Columbus, Ohio, is the second-most populous Midwestern city, behind only Chicago. Located along the Scioto River in the heart of the Buckeye State, Columbus boasts a range of quality options to accommodate the needs and preferences of its growing senior population. With 33 memory care communities among A Place for Mom’s Columbus senior living partners, your loved one can find a community that fits their unique care and support needs. Columbus’ memory care communities are thoughtfully designed to foster safety, comfort, and dignity for seniors with dementia. Residents of Columbus memory care enjoy an array of quality amenities, personalized care services, and engaging activities to support cognitive function.
We’ve created this guide to Columbus, Ohio, memory care options based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Columbus seniors below.
10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Columbus, OH
Columbus, Ohio, is the second-most populous Midwestern city, behind only Chicago. Located along the Scioto River in the heart of the Buckeye State, Columbus boasts a range of quality options to accommodate the needs and preferences of its growing senior population. With 33 memory care communities among A Place for Mom’s Columbus senior living partners, your loved one can find a community that fits their unique care and support needs. Columbus’ memory care communities are thoughtfully designed to foster safety, comfort, and dignity for seniors with dementia. Residents of Columbus memory care enjoy an array of quality amenities, personalized care services, and engaging activities to support cognitive function.Read more
We’ve created this guide to Columbus, Ohio, memory care options based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Columbus seniors below.
Columbus Memory Care Facilities | 1729 Reviews
I liked the look, smell and feel of it. We had a very good experience with Ashford. Except for one very bad experience. I would use them again.
The staff were responsive to our needs, especially one of the nurses. Had plenty of activities for whomever wished to participate. And fellow residents were friendly. My loved one was not thrilled with the...
I want to first thank everyone who works at The Bristol, they have made my loved ones lives safer and easier. I am closer to thim in case they need me but the best part of them living at The Bristol I dont...
All the people we've been in contact with, or interacted with have been absolutely wonderful. The quality of their food and temperature of their food for the memory care area is below subpar. I seriously...
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...
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...
The staff was exceptional. The facility was older but we chose the care over the physical plant. The staff had an approach that as long as dad was there, he would be happier if he participated in attending...
I would recommend the community. The people here are very nice and friendly. My loved one likes it here. Overall the experience has been good for us. It would be nice to see more activities on the...
The community communications with billing issues could be better but the treatment for my mother is amazing. my loved one recently had a stroke while at the community and they were right on the ball and got...
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The decision to place a loved on in assisted living is always difficult. But I don't worry with Mom at the Cottage. I know she is being well taken care of and that the staff genuinely cares about her as an...
My father was well cared for in the Covid unit at Whetstone and the family was treated with kindness and respect. We were kept updated on his condition and he was kept as comfortable as possible. We were...
After touring several retirement communities in Columbus, Ohio, I chose First Community Village for several reasons: Its convenient location and beautiful setting in a lovely residential area; the...
I would say that, when compared to other facilities, it is above average, but that it is not without its challenges-- frequent turnover of director, employees, etc.; short handed with regard to staff; rise...
They are very caring for their patients. They do a good job of checking on them and looking out for them. The administration is top. Meals seemed to be bland and seems cafeteria style.
They're a very friendly group of people. I visit often, and I feel like they know me. I think they really try their best. Some of the help is better than others. With Covid, I'm only allowed in my loved...
I think Kemper House is a wonderful place. The staff is very loving and respectful towards all of the residents. They have a lot of staff working there, so they do not seem to be short staffed like so many...
I would recommend Paramount Senior Living to those who are looking. the memory care unit is not in the same building, but the dining room is communal. so some memory care residents get to come over and eat...
Really helpful nice and respectful a good clean place. / 5 stars all around./ [Name removed] the nurse there is the best of the best Anna is so wonderful a angel for sure.
Dad and Mom moved into Worthington Christian Village from their long-time home in Worthington. WCV quickly became their new home. They had a spacious two room third floor apartment with a kitchen so Dad...
I live at the village. I like helping with activities some of my favorite activities are arts and crafts, bingo and going out for lunch. The staff make me feel needed and special. And they help me with...
- What families are saying about alzheimers care in Columbus
- Costs of memory care in the Columbus area
- How people pay for memory care in Columbus, Ohio
- Understand Ohio laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- Get to know memory care in Columbus, Ohio
- What to expect from memory care in Columbus, Ohio
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Columbus, Ohio? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about alzheimers care in Columbus
Recent reviews for alzheimers care in Columbus
Westerville Senior Living
Capital City Hospice in Columbus, OH
Brookdale Westerville in Columbus, OH
Costs of memory care in the Columbus area
Columbus memory care costs an average of $4,980 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the average cost of room, board, and additional add-ons or amenities that real families referred to A Place for Mom’s Columbus memory care communities paid in 2022.
Examples of add-ons that may affect the cost of memory care include the following:
- Special dietary accommodations
- Health care services
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Podiatry
- Transportation and concierge services
- Day trips and outings
- Salon and spa services
- Pet fees
- Optional room amenities
The figures in the chart below represent baseline costs for memory care in Columbus and nearby cities, and do not include costs of optional services and amenities. They should give you a sense of how Columbus compares to surrounding cities.
Average monthly cost of Alzheimers Care in Columbus, OH vs. nearby cities
Columbus, OH
How people pay for memory care in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus residents can combine several private and public assistance options to help pay for memory care. An assessment of your loved one’s unique financial circumstances will help you determine the best way to pay for room and board and personal care services in a memory care community.
If your loved one has the resources, you may be able to fund memory care in Columbus through their private pay methods. Private pay methods can include any income source, such as your loved one’s savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, and any of 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) that can help cover the cost of memory care. 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.[03]
Veterans service officers
Applying for veterans benefits can be a challenging process. Even eligible veterans usually require assistance or advocacy to successfully apply. You and your loved one 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.
Additional assistance with VA benefits
For assistance with finding veterans benefits, you can visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact your loved one’s local VA office. The Ohio Attorney General website offers information on additional community resources for veterans, including the following:
- Financial support
- Legal advocacy
- Housing assistance
- Rehabilitation
The VA oversees 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
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
Phone: 614-224-1838
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 503
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-3582
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded program that offers medical insurance coverage to U.S. citizens with lower income and/or with disabilities. While each state’s Medicaid program is a bit different, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Ohio’s program is simply named Ohio Medicaid. To receive Medicaid benefits, 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. Ohio Medicaid has programs that can be used to cover memory care.
Assisted Living Medicaid waiver
Ohio Medicaid offers an Assisted Living Waiver program, which is intended to provide coverage for qualified Ohio residents in an assisted living community, but it can also be used for memory care. The Assisted Living Medicaid 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 your loved one’s income or other private financial resources.
The Ohio Assisted Living Medicaid waiver can be used to cover two categories of services: Assisted living services and community transitional services. Assisted living services include the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- 24-hour emergency response
- Housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation
- Nursing services
- Recreational programs
- Transportation services
- Daily meals
Community transitional services typically consist of moving a senior from a skilled nursing facility to an assisted living or memory care community, including moving their furniture and other household belongings.[04]
Ohio Medicaid PASSPORT waiver
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, a memory care or assisted living community, or another senior living facility rather than moving into a skilled nursing facility.
The PASSPORT waiver can cover costs of care needs such as the following:
- Personal care, such as assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, and meal preparation
- Nutritional guidance and meal delivery
- Adult day services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Medical equipment
PASSPORT waivers also include basic Medicaid coverage and may cover costs such as prescription medications, physician visits, and hospital stays.[05]
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid offers coverage for seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities. To qualify for ABD Medicaid, Ohio residents must meet Medicaid’s basic eligibility requirements and meet one of the following criteria:
- Be aged 65 or older
- Be legally blind
- Have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration
Qualifying individuals can use ABD Medicaid to cover the costs of medical care, as well as some long-term care services, such as memory care.[06]
If your loved one is an Ohio Medicaid recipient, 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 Medicare, Medicaid, 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, such as a memory care community.
