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Assisted Living in Indiana

The state of Indiana, located in the Midwest in the Great Lakes region, is the 17th most populous state in the nation with over 6.7 million people. Like the rest of the country, the Hoosier state is experiencing significant growth in its senior population. Between 2015 and 2030, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration projects the number of Hoosiers over age 65 to increase by 43%. As of 2020, nearly 17% of Hoosiers are aged 65 and over, with the senior population exceeding 20% in 62 of the state's 92 counties.

Data published by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured indicates that about 70% of older adults aged 65 and over need some type of long-term services and supports. For seniors seeking economical assisted living, Indiana may be a good option. The overall cost of living in this state, including housing and health expenses like hospital stays and doctor's office visits, is well below the U.S. average. Social Security and railroad retirement benefits are tax-exempt, though other forms of retirement income are subject to taxation at the state level. Assisted living costs in Indiana are comparable to the U.S. average.

This guide provides an overview of the cost of assisted living and other senior care options in Indiana, as well as financial aid available to seniors. It also outlines the state's rules and regulations for assisted living.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Indiana



SeniorScore is a livability index that is calculated based on over 100 variables to evaluate a region's health and safety amenities, recreational atmosphere, economic favorability and general quality of life as they pertain to older adults. In Indiana, the SeniorScore is the same as the national average of 72.



SeniorScore™ for Indiana



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

72

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • Indiana's SeniorScore™ of 72 is the same as the national average of 72.
64

Health & Safety

  • Indiana has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • Indiana has a high number of hospitals within the state.
  • Indiana has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • Indiana has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in Indiana is 77.6, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • Indiana has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • Indiana has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
64

Recreation & Leisure

  • 27% of the population in Indiana are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • Indiana has 455 golf courses in the state.
  • Indiana has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • Indiana has 2,891 churches in the state.
67

Finances

  • The property taxes average 2.00% of total income in Indiana, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 0.96% of property value in Indiana, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in Indiana is 7.00%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in Indiana is 3.33%, which is lower than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in Indiana is $62,861, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
  • Indiana's median household income is $50,556, which is lower than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in Indiana is $24,546, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in Indiana average $44,879 per year, which are higher than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in Indiana average $93,018 per year, which are higher than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in Indiana average $20,116 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in Indiana average $44,230 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 9.11% in Indiana, which is significantly higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in Indiana is low compared to national averages.
  • 0.93% of the senior population in Indiana are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
61

General Quality of Life

  • Indiana receives an average of 40.3 inches of rain per year.
  • Indiana has an average annual temperature of 51.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Indiana has an average low temperature of 40.7 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Indiana has an average high temperature of 61.4 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Indiana has an average population density of 521 people per square mile.
  • Indiana has a high public school quality ranking.
  • Indiana has a very low public school safety ranking.
  • Indiana has an average graduation rate of 86.64%.

The General Quality of Life score in Indiana is 61. The state has a mild climate with average temperatures ranging from 40.7 to 61.4 degrees and an average annual temperature of 51.5 degrees. Its population density is average with about 521 people per square mile. The Recreation & Leisure score is a little higher at 64, due to the state's 455 golf courses, 2,891 churches and the number of municipal parks.

Indiana's Health & Safety rating is 64. The average life expectancy is 77.6, which is slightly lower than the U.S. average of 78.6. The state has a high number of hospitals and senior living facilities, as well as high access to health care providers that accept Medicare. However, violent and property crime rates are above average in the state.

The state's median household income and average per capita income are a little lower than the national average, and the sales tax rate is slightly higher than the national average. However, these are offset by the cost of living in Indiana, which is lower than the national average, as well as the state's low property tax rates. Annual assisted living costs are about $2,000 more than the U.S. median. Combined, these factors result in a Finances score of 67.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in Indiana



Aspen Trace - Greenwood, IN

Aspen Trace

3154 S Sr 135

Greenwood, IN 46143

1-855-222-1541

14 Reviews  

Aspen Trace is a 104 room senior care facility situated in Greenwood, Indiana. The surrounding area is densely populated, with roughly 50,000 individuals living in the 46143 zip code. It is a generally middle class area, with ...

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American Village - Indianapolis, IN

American Village

2026 E 54th St

Indianapolis, IN 46220

1-855-238-4376

11 Reviews  

American Village is a 150 bed senior care facility situated within the Fairgrounds neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana. With approximately 36,000 residents in the zip code of 46220, the surrounding area is heavily populated. It is a primarily middle ...

