Villas of Guerin Woods is located at 1002 Sister Barbara Way in Georgetown, Indiana. It is a 50 bed senior housing facility. The community is in a largely middle income area, with an average per-household income of $65,190. ...
Nursing Homes in Indiana
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Indiana
- Nursing Care Directory for Indiana
- Nursing Care Costs in Indiana
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Indiana
- Indiana Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Indiana
Located in the Upper Midwest, Indiana is a beautiful state with a low cost of living, affordable healthcare and several nationally ranked and high-performing hospitals. It has over 6.7 million residents and a large senior community that makes up more than 16% of the population. The state accommodates the needs of its older population through access to a range of agencies and programs, including local Area Agencies on Aging and Community Action Partnerships, which help older adults obtain the services they need. Indiana also has outstanding medical facilities, such as Indiana University Health Medical Center, which is nationally ranked in three adult specialties, and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville.
For seniors recovering from a serious injury or illness, the state also has over 550 nursing homes to accommodate nearly 53,000 residents. These facilities are for those who don’t require inpatient hospital care but need around-the-clock monitoring and skilled nursing services. This guide covers the benefits of obtaining nursing home care in Indiana and the regulations local facilities abide by. It also highlights the cost of senior care and nonprofit agencies that provide services and supports for older adults.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Indiana
The SeniorScore is a livability index that seniors and families can reference to see how well a geographic region accommodates the needs of its older population. The score is based on over 100 variables across four categories, including the cost of living and healthcare amenities. Indiana’s SeniorScore is the same as the national score at 72, indicating that it has a similar range of benefits to the nation as a whole. The state has moderate scores across the four metrics, including 67 in Finances, 64 in Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure and 61 in General Quality of Life.
Indiana is a generally affordable state with a cost of living that’s well below the national median. Senior care costs are on par with rates in the nation as a whole, although nursing home care is considerably cheaper. Property taxes are affordable and the sales tax rate is consistent with the national rate. The state income tax rate is roughly the same as in the rest of the nation, although seniors don’t pay income taxes on Social Security benefits. Only about 27% of the population is aged 55 and over, which is slightly lower than the national average. Nearly 3,000 churches promote social opportunities, and over 450 golf courses and an average number of municipal parks provide outdoor recreation.
There is a high number of hospitals in Indiana and a large network of healthcare providers that accept payment from Medicare. For seniors transitioning out of inpatient care, there’s a high number of senior living facilities and home health care providers. Year-round temperatures are moderate, and the state receives about 40 inches of annual rainfall.
Top Nursing Care in Indiana
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 ...
Aperion Care Tolleston Park is a 180 bed senior housing community located in Gary, Indiana. With around 18,000 individuals living in the zip code of 46404, the surrounding area has an average population density. It is a largely ...
McCormick's Creek Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing is located at 210 State Hwy 43 in Spencer, Indiana. It is an 87 unit nursing home facility. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with an average per-family income ...
Sage Bluff is an 84 bed senior community located in the Huth's neighborhood of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 28,000 poeple living in the 46804 zip code. With a median ...
Brooke Knoll Village is a 74 room senior housing facility. It is located at 1108 Kingwood Dr in Avon, Indiana. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 33,000 individuals living in the 46123 zip code. ...
Munster Med-Inn is a 225 unit senior community. It is located at 7935 Calumet Ave in Munster, Indiana. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-household income of $74,503. With approximately 25,000 ...
Situated in the South Perry area of Indianapolis, Indiana, Manorcare Health Services is a 140 unit nursing care facility. With roughly 58,000 people residing in the 46227 zip code, the neighboring area has a dense population. It is ...
Westside Retirement Village is a 132 room senior care community located nearby the Key Meadows area of Indianapolis, Indiana. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with a median per-family income of $66,160. With around 26,000 ...
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 ...
Parker Health and Rehabilitation Center is located at 359 Randolph St in Parker City, Indiana. It is a 78 unit nursing care facility. The neighboring area has a sparse population, with around 4,000 individuals residing in the zip ...
