Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Indianapolis’s senior population continues to grow (11.9% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Indianapolis, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 44.9% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 10.6%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.80% in Indianapolis vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
The cost of memory care in Indianapolis is $5,598 per month, while the state average is $5,354 per month and the national average $5,625 per month.
Indianapolis’ monthly average is $244 higher than the state’s average and $27 less than the national average. Compared to other surveyed cities in the state, Lafayette is the most expensive, costing $971 more than Indianapolis, with an average of $6,569. With an average of $5,826, memory care in Columbus costs $228 more than Indianapolis. Bloomington’s average is $5,354 per month and is $244 less than Indianapolis. The most affordable city, Kokomo, has an average of $4,063 per month, making it about $1,535 less than Indianapolis.
Compared to memory care, in-home care costs $545 less, with an average of $5,053 per month. Home health care rates are even lower, at $4,957 per month, and cost $641 less than memory care. Adult day health care is $1,625 per month, making it about $3,973 less than the cost of memory care. With a difference of $1,120, assisted living costs significantly less than memory care at $4,478. Nursing home costs start at $7,057 per month, which is $1,459 more than memory care.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Indianapolis.
Listed below are memory care resources that may benefit Indianapolis residents. The local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association and Dementia Friendly Indiana can refer families to local care providers and programs that can improve quality of life in seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
Alzheimer’s Association — Greater Indiana Chapter | Indianapolis Office: 317-575-9620 Toll-free 24/7 Hotline: 800-272-3900 | The Greater Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers care consultation and support groups, as well as programs for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s. Educational programs are available online and in person for family caregivers. Care consultations can include personal assessments and information referral services. | Indianapolis, IN |
Indiana University Health Neuroscience Center | 888-484-3258 | The Indiana University Health Neuroscience Center provides diagnosis and treatment services for Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia. Seniors can also participate in clinical studies, including studies focused on early-onset Alzheimer’s. | Indianapolis, IN |
Dementia Friendly Indiana | 317-254-5465 | Dementia Friendly Indiana is a volunteer-based program overseen by Dementia Friendly America. Dedicated and trained volunteers socialize with seniors living with various cognitive conditions. The program coordinates with local Area Agencies on Aging to help seniors and families find the care and support they need. | Indianapolis, IN |
Indiana State Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 317-232-7134 | Ombudsmen advocate for the health and rights of seniors residing in memory care and other long-term care facilities. Seniors and loved ones can contact an ombudsman to investigate concerns ranging from medication mismanagement to neglect. Certified by the state, ombudsmen can also help families search for local memory care facilities. | Indianapolis, IN |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Indianapolis, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
American Village offers a full continuum of living and health care services for seniors. The property is located near Midtown, Indianapolis, in close proximity to emergency health care, full-service hospitals, shopping centers and restaurants. In addition to independent and assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation services, American Village provides skilled nursing, respite and hospice care. Residents with memory loss live in Augustes Cottage. This research-based, person-centered memory care program uses a holistic, innovative model of care. Residents engage in a variety of daily activities that promote independence. Augustes Cottage is a secure home-like environment that gives residents a sense of belonging. This is partly achieved by surrounding residents with artwork and personal mementos. Live plants and pets add uplifting touches, and the protected environment reduces daily challenges, helping to foster autonomy and dignity. Private pay residents as well as Medicaid recipients are welcome here.
The well-maintained property and broad range of activities for residents in all care levels put family members with loved ones here at ease. Additionally, the warm atmosphere is reassuring. One daughter whose mother is a resident shared, What stood out to me is the friendliness of the staff and the actual caring by staff. Everyone knew all of the names of everyone that lived there.�
Magnolia Springs Senior Living Community at�Southpointe�provides assisted living and memory care with an emphasis on empowering residents and supporting�their sense of freedom and independence. Through the Heartfelt Connections Alzheimer's and dementia care program, highly trained staff members use reminiscence�techniques to draw upon each resident's unique story. Personalized activities such as aromatherapy, crafts and physical exercise provide sensory stimulation and are tailored to residents' skills and talents. Residents enjoy exploring the outdoor walking paths, courtyards and gardens, and convenient indoor amenities include the beauty salon, library and spiritual center. Family celebrations�in the private dining room, shuffleboard games and happy hours in the lounge keep things lively and fun.
Loved ones praise the facilitys delicious food, kind staff and well-maintained, attractive building. One reviewer says, Magnolia Springs SouthPointe is fabulous, the staff had been welcoming and professional, and the food is so excellent that my father keeps saying he feels like he's going to a wonderful 5-star restaurant every meal. The accommodations are good, and its a first-class place.�
Rittenhouse Village at Northside�provides respite, assisted living and memory care with a focus on stress-free, comfortable and enjoyable living. Concierge services make it easy for residents to get the assistance they need at any hour, and the fine dining room serves flavorful and healthy homemade, internationally-influenced meals. Residents enjoy ample opportunities for outings through the�community's regularly-scheduled transportation service, and many enjoy�group trips to the nearby Hosier Park racetrack and casino. The staff facilitates specialized activities for memory care residents including creative painting classes, cognition-stimulating trivia games and social sing-alongs. This community does accept the medicaid waiver for those that qualify.