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Wellbrooke of Avon - Indianapolis, IN

Wellbrooke of Avon

10307 East County Road 100 North

Indianapolis, IN 46234

1-855-243-3078

9 Reviews  

Wellbrooke of Avon is a 70 bed senior care facility located near the Chapel Hill-Ben Davis neighborhood of Indianapolis, Indiana. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with an average per-household income of $66,160. It is ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Indiana



According to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, Indiana seniors pay an average of $4,100 per month for assisted living, which is slightly higher than the national average of $4,051. Compared to the nearby states, Indiana's assisted living costs are near the median. More affordable care may be available in Kentucky ($3,497) and Michigan ($4,000), while costs tend to be higher in Illinois ($4,170) and Ohio ($4,339).

  • Indiana: $4,100
  • United States: $4,051
  • Michigan: $4,000
  • Illinois: $4,170
  • Ohio: $4,339
  • Kentucky: $3,497

The Cost of Assisted Living in Indiana's Top Cities

Indiana spans over 36,000 square miles, and assisted living costs vary widely across the state. In the capital city of Indianapolis, costs are on par with the statewide average of $4,100. In the Michigan City area, which is located in the northernmost part of the state, seniors pay $4,515 per month for this level of care. In Evansville, which is located at the state's southern tip, the average monthly cost is $3,817. The most expensive city for assisted living is Muncie, where the average cost is 30% higher at $5,685 per month. The state's most affordable city is Bloomington, where the monthly cost is about 30% lower at $2,970.

  • Indianapolis: $4,100
  • Evansville: $3,817
  • Michigan City Area: $4,515
  • Muncie: $5,685
  • Bloomington: $2,970

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Indiana

Assisted living is just one type of senior care available to Hoosier seniors. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,842 per month. However, this type of care doesn't cover expenses like housing and food, so it may not be the most cost-effective option for everyone. In-home care is slightly more expensive than assisted living at $4,334 per month, while home health care services average $4,385. The most expensive option in the state is nursing home care, where semiprivate accommodations average $7,021 per month.

  • Assisted Living: $4,100
  • In-Home Care: $4,334
  • Home Health Care: $4,385
  • Adult Day Care: $1,842
  • Nursing Home Care: $7,021

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Indiana




Aged and Disabled Waiver

Phone Number: 800-403-0864
Website: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/212.htm

In Indiana, the state's Medicaid program covers assisted living costs via the Aged and Disabled Waiver. This waiver provides access to funds to cover services and supports that let seniors avoid or delay nursing facility placement. Eligible individuals receive Medicaid medical coverage, along with waiver benefits such as health care coordination, transportation, nutritional supplements and assisted living care and support services.

To qualify for the Aged and Disabled waiver, applicants must be at least 65 years old, U.S. citizens and permanent residents of Indiana. They must also meet the current Medicaid income and asset guidelines and require a nursing home level of care.


Residential Care Assistance Program

Phone Number: 800-457-8283
Website: https://www.in.gov/fssa/da/3767.htm

Indiana's Residential Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Hoosiers living in state-licensed residential care facilities. Funds from this program cover care coordination, room, board and laundry services, and are paid directly to the RCAP provider.

Eligible residents are those who are unable to live at home due to age, physical disability or mental illness but don't need the level of care provided in a nursing home. They must be at least 65 years old and a Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income recipient and plan to move to or currently live in a facility under contract with the RCAP program.


VA Aid and Attendance

Address: 302 West Washington Street, Room E120, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone Number: 317-232-3910
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Seniors who receive a monthly VA pension and reside in or wish to move to an assisted living community may qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. This cash benefit is paid out in addition to the monthly pension and can be used to help cover various costs of assisted living.

Seniors must meet at least one of these conditions to qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit:

  • Need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing or feeding
  • Have to stay in bed because of an illness
  • Reside in a nursing home because of the loss of a physical or mental ability
  • Have corrected vision of 5/200 or less in both eyes or have a field of vision of 5 degrees or less

Indiana Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



In Indiana, assisted living facilities, which are officially called residential care facilities, are governed by the Indiana State Department of Health through the Residential Care Facility Licensing Program. RCFLP staff conducts health surveys, investigates complaints and ensures that the Indiana's 100+ residential care providers are in compliance with the state rules and regulations, which are outlined here:

Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities provide room and board to five or more residents and offer at least one regularly scheduled nursing service, such as ostomy care or nebulizer treatments, or at least two regularly scheduled supportive services. These services may include help with personal laundry, money management or arranging for medical services. Facilities must provide three nutritionally balanced meals each day, along with activities based on residents' needs and interests and scheduled transportation for community-based activities.

