Cleveland, Ohio, is a historical Midwestern lake-port town on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Cleveland is a vibrant, senior-friendly metropolis with a growing population of older residents. It’s known for its professional sports teams and their avid fans, its art and music offerings, scenic parks, and beautiful Lake Erie beaches.
With 29 assisted living communities among A Place for Mom’s Cleveland senior living partners, you can find a community that fits your loved one’s unique needs and lifestyle. In this guide, browse Cleveland assisted living options, tips on paying for senior care, health and safety regulations, highlights of Cleveland living, and more. We’ve compiled this information from our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts, to help you find the right fit for your family.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, Ohio, is a historical Midwestern lake-port town on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Cleveland is a vibrant, senior-friendly metropolis with a growing population of older residents. It’s known for its professional sports teams and their avid fans, its art and music offerings, scenic parks, and beautiful Lake Erie beaches.Read more
With 29 assisted living communities among A Place for Mom’s Cleveland senior living partners, you can find a community that fits your loved one’s unique needs and lifestyle. In this guide, browse Cleveland assisted living options, tips on paying for senior care, health and safety regulations, highlights of Cleveland living, and more. We’ve compiled this information from our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts, to help you find the right fit for your family.
Cleveland Assisted Living Facilities | 557 Reviews
We've experienced very good response times to the call buttons. The staff listen to us and take time with the family as well as with my mother. It's just been a very warm and inviting environment there. ...
5 for each of them - this place is awesome! It is Independent, but with access to other services and activities - exactly what I was looking for. The 2-bedroom apartment has large rooms, large patio, nice...
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I like living at North Park. The staff I have met so far have been helpful. I have not yet tried the food they offer. The community is clean and they do offer daily activities. The residents in my area...
- What families are saying about assisted living in Cleveland
- Costs of assisted living in the Cleveland area
- How people pay for assisted living in Cleveland
- Understand Ohio laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Cleveland
- What to expect from Cleveland assisted living
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Cleveland? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Cleveland
Recent reviews for assisted living in Cleveland
Maplewood at Twinsburg
Beachwood Commons by New Perspective
Bickford of Rocky River
Costs of assisted living in the Cleveland area
Assisted living communities in Cleveland cost an average of $4,695 per month, according to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This represents the amount paid by real seniors and families referred to our Cleveland assisted living partners in 2022-2023. This cost includes rent plus optional add-on fees, such as the following:
- Health care services
- Pet deposits
- Parking and transportation
- Room amenities
- Salon and spa services
- Special dietary accommodations
- Concierge services
- Community entertainment outings
The rates outlined below represent a baseline of monthly assisted living costs in the greater Cleveland area before add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Cleveland, OH vs. nearby cities
Cleveland, OH
How people pay for assisted living in Cleveland
Cleveland seniors can combine personal funds and public assistance options to help cover the cost of assisted living. To find the best way to cover rent and care in assisted living, start with an assessment of your loved one’s unique financial position.
If your loved one has the resources, they may be able to cover Cleveland assisted living care costs using private pay methods. Private pay methods can consist of any type of income or assets, such as savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Cleveland as of 2021
About 76% of Cleveland veterans are 55+.
If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may qualify for benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can help cover living and care expenses. Veterans pension benefits and additional stipends like the Aid and Attendance benefit offer supplemental monthly income to senior veterans and their surviving spouses.[03]
Getting assistance from veterans service officers
Before beginning your application, it’s important to know that applying for veterans benefits can be a challenging task. Your loved one may qualify and still be denied eligibility because of a mistake on their application, which is why assistance can be highly beneficial.
However, there are resources available to help your loved one receive the benefits they’re entitled to. A local veterans service officer can help your loved one apply successfully. Veterans service officers are fellow veterans who are trained and certified in benefits offerings. They can help Ohio senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility. Your loved one can also visit the local VA field office to receive help with their VA benefits application.
