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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.
Find Memory Care Options Near You
The Cost of Memory Care in Ohio
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, 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 memory care in Ohio and its 54 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Ohio's Top Cities
The cost of care can very significantly, depending on where in Ohio the memory care community is located. Columbus and Cincinnati, for instance, are both less expensive for memory care than the $5,352 state average, at $4,190 and $5,141, respectively. Dayton's care costs are $281 higher than the state average, at $5,633 a month. Toledo has some of the state's highest averages, at $6,400 a month for memory care.
Ohio
$5,352
Columbus
$4,190
Dayton
$5,633
Toledo
$6,400
Cincinnati
$5,141
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Ohio
Memory care costs are going up in Ohio with the rising toll of inflation. From 2022-2024, costs for memory care rose by 20%, from $4,827 to a 2024 estimate of $5,826 a month. Costs nationwide also rise by 19%, from $4,863 to $5,792 over the same period. Significant increases are also occurring in Arizona, from $4,698 to a projected $6,209 (32%), Illinois, from $5,328 to $6,382 (20%) and in New York, from $5,244 to $6,416 (22%). Wisconsin has a projected 20% increase, from $5,620 to $6,768.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $4,827 | $5,352 | $5,826 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Arizona | $4,698 | $5,401 | $6,209 |
| Illinois | $5,328 | $5,790 | $6,382 |
| New York | $5,244 | $6,449 | $6,416 |
| Wisconsin | $5,620 | $6,083 | $6,768 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
The close supervision and treatment offered by a memory care community might not be the most appropriate or affordable choice for many seniors. Depending on the senior's needs, older adults in Ohio might pay $4,478 a month for assisted living or $2,861 for independent living services. Both of these are substantial savings over the $5,352 cost of memory care.
Assisted Living
$4,478
Memory Care
$5,352
Independent Living
$2,861
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Ohio?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home 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 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Ohio
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two Person | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620*** |
| Two Person | 2 | $65,808 | $3,000 |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***If a couple has $200,000 in assets the healthy spouse may keep $100,000. But if the couple has total assets of $297,240 or more, the healthy spouse may retain only $148,620.
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.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline | (800) 324-8680 | The Ohio Medicaid hotline provides counselors who answer questions concerning coverage, eligibility, appeals and status updates. The service is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. |
| Ohio Legal Help | (614) 285-6710 | Ohio Legal Help offers basic information on Medicaid, including how to apply and what the plan covers for eligible individuals. Legal Help also assists with Medicaid fraud and other issues that arise with payments. |
| CareSource | (800) 488-0134 | CareSource is one option for Medicaid plans in Ohio. With CareSource, seniors take advantage of free transportation to medical appointments, and there’s never a copay for medical and behavioral health services. |
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.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Memory Care. |
| 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 Memory Care. 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 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 Memory Care. 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 Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for an LTC insurance policy. |
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.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Area Agencies on Aging | (614) 481-3511 | Local Area Agencies on Aging develop, coordinate, execute and advocate for services for the aging population and for those with disabilities. A part of the national network of nonprofit agencies, the Area Agencies on Aging help with home-delivered meals, social and recreational activities, caregiver support, case management, insurance counseling and transportation. |
| Alzheimer’s Association | (800) 272-3900 | The Alzheimer’s Association is a national nonprofit charitable organization that serves as an advocate for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It also provides education, caregiver support and support groups. |
| Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 282-1206 | The Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for seniors living in long-term care communities and provides information and resources. Volunteers in the ombudsman program work to resolve complaints, link seniors with other agencies and services and visit long-term care communities to regulate their services. |
| Ohio Department of Veterans Services | (614) 644-0898 | The Ohio Department of Veterans Services connects men and women who’ve served in the military with available programs and services to address daily needs and to improve their quality of life. The Aid and Attendance Housing Benefit helps seniors in long-term care pay for services like housekeeping, transportation, meals, grooming and health care. |
| 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. |
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. |
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.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Home care agencies may provide assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, homemaking, companionship, respite and any other nonskilled services that a patient may need. |
| Care Plan Requirements | Ohio memory care facilities must develop and maintain an up-to-date care plan for all residents that includes the individual's personal preferences and goals. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Memory care providers may assist patients with self-administered medications, while RCFs with licensed nursing staff on-site may administer medications as permitted by the nursing license. |
| Staff Screening Requirements | All RCF staff must successfully undergo a criminal background check, and staff with direct resident contact must be screened for tuberculosis. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Care providers must demonstrate a basic understanding of residents' rights, principles of care and management of Alzheimer's disease and memory loss by successfully completing a competency evaluation program administered by the facility's director. |
| Medicaid Coverage | The MyCare Ohio Plan, Assisted Living Waiver and Residential State Supplement programs cover some or all of the cost of memory care for those who qualify. |
| Reporting Abuse | Anyone who suspects elder abuse in an Ohio memory care community should contact Ohio's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program by calling (800) 282-1206 or filing a report with the local law enforcement agency. |
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