Located along the Scioto River in the heart of the Buckeye State, Columbus, Ohio, is the second-most populous Midwestern city, behind only Chicago. Columbus boasts a range of quality options to accommodate the needs and preferences of its growing senior population. With 45 assisted living communities among A Place for Mom’s Columbus senior living partners, your loved one can find a community that fits their unique lifestyle. Columbus’ assisted living communities are thoughtfully designed with cozy private living spaces, elegantly furnished gathering spaces, and favorable amenities. Outside the community walls, residents can find an endless array of cultural events, unique eateries, scenic parks, and lively attractions.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to Columbus, Ohio, assisted living options based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Columbus seniors below.
My husband and I are very pleased with my care, especially [names removed], and the other caregivers here, [names removed] are excellent [name removed] at the front desk is super helpful.
I would like to comment on [name removed], Executive Director. He has been so very helpful with transitioning my Mom into Carriage Court Grove City. He is always there when I need help or just any questions....
Brookdale has been great for my father. He is in early stages of dementia and since he’s been there and has a great routine and staff that cares to help him. Now he has activities to do, gets 3 solid meals a...
The value at Brookdale is the staff and caring for individuals that truly are AL level. Once they require more and more assistance - 1 and 2 person assist, higher level care, such as wound care, etc... they...
One place didn't have any openings in memory care. The other two turned her down after their assessments of her. I looked at four facilities in Grove City where I live.. It turned out to be the only one of...
We learned that in memory care units, the residents will take things from each other. They had warned us about this and not to bring anything of value. It happens more than we expected. We have had to...
Our mom was previously a resident at Bickford of Bexley and we were very displeased with the experience. Communication with the family was not good. We went to visit her and it looked like she had not been...
The staff were responsive to our needs, especially one of the nurses. Had plenty of activities for whomever wished to participate. And fellow residents were friendly. My loved one was not thrilled with the...
We were very pleased with the welcome we got from staff! The rooms are large compared with many places. Extra nursing levels are charged if needed. Meals are very appetizing and are more comfort food than...
The facility and staff at Brookdale Westerville are treasures for me and my sister in law. Kind, caring they treat us like family. So much more than I ever thought it could be..
I would recommend the community. The people here are very nice and friendly. My loved one likes it here. Overall the experience has been good for us. It would be nice to see more activities on the...
The decision to place a loved on in assisted living is always difficult. But I don't worry with Mom at the Cottage. I know she is being well taken care of and that the staff genuinely cares about her as an...
My father was well cared for in the Covid unit at Whetstone and the family was treated with kindness and respect. We were kept updated on his condition and he was kept as comfortable as possible. We were...
After touring several retirement communities in Columbus, Ohio, I chose First Community Village for several reasons: Its convenient location and beautiful setting in a lovely residential area; the...
I would say that, when compared to other facilities, it is above average, but that it is not without its challenges-- frequent turnover of director, employees, etc.; short handed with regard to staff; rise...
What we like the most about The Grove is that overall it a joyful, and we would recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had.
They're a very friendly group of people. I visit often, and I feel like they know me. I think they really try their best. Some of the help is better than others. With Covid, I'm only allowed in my loved...
My brother has been a resident at Sapphire House for almost a year. The home is very comfortable, clean and updated. The staff is outstanding. They are very friendly, kind and competent. All of my...
Have been very pleased with the facility. Questions and problems addressed readily. Staff kind, caring and professional. Pretty stable staff, not large turnover. Love the home setting atmosphere.
I think Kemper House is a wonderful place. The staff is very loving and respectful towards all of the residents. They have a lot of staff working there, so they do not seem to be short staffed like so many...
I am very impressed how clean and comfortable the house is. I feel my grandmother is in a safe environment. The staff people on site were very helpful and I felt like she would get great care at the house.
I really like the staff here. They are involved with my father and making sure that he needs are taking great care of him. I like the way my father gets attention here. They support the family and keeping me...
