Columbus, GA, is a large community of about 207,000 people. While Alzheimer’s rates in this city are dropping, this disease continues to be a threat to the health of seniors, who make up about 13% of the population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in 2020, about 7.6% of deaths were linked to Alzheimer’s. While this is down from 8.3% in 2016, it still indicates that this disease is a significant health concern for older adults.
To meet the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Columbus has numerous residential dementia care facilities. These long-term care communities provide standard assisted living services, such as housing, daily meals and snacks, and individualized care plans. They also feature increased security features and protocols to prevent wandering, and they have dementia-informed programming to keep residents engaged.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at memory care in Columbus, including how local care costs compare to rates in other Georgia cities, options individuals may have for paying for services and agencies, and programs that provide support and information.
Directory of Memory Care Facilities in Columbus, OH
5380 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43213
We chose The Woodlands of Columbus for dad. I met with the director, and I’ve gone on a tour. I’m taking my dad there today for an evaluation. I liked it the most because they didn’t isolate the memor
… (read more)
We chose The Woodlands of Columbus for dad. I met with the director, and I’ve gone on a tour. I’m taking my dad there today for an evaluation. I liked it the most because they didn’t isolate the memory care from the assisted living care. They do a great job of balancing both memory care and assisted living care together. The price point is excellent compared to most. It’s an older facility, but they’re doing upgrades within the interior. I was pleased with that. The location is convenient, and I felt very comfortable there. I think there’s a lot of diversity there, which helps as well. The staff was very personable, informative, and patient. I felt like I was welcome. They have a beauty and barber salon, an activity room, a spa and treatment room, and on-site physical therapy. They have twenty-four-hour kitchen service, meal service, laundry service, and twenty-four-hour nursing care. They have a bathroom and shower in each room.
(read less)
We chose The Woodlands of Columbus for dad. I met with the director, and I’ve gone on a tour. I’m taking my dad there today for an evaluation. I liked it the most because they didn’t isolate the memor
… (read more)
We chose The Woodlands of Columbus for dad. I met with the director, and I’ve gone on a tour. I’m taking my dad there today for an evaluation. I liked it the most because they didn’t isolate the memory care from the assisted living care. They do a great job of balancing both memory care and assisted living care together. The price point is excellent compared to most. It’s an older facility, but they’re doing upgrades within the interior. I was pleased with that. The location is convenient, and I felt very comfortable there. I think there’s a lot of diversity there, which helps as well. The staff was very personable, informative, and patient. I felt like I was welcome. They have a beauty and barber salon, an activity room, a spa and treatment room, and on-site physical therapy. They have twenty-four-hour kitchen service, meal service, laundry service, and twenty-four-hour nursing care. They have a bathroom and shower in each room.
(read less)
5675 Ponderosa Blvd., Columbus, OH, 43231
My father-in-law is in Westerwood. He was in the skilled nursing part first, and now he is in the memory care unit. It’s very clean and inviting. It’s really big. There are a lot of residents and ever
… (read more)
My father-in-law is in Westerwood. He was in the skilled nursing part first, and now he is in the memory care unit. It’s very clean and inviting. It’s really big. There are a lot of residents and everyone has been very nice, kind, and helpful. The memory care room is nice. It has brand new floors and tall ceilings. It was unfurnished, though, which I was not expecting, so we rented a bed from Medicare and got a couple of chairs in there. It’s got a really big bathroom with no door, which was good, because my father-in-law was getting caught in the door at the skilled nursing place. It was not any fault of theirs. This one’s wide so he can get his wheelchair there. It’s got a shower room where they can have him take a shower with a chair. You don’t necessarily need a whole lot of furniture in your room, because there are a lot of sitting areas outside.
They have a beautiful courtyard that’s locked in where we can take my father-in-law out without worrying if he’s going to wander off. There are lots of bird feeders, which is nice, and there’s even one right outside of his window. They have a little putting green that they can use. They give you a nice calendar of all the activities and things that you can go to. It’s a very nice schedule (they just had a little concert). I also like that there are choices as far as their food. They bring out a cart of different options. There are two different entrees, and then you can choose your sides. I would recommend this place.
(read less)
My father-in-law is in Westerwood. He was in the skilled nursing part first, and now he is in the memory care unit. It’s very clean and inviting. It’s really big. There are a lot of residents and ever
… (read more)
My father-in-law is in Westerwood. He was in the skilled nursing part first, and now he is in the memory care unit. It’s very clean and inviting. It’s really big. There are a lot of residents and everyone has been very nice, kind, and helpful. The memory care room is nice. It has brand new floors and tall ceilings. It was unfurnished, though, which I was not expecting, so we rented a bed from Medicare and got a couple of chairs in there. It’s got a really big bathroom with no door, which was good, because my father-in-law was getting caught in the door at the skilled nursing place. It was not any fault of theirs. This one’s wide so he can get his wheelchair there. It’s got a shower room where they can have him take a shower with a chair. You don’t necessarily need a whole lot of furniture in your room, because there are a lot of sitting areas outside.
They have a beautiful courtyard that’s locked in where we can take my father-in-law out without worrying if he’s going to wander off. There are lots of bird feeders, which is nice, and there’s even one right outside of his window. They have a little putting green that they can use. They give you a nice calendar of all the activities and things that you can go to. It’s a very nice schedule (they just had a little concert). I also like that there are choices as far as their food. They bring out a cart of different options. There are two different entrees, and then you can choose your sides. I would recommend this place.
(read less)
1001 Parkview Blvd., Columbus, OH, 43219
2870 Snouffer Road, Columbus, OH, 43235
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Danbury in Columbus is close to Interstate 270, Perry Park and the Sun Center shopping mall. Residents and visitors agree that the facility serves delicious, chef-prepared f
… (read more)
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Danbury in Columbus is close to Interstate 270, Perry Park and the Sun Center shopping mall. Residents and visitors agree that the facility serves delicious, chef-prepared food in its restaurant-style dining area. Visitors praise the warm, homelike atmosphere and the clean, spacious accommodations. Residents appreciate the kind, caring and helpful staff, and they also enjoy having access to an on-site exercise room and library. The community also gets rave reviews for scheduling many engaging activities, including craft-making projects, music recitals and trips to local restaurants and attractions.
(read less)
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Danbury in Columbus is close to Interstate 270, Perry Park and the Sun Center shopping mall. Residents and visitors agree that the facility serves delicious, chef-prepared f
… (read more)
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Danbury in Columbus is close to Interstate 270, Perry Park and the Sun Center shopping mall. Residents and visitors agree that the facility serves delicious, chef-prepared food in its restaurant-style dining area. Visitors praise the warm, homelike atmosphere and the clean, spacious accommodations. Residents appreciate the kind, caring and helpful staff, and they also enjoy having access to an on-site exercise room and library. The community also gets rave reviews for scheduling many engaging activities, including craft-making projects, music recitals and trips to local restaurants and attractions.
(read less)
6377 Cooper Road, Columbus, OH, 43231
I toured Brookdale Westerville for my mom. It’s very small and has a very home-like feeling, and very welcoming. You have to be careful though when you pull in, because there is a living facility that
… (read more)
I toured Brookdale Westerville for my mom. It’s very small and has a very home-like feeling, and very welcoming. You have to be careful though when you pull in, because there is a living facility that’s for those with developmental delays. That is the first part of the driveway. You have to actually drive to the rear to get to Brookdale itself.
I was impressed with the fact that it seemed as if the staff knew each resident by their name. The residents seemed very comfortable with their interactions with the staff, at least what I witnessed anyway.
They had a community room where they were doing, I guess, like a Bible study. And they have a very nice outdoor patio area for the residents where there’s old country time rocking chairs and a garden area. It’s just beautiful.
I like the way the memory care was laid out. It’s simply a different door you go through, and it’s not marked too dramatically different from the rest of the facility, so it doesn’t make you feel like you’re walking into another part or a part that’s segregated from the rest of the facility. I really like that.
(read less)
I toured Brookdale Westerville for my mom. It’s very small and has a very home-like feeling, and very welcoming. You have to be careful though when you pull in, because there is a living facility that
… (read more)
I toured Brookdale Westerville for my mom. It’s very small and has a very home-like feeling, and very welcoming. You have to be careful though when you pull in, because there is a living facility that’s for those with developmental delays. That is the first part of the driveway. You have to actually drive to the rear to get to Brookdale itself.
I was impressed with the fact that it seemed as if the staff knew each resident by their name. The residents seemed very comfortable with their interactions with the staff, at least what I witnessed anyway.
They had a community room where they were doing, I guess, like a Bible study. And they have a very nice outdoor patio area for the residents where there’s old country time rocking chairs and a garden area. It’s just beautiful.
I like the way the memory care was laid out. It’s simply a different door you go through, and it’s not marked too dramatically different from the rest of the facility, so it doesn’t make you feel like you’re walking into another part or a part that’s segregated from the rest of the facility. I really like that.
(read less)
5550 Sinclair Rd, Columbus, OH, 43229
3500 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH, 43221
My father-in-law is a resident. They have done a great job taking care of him, especially during COVID. He is showered, fed, and overseen. We can’t get in there to see him, so we do a once a week visi
… (read more)
My father-in-law is a resident. They have done a great job taking care of him, especially during COVID. He is showered, fed, and overseen. We can’t get in there to see him, so we do a once a week visitation. As far as care, he has been well taken care of. It seems very good. We work well with Angela, who has been wonderful. Cara, the nurse, has been wonderful, too. She answers any questions my mother-in-law has. She also tries to reassure my mother-in-law because she is very sad that she can’t see my father-in-law every day. We know that they’re taking the best care of him.
(read less)
My father-in-law is a resident. They have done a great job taking care of him, especially during COVID. He is showered, fed, and overseen. We can’t get in there to see him, so we do a once a week visi
… (read more)
My father-in-law is a resident. They have done a great job taking care of him, especially during COVID. He is showered, fed, and overseen. We can’t get in there to see him, so we do a once a week visitation. As far as care, he has been well taken care of. It seems very good. We work well with Angela, who has been wonderful. Cara, the nurse, has been wonderful, too. She answers any questions my mother-in-law has. She also tries to reassure my mother-in-law because she is very sad that she can’t see my father-in-law every day. We know that they’re taking the best care of him.
(read less)
579 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201
79 Blossom Field Blvd, Columbus, OH, 43213
My father moved to Cherry Blossom Senior Living. I very much like the facility. They are very communicative. We keep in touch quite often, which I very much appreciate with the lockdown; that’s a very
… (read more)
My father moved to Cherry Blossom Senior Living. I very much like the facility. They are very communicative. We keep in touch quite often, which I very much appreciate with the lockdown; that’s a very important thing. I think the room is appropriately sized for him. I think he wanted something a little bigger, but he doesn’t really need anything bigger. It doesn’t look like you’re in any kind of facility. It doesn’t look like you’re in a hospital or anything like that. So, it’s cozy.
He likes the food. He’s a little bit immobile, so he can’t participate in all of the activities, but he does get frequent visits. I know they have a theatre, a courtyard, and a bistro like a food place. They do have a bar for happy hour and that is all I’m personally aware of. They could have more, but I’m not totally sure. I very much like their layout. I like the facility. I like the inside. It’s a brand-new facility, so everything looks very new and modern.
(read less)
My father moved to Cherry Blossom Senior Living. I very much like the facility. They are very communicative. We keep in touch quite often, which I very much appreciate with the lockdown; that’s a very
… (read more)
My father moved to Cherry Blossom Senior Living. I very much like the facility. They are very communicative. We keep in touch quite often, which I very much appreciate with the lockdown; that’s a very important thing. I think the room is appropriately sized for him. I think he wanted something a little bigger, but he doesn’t really need anything bigger. It doesn’t look like you’re in any kind of facility. It doesn’t look like you’re in a hospital or anything like that. So, it’s cozy.
