Located along the Scioto River in the heart of the Buckeye State, Columbus, Ohio, boasts not only wonderful attractions and culinary experiences, but also an array of quality senior care options to accommodate its growing population of older residents.
While the term nursing home is sometimes used to describe all senior care communities, it’s actually one specific type of senior living option among many. Nursing homes offer round-the-clock medical care and skilled nursing services for seniors who would otherwise require hospitalization. If you’re seeking care for a senior loved one who only needs assistance with daily tasks or support for dementia, their needs may be better suited for an assisted living or memory care facility rather than a nursing home.
A Place for Mom partners with 48 assisted living and memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Columbus. This guide to Columbus senior care communities comprises our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. While A Place for Mom does not partner with any stand-alone nursing homes, several of the Columbus assisted living and memory care facilities in our network offer on-site skilled nursing services in addition to their standard services.
Browse these Columbus senior care options according to your loved one’s specific needs. Find information about the different types of senior care, payment options, regulations, and other helpful resources to benefit Columbus seniors, whether your loved one requires skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care.
I visited numerous places looking for the ideal care facility for my mom, who was 87 a the time. She was experiencing some memory loss and could no longer sustain living alone. Some places were chaotic,...
it's pretty pricy but I think they all are anymore. The staff, they are all so kind and caring towards my parents. And the facility is really nice, I refer To it as "the Taj mahal of Senior Living"
They have a very active caring staff. They interact constantly. I've witnessed the manager always interacting with the men and women and how dedicated he is. Nurses are very caring and not irritated when...
Every time I go to visit my mother, we are greeted by friendly staff and residents . The facilities are always clean and up-to-date. There are many activities, programs, and services that are provided. The...
The Activities Coordinator (now director of memory care) during my father’s stay was outstanding! [name removed] truly cares about the residents and consistently goes the extra mile to ensure residents’...
We would definitely recommend! Staff was great and very kind. Beautiful facility...not a lot of formal orientation upon move in but she figured it out. Residents were friendly and she adjusted very quickly.
What we like the most about Sunrise of Dublin is the cleanliness and some of the staff are so caring and we would recommend them to other families based on the experience we have had so far. Sunrise of...
Personally...5 's on all 8 categories. Really like this place and let them know recently. They have a full care package for memory care...and it can be seen on their Facebook page. It's just engaging staff,...
From the minute we sat down with [name removed] and the team at The Inn, we felt like this was the best place for my dad. We visited several places that were all really very good, but the Inn at Library Way...
They are very helpful, patient, fun and active. Lots of activities. The staff is very helpful. Some meals are very good, some are great,. We are offered 2 main choices a menu that is one you can order from...
When my mom could no longer live in her own we looked for months for a place that has activities to stimulate her mind and engage her socially. Cherry blossom has been the perfect place. From the beautiful...
the facility is small allowing me as a visitor to know all the staff and vice versa. They're very caring and communicated any issues or concerns. The room sizes are sufficient. We have not felt crowded...
Everyone works together well at The woodlands. Any problems can be easily worked out with the staff. My mom is in the memory care area and she is enjoying living there. We see her at least a couple times a...
The facility is beautiful and immaculate. Staff are all very nice. Nice big rooms with tall ceilings. Nice bathrooms. I'd move in if I could. High end facility with matching staff and amenities. Great...
The staff at Chestnut Hill Senior Living are very easy to work with and are helpful. The meals are good...just not what my mom was used to, but since she can't remember what she likes it doesn't matter. I...
My 94 year old mom was living in another facility for a year. One day she made the comment “I feel like I’m here just waiting to die” and I knew that was it …..we needed a place where she could be happy. ...
The facility is very clean, they offer lots of great activities for the residents, and the staff members have all been wonderful - very helpful. Everything has been perfect.
We have had good experiences so far with Wexner. We came from a facility where the care was horrible, so this place has been a breath of fresh air. They have always been upfront, and have always worked with...
Meals seam to be sent in from someplace else. Some of moms complain is low staffing. Don't know if this is common or low pay rate. Really like being able to come and go into building with out being a staffer...
I would recommend Carriage Court to others.We picked it because my mom seemed to like it best, and they accept Medicare waiver at least in some circumstances, and the staff seemed friendly.
I would recommend to others! It is close to everything my mother needs-hospital, doctors, pharmacy, grocery, etc. The facility was clean and décor was nice.
My mother is a resident at Bickford of Worthington, first at the assisted living building and now at the memory care facility (known as Mary B.). I can't say enough good things about our experience. Every...
We'd recommend Ashford. Our selection was based on the high ratings we found, on the convenient location, and the simplicity of their pricing structure.When we visited, we were impressed with the cleanliness...
I've lived here now for 5 years and it's been a great experience. I love my apartment and the staff but most of all, I love the people here. This is an educated community where people are able to have actual...
