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The Cost of Elder Care in Ohio (2026)
Ohio's care costs sit close to the national median, and the state runs one of the country's longest-established in-home care programs — including a benefit that pays live-in family caregivers.
Updated June 2026 · Costs calibrated to 2025 published medians
| Type of care in Ohio | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| In-home care (per hour) | $33/hr |
| In-home care (~30 hrs/week) | $4,290/mo |
| Adult day care (per day) | $80/day |
| Assisted living | $5,400/mo |
| Memory care | $6,800/mo |
| Nursing home (private room) | $9,800/mo |
How Ohio pays for care: PASSPORT and more
Ohio's flagship in-home Medicaid program is the PASSPORT Waiver, run by the Ohio Department of Aging for residents 65+ who would otherwise need a nursing facility. It's designed to keep older Ohioans in their own homes.
- PASSPORT covers personal care, adult day health, home-delivered meals, home modifications, personal emergency response systems, and more. It begins with a phone pre-admission screening.
- A standout feature: Structured Family Caregiving lets a live-in family member — including a spouse — be paid for providing care, which is more generous than many states allow.
- The Assisted Living Waiver covers care services in approved assisted living facilities, and MyCare Ohio integrates Medicare and Medicaid for dual-eligible residents.
Where to start in Ohio
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) to request a PASSPORT phone screening, which determines both likely Medicaid eligibility and your level of care need.
Estimate Ohio care costs for your situation
Use the free calculator to adjust care type and hours for Ohio, see what support may cover, and email yourself the plan — or get the full 16-page Planning Kit.
Open the Ohio calculator → Get the Planning Kit — $24 →Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing home cost in Ohio in 2026?
A private nursing-home room in Ohio averages roughly $9,800 per month as a planning estimate, close to the national median. Assisted living averages around $5,400 and memory care around $6,800, with costs higher in metro areas like Columbus and Cleveland.
What is the PASSPORT waiver in Ohio?
PASSPORT is Ohio's main Medicaid waiver for in-home care, run by the Ohio Department of Aging for residents 65+ who would otherwise need a nursing facility. It covers personal care, adult day health, home-delivered meals, home modifications and more, starting with a phone screening to assess eligibility and needs.
Can I be paid to care for my parent in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio's PASSPORT program includes Structured Family Caregiving, which allows a live-in family member — including a spouse — to be paid for providing care. This is more flexible than in many states. Contact your Area Agency on Aging to learn how to set it up.
Cost figures are planning estimates calibrated to published 2025 median rates and adjusted for Ohio; actual prices vary by provider, region within the state, and level of care. Program names and rules are summarized for general education and change over time — confirm current details with the official state agency. This is not legal, financial, or benefits advice. © 2026 CarePath.