He likes the food. He’s a little bit immobile, so he can’t participate in all of the activities, but he does get frequent visits. I know they have a theatre, a courtyard, and a bistro like a food place. They do have a bar for happy hour and that is all I’m personally aware of. They could have more, but I’m not totally sure. I very much like their layout. I like the facility. I like the inside. It’s a brand-new facility, so everything looks very new and modern.
(read less)
1149 College Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43209
1800 Riverside Drive, Columbus, OH, 43212
5546 Karl Road, Columbus, OH, 43229
4590 Knightsbridge Boulevard, Columbus, OH, 43214
My aunt lived in Independent Living at the Forum for several years. After a broken hip she wanted to return to the Forum and was put in the memory care area. Neither she nor the family were happy .
… (read more)
My aunt lived in Independent Living at the Forum for several years. After a broken hip she wanted to return to the Forum and was put in the memory care area. Neither she nor the family were happy . We found in that area a lack of activities which she was accustomed to. We also walking through the hall could smell urine from another resident’s room which was very close to the receptionist ‘s desk and close to the area the nurse is as well as the aides. It was I who called their attention to the odor. The worst thing that happened was my sister-in-law requested a UTI test be taken for my aunt. Two days later I also requested that test to be taken.. 11 days after the requests my aunt was taken by ambulance to the hospital for pain. It was found she had a UTI infection which caused AFIB and a pocket of infection in her lung. The dr treating her at Riverside requested the results of UTI test we requested at the Forum. The nurse hadn’t called us back, my sister-in -law went there and the nurse said she would get results but then wasn’t in office when SIL went back. I then called and surprise.. no UTI test was taken as we asked for twice. My aunt was never able to fight back and died!
(read less)
My aunt lived in Independent Living at the Forum for several years. After a broken hip she wanted to return to the Forum and was put in the memory care area. Neither she nor the family were happy .
… (read more)
My aunt lived in Independent Living at the Forum for several years. After a broken hip she wanted to return to the Forum and was put in the memory care area. Neither she nor the family were happy . We found in that area a lack of activities which she was accustomed to. We also walking through the hall could smell urine from another resident’s room which was very close to the receptionist ‘s desk and close to the area the nurse is as well as the aides. It was I who called their attention to the odor. The worst thing that happened was my sister-in-law requested a UTI test be taken for my aunt. Two days later I also requested that test to be taken.. 11 days after the requests my aunt was taken by ambulance to the hospital for pain. It was found she had a UTI infection which caused AFIB and a pocket of infection in her lung. The dr treating her at Riverside requested the results of UTI test we requested at the Forum. The nurse hadn’t called us back, my sister-in -law went there and the nurse said she would get results but then wasn’t in office when SIL went back. I then called and surprise.. no UTI test was taken as we asked for twice. My aunt was never able to fight back and died!
(read less)
5055 Thompson Road, Columbus, OH, 43230
It was awesome. They had great amenities and a lot of great things at that location. I liked the design, the layout, and the rooms. The memory care section was awesome. They had a lot of staff there.
… (read more)
It was awesome. They had great amenities and a lot of great things at that location. I liked the design, the layout, and the rooms. The memory care section was awesome. They had a lot of staff there. They had a chef on site that did all their meals. They even brought us a tray of snacks and it was good.
The memory care was locked doors. If anybody tries to go out, it alerts the staff. So, it was set up nicely. There’s plenty of room to lounge around and be social. Their rooms looked very personable. It didn’t feel like you were going into a nursing home or a hospital. This place was set up pretty nicely. Siobhan was awesome. She’s followed up with us a couple of times and even invited us out there for activities to bring mom to (even though she’s not a resident there). The facility was very clean and very accommodating. It was just a good facility.
(read less)
It was awesome. They had great amenities and a lot of great things at that location. I liked the design, the layout, and the rooms. The memory care section was awesome. They had a lot of staff there.
