Assisted Living in Ohio

Single Applicant

$30,276

$2,000

Two-Person Household
(One Spouse Applying)

$30,276 for applicant

$2,000 for applicant
$137,400 for non-applicant

Two-Person Household
(Both Spouses Applying)

$60,552

$3,000

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

(866) 244-0071

If you want to apply for Medicaid long-term care or other financial benefits, contact your County Department of Job and Family Services. These local offices help with a variety of government benefits, and they offer adult protective services in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.

Ohio Department of Medicaid

(800) 324-8680

Choice Counselors with the Department of Medicaid are available Monday through Saturday to answer questions, check your application status or help you change plans. They can also provide information about medical transportation, notices and ways to appeal decisions through a state hearing.

Ohio Department of Insurance OSHIIP

(800) 686-1578

The Department of Insurance manages the Senior Health Insurance Information Program. This free service provides one-on-one counseling to more than 435,000 seniors annually. It educates residents about Medicare, long-term care insurance and financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid.

Aid and Attendance

Learn more and apply online at va.gov.

Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living.

Reverse Mortgages

Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov

If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.

Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance

Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.

Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Ohio Department of Aging

(800) 266-4346

The Department of Aging works with the state's Area Agencies on Aging and other partners to administer services funded by Medicaid and the Older Americans Act. It provides information about long-term care waivers, healthy aging, fall prevention and community-based supports. Seniors aged 60 and older qualify for the Golden Buckeye Card, which offers discounts at a variety of businesses.

Ohio Area Agencies on Aging

(866) 243-5678

Seniors aged 60 and older, disabled adults and unpaid family caregivers are served by 12 Area Agencies on Aging that cover all 88 counties. They provide information about long-term care and available benefits and arrange personal needs assessments that are required to participate in the state's Assisted Living Waiver Program.

Social Security Offices in Ohio

(800) 772-1213

The Social Security Administration operates more than 50 offices in midsize cities and major metropolitan areas throughout the state. Staff members can help with Social Security retirement or disability benefits and SSI payments, which can be used for room and board in assisted living. The SSA also handles Medicare enrollment and Extra Help benefits that can lower your out-of-pocket expenses.

Ohio VA Facilities

(800) 698-2411

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates an extensive network of health care facilities, outpatient clinics and benefits offices, including five VA hospitals. Veterans and their spouses can also contact their local Veterans Service Organization or county veterans affairs office for help with benefits, including Aid & Attendance payments, which can be used for personal care and assisted living.

Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman

(800) 282-1206

Regional staff and volunteer ombudsmen are available to assist residents who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities or need help accessing long-term care. They advocate for residents, investigate complaints and provide informational assistance to help with facility selection and government benefits.

Pro Seniors

(800) 488-6070

Pro Seniors is a statewide nonprofit offering a variety of advocacy services for older adults. Its Legal Helpline assists residents aged 60 and older on issues related to health care, estate planning, government benefits and consumer rights. It offers ombudsman services for long-term care residents, and Senior Medicare Patrol helps beneficiaries detect and report fraud and billing errors.

Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?

Yes

Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?

No

Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?

Yes

Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?

Yes

Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?

Yes

Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?

Yes

Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?

No

Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?

Yes

Are residents being tested for coronavirus?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements

Qualified health care providers must complete a written health assessment within 48 hours of admission. Provisions for skilled care must be made within 14 days of admission. Additionally, individual service plans must be reviewed within one year and 30 days of the previous assessment or following a significant change in health. Physician authorization may be required to determine whether certain services are necessary.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Residential care facilities may not admit individuals who require more than 120 days of intermittent skilled nursing annually. Facilities are prohibited from admitting individuals who are permanently bedridden, have advanced pressure ulcers or have complex medical conditions unless they're receiving hospice care.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities may provide personal care and limited skilled nursing consistent with applicable care standards. Residents may or may not receive meals, depending on their needs. Facilities must encourage residents to participate in social, recreational and leisure activities and provide opportunities that are consistent with residents' interests.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Ohio's Medicaid program includes an Assisted Living Waiver that pays for the cost of personal care, meals, housekeeping and related services. This program is available to low-income seniors who have qualifying medical or personal needs. Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability may receive a Residential State Supplement to help with the cost of room and board.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Single-occupancy apartments must provide at least 120 square feet of living space, excluding closets, and companion suites must have at least 80 square feet of living space per person. Apartments cannot be shared by more than four residents. There must be at least one bathroom for every eight residents. Bathrooms must be equipped with safety features, and apartments must have emergency call systems. Different rules may apply for facilities licensed before 1964.

Medication Management Regulations

Assisted living residents must be able to take their own medications as determined by a health care professional to qualify for admission. Alternatively, medication assistance may be provided by a licensed health care professional, specially trained medication aide, hospice provider or home health care agency.

Staffing Requirements

Ohio does not have minimum staffing ratios for assisted living facilities. However, they must employ sufficient staff, including on-site or on-call nurses, to meet residents' needs. Medication management services must be overseen by an on-duty nurse or physician. Facility administrators must be on-site at least 20 hours per week and available at all other times if needed.

Staff Training Requirements

Direct-care staff members must receive in-service orientation related to their job responsibilities and the facility's procedures. Staff must be certified in first aid and complete eight hours of continuing education annually. Certified nursing assistants must complete 75 hours of training consistent with federal requirements. Additional training is required for individuals who work in special care settings. Although Ohio does not license RCF administrators, they must complete at least nine hours of continuing education annually.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

Direct-care workers must pass a comprehensive background check using data from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. Federal databases are used to review criminal records for individuals who have lived in the state for less than five years. Offenses related to abuse, fraud, theft or drugs prohibit workers from employment.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

The complaint unit at the Bureau of Regulatory Operations investigates reports of abuse or neglect occurring in the state's assisted living facilities. Residents may call (800) 342-0553 for assistance. Complaints can also be submitted online or by mail.