I chose Friendship Village because of a lot of good recommendations from folks and they have all proved out to be true. The apartment sizes are bigger than other facilities that we looked into/have lived in....
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
Knowing what level of care your loved one requires will help you plan for the costs of senior living. Due to the varying levels of support services offered by each, the monthly costs of different senior living community types can greatly vary.
Costs pulled from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, such as the costs of assisted living and memory care outlined above, represent the average costs for care paid by real Columbus families referred to senior care by our Senior Living Advisors.
There are several private and public assistance options to pay for Columbus nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or memory care services in Columbus. Taking an inventory of your loved one’s financial situation is key in determining which methods to use to cover care costs.
Even if using private pay methods is an option for your loved one, you’ll still want to check their eligibility for public aid. Your loved one may be eligible for disability-specific assistance, which can help their private pay options go even further toward their care.
If you or your senior loved one has the resources, you may be able to fund Columbus skilled nursing care homes, assisted living, or memory care using private pay methods. Private pay methods can include your loved one’s income sources like savings, pensions, returns on investments, and Social Security benefits. Additional private pay options may include 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), which can help cover the cost of care in a skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care facility. 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.[04]
Applying for veterans benefits can be a challenging process. 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 vets Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in each state, including specialized departments for aiding veterans with disabilities and veterans of foreign wars. Find information on Columbus VSOs 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
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find VSOs
ODVS veterans service offices finder
View Ohio Veterans benefits
ODV state veteran benefits
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 506
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-224-1838
Hours: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 503
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-3582
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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.
If your loved one is eligible for Ohio Medicaid and they require skilled nursing, their Medicaid will cover their nursing home costs.
Ohio Medicaid may also offer some coverage for qualified individuals in assisted living or memory care facilities; however, it will only cover care-related costs, as opposed to room and board.
Ohio Medicaid offers the Assisted Living Waiver Program, designed to provide coverage for qualified Ohio residents in an assisted living or memory care community. The Assisted Living Waiver will cover costs associated with personal care and medical care, including dementia care. Room and board costs, however, will need to be covered by the senior’s income or other financial resources.
The Ohio Assisted Living Waiver can be used to cover two categories of services: assisted living and community transitional.
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.[05]
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 or memory care community, or another type of senior care facility, instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility.
The PASSPORT waiver can cover 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.[06]
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid offers coverage to Ohio 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 Ohio seniors can use ABD Medicaid to cover the costs of medical care, as well as some long-term care services.[07]
If your loved one receives Ohio Medicaid, 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 Medicaid, Medicare, 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 some services received as part of 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.
Your loved one may be eligible for dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable them to pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits. Through Ohio’s Medicare Premium Assistance Program, eligible seniors may be able to use Medicaid to cover their Medicare copays, premiums, deductibles, and more. If your loved one receives Medicaid and Medicare and lives in a participating county, they can manage their care using the dual enrollment health plan program MyCare Ohio.
The U.S. Social Security Administration can help seniors receive access to Medicare support. 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
Medicare-Medicaid Dual Enrollment
Medicare-Medicaid Dual Enrollee State Profile — Ohio
Find a Social Security Administration office near you
Social Security Office Locator
View Medicare benefits
Social Security Administration — Medicare benefits
Apply for Medicare
Online Medicare application
Ohio Department of Aging
Seek an Ombudsman
The state of Ohio regulates senior care facilities to help ensure the health and safety of their residents. Columbus nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities are all required to be licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH performs facility inspections before licensing the facility and a minimum of every 15 months after licensure, regardless of the care type.[08,09]
Ohio nursing homes must meet specific staff requirements that enable them to offer adequate nursing care. Skilled nursing facilities in Ohio must have a registered nurse on staff who operates as a director of the facility. Facilities must also have enough nursing staff (registered nurses and licensed practical nurses) to provide each resident with a minimum average of 2.5 hours of direct care daily. Nursing facilities must also have a nurse on call at any time that one is not on duty.
Ohio skilled nursing facilities have minimum service requirements they must provide to residents, which include the following:[08]
While there are no minimum staff requirements for assisted living and memory care facilities in Ohio, facilities are required to employ specific types of personnel. Memory care facilities have one additional staff requirement, which is that the facility must have a psychologist or physician either on staff or contracted to oversee the care of residents with late-stage cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.
Other Ohio staff requirements for both memory care and assisted living facilities are as follows:
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 and memory care facilities must provide residents with the following services:[08]
Ohio nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities must uphold building code standards for health and safety. Each facility must be approved by the local certified building department.