I would recommend Paramount Senior Living to those who are looking. the memory care unit is not in the same building, but the dining room is communal. so some memory care residents get to come over and eat...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Columbus community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Assisted living communities in Columbus cost an average of $4,837 per month, according to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the actual amount paid by seniors referred to our partner Columbus assisted living communities. This cost includes rent plus the costs of add-ons, such as the following:
The rates outlined below represent a baseline of assisted living costs in the Columbus area before add-on fees.
Columbus residents can combine several private and public assistance options to help pay for assisted living. An assessment of your loved one’s unique financial circumstances will help you determine the best way to pay for room, board, and personal care in assisted living.
If they have the resources, your loved one may be able to fund assisted living care in Columbus through private pay methods. Private pay methods can include any income source, such as your loved one’s savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, and any of the following:
If your loved one is a U.S. military veteran, they may be able to receive financial support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can help cover the cost of an assisted living community. Veterans pension benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance benefit, can help senior veterans and their surviving spouses improve their quality of life with supplemental income.[03]
The application process for veterans benefits can be challenging. Even for eligible veterans, successfully applying usually requires assistance or advocacy. You can receive assistance and referrals from veteran service officers in your area by visiting one of the Ohio Department of Veterans’ Affairs field offices. As fellow veterans who are trained and certified in benefits offerings, veteran service officers are available to help Ohio senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility.
You can visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact the local VA office for assistance with finding veterans benefits. The Ohio Attorney General website offers information on additional community resources for veterans, including the following:
The VA oversees Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in each state, including specialized departments for aiding veterans with disabilities and veterans of foreign wars. Find information on Columbus Veteran Service Organizations below.
Number of veterans who live in Columbus
About 62% of Columbus veterans are 55+.
Resources for Columbus veterans
Franklin County Veterans Service Commission
280 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-525-2500
Veterans Services Coordinator
Zane Jones
77 N. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Email: zdjones@columbus.gov
Ohio Department of Veterans Services (ODVS)
Verne Riff State Office Tower
77 S. High St., #7
Columbus, OH 43215
ODVS home page
ODVS Veterans Service Offices finder
ODV state veteran benefits
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
Phone: 614-224-1838
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 503
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-3582
Columbus VA Clinic — Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic
420 N. James Road
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: 614-388-7650
Mental health line: 614-257-5631
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded program that offers medical insurance coverage to Americans with disabilities or low incomes. While each state’s Medicaid program varies, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Ohio’s Medicaid program is simply named Ohio Medicaid. To receive Medicaid benefits in Ohio, your loved one must be enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO), and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO. Ohio Medicaid has programs that can be used to cover care services in an assisted living community.
Ohio Medicaid offers an Assisted Living Waiver program which, as the name suggests, is intended to provide coverage for qualified Ohio residents in an assisted living community. The Assisted Living Medicaid waiver will cover costs associated with personal care and medical care, but room and board costs will need to be covered by the senior’s income or other financial resources.
The Ohio Assisted Living Medicaid waiver can be used to cover two categories of services: Assisted living services and community transitional services.
Assisted living services include the following:
Community transitional services typically consist of moving a senior from a skilled nursing facility to an assisted living community, including moving their furniture and other household belongings.[04]
The PASSPORT waiver is for Ohio residents age 60 and over. Eligible seniors can use this waiver to cover the cost of care in their own home, an assisted living community, or another senior living facility instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility.
The PASSPORT waiver can cover the costs of care needs such as the following:
PASSPORT waivers also include basic Medicaid coverage and may cover costs such as prescription medications, physician visits, and hospital stays.[05]
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid offers coverage for seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities. To qualify for ABD Medicaid, Ohio residents must meet Medicaid’s basic eligibility requirements and one of the following criteria:
Qualifying individuals can use ABD Medicaid to cover the costs of medical care, as well as some long-term care services.[06]
If your loved one is an Ohio Medicaid recipient, their care can be managed through the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline Member Portal. The Ohio Department of Aging has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) where Ohio residents can receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services. A long-term care ombudsman can also provide advice and advocacy on your loved one’s rights as a resident in senior living.
Columbus resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline
Ohio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Benefits Access
Ohio Department of Health Benefits
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
3776 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: 800-589-7277
Ohio Department of Aging
Seek an Ombudsman.
Medicare is a federally funded program designed to extend health coverage to Americans 65 or older and individuals with qualifying disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care such as the following:
Medicare health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of room and board at an assisted living community; however, it will cover many of the costs associated with medical treatment, including dementia care. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by reaching out to one of your local Ohio Social Security Administration offices. Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
The U.S. Social Security Administration can help seniors receive access to Medicare support. Your loved one may be eligible for dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable them to pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits. A local long-term care ombudsman can help your loved one access the benefits they qualify for and advocate for their rights. A long-term care ombudsman can also investigate complaints of long-term care residents and help ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Columbus resident Medicare resources
Assisted living facilities, or residential care facilities as they are designated in Ohio, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH performs facility inspections before licensing the facility and then a minimum of every 15 months after licensure.[07]
A residential care facility is defined as one of the following:
While there are no minimum staff requirements for residential care facilities in Ohio, facilities are required to employ the following types of personnel:
Staff in Ohio assisted living facilities must undergo proper training for their responsibilities, as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3701-16-06.
Ohio assisted living facilities must provide residents with the following services:
Ohio assisted living facilities must uphold building code standards for health and safety. Each facility must be approved by the local certified building department.
Assisted living facilities are required to have their plumbing, electrical, and sanitation systems in safe and working order. They must comply with fire and carbon monoxide safety, have evacuation and disaster preparedness plans, and perform and document regular evacuation drills.[07]
You can access Ohio senior care facility inspection reports through the Health Care Provider Survey Reports. To look up a particular facility’s inspection report using this tool, select the category of care provider from the drop-down menu, then narrow your search by entering the county, the city, or the name of the specific organization you’re searching for.
For additional information on rights and resources, view the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Housing Guide for Seniors and Individuals Who Have a Disabilities.
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543
Ohio assisted living facilities are recommended to implement precautionary measures against COVID-19 in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual communities may have their own rules in place. The general guidelines are as follows:
Testing. Staff and residents should be tested if they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if they are experiencing symptoms.
Masking. Masks should be worn by individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, by health care workers who have contact with COVID-positive patients, and by individuals who are immunocompromised.
Quarantining. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 should be placed in isolation or in rooms with other COVID-positive patients.
Columbus assisted living offers seniors an environment where they can receive personal care services that promote wellness and quality of life, while fostering as much independence as possible. Assisted living communities in the area feature elegantly furnished common areas where residents can relax, socialize over meals and cups of coffee, and participate in enrichment activities.
On-site amenities at our Columbus assisted living partner communities generally feature communal leisure areas and on-site conveniences like the following:
At our Columbus assisted living community partners, residents can enjoy cozy private accommodations with convenient features like the following:
Finally, as a resident of Columbus assisted living, Ohio seniors can get the most out of their retirement with many service offerings dedicated to improving their quality of life. From dignified personal care to errands and home upkeep, assisted living services in Columbus typically include the following:
Out of our partnered Columbus communities offering assisted living, over 82% feature some combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all in the same community. Communities that integrate multiple levels of care enable residents to conveniently transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change, making it ideal for aging in place. Having multiple care types together also offers more variety among residents, often providing more opportunities for friendships and social engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need.
Columbus assisted living offers residents an array of social opportunities, both in the community and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Dubbed “everyone’s neighborhood” for its inclusivity and its variety, downtown Columbus offers events at the Columbus Commons, beautiful views at popular rooftop restaurants, and lovely riverside parks on the Scioto Mile. Downtown Columbus is easy to traverse on foot or through public transportation.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Columbus
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Columbus population
Median annual income for Columbus seniors 65 and older
Columbus is home to two state-of-the-art teaching and general medical hospitals.
According to U.S. News and World Report, Wexner Medical Center is ranked No. 1 in Columbus and No. 2 in the state of Ohio. Wexner is a general medical facility and teaching hospital. It is nationally ranked in nine adult specialties, including cardiology and cancer treatment.
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Columbus, according to U.S. News and World Report. Riverside is OhioHealth’s largest hospital and is outstanding in neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and cancer treatment.
Of A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living communities in Columbus, 79% offer complimentary transportation services, and 63% offer at-cost transportation to residents. Whether transportation is complimentary or at-cost may depend on whether or not the community offers on-demand or scheduled services. Distance may also affect pricing. For residents in communities without transportation, Columbus is highly walkable and bikeable, and it has great public transportation options.
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAA) comprehensive Transportation Guide offers information on free and low-cost transportation dedicated to serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.
For the out-and-about residents, the city of Columbus boasts an award-winning public transportation system, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, or COTA. The American Public Transportation Association awarded COTA its Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award in 2018 and 2020. With buses serving an over 1.2 million people, COTA has innovative trip planning tools and multiple services, like Bike and Ride or Park and Ride. It also features the free Emergency Ride Home system to make sure Columbus residents don’t get stranded. Depending on their own individual needs, some seniors may want to bring a caregiver along for their safety and well-being.
Most errands in the downtown Columbus area can be accomplished on foot. The city has a bike share system called CoGo in addition to other public transportation options. Further outside of downtown, however, Columbus residents are more likely to need a car to get around easily.[10]
Walkscore.com has ranked downtown Columbus as “very walkable” with the following transportation ratings out of 100:
Columbus offers a wealth of events to its residents, including its growing senior population. Below, find highlights of area attractions, family-friendly fun, continued education opportunities for seniors, and more.
Columbus offers unique experiences for all ages, both educational and entertaining. Family favorites include the following:
The city also has miles of trails for hiking, and professional sports for any season and preference. The city’s North Market — a 150-year-old farmers market — features locally grown produce, food samples to taste, and more. When you’ve had your fill of activity, enjoy a meal at one of Columbus’ many rooftop restaurants.
A foodie destination, Columbus has restaurants to suit any taste. There’s food to please meat lovers and herbivores alike, all ranging from the comfort foods of the Midwest to the exotic delicacies of Spain, Italy, or Germany. Find distilleries, breweries, bistros, coffee shops, delicatessens, and food truck gatherings, all in the Experience Columbus restaurant guide.
For lovers of the performing arts, Columbus is abundant with experiences. The Columbus theater district has four large theaters:
The Columbus Symphony features breathtaking orchestral performances. For the music lovers with more modern or eccentric tastes, the Columbus Theater site will direct you to local concerts, plays, musicals, stand-up comedy, and more. Columbus also hosts a myriad of festivals, from Pride festivals to celebrations of various cultures, as well as art, music, and literature festivals.
Columbus has many community centers where seniors can participate in various activities and enjoy numerous membership benefits, such as priority registration for classes, activities, vacations, and educational trips. Members also get a Leisure Card which gives them access to community centers and swimming pools. Columbus’ six golf courses offer an unmatched golfing experience for putters of any skill level.
Columbus Recreation and Parks offers social opportunities for residents age 55 and over, including fitness programs and arts and special interest classes. Grandparents and grandkids aged 8 to 12 can get some quality time at Gram and Gramp Camp, where all can participate in structured activities and enjoy quality time together.
Senior artisans can also sell their wares at Golden Hobby Gift Shop, an arts and consignment shop that sells quilts, pottery, paintings, and other one-of-a-kind goods made by Columbus seniors. The Golden Hobby Gift Shop is itself an older Columbus resident, with over 50 years of selling members’ handmade products.
Middleton Senior Living, Danbury of Columbus and StoryPoint Gahanna are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Columbus, OH. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Columbus is $5,082 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Columbus [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Ohio Department of Aging. Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Ohio Department of Medicaid. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid.
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
Center for Disease Control. (2022, September 27). Interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Columbus. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbus.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Columbus [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Ohio Department of Aging. Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver Program.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Ohio Department of Medicaid. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid.
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
Center for Disease Control. (2022, September 27). Interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Columbus. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbus.