Home Care in Ohio
Located just south of Lake Erie, Ohio has a lot to offer retirees who want access to affordable housing, quality health care services and urban amenities. The state is home to 216 hospitals, including the nationally ranked Cleveland Clinic, Christ Hospital and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and 17.5% of Ohio's 11,689,100 residents are aged 65 and older.
The SeniorScore is designed to help seniors evaluate the suitability of an area for seniors based on over 100 factors. Ohio has a SeniorScore of 74, which is slightly higher than the national average of 72. The SeniorScore is divided into four categories, and Ohio's highest category score, 68, was for Recreation and Leisure.
Ohio's wet climate and long, cold winters contribute to the relatively low score of 62 in the General Quality of Life category. Seniors in the state may be happy to know that Ohio has a high number of Medicaid-registered health care providers, as well as a very high number of home care providers.
This guide includes a general overview of home care costs in Ohio and a chart that compares care costs in Ohio with costs in neighboring states. Information is also provided about programs that help low and moderate income seniors cover their home care expenses, as well as links to free and low-cost resources designed to help older adults remain safe and independent.
Top Home Care Agencies in Ohio
Located at 7300 State Rd in Parma, Ohio, Parma Community General Hospital Home Health is an in-home care service provider that offers home health services as well as personal home care services. They have been in business in Ohio for ...
Located at 3832 Kettering Blvd in Dayton, Ohio, Fidelity Health Care is a senior home healthcare provider offering home care services as well as in-home nursing care. Since 1981, they have been serving clients in the Dayton area. They ...
Located in Kettering, Ohio at 3535 Southern Blvd, Kettering Home Care is a senior in-home care company that offers in-home health care and also in-home care. For almost 34 years, they have been helping customers throughout the Kettering area. They ...
Located in Kettering, Ohio at 1251 East Dorothy Lane, Suite 300, Alternate Solutions Homecare 8 is a home health care provider that offers home health services in addition to in-home personal care. Since 2010, they have been helping seniors in ...
Located at 131 North Wheeling Street, Suite 2 in Toledo, Ohio, Northwest Ohio Home Care Partners is a home care company that offers in-home medical services along with personal care services. For nearly 9 years, they have been helping customers ...
Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services is a home health care company based in Canton, OH at 5880 Fulton Dr NW. They offer in-home nursing and home care services for senior clients. They offer a variety of personal services such ...
Bellevue Hospital Home Health is a home health care provider located in Clyde, Ohio at 430 South Main St. They provide personal home care services and also in-home health care for senior clientele. They have been in business in ...
Located at 1251 East Dorothy Ln in Kettering, Ohio, Kettering Homecare is a senior home health care company offering personal home care as well as in-home medical services. Since 2001, they have been serving customers in the Kettering area. ...
Sunrise Family Health Care is a senior home healthcare company based in Columbus, OH at 132 North Wilson Rd. They provide home healthcare in addition to home care to senior clientele. For nearly 8 years, they have been serving ...
Located in Blue Ash, OH at 4340 Glendale-milford Road, Suite 100h, Bridges Rehab at Home is a senior home care company offering in-home personal care services and in-home health services. For almost 10 years, they have been providing care to ...
Located at 1700 Lyons Road, Suite A in Dayton, OH, Gem City Home Care is a home care provider offering personal care services and also home healthcare. They have been serving clients in Ohio since 2001. They provide multiple personal ...
Located at 181 Granville Street, Suite 305 in Gahanna, OH, 3c Home Health Care is a home care company offering home healthcare along with personal care. They have been in operation in the area for nearly 6 years. They can ...
3c Home Health Care is a senior in-home care provider located in Gahanna, Ohio at 181 Granville Street, Suite 305. They provide personal home care in addition to home health services for senior clientele. For almost 6 years, they ...
Located at 270 Main St in Groveport, OH, Pro Health Care Services is a senior in-home care service provider that offers personal care services and also home health services. For almost 19 years, they have been providing care to seniors ...
Located in Portsmouth, OH at 221 Market St, Unity 1 Home Healthcare is a senior home care provider offering in-home nursing and also home care. Since 2014, they have been serving clients throughout the Portsmouth area. They provide multiple ...
Located at 3380 Tremont Rd in Columbus, OH, Nightingale Home Care is a in-home care service provider offering home health care along with in-home personal care services. Since 1996, they have been providing care to clients in the Columbus area. ...
Located in Austintown, OH at 60 North Canfield-niles Road, Suite 500, Community Home Health is a home health care provider that offers in-home personal care services along with in-home nursing services. Since 1997, they have been serving clients throughout the ...
Ideal Home Health Care is a senior home care service provider located in Cincinnati, Ohio at 11427 Reed Hartman Highway, Suite 125. They provide in-home care and also home health services for seniors. For nearly 9 years, they have ...
Alternate Solutions Homecare of Columbus is a home healthcare service provider located in Hilliard, Ohio at 3535 Fishinger Road, Suite 180a. They provide personal home care services along with in-home health care to senior clients. For almost 10 years, ...
Located in Columbus, OH at 3505 East Livingston Avenue Suite 1, Vision Home Health Care is a home healthcare company that offers in-home personal care services and also in-home health care. They have been operating in Columbus for nearly 5 ...
The Cost of Home Care in Ohio
According to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, home care costs in Ohio are the same as the national average of $4,290 per month. Also referred to as homemaker care, home care covers a range of nonmedical services including help with basic hygiene and errands, light housekeeping and companionship. Home health care also covers some medical services such as catheter and ostomy care. In Ohio, this type of care costs slightly more than home care at $4,385 per month, which is the same as the national average rate for home health care.
The Cost of Home Care in Ohio Compared to Nearby States
Average home care and home health costs in Ohio are the same as the national average at $4,290 and $4,385 per month. To the north, home care costs are slightly higher in Michigan at $4,385 per month and $4,481 per month for home health care. In-home care is also more costly in Indiana at $4,334 per month for homemaker services and $4,385 for home health care.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Ohio | $4,290 | $4,385 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Michigan | $4,385 | $4,481 |
West Virginia | $3,432 | $3,432 |
Indiana | $4,334 | $4,385 |
Kentucky | $3,813 | $3,813 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Ohio
A number of options are available to Ohio seniors who require long-term care. At an average cost of $1,376 per month, adult day care is the least-expensive option. Seniors who want to remain in their own homes can choose between in-home care ($4,290) and home health care ($4,385). Those who prefer residential care services can expect to pay about $4,339 per month in an assisted living facility, while a semiprivate room in a skilled nursing facility costs an average of $6,996 per month.
- In-Home Care: $4,290
- Home Health Care: $4,385
- Adult Day Care: $1,376
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,339
- Nursing Home Care: $6,996
The Cost of Home Care in Ohio's Top Cities
Home care costs vary throughout Ohio, ranging from a low of $3,146 per month in Cincinnati up to a high of $4,624 in the state capital, Columbus. Costs are also above the state average of $4,290 in Cleveland ($4,429) and Toledo ($4,481). Home care rates match the statewide average rates in Akron, while rates in Lima ($4,004), Mansfield ($4,004) and Youngstown ($3,766) are all below the state and national ($4,290) average.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Ohio | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Columbus | $4,624 | $4,624 |
Cleveland | $4,429 | $4,429 |
Cincinnati | $3,146 | $3,146 |
Toledo | $4,481 | $4,481 |
Akron | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Ohio
Ohio Home Care Waiver Program
The Ohio Department of Medicaid's Ohio Home Care Waiver provides in-home support services to Medicaid-eligible seniors who meet the criteria for nursing home placement but who can safely remain at home with the appropriate care services. To qualify for enrollment, applicants must meet the financial eligibility criteria for Medicaid and be assessed as suitable for Home Care Waiver services by a case management agency assigned by the Ohio Department of Medicaid.
Contact Information
To apply for enrollment, seniors can contact their case manager through the MyOhioHCP online portal or call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at 800-324-8680.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is a managed care program that provides participants with all Medicaid and Medicare benefits delivered by a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals and support workers. The goal of PACE is to help seniors and people with qualifying disabilities remain as independent as possible, and PACE services may include in-home care such as assistance with housekeeping and personal care. To qualify for enrollment in Ohio's PACE program, seniors aged 55 and older must live in the Cleveland area and either qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid and Medicare, or be able to cover their program costs on a private-pay basis.
Contact Information
For more information, contact McGregor PACE at (216) 791-3580 or 888-895-7223.
VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound
Aid and Attendance and Housebound are two VA enhanced pension programs that provide additional monthly cash benefits for VA pension beneficiaries who require home care services. Benefits can be used towards private-pay home care. To qualify for one of these two programs, applicants must be eligible for the regular VA pension and require help to perform one or more activities of daily living, be legally blind, be bedridden or be housebound due to disability.
