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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 Cleveland Heights, OH

Home Care Cleveland Heights, 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 Grant Deming's Forest Hill Allotment 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 Cleveland Heights, OH is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Cleveland Heights, 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

“I am surprised to read poor reviews on ABC. We were 100% satisfied with all the care our mother received from ABC after a fall and related surgery last year. We had a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist and home health aide for showering. Each staff member was exceptional. We would definitely use them again.”

Charlie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great home care experience all around! Between the nursing, therapy, and caregivers I couldn't ask for a better company! Keep up the great work!!”

Evil K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I switched to Always Best Care from another visiting nurse association and I’m so glad I did. The staff was great and made every effort to help my mom recover from her stroke. They always gave us 1 or 2 days notice on appointments and were always on time. If we had to reschedule, they were understanding. Most importantly, they helped quite a lot! I highly recommend them over VNA. Thanks for helping our family.”

Kat D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The representatives are always professional! You can tell they love what they do!”

Michele F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for this company . I've been working for about a year and a half . I highly recommend this company to caregivers as well as people in need of good quality service and standards . 5 stars is a true rating and it's an honor to be a part of the team.”

Lisa N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC are hardworking, genuine and wonderful individuals that truly have a passion for caring for others. I cannot say better things about their management as they are quick to respond, deliver excellent customer services and genuinely care about giving excellent service. They are very understanding of delicate situations and handle issues with sensitivity. I wouldn’t trust the care of my loved ones with anyone else. Excellent organization!”

Tori D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC are hardworking, genuine and wonderful individuals that truly have a passion for caring for others. I cannot say better things about their management as they are quick to respond, deliver excellent customer services and genuinely care about giving excellent service. They are very understanding of delicate situations and handle issues with sensitivity. I wouldn’t trust the care of my loved ones with anyone else. Excellent organization!”

Tori M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I retired my full time job two years ago but still wanted to work part time only in a different field. I have always enjoyed helping people and I was lucky enough to find Always Best Care and have been working for them for two years. Keith and his entire staff are very personable, are easy to contact and/or get a return call in a timely fashion and will work with you when scheduling your work hours. I have been blessed to work with quite a few elderly people and have enjoyed every minute. They are sweet, kind, gentle and so appreciative for everything you do for them. I love everyday working to help those in need of help. Debi Mick”

Debi M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband passed away on 4/11/17. His life was extended greatly because of the care you supplied, Keith through the VA. The caregivers gave him exercises as well as help with showering, dressing, and the most important, good company. His alzheimer's limited his talking but they always made him laugh. God bless you all.”

Anna M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mr. McCurdy our family thanks you for the wonderful care you provided to our parents. Your caregivers were so very good and compassionate to Kenneth and Esther. They went above and beyond our expectations and provided a level of care we cannot express enough. We will highly recommend you to anyone in need of your services. Once again thank you.”

Ronald O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Hello Keith, Want to thank you for sending us the help we needed. Stephanie & Desiree were wonderful- put us at ease and were so caring. Excellent. The help you all gave comforted us and got us through the worst day of our lives. Bless you all for the work you do- and it is BEST CARE- EXCELLENT COMPANY.”

Deb L.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, OH

Types of Elderly Care in Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Forest Hill Park 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Michaelangelo's Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar or visit Mayfield Heights Historic District, 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 Cleveland Heights, OH

Benefits of Home Care in Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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:

  • Forest Hills Place
  • Judson Park
  • Welcome House Inc
  • Cedarwood Plaza
  • McGregor Home
  • Homewood nursing/assist living
Home Care Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, 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 Cleveland Heights, OH

Latest News in Cleveland Heights, OH

Cleveland Heights Mayor not eligible for re-election

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — It's been a bumpy year in Cleveland Heights politics, and now again, residents are feeling mixed emotions.The current mayor, Kahlil Seren, pulled petitions in hopes of filing for re-election a couple of weeks ago.Seren needed 342 valid signatures in order to get his name on the September ballot.He collected 457 signatures by the June 11 deadline, but only 303 were valid, which has now rendered him ineligible for back-to-back terms.According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections,...

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — It's been a bumpy year in Cleveland Heights politics, and now again, residents are feeling mixed emotions.

The current mayor, Kahlil Seren, pulled petitions in hopes of filing for re-election a couple of weeks ago.

