Indianapolis — Indiana’s capital and largest city, the Racing Capital of the World, and hometown of the Indiana Colts and Pacers — can be an ideal retirement location for seniors looking for affordable assisted living.
In fact, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Indianapolis is almost $1,000 less than the national median. The city has 26 assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown and more than 100 options in the broader suburban area for the city’s growing senior population.
A Place for Mom can help you find your senior loved one’s new home with our guide to top-rated assisted living in Indianapolis. We’ll answer all your questions about what senior living is like in Indianapolis, what your options are, how to pay, and more.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis — Indiana’s capital and largest city, the Racing Capital of the World, and hometown of the Indiana Colts and Pacers — can be an ideal retirement location for seniors looking for affordable assisted living.Read more
In fact, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Indianapolis is almost $1,000 less than the national median. The city has 26 assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown and more than 100 options in the broader suburban area for the city’s growing senior population.
A Place for Mom can help you find your senior loved one’s new home with our guide to top-rated assisted living in Indianapolis. We’ll answer all your questions about what senior living is like in Indianapolis, what your options are, how to pay, and more.
Indianapolis Assisted Living Facilities | 818 Reviews
We chose The Residence at Kraft Commons because it was a newer facility, the layout and size of the rooms were very nice, and the proximity to the nursing facility. My one and only complaint is the food, the...
Our loved one has been at Wickshire now for a few months and we could not be happier, it is night and day compared to our loved ones previous community. She has made so many friends already, the director and...
Our experience with Crown Senior Living has been a good one overall. The staff here are friendly and professional, they're very understanding and tuned in to the needs of the residents and their families.
Everyone was very nice and welcoming. In the end the Medicaid waiver helped to make the decision. My impression is that there are plenty of people that are happy there as witnessed by the people in the...
My mother has been at Clearvista Lakes for about 2 years. My husband and I were looking for a facility that would keep an eye on Mom as well as treat her with kindness and care. Clearvista Lakes has met...
This community is beautiful and the staff are top notch. My family and I are so happy we made the right choice for our mother. The new administration and Dietary team are doing a great job moving things...
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about assisted living in Indianapolis
- Costs of assisted living in the Indianapolis area
- How to pay for assisted living in Indianapolis
- Understand Indiana laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Indianapolis
- Types of assisted living in Indianapolis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Indianapolis? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Indianapolis
Recent reviews for assisted living in Indianapolis
Clearvista Lake Health Campus in Indianapolis, IN
Brownsburg Meadows Assisted Living
Sunrise on Old Meridian in Carmel, IN
Costs of assisted living in the Indianapolis area
Indianapolis assisted living costs depend on location, amenities, floor plan, and your loved one’s required care level. For families who moved into an Indianapolis assisted living community that partners with A Place for Mom, the average monthly cost was $3,796 in 2022, including all fees, such as care costs or amenities. Starting costs for assisted living in the Indianapolis area are about $$3,946 on average per month.[01] That’s lower than the median cost of assisted living nationwide, which is $4,603 a month.[01]
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Indianapolis, IN vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Indianapolis, IN vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Indianapolis vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Indianapolis, IN by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Indianapolis over time
How to pay for assisted living in Indianapolis
While the cost of assisted living can cause some initial sticker shock even in a lower-cost area like Indianapolis, paying for assisted living can be in reach for many Indianapolis families.
Here are ways to use both your own resources (private pay) and government (public) programs set up for seniors and veterans in Indianapolis. You can also find an in-depth discussion of payment options with our complete guide to paying for long-term care.
First, let’s explore private ways to pay for Indianapolis assisted living. Take an inventory of your loved one’s savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns, and consider any of the following:
Also of note: Indiana offers the Indiana Long Term Care Insurance Program to help seniors plan for assisted living. The state partners with insurance companies to protect consumers and help pay for long-term care. Premiums for qualified policies are tax deductible.
Of the 42,000 veterans who live in Indianapolis, almost half are 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.[02] Â Resources to help veterans pay for assisted living are available through the federal government, as well as programs of the state of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis.
Veterans and their spouses are entitled to federal benefits that can help pay for assisted living in Indianapolis. Specifically, Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, can be used to cover assisted living and long-term care.
As of 2022, veterans and their spouses no longer have to pay Indiana taxes on their military retirement income and survivors benefits.[03]
Indiana also has a Military Family Relief Fund for short-term financial help.
The city of Indianapolis, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs, has Community Veteran Service Officers to help veterans navigate benefits. They can be reached by emailing Veteran.Services@Indy.gov or calling 317-327-8387. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and whether you live in the north, south, east, or west part of Marion County.
Number of veterans in Indianapolis
24 percent of Indianapolis veterans are 75+
Additional resources for Indianapolis veterans:
575 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For benefits appointments:
317-916-3736
American Legion, Room 325
Phone: 317-916-3605
American Veterans, Room 314
Phone: 317-916-3612
Disabled American Veterans, Room 324
Phone: 317-916-3615
Military Order of the Purple Heart, Room 312
Phone: 317-916-3625
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Room 313
Phone: 317-916-3626
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Room 319
Phone: 317-916-3629
Vietnam Veterans of America, Room 305T
For more information about eligibility and how to apply for the federal veterans benefits visit our complete guide to VA benefits.
