10 Best Nursing Homes in Dayton, OH

Covering the cost of care can be managed through a variety of sources, depending on your family member’s situation and needs. The common payment methods for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities include private payments, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Each option offers a pathway toward securing the care your loved one needs. The sections below provide a more detailed exploration of private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources for seniors in Dayton.

In the state of Ohio, nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities are required to abide by a set of laws and regulations to ensure the well-being and safety of residents. These facilities are typically grouped under the term long-term care facilities and must meet certain licensure requirements, follow strict standards, and undergo regular inspections.

License Requirements

In Ohio, all nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities must be licensed. The Department of Health, specifically the Bureau of Regulatory Operations, is responsible for processing initial, renewal, and change of operator license applications. In addition to state licensure, the Bureau of Regulatory Operations also certifies nursing facilities for participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and ensures compliance with federal regulations.

Memory care facilities, which provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, fall under the assisted living umbrella. Therefore, they must follow all licensing requirements for assisted living facilities but also need to adhere to additional state guidelines pertaining to memory care.

Inspections

Regular inspections of nursing homes and residential care facilities take place at least every nine to 15 months. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure that these facilities meet standards to protect residents. This includes hiring sufficient quality staff, managing medications properly, protecting residents from physical and mental abuse, and storing and preparing food properly.

The state’s survey agencies generally conduct nursing home inspections annually but may inspect more frequently if there are complaints or facility-reported incidents. During the inspection, various aspects of life in the nursing home are reviewed, including resident care, staff-resident interactions, and the overall nursing home environment.

Inspection reports and licenses are made publicly available. You can request an inspection report on the Ohio Department of Health’s website. First, find the facility, and then visit the Ohio Department of Health’s Provider Report and Information Extract to download spreadsheets of nursing facilities or residential care facilities.

Nursing home standards

Ohio’s regulations also set specific standards for nursing homes. For instance, each nursing home is required to have a sufficient direct care staff-to-patient ratio, with each resident receiving a minimum daily average of two and one-half hours of direct care and services.

Each nursing home must employ a registered nurse as a director of nursing who is on duty five days per week, eight hours per day, predominantly between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This individual is tasked with directing the provision of nursing services.

Nursing homes are also required to have a resident-focused and goal-driven care plan for each resident, initiated upon admission and completed within seven days of the initial comprehensive assessment. An interdisciplinary team prepares this plan, and the residents, along with their sponsors, are invited to participate in the care planning process.

Assisted living and memory care standards

Assisted living and memory care facilities in Ohio are also regulated by the state to ensure that they provide high-quality care to residents.

While Ohio’s laws don’t specify a staff-to-patient ratio, plenty of staff must be on hand to cover all resident needs. When skilled nursing care is provided — as it is at 25% of our partner facilities in Dayton —  a licensed nurse has to be on call.

Staff members must receive comprehensive training that includes orientation, emergency procedures, and learning about upholding residents’ rights. Specialized training is mandated for staff taking care of residents with late-stage memory impairment, behavioral issues, or mental illness. In the first two weeks on the job, staff members have to finish two hours of training, with an additional four hours of continuing education required annually.

Before your loved one can be admitted, a health assessment must be completed and updated each year. This plan will outline the care your loved one will need and how it will be delivered.

Understanding these laws and regulations can help you make informed decisions about long-term care as a resident or family member. Always feel free to ask facilities about their licensing, inspections, and adherence to state standards to ensure that you or your loved one will receive the highest level of care.

Ohio Department of Health contact information

Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543

COVID-19 regulations for Dayton nursing homes

Nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities in Dayton aren’t required to follow any specific COVID-19 prevention mandates. But the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has guidelines facilities often follow.

For the most current information, the CDC website and Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health website are reliable sources.

Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, offer residents an exceptional level of medical care. This level of care includes a range of medical services, 24-hour supervision, and assistance with daily activities.

Although A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any stand-alone skilled nursing homes, many of our assisted living and memory care partner communities offer on-site nursing care and 20% have dedicated skilled nursing wings.^[01] With this structure, residents benefit from the ability to transition easily between different caregiving levels without worrying about relocating.

Dayton offers a range of high-quality care facilities to suit the specific needs and circumstances of your family member. Learn more about the different facets of skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care in Dayton below.

Skilled nursing in Dayton

In Dayton, skilled nursing facilities — available within 20% of our partner facilities — provide a comprehensive range of medical care services. They are staffed with medical professionals around the clock and offer full medication management.

Our partner facilities offering skilled nursing have a variety of recreational activities to engage residents both physically and mentally. Activities range from devotional practices and art classes to stretching sessions, trivia games, and brain fitness programs. Social events such as barbecues, picnics, birthday parties, and holiday festivities are also quite common. Apart from these, some nursing facilities organize day trips and outings to showcase the vibrant culture and community of Dayton, making residency in these facilities all the more fulfilling.

Assisted living in Dayton

Dayton’s assisted living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom provide a balance of independence and assistance, designed to support residents in daily living activities while promoting an active and social lifestyle. They offer a variety of amenities that vary from libraries, TV lounges, fitness centers, and game rooms to cafes or bistros.

Residents can expect a variety of social events and activities in our partner facilities. Cooking classes, live musical performances, and yoga or chair yoga classes are some of the activities residents can enjoy. Most of our partner assisted living facilities in Dayton also provide complimentary transportation, allowing residents to explore the city or attend appointments with ease.