Garden Villa - Bloomington is a 224 bed senior housing facility. It is located at 1100 S Curry Pk in Bloomington, Indiana. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-household income of $40,628. ...
Located at 3400 W Community Dr in Muncie, Indiana, Bethel Pointe Rehabilitation Center of Muncie is a 101 unit skilled nursing facility. With a median per-household income of $49,965, the community is in a largely middle income area. ...
Peabody Retirement Community is a 192 room senior housing facility. It is located at 400 W 7th St in North Manchester, Indiana. With roughly 11,000 individuals residing in the 46962 zip code, the neighboring area has a medium-density ...
Albany Health Care and Rehabilitation Center is a 101 room nursing care facility located in Albany, Indiana. The encompassing area has a sparse population, with roughly 5,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 47320. It is a ...
Lincolnshire Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is located at 8380 Virginia St in Merrillville, Indiana. It is a 100 unit nursing care facility. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with a median family income of $48,460. ...
Located at 604 Rennaker St in La Fontaine, Indiana, Rolling Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Care Center is a 115 room nursing care facility. The neighboring area is sparsely populated, with roughly 4,000 individuals residing in the zip code of ...
Greenwood Meadows is a 169 bed senior care facility. It is situated in the Hill Valley area of Greenwood, Indiana. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 31,000 individuals residing in the 46142 zip code. With ...
Garden Villa - Bedford is a 190 room senior care facility situated in Bedford, Indiana. The neighboring area has a dense population, with about 29,000 residents in the 47421 zip code. With an average family income of $36,272, ...
Ossian Health Care and Rehabilitation Center is a 100 room nursing home facility. It is located at 215 Davis Rd in Ossian, Indiana. With about 7,000 people residing in the zip code of 46777, the encompassing area has ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Indiana
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, Indiana is an economical option for nursing home care. Monthly rates for a semiprivate room come in at $7,133, which is about 8% lower than the national median of $7,756. Indiana is also among the more cost-effective options in the Upper Midwest. In Michigan, which is located to the north, care costs are considerably higher at $8,973. In Kentucky, fees come in at $7,330, and in Ohio, monthly rates are near Indiana’s average at $7,148. Illinois is the cheapest nearby option, with nursing home fees averaging $6,235.
- Indiana: $7,133
- United States: $7,756
- Michigan: $8,973
- Illinois: $6,235
- Kentucky: $7,330
- Ohio: $7,148
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Indiana’s Top Cities
Across Indiana, care costs vary considerably, depending on factors, such as local living costs and the number of facilities available. The cheapest city in the state is Terre Haute, where seniors pay approximately $6,464 per month for care. In Evansville, facilities charge $7,300 per month on average, and in Elkhart, care costs are a little higher at $7,361. In South Bend, fees come in at $7,984, and in Michigan City, nursing home rates are the highest in the state at $8,060.
- Michigan City: $8,060
- South Bend: $7,984
- Elkhart: $7,361
- Terre Haute: $6,464
- Evansville: $7,300
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Indiana
Nursing home care is the most expensive senior care option in Indiana at $7,133 per month. Seniors with limited skilled nursing needs may find assisted living or home health care to be more affordable, with respective monthly fees averaging $4,382 and $4,576. Seniors with dementia often reside in memory care facilities, which charge approximately $5,478 per month. In-home care costs $4,385 per month, and adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,733.
- Memory Care: $5,478
- Assisted Living: $4,382
- In-Home Care: $4,385
- Home Health Care: $4,576
- Adult Day Care: $1,733
- Nursing Home Care: $7,133
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Indiana
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Indiana.
Medicaid in Indiana
Indiana is home to over 550 nursing homes that can accommodate up to 53,000 residents. About two-thirds of nursing home residents in Indiana are enrolled in Medicaid, a health insurance program that, combined with CHIP, covers roughly 1.7 million people in the state. Medicaid pays for services in an institutional setting, including room and board, meals, case management, prescription medications and primary and acute medical care. For those who qualify for nursing home level care but want to receive services at home or in a residential care community, the Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver covers home modifications, skilled nursing and personal care.
