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Independent Living in your area

Age-restricted apartments and campuses with dining, activities and light services, for adults who do not need daily hands-on care.

Quick answer

Ohio's Department of Health regulates independent living under its Residential Care Facility and nursing home licensing rules.

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Independent living is housing, not care. Age-restricted apartments or cottages with dining, transportation, activities and maintenance handled — for adults who do not need help with daily activities.

Short answer

We list 9 verified independent living providers across your metro. Independent living is housing, not care.

Three things worth knowing first

  • Independent living is typically not licensed as a care facility, because no personal care is provided. Confirm for your state.
  • Several campuses combine independent living with assisted living or nursing on the same campus, so a resident can move between levels without leaving the community.
  • If help with daily activities is already needed, independent living is the wrong category, even when a community offers to arrange outside caregivers.
You can check any facility's record free. The Ohio Department of Health licenses and inspects RCFs and nursing homes; ask any community for its most recent state inspection report directly. Read the full explanation →

Verified independent living across the region

We list 9 verified independent living providers across your metro. The full table with addresses and counties lives in the directory.

See all 9 in the directory →

Independent Living by city

Questions families ask

What is the difference between the ombudsman and a facility licensing complaint?

The ombudsman advocates for an individual resident's care, rights and discharge concerns and cannot license, inspect or fine a facility. The Ohio Department of Health investigates regulatory complaints and can take licensing enforcement action, but is not an advocate for a specific resident's preferences.

Can the ombudsman act on my behalf if my parent doesn't want a complaint pursued?

No. The ombudsman acts only with the consent of the resident or their legal representative. If a parent with capacity does not want a complaint pursued, that decision stands even when family members disagree.

Is there a fee to use the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program?

No. The ombudsman program is a free, independent advocacy service, funded through the federal Older Americans Act, the state of Ohio, grants and local funding sources like United Way.

Does the ombudsman handle in-home care complaints, or only facility residents?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program's core mandate covers residents of licensed nursing homes and residential care facilities. For an in-home care agency concern, contact the agency directly first, and consider Ohio Department of Health or your county's consumer protection resources for unresolved regulatory issues.

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