Memory care in Dayton

Our partner memory care facilities in Dayton are specialized for the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. All our facilities offering memory care in Dayton offer 24-hour awake staff and full medication management, providing a safe and supportive environment for residents. They also offer some form of memory care activities specifically designed to slow cognitive decline and maintain physical health.

Our partner facilities provide much more than just care. They support their residents’ mental and emotional well-being with therapeutic activities in dedicated arts and crafts centers. In addition, fitness centers are available to support physical health, while communal areas like private dining rooms and movie lounges encourage social interaction. For added peace of mind, these facilities typically offer visiting nurses and occupational, physical, and speech therapists who specialize in addressing the unique needs of memory care residents.

Facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prioritize excellent care, with skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care specialties all focused on elevating residents’ quality of life. The personalized services and amenities create a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment that caters to individual needs, ensuring an overall exceptional experience for all.

Health care for seniors in Dayton

Dayton is home to several reputable hospitals, medical centers, and health care facilities that provide a wide range of services to the local community.

Premier Health, the largest health care system in the region, operates multiple hospitals in Dayton, including Miami Valley Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Miami Valley Hospital South. These facilities offer advanced medical care, specialized services, and state-of-the-art technologies. In addition to Premier Health, another notable health care provider in Dayton is Kettering Health Network, which operates Kettering Medical Center and Soin Medical Center.

Transportation for seniors in Dayton

When considering care options for seniors in Dayton, Ohio, whether it’s skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or memory care units, understanding the available transportation services is crucial. Safety, accessibility, and convenience in transit can significantly enhance the quality of life for your loved ones.

Out of A Place for Mom’s 20 partner assisted living and memory care facilities in Dayton, 85% offer complimentary transportation services. These are designed to help seniors safely attend medical appointments, run errands, or simply enjoy a day out in the community. Additionally, 65% provide at-cost transportation services tailored to cater to seniors with specific transportation needs, ensuring that all residents can navigate their local area with ease.

Organizations like the Ohio Department of Aging, Excel Transport, and Miami Valley Ride Finder provide valuable resources for seniors in Dayton. They offer public transportation programs, mobility management programs, non-emergency medical transportation, and ridesharing services, all designed with senior citizens in mind. These programs go a long way in enhancing accessibility and ensuring that Dayton’s seniors can lead fulfilling, mobile lives.

For seniors with Medicaid or MyCare-Ohio, non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) is available. This service ensures seniors can attend their medical appointments without stress or inconvenience. The Ohio Department of Transportation also provides mobility management and coordinated transportation plans to support the mobility needs of seniors with memory issues and other disabilities.

For seniors who have served in the military, the Dayton VA Medical Center offers the use of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) vans. These vehicles are available to transport seniors and their authorized caregivers to scheduled appointments, providing a valuable resource for the veteran community.

Lastly, the Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers paratransit services for customers with disabilities who find it challenging to use regular fixed routes. This service further underscores Dayton’s commitment to ensuring all seniors, regardless of their physical condition or living situation, can enjoy safe and convenient transportation.

Families with senior loved ones in Dayton can rest easy knowing that comprehensive transportation options are available. Whether at a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care facility, your loved ones can benefit from these services that cater to their unique needs.

Senior activities in Dayton

When choosing a senior care facility in Dayton, Ohio, it’s crucial to consider not only the quality of care but also the opportunities for senior-friendly activities. Engaging in a variety of activities can enhance the quality of life for seniors and provide valuable social interaction. Whether your loved one is in a skilled nursing home, an assisted living facility, or a memory care unit, Dayton offers an array of activities suitable for seniors at different cognitive and physical ability levels.

The City of Dayton Department of Recreation is a great place to start, offering programs explicitly for seniors over 55. Activities range from games like bingo, pokeno, and euchre to exercise and line dancing sessions, painting, and even internet and history classes. This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, regardless of interest or ability level.

Fitness classes for seniors are available at the Dayton YMCA. Classes include cycling, muscular strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular health, along with opportunities to play volleyball and pickleball. For less physically active programs, the Acclaim Senior Activities Center provides social activities, counseling, pet therapy, mental stimulation, music therapy, and education. This center strives to create a safe, interactive, and fun experience that increases seniors’ socialization and interpersonal communication skills.

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is a fascinating destination for history and aviation enthusiasts, featuring a vast collection of aerospace vehicles and missiles. It’s an ideal location for a group visit from a nursing home or for a family day out. The museum also provides free tours and educational programs.

The Dayton 2nd Street Market is another destination spot. Here, over 40 local vendors gather, offering a diverse range of goods, including fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts. It’s a great place for seniors to explore with their families and friends. The market also hosts live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.

For those who prefer outdoor activities, Carriage Hill MetroPark covers over 900 acres of rich forests, wetlands, meadows, and prairies. Seniors and their families can enjoy fishing, hiking, picnicking, paddling, and horseback riding. The park also features a visitor’s center with exhibits showcasing the area’s 100+ year history as a farm.

Another historical treasure is the Carillon Historical Park, a 65-acre open-air history museum located in downtown Dayton. The park hosts special events, historical experiences, programs, and activities throughout the year, providing seniors with a variety of engaging opportunities.

Finally, for nature enthusiasts, Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark offers a beautiful assortment of nature trails and formal gardens. Walking through these gardens can be a calming, therapeutic experience, perfect for seniors and their families.

In summary, Dayton provides an array of activities for seniors and their families to enjoy. By participating in these activities, seniors can enrich their lives, maintain their mental and physical health, and enjoy meaningful interactions with others.