If you want to retire in a culturally vibrant Midwestern city, you may find what you’re looking for in Columbus. With a population of 905,748 as of the 2020 U.S. Census, Columbus is Ohio’s largest city in addition to being its capital and home to the sprawling Ohio State University. The high concentration of students living in Columbus means the city’s senior population is a relatively low 10.4%, about 6% lower than the national average. Columbus enjoys pleasant summers that rarely get oppressively hot. From May to September, temperature highs range from the low 70s to the mid-80s.
Older adults who require moderate levels of help with mobility, dining, grooming and other daily activities often find that assisted living communities are a good match for their needs. According to the annual Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average price for assisted living in Columbus is $4,085 a month, roughly 12% less expensive than equivalent prices throughout Ohio.
This comparison guide examines assisted living care costs in Columbus and its surrounding cities. It also includes a look at some of the supportive resources available to Columbus-area seniors from government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
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.
In Columbus, assisted living costs seniors an average of $4,085 per month.
Columbus’ assisted living costs are lower than both state and national costs. Elsewhere in Ohio, the average cost of assisted living costs averages $4,635. Across the United States, the average price is $4,500.
The most expensive prices for assisted living in Ohio are found in Akron, which carries an average monthly cost of $4,993, and Cleveland, which slightly trails Akron with average monthly costs of $4,940. Canton is also within $100 of those prices at $4,905 per month. Cincinnati is just barely more expensive than the Ohio average at $4,666. The less expensive side of the state’s price range is represented by Springfield at $3,660. Dayton, at $4,250, sports a price point that’s fairly close to that of Columbus.
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.
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
(800) 589-7277 |
This AAA can help eligible Columbus-area seniors apply for financial help with assisted living costs. Other programs available through these local agencies include workshops on Medicare topics and a substitute guardian initiative that can help seniors connect with volunteer help regarding care decisions. |
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(614) 566-5858 |
The Gerlach Center offers guidance involving drafting advance directives, choosing a long-term care community that best fits your particular needs and living with neurological difficulties. |
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(800) 282-1206 |
The staff of the ombudsman’s office act as advocates for the residents of Ohio’s assisted living and nursing home facilities, ensuring their concerns and complaints are heard. Members of the LTC office also offer guidance regarding choosing between facilities and insurance options. |
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(614) 224-8374 |
Financially eligible older adults in Columbus may contact this legal nonprofit for pro bono advice regarding senior housing issues, information about filing advance directives and assistance with transferring powers of attorney, among other civil matters. |
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(614) 645-3106 |
This popular community hub for seniors features a wide variety of social programs and activity options. Creatively minded seniors can take part in woodcrafting and ceramics classes, while those who prefer more active movement can participate in square dancing, tap dancing and ballet instruction. You can also find discussion groups on history and current events, friendly chess and backgammon competitions, fitness initiatives and more. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Columbus 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.