It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Kreiger Communication Tower 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 Cuyahoga Falls, OH is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am surprised to read poor reviews on ABC. We were 100% satisfied with”
“Great home care experience all around! Between the nursing, therapy, and caregivers I couldn't ask”
“I switched to Always Best Care from another visiting nurse association and I’m so glad”
“The representatives are always professional! You can tell they love what they do!”
“I love working for this company . I've been working for about a year and”
“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC”
“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC”
“I retired my full time job two years ago but still wanted to work part”
“My husband passed away on 4/11/17. His life was extended greatly because of the”
“Mr. McCurdy our family thanks you for the wonderful care you provided to our parents.”
“Hello Keith, Want to thank you for sending us the help we needed. Stephanie &”
“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.”
“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!!”
“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.”
“The representatives are always professional! You can tell they love what they do!”
“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.”
“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!”
“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!”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Hampton Hills Metro Park - Top O' The World Area with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Moe's Restaurant or visit Clock Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cuyahoga Falls, OH understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cuyahoga Falls, 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.
Just a 10-minute drive from Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Valley Overlook campground offers a luxury ...
Just a 10-minute drive from Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Valley Overlook campground offers a luxury camping tent on Airbnb. While there are multiple tents and cabins for rent, Site P10 is our current favorite. This upscale glamping tent provides space where two guests can get lost in nature and reconnect with Ohio’s only national park.
The interior of the tent feels modern, and at times, you’ll probably forget that you’re technically outside. A comfy king bed is the focal point of the space, accompanied by a coffee table and two chairs. An electric outlet is available inside the tent to keep your phone charged, as well as a lamp and fan to help stay cool. My favorite part of the tent is the private deck and patio chairs. Overlooking the forest, it's the perfect shady spot to enjoy a good book with your morning cup of Joe.
Modern and clean shower and restroom facilities are available for guests. Don’t let the idea of a showerhouse scare you off. The shower spaces are private and well-decorated. Additionally, guests can collect drinking water from outside the camp office. WiFi is even available at this site and around much of the family-run campground.
Guests will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities across Valley Overlook’s 62 wooded acres. The property is situated near many hiking trails, biking routes, and areas for kayaking. In fact, the campground sits just a half mile from the Hunt House Trailhead (great for bikes!).
The national park surrounds the campground, but you’ll need to make a quick drive to reach any national park-specific trailheads. In addition to being near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, guests are minutes from the Blossom Music Center, Hale Farm and Village, downtown Peninsula, and the Cuyahoga Valley scenic railroad.
If you’re looking for a hyper-local and delicious place to grab some snacks, check out the Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market. A short 4-minute drive away, there is both a summer and winter market that ensures you’ll always be able to enjoy some regional treats every Saturday. Of course, there are also many delicious restaurants and cafes in the neighboring towns of Peninsula and Cuyahoga Falls.
While this is an elevated camping experience, remember that you’ll still want to dress for the weather. Valley Overlooks accepts bookings year-round. However, some glamping tents, such as Site P10, are only available from early spring through late fall. I suggest packing layers. Early summer mornings can sometimes feel just as chilly as a fall day.
If you’re looking for an accessible way to dip your toes into camping, Site P10 at Valley Overlook is a fantastic home base to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a whole vacation, this glamping spot allows you to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing the comforts of home. What other campsites in Ohio serve as a great home base to our incredible national and state parks? Let us know by filling out our nomination form.
Crews are continuing the search for Patrick Cross using 40 search and rescue personnel, plus boats and drones. His 5-year-old son Braxton was found dead on Sunday.CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Cuyahoga Falls officials are continuing to search for Patrick Cross, the man missing after an ...
Crews are continuing the search for Patrick Cross using 40 search and rescue personnel, plus boats and drones. His 5-year-old son Braxton was found dead on Sunday.
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Cuyahoga Falls officials are continuing to search for Patrick Cross, the man missing after an inflatable inner tube capsized on the Cuyahoga River over the weekend, resulting in the death of his 5-year-old son Braxton.
As the search enters its fourth day on Tuesday, city leaders say the coordinated effort is taking place near Gorge Metro Park.
