Assisted Living in Akron, OH

Assisted Living Costs in Akron

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, at $4,560, the average monthly price for assisted living in Akron is higher than the national ($4,000) and state ($4,278) averages. Costs are much lower in Canton ($3,798), Youngstown ($3,600) and Cleveland ($3,400) and similarly priced in Mansfield ($4,530) and Toledo ($4,300). 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Monthly senior care costs in Akron vary from $1,159 for adult day health services up to $7,733 for semiprivate nursing home care. This wide price range is reflective of the differences in the type of care, the number of direct service hours provided weekly and what’s included in the cost. 

At $3,813 a month for 44 hours of weekly home health aide or homemaker services, these options cost about $747 less than assisted living. Seniors who remain in their own homes still pay ongoing expenses, such as groceries, home maintenance and utilities, while seniors who opt for residential care pay for room and board, which is included in their monthly fees. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Akron

Medicaid in Ohio

Medicaid is the national program that provides basic health care coverage to children, adults and seniors who would otherwise not be able to afford health services. Medicaid is funded by the federal and state governments, and services include emergency, acute and long-term care. 

In Ohio the Medicaid program is administered by the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Seniors aged 65 and older who earn no more than $2,313 per month, or $4,626 per couple, may qualify for free Medicaid coverage. 

Medicaid applicants must also meet asset or resource limits of $2,000 per individual and $3,000 per couple when both spouses are seeking Medicaid coverage. Some assets are exempt, including one vehicle, a burial trust worth up to $1,500 and a home, valued at no more than $585,000, in which the applicant lives. 

For more information, contact the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680. 

Ohio Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program

Seniors who qualify for free Medicaid coverage and meet the criteria for nursing home placement may be eligible for enrollment in the Ohio Assisted Living Medicaid waiver program. 

The ALW is designed to help seniors age in place in their communities rather than a nursing home. Under the ALW seniors may be provided with a variety of services designed to support their safety and wellness within an assisted living setting, such as: 

• Skilled nursing 
• Medication management and administration
• Recreational and social programming
• Housekeeping 
• Personal care
• Transportation to and from medical appointments
• A personal emergency response system 
• Access to 24-hour support within their assisted living facility
• Three meals per day

Seniors who are already living at a nursing home and would like to transition to an assisted living facility may also qualify for a community transition service. This service helps seniors move and assists with relocating household items and furniture as needed. 

To apply for the ALW seniors must complete an application before participating in a telephone screening and an in-person assessment. 

For more information on the ALW and to request an assessment, contact Direction Home, the Akron-Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities, at (800) 421-7277.  

MyCare Ohio 

Summit County is one of 88 counties in Ohio that participates in the MyCare Ohio health plan. This managed care program coordinates care for Ohio residents who receive both Medicaid and Medicare coverage, and enrollment is mandatory for seniors who meet the eligibility criteria. 

MyCare Ohio uses an interdisciplinary team approach to identify the unique care needs of each senior in order to streamline service delivery and prevent gaps and overlaps in care. 

Seniors who are enrolled in MyCare Ohio have a case manager who acts as a point of contact for all Medicaid- and Medicare-funded services and programs, including seniors who are enrolled in the Assisted Living Medicaid waiver. 

For more information on Ohio Medicaid, MyCare Ohio and the Assisted Living waiver, contact the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplementation

Medicaid-eligible seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits and reside in an assisted living facility because they’re unable to live on their own may qualify for additional state-funded cash benefits through the Ohio Optional State Supplementation program. 

Individual seniors may be eligible for up to $1,280 in combined SSI/OSS benefits monthly, while couples may be eligible for up to $2,370. 

For more information on Ohio’s OSS, contact the Akron Social Security office at (800) 772-1213. 

Assisted Living Resources in Akron

Senior Clubs and Recreation Services

There are a number of social clubs geared towards seniors based out of local community and recreation centers throughout Akron. These clubs are designed to promote friendship and wellness among older adults by hosting special events, day trips and escorted overnight trips for seniors. 

Community Aid Agencies

Direction Home, the Akron-Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities, provides seniors with information about local resources, access to free chronic disease management workshops and help navigating Medicaid programs and enrollment options. 

The agency also operates a number of congregate meal programs throughout Akron and Summit County, so seniors can enjoy a balanced low-cost lunch. 

Seniors 62 and older who need door-to-door transportation services can register for METRO SCAT, an origin-to-destination public transit service operated by the Metro Regional Transit Authority of Akron. 

Direction Home Akron Canton
1550 Corporate Woods Pkwy., Uniontown, OH 44685-8797
(800) 421-7277

METRO RTA – SCAT Program
416 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, OH 44301
(330) 762-0341

Veteran’s Services

Outpatient VA health services are available at the Akron VA clinic, part of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. Veterans and survivors who need help applying for VA benefits, such as Aid and Attendance and Housebound, can contact the Veterans Service Commission of Summit County. 

Akron VA Clinic
55 West Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH 44319-1116
(330) 724-7715

Veterans Service Commission of Summit County
1060 East Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH 44306
(330) 643-2830