In-Home Care in Indiana
The Midwestern state of Indiana features a mix of large cities and small, close-knit towns, accommodating a range of budgets and lifestyle preferences. Seniors make up the fastest-growing demographic in this state. According to recent data, those aged 60 and over are projected to account for about 23% of Indiana’s population in 2030. By comparison, in 2012, seniors made up less than 18% of residents. A low cost of living, generally comfortable weather and affordable health care all play a role in why seniors are choosing to retire to Indiana.
As Indiana’s senior population grows, the need for affordable long-term care solutions is also increasing. If you plan to enjoy your retirement years in the comfort of your own home but certain activities are becoming more challenging, home care may be a good solution for you. This type of care includes services such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and companionship and costs approximately $4,676 per month in Indiana. Home health care is similar but is administered by licensed legal professionals and includes services such as medication administration and physical therapy.
This guide provides more information on in-home care in Indiana, including how care costs compare to those in other states, options for paying for services and resources you can contact for free assistance.
The Cost of In-Home Care in Indiana
The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in Indiana pay $4,767 per month for in-home care, which is a couple of hundred dollars less than the national median of $4,957. In Kentucky, which is situated to the south of Indiana, rates are the same at $4,767 per month, and in Ohio, which lies to the east, rates are equal to the national median at $4,957. West of the state in Illinois, care costs exceed the national median at $5,339, and to the north in Michigan, rates are the highest of Indiana’s bordering states at $5,529.
In-home care costs vary throughout Indiana depending on local living costs and the availability of services. The cheapest surveyed city for care is Terre Haute, where agencies charge approximately $3,623 per month. In Evansville, seniors pay $4,290, and in Muncie, fees are a little higher but still below the state median at $4,385. Seniors in Columbus pay $4,553 for in-home care, and in the capital city of Indianapolis, care costs are several hundred dollars higher at $5,053. In Fort Wayne, clients pay $5,339, and in South Bend, fees average $5,672.
In-home care is moderately priced in Indiana at $4,767 per month. Home health care, which is similar but includes specialized skilled nursing services, has the same monthly rate. Older adults who obtain this level of care in assisted living pay $4,283 per month for personal care, housing and meals. Adult day health care is the cheapest long-term care option in the state at $1,733 per month, and nursing home care is the costliest option at $7,270 for semiprivate accommodations.
Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Indiana?
Indiana’s Medicaid program provides comprehensive health insurance coverage to meet the needs of income-qualifying individuals within the state who may otherwise be unable to afford health care. While this program doesn’t pay for in-home care directly, it helps Hoosier seniors pay for this type of care through a waiver program. This waiver, called the Aged and Disabled Waiver, pays for services and support necessary for avoiding nursing home placement.
Home Care Waiver Programs in Indiana
Aged and Disabled Waiver
Indiana Medicaid covers in-home care through the Aged and Disabled Waiver, which expands the regular program’s coverage to meet the needs of those at risk of nursing home placement. The services a beneficiary receives depend on their care needs as determined by their case manager.
Covered services may include:
- Adult day services
- Adult family care
- Attendant care, including self-directed care
- Case management
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Homemaker services
- Health care coordination
- Home-delivered meals
- Personal emergency response systems
- Pest control
- Respite care
- Durable and disposable medical equipment
- Transportation services
The A&D Waiver is open to those who are at least 65 years old, blind or disabled. Applicants must also meet income and asset limits. Unmarried applicants may have an income of up to 300% of the maximum Supplemental Security income amount. In 2022, this limit is $30,276 annually. Applicants must also require nursing home level care.
Seniors can apply for the waiver by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging or the Division on Aging by calling (888) 673-0002.
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Indiana
To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must have limited income and assets. Single applicants may have an annual income of up to $13,596, and married applicants can have up to $18,312. Single applicants can have up to $2,000 in countable assets. If they’re married but their spouse isn’t applying for Medicaid, the applicant can have $2,000 in countable assets and the non-applicant can retain half their joint assets up to $137,400. If both spouses are applying for coverage, they must meet a combined asset limit of $3,000.
