Assisted living combines a home-like setting with personal support services. Assisted living facilities typically provide more intensive care than is available through home care services. They also give older adults an alternative to nursing facility care that is both less expensive and less restrictive.

Assisted living residences vary, but most provide meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and social activities. They also offer personal care, such as help with eating, bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene. Some nursing care is also provided, including help with medications and other treatments.

Costs for assisted living generally range from $2,000 to $4,000 per month and vary depending on the size of living area, region of the state, and the amount of care needed. The Long-Term Care Consumer Guide is an online tool that can help you find and compare nursing and residential care facilities, including assisted living, in your area.

Ohio's Assisted Living Waiver Program

Individuals who meet certain service and care needs and meet established financial criteria may be eligible for Ohio's Assisted Living Waiver Program. The program pays the costs of care in an assisted living facility for certain people with Medicaid, allowing the consumer to use his or her personal resources to cover "room and board" expenses. Two types of services are provided by the program:

• Assisted Living Services include 24 hour on-site response, personal care, supportive services (housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance), nursing, and transportation, three meals per day, and social/recreational programming.
• Community Transition Services are available to individuals who are leaving a nursing facility to enroll in the Assisted Living waiver. These services help them get essential household furnishings and other items to set up their new homes.

Eligibility

Eligible participants:

• Are age 21 or older;
• Need hands-on assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, eating or mobility;
• Meet the financial criteria for Medicaid eligibility (determined by your county Department of Job and Family Services); and
• Be able to pay the state established monthly room and board payment (rent), which is the current SSI federal rate minus $50.

To find out if the Assisted Living Waiver Program is an option for you or your loved one, contact your  PASSPORT Administrative Agency. To determine if you may be eligible for Medicaid, visit Ohio Benefits.

Providers

Providers must be licensed as a residential care facility by the Ohio Department of Health and certified by the Ohio Department of Aging. Ask the facility management or consult the Long-Term Care Consumer Guide to determine in a facility near you participates in the program. The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman may also be able to help you identify participating providers near you.