Seren needed 342 valid signatures in order to get his name on the September ballot.

He collected 457 signatures by the June 11 deadline, but only 303 were valid, which has now rendered him ineligible for back-to-back terms.

According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, there were a variety of reasons for the 154 invalid signatures:

"I don't think Mayor Seren himself had decided until last minute. It seemed like he was just ready to give up," Alice Jeresko told me. "We were just on the sidelines, my husband and I, watching the things that had been unfolding, realizing that it seemed truly just over the top in terms of the anger, the accusations, no proof, lots of just allegations that people were so ready to believe that we thought was almost like a moral imperative to be like, hey, we have to counter some of this."

Jeresko said she circulated Seren's petitions in an attempt to get him on the ballot.

Once she learned the news that they didn't get enough signatures, she felt a wave of disappointment.

"I feel personally that I didn't go out there and get enough signatures. I think all of us could have done better. I don't think any of us were like big political people thinking that this is our guy and he's got to win. We were thinking something wrong is happening in Cleveland Heights," Jeresko added.

Drew Herzig, another resident of Cleveland Heights and supporter of Seren, told me he's heartbroken over the outcome.

"I really wanted the mayor to be able to make his case to the public at large, not through social media posts and back and forth on Facebook," Herzig said. "I think we deserved a healthy debate on these issues, not just being kind of shuffled off the stage kind of thing, so it's really frustrating."

I reached out to Seren's Communications Director on Tuesday, but did not hear back.

Seren recently sent the following statement to Cleveland Heights city employees:

Cleveland Heights Team,I am writing all of you to let you know that I will not be on the ballot in the Mayoral election this year, which means that you will all have a new Mayor in 2026. I was not able to collect enough valid signatures to participate as a candidate in this election, unfortunately there were about 44 people who signed other candidates’ petitions first, which meant that I was 39 signatures short.I have been honored to work with you on behalf of this city over the last three and a half years, I hope that I have been of benefit to you and your work. I know that budget and staffing cuts, disinvestment in equipment, vehicles, and facilities has made the job harder than it needs to be, but you all have gone out there for years working hard for the City in spite of that. We’ve just begun turning it around, and I hope that we continue to after my time here is done. I believe that we have accomplished a lot, against some pretty strong headwinds, and I thank you for the work that you do. I will keep working with you for as long as I am in this seat, and I feel certain that for the rest of my time with the City of Cleveland Heights, we will get more good things done.

Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren

Although saddened, both Herzig and Jeresko believe Seren will finish his term strong.

"He's gotten great energy contracts to reduce costs over several years, many millions to save the city," Jeresko explained. "He's been hiring new people on staff. The staff apparently really does like him in spite of all the allegations. He's brought the building inspections back in house instead of outsourcing it. The roads are getting fixed and they handled ARPA funds with all kinds of public engagement."

Herzig added, "The good he's doing in this community is really remarkable, and he's going to keep moving those forward."

Seren is to remain as mayor until January 2026.

While those we interviewed about Seren's failed petition on Tuesday say they believe having a mayor is still the best practice for running the city, Seren's time in office may be cut short if a recall petition passes the September ballot.

According to the City Charter (Article IV, Section 11), “at least twenty-five percent of the electors of the City that voted in the most recent mayoral election" are needed for the recall petition to be approved by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

Petition organizers have previously told me the bare minimum goal is to get 2,900 signatures.

As of Tuesday afternoon, one of the petition circulators, Josie Moore, said they've collected more than the bare minimum.

"The reasons for the recall remain the same, and that is that he needs to be out of office as soon as possible because again, it is our position that every day that he is in office our city is at risk of harm," Moore stated.

Moore said there's a lot of energy from residents to sign the petition, especially from folks who were reluctant to sign it initially.

"I think the interesting part is that when we started it, there were a lot of people who thought, 'I'm not going to.' And then he pulled petitions, and then they thought, 'Oh, he's tone deaf,' and so then they decided to sign and the more he does, the choices he made, the more people just feel like, no, this has to stop. Enough is enough," Moore shared.

Moore told me several people asked what would happen if the recall was successful on the September ballot, but at the same time, Seren makes the final two for mayor and advances to the November ballot.

