Assisted Living in Cincinnati, OH

Assisted Living Costs in Cincinnati

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average cost of assisted living in Cincinnati is $1,000 more than the national average at $4,998 and $720 more than the state average of $4,278. It’s one of the costliest cities in Ohio for assisted living expenses, second only to Dayton at $5,300. It’s significantly more expensive than the comparatively sized city of Cleveland ($3,400), as well as the much smaller community of Springfield ($3,093).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Cincinnati: $4,998
• National Average: $4,000
• State Average:: $4,278
• Akron: $4,560
• Cleveland Area: $3,400
• Dayton: $5,300
• Springfield: $3,093
• Toledo: $4,300
• Columbus: $4,170

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care services can vary widely depending on the type of care provided. In Cincinnati, the cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home is $2,500 more per month than assisted living, while in-home services, such as homemakers and home health aides, are substantially less at $4,195. In-home services don’t typically include living expenses such as rent, property taxes or utilities, while residential facility costs usually do. These costs need to be taken into account when deciding on the best type of care for a senior’s situation.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted Living: $4,998
• Homemaker Services: $4,195
• Home Health Aide: $4,195
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,560
• Nursing Home Care: $7,528

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Cincinnati

Medicaid in Ohio

The Ohio Medicaid program is available to residents of all ages who meet certain income thresholds. Ohio Medicaid is set up as a group of managed care programs serving specific demographic groups such as infants, children, families, the elderly and the disabled. These managed care programs offer preventive health care, medical professional services, hospital and outpatient services, prescriptions, transportation and medical equipment. To qualify, adults must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, legal alien or permanent resident
• Be an Ohio resident
• Have an annual household income under $16,146 for an individual or $21,892 for a couple

Help for seniors in assisted living facilities is covered under the Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based/Long-Term Care waiver, detailed below. 

To apply for Medicaid, visit Ohio Benefits online or call the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680.

Assisted Living Waiver

The Assisted Living waiver is a Medicaid program that covers specific services in participating assisted living facilities, including housekeeping, skilled nursing and daily living activities such as bathing and medication administration. The waiver is available to seniors who need a nursing level of care but wish to remain in an assisted living facility. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a monthly income of no more than $2,313 for an individual ($4,626 for couples)
• Have no more than $2,000 in assets for an individual or $3,000 per couple (a primary home and a vehicle are exempt from this requirement)

This program is not an entitlement, and not all assisted living facilities accept the waiver, so there may be a waiting list for available spots. Participants are responsible for paying room and board; the waiver only covers the cost of support services.

For more information on the Assisted Living waiver program, visit the Ohio Medicaid website or download this PDF offered by the Ohio Department of Aging. Anyone wishing to apply for the waiver should contact the Ohio Area Agency on Aging or call (866) 243-5678.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Residential State Supplementation

Ohio’s Residential State Supplementation program offers additional financial assistance to residents who are enrolled in Medicaid and live in certain types of residential facilities, such as group homes, adult foster homes and assisted living establishments. Medicaid in Ohio only covers the cost of care services; enrolled residents and their families are responsible for paying room and board. RSS helps pay these costs for low-income residents. To be eligible, participants must:

• Require a level of care that cannot be provided in their homes
• Be enrolled in regular Medicaid rather than a waiver program
• Be at least 60 years of age
• Have a monthly income of $1,300 or less
• Have no more than $2,000 in countable assets

The Residential State Supplement Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For more information call (614) 752-9316.

Elderlife Financial Bridge Loans

Seniors and their families who need immediate assistance to pay for long-term care can apply for a bridge loan through Elderlife Financial Services. They offer up 12 months for repayment and are a convenient option for seniors who are waiting for the sale of a home or benefit approval.

Multiple borrowers can apply for one loan, making credit scores less important in the approval process. The age and health of a senior doesn’t factor into approval either since family members usually apply on their behalf. Contact Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500 for more information.

Assisted Living Resources in Cincinnati

Community and Senior Centers in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission runs numerous senior programs that offer activities including aerobics, sports, dance and crafts for residents 50 and over at more than 20 recreational centers throughout the city. Their meal program provides nutritional lunches to residents 60 and over at select centers. Visit the CRC website for information on Cincinnati’s recreational centers including contact information, amenities available and the senior programs.

There are also several independently run senior centers in Cincinnati that offer meals, legal support, social activities, field trips and art classes. These facilities help seniors stay active and engaged in their communities.

Mayerson JCC Senior Center
8485 Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236
(513) 761-7500

Anderson Township Senior Center
7970 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255
(513) 474-3100

Marielders Senior Center
6923 Madisonville Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227
(513) 271-5588

Community Assistance Agencies

Cincinnati has several organizations that assist seniors and their families with navigating the myriad services available to them.

Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
175 Tri County Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45246
(513) 721-1025

Cincinnati Area Senior Services
644 Linn St, Suite 304, Cincinnati, OH 45203
(513) 721-4330

Veterans Affairs

Cincinnati has a robust VA health and medical system in place to help elderly veterans with physical and mental health care, referrals and benefit information.

The Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission
230 E. 9th St, Rm 1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 946-3300

Cincinnati VA Medical Center
3200 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
(513) 861-3100