Columbus resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Medicaid Consumer HotlineOhio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Benefits Access
Ohio Department of Health Benefits
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
3776 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: 800-589-7277
Ohio Department of Aging
Find 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:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Medicare health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in a memory care facility. It will, however, cover many of the costs associated with medical treatment, which includes dementia care. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by reaching out to a local Ohio Social Security Administration office. 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 both 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 care they deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Columbus resident Medicare resources
Understand Ohio laws and regulations for memory care facilities
Memory care and assisted living facilities, or residential care facilities as they are designated in Ohio, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH performs facility inspections before licensing the facility, and then a minimum of every 15 months after licensure. Ohio memory care facilities have the same requirements as assisted living facilities.
A residential care facility is defined as one of the following:
- A facility offering accommodations and care for a minimum of 17 residents who are not related to one another
- A facility offering accommodations and care services to three or more unrelated persons who are dependent on these services, with skilled nursing being offered to at least one resident
Ohio memory care staff requirements
While there are no minimum staff requirements for residential 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 or dementia.
Other staff requirements for Ohio residential care, such as memory care and assisted living facilities, are as follows:
- An administrator who is responsible for managing the facility’s operations must be on the premises at least 20 hours per week and must also be available at all times when they are off-site.
- If the facility offers personal care services, they must have one direct care staff member who is trained in first aid on the premises at all times.
- If the facility provides medication administration, they must have a registered nurse, a physician, or a licensed nurse practitioner certified in medication administration on staff.
Staff in Ohio assisted living facilities, including memory care facilities, must meet the following requirements:
- They must be free from diseases that could be transmittable to residents in their care.
- They must be without alcohol or drug dependencies that affect their work performance and the safety of the individuals in their care.
- They must be at least 16 years of age; if they are under 18, they must be supervised by a staff member who is at least 18. The administrator of a facility must be 21 or older.
- They must undergo proper training for their responsibilities, as is outlined in Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3701-16-06.
Ohio memory care service requirements
Ohio memory care and assisted living facilities must provide residents with the following services:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Social and recreational activities
- Laundry and housekeeping services
- Three meals per day or a food-safe storage for residents to take care of their own food
Ohio memory care building standards
Ohio memory care and assisted living facilities must comply with building code standards for health and safety. All facilities must be approved by their local certified building department.
Memory care and assisted living facilities must have all plumbing, electrical, and sanitation systems in safe and working order. They must uphold standards for fire and carbon monoxide safety, have evacuation and disaster preparedness plans, and perform and document routine evacuation drills.[07]
You can access Ohio memory care facility inspection reports through the Health Care Provider Survey Reports. To look up a particular facility’s inspection report using this tool, select “Assisted Living Facility” from the “Select a provider type” drop-down menu, then narrow your search by entering the county, the city, or the name of the specific organization you’re searching for.
For additional information on rights and resources for seniors in memory care and other senior care facilities, view the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging HOUSING Guide for Seniors and Individuals Who Have a Disabilities.
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 Columbus memory care facilities
Ohio memory 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 memory care facilities should be tested if they have come into contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if they are experiencing symptoms.
Masking. Masks should be worn by individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, by health care workers who have contact with COVID-positive patients, and by individuals 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.
