Indiana Assisted Living: Types Of Senior Housing Options

Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)

When a loved one can no longer live independently, an assisted living provider can be a good option.  Assisted living residences are for residents who would like to, and can, maintain some independence but need help with meals, housekeeping, and some of the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as showering, getting dressed, or personal hygiene.

Difference Between Assisted Living and Residential Care Facilities

In Indiana, a residential care provider must file a disclosure statement with the Family and Social Services Agency (FSSA) Division of Aging to use the term “assisted living”.  This is not a certification or license, but the facility is considered a registered housing with services establishment.  If a registered housing with services establishment would like to provide medication administration and nursing care, the facility must obtain a license from the Indiana State Department of Health as a residential care facility (RCF) under the licensure category for health facilities.

Residential care facilities are housing with services establishments that are licensed to provide nursing care or to provide for the administration of physician-prescribed medication.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities are a good housing option for seniors who can still live independently but want to downsize. Each resident or couple lives in a private unit, and most communities offer social programs so residents can meet their neighbors. Housekeeping, chores, and some meals may be provided, although these may incur an additional cost. Unlike the care given in an assisted living community, assistance with activities of daily living and medication management aren’t available in these communities. 

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes offer the highest level of care of all senior living options. These communities provide around-the-clock supervision and skilled nursing care, and available medical help. Generally, people in nursing homes have complex medical issues or need more residential care than is offered in an assisted living facility. Indiana has skilled nursing facilities (SNF) for people who require 24-hour care and intermediate care facilities (ICF) for people who don’t need as much medical care. The average cost of nursing home care in the state is $7,270 for a semiprivate room and $8,700 for a private room. 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Many seniors prefer to choose a community that will continue to meet their needs in the future. Continuing care retirement communities have independent living, assisted living, and nursing home facilities on the same property or owned by the same community. This model allows seniors to stay near their friends in familiar surroundings, even as their needs change. The care provided in the assisted living section of a CCRC is the same as in an assisted living community. The difference is that residents can easily move to a skilled nursing room if required. Often, CCRCs are bigger than ACHs, as they encompass more care options. 

Residential Care Facilities

Known as ‘Housing with services establishments’ in the state.  These facilities provide room and board to at least five residents and offer or provide at least one regularly scheduled health-related service or two regularly scheduled supportive services.  These services can be provided by the establishment or by a person arranged for by the establishment.

In-Home Care

There are two types of in-home care available in Indiana: homemaker services and home healthcare. Homemaker services generally provide personal care and may also help with errands, chores, and housekeeping. Home healthcare can deliver these services and offer medical care such as skilled nursing and medication management. Unlike assisted living care, in-home care is provided to people in their homes, making it a good choice for those who prefer to age in place. However, it doesn’t give seniors access to social and recreational programming for assisted living communities. The average cost of homemaker services is $4,767 per month, and the average cost of a home health aide is $4,767 per month.  

Largest Providers Of Assisted Living In Indiana

There are over 450 assisted living communities to choose from in Indiana. Many of these communities are managed or operated by some of the largest providers in the country. Brookdale operates 39 communities in the state.  Other large companies include; Wellbrook (7 communities), Bickford (4 communities), Independence Village (4 communities), and StoryPoint (5 communities).

Cost Of Assisted Living Care In Indiana

The average cost of assisted living care in Indiana is $4,283 per month. This is near the national average cost of $4,500. In Indiana, the cost of living is 17.9% lower than the national average, with healthcare costs 17.8% lower and housing costs 38% lower than the national average. The exact price of care differs depending on where in the state you’re located. Costs in the state range from $3,250 in Kokomo to $5,255 in Lafayette. 

How Costs Compare In Nearby States

If you live close to Indiana’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is an affordable option. Seniors in Kentucky and Michigan pay less than seniors in Indiana, paying $3,448 and $4,250.  Seniors in Ohio and Illinois pay a little more than in Indiana, paying $4,635 and $4,448. 

Paying For Assisted Living Care In Indiana

The average cost of assisted living in Indiana is around $51,000 per year, so you or a family member may be wondering how to pay for care. A range of options is available to fund senior housing in the state. 

Private Funds

Selling a home is a common way for seniors to raise funds for assisted living care. Income from pensions and Social Security may also pay for some care. Other examples of private funds include your retirement accounts, mutual funds, and other investments. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance covers personal care, residential care, and other long-term support and services. Each plan is different; however, most offer a daily amount based on the policy that pays for assistance with activities of daily living. Most people buy a policy in their 50s or 60s and access it when required. If you or your family member has a policy, read it carefully to see what care it covers. 

Programs For Veterans

Indiana has one veteran’s home in the state.  This home is in West Lafayette. The home provides skilled nursing care to residents of Indiana who served in the military. The state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs also has offices where team members can help people obtain benefits and services. This includes the Aid and Attendance Benefit, which can help qualified veterans fund personal care. 

Elderlife Financial can help you understand how to pay for assisted living.

What Is Included With Assisted Living Care In Indiana?

The services provided in assisted living communities generally come under three broad categories: personal care, medical care, and amenities. 

Most people move to assisted living communities because they look for easy access to personal care. These services assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, and toileting. Communities also provide supervision and can deliver care for unforeseen needs or in cases of emergencies.  

In Indiana, ACHs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Communities may also deliver health services, with 75% of communities providing skilled nursing. Many have healthcare specialists and on-site services, with 62% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 73% of ACHs have hospice services. 

ACHs may provide specialized care for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These special care units have additional security measures to ensure residents don’t wander, a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Typically, they also offer programs designed to improve cognitive function and routines that help lower stress.

Mental health issues are a growing consideration for communities, and services to address these concerns are becoming more common. In Indiana, 85% of communities conduct depression screening, and 72% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 67% of ACHs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents access all their resources. 

Amenities refer to other features and services of the community. ACHs offer three meals a day and coordinate activity programs to help residents stay active and connected with families and the community. Facilities in Indiana must also provide transportation and laundry services and may offer housekeeping services. 

The Transition Into Assisted Living In Indiana

The decision to move into an assisted living community can be difficult. Generally, you’ll notice changes in your loved ones that suggest they need some assistance. Signs that this environment could be beneficial include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and signs that they’re neglecting household chores. 

Your older family member may be the one to start talking about assisted living. For many seniors, moving into a home where cooking, laundry, and other chores are taken care of is appealing. For seniors who realize they need help with daily tasks, the addition of personal care may come as a relief. In Indiana, 12% of residents need help with eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (24%), toileting (27%), and walking (52%). Caregivers in ACHs help 35% of residents to dress, and 49% of residents need help bathing. 

Start talking openly if you think your family member would benefit from assisted living. Highlight the positives of a move, such as social activities, cooked meals, and easily accessible assistance. Some ACHs provide respite care, which may allow your family member to have a trial run. Remember, this should be a conversation, not a lecture. Stay open to their opinion. If they’re not ready to transition to assisted living, talk about the care they need to stay at home.