Senior Living Apartments in Dayton, OH

Living in a senior apartment comes with its own unique set of financial considerations. Unlike assisted living or nursing home facilities, senior apartments do not provide direct care for residents, which means they are not covered by programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance.

However, if a resident requires medically necessary in-home care services while living in their senior apartment, programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance might help cover those costs.

In the following sections, we’ll break down various private payment options, including housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources.

Senior apartments in Ohio do not require licensing, but they do fall under city, county, and state rental and housing laws. The aim is to protect both landlords and tenants.

Fair Housing Act compliance

Fair housing laws are strictly enforced in Dayton. They prohibit any discrimination in real estate transactions, including leasing or renting senior apartments. The Columbus Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) is responsible for investigating any housing discrimination complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act and any civil rights complaints related to HUD-funded programs in Ohio.

For seniors with HUD Vouchers or non-employment income (like disability payments), it’s crucial to understand that Ohio law prohibits any form of discrimination based on income sources. Additionally, the Americans With Disabilities Act specifically states that landlords must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in the sale or rental of a property.

Inspections

In Ohio, all rental properties must receive inspections every three years to ensure compliance with building and safety codes. In Dayton, this is the responsibility of the Division of Housing Inspection. Although Ohio does not have a website where you can view inspection outcomes, the city of Dayton provides a platform where residents and prospective renters can submit requests for inspection reports.

Age Requirements for living in a senior apartment

Typically, senior apartment communities set an age minimum of 55 years or older. This requirement helps create an environment that promotes a sense of belonging and allows residents to connect with peers.

Be sure to confirm age requirements with the specific senior apartment community you are considering in Dayton, as some communities might have a higher age limit.

Ohio Department of Health contact information

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

COVID-19 regulations for Dayton senior apartments communities

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we live and interact, with senior communities being particularly vulnerable. This section provides an overview of the precautions senior apartment communities in Dayton, Ohio, are taking to keep their residents safe.

Although the following are general guidelines, keep in mind that each senior apartment complex may have its own unique regulations. It is highly recommended to check with each community to ensure compliance and safety.

Senior apartments in Dayton, Ohio, are highly sought-after by older adults for their unique combination of convenience, community, and culture. Here’s what you can expect when you choose to call one of these communities home in the Gem City.

A rich blend of history and innovation

Living in Dayton is a unique experience, rich in history and innovation. Known as the birthplace of aviation, the city’s past is intertwined with the likes of Orville and Wilbur Wright. This dynamic city balances its history with a thriving economy that covers manufacturing, health care, education, and technology. Dayton is also home to the University of Dayton and Wright State University, notable educational institutions that contribute to the area’s diversity and appeal.

Comfortable climate and affordable living

Dayton offers a comfortable climate with four distinct seasons to enjoy, along with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. This affordability extends to senior apartments, which offer competitive rates, making Dayton an appealing retirement destination.

Amenity-rich senior communities

Dayton’s senior apartments are more than just a place to live. They’re designed to enrich the lives of their residents with a range of amenities tailored to seniors’ needs and preferences.

Common amenities in these communities include cafes or bistros where residents can socialize over a meal, outdoor common areas and patios that provide an ideal scenery for relaxation and conversation, and indoor common areas and media centers for social interaction and entertainment.

For active seniors, fitness centers and a variety of organized activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and garden club meetings are typically available. Some communities even provide transportation for off-site activities, making it easy for residents to explore Dayton’s local attractions and events.

Each senior apartment community in Dayton offers its own unique living experience, amenities, and culture. We recommend touring multiple communities, if possible, to find the one that feels like home. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a community in Dayton that fits your needs.

Health care for seniors in Dayton

Transportation for seniors in Dayton

While Dayton primarily favors private transportation, the city still offers seniors an array of public transportation options that can make getting around both feasible and convenient.

The Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) runs several bus routes across the city, with buses equipped with accessible features to facilitate travel for seniors. The RTA also offers customized fixed-route travel training and provides special services and accommodations for customers who may find it challenging to use standard bus routes.

Dayton’s commitment to senior mobility extends beyond its bus system. The State of Ohio’s Department of Aging offers a variety of senior transportation services, including public transportation programs, mobility management programs, non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), and ridesharing services. To learn more about these programs and how to utilize them, seniors or their caregivers can call the 2-1-1 phone code for community referrals.

Paratransit services are available for seniors with disabilities. These services can be booked through the Dayton RTA, with a regular rate for paratransit at $3.50. Seniors 65 and older, along with anyone with a disability, can enjoy a reduced ride fare of $1.

For seniors looking for transportation in and around Dayton, Miami Valley Ride Finder and Excel Transport are valuable resources, providing transportation services to medical appointments, accessibility vehicles, and non-medical transportation.

Despite Dayton’s car-centric design, the city’s investment in senior-specific transportation resources means that seniors living in Dayton can navigate the city comfortably and efficiently, accessing all it has to offer. Walk Score rated the city’s walkability at 45 and bikeability at 47 on a scale of 0 to 100, from worst to best.^[07]

Senior activities in Dayton

Dayton offers an array of activities that cater to seniors, providing opportunities for engagement, entertainment, and physical activity. Here are some of the standout attractions and resources in the city, including indoor games and outdoor adventures.

Community and senior centers

There are several community and senior centers that offer programs and activities exclusively for seniors. The City of Dayton Department of Recreation and the Acclaim Senior Activities Center cater to a range of interests with bingo and pokeno games, painting sessions, and physical activities like line dancing and exercise. They also offer services such as counseling, pet therapy, music therapy, and education.

Dayton’s YMCA has various fitness classes for seniors, including cycling, muscular strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular exercises, along with interactive sports like volleyball and pickleball. The Salvation Army Kroc Center and the senior centers in Fairborn and Beaver Creek are also known for their engaging programs and activities, including bingo, potlucks, raffles, and access to fitness centers.

Museums and markets

Dayton has a rich history, especially in the field of aviation. With Ohio recognized as the birthplace of aviation, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are popular destinations. Both offer a deep dive into the world of air and space, with an extensive collection of aerospace vehicles, missiles, artifacts, and regular open aircraft days.

Carillon Historical Park, a 65-acre open-air history museum, provides a window into local history with its diverse historical experiences, programs, and activities. For a more laid-back experience, the Dayton 2nd Street Market is the best place to shop and savor local cuisine, with over 40 vendors, including local bakers, growers, culinary specialists, and artisans.

Parks and natural reserves

Dayton is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that are perfect for seniors who enjoy the tranquility of nature. Spanning over 900 acres, the Carriage Hill Metro Park offers endless outdoor activities amidst its forests, wetlands, meadows, and prairies. Activities here include fishing, hiking, nature appreciation, picnicking, paddling, and horseback riding.

The Riverscape Metro Park, located on the banks of the Great Miami River, features beautifully landscaped gardens, reflecting ponds, large fountains, and fantastic views of the water. Activities are available year-round, from concerts in the summer to ice skating in the winter. Lastly, the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, known for its serene nature trails, community gardens, and formal gardens, is another excellent spot for seniors to walk through and appreciate the beauty of Dayton.

Whether you are looking for fitness classes, creative pursuits, historic explorations, or natural beauty, Dayton offers myriad activities for seniors to enjoy, making it an excellent choice for senior living.