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Memory Care in Indiana
The Midwestern state of Indiana is home to over 6.8 million people. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 16.4% of the population, which means many Indiana residents may be at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Indiana has risen by 16.5%. Numbers are on the rise across all of America, and the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that by 2050, there will be 12.9 million seniors living with dementia.
Fortunately, communities across Indiana have taken steps to develop dementia care initiatives and programs to support this demographic. The many memory care facilities throughout the state provide a comprehensive solution for seniors dealing with memory loss. These facilities are secure environments staffed with specially trained caregivers who are on-site 24/7 to provide personalized care, daily assistance and memory-focused programming.
This guide is designed to provide information about memory care in Indiana, including how much these services cost, organizations seniors can contact for support and what senior living is like in the state.
The Cost of Memory Care in Indiana
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of memory care in Indiana and its 21 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Indiana's Top Cities
Location can have a big impact on care costs, and prices vary widely between Indiana's cities. In the state capital of Indianapolis, seniors pay $5,852 per month, which is on par with the statewide average of $5,894. Costs are higher in Columbus, where seniors pay around $6,445. Rates increase further to $6,958 in Evansville. Memory care communities in Fort Wayne charge lower-than-average prices of $5,695.
Indiana
$5,894
Indianapolis
$5,852
Columbus
$6,445
Fort Wayne
$5,695
Evansville
$6,958
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Indiana
Memory care costs in Indiana are gradually rising due to the effects of inflation. Average costs rose 5.8% between 2022 and 2023, from $5,573 to $5,894. As a guide, future costs for 2024 are estimated to be $5,779. Across the nation, average rates increased by 10.4%. Looking at nearby states, inflation had a greater impact on senior living costs. Prices increased by 8.7% in Illinois, 10.9% in Ohio and 11.3% in Kentucky. Seniors in Michigan were hit hardest by inflation, with average memory care rates rising by a substantial 20.9%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | $5,573 | $5,894 | $5,779 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Illinois | $5,328 | $5,790 | $6,382 |
| Kentucky | $4,359 | $4,852 | $4,784 |
| Ohio | $4,827 | $5,352 | $5,826 |
| Michigan | $4,510 | $5,452 | $6,084 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Long-term care costs in Indiana vary according to the care type and factors such as services, programs, amenities and location. Memory care, which provides 24/7 support and specific services to support those with memory loss and cognitive conditions, costs an average of $5,894 per month. At around $4,357 per month, assisted living is roughly 26% more affordable than memory care. Independent living, which is designed for seniors who can live autonomously with little support, comes in at $2,355 per month.
Assisted Living
$4,357
Memory Care
$5,894
Independent Living
$2,355
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Indiana?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Indiana.
Indiana Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for qualifying Hoosiers. While it doesn’t cover memory care services directly, individuals may obtain services under the state’s Aged and Disabled Waiver. This waiver is for those with extensive care needs that qualify them for nursing home placement but who want to remain in a residential care facility. Seniors may obtain covered services in assisted living facilities that provide memory services, in adult day programs or in their own homes.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Indiana?
Indiana Medicaid’s A&D waiver covers a full range of services to meet the needs of those in long-term care. Many services under this waiver are consumer-directed, meaning individuals choose their own providers. The services an applicant receives under this waiver depend on their specific needs. Unlike Medicaid, which is an entitlement with guaranteed coverage for everyone who qualifies, the A&D waiver has a limited number of slots. Eligible individuals may be placed on a wait list until an opening is available.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Indiana
Aging and Disabled Waiver
The A&D Waiver covers services tailored to the needs of individuals, helping them remain in residential care and avoid nursing home placement for as long as possible. Enrollees are assigned case managers who review their needs and create service plans that determine what services the individual receives. Covered services include:
- Residential memory care services
- Specialized medical equipment and supplies
- In-home and out-of-home respite care
- Nutritional supplements
- Health care coordination
- Community transition services to help an individual move out of a nursing home and into residential care
- Attendant care
- Adult day services
Eligibility for the A&D Waiver is based on residency, whether the individual lives in a qualifying facility, their income and assets and their level of functioning. To apply for services, seniors or their responsible person can call the Division of Aging at (888) 673-0002 or their local Area Agency on Aging.
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Indiana
To qualify for memory care coverage under the A&D waiver, applicants must meet financial guidelines. The waiver has a monthly income limit of $2,742 before taxes. This includes all income, including Social Security benefits, pension income and withdrawals from retirement accounts. Spouses applying for the waiver may each have a monthly income of up to this amount. If only one spouse is applying, only their income is considered. To ensure their spouse’s financial security, Indiana has a spousal impoverishment protection law in place.