… (read more)
It was awesome. They had great amenities and a lot of great things at that location. I liked the design, the layout, and the rooms. The memory care section was awesome. They had a lot of staff there. They had a chef on site that did all their meals. They even brought us a tray of snacks and it was good.
The memory care was locked doors. If anybody tries to go out, it alerts the staff. So, it was set up nicely. There’s plenty of room to lounge around and be social. Their rooms looked very personable. It didn’t feel like you were going into a nursing home or a hospital. This place was set up pretty nicely. Siobhan was awesome. She’s followed up with us a couple of times and even invited us out there for activities to bring mom to (even though she’s not a resident there). The facility was very clean and very accommodating. It was just a good facility.
(read less)
5249 Rush Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43214
Wonderful! Let me start with that!
Eason House came as a recommendation from the daughter of a previous resident who lived there for more that two years.
We are very happy with the care provided to
… (read more)
Wonderful! Let me start with that!
Eason House came as a recommendation from the daughter of a previous resident who lived there for more that two years.
We are very happy with the care provided to my father. He transitioned from our home to Eason. The transition was amazing. He literally felt like he was at home with much of the support he got from his living in my house with family for 5 years.
Eason is a great place if you’re looking for a home setting with great care and a low ratio of care provider to resident.
(read less)
Wonderful! Let me start with that!
Eason House came as a recommendation from the daughter of a previous resident who lived there for more that two years.
We are very happy with the care provided to
… (read more)
Wonderful! Let me start with that!
Eason House came as a recommendation from the daughter of a previous resident who lived there for more that two years.
We are very happy with the care provided to my father. He transitioned from our home to Eason. The transition was amazing. He literally felt like he was at home with much of the support he got from his living in my house with family for 5 years.
Eason is a great place if you’re looking for a home setting with great care and a low ratio of care provider to resident.
(read less)
700 Jasonway Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43214
My father is at the Columbus Alzheimer Care Center. Their care is excellent, and the place is really nice. They’re allowed to go outside, they have activities, they have TV they can watch or music the
… (read more)
My father is at the Columbus Alzheimer Care Center. Their care is excellent, and the place is really nice. They’re allowed to go outside, they have activities, they have TV they can watch or music they can listen to. His room is clean, I just want a different bed than the one that he’s got. The staff is great. They’re allowed to have snacks and drinks from time to time, and they do the laundry for them. His room has lots of windows, but it’s a little warm. They need to work on the air-conditioning. He hasn’t been there that long, but the staff really cares about their residents.
(read less)
My father is at the Columbus Alzheimer Care Center. Their care is excellent, and the place is really nice. They’re allowed to go outside, they have activities, they have TV they can watch or music the
… (read more)
My father is at the Columbus Alzheimer Care Center. Their care is excellent, and the place is really nice. They’re allowed to go outside, they have activities, they have TV they can watch or music they can listen to. His room is clean, I just want a different bed than the one that he’s got. The staff is great. They’re allowed to have snacks and drinks from time to time, and they do the laundry for them. His room has lots of windows, but it’s a little warm. They need to work on the air-conditioning. He hasn’t been there that long, but the staff really cares about their residents.
(read less)
2841 EAST DUBLIN-GRANVILLE ROAD, Columbus, OH, 43231
My husband is now at Forest Hills Center. I chose it because it was available and it’s nice. I like it, and he does, too. They play games and they do things with them. They listen to music, and they g
… (read more)
My husband is now at Forest Hills Center. I chose it because it was available and it’s nice. I like it, and he does, too. They play games and they do things with them. They listen to music, and they go bowling with the clients. They have different activities. He likes to dance, and they dance. The staff seems nice, attentive, and caring. Every time I have been there, they have been very nice and caring to my husband and to the other clients. The food looks good, and my husband eats it all. I have seen him eat everything that they bring. It’s a nice place.