"Now that question is moot. We know that that won't happen and so that's a relief seeing the people who are running for the second Cleveland Heights mayor," Moore added.

Moore said she is continuing to push for the recall because there is still a lack of accountability from Seren.

"The orthodox community continues to wait for some kind of admission of accountability or even just an admission that what was said was wrong and they continue to wait for that. I do have to say it floors me that the antisemitism that came out is not as important to as many people as I thought it would be because to me, it was a game changer," Moore said.

Seren has adamantly denied all accusations of anti-antisemitism on behalf of his wife, Natalie McDaniel.

Jeresko described the recall petition as a waste of time.

"A recall really is disruptive to city business. Let the mayor focus on his work. He's had distractions for at least three years and they've escalated in the last five months. Let him focus on his job and do his best for the city. That's where his heart is," Jeresko said. "To Mayor Seren, you did a great job. You're still doing a great job. You've moved the city forward."

Herzig is grateful for the mayor's time in office as well. He blames a lack of time and politically motivated allegations as the reasoning behind the mayor not getting enough valid signatures.

"I think another flaw is that most people didn't realize for the mayoral petitions you can only sign one set of papers, unlike city council where you can endorse multiple candidates," Herzig said. "I think a lot of the signature gatherers for other candidates possibly were not informing the people that they were getting signatures from that if you sign this, you cannot endorse any other candidate."

As for the candidates running, there are five on the list:

"All of them have different strengths. I think it's just going to come down to how they present their strengths and their experience and their vision and then what the people of Cleveland Heights are really looking for. I'm excited to see how their campaigns develop," Moore stated. "We've got some really good candidates."

Herzig told me he's concerned with some of the candidates on the list.

"I'm afraid the council and the city are going to go backwards," Herzig said. "They're gonna become more conservative, socially conservative in a way that we're seeing happening in University Heights."

Because Moore said they have gathered enough signatures to ideally unseat Seren in September. The goal is to turn in the petition on Friday to have it verified.

We'll follow through.

16 indicted for $2.6M money order scam at various NE Ohio Walmart stores

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted 16 people on charges, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity for a $2.6 million money order scam at various Walmart locations across Ohio and several states that ranged from 2019 to 2024.According to a release, from December 2019 to January 2024, 16 people participated in a money order scam where they would purchase money orders ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 at Walmart, deposit the funds remotely, and then later return the money orders to Walmart for a full re...

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted 16 people on charges, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity for a $2.6 million money order scam at various Walmart locations across Ohio and several states that ranged from 2019 to 2024.

According to a release, from December 2019 to January 2024, 16 people participated in a money order scam where they would purchase money orders ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 at Walmart, deposit the funds remotely, and then later return the money orders to Walmart for a full refund.

This scam occurred at over 100 Walmart locations across over 60 counties in Ohio and multiple states, the release said.

Six locations were in Cuyahoga County, including 1000 Brookpark Road in Cleveland, 3400 Steelyard Drive in Cleveland, 24801 Brookpark Road in North Olmsted, 8303 West Ridgewood Drive in Parma, 1868 Warrensville Center Road in South Euclid and 8585 Pearl Road in Strongsville.

According to the release, the investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service’s Money Laundering Task Force.

On Wednesday, Keith Nash, Leontae Jones, and Dorian Thomas were arrested.

On Tuesday, the following 16 individuals were indicted:

The 16 indicted were charged with the following:

They will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.

First Look: Kyuu-juu, Opening July 18 in Ohio City

After a year and a half of pop-ups held around town, Kyuu-juu is ready to take flight in its permanent home. The restaurant occupies the main floor and outdoor spaces of a lovely two-story Victorian in Ohio City that neighbors the Tinnerman Lofts. The upper level of the building is home to the high-end, eight-seat omakase restaurant Sushi Kuwahata.When it opens on July 18, Kyuu-juu will build upon the success it established at all those pop-ups while expanding the scope and reach of the food and beverage. Partners Ryan Endrian and Che...

After a year and a half of pop-ups held around town, Kyuu-juu is ready to take flight in its permanent home. The restaurant occupies the main floor and outdoor spaces of a lovely two-story Victorian in Ohio City that neighbors the Tinnerman Lofts. The upper level of the building is home to the high-end, eight-seat omakase restaurant Sushi Kuwahata.