Contact Information
For more information, call VA311 at 844-698-2311, contact the local County Veterans Service Office or visit the nearest VA location.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Ohio Home Care Rules and Regulations
In Ohio, home care services are delivered by Home Health Agencies. Although these agencies are not licensed or registered by the state, agencies that collect Medicare or Medicaid payments must be certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This certification is handled by the Ohio Department of Health in accordance with 42 CFR 484. About 800 certified Home Health Agencies are available in Ohio.
Scope of Care | Home care workers, also known as homemakers, provide nonmedical services under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. These services, which are designed to help seniors and those living with disabilities safely remain in their own homes, may include help with household chores, light meal preparation, assistance with errands and companionship. Home care aides may also help with personal care and transportation, escorting clients to medical appointments. |
Care Plan Requirements | Home health agencies that deliver Medicaid- and/or Medicare-funded services must prepare an individual care plan for each client. This plan, which needs to be created in consultation with a licensed medical professional, outlines the type of home care services required, as well as their frequency and duration. |
Medication Management Requirements | Non-licensed home care workers may assist clients with the self-administration of medication by reading prescription labels and providing prompts to take medication as needed. Only licensed medical professionals may administer medications within the scope of their license. |
Staff Screening Requirements | State law requires comprehensive pre-employment criminal record checks for all home health agency staff. Applicants with a prior conviction for abuse, neglect or any other disqualifying offense are prohibited from working with home health agencies either as an employee or a contractor. |
Staff Training Requirements | As per federal regulations, home health aides employed by Medicaid-certified home health agencies must successfully complete an approved HHA program prior to commencing work in Ohio. This course must include a minimum of 75 hours training that includes at least 16 hours of clinical instruction. Home health aides must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each year following their initial 75-hour training course. |
Medicaid Coverage | Ohio seniors who qualify for enrollment in the Ohio Home Care Waiver Program or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly may be eligible for Medicaid-funded home care services. |
Reporting Abuse | By law, Ohio home care aides who have cause to suspect that an adult aged 60 or older is being abused, neglected or exploited must report the abuse to adult protective services at 1-855-644-6277. |
Free Home Care Resources in Ohio
Seniors in Ohio have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program
OSHIIP is Ohio's free Medicare counseling program. OSHIIP volunteers provide free, unbiased health insurance information and education to help older adults navigate their Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and Medicare supplement insurance options. One-on-one counseling is available in person, over the phone and through online video chat. Seniors can also sign up for Medicare webinars through OSHIIP.
Contact Information
Seniors can connect with a OSHIIP counselor by calling 800-686-1578 or emailing [email protected].
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
Ohio's Department of Veterans Services offers a range of free programs and services for veterans, dependents and survivors. The Department oversees the Ohio Veterans Bonus Program that provides up to $1,500 cash for eligible vets, and it helps vets and their families access health care and housing resources. Veterans service offices can also assist with VA benefit applications and appeals, including applications to the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound enhanced pension programs.
Contact Information
Seniors can access Ohio's veterans services through their local County Veterans Service Office. A list of all Ohio VSOs is provided on the Department of Veterans Services website.
Area Agencies on Aging
Ohio's network of 12 Area Agencies on Aging are responsible for administering state and federally-funded programs for seniors aged 60 and older. These programs are designed to help older Ohioans remain independent as they age. AAA's free services include case management, transportation to medical appointments and nutrition sites, and help accessing home care services.
Contact Information
Seniors can contact their regional AAA by calling the national AAA helpline at 1-866-243-5678 or by locating their nearest AAA through Ohio Aging's website.
Home Weatherization Assistance Program
Low-income Ohioans aged 60 and older can get help with weatherizing their homes through the HWAP. This program provides eligible seniors with a no-cost home energy audit conducted by an approved regional HWAP partner. The program includes free home energy upgrades recommended through the energy audit such as insulation of attics, floors, water tanks and heating ducts, as well as sealing of air leaks. Qualified seniors also receive a personalized energy management plan designed to help reduce home energy costs.
Contact Information
Ohio seniors can call (800) 282-0880 to connect with their local HWAP provider.
Ohio State Legal Services Association
The OSLSA is a nonprofit legal services organization that works to ensure low-income and marginalized Ohioans have access to legal assistance related to housing, public benefits, health care and consumer issues. The Association has partnered with a number of regional legal aid agencies including the Ohio Poverty Law Center, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Columbus to provide free and low-cost legal services to seniors.
Contact Information
Seniors can contact the OSLSA at (614) 221-7201 to connect with the nearest OSLSA partner agency.
Other Cities in Ohio