10 Best Independent Living Communities in Cincinnati, OH

You can combine several private and public assistance options to help cover the cost of independent living in Cincinnati. Taking an initial assessment of your unique financial position will help you decide the best way for you to pay for your independent living accommodations, as well as any personal or medical support you may need through in-home care.

Most public assistance programs won’t cover the cost of independent living, but they may help you offset other expenses. If you have a disability, a chronic health condition, or need personal care services, you may be able to receive public assistance to help cover the cost of these services, enabling your income to go farther towards your cost of living.

Independent living communities in Cincinnati generally have an age minimum of 55, 62, or 65, though the exact age requirement depends on the community. Age minimums generally don’t apply to every tenant; rather, one person in each independent living household must meet the age requirement.

Independent living communities are subject to the same regulations as any other Ohio apartment. Tenants and landlords each have their own rights and responsibilities. Independent living communities may also include assisted living on the same campus. Independent living communities with on-site assisted living or memory care may be subject to tighter regulations, particularly in the units where medical care services are provided. To learn more about the assisted living or memory care unit regulations of your potential community, visit our guide to Cincinnati assisted living.

Apartment regulations in Ohio and Kentucky

Ohio and Kentucky apartment landlords are required to maintain basic maintenance, safety, and cleanliness standards for their tenants. Both states require apartment landlords to do the following:

• Ensure that all facilities — such as electrical, plumbing, sanitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and elevators — are in good and safe working order
• Organize waste removal services
• Supply running water and heat
• Make necessary repairs to keep the building safe and usable
• Uphold building codes standards for health and safety purposes
• Keep communal areas clean, sanitary, and safe for use

Both Ohio and Kentucky apartment regulations require tenants to do the following:

• Avoid disturbing other residents with excessive noise
• Keep the premises clean and safe
• Practice appropriate use of plumbing and electrical equipment
• Practice proper waste disposal
• Cooperate with state and municipal drug laws on the premises
• Cooperate with housing health and safety codes

ADA compliance

Independent living communities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities. Federal law prohibits owners of housing facilities from denying residency to individuals who have disabilities. Since ADA compliance is enforced on the federal level, Kentucky and Ohio have the same standards to uphold.

What are reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities?

Reasonable accommodations mean adjusting rules or policies so that residents with disabilities can access the same amenities offered to other tenants. Accommodations may include provisions such as the following:

• Convenient parking
• Equal access to the complex’s shared spaces or activities for individuals with disabilities
• Adjustment of rent payment due date to correspond with tenant’s disability payments

What are modifications for individuals with disabilities?

Modifications typically entail construction changes to the apartment complex and unit in order to make the space more navigable for tenants with disabilities. Modifications could mean installing handrails in bathrooms, a hands-free entrance, or a wheelchair ramp. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the property owner, rather than of the tenant with the disability, provided that they do not impose an undue financial burden upon the landlord.

Regulations for Cincinnati senior care communities

Cincinnati area senior living facilities that offer independent living as well as other care types may have stricter regulations in both Ohio and Kentucky. These regulations include direct care staff requirements, minimum staff-to-resident ratios, and service offerings such as the following:

• Medication administration assistance
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Recreation and social activities

Ohio assisted living services also must include the following:

• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Either three meals per day or a food safe storage so residents can take care of their own food

In Kentucky, however, housekeeping and laundry services are not required, though residents must have access to facilities to take care of their own laundry. Three meals per day and snacks are required.

Ohio assisted living facilities, or residential care facilities as they are designated in that state, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH performs facility inspections before licensing the facility and then a minimum of every 15 months after licensure.

Kentucky assisted living facilities must be certified annually through the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living to ensure they uphold regulatory standards.

You can find more information on related Ohio and Kentucky tenant-landlord laws below.

• View the Ohio Tenant and Landlord Guide
• View the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Housing Guide for Seniors and Individuals who have a Disabilities
• View Kentucky rental housing information

Ohio Department of Health contact information

Cincinnati Health Department
3101 Burnet Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: 513-357-7200

COVID-19 regulations for Cincinnati independent living communities

As most COVID-19 restrictions in both Ohio and Kentucky have been lifted, there are no specific COVID-19 regulations required for Cincinnati independent living communities at this time.

However, Ohio independent living communities that include assisted living are recommended to implement precautionary measures in accordance with CDC guidelines. Kentucky similarly follows CDC guidelines, particularly COVID-19 by county recommendations, updating guidelines based on the number of COVID-19 cases in each individual county.

