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Cleveland is located in northeast Ohio on Lake Erie’s southern shore. With just over 381,000 residents, it’s the Buckeye State’s second-largest city, and seniors make up 13.5% of the population.
Seniors who are active but need support for daily living tasks can thrive at an assisted living facility. Although these communities don’t include skilled nursing, they offer services and amenities to make residents feel safe and enjoy a higher quality of life. Cleveland’s assisted living rates average $4,940 per month, relatively higher than national and state rates.
In this guide, you will find information on the costs of assisted living, how to get financial assistance and ways to pay for long-term care. You will also find a list of helpful resources for older adults seeking additional information and services.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Ohio. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the median monthly cost of assisted living in Cleveland is $4,940.
The average cost for assisted living in Cleveland is relatively high compared to national and state rates. At $4,940 per month, Cleveland’s assisted living costs $440 more than the national rate of $4,500, and $305 more than the state rate of $4,635.
Cleveland’s rates are comparable to those in Akron and Canton to the south. Akron’s rates are about $50 more than Cleveland’s rates, and Canton’s fees average $35 less. Less expensive cities include Youngstown near the Pennsylvania border, which costs about $200 less each month. Mansfield to the southwest costs about $140 less. Toledo and Columbus have facilities with significantly lower rates. Monthly rates in Toledo average about $720 less. Facilities in Columbus cost $4,085 per month, $855 less than Cleveland.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Ohio.
| Contact | Description | |
| Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging | (800) 626-7277 | Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging helps connect seniors with community programs and government services. It serves seniors in five Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga. Seniors can contact the agency to learn more about Medicaid waivers, managed care programs, nutrition programs and other resources. In addition, it runs workshops to help seniors manage diabetes and other chronic illnesses. |
| Rose Centers for Aging Well | (216) 791-8000 | The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging operates seven Rose Centers for Aging Well throughout the Cleveland area. Every month, these centers offer hundreds of fun activities for seniors. Art classes, book clubs and group outings are just a few of the many options. Some locations deliver the Aging Mastery Program, a 10-session program that aims to improve seniors’ well-being. Topics covered by these sessions include financial planning and healthy habits. |
| The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland | (216) 687-1900 | The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland provides free legal representation to low-income people. Seniors can receive help with many types of civil legal proceedings, such as hearings for Supplemental Security Income or veterans benefits. It also offers free Brief Advice Clinics, where seniors have the opportunity to ask a legal question or get help with a form. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (800) 282-1206 | Ohio’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program can help seniors resolve issues or concerns with assisted living facilities. Ombudsman representatives can advocate for assisted living residents. They can also provide information about choosing a long-term care provider. |
| Cleveland Sight Center | (216) 791-8118 | The Cleveland Sight Center is a nonprofit organization that serves people who have low vision. The center’s rehabilitation staff aim to help seniors make the most of their remaining vision and can teach them how to use magnifiers and other accessibility tools. Through its Recreation Department, it offers engaging programming for seniors with low vision, including sports, music and games. |
| Assisted Technology of Ohio | (800) 784-3425 | A part of Ohio State University’s College of Engineering, this federally funded nonprofit helps Ohioans access assistive technology. Through its Device Lending Library, seniors can try out assistive technology devices for up to 30 days. These devices include magnifiers, Braille displays and reader pens. In addition, the organization may direct seniors toward resources for financing assistive technology. |
| Senior Transportation Connection | (216) 265-1489 | Senior Transportation Connection provides low-cost transportation for seniors in Cuyahoga County. Seniors can reserve rides to grocery stores, medical appointments, senior centers and other destinations three days in advance. The organization’s accessible vehicles have lifts or ramps to accommodate seniors who use walkers or wheelchairs. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Cleveland area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
