Below are the questions we hear most often from families across Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union counties, grouped by topic. Click through to any question for a direct answer -- and if yours isn't here, talk to Darlene directly.
Senior Care Basics
- What's the difference between independent living and assisted living?
- How do I know when it's time for assisted living?
- What is memory care?
- What is a CCRC?
- How do I choose the right senior living community?
- What's the difference between short-term rehab and long-term nursing care?
- How does dementia progression affect the choice between assisted living and memory care?
- How does short-term rehab after a hospital stay transition into longer-term care?
Hospice & End-of-Life Care
- What is hospice care, and how does it work in Ohio?
- What's the difference between hospice and palliative care?
- Can a hospice patient stay in assisted living or memory care?
- What is a DNR order, and how does it work in Ohio facilities?
Finding the Right Community
- How do I find faith-based senior living in the Columbus area?
- Are there LGBTQ+-friendly senior living options in Columbus?
- Is there a state veterans home near Columbus?
Ohio Rules & Regulations
- Is memory care licensed separately in Ohio?
- Who regulates assisted living facilities in Ohio?
- What do I do if I suspect neglect or abuse?
- How do I look up a facility's Ohio inspection reports?
- What is the Ohio Long-Term Care Quality Navigator?
- What happens if a facility is cited for a violation in Ohio?
- What is a "tri-party agreement" in an Ohio assisted living community?
- Nursing home vs. residential care facility in Ohio: what's the difference?
- Adult Care Facility vs. Residential Care Facility in Ohio: what's the difference?
- Does Ohio require background checks for assisted living staff?
- How does Ohio's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program actually work?
- What is Ohio's Medicaid look-back period?
- Does Ohio require a "Certificate of Need" for senior care facilities?
- Does Ohio require a specific staff-to-resident ratio in assisted living?
- What's the difference between a "board and care home" and licensed assisted living?
- Can someone with a feeding tube or ventilator live in Ohio assisted living?
- What rights does a resident have in an Ohio assisted living community?
- Can an Ohio assisted living community discharge or evict a resident?
- What happens if a facility suddenly closes or loses its license in Ohio?
- What's the difference between Adult Protective Services and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman?
Medicaid & PASSPORT
- Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Ohio?
- What is the PASSPORT waiver?
- How do I apply for Medicaid for long-term care in Ohio?
- What is a PASSPORT assessment, and who conducts it?
- What happens during a Medicaid "spend-down" in Ohio?
- What is a Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment?
- What is Ohio's HOME Choice program?
- How is "level of care" determined for Ohio nursing facility Medicaid?
Paying for Care
- What is the Ohio Assisted Living Waiver?
- What is MyCare Ohio?
- What is the Ohio Home Care Waiver (OHCW)?
- How does VA Aid & Attendance work for Ohio veterans?
- Can veterans benefits and Medicaid be combined?
- What income and asset limits apply for Ohio Medicaid long-term care in 2026?
- What are Ohio's spousal impoverishment rules?
- What is Medicaid estate recovery in Ohio?
- Is there a waiting list for Ohio's Medicaid waivers?
- Can my parent stay in the same assisted living community after running out of money?
- What is Ohio's Nursing Facility Quality Incentive Payment Program?
- What is a "Medicaid-pending" admission, and do Columbus facilities accept it?
- How do I transfer a Medicaid case to Ohio when moving a parent here?
- What happens to Medicaid benefits if my parent moves out of Ohio?
Legal & Planning
- Guardianship vs. power of attorney in Ohio: which does my parent need?
- What's the difference between a health care and a financial power of attorney in Ohio?
- What legal documents should my family have in place before a care crisis?
Cost & Payment
- How much does assisted living cost in Ohio?
- Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
- Does Medicare pay for a nursing home stay?
- What happens if my parent's money runs out?
Daily Life & Support Options
- Adult day program vs. assisted living: what's the difference?
- What does respite care look like in the Columbus area?
- What does aging in place support look like in Ohio?
Touring & Moving In
- How do I tour an assisted living facility?
- What questions should I ask on a facility tour?
- How long does move-in take?
- What happens to my parent's house when they move?
- What should be in an admission agreement at an Ohio assisted living community?
About Columbus Senior Advisor
- What counties does Columbus Senior Advisor cover?
- Is there a waitlist at popular Columbus facilities?
Don't See Your Question?
Darlene can answer questions specific to your family's situation -- for free.