Family members comment on the well-maintained building, attractive apartments and kind staff. One loved one says, I was impressed by the friendliness of the staff Theyre very caring. The apartments are very nice; the walls are painted, and you can put up anything you want The dining setup is lovely.�
Robin Run Village is a Brookdale�continuum of care community nestled on 86 acres. The location offers a peaceful, pastoral setting with quick access to downtown Indianapolis. The manicured grounds include several acres of protected woodlands, hiking trails and ponds. Active seniors in independent or assisted living enjoy an indoor pool, tennis courts and a general store. Robin Run Village also provides respite, hospice, skilled nursing and memory care. Those with dementia participate in the Clare Bridge program. Each resident is assigned a caregiver who forms a deep partnership with them to foster connection and trust. A full calendar of daily activities is combined with the Clare Bridge daily path and includes six planned programs that utilize residents current skills. The facility over 30 years of dementia care experience result in a state-of-the-art, person-centered program.
Residents praise the caring, attentive staff and the ability to stay close to a partner whos living in a Clare Bridge community. The Spirit of Robin Run is something you just have to experience to understand. This special place is a group of residents and associates walking together in partnership and serving one another in times of need,� writes one man.
Stonecrest of Meridian Hills is a pet-friendly community providing�assisted living and memory care in a sunny, light-filled building with large windows and an abundance of unique amenities.�Residents can practice their swing on the outdoor putting green,�view their favorite films in the movie theater or�have�their nails done in the on-site beauty salon. The wellness center's Climb program provides physical therapy and movement classes specially designed�to treat and strengthen�the muscles of those with Parkinson's disease.�Staff members in the Bridges memory care program�are attentive to residents' emotions, preferences and daily routines. With a focus on compassionate communication, they�facilitate dementia care residents' participation in fun and�stimulating activities such as gardening, bingo games and arts and crafts.
Family members rave about the facilitys nice, attractive apartments and numerous activities that keep residents engaged. One reviewer says, We love Stonecrest of Meridian Hills. It's a great place and brand spanking new. My mom's room is great and she loves it. There are a ton of activities and the amenities are really nice. The staff is good.�
Traditions at North Willow�is a senior living facility providing independent living, assisted living and memory care. Each resident has access to the on-site gym, and scheduled transportation is provided for group social outings and private medical appointments. Three tasty, nutritious meals are served daily in the restaurant-style dining hall. The Varietas�memory care program ensures residents�socialize and experience routines each day through creative arts and crafts, exercise classes and cognition-stimulating games. The staff implements behavior-based ergonomics therapy to reduce depressive symptoms,�physical injuries and medication intake in residents with Alzheimer's�and other forms of dementia. Throughout the building, thoughtful touches such as the community's inviting, professional decor, warm blankets and cloth napkins provide comfort to help residents feel at home.
Family members compliment the facilitys caring, engaging staff, attractive building and nice outdoor areas. One reviewer says of her mother, Shes enjoyed the activities, the dining and how clean the facility is. She likes to walk around the safe courtyard to get some steps. It gives the whole family peace of mind that shes there.�
Traditions at Solana�in Indianapolis offers its residents serene, scenic views of the White River and its lake. The�services provided at the Traditions community�target physical, emotional and intellectual wellness for a comprehensive approach to care.�Residents can enjoy safe, quiet walking paths�along the waterfront or use the facility's on-site fitness center for exercise. Scheduled events for religious, educational and recreational activities allow residents a choice�for enrichment and entertainment within the community. Transportation for group outings helps residents visit local areas of interest or attend scheduled appointments. The facility's own theater, chapel and salon�are accessible to all residents as convenient extra amenities. Residents also have a choice between restaurant-inspired formal dining and an additional casual cafe�for enjoying their meals.
People�consistently praise the facility's well-maintained grounds and its caring nursing staff, and this reviewer agrees:�"Traditions�at Solana is an amazing place to be. The nursing staff is very�caring. The food is tasty. The office staff is always willing to help out�wherever necessary. The building is clean and very�well maintained, and the grounds are beautiful!"
Willow Lake Place provides assisted living, memory care and respite services in an elegant homelike setting. Surrounded by lush, manicured gardens, the building has a wrap-around porch, terrace and courtyard where residents can unwind and enjoy the outdoors. The staff, highly trained in moderate-to-severe dementia, is attentive to memory care residents' evolving needs.�Through brain-stimulating activities, personalized memory boxes placed outside residents' doors and soothing aromatherapy, the community focuses on each individual's sense of�belonging, safety and well-being. Additionally, nearby stores, a movie theater and medical centers make the facility's location convenient�for both residents and�visiting family members.
Loved ones compliment the facilitys cheerful ambiance and compassionate staff. One reviewer comments, My 88-year-old mom has been a resident for almost three years .�the atmosphere is very bright and welcoming. The staff is responsive and kind. My mom has advanced dementia and I couldnt ask for her to receive better care It is an excellent facility!