Ohio nursing home, assisted living, and memory care facilities must have plumbing, electrical, and sanitation systems that are in safe and working order. They are required to comply with fire and carbon monoxide safety, have evacuation and disaster preparedness plans, and perform and document regular evacuation drills.[08,09]
You can access Ohio senior care facility inspection reports through the Health Care Provider Search tool. To look up a particular facility’s inspection report using this tool, select the category of care provider from the drop-down menu. Then, you can narrow your search by entering the county, city, organization’s name, or any information you have for the corresponding fields. To search and compare nursing home facilities, use the Medicare nursing home search tool.
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 nursing homes and other senior care 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, so it’s best to call prospective communities ahead of time to ask what specific guidelines they have in place. The general guidelines are as follows:
Testing. Residents and staff of senior care facilities should be tested if they are exhibiting symptoms or have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Masking. Masks should be worn by residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, health care workers who have contact with COVID-positive patients, and individuals within the facility 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.
While A Place for Mom does not partner with nursing homes, 19% of our memory care and assisted living partners in Columbus offer on-site skilled nursing care as an additional service.
Columbus senior care communities offer their residents an environment where they can receive personal care services that promote wellness and quality of life, while still continuing to maintain as much independence as possible. Assisted living and memory care communities in the Columbus area feature elegantly furnished communal areas where residents can relax, mingle with friends over meals and cups of coffee, and enjoy enrichment activities.
Out of our 48 partnered Columbus communities offering assisted living and memory care, over 79% feature some combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care all in the same community, and 19% offer on-site skilled nursing. Communities that integrate multiple levels of care enable residents to seamlessly transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change, making it ideal for aging in place. Senior care communities with multiple care types offer more variety among residents, often providing more opportunity for friendships and social engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need.
On-site amenities at our partner assisted living and memory care communities in Columbus typically feature communal leisure areas and accommodations such as the following:
Columbus memory care communities strive to offer customized care to senior residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Care staff aim to foster a holistic relationship and cultivate quality care and engagement with each resident by getting to know their preferences, interests, and idiosyncrasies.
In addition to the assisted living amenities above, Columbus memory care communities usually also feature the following:
Residents of Columbus assisted living and memory care communities are offered private living spaces with the following conveniences and safety features:
Residents of Ohio senior care communities can get the most out of their retirement with the numerous care and service offerings provided daily. From dignified personal care to errands and home upkeep, senior care services in Columbus usually include most or all of the following:
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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 seniors have access 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, and it’s nationally ranked in nine adult specialties, including cardiology and cancer treatment.
OhioHealth’s largest hospital, Riverside Methodist Hospital, is ranked No. 2 in Columbus, according to U.S. News and World Report. Riverside is outstanding in neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and cancer treatment.
Of A Place for Mom’s 48 Columbus assisted living and memory care partners, 76% provide complimentary transportation services, and 64% offer transportation to residents at an additional cost. Whether the community’s transportation services are complimentary or at cost may depend on distance and whether or not the services are on-demand or scheduled.
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAA) comprehensive transportation guide offers information on free and low-cost transportation that is dedicated to serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.
If taking public transportation with a caregiver, Columbus seniors can take advantage of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). The American Public Transportation Association awarded COTA its Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award in 2018 and 2020. With buses serving an area of over 1.2 million people, COTA has innovative trip planning tools, multiple services like Bike and Ride or Park and Ride, and a free Emergency Ride Home system to make sure Columbus residents don’t get stranded.
Columbus offers its growing senior population and their families a wealth of events and attractions. Below, find highlights of family-friendly attractions, social opportunities for seniors, activities suited for individuals with memory loss, and more.
Columbus offers unique experiences for all ages, both educational and entertaining. The following attractions make for fun outings with the whole family:
Another popular option is the city’s North Market, a 150-year-old farmers market, which features locally grown produce, food samples to taste, and more.
Dubbed “everybody’s neighborhood” for its inclusivity and 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.
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra offers concerts that are appropriate for individuals with sensitivity to stimulation, including those with dementia and memory loss. Ohio State University is host to The Dementia Project, a student-led organization that facilitates therapeutic musical activities to foster wellness, reminiscence, and connection for seniors with dementia.
Columbus Recreation and Parks presents social opportunities to Columbus residents age 55 and over. Columbus seniors can enjoy fitness programs, arts and special interest classes, and more. Grandparents and grandkids age 8-12 can spend quality time together at Gram and Gramp Camp, where all can participate in structured activities with other Columbus grandparents and grandkids.
For more than 50 years, senior artisans have featured their handcrafted 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.
Middleton Senior Living, Danbury of Columbus and StoryPoint Gahanna are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Columbus, OH. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Columbus is $4,842 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Views -> Challenger -> By Care type answer 3
Genworth. (2021, November). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). 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.
Nursing Homes, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.17 (2018).
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth. (2021, November). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). 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.
Nursing Homes, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.17 (2018).
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (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.