Assisted Living in Dayton, OH

Assisted Living Costs in Dayton

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average cost of assisted living in Dayton is $5,300, which is $1,300 more than the national average of $4,000 and $1,000 more than the state average of $4,278. Dayton has the highest assisted living rate in the state, costing substantially more than the larger cities of Cleveland ($3,400) and Columbus ($4,170) as well as smaller cities, such as Canton ($3,798) and Springfield ($3,093).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Dayton: $5,300
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,278
• Akron: $4,560
• Cincinnati: $4,998
• Cleveland area: $3,400
• Columbus: $4,170
• Springfield: $3,093
• Toledo: $4,300
• Canton area: $3,798

Care Cost Comparison

Types of senior care vary widely in price, and this is especially true in Dayton. Adult day health care ($1,354) is less expensive than other types of care, but hours are limited. The cost of in-home care, such as home health aides and homemaker services, is $1,000 less than assisted living in Dayton, while nursing home care is $2,400 more per month. In-home care costs don’t include expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries and upkeep, which are usually included in assisted living and nursing home fees.  

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,300
• Homemaker services: $4,385
• Home health aide: $4,385
• Adult day health: $1,354
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,726

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Dayton

Medicaid in Ohio

Health care is available in Ohio to low-income residents of all ages through Ohio Medicaid. It’s structured as a group of separately managed care programs with sections for families, infants, children, the disabled and the elderly. Ohio Medicaid provides physical and behavioral health care, prescription drug assistance and long-term care for the elderly and disabled such as nursing home care, assisted living services and help with daily living activities like dressing, bathing, medication management and grocery shopping. 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

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

The Institutional Medicaid program is a division of Ohio Medicaid for seniors residing in nursing home facilities. It’s an entitlement, so anyone who is eligible will receive service. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Require a nursing home level of care
• 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)

If one half of a couple is applying, the non-applying spouse is permitted to keep up to $126,420 of joint assets under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance.

Assisted Living Waiver

The Assisted Living Waiver program covers the cost of certain services for eligible residents in participating assisted living communities. It has the same requirements as the Institutional Medicaid program, but it enables participants to receive these services in an assisted living facility. This program pays for tasks like skilled nursing care, housekeeping, medication management and daily living activities like bathing and dressing.

This waiver does not cover room and board; participants are responsible for paying these fees themselves. Additionally, it’s not an entitlement, so there are limited spots available, and not all living assistance facilities accept the waiver. There is usually a waiting list for assistance.

For more information on these programs, visit the Ohio Medicaid website, or download this PDF offered by the Ohio Department of Aging. To apply for the waiver, applicants should contact the Ohio Area Agency on Aging or call (866) 243-5678.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Residential State Supplementation

This program provides additional financial assistance to Ohio seniors who are enrolled in Medicaid and reside in assisted living communities or residential facilities such as adult foster care or group homes. In many of these facilities, Medicaid only covers the cost of care services, and the resident is responsible for paying room and board. This program helps pay the room and board portion for seniors who have trouble making those payments.

To qualify, participants must:

• Be over 60 years of age
• Require a level of care that cannot be provided in their homes
• Be enrolled in regular Medicaid rather than a waiver program
• Have a monthly income no greater than $1,300
• 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.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Program

The VA provides a cash supplementation program called the Veterans Aid and Attendance Program. It’s available for veterans at least 65 years of age who need assistance with daily living activities like dressing, shopping, meal prep and medication management. Seniors who wish to apply must submit documentation of at least 90 days of active, wartime service and an honorable discharge. Widowed spouses of qualified veterans are also eligible.

The financial requirements to qualify for this assistance are complex, so applicants are advised to contact the local VA Benefits office for help in applying. Call (800) 827-1000 for more information.

Elderlife Financial Bridge Loans

Seniors and their families who need immediate funds for assisted living costs can get bridge loans through Elderlife Financial Services. These loans provide up to 12 months of payments and are particularly useful for families who are waiting for benefit approval or the sale of a home. Multiple borrowers can apply for one loan, so individual credit scores are less important in the approval process. Because the family members of a senior can apply, there is less weight placed on their age and health. Elderlife Financial does require information on the anticipated source of funding, but the approval time can be fast, sometimes within 24 hours. Call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500 for more information.

Assisted Living Resources in Dayton

Community and Recreation Centers in Dayton

Dayton has several community centers with special programs and services for seniors to help them stay active and engaged in their local community. These places offer meals, support and social and recreational activities.

Huber Heights Senior Center
6428 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424
(937) 233-9999

Charles I. Lathrem Senior Center
2900 Glengarry Dr, Kettering, OH 45420
(937) 296-4372

Charles and Anna Mae Lofino Senior Adult and Cultural Enrichment Center 
3868 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432
(937) 426-6166

Vandalia Senior Citizens Center
21 Tionda Dr S, Vandalia, OH 45377
(937) 898-1232

Community Assistance Agencies

Dayton has several associations that offer resources and support to seniors and their caretakers. These groups can help seniors navigate the multitude of programs and services available to them.

Area Agency on Aging
40 W. Second St, Suite 400, Dayton, OH 45402
(800) 258-7277

Senior Resource Connection
222 Salem Ave, Dayton, OH 45406
(937) 223-8246

Veterans Affairs

The Dayton VA health care system offers various services to elderly vets in need, including referrals, health care and support. Seniors can apply for benefits at the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

Dayton VA Medical Center
4100 W. Third St, Dayton, OH 45428
(937) 268-6511

Dayton Vet Center
3085 Woodman Dr, Suite 180, Kettering, OH 45420
(937) 296-0489