Memory Care in Indiana | MemoryCare.com

Memory Care in Indiana

Approximately 110,000 of Indiana's adults aged 65 and older are affected by Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association. By 2025, this figure is expected to increase by 18.2% to 130,000 people.

Across the country, more than 6.5 million seniors are living with Alzheimer's, and the association predicts that the disease could affect 12.7 million by 2050, especially if there isn't a medical breakthrough to cure, slow down or prevent it. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia cause one in three senior deaths in the U.S., and 2019 saw the disease take the lives of 2,561 Indiana residents.

Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility, or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units or facilities undergo specialized training in caring for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This guide will cover the cost of memory care in Indiana, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Indiana.

The Cost of Memory Care in Washington

When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Indiana and 21 other cities in Indiana.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Indiana

Between 2022 and 2023, Indiana's average memory care price rose 6%. This inflation rate was relatively low compared to neighboring states. Michigan led the pack with average prices jumping 21%, followed by Kentucky with an 11.5% uptick. At the same time, Ohio saw prices rise to $5,352 while rates in Illinois reached $5,790. The U.S. average also climbed higher during this period, reaching $5,369.

Heading into 2024, the national average memory care price is projected to rise 8%, but prices in Indiana are expected to fall to $5,779. This volatility emphasizes the necessity of careful financial planning for senior care.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Indiana$5,573$5,894$5,779
U.S. Average$4,863$5,369$5,792
Michigan$4,510$5,452$6,084
Ohio$4,827$5,352$5,826
Illinois$5,328$5,790$6,382
Kentucky$4,359$4,852$4,784

Memory Care Costs in Indiana's Top Cities

Indiana's average memory care price is $5,894 per month, but prices vary between the state's major cities. Terre Haute and Fort Wayne are notably cheaper than the statewide norm, averaging $4,465 and $5,695, respectively. On the other hand, Evansville is much more expensive at $6,958, while Indianapolis is in line with the state average at $5,852 per month. Given this price range, it's important to research care options before making a decision.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

In Indiana, memory care costs $5,894 per month on average. This reflects the high level of daily support provided to seniors living with dementia. Less intensive care options are more affordable, including assisted living at $4,357 per month. On the other hand, independent living doesn't include any daily living assistance, so it's generally the cheapest option at $2,355 per month.

Indiana Medicaid Programs for Memory Care

Indiana Medicaid helps low-income seniors pay for nursing home care but doesn’t cover the costs in residential environments, such as memory care communities. Seniors looking for financial assistance to help pay for memory care in a residential facility could be eligible for Medicaid waivers or other programs.

Aged and Disabled Waiver

Indiana’s Aged and Disabled Waiver program helps those who require memory care and nursing home placement but can live safely in a less supportive environment. It covers several expenses associated with living in a residential care community, such as assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, meals and medical supplies.

  • Who Is Eligible: Seniors must meet the same financial and personal criteria needed to enroll in Indiana’s Medicaid program. In addition, applicants must be 65 years or older or deemed permanently disabled and require nursing home placement but be able to live safely in a less restrictive community.
  • How To Apply: Applicants must have Indiana’s Medicaid coverage before applying. To request an assessment to enroll in the waiver program, contact the local Area Agency on Aging.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Indiana

Eligibility for Medicaid in Indiana is dependent on the levels of annual income and assets held by seniors. Each person applying must have an income of less than $2,523 per month. For married applicants applying together, this becomes a household limit of $5,046.

Assets are also considered and are limited to $2,000 for a single person. If both partners in a two-person household jointly apply for Medicaid, their asset cap is $3,000. When just one spouse is making an application, the asset limit is $2,000 for the applicant and $137,400 for their partner.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Indiana

family sizeannual income limitsasset limits
Single Person$30,276$2,000
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant)$30,276$2,000 for applicant & $137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants)$60,552$3,000

In addition to being characterized as low income and meeting the income and asset limits, Indiana Medicaid applicants must also fall under the following criteria:

  • Be resident in the state of Indiana.
  • Be a U.S. national, permanent resident, citizen or legal alien.
  • Require health care or insurance assistance

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Indiana

Seniors who require assistance navigating the Medicaid system in Indiana can find guidance and help with applications.