Medicaid Eligibility in Indiana
Medicaid is a health insurance program jointly funded by the state and federal government. The Medicaid program for seniors aged 65 and over and younger individuals who require nursing home care is called Hoosier Care Connect. This program is an entitlement, meaning that everyone who qualifies for services is guaranteed to receive them. To qualify, seniors must meet several requirements.
- Applicants must be legal U.S. citizens or residents and permanent residents of Indiana.
- Applicants must require a nursing home level of care.
- Applicants can have a monthly income of up to $2,382.
- Single applicants can have up to $2,000 in countable assets. If a couple is married and both spouses are applying for Medicaid, they’re allowed up to $3,000 in assets. If only one spouse is applying, the applicant may have up to $2,000 in countable assets, and the non-applicant can have up to $130,380 in assets.
- All of the beneficiary's monthly income must be used toward nursing home expenses except for a $52 monthly needs allowance.
- Non-applicant spouses are permitted a monthly allowance of up to $2,155 or $3,260, depending on their living costs. They can also retain half of the countable assets up to $130,380. If the couple’s assets are valued at $26,076 or less, the non-applicant is entitled to the entire amount.
Seniors can apply for Medicaid online or through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Alternately, individuals can apply over the phone by calling their local Division of Family Resources office or calling the main line at (800) 403-0864.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Indiana Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nursing homes are required to adhere to regulations put forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to receive federal funding. In Indiana, the state regulations are the same as federal regulations. These govern several areas of resident care, including the scope of care, service planning, pharmacy services and staffing. The Indiana Department of Health ensures that local nursing homes comply with federal regulations.
Scope of Care | Nursing homes provide comprehensive around-the-clock care and a range of medical, personal and social services to meet the needs of residents. They provide room and board, medication services and social and recreational activities. Facilities also offer help with custodial services, such as bathing and eating, as well as skilled nursing services, such as medical monitoring and treatments. They’re staffed by registered nurses; nurse aides; pharmacists and physical, occupational and respiratory therapists. |
Care Planning | Within 48 hours of a resident’s admission, the nursing home must develop a baseline care plan that includes the minimum amount of healthcare information necessary to properly care for the resident, including initial goals, physician orders, dietary requirements, therapy and social services. Within seven days of conducting an initial assessment, the facility must develop a comprehensive care plan with measurable objectives and timeframes. This plan must be prepared by an interdisciplinary team and account for the resident’s goals for admission and potential for future discharge. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes must provide routine and emergency medications or have arrangements to obtain them through community or institutional pharmacies. Facilities must provide pharmaceutical services to meet each resident’s needs and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist who provides consultation on pharmacy services, records the medications that are received and administered and ensures that drug records are in order. Pharmacists must also conduct regular drug regimen reviews and report any irregularities to the nursing home’s medical director and director of nursing. |
Staff Screening | Nursing homes must conduct criminal background checks on all prospective employees and aren’t permitted to employ individuals who’ve been found guilty of abuse, neglect or exploitation. |
Staff Training | Nursing homes must have training programs for new and existing staff, including volunteers, that cover topics related to their duties. Topics that must be covered include effective communications, residents’ rights, recognizing and reporting abuse or theft, infection control and ethics. Nurse aides must also receive at least 12 hours of in-service training annually. |
Medicaid Coverage | Nursing home services are covered for qualifying seniors under Indiana’s Medicaid program. This program covers room and board, meals, personal and medical care and the use of ambulatory and respiratory equipment. It also covers any therapy services ordered by the individual’s physician. |
Reporting Abuse | Nursing homes must have rapid response teams to resolve any issues related to violations of residents’ rights. Complaints regarding a nursing home’s services and quality of care should be made to the Indiana Department of Health by filing an online complaint form or calling the department’s Complaint Report Line at (800) 246-8909. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Indiana
Indiana Health Care Association
The Indiana Health Care Association is a trade organization that represents and advocates on behalf of those in the state’s long-term care industry. It offers a broad range of resources and information for senior living providers to help them make educated decisions on seniors’ quality of care and quality of life. It also has a team of professionals who advocate on behalf of communities and residents and track and develop policies that affect clinical care and senior living operations.