Individual communities may have their own rules in place, so make sure to call prospective communities ahead of time to learn about their specific guidelines. The general guidelines include the following:

Cincinnati independent living communities are here to offer you a worry-free retirement, where you can relinquish the stress of home ownership. Without the responsibilities of lawn care and maintenance, your time will be freed up to enjoy the many resort-style amenities and services, and to explore the beautiful Cincinnati metropolis.

Cincinnati independent living communities offer many services designed to foster a high-quality lifestyle, so you can get the most out of your retirement. Our partner independent living communities in Cincinnati generally offer the following:

• Restaurant-style dining
• Laundry and dry cleaning
• Housekeeping
• Planned events and recreational activities
• Grocery and errand services
• Transportation
• Maintenance
• On-site management

Our Cincinnati independent living partners typically offer communal leisure areas and on-site conveniences such as the following:

• Swimming pools
• Fitness centers
• Spas
• Beauty salons/barbershops
• Dining areas
• Cafes/bistros
• Pubs/bars
• TV and movie lounges
• Libraries

Enjoy a private independent living apartment with convenient features such as the following:

• Private balcony or patio
• High-speed internet
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Wheelchair-accessible shower
• Multiple floor plan options

Multiple tiers of care on one campus

Out of our partner Cincinnati communities that offer independent living, 94% offer some blend of independent living, assisted living, and memory care within one community. Communities that integrate multiple care types enable residents to easily transition to a support level that fits their evolving needs, making them optimal for aging in place. These types of communities also offer more variety among residents, providing more opportunity for friendships and social engagement, no matter an individual’s particular level of need.

Social opportunities in and around Cincinnati independent living communities

Independent senior living communities also provide a wealth of social opportunities, both through formal activity schedules and through groups or gatherings spearheaded by residents with common interests.

Many of our partner Cincinnati independent living communities are central to the downtown area, so residents have the city’s best dining and entertainment venues right at their fingertips. Downtown Cincinnati is known for being easily navigable on foot, but there are also plenty of additional transportation options.

There’s always something happening in Cincy’s Fountain Square, whether it’s skating, music, libations, or much more. Explore the city’s one-of-a-kind landmarks, and perhaps best of all, try all the Cincinnati dining options.

Cincinnati seniors have access to several state-of-the-art medical centers and teaching hospitals.

Out of A Place for Mom’s partnered Cincinnati independent living communities, 87% offer complimentary transportation services to residents and 37% offer transportation services at an additional fee. These at-cost services are generally for on-demand transport outside of the community’s regular transportation schedule.

Downtown Cincinnati is quite walkable, and most errands can be accomplished without a car. As you get further from the city center, however, you may want to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

Cincinnati’s public transportation system is called Go Metro. Go Metro features multiple bus routes, and you can search a route in the Cincinnati area or by popular destinations. Go Metro’s buses are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, so even Ohio residents who have disabilities or require a wheelchair or service animal can ride. However, if a person’s disability makes buses inaccessible even with these accommodations, Cincinnati offers an access rideshare program where Ohioans can be picked up by a van designed specifically for passengers with special needs.

For some enjoyable downtown entertainment, you can take the free Cincinnati streetcar that loops through the heart of the city.

Downtown Cincinnati is considered a walker’s paradise by Walkscore.com, which gives it the following transportation ratings out of 100:

Cincinnati attractions

Cincinnati offers a wealth of museums, shopping, parks, sporting events, and more in its walkable downtown area. The following are only some of Cincinnati’s most popular downtown attractions:

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Fountain Square

Hard Rock Casino

Cincinnati Art Museum

Cincy Brew Bus

Cincinnati Reds Baseball

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Music and theater lovers can enjoy Cincinnati’s symphony orchestra, ballet, Broadway Cincinnati, opera, Shakespeare in the Park, and many other art and cultural attractions. For Cincinnati residents and visitors on a budget, the city has many exhibits and historical sites that are free to the public.

Cincinnati dining

It may be no surprise that Cincinnati is famous for its chili, with the iconic Skyline brand featuring the city’s striking cityscape. But Cincinnati has diverse cuisine options, from pizza to waffles to artisan seafood. You can enjoy many dining options from restaurants with rooftop seating or floor to ceiling windows that give you a panoramic view of this beautiful city. If you’re not sure where to start, hop on one of the city’s food and beverage tours for eats and inspiration.

Cincinnati 60+

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) offers many programs for Cincinnati residents to stay active and connected with each other, but did you know they have programs specifically for older residents? The CRC offers fitness classes, activities, meals, group outings, and the Southwest Ohio Senior Olympics event. Seniors all over the city can gather at one of the many CRC locations for fitness, fun, and friendship.

For seniors interested in continued education, the University of Cincinnati offers the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where you can take classes in whatever strikes your interest.