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Independent Living in Ohio
Located in the northeast portion of the United States and bordering Lake Erie, Ohio is an option for seniors looking to retire. The cost of living throughout the state is lower than the national average. Seniors can expect to pay less for healthcare, groceries, housing and transportation. The state is also tax-friendly for retirees. Social Security is fully exempt from state income tax, and there are credits available for pension and retirement accounts. The state also gets around 173 sunny days per year, with average July highs of 84 degrees and winter lows around 20 degrees. Summers are comfortable for exploring the outdoors, and during winter, the state gets approximately 28 inches of snow.
Independent living allows active seniors to maintain their privacy and live healthy lives for as long as possible with support if it’s ever needed. Independent living communities are maintenance-free and provide everything needed to live stress-free. The average independent living community in Ohio costs $2,827 per month.
This guide covers the cost of independent living in the state, ways to pay for it and a list of available resources in the state geared to help seniors.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Ohio
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Ohio and its 47 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Ohio's Top Cities
When seniors are seeking an independent living community in Ohio, they'll notice varying rates from city to city. Cincinnati has some of the highest rates in the state, with independent living averaging $3,495 per month. In Akron, costs drop to $3,083, and in Columbus, they drop further to an estimated $2,945. Toledo seniors pay the most affordable rates for independent living in Ohio, as communities in this city average $2,335 monthly.
Ohio
$2,861
Akron
$3,083
Columbus
$2,945
Cincinnati
$3,495
Toledo
$2,335
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Ohio
Thankfully for seniors on the hunt for long-term care, the cost of independent living hasn't been impacted much by inflation in Ohio. From 2022 to 2023, rates rose just 2.1% on average — less than half the U.S. average increase of 5.2%.
Throughout the surrounding states, inflation's impact has been felt differently. Independent living costs have dropped in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, falling by 10.8% and 3.6%, respectively, from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, seniors in Indiana and Michigan have seen increased costs for independent living care, as prices have increased 7.2% and 10.8%, respectively.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $2,801 | $2,861 | $3,116 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Indiana | $2,197 | $2,355 | $2,681 |
| Michigan | $2,270 | $2,515 | $2,678 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,603 | $3,215 | $3,675 |
| Kentucky | $2,898 | $2,794 | $2,830 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Each type of senior living community offers a different level of care, unique amenities and diverse programming, so older adults should consider how much daily support they need before selecting a care type. Independent living is the most cost-effective option, averaging $2,861 monthly. Assisted living costs about $4,478 every month, while memory care rates fall around $5,352 for Ohio seniors.
Assisted Living
$4,478
Memory Care
$5,352
Independent Living
$2,861
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Ohio?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Ohio.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Ohio
Independent living costs are typically not covered by insurance. However, those with long-term care insurance may have some home and community-based services covered under their policy. Many seniors rely on retirement income to pay for independent living; however, other options include pensions, Social Security Income, reverse mortgages, veterans benefits and annuities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has several programs that help low-income seniors secure safe and affordable living quarters, including public housing and rental assistance or vouchers. To learn more about various options to pay, read our guide to independent living.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Ohio
There are many resources in Ohio that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Area Agencies on Aging | Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) help older adults live independently through a wide range of services that support wellness. They provide assistance with nutritious meals delivered to seniors' homes and work to connect older adults with transportation needs, such as shopping, appointments with health care providers and other errands. Services are also available to help seniors socialize and stay engaged through volunteer opportunities and social events. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Ohio provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Home Relief Grant | 800-282-0880 | The Ohio Home Relief Grant provides qualifying seniors with monetary assistance for utilities or rent. It's available via the Community Action Agency, so residents must contact their local office to apply. A convenient locator on the State of Ohio website allows Ohioans to find the CAA closest to them. Supporting documentation, including proof of income, identification and unpaid bills, is required during the application process. |
| Ohio Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
| Ohio Homeowner Assistance Fund | 888-362-6432 | The Homeowner Assistance Fund exists to help homeowners throughout Ohio who've experienced financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 or related economic issues. It provides temporary funding for property taxes, utilities, homeowner association fees and mortgage payments. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Ohio seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Department of Medicaid | 800-324-8680 | MyCare Ohio is a managed care waiver that provides services such as assisted living, community integration, home modifications and personal care aides. All care is provided within a managed care network and accessed as required under the supervision of a case manager |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Ohio seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Meals on Wheels | Ohio Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals and support services to statewide seniors ages 60 and over. Balanced meals are served in a congregate setting for those who can safely leave their homes, while those who are immobile can receive daily meal delivery with safety checks. Since programs operate independently, some offer meals that meet special dietary needs and cultural or ethnic preferences. Support services vary, but may include emergency meals, pet meal delivery, home repair and hospital discharge programs. | |
| Ohio Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | The Ohio Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income seniors obtain healthy food, so they can meet their nutritional needs. To be eligible, seniors must be residents of Ohio and meet income and resource guidelines. Once approved, seniors are provided with an electronic benefits transfer card, which can be used at grocery stores statewide to purchase food items, including breads and cereals, meat and fish, fruits and vegetables and dairy products. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Living
Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Ohio resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program | 800-266-4346 | The Assisted Living Waiver provides personal care for seniors and disabled persons. It also pays for remote support, money management assistance, transportation, specialized medical equipment and meals. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Ohio collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Central American Medical Outreach, Inc.(CAMO) | 330-683-5956 | CAMO's recycling program collects eyeglasses, hearing aids and assistive technology devices and redistributes them to those in need. The organization also redistributes urgent medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Ohio have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Section 504 Home Repair Program | 800-414-1226 | The Section 504 Home Repair Program helps very low-income seniors in rural areas access up to $10,000 in grants to make necessary home modifications, ensuring their homes are safe, accessible and habitable. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Ohio seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio 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. |
| Ohio Pro Seniors | 513-345-4160 | 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. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Ohio help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center | 800-438-4380 | Operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center provides free information about Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The center compiles authoritative, up-to-date information from various agencies and organizations to help seniors live with the disease. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Ohio resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio PASSPORT Waiver | The PASSPORT Waiver gives seniors the opportunity to choose where and how they receive long-term care by providing services in their communities. Covered services include social work, nonmedical transportation, home-delivered meals and personal care. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Ohio help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Ohio resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Homestead Exemption | The Homestead Exemption is available to low-income seniors and those with permanent disabilities. It provides property tax credits, allowing homeowners to exempt up to $25,000 of the value of their homes from local tax. | |
| Ohio AARP Tax-Aide Foundation Program | 888-227-7669 | Through the Ohio AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program, low- to middle-income taxpayers 50 years and older receive assistance from IRS-certified volunteers in preparing their tax returns. The service is free, and any personal information submitted by seniors is treated with confidentiality. Taxpayers booking an appointment need to ready pertinent documents, including a government-issued photo identification card, IRS-issued correspondence, all documents related to income and records of any federal, state or local income tax payments. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Ohio retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | 800-282-0880 | The Home Energy Assistance Program is a one-time benefit that helps low-income households cover the cost of their energy bills when they're at risk of disconnection or eviction due to nonpayment. |
Veteran's Services
Ohio retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio VA Benefits and Health Care | Ohio VA Benefits and Health Care system includes programs dedicated to the wellness of seniors with medical centers in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton, as well as many outpatient clinics, vet centers and benefits offices throughout the state. There's also a regional loan center in Cleveland that can assist eligible seniors with service-related disabilities get home loans and assistance staying in their homes and modifications to make the home accessible. |
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