Get to know memory care in Columbus, Ohio
What to expect from memory care in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus memory care communities strive to offer customized care to senior residents. Care staff strive to get to know each resident and foster a holistic relationship, knowing their preferences, interests, and idiosyncrasies in order to cultivate quality care and engagement. These memory care communities offer the same leisure and care provisions of assisted living, plus additional offerings to match the unique needs of seniors with memory loss. Such offerings include the following:
- Safety systems to prevent wandering
- Activities designed to support cognitive function
- Indoor and/or enclosed outdoor walking spaces
Columbus memory care support services
Most memory care communities in Columbus offer private apartments with access to the following care and support services:
- Round-the-clock care staff
- 24-hour emergency response
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, and dressing
- Incontinence care
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Barber and beauty services
- Exercise classes
- Engaging recreational, social, and entertainment activities
- Restaurant-style dining
- Grocery and errand services
- Transportation services
Multiple tiers of care on one campus
Out of our partnered Columbus communities offering memory care, 94% feature some combination of memory care, assisted living, and independent living, all in the same community. Multiple care types together offer more variety among residents, often providing more opportunity for friendships and social engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need.
Communities that integrate multiple levels of care enable residents to conveniently transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change, making it ideal for aging in place. Additionally, since memory care units tend to have a lower maximum number of residents than assisted living, seniors who are in the earlier stages of memory loss can start out in assisted living as a more cost-effective option, and transition to the memory care unit at a later time, should they need more specialized cognitive support.
Columbus memory care amenities
Our Columbus memory care partner communities feature communal leisure areas and on-site conveniences, which include some or all of the following:
- Indoor walking spaces
- Enclosed outdoor walking spaces
- Beauty salons/barber shops
- TV and movie lounges
- Patios
- Fitness centers
- Libraries/media centers
- Dining areas
- Cafes/bistros
- Central fireplaces
- Game/craft rooms
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Unfamiliar with Columbus, Ohio? Highlights for seniors
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
Health care for seniors in Columbus
Columbus is home to two state-of-the-art teaching and general medical hospitals.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
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 that is nationally ranked in nine adult specialties, including cardiology and cancer treatment.
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
Riverside is OhioHealth’s largest hospital and is outstanding in neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and cancer treatment. OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Columbus, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Transportation for seniors in Columbus
Of A Place for Mom’s Columbus memory care partners, 81% offer complimentary transportation services and 72% offer at-cost transportation to residents. Whether the transport services in some communities are complimentary or at cost may depend on distance or on-demand transportation rather than scheduled.
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAA) comprehensive Transportation Guide offers information on free and low-cost transportation 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, or 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.
Senior activities in Columbus
Columbus offers a wealth of events to its residents, including its growing senior population. Below, find highlights of family-friendly attractions, activities suited for individuals with memory loss, and more.
Columbus attractions
Columbus offers unique experiences for all ages, both educational and entertaining. The following attractions make for fun outings with the whole family:
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Franklin Park Conservatory
- Columbus Historical Society
- Columbus Museum of Art
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.
Columbus parks and recreation
Columbus Recreation and Parks offers social opportunities for residents age 55 and over. Grandparents and grandkids aged 8-12 can get some quality time at Gram and Gramp Camp, where all can participate in structured activities and enjoy quality time together. Seniors may also enjoy fitness classes, arts and nature classes, and other enrichment activities.
Columbus activities for seniors with memory loss
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra presents concerts that are accommodating for individuals with sensitivity to stimulation, including individuals with dementia and memory loss. Ohio State University hosts a student organization called The Dementia Project, which facilitates therapeutic musical activities to promote wellness, reminiscence, and connection.
Senior artisans can sell their 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. For seniors with memory loss, the Golden Hobby could be a way to stay connected with hobbies they’ve always loved and maintain their skills for longer. The Golden Hobby Gift Shop is itself a Columbus older resident, with over 50 years of selling members’ handmade products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carroll Place, Middleton Senior Living and StoryPoint Powell North are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Columbus, OH. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Columbus is 4768.04 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 77 memory care facilities near you in Columbus, Ohio typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Columbus, Ohio, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Columbus, Ohio, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Columbus, Ohio ranges from $1150 to $9570. The average Memory Care cost in Columbus, Ohio is $4768.04. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Columbus, Ohio typically starts at $1150. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). 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.
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018, March 1).
Center for Disease Control. (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.
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