Memory Care in Ohio

Alzheimer’s is a leading public health concern in Ohio where residents aged 65 and over account for 18% of the 12 million residents. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths related to this disease is on the rise. In 2016, 5,993 deaths in Ohio were linked to Alzheimer’s. This increased by 27% to 7,611 deaths in 2020. By comparison, the total number of deaths by all causes rose by less than 24%.

Ohio is home to numerous residential dementia care facilities that offer specialized care to those with dementia and peace of mind to their families. Seniors residing in these communities live in comfortable housing and are served nutritious meals, while regular housekeeping and linen services ensure a sanitary environment. Caregivers prove companionship and individualized care, and activity directors plan dementia-informed activities that promote residents’ physical, social and cognitive health.

This guide outlines memory care costs in Ohio, highlights ways seniors and families pay for services and lists key agencies and programs that support those impacted by dementia.

The Cost of Memory Care in Ohio

At $5,794, memory care in Ohio is approximately $169 more than the national average. Comparing neighboring states, memory care in Kentucky is one of the lowest in the region at $4,310 per month. West Virginia seniors pay around $5,200, while those in Philadelphia pay around $5,125. Indiana has the second-highest costs of neighboring states at $5,354 per month.

Cities in Ohio all have varying costs depending on many factors, including the age of the community, the size, the exact location and the types of care provided. Cincinnati has one of the highest costs at $6,333 per month, while Canton is slightly less at $6,131. In the northeast in Youngstown, the cost is around $5,923 per month, and in the center of the state in Columbus, memory care costs around $5,106. Dayton residents can expect to pay approximately $5,313, while those in Lima are closest to the state average at $5,754 per month.

There are other options for long-term care depending on a seniors’ needs. Homemaker services and a Home Health Aide are both ideal for individuals who prefer to age in place. In Ohio, these services cost $4,957 and $5,053, respectively. They both provide help with daily living tasks, but Home Health also offers some medical care. Adult Day Health is the least expensive at $1,733 per month, and an assisted living community is around $4,635. Seniors who require round-the-clock monitoring and more involved medical treatments may choose a nursing home for care. A semiprivate room costs around $7,300, and a private room is $8,213.

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Ohio?

In Ohio, Medicaid doesn’t directly cover the cost of memory care; however, it does cover some of the cost of an assisted living community and home health care for qualified applicants. A program and several waivers help cover some of the costs, including personal support services.

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Ohio?

Ohio’s Assisted Living Waiver Program pays for the cost of care for specific services, including meals, housekeeping, transportation, laundry, social activities and companionship. Other services covered under the program include medication reminders and assistance and health assessments and monitoring. Assessments are made by a local Area Agency on Aging to determine eligibility for the program.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Ohio

Medicaid eligibility in Ohio is determined by the amount of income and assets, citizenship, age and disability. An individual’s income must not be greater than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. This amount is $30,276 per year for a single applicant, and in a two-person household, the income limit is $30,276 per person. If one spouse doesn’t apply, this individual may be entitled to additional benefit amounts based on the Spousal Impoverishment Rule, which prevents leaving the spouse at home with little to no income.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Ohio

*Per year

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Be either 65 and older, blind or have a qualifying disability
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident or legal alien
• Resident of Ohio

How to Apply for Medicaid in Ohio

Seniors in Ohio may apply for Medicaid online at Ohio Benefits or by phone via the Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680. Applications may be submitted in person at any local Department of Job and Family Services at any local Area Agency on Aging. To apply by mail, download the appropriate forms and mail to the Ohio Department of Medicaid, 50 West Town Street, Suite 400, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or fax to (614) 280-0977.

Information You Will Need

• Proof of citizenship
• Social Security number
• Valid government-issued ID
• Copies of bank statements for the last 60 days
• Copies of income for the last 60 days
• Proof of property ownership, including deeds and titles
• Social Security Income (SSI) awards letter
• Copies of your will, powers of attorney and other documents related to your estate

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Navigating the different plan options for Medicaid can be a challenge for seniors who need assistance paying for memory care. The following resources provide information on eligibility and how to apply.

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Ohio?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Ohio. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Ohio.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Ohio

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Ohio

Several free to low-cost programs and services are available to seniors in memory care throughout Ohio. These services address various needs and can provide support to loved ones and caregivers of those with cognitive impairments.

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Ohio

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.ohio.gov and cdc.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 4/26/22, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Ohio

Ohio assisted living communities that provide memory care services are known as residential care facilities, and these facilities are regulated by the Ohio Department of Health. Every RCF that offers accommodations for three or more unrelated individuals who require supervision and personal care services must be licensed by the Bureau of Regulatory Operations of the ODH, and a minimum of one unannounced inspection is performed every 9-15 months by ODH inspectors.

Frequently Asked Questions