When it opens on July 18, Kyuu-juu will build upon the success it established at all those pop-ups while expanding the scope and reach of the food and beverage. Partners Ryan Endrian and Chef Kwan – along with executive chef Dereck White – have crafted a wide-ranging menu of contemporary Japanese dishes starring vegetables, rice, fish, chicken and beef. All of the food is artfully presented on ceramic tableware.

The food is described as “chopstick-friendly” small and shared plates and the idea is to eat, drink and order freely.

“If you liked your first wave of food, your first wave of drinks, just keep them coming,” says White.

One side of the menu is devoted to otsumami (small plates starring fish) and a dozen or so varieties of sashimi. The other side lists a selection of cold vegetable-based plates such as a microgreen salad with yuzu-ginger vinaigrette, shishito peppers with ponzu and katsuobushi and summery dashi tomatoes. Hot plates range from grilled broccolini with onion vinaigrette on up to an imported wagyu steak tasting. Other items include eggplant with miso butter, flash-fried octopus with dill and grilled beef cheek with chili oil. Clay pot rice dishes come with a choice of mushroom, eel or chicken. There are yakitori skewers threaded with breast, tenderloin and thigh meat. And a selection of highly prized Japanese wagyu beef that is grilled, sliced and served on hot clay plates with sides of shoyu butter and chili crisp. Diners can look forward to nightly features as well.

Endrian and Kwan have curated an exceptional selection of sakes from various prefectures that span the flavor and sweetness profiles. Those pours are joined by wines by the glass, cocktails – including batched highballs – and some of the best Asian lager you’ll find in the region. Kyuu-juu’s special dispensing system produces super-chilled, properly carbonated glasses of Kirin and Sapporo that are served with proper heads in frosted mugs.

When it opens later this month, Kyuu-juu will be dinner only Tuesdays through Saturdays.

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Investigation into CLE Heights City Hall workplace reveals no unlawful hostility, but alleged toxicity

Posted 4:59 PM, Jun 18, 2025CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Allegations of workplace hostility within Cleveland Heights City Hall have been circulating for months, with most of the accusations centered around Mayor Kahlil Seren's wife, Natalie McDaniel.Following the surfacing of those allegations, 18 current city employees wrote a letter addressing them."Recent allegations of a toxic work environment under Mayor Kahlil Seren have made headlines. But here's the truth: those claims do not reflect our experience,"...

Posted 4:59 PM, Jun 18, 2025

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Allegations of workplace hostility within Cleveland Heights City Hall have been circulating for months, with most of the accusations centered around Mayor Kahlil Seren's wife, Natalie McDaniel.

Following the surfacing of those allegations, 18 current city employees wrote a letter addressing them.

"Recent allegations of a toxic work environment under Mayor Kahlil Seren have made headlines. But here's the truth: those claims do not reflect our experience," the letter states. "Yes, there's been tension. But it's not because of abuse. It's because change is uncomfortable — especially for those used to calling the shots without accountability."

Read the full letter below.

The letter was signed by current city employees from various departments, including communications, court, planning, building, finance, forestry, and others.

In March, though, former City Performance Coordinator Andrea Heim emailed the mayor notifying him that she does not feel comfortable returning to the office due to his wife's actions.

Heim referenced an alleged incident on March 13, where McDaniel was aggressive while outside the Mayor's Suites. She claims McDaniel was yelling expletives, pacing back and forth past Heim's office while growing more intense.

"It is not appropriate to have an unelected, non-employee, non-hired consultant providing feedback, participating in meetings, and making requests of staff, regardless of their intelligence, experience, and proactive traits. I understand the need for a support system, and that can be fostered in the workplace setting through communication and collaboration with staff," Heim wrote in an email to Seren on March 17.

Heim further details that the workplace is not safe or comfortable due to the normalization of yelling and the use of profanity by Seren's wife.

Two days later, Heim alerted Human Resources of her concerns.

"I advocate that you take into consideration your staff's safety and do not continue to condone this behavior or allow a non-employee to attend meetings, participate in decision making, and make requests of staff," Heim stated in the email.

Seren then hired an outside law firm, Mansour Gavin, to investigate the accusation of workplace hostility.

The investigation's completion date is May 13, but the details of it are just now being made available.