"Water levels in the river have dropped significantly—by nearly three feet in some areas since Monday—allowing improved access to parts of the river. However, while the current has slowed slightly, it remains extremely fast-moving and dangerous. Emergency personnel urge the public to avoid the area as operations continue and new hazards have emerged, including increased storm debris that has moved downstream," officials explained.
Once again, Cuyahoga Falls officials report that multiple resources have been deployed, including 40 search and rescue personnel, three boats, two drones, support personnel from the Salvation Army and logistical and command personnel from the Summit County Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT).
The city adds that "additional certified swiftwater rescue technicians are responding throughout the day to support ongoing operations."
During a briefing on Monday, Cuyahoga Falls Fire Chief Chris Martin provided a timeline of how the search progressed.
Martin said the first 911 calls came in on Saturday at approximately 6:48 p.m. reporting that a child and an adult male had gone into the rapids on the Cuyahoga River after their inflatable inner tube overturned near the Portage Trail Bridge in Cuyahoga Falls.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, witnesses told them that the pair were last seen floating down the river through the rapids nearing Broad Boulevard and the Sheraton Suites hotel.
Multiple agencies deployed water rescue personnel, rescue boats, drones and a helicopter to aid the search.
Search efforts were suspended just before 10 p.m. on Saturday evening due to fading visibility and hazardous water conditions. The search resumed on Sunday morning at approximately 8 a.m.
The 5-year-old boy's body was recovered just before 9:30 a.m. and transferred to the Summit County Medical Examiner's office. The search continued throughout the day on Sunday until 9 p.m.
"High water levels and swift currents—caused by recent heavy rainfall—continue to pose significant challenges to the search," a release from the city stated.
The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department also requested Sunday afternoon that all non-safety personnel avoid the area of the river between Broad Boulevard and Gorge Metro Park.
"Trained rescue teams and aerial support are on scene. For your safety and to support the ongoing efforts, please do not attempt river access in this area and respect all 'Trail Closed' signs," the city said.
Once again, the search paused just after 9 p.m. on Sunday evening and resumed early Monday morning.
During Monday's briefing, Martin said crews were "aggressively" searching areas of the river that they were able to get to, adding that crews were being hindered in the search by "numerous hazards," including debris from last week's storm.
Firefighter Dan Pittman is leading the search at the scene and also spoke with reporters on Monday. Pittman explained that the search area extends several miles upstream and downstream.
He also said that gauges revealed that the water level had dropped "by a couple of feet."
"Things that were inaccessible yesterday are absolutely accessible today. We've gone further upriver today. We've located more high-hazard areas because the water flow has gone down," Pittman added.
You can watch Monday's news conference in the player below.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the Cross family. You can get all the details by clicking here.
3News' Tyler Carey and Justin McMullen contributed to this story
As the Cuyahoga Falls community mourns the June 21 river incident, which resulted in the death of 5-year-old Braxton Cross and his 27-year-old father, one local company has reportedly faced public backlash for accusations of being involved in the tragic accident."We honestly didn’t want to make this post. Our hearts are ...
As the Cuyahoga Falls community mourns the June 21 river incident, which resulted in the death of 5-year-old Braxton Cross and his 27-year-old father, one local company has reportedly faced public backlash for accusations of being involved in the tragic accident.
"We honestly didn’t want to make this post. Our hearts are heavy for the family and friends affected by the recent tragedy on the river, and we’ve been trying to stay focused on that," Float the River, the Cuyahoga Falls-based tube and kayak rental company said on Facebook. "But after receiving hundreds of threatening messages, comments, calls, and emails suggesting that Float the River was involved, we feel it’s necessary to clarify."
Braxton, his father and his mother and brother went tubing down the Cuyahoga River near the Portage Trail Bridge when the tubes they were floating on capsized. Braxton's father was able to save his mother and brother before he and his father disappeared beneath the river.
Despite some thinking otherwise, Float the River did not rent out the inflatable tubes that led to Braxton and his father's deaths, the company noted.