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Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Memory Care in Indiana?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.

That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.

More Ways to Pay for Memory Care in Indiana

In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:

  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance may be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at longtermcare.acl.gov.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loans will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgages for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
  • Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses may use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.
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Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Indiana

Memory Care Regulation

In Indiana, assisted living facilities are referred to as housing with services establishments and must file a service disclosure form to register with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Aging.

The service disclosure filed by facilities that provide memory care must name an appointed director and include:

  • The philosophy regarding dementia care
  • Admission, retention and discharge criteria and processes
  • How resident care plans are developed, implemented and updated
  • Classifications of staff and staff-to-resident ratios for all shifts
  • Initial and specialized staff training and continuing education requirements
  • Types and frequency of planned activities for residents
  • Any distinguishing features and services that relate to dementia care

Housing with services establishments that provide medication administration or nursing care are categorized as health care facilities. State regulations require that these facilities obtain a license as a residential care facility through the Indiana State Department of Health, Division of Long Term Care.

The ISDH’s Residential Care Facility Licensing Program conducts health surveys of licensed facilities every nine to 15 months to ensure compliance with state regulations. The program also investigates any complaints filed against facilities.

Facility Scope of Care

Housing with services establishments provide room and board to five or more residents and various health-related and supportive services. Facilities must provide residents with three nutritious meals each day, and offer social and recreational programming and/or transportation to community-based activities. Those that provide specialized memory care must offer activities and programming appropriate for individuals with dementia.

The services offered must meet the needs and preferences of a facility’s residents and may include:

  • Personal care
  • Assistance with activities of daily living
  • Assistance with self-administration of medications
  • Housekeeping
  • Personal laundry
  • Assistance handling personal funds
  • Scheduling medical and health care services
  • Arranging social services

Trained staff of licensed RCFs may also provide nursing care and medication administration. Unlicensed housing with services establishments may contract with a licensed home health agency to provide these services. Residents may also contract with their choice of home health agencies to receive on-site health care, personal care or hospice services.

Admissions Requirements

Assisted living facilities in Indiana may accept residents with a range of care needs, and state regulations are in place that limit who may and may not be admitted. The following table provides insight into the conditions that determine whether an individual may live in this type of care setting:

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Seniors and adults with:

  • Chronic, stable illnesses
  • Mental health conditions
  • Physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities
  • Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
  • Controlled behavioral issues

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who:

  • Are medically unstable
  • Require 24-hour comprehensive nursing oversight or care
  • Pose a danger to themselves or others
  • Require rehabilitative care, oversight or therapies but have no licensed provider
  • Require complete assistance with eating, transferring or toileting

Care Plan Requirements

Indiana regulations stipulate that housing with service establishments and residential care facilities evaluate a prospective resident prior to their admission to ensure the facility is capable of providing the care a person requires. This evaluation should cover an individual’s:

  • Physical, mental and cognitive status
  • Abilities to perform activities of daily living
  • Ability to self-administer medication

Based on the completed evaluation, a care plan must be developed that details the scope, type, and frequency of services an admitted resident will receive, along with their preferences. Each resident must be reevaluated at least twice per year, or when any significant change in their condition occurs, and their care plan updated accordingly.

Medication Management Requirements

Indiana housing with services establishments not licensed as residential care facilities may not administer medications. However, staff may assist residents with self-administration if requested by providing cues or reminders, opening containers or steadying a resident’s hand during the application of eye drops.

Licensed RCFs must have orders from a resident’s doctor to administer medication. Administration, which includes the preparation and distribution of medications, must be performed by licensed nursing staff or by qualified medication aides under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Facility Requirements

Residential care facilities that provide services under the Indiana Medicaid Aged and Disabled waiver program are required to offer individual wheelchair-accessible residential units consisting of a living area, kitchenette, bedroom and private bath. Half of all units must have roll-in showers.

In other facilities licensed prior to 1984, resident rooms are limited to four beds, and there must be one toilet and sink for every eight residents, and between one and six baths/showers depending on the facility’s occupancy. Residential units in facilities licensed after 1997 must have private baths with a sink, toilet and tub or shower.