Additional assistance with VA benefits
To get more support with receiving veterans benefits, you and your loved one can go to the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact your local VA office. On the Ohio Attorney General website, find information on community resources for veterans, such as the following:
- Financial and housing assistance
- Legal advocacy and advice
- Rehabilitation services
The VA works with nonprofit veterans service organizations (VSOs) in each state that serve veterans’ needs. Below, find information on Cleveland VSOs, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and other resources.
Resources for Cleveland veterans
Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission
1849 Prospect Ave., Suite 150
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-698-2600
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cleveland Regional Office
1240 E. Ninth St.
Cleveland, OH 44199
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Verne Riff State Office Tower
77 S. High St., #7
Columbus, OH 43215
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
Cleveland Regional Office
1240 E. Ninth St., Suite 1013a
Cleveland, OH 44199
Phone: 216-522-3510
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
American Legion Post 0315
769 E. 105th St.
Cleveland, OH 44108
Phone: 440-840-1344
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — Ohio
Cleveland Regional Office
1240 E. Ninth St., Suite 1017b
Cleveland, OH 44199
Phone: 216-522-3507
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program for Americans with disabilities or low incomes. The Medicaid program in each state is a bit different, but all Medicaid programs are required to follow federal guidelines. The Medicaid program in Ohio is simply called Ohio Medicaid. To receive Ohio Medicaid benefits, your loved one will need to 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 care services in Cleveland assisted living.
Assisted Living Medicaid waiver
Ohio Medicaid’s Assisted Living Waiver program, as the name suggests, is designed for qualified Ohio residents in an assisted living community. Recipients of the Assisted Living waiver are responsible for covering the costs of room and board using their own income or other financial resources, but the waiver will support coverage for care services in their assisted living community.
The Ohio Assisted Living Medicaid waiver covers 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
- Nursing care
- Housekeeping, laundry, and meal services
- Recreational programs
Community transitional services typically involve relocating a senior from a skilled nursing facility to an assisted living community. Transport of their furniture and other household items generally fall under this service, as well.[04]
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid waivers provide medical coverage for eligible seniors and individuals who have qualifying disabilities. To qualify for ABD Medicaid, your loved one must meet Medicaid’s basic eligibility requirements and one of the following additional criteria:
- Be aged 65 or older.
- Be legally blind.
- Have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration.
ABD Medicaid can be used to cover the costs of medical care, as well as some long-term care services.[05]
Ohio Medicaid PASSPORT waiver
Ohio residents aged 60 and over may qualify for the PASSPORT waiver. The PASSPORT waiver is a home and community based services waiver for seniors in need of a nursing facility level of care. Eligible seniors who would prefer not to transfer to skilled nursing care can use this waiver to cover the cost of care in their own home, an assisted living community, or other senior living facility.
PASSPORT waiver recipients can use it to cover costs of services such as the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living and housekeeping
- Nutritional guidance and meal services
- Adult day and respite care
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Medical equipment
PASSPORT waivers include general Medicaid coverage, which can be used for other medical expenses such as prescription medications, doctor visits, and hospitalization.[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.
Cleveland resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
1700 E. 13th St., Suite 114
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 800-626-7277
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for Americans 65 or older and individuals with qualifying disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different types of health care, including the following:
- Skilled nursing care and hospital stays
- Doctors’ appointments, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Medicare cannot be used to pay for room and board at an assisted living community; however, it will cover many of the costs associated with medical treatment, including dementia care. Access more information on Medicare coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by contacting one of your local Ohio Social Security Administration offices. Qualified Ohio residents may get additional help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
The U.S. Social Security Administration can help your loved one receive access to Medicare support. If your loved one is eligible for dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid, they can pay Medicare premiums using their Medicaid benefits. A local long-term care ombudsman can help your loved one access the benefits they qualify for and advocate for their rights, as well as investigate long-term care recipients’ complaints and help ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Cleveland resident Medicare resources
Understand Ohio laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Ohio assisted living facilities must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH performs facility inspections before granting the facility a license, and then a minimum of every 15 months after licensure.