"We were not open this past weekend, at all. Nobody on the river last weekend were our customers. We had already canceled all floats ahead of time due to unsafe, high water conditions," the company wrote. "The decision to close was made before the weekend even began, not in response to the tragic events that followed."
The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department has resumed its search as of 8:30 a.m. June 24 along the Cuyahoga River near Gorge Metro Park, the City of Cuyahoga Falls said in a release.
The fire department deployed a number of resources in its search for the missing father on June 24, including about 40 search and rescue personnel, three boats, two drones and assistance from both the Summit County Incident Management Assistance Team and the Salvation Army.
"We are attacking the main parts where most of these incidents occur, and we are going to the areas that seem less likely, but we are checking every nook and cranny," Cuyahoga Falls firefighter Daniel Pittman said during a June 23 press conference.
The dropping water level was expected to aid in the search, Pittman said. Water levels were near 8 feet on June 22 but have since dropped to 4 feet, however, "(the river) remains extremely fast-moving and dangerous," the city said June 24.
"Things that were inaccessible (June 22) are absolutely accessible (June 23)," Pittman said. "We've gone further up-river (June 23) and we have located more high hazard areas since the water has gone down."
Braxton's body was recovered the morning of June 22.
Multiple agencies have provided assistance to the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department, including Akron Fire, the Summit County Water Rescue Team, Metro Parks Rangers, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on Twitter @athompsonABJ
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — The recovery effort for a father who went missing on the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga Falls on Saturday has entered its third day.Officials held a press conference Monday morning to provide an update on the search. Patrick Cross, 27, was last seen attempting to save his 5-year-old son Braxton Cross from the water when they both went under.Braxton's body was found on Sunday morning."We're all grieving as a community," said Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters. "Our heart...
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — The recovery effort for a father who went missing on the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga Falls on Saturday has entered its third day.
Officials held a press conference Monday morning to provide an update on the search.
Patrick Cross, 27, was last seen attempting to save his 5-year-old son Braxton Cross from the water when they both went under.
Braxton's body was found on Sunday morning.
"We're all grieving as a community," said Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters. "Our hearts hurt for the family. We're here to support them."
The recovery effort On Monday, there were more than 50 personnel from multiple departments searching for Cross. Crews utilized five boats, three drones, two search canines, side-scan sonar operations and full shoreline coverage on both side of the river.
According to firefighter Dan Pittman, river levels were near eight feet on Sunday and a little more than four feet on Monday.
Water levels dropping should help with search efforts, Pittman said.
However, challenges still exist for the rescue crews including debris in the river and the extreme heat.
"There are still numerous hazards present that are hindering our efforts to search, particularly debris from the storms, but we continue to search the areas of the river that we are able to, said Cuyahoga Falls Fire Chief Chris Martin.
What happenedBryan Moore, Patrick's brother-in-law, said Cross was an amazing dad with a heart of gold.
The family was tubing on three tubes that were connected when the incident happened. Tubing was something they frequently did together, family members said.
The family said the water was calm for a long time, but once they got near a bridge, the water got very rough and they flipped over. That's when family members say Cross gave up his life to save his family. He was able to get his wife and 4-year-old son out of the water.
However, Braxton and Patrick disappeared in the strong current.
First responders were called to the river around 6:47 p.m. on Saturday.
Upon arrival, fire and rescue personnel initiated a search operation, deploying both watercraft and ground personnel to assess the scene and locate anyone in distress, the city said.
On Sunday, 5-year-old Braxton's body was found just before 9:30 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene:
The fire department strongly urged the public to avoid the Gorge Metro Park and the surrounding river areas due to extremely hazardous water conditions.
Residents are asked to avoid the Cuyahoga River between Broad Boulevard and Gorge Metro Park, as well as the area of Front Street between E. Cuyahoga Falls Avenue and Hillcrest Drive, due to the search.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the family.
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Crews continue the search for Patrick Cross using boats and drones after his inner tube overturned. The body of Cross' 5-year-old son Braxton was found on Sunday.CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Cuyahoga Falls officials held a press conference on Monday updating the search for Patrick Cross, the man missing after an ...
