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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

Northeast Ohio high school football scores for Week 2, 2025

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Check out Week 2 Northeast Ohio high school football scores.Ashland 42, Marion Harding 7Ashtabula Edgewood 47, Ramsey, N.J. 21Aurora 47, Rocky River Lutheran W. 0Bay 27, Hunting Valley University 0Beaver Local 26, Brooke, W.Va. 0Beloit W. Branch 21, New Philadelphia 13Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 14, Tallmadge 7Campbell Memorial 14, Ashtabula St. John 6Canfield 35, Cols. Walnut Ridge 20Canfield S. Range 48, Salem 21Chagrin Falls 22, Orange 19...

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Check out Week 2 Northeast Ohio high school football scores.

Ashland 42, Marion Harding 7

Ashtabula Edgewood 47, Ramsey, N.J. 21

Aurora 47, Rocky River Lutheran W. 0

Bay 27, Hunting Valley University 0

Beaver Local 26, Brooke, W.Va. 0

Beloit W. Branch 21, New Philadelphia 13

Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 14, Tallmadge 7

Campbell Memorial 14, Ashtabula St. John 6

Canfield 35, Cols. Walnut Ridge 20

Canfield S. Range 48, Salem 21

Chagrin Falls 22, Orange 19

Chardon 26, Cleveland Heights 24

Chardon NDCL 38, West Geauga 12

Cleveland Adams 54, Beachwood 0

Cleveland Benedictine 7, Parma Padua 0

Cleveland Glenville 13, Powell Olentangy Liberty 7

Cleveland Rhodes 34, Lakewood 12

Conneaut 16, Independence 13

Copley 49, Akron Firestone 19

Cuyahoga Falls 33, Akron North 12

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 42, Canton South 14

Walsh Jesuit 30, Springfield 6

East Palestine 57, Windham 14

Eastlake North 47, Painesville Harvey 22

Euclid 28, Berea-Midpark 26

Fairport Harding 49, Lisbon David Anderson 6

Fitch 41, Massillon Jackson 3

Gates Mills Gilmour 28, Holy Name 12

Gates Mills Hawken 44, Berkshire 0

Geneva 56, Warren Howland 21

Girard 63, Ashtabula Lakeside 18

Grafton Midview 27, North Olmsted 20

Hubbard 28, Wilmington, Pa. 21

Jefferson Area 51, Atwater Waterloo 7

Jeromesville Hillsdale 31, Lucas 0

Kirtland 42, Ashland Crestview 7

Lodi Cloverleaf 22, Keystone 6

Lorain 41, Elyria 14

Loudonville 48, Richmond Heights 16

Louisville 30, Alliance 13

Madison 48, Willoughby South 29

Maple Heights 28, Dover 22

Massillon Perry 36, St. Vincent-St. Mary 0

Massillon Tuslaw 38, Doylestown Chippewa 7

Mayfield 28, Elyria Catholic 13

Medina Buckeye 21, Amherst Steele 13

Medina Highland 32, Hudson 0

Mentor 42, Erie McDowell, Pa. 12

Mentor Lake Catholic 21, Avon Lake 14

Millersburg W. Holmes 28, Orrville 20

Minerva 23, Crestwood 8

Mogadore 22, Canton Central Catholic 7

New Franklin Manchester 48, Sandy Valley 13

N. Canton Hoover 42, Medina 17

N. Ridgeville 37, Valley Forge 12

N. Royalton 43, Wooster 13

Navarre Fairless 35, Waynedale 0

Norton 40, Lutheran East 20

Olmsted Falls 29, Brunswick 15

Orwell Grand Valley 25, Ravenna Southeast 14

Painesville Riverside 16, Green 15

Parma Normandy 18, Ravenna 14

Peninsula Woodridge 28, Brookside 0

Perry 35, Kenston 30

Pickerington North 20, Cleveland St. Ignatius 7

Poland Seminary 42, Youngstown East 6

Rocky River 55, Cleveland John Marshall 6

Shadyside 36, Southern 22

Smithville 27, Uhrichsville Claymont 12

Streetsboro 42, Kent Roosevelt 7

Strongsville 28, Solon 7

Uniontown Lake 48, Youngstown Boardman 20

Vermilion 42, Firelands 12

Wadsworth 35, New Albany 7

Warren Champion 50, Cardinal 0

Wellington 28, Mapleton 12

Westlake 35, Clearview 14

Wickliffe 24, East Cleveland Shaw 22

Wintersville Indian Creek 37, East Liverpool 19

Wooster Triway 36, Norwayne 14

Youngstown Ursuline 34, Bishop Hartley 7

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Cleveland Heights law director: Mayor's attempt at vetoing a recall against him is unlawful and not timely

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren is on the chopping block, and his attempt at stopping his potential removal from office was thwarted this week.It's no secret that at least 4,425 people want Seren to step down as mayor.The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections validated the recall petition on June 25.It was returned to the City of Cleveland Heights, and passed by council members in July.The recall comes as Seren has been under the microscope of scrutiny for months, stemming from a ...

