Despite being one of the most populous cities in Indiana, Fort Wayne maintains a small-town feel and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to many seniors interested in moving to independent living communities. Fort Wayne’s heritage is on display at several museums and its nod to nature is evident in its many green spaces. If you’ve been considering a hassle-free lifestyle at an independent living facility, Fort Wayne may be the perfect fit for your needs.
Independent living in Fort Wayne can range from cozy condos to luxury apartments. With independent living, you get the freedom to engage in all the activities you love without the need to worry about home or grounds maintenance. A Place for Mom is partnered with six independent living communities in Fort Wayne, all of which are pet-friendly and offer complimentary transportation services. One is a standalone independent living facility, while two are combination assisted living/independent living facilities and the remaining three combine assisted living, memory care, and independent living under one roof to allow seniors to age in place.
Each of the six independent living listings are within a 10-mile radius of Fort Wayne’s downtown area. In this resource, you’ll find a cost and payment guide, information on veterans benefits in Fort Wayne, Medicaid and Medicare information, as well as transportation options and local activities to fill your social calendar.
The dining gives the feel of a five star experience. The workers are all so kind and make sure that you feel welcome and at home in our home. Thank you Story Point for making me feel at home.
We chose Georgetown Place because of location, price, amenities, the structure itself and a very friendly and knowledgeable staff. I do worry about the consistency of services for my mom. Not sure everything...
I thought it was a very good place. I would rate all categories a 5. We chose this place because the location was good. We also knew people that had been patients there and had been happy with the care that...
Park Place has been great for my loved one! Her quality of life, socially and physically, has improved dramatically since making the move to Park Place.
They are helpful a bit slow to take care of things but my father's happy then so am I. We picked this community because he was familiar with that place. My mother was there for care for a time before she...
I would tell others to take advantage of all your opportunities. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And be sure to ask for help, they are more than glad to assist you. My mom moved to a studio apartment...
It's been fine for my loved one so far. Only bad thing I know of is if she decides to go to big house for a meal they quite often run out of main meal leaving hamburger as an option
I would recommend you look elsewhere. This is an older community and it would be nice if they could update the community with décor and more maintenance staff. This is an affordable price for a community...
It has been an incredible blessing to have been a resident here for over 5 years - I am moving only because of my job which is taking me out of state. My 2BR apartment has been a delight - spacious and...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fort Wayne community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
On average, seniors who move to independent living communities in Fort Wayne pay about $3,341 per month.[01] This cost figure for independent living — based on proprietary A Place for Mom research — reflects what residents actually paid at our network facilities and includes a variety of floor plans, amenities, and add-ons.
Please note: The following costs represent average baseline costs without add-on fees. Your monthly rental rate may be lower or higher depending on many factors. These factors can include the type of facility (e.g., luxury versus modest) or your additional fees (e.g., pets, storage, parking).
People who move to independent living communities in Fort Wayne typically pay for their monthly rent out of pocket. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to use private pay methods alone to cover all the costs of independent living in Indiana. Many seniors leverage a variety of payment types to offset other fees and costs. Although long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid cannot cover the cost of independent living communities directly, they can help seniors pay for their medically necessary in-home care services at their place of residence. Below you will find information on private pay, VA benefits, and Medicare and Medicaid resources for seniors.
Seniors often have access to multiple personal funding streams to help them cover all or part of their independent living costs. This includes Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Although long-term care insurance does not cover the costs of independent living communities — as these communities are not technically care facilities — life insurance can. The following are examples of private pay methods that can help seniors pay for the costs of independent living.
Number of veterans who live in Fort Wayne
About 41% of Fort Wayne veterans are 65+
More than 12,000 veterans live in Fort Wayne. If you’re a veteran (or your spouse is or was a veteran), you may be entitled to receive special benefits such as the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. The VA Aid and Attendance benefit may be a good funding source to help you cover some expenses associated with staying in an independent living community. Even if you already are receiving or eligible to receive a Pension as a veteran or spouse of a veteran, you can still apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Not sure if you’re able to receive a Pension? The Pension Management Center is a great resource available to help you determine if you’re eligible.
