10 Best Independent Living Communities in Cleveland, OH

You can combine several private and public assistance options to cover the cost of Cleveland independent living. Assess your own unique financial circumstances to decide on the best way to pay for independent living and any additional personal care services you may need.

Resources like Medicaid and Medicare won’t help cover rent in an independent living community, but they may offset home health care costs. If you need home health services due to a chronic health condition or a disability, these programs may help cover the cost of care services in your independent living residence.

Cleveland independent living communities generally have a minimum age requirement of 55, 62, or 65. These parameters are in place to keep the independent living community relatively insulated, mainly occupied by retirees with similar preferences.

Independent living communities are subject to the same regulations as any other Ohio apartment. Tenants and landlords each have their own rights and obligations. However, independent living communities with assisted living or memory care on-site may be more strictly regulated. For more information on the assisted living or memory care unit regulations of your potential community, visit our guide to Cleveland assisted living.

Ohio apartment regulations

As a tenant in any Ohio apartment, including independent living, you’re entitled to appropriate and safe living conditions. Landlords are responsible for upholding standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Landlords’ obligations include the following:

• Ensure that all electrical, plumbing, sanitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, elevators, and other facilities are safe and operational.
• Organize waste removal services.
• Provide heat and running water.
• Keep the building safe and usable through proper repairs.
• Uphold building code regulations for health and safety purposes.
• Keep communal areas clean, sanitary, and safe.

Tenants of Ohio apartments are required to do their part in upholding the facility’s living conditions for themselves and their neighbors. As a resident of Cleveland independent living, your responsibilities will include the following:

• Avoid disturbing your neighbors with excessive noise.
• Keep the premises clean and safe.
• Practice appropriate use of plumbing and electrical equipment.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Comply with state and municipal drug laws on the premises.
• Comply with health and safety codes for housing.

ADA compliance

Independent living communities are subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that owners are required to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications to individuals with disabilities. The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination; thus, owners of housing facilities are prohibited by federal law from denying residency to these individuals.

Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to rules or policies that enable residents with disabilities to access the same activities and benefits as the other tenants. Examples of reasonable accommodations include the following:

• Provide convenient parking.
• Provide those with disabilities equal access to the property’s communal areas or social activities.
• Adjust rent payment due date to accommodate the tenant’s disability payments.

Modifications generally involve construction changes to the apartment building and unit to make it more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Modifications could be adding a wheelchair ram, providing a hands-free entrance, or installing handrails in bathrooms. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the property owner, rather than of the tenant with the disability.

Regulations for Ohio senior care communities

Cleveland has many senior living options that offer multiple levels of care, combining independent living, assisted living, and memory care all on one campus. Senior living communities that offer care may have more strict regulations in their care wings. Some of these regulations include staff requirements, minimum staff-to-resident ratios, and service offerings like the following:

• Medication administration assistance
• Personal care, such as assistance with activities of daily living
• Social and recreational activities
• Housekeeping, laundry, and linen services
• Either provide three meals per day or food-safe storage where residents can take care of their own food

Ohio senior care facilities that offer assisted living or memory care 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.

To view details on a given senior care facility, use the Health Care Provider Search tool. Look up a specific facility by choosing the category of care provider from the drop-down menu. Narrow your search further by entering the county, city, organization’s name, or any information you have for the appropriate fields. Note that while Ohio does show whether an assisted living or memory care community’s license is active, it does not reveal the full inspection report.

Access additional information on related Ohio tenant-landlord laws by following the links 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

Ohio Department of Health contact information

Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543

Cleveland Department of Public Health
75 Erieview Plaza
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-664-2324

COVID-19 regulations for Cleveland independent living communities

Most COVID-19 restrictions in Ohio have been lifted, so there are no specific COVID-19 restrictions in place for Cleveland independent living communities at this time. However, senior care facilities that include assisted living are recommended to put precautionary measures in place following CDC guidelines. Each community may have its own rules in place, so guidelines can vary. The general guidelines are as follows:

In Cleveland independent living, you can enjoy a worry-free retirement. Shed the hassles of home ownership, and live without the worries of lawn care and maintenance. Perhaps best of all, independent living offers dining services, so you don’t have to plan and prep unless you want to. You’ll be surrounded by friends and neighbors in the same stage of life, being pampered by luxurious amenities in a community designed to help you make the most of your golden years.