Ohio assisted living staff requirements
Unlike some states, Ohio has no minimum staff requirements for assisted living facilities. However, Ohio does require assisted living facilities to employ the following personnel:
- An administrator who manages the facility’s operations. The administrator must be on the premises a minimum of 20 hours per week, and they must be on call at all times when off-site.
- Direct care staff. If personal care services are offered on-site, the facility must have at least one staff member trained in first aid present at all times.
- Medical staff. If medication administration is offered, the facility must have a registered nurse, a physician, or a licensed nurse practitioner on staff who is certified in medication administration.
- Specialized memory care staff. If the facility has residents with late-stage cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, there must be a psychologist or physician either on staff or contracted with the facility.
Ohio assisted living personnel must go through proper training for their responsibilities, as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3701-16-06.
Ohio assisted living service requirements
Ohio assisted living facilities are required to provide residents with the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting
- Recreational and social activities
- Housekeeping, laundry, and linen services
- Either three daily meals or food-safe storage for residents to store and prepare their own meals
Ohio assisted living building standards
Ohio assisted living facilities must be approved by the local certified building department to ensure that they uphold building code standards for health and safety.
Ohio assisted living facilities must keep their plumbing, electrical, and sanitation systems in safe and working order. They must maintain fire and carbon monoxide safety, have evacuation and disaster preparedness plans in place, and regularly perform and document evacuation drills.[07]
To find details on a Cleveland assisted living or other senior care facility, use the Health Care Provider Search tool. You can search a particular facility by choosing the category of care provider from the drop-down menu. Further refine your search results by typing the county, city, organization’s name, or any information you have for the corresponding fields. Note that while Ohio does show whether an assisted living or memory care facility’s license is active, it does not reveal the full inspection report.
For additional information on rights and resources, view the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Housing Guide for Seniors and Individuals Who Have a Disability.
Ohio Department of Health contact information
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543
Cleveland Department of Public Health
75 Erieview Plaza
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-664-2324
COVID-19 regulations for Cleveland assisted living facilities
As COVID-19 cases have decreased, there are no statewide COVID-19 regulations in Ohio at this time. Ohio assisted living facilities are, however, recommended to implement precautionary measures against COVID-19 in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Get to know assisted living in Cleveland
What to expect from Cleveland assisted living
Cleveland assisted living communities cultivate an environment that promotes wellness and quality of life through personal care services, while fostering as much independence for residents as possible. Your loved one in Cleveland assisted living can enjoy the privacy and comfort of their own apartment while having personal care services and social opportunities all within easy reach.
As a resident of Cleveland assisted living, your loved one can enjoy cozy private accommodations with convenient features like the following:
- Multiple floor plan options
- Ground floor units available
- Private balconies or patios
- Kitchenettes
- Wheelchair-accessible showers
- Bath tubs
- High-speed internet
- Cable or satellite TV
Cleveland assisted living communities offer convenient amenities and inviting shared spaces where your loved one can be pampered, enjoy visits with friends and neighbors, participate in fitness classes or enrichment activities, and more. Some of the more luxurious amenities include those below:
- Central fireplace lounges
- Community dining rooms
- Cafes/bistros
- Bars/pubs
- Libraries/media centers
- TV and movie lounges
- Activity centers/game and craft rooms
- Patios and outdoor seating areas
- Beauty salons/barbershops
- Fitness centers
- Swimming pools/hot tubs
Finally, Cleveland assisted living offers an array of support services to boost residents’ quality of life and foster worry-free retirement. From errand services and home upkeep to dignified personal care, assisted living services in Cleveland typically include the following:
- Restaurant-style dining
- Planned events and recreational activities
- Grocery and errand services
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Housekeeping and home maintenance
- Management staff on-site
- Transportation services
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Medication management
- Diabetic care
- Ambulatory assistance
- Incontinence care
Communities with multiple levels of care
Out of our 29 partnered Cleveland communities offering assisted living, 62% feature some combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all on a single campus. Senior care communities that integrate multiple levels of support can be ideal for aging in place, as they make it easy for residents to transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change. Multiple care types together also offer more variety among residents, often providing more opportunities for friendships and social engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need. These communities can also be a good fit for couples who each have different support needs.