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren is on the chopping block, and his attempt at stopping his potential removal from office was thwarted this week.

It's no secret that at least 4,425 people want Seren to step down as mayor.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections validated the recall petition on June 25.

It was returned to the City of Cleveland Heights, and passed by council members in July.

The recall comes as Seren has been under the microscope of scrutiny for months, stemming from a civil rights complaint regarding his wife, a discrimination lawsuit, a delayed budget 2025 budget process and high staff turnover.

There was also concern on Tuesday from a Cleveland Heights city employee about Seren not showing up to the Board of Control meeting.

That employee told me there were at least two cases to be discussed during Tuesday's meeting, but because there wasn't quorum, the meeting didn't happen.

Seren attempted to veto the recall this past Friday, which, in a newly released legal opinion, is null and void.

"I felt angry," recall organizer, Josie Moore, told me on Tuesday. "I thought it was really disrespectful to all of the Cleveland Heights residents who wanted to have a say in what happens with our highest office."

The city's Law Director, William Hanna, said the first issue with the veto is that it was not timely because it was submitted after the deadline.

In a statement from Cleveland Heights City Council President Tony Cuda, he said, "There are more than 4,400 residents/signatories who followed the process laid out very plainly in our city charter. I assume the residents in favor of recalling the mayor... will make their case for recalling the mayor. I assume the mayor will make his case against the recall. But the mayor should not be attempting to do anything that subverts the city charter or the democratic process."

According to the legal opinion, the veto deadline was July 17, but Seren submitted it just after midnight on July 18.

"For that reason alone, it is invalid," Hanna wrote. "But it would fail under Ohio law and the City Charter even if it had been timely."

Hanna said the mayor's veto power does not extend to ministerial or administrative acts of City Council, which the recall is an administrative act.

The distinction between legislative or administrative acts is essential to determining whether a mayor has veto authority. A mayor does not have the authority to veto a ministerial or administrative act of a city council unless explicitly granted such power to veto administrative acts specifically by the city charter or applicable law.

Cleveland Heights Law Director William Hanna

Legislative acts involve enacting new laws, ordinances, or regulations, while administrative acts involve executing or administering existing laws or regulations.

The legal opinion also notes that a recall on the motion of the electors, who are the "ultimate source of power in a republic," stems... from basic constitutional principles, which blocking it would go against that very notion.

"It seems common sense that an elected official cannot veto their own recall, so I was happy to see that confirmed," Moore said. "I trust elected officials who follow the laws and respect the governing documents of the governments that they're responsible for. I also trust leaders who know when to ask for advice from their staff, particularly legal advice. The fact that he did this without asking the law director first about whether it was possible, I found that to be really concerning. It was a disregard for the role of the law department in our city to help the mayor make decisions judiciously and responsibly."

On Monday, I asked Seren's Director of Communications, Frances Collazo, for an interview with him to discuss his veto effort.

"I'll get back to you shortly," Collazo texted me.

But when I followed up with her, she read my text message and didn't respond.

Come Tuesday afternoon, and a statement from the mayor popped up in my inbox.

"Invoking false narratives to stir tension and push an unnecessary recall is a far greater subversion of democracy than any lawful administrative action I’ve taken to preserve continuity in government,” Seren said. “My veto was not an attempt to override the Charter—it was a responsible use of executive authority aimed at protecting the integrity of our city’s transition process and ensuring that Cleveland Heights residents are not left without stable leadership during a critical period."

Which "false narratives" are being pushed was not specified in his statement.

"Here's the thing about cultivating false narratives—it's easiest to do when you depend on the imagination of the people you're talking to and so avoiding specificity is a great way to cultivate false narratives," Moore said. "I don't know what false narratives he's talking about. He hasn't provided that level of specificity, but I know the facts that were on the petition and the facts that we continue to repeat over and over again."

Seren also said the recall causes concern over the future operational and fiscal health of the city.

“A recall at this moment—during the budget cycle, with major infrastructure projects underway and departmental restructuring in progress—would threaten the stability we’ve been working hard to build,” he said. “It’s my duty to protect both the process and the people of this city from politically motivated disruptions that could jeopardize long-term planning, financial stewardship, and public trust.”

When we asked Moore for her thoughts on his claim that a recall would negatively impact the budgetary process, she said she's not buying it.

"If past behavior is an indicator of future behavior, we can look at last year's budget, and I think that this year's budget would be better without him," Moore said. "I also think that his claims about continuity are very interesting. When we're talking about continuity, we're talking about continuity of services, continuity of the leadership team and continuity of operations that is the direct result of having stability and when it comes to the people who are at City Hall and that's the kind of continuity that is really important to just our everyday lived experience here in Cleveland Heights."

The recall took effect on July 17.

It will be on the Sept. 9 ballot.

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