Memory Care Communities in Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati’s memory care costs are higher than the state and national averages. Monthly memory care expenses in Ohio average $5,794, and the U.S. average Is $5,625. Within the state, Cincinnati’s memory care facility costs are higher than some, but not all, Ohio cities. In nearby Columbus and Springfield, memory care costs $5,106 and $4,575, respectively. Dayton’s costs are also lower, coming in at $5,313 per month. However, areas in northern Ohio, including Akron, cost more than Cincinnati, with monthly costs averaging $6,241.

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

The monthly cost of a memory care facility in Cincinnati averages $5,833.

Cincinnati’s memory care facilities often accept several forms of payment, including government benefits, Veterans’ Administration programs and private funds. Using a mix of the following payment strategies can make long-term care accessible for those with memory loss.

• Medicaid: Ohio’s Medicaid program pays for memory care services for qualifying residents through the Assisted Living Waiver and MyCare Ohio. These programs pay for chore services, skilled nursing, meals and 24-hour attendance in participating memory care facilities.
• Medicare: This program only covers hospital and medical care, meaning it doesn’t pay for the nonmedical services memory care communities provide. However, it can reduce residents’ out-of-pocket costs by paying for services such as medication administration, rehabilitative therapies and skilled nursing.
• VA Benefits: The VA helps qualified memory care residents cover their monthly fees through the Geriatrics and Extended Care program, which pays for caregiving services. Those who meet eligibility criteria may increase their monthly pension with the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit.
• Private payments: Private payments include a mix of long-term care insurance benefits, monthly income and retirement savings. Memory care residents can use private payments to cover all memory care expenses, including housing, specialized care and 24-hour monitoring.

Memory care facilities are just one type of senior care in the Cincinnati area. Seniors and their families can choose from other types of care as well, depending on their needs. The most inexpensive type of senior care is an adult day health care service, which costs $1,690 per month. Homemaker services and home health aides cost $5,148. An assisted living facility in Cincinnati costs, on average, $4,666 per month. Nursing home care is the most expensive, with a semi-private room costing $7,848 and a private room costing $8,760 per month. 

The Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Regulatory Operations licenses and certifies long-term care facilities, including memory care communities, throughout the state. Additionally, the Bureau of Survey and Certification conducts inspections of these facilities to ensure they comply with state regulations. 

Benefits

• Cincinnati supports a favorable environment for seniors and memory care residents through several programs, including initiatives for providing safe housing, expanded employment opportunities and improvements in public health, earning it a place in the AARP Age-Friendly Network.
• Cincinnati has a modest cost of living that runs almost 7% below national norms due to economical health care services, affordable housing and low food costs. The city's lower living costs may promote competitive memory care rates.
• Cincinnati experiences distinct seasons, with summer months spanning late May through the middle of September and the winter season lasting from the end of November to the end of February. These seasonal changes provide a variety of recreational opportunities and changes in scenery for memory care residents.

Drawbacks

• The American Lung Association reports that Hamilton County, where Cincinnati sits, scores an F for ozone pollution levels and a C for 24-hour particle pollution. It also receives a failing score for annual particle pollution. While this can worsen certain heart and lung conditions, memory care communities support residents’ health with air purification systems.
• Cincinnati’s crime rate surpasses that of 97% of communities nationwide, with the city reporting about eight violent crimes and 38 property-related offenses per 1,000 people annually. Fortunately, memory care residents benefit from enhanced security features, such as 24-hour supervision, fully enclosed courtyards and alarm systems.