(read less)
My husband is now at Forest Hills Center. I chose it because it was available and it’s nice. I like it, and he does, too. They play games and they do things with them. They listen to music, and they g
… (read more)
My husband is now at Forest Hills Center. I chose it because it was available and it’s nice. I like it, and he does, too. They play games and they do things with them. They listen to music, and they go bowling with the clients. They have different activities. He likes to dance, and they dance. The staff seems nice, attentive, and caring. Every time I have been there, they have been very nice and caring to my husband and to the other clients. The food looks good, and my husband eats it all. I have seen him eat everything that they bring. It’s a nice place.
(read less)
3717 Orders Rd, Grove City, OH, 43123
StoryPoint Grove City is located in Grove City, Ohio, near Interstate 71 and close to the Gardens at Gantz Farm and Trapper John’s Canoe Livery. Guests give the facility excellent reviews for its rest
… (read more)
StoryPoint Grove City is located in Grove City, Ohio, near Interstate 71 and close to the Gardens at Gantz Farm and Trapper John’s Canoe Livery. Guests give the facility excellent reviews for its restaurant-style dining experience, which includes delicious chef-prepared meals and multiple menu options. According to family members, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and devoted to helping residents feel at home. This community is also commended for its clean atmosphere and spacious, attractive apartments. StoryPoint offers residents a wide range of activities including shopping trips and fitness classes to improve mobility and balance.
(read less)
StoryPoint Grove City is located in Grove City, Ohio, near Interstate 71 and close to the Gardens at Gantz Farm and Trapper John’s Canoe Livery. Guests give the facility excellent reviews for its rest
… (read more)
StoryPoint Grove City is located in Grove City, Ohio, near Interstate 71 and close to the Gardens at Gantz Farm and Trapper John’s Canoe Livery. Guests give the facility excellent reviews for its restaurant-style dining experience, which includes delicious chef-prepared meals and multiple menu options. According to family members, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and devoted to helping residents feel at home. This community is also commended for its clean atmosphere and spacious, attractive apartments. StoryPoint offers residents a wide range of activities including shopping trips and fitness classes to improve mobility and balance.
(read less)
4000 Lakeview Crossing, Groveport, OH, 43125
775 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, OH, 43230
Sunrise of Gahanna is located in Gahanna, Ohio, minutes away from major thoroughfares, the Ohio State University Hospital and the Easton Town Center. Residents and their loved ones describe the facili
… (read more)
Sunrise of Gahanna is located in Gahanna, Ohio, minutes away from major thoroughfares, the Ohio State University Hospital and the Easton Town Center. Residents and their loved ones describe the facility as clean, beautiful and well-maintained and the staff as exceptionally responsive to residents’ needs. They also note the spacious rooms, meticulous grounds and the cozy atmosphere of the facility. Residents enjoy a wide range of activities such as cards, bingo, worship services and movies. Guest speakers and entertainers visit the facility often. A spa and garden and patio area are two of the many amenities available.
(read less)
Sunrise of Gahanna is located in Gahanna, Ohio, minutes away from major thoroughfares, the Ohio State University Hospital and the Easton Town Center. Residents and their loved ones describe the facili
… (read more)
Sunrise of Gahanna is located in Gahanna, Ohio, minutes away from major thoroughfares, the Ohio State University Hospital and the Easton Town Center. Residents and their loved ones describe the facility as clean, beautiful and well-maintained and the staff as exceptionally responsive to residents’ needs. They also note the spacious rooms, meticulous grounds and the cozy atmosphere of the facility. Residents enjoy a wide range of activities such as cards, bingo, worship services and movies. Guest speakers and entertainers visit the facility often. A spa and garden and patio area are two of the many amenities available.
(read less)
COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Columbus
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Ohio. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Columbus
Memory care and assisted living communities are often housed together within the same building, and both are regulated and licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), under the umbrella of “residential care facilities.” The ODH is responsible for providing initial licensure and conducting inspections on site to ensure that the community complies with state care regulations.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Columbus
- Columbus is a member of the AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which means that the elected leaders of Columbus have made a commitment to work toward making their city more senior-friendly. In the few years since it completed its strategic planning, Columbus has already improved accessibility to seniors when traveling between different neighborhoods.