Cleveland Heights City Council President Tony Cuda told me he hadn't seen the investigative report until Tuesday.

"There were people that were uncomfortable in the mayor's office and in city hall. They found it odd that they were never introduced [to the mayor's wife] and that the mayor's wife had key card access to offices and they just didn't know what her role was or what was going on," Cuda said.

The investigation consisted of several interviews, including one with Heim that reportedly lasted almost two hours.

The mayor's wife was also interviewed.

"She was extremely upset at the allegations in this matter," the report states, referencing McDaniel.

The report reveals the allegations did not meet the legal definition of an unlawful hostile work environment.

According to the investigation, the key elements of an unlawful hostile work environment claim must establish:

"While excessive or offensive cursing can create an unpleasant and uncomfortable work environment, it doesn't automatically constitute an unlawful hostile work environment," the report explains.

The investigation reveals proof does exist to establish that McDaniel cursed, screamed, and was otherwise inappropriate or unprofessional while at city hall, but that it wasn't directed towards any individual.

Additionally, the report noted city hall surveillance that negates the claim that McDaniel was pacing back and forth in front of Heim's office on March 13.

Although McDaniel's behavior in March was not deemed as unlawfully hostile, it is questioned.

"... a workplace that normalizes yelling or the use of expletives regardless of where they are directed is not safe or comfortable," the report states. "These statements and/or observations are characteristics of a negative work environment and constitutes concerns of employees and an employer is obligated to address these concerns."

The investigation notes that a "toxic work environment" is described as having negative behaviors such as disrespect or yelling.

"Lack of transparency, feedback or open dialogue can contribute to a toxic atmosphere. Employees may feel unsupported by management leading to a lack of trust or confidence. A toxic environment can reflect poorly on a municipality or company where one exists," the report explains. "Employees reported that they felt uncomfortable with the mayor's wife being at work on an almost daily basis and attending meetings. The employees' concerns were that it was inappropriate for Ms. McDaniel to come to work with her husband on such a regular basis. The employees' apprehension and concerns are reasonable."

It also says, "The Mayor's failure to inform the staff in the 'Mayor's Suites' of the reason or purpose of his wife's being at City Hall or her involvement naturally caused confusion and resulted in a very uncomfortable work environment. Employees could feel intimidated by the Mayor's wife's continual presence at work. The Mayor must consider more communication to staff and employees. Compounding the problem is the fact that Ms. McDaniel was observed and heard to be loud, cursing or, at times, interjecting herself in those meetings."

The law firm that investigated explained that the mayor's wife should not be a visitor at his office on a regular basis, and she should not attend meetings that are scheduled for administrators or staff.

"Given the history of the last four months, the mayor should endeavor not to involve his wife in the city work environment. Any civic participation Ms. McDaniel would be invited to at City Hall by the mayor should be communicated to employees," the report shares.

The level of employee uncertainty or perceived inappropriateness has been temporarily remedied by the conscious decision of McDaniel not coming to work with the mayor and not being in the mayor's office since March 13, according to the report.

Heim, the employee who filed the HR complaint resulting in this investigation, resigned mid-April.

"No further action is recommended at this time," the law firm lays out.

The report basically says this was a bad idea. But now that the mayor's wife doesn't come to work anymore, this is OK. I still am concerned about the fact that people didn't know what was going on.

Cuda said while he has not had an interaction with McDaniel, he has seen her curse at another council member during a December city council meeting.

"We have a job to do and this is not gonna affect that in any way. We're going to do what's best for the city. The mayor's been ruled off the ballot, so we know we're going to have a new mayor next year. I'd like to make the next six months as productive as we can," Cuda said. "The mayor's behavior has been erratic and I would like to think that now that he knows he's not running that maybe things will kind of calm down a little bit."

Cuda said there are other allegations of workplace hostility being investigated.

"This is not something that I can discuss publicly," he added. "There's a lesson to be learned here and that is that both branches of government have to know what's going on in city hall."

I reached out to the mayor for an interview on Wednesday, but a spokesperson told me he was unavailable for comment.

Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

CLE Heights Council bans mayor from independently searching city employees' emails without permission

Posted 7:04 PM, Jul 07, 2025CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Monday night's Cleveland Heights City Council meeting was, once again, filled with frustration and confusion.On Sunday, we revealed that Mayor Kahlil Seren had previously reviewed council members' emails without their knowledge or consent.Activity logs through the city’s servers show Seren searched a year's worth of emails involving two council members.Those records indicate Seren performed a search once in December 2024 and twic...