Crews continue the search for Patrick Cross using boats and drones after his inner tube overturned. The body of Cross' 5-year-old son Braxton was found on Sunday.
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Cuyahoga Falls officials held a press conference on Monday updating the search for Patrick Cross, the man missing after an inflatable innertube capsized on the Cuyahoga River over the weekend, resulting in the death of his 5-year-old son Braxton.
As the search enters its third day, Cuyahoga Falls Fire Chief Chris Martin reports that multiple resources have been deployed, including 50 personnel, five boats, two search dogs, and multiple drones. He added that both shorelines of the river are being covered with "side scan solar" being sent out from the boats.
"Our goals for today are to research the areas that we searched yesterday (Sunday) to see what impact overnight has had on the river and the conditions for our ability to search," Martin explained. "We are going to be examining new areas that we might be able to expand our search."
Martin added that crews are being hindered in the search by "numerous hazards," including debris from last week's storm.
"We continue to aggressively search the areas of the river that we are able to. All members operating on the scene are highly trained in water searchers and most are swift water technicians," he said.
Firefighter Dan Pittman is leading the search at the scene and also spoke with reporters on Monday. Pittman explained that the search area extends several miles upstream and downstream.
He also said that gauges have shown that the water level has dropped "by a couple of feet."
"Things that were inaccessible yesterday are absolutely accessible today. We've gone further upriver today. We've located more high-hazard areas because the water flow has gone down," Pittman added.
You can watch Monday's news conference in the player below.
In addition to updating the status of the recovery operation for the missing man, Martin also provided a timeline of how the search progressed.
Martin said the first 911 calls came in on Saturday at approximately 6:48 p.m. reporting that a child and an adult male had gone into the rapids on the Cuyahoga River after their inflatable inner tube overturned near the Portage Trail Bridge in Cuyahoga Falls.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, witnesses told them that the pair were last seen floating down the river through the rapids nearing Broad Boulevard and the Sheraton Suites hotel.
Multiple agencies deployed water rescue personnel, rescue boats, drones and a helicopter to aid the search.
Search efforts were suspended just before 10 p.m. on Saturday evening due to fading visibility and hazardous water conditions. The search resumed on Sunday morning at approximately 8 a.m.
The 5-year-old boy's body was recovered just before 9:30 a.m. and transferred to the Summit County Medical Examiner's office. The search continued throughout the day on Sunday until 9 p.m.
"High water levels and swift currents—caused by recent heavy rainfall—continue to pose significant challenges to the search," a release from the city stated.
The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department also requested Sunday afternoon that all non-safety personnel avoid the area of the river between Broad Boulevard and Gorge Metro Park.
"Trained rescue teams and aerial support are on scene. For your safety and to support the ongoing efforts, please do not attempt river access in this area and respect all 'Trail Closed' signs," the city said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the Cross family. You can get all the details by clicking here.
Float The River, a canoe and kayak rental service in the community that happened to be closed over the weekend, sent 3News the following statement as well as tips to be safe when going out on the river:
First and foremost, our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by the recent tragedy on the river. This is a heartbreaking loss, and we join the community in grieving alongside them.
Rivers can be a place of peace and joy, but they can also become dangerous quickly — even when they appear calm.
Here are a few key things everyone should keep in mind before heading out on the water:
• Always check river conditions before going out. High water, fast currents, and debris can make for extremely unsafe conditions. Real-time information is available through USGS river gauges online.
• Wear a life jacket. Regardless of swimming ability, unexpected currents and underwater hazards can affect anyone.
• Avoid alcohol or drugs while on the river — they impair judgment and reaction time.
• Don’t float alone. Let someone know your plans and expected return time.
• Respect warnings and closures. When authorities or outfitters call off river activities due to conditions, it’s because safety is at risk. (We closed prior to the weekend of the tragedy and had been closed due to unsafe conditions).
If you're ever unsure whether the river is safe on a particular day — whether you're a customer or just planning your own trip — feel free to call or email us. We’re always happy to help people make informed decisions.
3News' Tyler Carey and Justin McMullen contributed to this story
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