Facilities are also required to have two gender-specific bathrooms per floor that are equipped with wheelchair-accessible fixtures.

Staffing Requirements

RCFs in Indiana must employ an administrator who holds a comprehensive care or residential care facility administrator’s license. Administrators are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

Regulations also require that facilities have a sufficient number of qualified, trained staff to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of residents 24 hours per day. At least one awake staff member with first aid and CPR certifications must be on the premises at all times. RCFs that provide medication administration or nursing care are required to have a minimum of one nursing staff member for every 50 residents on-site around the clock.

Directors of memory care units must have at least 12 hours of initial training in dementia care, and six months of continuing education annually. Staff who provide direct care to residents are required to have six hours of initial dementia-specific training, and three hours of continuing education each year.

Medicaid Policy

Indiana Medicaid does not cover the cost of services or room and board in adult family homes and residential care facilities. However, the state does offer the Aged and Disabled waiver program to help eligible residents living in participating facilities pay for some provided services and necessary supplies, but it excludes room and board fees. Because the A&D is a waiver program rather than a Medicaid entitlement, enrollment is capped and qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list based on availability.

Reporting Abuse

Resident neglect or abuse in a residential care facility may be reported to the Indiana Attorney General’s Patient Abuse and Neglect program. Concerned parties may submit details of the incident via the program’s online report form, or call the AG’s Abuse and Neglect toll-free hotline at 800-382-1039. Concerns about conditions or care received in a licensed residential care facility may be reported to the ISDH by calling 800-246-8909 during regular business hours, or by submitting a completed complaint form by email or fax.

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Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Indiana

In Indiana, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Area Agencies on AgingIndiana's Area Agencies on Aging provide a variety of services for older adults and caregivers. These services include case management, Medicare fraud prevention, and referrals to local programs that meet seniors' daily needs. With the support of sixteen agencies statewide, seniors can access meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments, bill assistance, and caregiver training. For more information, seniors can call a toll-free number.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Indiana to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Lifeline Program800-234-9473The LifeLine Program offers discounted telephone service, allowing individuals to stay connected with their loved ones. To begin the application process, please contact your telephone company.
Indiana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)800-403-0865The Indiana State Government's Division of Family Resources manages cash assistance programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF offers temporary financial aid and support to low-income families with children under 18. Payment amounts are determined by the family's monthly income and size. The program also provides assistance with basic needs, job training, and employment services to help families become self-sufficient in the long run.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Elderly individuals in Indiana, living independently or in elderly care homes, can avail of numerous local financial support opportunities. These aid options help reduce in-home or long-term care costs and connect them to valuable community resources.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana's Aged and Disabled (A&D) WaiverThe Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver program in Indiana provides state-funded care for Hoosier Care participants with qualifying health conditions. This program offers a variety of services to support seniors in their own homes or assisted living communities, helping them avoid nursing home placement. Services covered include adult day health care, assisted living expenses, attendant care, case management, transitional care, home-delivered meals, personal emergency response systems, pest control, respite care, transportation, and personal vehicle modifications.