Because it can be challenging to navigate the full breadth of veteran benefits, you may want to get some assistance. The Allen County Veterans’ Service Office or any number of local veterans service organizations all are set up to provide help to seniors. It is through these locations that you can connect with a local veterans service officer, who is trained and vetted for being able to help with the process of benefit claims.
Resources for Fort Wayne veterans
Allen County Veterans Services Officers
City County Building
1 E. Main St., Room 106
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-449-7861
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Joe Wasso
Email: joe.wasson@co.allen.in.us
Contact: Aaron Miller
Email: aaron.miller@co.allen.in.us
American Legion Post 0499
2202 W. Main St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-432-0032
Email: inalpost499@gmail.com
AMVETS Post #33
6620 Koester Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46064
Phone: 260-704-3219
Post 1421 Kekionga Post
7712 Bluffton Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Phone: 260-747-7767
Post 857 Jim Eby Post
2202 W. Main St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-432-0032
Post 10006 Fort Miami Post
6814 S. Anthony Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Phone: 260-447-2112
Medicaid is a federal program that helps low-income adults cover the cost of their short-term and some long-term medical needs. While Medicaid won’t help you pay for your independent living residence directly, it can lower the amount you pay for doctor’s appointments, treatments, occupational therapy, and pharmaceuticals.
Because Medicaid requires an application and waiting period, you will probably want to read through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Medicaid Eligibility Policy Manual first. That way, you can discover more about all the benefits associated with Medicaid, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
HCBS waivers are sometimes called 1915(c) waivers and are available to qualified low-income seniors who require health care visits at home. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration offers an online application for Medicaid as well as 1915(c) waivers. If you find out that you’re ineligible for Medicaid but are disabled, you may still be entitled to apply for (and receive) funding through Indiana’s Hoosier Care Connect.
Not sure how to proceed? Contact Northeast Indiana’s Aging and In-Home Services Department or make an appointment with the local Medicaid ombudsman. Northeast Indiana’s Aging and In-Home Service Department can help you or your loved one navigate Medicaid in Indiana and ombudsmen have specific training on how to help seniors through the Medicaid process.
Fort Wayne resident Medicaid resources
Medicaid Office
Family and Social Services Administration
201 E. Rudisill Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Phone: 800-403-0864
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana, Inc.
Aging and Disability Center
8101 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Phone: 260-745-1200
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of N.E. Indiana
Zanzy Lewis, LTC Ombudsman
114 Three Rivers East
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Phone: 260-469-3161
Email: zanzy@doingthegood-ombudsman.org
For seniors who are 65 and above, Medicare is your health care insurance coverage. To apply for Medicare in Fort Wayne, contact the Fort Wayne Social Security Administration office or sign up for Medicare online.
Medicare is run by the federal government and is only meant to help pay for short-term medical needs like doctor’s visits, routine preventive care, some medications, surgeries, therapies, and medically necessary at-home visits. Not familiar with Medicare for you, your spouse, or both? Set up a time to talk with the Medicare ombudsman serving Fort Wayne or contact the Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana.
The Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is designed to provide nursing home level care to seniors 55+ in their place of residence so they can remain independent for as long as possible. This is a great option if you or your loved one need specialized care but want to remain in an independent living community.
Seniors in Fort Wayne may also be able to take advantage of Medicare Savings Programs that can help cover copays, premiums, and deductibles. If you are looking for guidance, reach out to the Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which is a free counseling program to help seniors make the best Medicare decisions for them.
Fort Wayne resident Medicare resources
Fort Wayne Social Security Administration Office
2122 Lincolnway Court
Fort Wayne, IN 46819
Phone: 877-223-6061
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
HoosierRx
402 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 866-267-4679
PACE of Northeast Indiana
2927 Lake Ave.
Fort Wayne, IN 46908
Phone: 260-469-4148
Email: info@pacenein.org
Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana (SHIP)
8101 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: 260-745-1200
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of N.E. Indiana
Ombudsman: Zanzy Lewis
114 Three Rivers E
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-469-3161
Email: zanzy@doingthegood-ombudsman.org
It’s important to note that standalone independent living facilities are not regulated as health care facilities since they do not provide health-related services. However, they must follow all Fort Wayne housing laws, regulations, and requirements listed below.