Posted 7:04 PM, Jul 07, 2025

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Monday night's Cleveland Heights City Council meeting was, once again, filled with frustration and confusion.

On Sunday, we revealed that Mayor Kahlil Seren had previously reviewed council members' emails without their knowledge or consent.

Activity logs through the city’s servers show Seren searched a year's worth of emails involving two council members.

Those records indicate Seren performed a search once in December 2024 and twice in May of this year.

Council member Gail Larson said her emails were audited by Seren twice in 2024, too, and that she only knew due to a public records request.

Seren told me it shouldn't come as a surprise that he was reviewing council emails, as he had repeatedly asked members to voluntarily turn those over as part of his investigation into whether council had violated the Open Meetings Act.

"Unfortunately, for the last year, council members have refused to cooperate voluntarily in an investigation into how council does its business," Seren said.

He explained the investigation began through a request for assistance from the clerk of the council.

"The council clerk was mistakenly provided information that shows their sort of secret meeting behavior. Their (city council's) employee reached out to the administration for assistance. Shortly after receiving that information, they were contacted by council leadership related to that and were told to assist in covering it up," Seren said. "This isn't something we take lightly."

Not only does it appear Seren is independently investigating, but so is Cleveland-based law firm Flannery Georgalis LLC, which is costing the city $375/hour.

A spokesperson for the city confirms the investigation is "being closed but has not been closed yet."

"I think it's creepy," an attorney representing four Cleveland Heights council members, Michael Ungar, said. "I am aware of no legal authority that allows the mayor to do that. There is a proper way to go about requesting. Our mayor knows darn well how to do it. He has too much time on his hands."

Ungar claims Seren's allegations that council has not cooperated with the investigation are false.

"The whole thing is offensive to me," Ungar said. "I was there. I know that, that is not correct. He was sitting right next to me at the meetings, and I'm here to make sure that everybody knows and understands the four members of council that I represent, and indeed I believe the vast majority of council members, are committed to addressing whatever issues need to be addressed and moving our city forward."

While the finer details of Seren's independent investigation have not been released nor completed as of yet, he mentioned Cleveland Heights Council President Tony Cuda sent an email referencing a previous Saturday's meeting minutes.

Again on Monday, Council member Anthony Mattox, Jr. referenced that Saturday meeting during the Council of the Whole meeting.

Mattox, Jr. said he was not in attendance at that meeting and claimed at least three members were present.

"This has to stop! This has to stop tonight! The leadership in this city needs to start operating with integrity in the light of day," Mattox, Jr. exclaimed during the City Council meeting. "It is clear things are happening out of the light of day."

I asked Ungar about the accusation that council members have violated the Open Meetings Act.

"As Kahlil knows, I've explained to him and I've explained to his legal team time and again, there's always room for improvement and we were working really hard and really well together to try to improve the process, but at no point in time did four council members get together and engage in a deliberative process," Ungar said.

Ungar described the investigation as unwarranted and unjustified, but Seren told council on Monday during the City Council meeting that it was necessary.

"This is no secret that the investigatory powers of any mayor would extend to being able to review public records in a way that can ensure that the way that we do things is the way that we're supposed to," Seren told me on Sunday.

In a unanimous vote Monday, an ordinance prohibiting any unlawful and non-consensual review of city emails was passed by emergency.

Also, passing on a first reading, city social media accounts and email systems can no longer be used for "political messaging."

Ungar said, as of right now, no legal action will be taken against the mayor for allegedly making publicly false claims about council members meeting in private and their cooperation.

"I think that the vast majority of council members are committed to doing what's right for this community, and I would rather wait and see what they do first. I have confidence that they will figure it out. I think the leadership is working hard to figure it out. I'd defer on that question until they announce what it is that they're going to do and we'll see from there," Ungar said.

The mayor had five days to decide whether to resign following the recall effort gaining enough valid signatures, but clearly did not, as he was at Monday's meeting.

Council has now moved to advance the recall initiative on the September 9 ballot.

RELATED: Board of Elections says Cleveland Hts. mayor recall petition has enough signatures to move forward

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