- In Columbus, weather conditions change very quickly no matter what the season, making it difficult to plan anything in advance. With 190 cloudy days each year, Columbus is also considered one of the dreariest cities in the country, particularly during the winter, when it isn’t unusual for residents to go without sunlight for months. In the summer, consistently high humidity levels can make temperatures downright unbearable. Of course, there are always plenty of things to do around town to distract from the unpleasant weather.
- The cost of living in Columbus averages around 11% less than the national average, making it one of the best cities for seniors who are living on a budget. The city is in the top quarter of U.S. cities for affordability. With the exception of the housing market, the cost of other commodities and services is also below the state and national average.
- Getting around the city is more difficult for seniors who live in Columbus than those who live in other cities. The city’s main bus service, COTA, has yet to expand its service to much of the suburbs, and in general the suburbs have a low “walkability” score, making it hard for seniors to get around without a private vehicle. The city is working on solutions to this problem through a special on-demand service called COTA//Plus designed to connect some of the less-traveled areas of Columbus.
- Top-notch medical care is scattered across the city, so regardless of where seniors live, they have easy access to advanced treatment facilities and hospitals. Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry is one of the state’s most comprehensive inpatient dementia care centers in the country. The Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders through the OSU Wexner Medical Center also provides research-driven treatment for seniors throughout the state; the center has conducted more than 100 clinical trials in the field and was the first health care facility in Central Ohio to offer deep brain stimulation.
Paying for Memory Care in Columbus
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
The majority of seniors in Columbus who need memory care reside in secured wings of assisted living communities. The unique challenges involved in caring for those with memory impairments require a highly skilled team of caregivers, the cost of which is 20-30% more than assisted living. Since there is no report for the cost of memory care, we estimated the price by adding 25% to the cost of assisted living care in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Families in Columbus pay approximately $5,100 per month for memory care provided in senior communities. This is $500 less than the national average and $700 less than the state average. The smaller city of Springfield, located about an hour to the west of Columbus, offers memory care for $4,600 a month, while the city of Dayton—just thirty minutes farther southwest—averages $200 more expensive than Columbus. The average cost of memory care tends to increase as we travel north of Columbus, with the city of Mansfield averaging $6,000 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Within the range of care options in Columbus, memory care sits in the middle with an average cost of $5,100. The least expensive is Adult Day Health Care at $1,733 per month. Assisted living facilities cost on average $4,085 per month for a private room. Full-time Homemaker services and Home Health Aides can cost $5,625 per month, and nursing homes are the most expensive, ranging from almost $7,500 to more than $8,500 per month.
Nursing Home Semi-Private Room
Nursing Home Private Room
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Columbus
In Columbus, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Ohio page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Ohio page.
Free Memory Care Resources in Columbus
Central Ohio provides a supportive community for seniors and their families who are living with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The table below provides an overview and contact information of some of the local agencies and support groups available to local memory care seniors.
This clinic deals specifically with neurodegenerative disorders such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. They have a neuroscience wellness center and provide exercises and learning tools to improve how seniors live with their conditions.
COAAA takes a large role in ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities can live independently. The organization works with area providers to help with ADL tasks, transportation, providing meals and looking for homes or assistance with utilities/prescription drugs.
The Central Ohio chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves fourteen counties in the Columbus area by offering educational programs, support groups and advocacy to seniors and their families in the area who are being impacted by the disease. The chapter regularly holds events and meetups for those in the early stages of Alzheimer's, although the Covid-19 has led to a temporary move to the virtual realm.
The Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for seniors with dementia-related memory impairment who live in a memory care community or other social residence. The Ombudsman addresses the concerns of seniors who believe they are being treated unfairly or are being denied the care they deserve. In some cases, the Ombudsman will have to investigate charges of neglect or exploitation made by a senior client to determine the best course of action.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Columbus
Columbus Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Ohio are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Ohio page for more information about these laws.