Single applicants can have up to $2,000 in countable assets, including cash, checking and savings accounts, vacation properties and investments. Married applicants applying together can have joint assets up to $3,000. If one spouse is applying, up to $2,000 in countable assets can be in their name, and their spouse can have up to $148,620.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | 148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
Seniors must meet other eligibility criteria to apply for the A&D waiver. These include:
- Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents
- Place of Residence: Applicants must be living in or willing to move to a memory care facility that accepts payment from the A&D waiver instead of in a nursing home
- Functional: Applicants must need help with at least three activities of daily living, including mobility, toileting and personal grooming
How to Apply for Medicaid in Indiana
To apply for Medicaid and the A&D Waiver, seniors can fill out and submit a paper application at their local Division of Family Resources office. They may also apply online through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration portal or through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace, or they may call the Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 403-0864. Once the application and all necessary documentation are submitted, the approval process may take up to 90 days, though many who qualify are approved within a shorter time frame. To follow up on their application, individuals can call the FSSA or check their application online.
Information You Will Need
Applicants must submit all necessary documentation to apply for Medicaid. This includes:
- Proof of their name and date of birth
- Social Security number
- Proof of income, including public benefits
- Bank statements showing the amount of money in checking and savings accounts
- Documentation of other health insurance coverage, including Medicare or TRICARE
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Seniors have access to several agencies that can help them obtain the Medicaid coverage they need to pay for memory care. The following resources help individuals apply for coverage, understand their benefits and resolve issues related to denied claims.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| MHS Ombudsman Program | (877) 647-5326 | The MHS Ombudsman Program answers seniors’ questions regarding their Medicaid benefits, including coverage for medical services and residential memory care, finding a doctor and obtaining nonemergency medical transportation services. It also provides free assistance and advice for those experiencing problems with their coverage, such as denied claims and violations of members’ rights. The toll-free hotline is open daily, and all calls are confidential. |
| American Council on Aging | Contact Form | The American Council on Aging publishes information on eligibility requirements for Medicaid, including income and asset limits and how individuals can qualify if they exceed these limits. It also provides information on Medicaid planners, offering a table with the strengths and weaknesses of types of planners to help families choose the right planner for their needs. |
| Indiana Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit | (800) 446-1993 | The Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit enforces state Medicaid laws to help keep costs as low as possible. The agency fields and investigates reports of fraud, mistakes or abuse, including billing errors, charges for services not rendered and excessive services in memory care facilities. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Indiana?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Indiana. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Indiana.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Indiana
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans may receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for memory care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for memory care. 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. Reverse mortgage loans need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for memory care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but coverage depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of memory care are not typically eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Indiana
There are many resources in Indiana that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Area Agencies on Aging | Area Agencies on Aging in Indiana support older adults and their caregivers by providing services ranging from case management, Medicare fraud prevention and referrals to local programs that support the daily needs of seniors. Sixteen agencies across Indiana work with local programs to provide services such as meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments, assistance paying for heating and cooling bills and training for caregivers. Indiana seniors can call a toll-free number to learn about additional services. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Indiana provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. Contact your telephone company to begin the application process. |
| Indiana State Government Division of Family Resources | 800-403-0865 | Indiana State Government Division of Family Resources is responsible for administering cash assistance programs and benefits, including the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF offers temporary financial aid and support for low-income families with dependent children under the age of 18. Payments are based on a family's countable monthly income in relation to the size of the family. The program also offers support for basic needs, job training and employment services to help families work toward long-term self-sufficiency. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Indiana seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana's Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver | Hoosier Care participants whose health conditions make them eligible for state-funded care in a nursing home may be able to avoid placement with services provided by Indiana's Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver. This waiver pays for many different types of care services that support seniors in their own homes or in assisted living communities and stay out of the more intensive care offered at nursing homes. Services paid for or directly provided by the Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver include: • Adult day health care • Assisted living expenses • Attendant Care • Self-directed attendant care in the home • Case management support • Transitional care • Home delivered meals • Personal emergency response system (PERS) hardware • Pest control • Respite care • Transportation • Personal vehicle modifications |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Indiana seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program for Indiana seniors aged 60 and over. To qualify, seniors must have diminished mobility that makes meal preparation and shopping difficult. Seniors receive nutritious meals via home delivery or in a congregate setting at their local senior center. Meals are provided on a sliding scale, so they range from free to full price, and no senior is denied for inability to pay. The program also provides safety checks and friendly visits. | |
| Indiana State Government Division of Family Resources | 800-403-0864 | The Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income Indiana residents, including eligible seniors ages 60 and over, obtain healthy food. To qualify, seniors must meet financial, state residency and citizenship requirements. Financial criteria apply to income and asset limits. Seniors are given an electronic benefits transfer card known as the Hoosier Works card, which functions like a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores for eligible food items. It can't be used for alcohol or tobacco. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Indiana collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) | 410-659-9314 | NFB offers assistive equipment for blind and visually impaired people throughout the state. The program maintains a large inventory, but customers are encouraged to reserve equipment before a visit. |