Indiana provides Medicaid for low-income seniors through its Traditional Medicaid and Hoosier Care Connect programs. Services covered include:
- Nursing facility services
- Doctor and hospital visits
- Prescription drugs
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Dental and vision
- Foot care
In addition, Indiana’s Residential Care Assistance Program helps low-income seniors pay for long-term care, including assisted living.
Indiana offers a tax deduction designed to make sure Medicaid recipients who live in long-term care do not pay any individual income tax.
Indianapolis residents can get help navigating Medicaid at CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, the central Indiana Area Agency on Aging.
Â
Indianapolis resident Medicaid resources:
8440 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Suite 175
Indianapolis, INÂ 46240-2476
Phone: 317-254-5465 or 800-432-2422
TDD: 317-254-5497
www.cicoa.org
Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Although Medicare won’t pay assisted living room and board fees, it can cover medical expenses, such as the care of physicians, hospital stays, medical equipment, and some prescription medications.
If you’d like to know what Medicare specifically will cover in your Indianapolis assisted living facility, dial 2-1-1 or visit the federal Medicare website. You can also find help at your local Social Security Administration offices. (See below for addresses and phone numbers.)
Below are some additional Indianapolis programs that can help cover some of Medicare’s deductibles and fees:
- The Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free counseling service to help seniors get the most out of their Medicare benefits. Trained volunteer counselors can help seniors apply for assistance for expenses not covered by Medicare, too.
- Indiana Medicare Savings Program helps low-income elderly with Medicare costs.
- The HoosierRx program can help seniors pay the premium for Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs.
Medicare resources for Indianapolis residents:
CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions
8440 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Suite 175
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: 317-803-6131
Fax: 317-254-5494
HealthNet-Martindale Brightwood
2855 N. Keystone Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46218
Phone: 463-237-5125
Windrose Health Network – Epler Parke
5550 S. East St., Suite C
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: 317-534-4660
Fax: 317-782-4301
Crestwood Village – South
8809 Madison Ave., Bldg. 7
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: 317-497-8025
Heritage Place of Indianapolis, Inc.
4550 N. Illinois St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Phone: 317-283-6662
Fax: 317-283-6669
Jane Pauley Community Health Clinic
2040 N. Shadeland Ave., Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Phone: 317-934-5100
St. Vincent Hospital
2001 W. 86th St., Entrance 1, Social Services Dept.
Indianapolis, IN 46249
Phone: 317-338-2198
Fax: 317-338-3060
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 685
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Fax: 1-833-902-2666
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Understand Indiana laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In Indiana, assisted living facilities can be either licensed or unlicensed. Both can be called assisted living facilities, and both provide help with dressing, bathing, mobility and other activities of daily living. But only licensed facilities can provide health services, such as medication administration. Residents in unlicensed assisted living facilities may, however, contract for home care services on their own.[04]
For Indianapolis consumers, it’s hard to tell if a facility is unlicensed. Unlicensed facilities look the same as licensed, and both are called assisted living to consumers. According to a list of licensed and unlicensed facilities provided by the state of Indiana, Indianapolis has six unlicensed assisted living facilities and 20 licensed facilities.[05]
To see if a community is licensed, you can check Indiana’s list of licensed facilities.
Licensed facilities are regulated by the Indiana Department of Health. Before a facility may become licensed, the Department of Health performs an initial inspection, and then re-inspects every 9 to 15 months. These inspections focus on regulatory compliance, investigating complaints, and ensuring residents’ safety and well-being. Inspection reports are available to the public for licensed facilities.
The Indiana Department of Health has a scoring system for licensed assisted living facilities that it inspects. A spreadsheet listing every facility and its score as of March 2020 is provided in each inspection report. The scores have not been updated since March 2020 because of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but are expected to be updated in the future.
Staff at licensed assisted living facilities are required to be certified and licensed. Indiana consumers can look up the licensing records of staff at assisted living facilities.
Learn more:
- Indiana’s licensure requirements for assisted living facilities
- Report a complaint against a facility
- See consumer reports for Indiana’s assisted living facilities
Indianapolis Department of Health
Division of Long Term Care
2 North Meridian St., 4B
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Division Director Brenda Buroker
bburoker@isdh.in.gov
Because of the risk coronavirus poses to the elderly, Indianapolis’ assisted living facilities are required to adhere to guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As mandated by federal guidelines, visitors are still allowed.
Guidelines for Indianapolis assisted living facilities include:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are mandatory for all health care staff, but they can be granted a religious exemption. Vaccines are encouraged for residents but not mandatory.
Masking. Staff and residents who are fully vaccinated may choose not to wear a mask when outdoors or when in small groups. However, in every other circumstance masks are required for staff and encouraged for residents.
Staff safety. Staff must use appropriate personal protective equipment when called for.
