Assisted living in Ohio: how it is licensed.
Who licenses assisted living in Ohio, and what to check before you choose.
What Ohio calls it
In Ohio, assisted living is licensed under the term “Residential Care Facility (Assisted Living)”. Other states use different names, so it helps to know the exact term when you search.
Who licenses and inspects
Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Regulatory Operations is the agency that licenses these communities. It is the official place to check a community’s license and inspection history. The state also lists an official facility search tool.
Paying for care
Medicare generally does not cover long term custodial care.
Ohio's Assisted Living Waiver, a Medicaid home and community-based services waiver administered by the Ohio Department of Medicaid and operated by the Ohio Department of Aging, may help pay for assisted living services. Eligibility rules apply, including Medicaid financial criteria, nursing facility level of care and being age 21 or older.
Help and complaints
Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Ohio Department of Aging) supports residents of long term care and their families.
Also worth knowing in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Aging states that long-term care residents have rights guaranteed by federal and state law, which may vary by setting, including the right to participate in their care plan and freedom from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Sources we checked (October 2026)
Licensing rules change. We checked the pages below. Confirm with the state agency.
Questions
Who regulates assisted living in Ohio?
Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Regulatory Operations.