Care Plan Requirements

A facility must evaluate each new resident before their admission to ensure that it can meet the person's care needs. The evaluation must identify the type and scope of care the individual requires, and the frequency that services will be provided. This evaluation should be updated on at least a semiannual basis, or when significant health changes occur.

Medication Management Requirements

Medications can be administered by a licensed nurse or qualified medication aides under physician's orders. Only licensed staff is permitted to administer injectable medications.

Residents who administer their own medications can keep prescription and over-the-counter medications in their rooms, as long as the medications are kept secured.

Staff Screening Requirements

Prospective employees must submit a national criminal history background check at their own expense. Assisted living facilities cannot hire individuals who have been found guilty of abusing, neglecting or mistreating residents or misappropriating their personal property.

Staff Training Requirements

Administrators must complete at least 40 hours of training every two years. Before working independently, every employee must be given an orientation by the facility's supervisor that includes care instructions for the facility's specialized populations, such as those with dementia; an outline of the facility's policies; instructions on first aid, disaster and fire preparation, evacuation and emergency procedures; a review of their job description and a demonstration of relevant equipment and procedures; a review of ethical considerations and resident rights; and an overview of the personal needs of each resident the employee will be providing care for.

Medicaid Coverage

Indiana's Medicaid program covers assisted living services in licensed residential care facilities via the Medicaid Aged and Disabled waiver program. Services covered by this program include specialized medical equipment and supplies, personal emergency response systems and community transition.

Reporting Abuse

Staff members are required to report suspected or observed abuse, exploitation or neglect to local law enforcement and the Indiana long-term care ombudsman.. Residents and family members can file complaints with the ombudsman by calling 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134. Facilities must provide incoming residents with current addresses and phone numbers for the local Area Agency on Aging, the ombudsman, adult protective services and the Indiana State Department of Health.


Free Assisted Living Resources in Indiana



State Health Insurance Program

Indiana SHIP is a free counseling program staffed by volunteers who are trained to help seniors find health insurance options that suit their needs. Through SHIP, seniors can receive advice on long-term care insurance, Medicare and Medicare Advantage health plans and other programs that may help with assisted living expenses. This free service is available to all Hoosiers.

Contact: For more information, call the central office at 800-452-4800.


Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The state's long-term care ombudsman program advocates for residents in long-term care facilities and promotes and protects their rights guaranteed under state and federal laws. Certified ombudsmen are trained to receive complaints and help seniors resolve issues pertaining to the quality of care, the use of restraints, abuse and other aspects of resident rights in assisted living facilities.

Contact: To get in touch with the state ombudsman, call 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134.


Indiana Agencies


Indiana State Department of Health

Address: 2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone Number: 317-233-7442
Website: https://www.in.gov/isdh/

The Indiana State Department of Health is the agency responsible for overseeing long-term care facilities and nursing homes. The department fields complaints regarding health care facilities, accident reports and reports of suspected crimes against assisted living residents. It can also help seniors connect with federal and state programs that provide aging-related supportive services. Anyone can contact ISDH for advice and assistance.

Area Agencies on Aging in Indiana

Indiana's aging network is made up of 16 Area Agencies on Aging, and each one serves a specific area of the state. The AAAs provide case management services and help seniors connect with local resources and financial aid for assisted living. They also provide direct services, including congregate and home-delivered meals and transportation. To be eligible for services from their local AAA, adults must be at least 60 years old.

Veteran Affairs Offices in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs helps Hoosier veterans connect with federal benefits, including monthly pensions, prescription drug assistance and disability payments. It also provides access to health care and advocacy services and can help eligible seniors apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit that may help pay for assisted living. To receive assistance, seniors can contact their nearest County Veterans Service office.

Social Security Offices in Indiana

The Social Security Administration can help eligible individuals who are aged, disabled or blind cover assisted living expenses with its Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefit programs. There are a number of field offices throughout the state where Hoosiers can receive in-person assistance and help filing applications for Medicare and retirement and disability benefits.

 

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