Food Assistance Programs

In Indiana, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)800-403-0864The Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income Indiana residents, including eligible seniors aged 60 and above, access nutritious food. Eligibility is based on financial, state residency, and citizenship requirements, with income and asset limits. Seniors receive a Hoosier Works card, acting as a debit card, usable at most grocery stores for eligible food items. The card excludes alcohol and tobacco purchases.
Indiana Meals on WheelsMeals on Wheels is an Indiana-based food assistance program catering to seniors aged 60 and above with limited mobility. Eligible seniors receive nutritious meals through home delivery or at nearby senior centers. The program ensures affordability for all seniors by offering meals on a sliding scale. Additionally, safety checks and friendly visits are provided to ensure their well-being.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Indiana, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana The National Federation of the Blind (NFB)410-659-9314NFB offers a diverse selection of assistive devices for the blind or visually impaired throughout the state. To guarantee availability, customers are advised to pre-book equipment. The program maintains a large inventory to cater to customer demands.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Indiana, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Accessibility Modification Program (AMP)800-442-2568FHLBank Indianapolis provides home repair and modification services to improve accessibility for seniors facing mobility challenges. The Accessibility Modification Program, funded by participating FHLBank financial institutions, offers grants to homeowners aged 62 and above, as well as their dependents under 17. The program is open to all seniors with disabilities, and eligibility is determined by household income not exceeding 80% of the Area Median Income HUD Income Limits.
Indiana Home Repair Programs202-708-1112Low-income seniors in Indiana can receive help with home repairs through organizations like Indiana Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity and Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center. These organizations renovate homes to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors, enabling them to maintain their independence. The Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center also offers loans and grants to seniors who require home modifications to meet their evolving needs.
Indiana Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants317-290-3100The Indiana Rural Development State Office administers the distribution of Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Indiana. This program caters to homeowners aged 62 and above who live in their homes full-time. Eligible applicants must meet the very low income criteria for their county and be unable to secure funding from other sources. Grants address health and safety hazards, while loans cover home repairs, improvements, or modernization. Applications are accepted year-round at local RD offices.
Ramp Up Indiana800-872-0371Ramp Up Indiana is an Indianapolis program providing Home Repair and Modifications services for individuals with mobility challenges. Our services include exterior ramp installation to enhance home accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues. Our pre-built ramps, made from aluminum or steel, not only reduce falls but also greatly improve residents' quality of life. We also offer ramp repair services.

In Indiana, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Adult Protective Services800-992-6978When issues arise regarding the mistreatment or neglect of vulnerable adults, such as seniors, in Indiana, Adult Protective Services (APS) is available to provide assistance. By reporting these incidents to the local APS unit, seniors and their families can have peace of mind knowing that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out, and necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the individual involved.
Indiana Legal Services844-243-8570This organization provides free legal aid to seniors who meet income eligibility requirements in civil cases. Our services cover a range of areas including wills, estates, advance care directives, elder abuse, guardianships, and consumer rights issues such as bankruptcy, wage garnishment, repossessions, and predatory lending.
Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman800-622-4484The Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides advocacy support to residents of assisted living communities. If residents or their family members believe their rights are being compromised, they can seek assistance from the Ombudsman.

Senior Engagement

In Indiana, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Dementia Friends317-254-5465Dementia Friends Indiana, a nonprofit under CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, assists older adults in finding cognitive decline support. Their events, such as Memory Cafes and Become a Friend sessions, bring together seniors and families dealing with dementia challenges. They provide strategies for safer home management and resources like Help and Hope for Family Caregivers, a caregiving video series and workbook.

Social Security Offices

In Indiana, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Social SecuritySocial Security offers financial support to retirees and those unable to work due to disability. It is funded through payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Monthly payments during retirement are based on past earnings.

Tax Assistance

In Indiana, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Homestead and Over 65 Deduction800-457-8283The homestead deduction in Indiana allows residents to lower their property tax burden on their primary residence and up to 1 acre of land. The standard deduction is based on a maximum assessed property value of $45,000 or 60% of the property's value, whichever is lower. Seniors aged 65 and above with a property value of $200,000 or less can also qualify for an additional deduction and the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit to limit annual property tax increases.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

In Indiana, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana Energy Assistance Program317-232-7777Indiana residents who meet the program's financial criteria, comparable to Medicaid's income and asset limits, are eligible to receive energy assistance.

Veteran's Services

In Indiana, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Indiana VA Benefits and Health CareIndiana offers senior veterans and their dependents various benefits, such as state income tax exemptions, property tax exemptions, and financial assistance through the Aid and Attendance program. The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis provides comprehensive medical services, including mental health, primary and specialty care, along with social programs. Remote access to Indiana VA services is also available in certain cases.<

Indiana COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

questionanswer
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person?Yes (Conditions Apply)
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her?No
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person?Yes
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures?Yes
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will?Yes
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back?No (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures?Yes
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19?Yes (Conditions Apply)
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms?Yes
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures?Yes
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19?Yes (Conditions Apply)
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