Testing and screening. All staff and visitors must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the facility. Residents must be screened for symptoms and fevers daily.
Get to know assisted living in Indianapolis
Types of assisted living in Indianapolis
Seniors are Indianapolis’ fastest-growing population[06], and with Central Indiana’s expanding elderly population, Indianapolis is making strides to expand access to health care and affordable housing. One benefit of senior living in Indianapolis is that the average cost is significantly lower than the national average cost of assisted living.
That said, Indianapolis options for assisted living are somewhat limited in the city center. More options become available as you expand your search further into the surrounding suburbs.
Assisted living in Indianapolis suburbs
Although Indianapolis has a number of affordable assisted living options, some of the suburban areas like Carmel, Indiana and Fishers, Indiana are home to additional high-value options.
These communities offer some of the amenities common to upscale assisted living but with the more affordable pricing that’s common to the Indy area. They provide all the ranges of care typical of assisted living but include a wider range of amenities and services, such as on-site barber shops, movie theaters, fitness classes, and chef-prepared meals.
Assisted living in central Indianapolis includes options such as:
Traditional assisted living facilities
Assisted living communities make up the bulk of senior living options in Indianapolis. These residences can be found all across the Indianapolis metro, most in standalone buildings with specialized additions and supports for elderly residents. Other facilities feature sprawling complexes with private, apartment-like units and outdoor grounds. They offer daily food service, help with activities of daily living, personalized care, 24-hour staff on site, and regular enrichment and outings, along with other amenities. These communities range in price according to care level and room size, and some include secure memory care units for seniors with cognitive decline. Most are licensed as long-term care facilities, but some are unlicensed housing with services establishments[07], as allowed by Indiana law.
Religious-affiliated assisted living communities
About 76% of Hoosiers identify as Christian[08], so it’s no surprise that there are a number of assisted living communities in Indianapolis that are affiliated with Christian denominations. These facilities offer the same amenities and services as traditional assisted living, but most also have on-site chapels where services take place. There are also several assisted living facilities in Indianapolis that observe Jewish holidays and traditions and provide kosher food options.
Subsidized assisted living
For seniors who are working within a limited budget, Indianapolis has a number of residential care facilities. These facilities take payment in the form of Medicaid waivers, making them ideal for lower-income seniors. They provide personal care services, assistance with activities of daily living, 24-hour protective oversight, medication administration, and more. They offer all the services of traditional assisted living but are only suitable for seniors who do not require skilled nursing levels of care.
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Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Indianapolis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Indianapolis
Health care for seniors in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is home to several highly rated and skilled health care systems, including:
Indiana University Health
This hospital system, associated with the Indiana University Medical School, is rated the No. 1 hospital in Indiana, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is recognized nationally for its high performance in a number of adult specialties and procedures.
Ascension St. Vincent
This system is ranked No. 2 in Indianapolis and No. 4 in Indiana as a whole, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is renowned for its Level I Trauma Center and its expertise in treating strokes and performing transplants.
Transportation for seniors in Indianapolis
Most Indianapolis residents use cars to perform their daily tasks. There are walkable areas in the heart of downtown and Fountain Square, but the majority of Indianapolis requires a vehicle to get around.
Indianapolis does have a public bus system called IndyGo, which has more than 30 fixed routes that can get you pretty much anywhere in the downtown area. There is also a senior transportation system called Way2Go, which provides shuttle services and door-to-door pickups and drop-offs for eligible seniors.
Walk Score
Bike Score
Transit Score
Senior activities in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has a number of surprising attractions that are fun for seniors of all ages and abilities.
Seniors who enjoy the outdoors will love strolling through Eagle Creek Park, an expansive wooded nature reserve that’s located around the Eagle Creek Reservoir. The Indianapolis Zoo is another common destination, as it features hundreds of unique animal species and a dolphin pavilion with daily shows. Culture-lovers will enjoy the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, while fans of history may want to stop by Conner Prairie to see what life was like for early Indiana settlers.
One of the most famous Indianapolis attractions is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the NASCAR Indy 500, which takes place every Memorial Day weekend, and other exciting races throughout the year. The speedway also features a museum for those who want to tour the track or explore the history and evolution of racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greenwood Village South, Five Star Residences of Clearwater and Magnolia Springs Bridgewater are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Indianapolis, IN. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Indianapolis is $3,946 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2021). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2020). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Indiana Department of Revenue. (2020, July). Information Bulletin #27 Income Tax. Indiana Government Center.
InConnect Alliance. Assisted living search. IN.gov.
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. (2022). Personal communication.
State of Aging in Central Indiana. Older adults profile. Savi.
LawServer. (2022). Indiana Code 12-10-15-3: “Housing with services establishment” defined.
Public Religion Research Institute. (2021). Religious tradition (Indiana) [Data set]. The American Values Atlas.
United States Census Bureau. (2021, July 1). Population estimates (V2021): Indianapolis City [Data set]. QuickFacts.
USA Facts. (2021). Our changing population: Marion County, Indiana.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Indianapolis.
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