2022 Indiana Medicaid Income Limits
Single Applicant
$13,596
$2,000
Two-Person Household (Only one applicant)
$18,312
$2,000 for applicant
$137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Two applicants)
$18,312
$3,000
*per year
Indiana’s Medicaid program is open to people of all ages, regardless of disability status. Along with meeting financial criteria, applicants must also be U.S. citizens or legal residents and permanent residents of Indiana to qualify for coverage.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Indiana
Seniors have several options for applying for Indiana Medicaid. If you want to fill out an application in person and receive one-on-one assistance with the process, you can visit your local Division of Family Resources office. You can call the Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 403-0864 to apply for Medicaid coverage over the phone, or you can submit an application online through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration portal or the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
Regardless of how you apply, the acceptance process takes about 90 days, though qualifying individuals may have their application accepted sooner. Seniors can follow up on their applications by calling the FSSA or viewing the application status through the website.
What Information You Will Need
To apply for Indiana Medicaid, you must have several pieces of information on hand, including:
- Proof of income
- Proof of assets
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Medicare card and proof of other insurance coverage
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Seniors in Indiana can get assistance with applying for Medicaid and managing their benefits from several local agencies and helplines. These resources can answer questions you have about getting coverage, enrolling in the Aged and Disabled Waiver and appealing denied Medicaid claims.
(877) 647-5326
Statewide
The MHS Ombudsman Program serves as an impartial third party for Hoosiers with Medicaid, helping them understand their benefits and navigate the appeals process if their application is rejected or a medical expense is denied coverage. Seniors can get over-the-phone assistance by calling the program’s helpline between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or by visiting one of its three office locations. All services are free and confidential.
Statewide
Through the American Council on Aging, you can connect with Medicaid planners in your area who help you qualify for Medicaid and the Aged and Disabled Waiver if your income and assets exceed the program’s limits. The website also has current information on Medicaid’s financial eligibility requirements, waivers and rules on how to apply for coverage.
(800) 446-1993
Statewide
The Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates reports of patient abuse, neglect or exploitation from long-term care service providers who accept payment from Medicaid. It also looks into reports of unnecessary health services that inflate billed expenses, charges for services not rendered and double charges.
(800) 457-8283
Statewide
Seniors and their families can find help with Medicaid applications through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Telephone help is available during business hours, and appointments can be made for in-person assistance.
Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Indiana?
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.
Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.
- Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
- Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
- Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
- Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.
As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)
Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Indiana
While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Indiana
In-home care may be a viable solution for older adults who want to remain in their homes even as their needs change. However, finding affordable care can be a challenge. Through the following resources, older adults in Indiana can find free and low-cost services to bring down the overall cost of their care. These resources can also help seniors identify ways to pay for monthly care costs.
(800) 713-9023
Statewide
Sixteen Area Agencies on Aging serve Indiana residents aged 60 and over through a broad range of free and low-cost programs. While services vary slightly by region, all agencies provide information and referrals for community-based services, non-emergency medical transportation, financial and legal advice and social and recreational programs. Some agencies provide federally subsidized in-home care services and home-delivered meals, which can help older adults reduce overall monthly care expenses.
(800) 457-8283
Statewide
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs administers state benefits that may help qualifying individuals to lower their living expenses, including transportation services, property tax deductions and emergency financial assistance. County offices can also screen individuals for federal VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance, which can help cover in-home care costs.
(844) 243-8570
Statewide
Indiana Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit agency that provides free civil legal services to older adults. Its staff can screen individuals for eligibility for public benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. It can also help veterans apply for state and federal benefits.
(317) 638-4232
Statewide
The Indiana Community Action Association provides services and supports to qualifying individuals statewide. Through their local Community Action Partnership, seniors can obtain services such as home-delivered meals, friendly visits and phone calls, case management and volunteer-based transportation services, which may help them reduce in-home care costs.
(800) 452-4800
Statewide
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a free program that helps older adults understand their Medicare benefits and research Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. SHIP counselors can also help older adults determine whether they qualify for Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid as well as learn how to recognize and protect themselves from Medicare fraud.
(317) 252-5558
Central Indiana
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana provides home-delivered meals to qualifying individuals in the Indianapolis area. It partners with the Food is Medicine Coalition to provide medically tailored meals to those managing chronic diseases. Applicants may have to meet income and need-related guidelines to qualify for services, and they may need to provide a donation for their meal. To find their local Meals on Wheels program, seniors outside the Indianapolis region can call 2-1-1 for free assistance with locating services.
(888) 673-0002
5 service area
PACE provides social and medical services to those aged 55 and over dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. This program is open to those who qualify for nursing home level care but want to continue living in their own homes. Through their local PACE program, seniors can obtain homemaker services, home-delivered meals, wellness services and primary care. Those who don’t qualify for Medicaid are required to pay a copay for services.