All independent living facilities that are connected to assisted living and memory care facilities must be licensed. There are five of these types of facilities in A Place for Mom’s network in Fort Wayne. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) regulates and inspects all Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) to ensure that they meet certain standards for health, safety, and quality of care. The licensing requirements for RCFs in Indiana include a variety of factors such as staffing levels, training requirements, resident rights, and other regulations aimed at promoting the well-being and safety of residents.
If you’re interested in seeing inspection reports from the surveys that are conducted by the IDOH every 9 to 15 months or any of the Residential Care Facilities in Fort Wayne, you can search the reports online by choosing Residential Care Facilities from the right-hand side of the page. Complete instructions are provided on the website to help you navigate the system.
Indiana Department of Health
2 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone 317-233-1325
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
The current spread of COVID-19 is low in Fort Wayne and surrounding neighborhoods. Accordingly, as is the case in so many other states and municipalities across the country, Indiana and Fort Wayne have lifted COVID-19 mandates that were previously in place. This includes mandates for independent living communities.
Nevertheless, government agencies still recommend that all individuals take precautionary measures to stay as healthy as possible by following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
If you’re able to be vaccinated against COVID-19, getting vaccines and boosters can help your immune system fight infections and potentially lower the severity of symptoms if you test positive for COVID-19.
While masking is not expected, it may be preferable if you are going to be around a lot of people in an indoor setting. When feeling unwell, you may consider masking to reduce the risk of spreading germs, bacteria, and viruses to others.
Independent living community staff members engage in non-medical interactions with residents. Therefore, they are not required to perform any special COVID-19 precautionary measures but are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and use sick days when they feel under the weather.
Social distancing of six feet between individuals while indoors can make it harder for COVID-19 to travel from person to person and is recommended in crowded areas.
Those who have COVID-19 or may have COVID-19 should isolate until their doctors have cleared them for being in public. Isolation is not mandatory but can be very helpful, especially for those residing in independent living communities.
As a senior interested in moving to an independent living facility in Fort Wayne, you’ll be pleased to know that you have a variety of options. Each independent living community has its own atmosphere, offering unique amenities and apartments designed for residents who want to live an active lifestyle. Whether you want to relocate alone or with a spouse/partner, you have plenty of housing arrangements to choose from.
What can you expect when you choose Fort Wayne as your next home? One hallmark of Fort Wayne is its reputation for being a welcoming place to people of all ages. Fort Wayne offers all the benefits of a large city, such as access to parks, museums, and shopping centers, but maintains a strong local feel. This makes it easier for you to feel at home sooner after moving to an independent living community — even if you’re new to Fort Wayne.
Another reason to consider Fort Wayne is the way many of the independent living communities are set up. Rather than being standalone facilities, the majority (83%) are combined with other types of aging in place housing options. These include assisted living and memory care units.
The advantage to considering an independent living community that’s more progressive in its offerings is that you can transition through life’s later stages without leaving the community you’re in.
You shouldn’t have to give up your favorite hobbies, activities, or goals just because you move to an independent living community. In fact, the most robust independent living facilities are designed to give you the freedom to do what you want without worrying about paying for a new roof, shoveling snowy walkways, or worrying about nagging home maintenance responsibilities.
For instance, two-thirds of the independent living communities associated with A Place for Mom offer onsite activities and group excursions. Another 67% feature arts and crafts centers, fitness centers, and gardens, while 83% boast game rooms, theater rooms, and private dining rooms if you’d like to eat with guests. And with all the independent living communities providing complimentary transportation as well as resident parking, you never have to worry about getting where you want to go.