Assisted living in the surrounding Cleveland suburbs
Beachwood, Highland Hills, and Hudson are all popular neighborhoods with luxury Cleveland assisted living and other senior living options. While A Place for Mom partners with 29 assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of the city center, we partner with a total of 89 assisted living communities in a 25-mile radius, giving your family even more options to choose from.
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Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Cleveland? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Cleveland
Median annual retirement income for Cleveland seniors 65 and older[09]
Health care for seniors in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, boasts several state-of-the-art teaching and research hospitals and medical centers.
Cleveland Clinic
With procedures among those of the top hospitals in the United States, the Cleveland Clinic is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties. The Cleveland Clinic is ranked No. 1 in Cleveland, according to U.S. News and World Report.
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
With over 150 years of operation, UH Cleveland Medical Center is a high-performing teaching hospital ranked No. 2 in Cleveland, according to U.S. News and World Report. The Siedman’s Cancer Center is one of the medical care facilities on its 35-acre campus.
Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital
Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest is the third-highest ranking hospital in Cleveland and the fourth in the state of Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s high performing in four adult specialties and 11 procedures.
Transportation for seniors in Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland is very walkable and bike friendly, in addition to having excellent public transportation. Further out from the city center, your loved one will need to rely on a vehicle or their assisted living community’s transportation services, if available.
Of our partner assisted living communities in Cleveland, 79% offer either complimentary or at-cost transportation services. Costs of transportation will depend on the assisted living facility’s individual policies and whether the services are on-demand or scheduled.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority offers many different options for getting around the city with safety, connection, and inclusion kept at the forefront of their mission. Your loved one can choose the best option for them between railway lines, bus routes, a downtown trolley, and paratransit services designed for those with disabilities.
Downtown Cleveland is ranked as very walkable by Walk Score, which gives it the following transportation ratings out of 100:[11]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Cleveland
There’s so much for you and your family to do and see in Cleveland, including nostalgic attractions, annual festivals, and more. Cleveland is a hub for professional sports, rock and roll history, and cultural neighborhoods like Little Italy. Explore more things to do in Cleveland below.
Cleveland for families
Cleveland features an abundance of museums, wildlife centers, and more. Take in the Cleveland orchestra, or catch a game of the Browns, Monsters, or Guardians. Some of the most popular attractions in Cleveland include the following:
- “A Christmas Story” House
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium
- Children’s Museum of Cleveland
- Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Check out the many sites in the arts district University Circle, home to museums, botanical gardens, historical landmarks, and more.
Cleveland for foodies
Like any Midwest metropolis, Cleveland has a vast collection of restaurants encompassing a variety of cultural cuisines, such as Polish, Italian, Asian, and German. Cleveland also has its own style of pizza. If your loved one prefers to get out earlier in the day and be back for dinner with their community, don’t worry — they have plenty of options for breakfast and brunch.
Cleveland is a destination for craft breweries. If your loved one is a beer lover, make sure they never miss a brew. Pick them up an annual Brewery Passport to get discounts on Cleveland’s craft beers.
Cleveland for 60+
Cleveland features a number of senior centers designed to offer engagement, enrichment, and social activities. If your loved one wants to explore the city beyond their cozy community, or even if they need additional support when they’re out and about, a senior center near them can help them stay active and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bowen Elderly, Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls and Maplewood at Chardon are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Cleveland, OH. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Cleveland is 4508.66 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Cleveland [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 Medicaid. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
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): Cleveland. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals Cleveland.
Walk Score. (2023). Downtown, Cleveland.
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