changed because of scientific discoveries. I am thinking more about how medical amulets and protections against the evil eye are related to fears about infectious disease, which could easily kill you or your young children.”

Peters teaches genetics and researches the digestive program of C. elegans —microscopic worms that serve as model organisms to study biological processes, which can be applied to more complex organisms—using molecular genetics approaches. She says the resources in London—the museums, lectures, and site visits—have been astounding.

The Wellcome Collection, a medical, art, and science museum that’s a 10-minute walk from Oberlin’s remote campus, has been a second home for the group and a never-ending resource of material, Peters says. In February, the Wellcome presented the “Sick of the Fringe”, a series of lectures and performances on the topics of health, medical illness, and disability from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival that students were able to attend.

In their first trip out of London, the group visited the house of Dr. Edward Jenner, the pioneer of vaccination against smallpox, where they listened to a lecture that highlighted the contributions of D.A. Henderson ’50. They also visited Stonehenge, Bath, and Gloucester Cathedral, with more visits planned for Edinburgh, the Foundling Museum, and Bethlem Museum of the Mind. And at the Hunterian Museum, which is the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, they’ve browsed the massive collection of specimens in jars on permanent display.

Peters is teaching the Biology of Cancer, a course designed especially for life sciences majors, that looks at the disease from the smallest to the largest biological perspectives. London is the home of important biomedical research centers, such as the University College London Cancer Institute and the Francis Crick Institute.

“Our teaching center is just down the street for University College London, which is an amazing research center,” Peters says. “I have been able to go to many talks from cutting-edge researchers around the world. Many of these talks gather massive information about the genetic changes that underlie cancer cells’ ability to circumvent our bodies’ energy sources and other resources for their own benefit. While my own research area is not specifically cancer genetics, I can use these novel approaches to answer the research questions that drive me.”

Third-year Julie Watiker, a biology major, has been researching the history of rabies at the British Library and the Wellcome Collection for her semester-long project in the History of Medicine course.

“I found several books and pamphlets from the 18th century on how rabies was treated, and it was really interesting to be able to read the original texts on how people understood the disease before modern science,” says Watiker, who is from Scarsdale, New York, and intends to apply to veterinary school beginning this summer. “Studying the history of medicine and researching rabies, as well as the biology of cancer, has really helped me understand that going to veterinary school is the right step for me. I even took a tour at the Royal Veterinary College in London, and I plan to apply.”

Watiker says the integration of field trips into the coursework, such as the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret in London, or a day trip learning about all the scientific discoveries to come out of Cambridge, has been an experience like no other. And because she elected to take The London Stage as her third course, the program has given her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become immersed in the city’s theater scene.

“We see a new play every week, ranging from large stage productions with Daniel Radcliffe in the West End, to smaller, more experimental productions in the basements of town halls. Being able to read, discuss a play, and then see the plays has been an invaluable experience, and has really enhanced my time in London. I would never have the opportunity to do that outside of this program.”

The program wraps up May 1. The spring 2018 theme will focus on the relation between nature and culture in Britain with courses taught by Janet Fiskio, associate professor of environmental studies and comparative American studies, and T.S. McMillin, professor of English.

From Mentee to Colleague: Oberlin Mentorship Goes Above and Beyond

One of the most powerful aspects of an Oberlin education is the mentorship relationships that students and professors foster together.It’s no accident that Associate Professor of Africana studies Meredith Gadsby and her former student, Caitlin O’Neill ’11, have served on three panels together since O’Neill graduated. It’s the product of positive and effective mentorship, and a relationship that encouraged O’Neill, a PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, to cultivate a passion for resea...

One of the most powerful aspects of an Oberlin education is the mentorship relationships that students and professors foster together.

It’s no accident that Associate Professor of Africana studies Meredith Gadsby and her former student, Caitlin O’Neill ’11, have served on three panels together since O’Neill graduated. It’s the product of positive and effective mentorship, and a relationship that encouraged O’Neill, a PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Austin, to cultivate a passion for research and professorship.

As an undergraduate student, O’Neill worked closely with Gadsby as a Mellon Mays Fellow, a paid two-year research fellowship for PhD-track students geared toward increasing faculty diversity in higher education. Gadsby chaired O’Neill’s undergraduate research project, which closely aligned with her own academic and professional interests in Africana studies. Most recently, the duo participated in a panel about Afrofuturism in Associate Professor Charles Peterson’s “Exploring Beauty and Truth in Worlds of Color” conference.

“We often talk to students about the importance of research and different pathways for research,” Gadsby says. “To see the degree to which mentoring relationships don’t have to end with your undergraduate career, that they can persist, is a powerful way for Oberlin to see the fruits of its labor in terms of the Mellon program and also the powerful impact the Office of Undergraduate Research has.”

Gadsby and O’Neill’s communication has extended well past the years they spent together at Oberlin. O’Neill still checks in with her former professor for advice on subjects ranging from navigating graduate school to bouncing around ideas for research.

“I was recently in the process of submitting my first article, but when I first got accepted I texted Meredith and said, ‘What do I do?’” O’Neill says. “A lot of this has just been how gracious Meredith has been to continue being in communication with me.”

This type of close-knit mentorship is not an anomaly at Oberlin. With small class sizes and opportunities to conduct intensive research projects with faculty members, students often foster close relationships with professors that help shape their post-graduate paths.

Fourth-year Monique Newton, another Mellon fellow, has benefited from mentorship with Peterson and Assistant Professor of Politics Jennifer Garcia. Newton’s research focuses on African American voter turnout and responses in Cleveland, but her project doesn’t fit neatly into one academic department. Having professors from two departments, whose offices she can regularly drop by to develop ideas and invoke their expertise, has allowed her to advance the project far beyond its initial parameters.

“Coming here, not really knowing a lot about politics or thinking about it as a field of interest, I’ve really relied on my professors to give me more information,” Newton says. “Whenever I’m interested in something or want to talk about something, Professor Garcia is really good to bounce ideas off of and get feedback. Without all of my professors, I don’t know where I’d be.”

And the learning exchange goes both ways—in mentorship roles, faculty members get to know students on a personal level and sometimes even incorporate student research into their pedagogy.

“I may have had broad ideas about the topic when Monique first brought it to me, but I’m learning a lot now and think it’s really improving my ability to teach about African American politics,” says Peterson, who chairs Newton’s Mellon research. “Now there are questions I’m thinking about as I’m lecturing, teaching in class, and formulating new syllabi that are informed by Monique’s research.”

Newton will present her research at the Celebration of Undergraduate Research at the end of the month.

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