COVID-19 Rules for In-Home Care Providers in Indiana
In Indiana, home health care aides are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have an exemption. Currently, home care workers aren’t required to be vaccinated. This mandate is in place as of April 2022, but because of the evolving nature of the virus, guidelines may be updated. If you have questions about current requirements, contact the Indiana Department of Health or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Additionally, while there isn’t a state mandate requiring home care workers to be vaccinated, some agencies might require their caregivers to be vaccinated or undergo regular COVID testing. If you have questions or concerns regarding your exposure to the virus, you may want to contact your local home care agencies directly to learn about their policies and procedures.
In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Indiana
Home health care providers are licensed and certified by the Indiana State Department of Health via the Home Health Agency program. The department is responsible for the oversight of all agencies that provide medical care in the recipient’s home, which includes regular inspections of licensed agencies to make sure residents receive quality care. The ISDH also ensures that these agencies and their workers are in compliance with federal Medicare and Medicaid regulations, as well as state laws and rules governing the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a home care agency the same as a home health agency?
No. In Indiana, home health agencies are licensed to provide medical services, including skilled nursing and dietitian, and as such, the staff has undergone many years of education and training. Home care agencies are licensed to provide assistance and companionship, and the caregivers aren’t permitted to provide medical care.
Are there programs to cover home modifications in Indiana?
Yes. The local Area Agencies on Aging can help connect homeowners with modification programs in their area — see the resources section for contact details. Seniors and people with disabilities can receive grant funding via the Accessibility Modifications Program to improve the functionality of the home. Residents may also be eligible for urgent home repairs funded by the state.
Are there transportation assistance programs in Indiana?
Yes. Medicaid members can request transportation for non-emergency medical trips, such as appointments and pharmacy visits, by contacting their case manager or the Area Agency on Aging in their region. These agencies may also provide taxi coupons and other transport services for non-Medicaid purposes.
Does Indiana Pay For In-Home Care?
Indiana Medicaid and Medicare will pay for in-home care wholly or partially, depending on the applicants’ circumstances. Working on the principle that it is more cost-effective for seniors and other people who qualify for nursing care to stay in their homes, these programs provide funding for certain nonmedical and medical expenses. Apart from Medicaid and Medicare, there are several other agencies in Indiana that Hoosiers can contact about funding in-home care. In-home care covers services that include companionship, meals, housekeeping and help with bathing and dressing. Read More
What does it mean to “age in place”?
Aging in place is a care philosophy that’s generally associated with facilities, such as assisted living or nursing homes, rather than in-home care. It means that the individual is expected to be able to stay where they are living now, even when their medical and other needs increase.
What are “activities of daily living”?
Activities of daily living — commonly referred to as ADLs — are a wide variety of tasks that most people do every day. This includes bathing and other hygiene issues, preparing and eating food, and transferring to and from a bed, wheelchair and so on. Seniors and people with disabilities often need assistance with ADLs, which may make them eligible for financial assistance as outlined in this guide.
Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Indiana?
Family members who are financially responsible for elderly parents and providing senior in-home care in Indiana can, in some circumstances, receive payment for their services. Certain programs in Indiana allow seniors to self-direct their care and hire family members to provide in-home care. Agencies offering these programs include Indiana Medicaid, the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Indiana INconnect Alliance. Other ways to receive reimbursement include IRS tax credits, refunds for expenses incurred, and the Veteran Directed Care program. Read More
How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Indiana
Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.
Find Home Care Agencies Near You
To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.