Indiana Legal Services is a nonprofit legal organization that provides free legal advice, information and representation for Hoosier seniors. Its legal professionals can help resolve issues related to nursing home care, including intake and discharge procedures, billing errors and problems with the quality of care. It can also help seniors obtain public benefits that can help them cover senior care costs, including Supplemental Security Income and RCAP, Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security benefits. To be eligible for assistance, applicants must be aged 60 or older.
Indiana Community Action Association
Indiana Community Action Association is a network of nonprofit agencies that provide supportive services to seniors aged 60 and over in Indiana, which can help them avoid nursing home care or shorten the duration of their stay. Services vary by location, but most local agencies provide home weatherization services, rent or mortgage assistance, one-time utility bill assistance and home-delivered meals. Local agencies may also have benefits counselors who help seniors identify the community-based programs and services that best fit their needs.
Indiana Agencies
Family and Social Services Administration
Address: 402 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone Number: (888) 673-0002
Website: https://www.in.gov/fssa/da
The state’s Family and Social Services Administration provides benefits for qualifying residents, including supplemental nutrition programs, cash assistance and Medicaid. Through local DFR offices, seniors can complete benefits screenings, apply for state and federal benefits and receive proof of eligibility for health coverage. The administration also operates the state’s Senior Medicare Patrol program, which helps seniors protect themselves from medical identity theft.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Address: 311 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone Number: (800) 452-4800
Website: https://www.in.gov/ship/index.htm
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a free program for Medicare-eligible Indiana residents. It's staffed primarily by trained volunteers who give confidential, unbiased health insurance options counseling, which can help seniors identify options for covering nursing home expenses. Through this program, seniors can get information about Medicare and Medicaid benefits, available Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans and long-term care insurance. Volunteers can also help seniors understand their medical bills and resolve billing errors or denied health insurance claims.
Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Address: 402 W. Washington Street, Room W451, Indianapolis, IN 46207
Phone Number: (800) 622-4484
Website: https://www.in.gov/ombudsman/long-term-care-ombudsman
The Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates on behalf of seniors living in residential care communities in the state. The ombudsman can help seniors and families compare local nursing homes’ amenities, services and care costs and identify ways to pay for services. The ombudsman also educates residents of their rights, ensures that they receive all the services in the care plans and investigates reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Indiana State Department of Health
Address: 2 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 96659
Phone Number: (317) 233-1325
Website: https://www.in.gov/isdh
The Indiana State Department of Health administers public health programs for residents. It licenses long-term care facilities and nursing homes through its Division of Long Term Care and fields and investigates consumer complaints regarding care issues.
Area Agencies on Aging in Indiana
Indiana has 16 Area Agencies on Aging, which are funded through the Older Americans Act to provide supportive programs and services for state residents aged 60 and over. Each AAA serves a designated area. Programs vary by region but typically include transportation services, home-delivered and congregate meals and personal care services, which may help seniors avoid nursing home care or transition back to their home more quickly. Local agencies also have benefits counselors who help seniors apply for Medicare and Medicaid to reduce how much they pay for nursing home care.
Veteran Affairs Office in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs oversees veterans' homes, administers financial assistance programs and helps veterans obtain state and federal benefits. Through the county offices, veterans can apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit, veterans and survivors pension programs and service-related disability compensation, which can help cover nursing home expenses. The local offices also screen for veterans' home and VA healthcare eligibility and connect seniors with supportive programs, such as transportation services and housing assistance.
Social Security Offices in Indiana
The Social Security Administration manages an array of programs and benefits for older adults that can help them afford nursing home care. At the local offices, seniors get one-on-one help with determining eligibility and applying for Social Security income, survivors benefits and disability payments. The administration also provides the Supplemental Security Income and the Residential Care Assistance Program. There are 26 Social Security offices located throughout Indiana where older adults can get in-person help. To find their local office, individuals can refer to this page and search by zip code.
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