Senior living communities with a continuum of care

Out of our partner Cleveland communities offering independent living, over 71% feature some combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care all in the same community. This type of integrated community is ideal for aging in place, as it enables residents to easily transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change. Combining multiple care types can mean more variety among residents, often giving more opportunity for friendships and social engagement, rather than limiting residents’ interactions to only those with similar levels of need.

Luxury amenities in Cleveland independent living

Our Cleveland independent living community partners feature private apartments with convenient features including the following:

• Private balconies or patios
• High-speed internet
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Wheelchair-accessible showers
• Multiple floor plan options

Many of the independent living communities in Cleveland, particularly those with a continuum of care, offer not only private independent living apartments but also the option of private villas right on campus. Residents of private villas can take advantage of the dining and other luxurious amenities of the community while still maintaining an extra level of privacy and independence.

Independent living communities in Cleveland feature service offerings designed to improve your quality of life. The services available at our partner independent living communities generally include the following:

• Restaurant-style dining
• Maintenance services
• Housekeeping services
• On-site management staff
• Transportation services
• Laundry and linen services
• Planned social events
• Grocery and errand services

Finally, in Cleveland independent living, you can enjoy on-site luxurious community amenities, such as the following:

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

Independent living in the surrounding Cleveland suburbs

A Place for Mom partners with seven independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of the Cleveland city center. However, if we zoom out to a radius of 25 miles around the city center, the total independent living partners in this larger area goes up to 39. Beachwood, Highland Hills, and Hudson are all popular neighborhoods with luxury Cleveland independent living and other senior living options.

Health care for seniors in Cleveland

Cleveland residents have access to several state-of-the-art medical centers.

Transportation for seniors in Cleveland

Downtown Cleveland is very walkable and reasonably bike friendly, in addition to having excellent public transportation. The further out you are from the city center, the more likely you’ll need to use a car or your independent living community’s transportation services.

Of our Cleveland independent living partners, 86% offer transportation services, either complimentary or at-cost. Costs associated with transportation depend on the community’s policies and whether the services are on-demand or scheduled.

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority offers options for getting around the city, with safety, connection, and inclusion kept at the forefront of its mission. You can choose between railway lines, bus routes, a downtown trolley, and paratransit services designed for those with disabilities, depending on what transportation type will suit you best.

Downtown Cleveland is ranked as very walkable by Walk Score, which gives it the following transportation ratings out of 100:

Senior activities in Cleveland

Cleveland is a goldmine of nostalgic attractions, annual festivals, and even more for you and the family to see and do. Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where you can attend concerts, see famous music paraphernalia, and enjoy traveling installations showcasing some of the world’s most iconic musical artists. Check out even more fun attractions, delicious dining options, and offerings just for seniors.

Cleveland attractions

Cleveland has so many must-see attractions, including museums, wildlife centers, and more. You can take in the Cleveland orchestra or catch a game of the Browns, Monsters, or Guardians. Some popular Cleveland attractions include the following:

• “A Christmas Story” House
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
• Greater Cleveland Aquarium
• Children’s Museum of Cleveland
• Cleveland Botanical Garden
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland drinking and dining

Cleveland is a go-to destination for craft beer. Don’t miss any of Cleveland’s local brews — pick up an annual Brewery Passport to get discounts on Cleveland’s craft beers.

Like any Midwest metropolis, Cleveland has a vast collection of restaurants encompassing a variety of cultural cuisines, or just straight-up American comfort food, if that’s your jam. Be careful not to fill up too much on dinner because you’ll definitely want to check out Cleveland’s breakfast and brunch options in the morning.

Cleveland 60+

If you’re looking for events exclusively for seniors, Cleveland features a number of senior centers designed to offer engagement, enrichment, and social activities. If you want to explore the city but would rather do it with friends, or if you just need additional support when you’re out and about, find a senior center near you and stay connected.

Continued education doesn’t have an age limit. All of Ohio’s state colleges and universities offer free classes to seniors aged 60+. Whether you’re after a degree or you just want to explore a variety of interests, take advantage of Ohio’s learning community.