Directory of Home Care Services in Indianapolis, IN
Griswold Home Care – Northeast Indianapolis
14350 Mundy Drive, Suite 800, #211, Noblesville, IN, 46060
FirstLight Home Care of Northern Indianapolis and Suburbs
13277 Illinois Street , Suite 100, Carmel, IN, 46032
Peace of Mind Home Care LLC – Indianapolis, IN
8520 Allison Pointe Blvd Suite 220 , Indianapolis, IN, 46250
See Pricing for
is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
Home Care Services in Indiana (145)
- Advance, IN (8)
- Anderson, IN (11)
- Atlanta, IN (9)
- Avon, IN (24)
- Bargersville, IN (9)
- Beech Grove, IN (20)
- Beverly Shores, IN (8)
- Bloomington, IN (10)
- Boone Grove, IN (10)
- Boonville, IN (6)
- Bremen, IN (8)
- Bristol, IN (8)
- Brownsburg, IN (33)
- Buckskin, IN (4)
- Camby, IN (10)
- Carmel, IN (50)
- Cedar Lake, IN (19)
- Chandler, IN (5)
- Chesterfield, IN (6)
- Chesterton, IN (14)
- Cicero, IN (11)
- Clarksville, IN (6)
- Clayton, IN (9)
- Columbus, IN (7)
- Connersville, IN (5)
- Crown Point, IN (28)
- Culver, IN (5)
- Cumberland, IN (24)
- Cynthiana, IN (4)
- Danville, IN (11)
- Demotte, IN (8)
- Dyer, IN (23)
- East Chicago, IN (16)
- Edinburgh, IN (8)
- Elberfeld, IN (6)
- Elkhart, IN (12)
- Elwood, IN (6)
- Evansville, IN (12)
- Fairland, IN (6)
- Fishers, IN (47)
- Fort Branch, IN (5)
- Fort Wayne, IN (24)
- Fortville, IN (15)
- Francisco, IN (4)
- Frankfort, IN (4)
- Franklin, IN (10)
- Frankton, IN (4)
- Gary, IN (22)
- Goshen, IN (10)
- Granger, IN (12)
- Greencastle, IN (4)
- Greenfield, IN (12)
- Greensburg, IN (5)
- Greenwood, IN (23)
- Griffin, IN (4)
- Griffith, IN (23)
- Hamlet, IN (8)
- Hammond, IN (24)
- Haubstadt, IN (5)
- Hebron, IN (13)
- Highland, IN (24)
- Hobart, IN (23)
- Huntertown, IN (6)
- Indianapolis, IN (113)
- Jamestown, IN (9)
- Jeffersonville, IN (8)
- Kokomo, IN (7)
- Kouts, IN (11)
- La Porte, IN (12)
- Lafayette, IN (11)
- Lagrange, IN (6)
- Lake Station, IN (18)
- Lakeville, IN (8)
- LaPorte, IN (12)
- Lebanon, IN (15)
- Leesburg, IN (5)
- Leroy, IN (4)
- Lizton, IN (11)
- Lowell, IN (12)
- Lynnville, IN (4)
- McCordsville, IN (20)
- Mentone, IN (4)
- Merrillville, IN (27)
- Michigan City, IN (12)
- Middlebury, IN (8)
- Middletown, IN (6)
- Milford, IN (7)
- Millersburg, IN (8)
- Mishawaka, IN (15)
- Mount Vernon, IN (4)
- Muncie, IN (5)
- Munster, IN (25)
- Nappanee, IN (11)
- Nashville, IN (4)
- Needham, IN (8)
- New Albany, IN (10)
- New Carlisle, IN (10)
- New Castle, IN (5)
- New Harmony, IN (4)
- New Palestine, IN (9)
- New Paris, IN (9)
- Newburgh, IN (6)
- Nineveh, IN (6)
- Noblesville, IN (34)
- North Liberty, IN (9)
- North Salem, IN (8)
- Notre Dame, IN (9)
- Oakland City, IN (4)
- Osceola, IN (10)
- Owensville, IN (4)
- Pendleton, IN (7)
- Pittsboro, IN (14)
- Plainfield, IN (19)
- Portage, IN (19)
- Poseyville, IN (4)
- Princeton, IN (5)
- Roann, IN (5)
- Saint John, IN (22)
- Schererville, IN (26)
- Schneider, IN (7)
- Scottsburg, IN (5)
- Seymour, IN (5)
- Sharpsville, IN (4)
- Shelby, IN (6)
- Sheridan, IN (12)
- South Bend, IN (16)
- South Whitley, IN (4)
- Speedway, IN (30)
- Syracuse, IN (7)
- Tennyson, IN (4)
- Terre Haute, IN (7)
- Thorntown, IN (9)
- Trafalgar, IN (7)
- Valparaiso, IN (21)
- Wadesville, IN (4)
- Wakarusa, IN (10)
- Walkerton, IN (10)
- Wanatah, IN (9)
- West Newton, IN (13)
- Westfield, IN (28)
- Wheeler, IN (7)
- Whiteland, IN (10)
- Whitestown, IN (21)
- Whiting, IN (13)
- Zionsville, IN (30)