| National Federation of the Blind | 410-659-9314 | The National Federation of the Blind operates a Free White Cane Program that distributes free canes to blind or visually impaired seniors. Seniors residing in any state, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico are eligible to receive a free cane, provided they have a need for it. The National Federation website has information for seniors about deciding what size best fits them. Interested seniors can fill out an online application as often as every 6 months. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Indiana have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Housing | 202-708-1112 | Indiana has several organizations that help low-income seniors in the state pay for vital repairs to their homes. One is the Indiana Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity, which rehabilitates homes so that seniors can stay living in them safely. Another is the Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center, an organization that provides loans and grants to seniors who need to adapt their existing dwellings to meet their changing needs. |
| FHLBank Indianapolis | 800-442-2568 | FHLBank Indianapolis provides home repair and modification services to make homes more accessible for seniors with mobility issues. Participating FHLBank financial institutions fund grants through the Accessibility Modification Program, which serves homeowners 62 years or older and their dependents under 17 years old. Any seniors with disabilities can qualify for the program. Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income HUD Income Limits to qualify for assistance. |
| Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority | 800-872-0371 | Ramp Up Indiana is a Home Repair and Modifications program in Indianapolis, IN, that helps with mobility assistance. Homeowners with household wheelchair users or other mobility issues can apply for exterior ramp installation to improve home accessibility. The pre-built aluminum or steel ramps help reduce falls and improve the quality of life for residents with mobility problems. Ramp repair is also available through Ramp Up Indiana. |
| Indiana Rural Development State Office | 317-290-3100 | The Indiana Rural Development State Office administers Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Indiana. The USDA program is for homeowners aged 62 and older who live full-time in a residence, can't secure funding from another agency and meet the very low income guidelines for their county. Applicants must use grants to remove health and safety hazards, and loans can go toward repairing, improving or modernizing homes. Applications are available and accepted year-round at each area's local RD office. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Indiana seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Adult Protective Services | 800-992-6978 | Adult Protective Services hears complaints about abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults in Indiana, including seniors. If a senior or family member submits a report to the local APS unit, It will investigate and take the necessary measures to protect the individual. |
| Indiana Legal Services | 844-243-8570 | This organization provides free legal assistance in civil cases for seniors who meet income limit requirements. It can help with matters such as wills and estates, advance care directives, guardianships and elder abuse. It also assists with consumer rights issues, including bankruptcy, wage garnishment, repossessions and predatory lending. |
| Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 800-622-4484 | The Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman program allows residents of assisted living communities to receive advocacy help. If a resident or resident's family member believes their rights are not being protected, they can contact the Ombudsman to get help. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Indiana help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Dementia Friends | 317-254-5465 | Dementia Friends Indiana, a nonprofit run by CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, is a referral service that connects older adults with agencies that support those coping with cognitive decline. Through the organization's in-person and virtual events, including Memory Cafes and Become a Friend sessions, seniors and family members can meet others facing dementia-related challenges and learn techniques for safer home management. Loved ones can also access Help and Hope for Family Caregivers, a video series and workbook on navigating caregiving's demands. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Indiana help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Indiana resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Homestead and Over 65 Deduction | 800-457-8283 | Indiana's homestead deduction lowers the property tax burden for a resident's primary residence and up to 1 acre of land. The standard deduction is for a maximum assessed property value of $45,000 or 60% of the property's value, whichever is less. An additional deduction is available for seniors 65+ whose property value is $200,000 or less. Seniors may also apply for the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit, which limits how much their property taxes can increase each year. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Indiana retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority | 317-232-7777 | Energy assistance is available to Indiana residents who meet the program's financial restrictions, which are similar to Medicaid's income and asset limits. |
Veteran's Services
Indiana retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana VA Benefits and Health Care | Senior veterans and their dependents may receive state income tax exemptions, property tax exemptions, military retired pay and additional funds to help finance care via the Aid and Attendance program from the Indiana VA. Additionally, numerous medical services, including mental health, primary and specialty care, as well as social programs, can be accessed at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. In some cases, the Indiana VA's services are available remotely. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Indiana
Indiana memory care facilities, including assisted living communities that offer memory care services, are regulated by the Indiana State Department of Health, Residential Care Facility Licensing Program. The following is a brief overview of the rules and regulations related to residential memory care in the state.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Facilities that provide room and board to five or more residents must offer activities and programming that is dignified, age-appropriate and designed to meet the unique needs of those living with memory loss. Facilities may not admit any resident with medical or behavioral needs that cannot be safely managed in a non-medical residential setting. |
| Care Plan Requirements | Each resident of a memory care facility must undergo a comprehensive pre-admission assessment to determine their suitability for placement, and a care plan must be written and reviewed at least once every six months. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Staff may assist with self-administration of prescription and over-the-counter medications, so long as those medications are used under order of a licensed physician. Licensed nursing staff may administer medication if permitted under their license. |
| Staff Screening Requirements | Facilities must have written procedures that outline the screening of prospective employees, and these procedures must consider personal and professional references as well as any criminal convictions that could negatively impact vulnerable residents. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Memory care facility administrators must complete a minimum of 40 hours continuing education related to residential care every two years, and directors of memory care units must have a minimum of 12 hours dementia-specific training. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Indiana’s Medicaid program covers the cost of residential memory care through the Home and Community-Based Aged and Disabled Waiver. |
| Reporting Abuse | Concerns regarding the physical, emotional or mental abuse of a long-term care resident should be reported to Indiana’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman by calling 1-800-622-4484. The Ombudsman also deals with concerns about the quality of care in memory care programs. Situations that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of a senior should be reported to local law enforcement agencies. |
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