Athens is a city near the border with West Virginia that’s home to Ohio University. Around 4.9% of its 24,536 population is 65 years and older, which is significantly lower than the national average. Its tight-knit community of seniors has formed several groups, such as The Athens Village, that focus on helping members to continue living comfortably in their own homes.
For some seniors, living at home becomes too challenging. They need assistance with everyday tasks, such as personal care. Assisted living facilities offer solutions, from ensuring seniors take their medication on time to providing living accommodation and opportunities to make new friends with other residents. Of course, these facilities incur costs, typically $4,769 per month in Athens, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This fee is above the state average of $4,350 and the national average of $4,300.
This guide goes into more detail about senior living costs in the area. It also covers the pros and cons of living in Athens and lists some resources that can help families looking for the ideal assisted living facility for their loved ones.
6 Results
70 Columbus Circle, Athens, OH 45701
3.3
(13 reviews)
"They took great care of my grandfather and made us all feel at home and like family. It was nice to leave and know that he was going to be well taken care of each day...."
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75 KIMES LANE, Athens, OH 45701
3.4
(5 reviews)
"During this time of COVID concern the process for visitation is difficult but even at that I can visit my wife through her window, bring flowers that can be left on the window ledge, talk to her by phone, and best of all we can see each other regul..."
READ MORE12 carlin drive, Logan, OH 43138
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I went to look at Carlin House. I like the open living space, where they can eat together, and it's not separate. It was like a big open concept, and that was good. There is a piano there for my dad as well. The staff was excellent. They had a gym an..."
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33164 Childrens Home Rd, Pomeroy, OH 45769
4.0
(2 reviews)
"I highly recommend this facility. They did an excellent job with my Aunt last year when she became terminal. I recently had to admit my uncle to Darst, their care is beyond special. It seems more like a family, than like a Nursing home. It's very..."
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856 Riverside Drive, Mcconnelsville, OH 43756
3.0
(2 reviews)
"Mom stayed in Riverside Landing Nursing and Rehabilitation from August until November. I would say that all in all, it was as good experience as she was going to get for a nursing home. I thought the girls were especially caring, especially Alison an..."
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1160 West Hunter Street, Logan, OH 43138
2.5
(2 reviews)
"The rooms are a little smaller then some of the other assisted living facilities that i have looked in to. The staff is super friendly and there for all of the people living there. They make sure that the residents get warm meals and will cook them a..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
At $4,769 per month, assisted living costs in Athens are almost the highest in the region. Across the state in Dayton, seniors pay $5,245, which is $476 more than in Athens. At $4,750, Cincinnati’s costs are almost the same, while in Columbus, assisted living facilities typically charge $4,500. To find substantially lower costs, it’s necessary to travel approximately 95 minutes south to Huntington, West Virginia, where seniors pay on average $3,775.Â
Athens
$4,769
Ohio
$4,350
The United States
$4,300
Columbus
$4,500
Cincinnati
$4,750
Dayton
$5,245
Huntington, WV
$3,775
To get a sense of costs in Athens, it’s worth comparing the city to others in the area, including the neighboring state of West Virginia, as costs between states can vary too.
Athens seniors who need help paying the monthly costs of assisted living can apply for one or both of Ohio’s financial assistance programs: a Medicaid waiver program and the supplemental SSI payment program.
The Assisted Living Waiver, which is part of the state’s Medicaid program, helps seniors residing in assisted living facilities pay for personal care services. Supplemental SSI payments are also available to seniors who qualify for regular SSI payments. Both programs can be applied for through the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Ohio page.
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Ohio page.
The aging process can mean some seniors need different levels of care. Housebound seniors can get home and home health care services for $3,718 per month. Or, if they can attend an adult day care center, they’ll pay an average of $2,058. At $4,769, assisted living offers the most affordable option for seniors who are better served within a community. Nursing homes offer greater levels of care, which is reflected in their costs. A semiprivate room in Athens averages at $9,384, while seniors who prefer private rooms typically pay $9,779.
Home care
$3,718
Home health care
$3,718
Adult day health care
$2,058
Assisted living
$4,769
Nursing home (semiprivate room)
$9,384
Nursing home (private room)
$9,779
Seniors and their families can get access to many resources in Ohio that can help with assisted living costs. The following are some examples of what is available.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living Waiver Program | (800) 331-2644 | The Assisted Living Waiver Program can help eligible seniors meet some of their residential care costs. However, this doesn’t include room and board. Trained counselors from Buckeye Hills Regional Council can help seniors determine if they are eligible and submit their applications. The counselors can also provide one-on-one consultations to help families make informed decisions regarding the long-term care of their loved ones. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (888) 502-6601 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for the rights of seniors in residential communities. The ombudsman’s role involves resolving disputes between care facilities, seniors and their families. This may include investigating complaints and referring serious allegations to the relevant authorities. The role of ombudsman in Athens is fulfilled by Easterseals, a nonprofit agency. |
| State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) | (800) 686-1578 | Medicare beneficiaries and seniors eligible to apply for the plan can get help from trained counselors. They can provide clear explanations of the features and limits of different Medicare plans, help seniors apply and support their appeals. Additionally, the counselors can discuss supplementary plans, such as Medicare Advantage. Although they can inform seniors about private health care plans, the counselors do not get commissions. Their advice is impartial. |
| Athens County Senior Center | (740) 594-3535 | The center is free for all residents aged 60 and over. It’s a place to socialize with friends and neighbors and participate in a range of activities. These include pool, cards, crafts and cooking. |
| VA Aid and Attendance Benefit | (740) 593-7314 | The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly payment added to the VA pension that vets can use to cover some of their assisted living costs. The payment is also available for spouses of U.S. military veterans. The maximum payments are $1,881 for a single vet, $1,209 for a surviving spouse and $2,230 for a couple. Applicants must already be residing in an assisted living community to be eligible. Seniors unsure if they are eligible can use the free tool provided on the VeteranAid.org website. |
Athens-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Ohio are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Ohio page for more information about these laws.
Assisted Living
john1234
3.0
Review of The Laurels of Athens
Well my review is a mixed one. I don't want to give out to much info. General over all care is a 8 out of 10. Therapy is a 10, nursing staff always willing to help, you might have to track them...
Assisted Living
debi54
5.0
Review of The Laurels of Athens
I was a patient at Laurels Of Athens for a short period of time. I was in Physical Therapy and it was an accomplishment in getting the use of my legs back to where they used to be. The therapy...
Assisted Living
lslysaght
5.0
Review of The Laurels of Athens
My Mom has been here at the Laurels for almost a year and she considers it her home. The most wonderful part is that each resident has a private room and can have a bit more privacy than other...
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