If you, your spouse, or your partner need special accommodations, you’ll find them in Fort Wayne independent living communities. These facilities are architecturally arranged to make it simpler and safer for senior residents to move around. Examples of these types of amenities can include walk-in bathtubs, working fireplaces for added warmth and ambiance and extra-wide door frames. These accommodations may sound like little things” but together can add up to a better, more secure quality of life.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 living in Fort Wayne
Median annual income for Fort Wayne seniors 65 and older
Parkview Regional is ranked fourth overall in Indiana, according to the U.S. News & World Report, and is recognized as high performing in eight procedures and conditions.
This hospital is rated as high performing in several different specialties. Whether you need cancer treatment, cardiology services, geriatrics services, urology treatment, or a host of other services, you’ll find them at this modern, patient-centered facility.
Veterans and spouses of veterans may prefer to get their care at the local Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System in Fort Wayne. This facility features emergency care services and diagnosis and treatment for conditions ranging from cardiovascular to bariatric needs.
Walk Score, which rates cities on how easy it is to get around, only gives a 25 out of 100 for walkability and an overall bike score of 32 out of 100.[07] That means Fort Wayne is not easily traversed by foot or by bike. If you’re someone who enjoys walking or biking as part of your everyday exercise regimen, you may want to drive or take the bus to one of the many parks and trails in Fort Wayne.
The good news is there are buses that travel all throughout the city, and 67% of our partner independent living facilities are conveniently located near public transportation. Thanks to a comprehensive, user-friendly bus system maintained by Citilink Bus, you can likely locate a bus stop close to your independent living community. Be sure to check out this video on how to use the bus system if you are unfamiliar. Always look up route times and schedules before you plan for travel using the Citilink Bus, as departure times can vary during holidays. You may not need the public bus at all since all of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation.
It’s worth noting that the buses in Fort Wayne don’t operate on Sundays. That’s okay, though, because you can always count on an Uber, Lyft, or other third-party rideshare service to get you from your home to wherever you’d like to go. If you’re looking for a transportation service that’s aimed at seniors, try the Community Transportation Network (CTN). The CTN is a nonprofit agency that provides shuttles for seniors who can’t access or afford other kinds of transportation in Fort Wayne.
One of the biggest benefits of entering your retirement years is having more time to engage in all the activities that you love. As a resident of Fort Wayne, you won’t have any trouble filling your social calendar with things to do. Whether you’re someone who can’t get enough of nature’s wonders, likes to spend time at museums, enjoys live performances and events, or revels in the chance to try unique cuisine, you’ll find exactly what you want in Fort Wayne.
When the weather’s nice, you can get outside and take advantage of the 80+ parks around the Fort Wayne area. Lakeside Park and Rose Garden include a rose garden, pickleball, tennis and basketball courts, as well as many pavilions located around the lake — a perfect spot for a day with friends or family.
If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, try taking a trip to Promenade Park. At Promenade Park you can paddle through Fort Wayne along one of the three rivers that run through the city. Promenade Park is also home to a cafe and tap house, canal boat rides, and a treetop canopy trail.
Interested in religious history? Try visiting the Diocesan Museum — home to religious artifacts that helped shape Catholicism in Northeast Indiana. You can drop in for free or call to schedule an appointment.
Is science more your thing? If so, you may want to check out Science Central in Fort Wayne. Built within the first power plant in Fort Wayne, Science Central has over 200 permanent exhibits and a temporary exhibit that changes throughout the year, as well as a demonstration theater, a planetarium, and monthly events.
Whether you’re nine or 99, you’ll be entertained and amazed by all the creatures at the Fort Wayne Zoo. The Grandparent and Family membership options may be perfect if your family visits frequently or lives in the region.
Fort Wayne is also home to Parkview Field, another notable site in the city. The Parkview Field stadium serves not just as a Farmers Market venue but the home field for the Fort Wayne TinCaps, the Class A minor league baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres. It also hosts plenty of live experiences throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.
StoryPoint Fort Wayne North, Georgetowne Place and Smith Farms Manor are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Fort Wayne, IN. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Fort Wayne is $3,118 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Parkview Regional Medical Center.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Lutheran Hospital of Indiana
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fort Wayne.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Parkview Regional Medical Center.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Lutheran Hospital of Indiana
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fort Wayne.