Guide to Independent Living in Ohio - SeniorHousingNet (2024)

The Midwestern state of Ohio has the seventh-largest senior population in the nation, and over the next few years, the number of those aged 60 and over is projected to increase by 30%. High access to affordable health care, a generally pleasant climate and scenic state parks with free admission make the state a great option for active adults seeking a comfortable retirement. Ohio is also one of the cheapest places to live in the nation, and it has retirement-friendly tax laws, helping older adults make the most of their retirement income. Overall, its cost of living is about 17% cheaper than the nation as a whole, making Ohio a practical option for those with budgetary considerations.

Older adults who are active and independent but want a low-maintenance lifestyle have numerous independent living options throughout Ohio. These communities offer services and amenities, such as on-site dining, health and wellness services, housekeeping and yard care, giving residents the time to pursue hobbies and interests.

This guide provides more information on independent living in Ohio, including how much it costs, options for paying for services and some statewide programs that serve older adults.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Ohio?

Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

Nationally, seniors pay $2,925 per month for independent living, and in Ohio, care costs are about $90 higher at $3,013. Ohio is a pricier option than its bordering states, all of which have rates below the national median. In Michigan and Indiana, respective care costs average $2,763 and $2,784, and in West Virginia, residents pay $2,704. Rates are lower in Pennsylvania, where seniors pay $2,665, and in Kentucky, care costs are nearly $800 below Ohio’s median at $2,241.

The Cost of Independent Living in Ohio’s Top Cities

Springfield is the cheapest city to obtain independent living services, with local rates coming in over $600 below the state average at $2,379. In Columbus, rates are a little higher but still affordable at $2,655, and in Lima, rates are on par with the national median at $2,992. In Cincinnati, independent living communities charge $3,033, and in Canton, residents pay $3,188. Costs in Cleveland come in at $3,211, and Akron is the costliest city for services at $3,245.

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care

Independent living is one of the cheapest senior living options in Ohio, with seniors paying approximately $3,013 for monthly services. Adult day health care, which provides recreational activities, health monitoring and meals in a daytime community setting, is about $1,300 cheaper at $1,733 per month. Older adults who need help with daily living activities pay $4,635 for assisted living, and those who obtain this type of care in a private home pay $4,957 for basic homemaker services and $5,053 for skilled home health care. Nursing homes are for those who need around-the-clock medical monitoring and charge $7,300 per month for shared rooms.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Ohio?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Ohio to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Ohio.

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Ohio

Because independent living communities don’t provide medical services, health insurance doesn’t pay for monthly expenses. Even so, older adults have several options for covering expenses. Seniors who own homes may take out reverse mortgages to supplement their monthly income, and those who have access to lump sums of cash may purchase an annuity, which provides regular payouts that can be used toward living expenses. Finally, while health insurance doesn’t cover independent living, long-term care insurance policies often have coverage for services.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Ohio

Seniors in Ohio have access to numerous nonprofit agencies and programs that support their independence and quality of life. The following table features resources that provide free and low-cost services to address seniors’ needs.

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Ohio Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from coronavirus.ohio.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/13/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents