Fort Wayne is over 200 years old and located at the convergence of three rivers — St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers. With 15 museums and over 80 parks, Fort Wayne is a social city with plenty to do. If you’re looking for a senior care facility in a community that meets the needs of seniors, you may want to start by exploring the Fort Wayne senior care facilities listed here.
Many times, a variety of senior care options fall under the umbrella term of “nursing home.” However, that term really refers to a skilled nursing facility where your loved one has 24/7 medical care. A Place for Mom does not partner with nursing homes. However, we do partner with 12 assisted living facilities in the Fort Wayne area, nine of which also offer memory care. Both assisted living and memory care provide assistance for those who are unable to care for themselves — whether that be helping seniors with tasks of daily living or providing care for memory-related issues.
Our partner assisted living and memory care facilities are within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area with its many historic landmarks, parks, museums, restaurants, and shops. This guide includes information on the cost of living in nursing homes and other senior care facilities in Fort Wayne, regulations and licensing requirements in the city, health care options, transportation information, and a full list of things to do in Fort Wayne.
10 Best Nursing Homes in Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne is over 200 years old and located at the convergence of three rivers — St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers. With 15 museums and over 80 parks, Fort Wayne is a social city with plenty to do. If you’re looking for a senior care facility in a community that meets the needs of seniors, you may want to start by exploring the Fort Wayne senior care facilities listed here.Read more
Many times, a variety of senior care options fall under the umbrella term of “nursing home.” However, that term really refers to a skilled nursing facility where your loved one has 24/7 medical care. A Place for Mom does not partner with nursing homes. However, we do partner with 12 assisted living facilities in the Fort Wayne area, nine of which also offer memory care. Both assisted living and memory care provide assistance for those who are unable to care for themselves — whether that be helping seniors with tasks of daily living or providing care for memory-related issues.
Our partner assisted living and memory care facilities are within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area with its many historic landmarks, parks, museums, restaurants, and shops. This guide includes information on the cost of living in nursing homes and other senior care facilities in Fort Wayne, regulations and licensing requirements in the city, health care options, transportation information, and a full list of things to do in Fort Wayne.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Fort Wayne, IN
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- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Fort Wayne
- Costs of nursing homes in the Fort Wayne area
- How people pay for a nursing home in Fort Wayne
- Understand Indiana laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in Fort Wayne
- What to expect from nursing homes in Fort Wayne
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fort Wayne? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about nursing homes in Fort Wayne
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Fort Wayne
Cedarhurst of Fort Wayne
Astral at Auburn
The Village at Pine Valley in Fort Wayne, IN
Costs of nursing homes in the Fort Wayne area
A nursing home is defined as a skilled nursing facility that provides short- and long-term medical care 24/7. A semi-private room for a nursing home in Fort Wayne is about $7,574 and $9,429 for a private room.[01]
If you are looking for something a little more cost-effective and don’t need 24-hour care, you may want to look into assisted living and memory care options. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average monthly cost to live in our partner assisted living facilities is $4,100, and the cost for a memory care facility we partner with is $4,502.[01] These figures include associated fees for things like housekeeping, laundry, meals, and personal care services.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Fort Wayne, IN vs. nearby cities
Fort Wayne, IN
How people pay for a nursing home in Fort Wayne
When paying for any kind of senior care in Fort Wayne, most individuals pay through a combination of means. These typically include personal funds, Medicaid, and Medicare. Those who were military members or spouses of military members may be eligible for special veterans benefits as well. The more you understand the financial options available to you, the easier it will be to either pay for or offset senior care costs.
Unless your loved one has exhausted their personal savings and has little or no incoming financial streams, they have the option to pay for some or all of their living costs out of pocket. For instance, many seniors receive monthly pensions or deposits from Social Security benefits. Others can tap into funding from retirement vehicles like IRAs or even benefits through the military if they are veterans.
Seniors who own their homes or have insurance policies may be able to get cash for their equity as well. To learn more about those opportunities, read more in the following guides.
Number of veterans who live in Fort Wayne
About 16% of Fort Wayne veterans are 75+
As a veteran or spouse of a veteran, your relative may already be receiving a VA Pension. A VA Pension is deposited each month into your loved one’s preferred bank account. The VA Pension will not be sent directly to a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living community, or a memory care unit. Nevertheless, the money can be put toward any aspect of living in a nursing care facility such as monthly rent or health care copays.
Whether or not your loved one receives a VA Pension, they may also be able to apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. While it’s not available for every veteran, it may be worth pursuing an application through the Pension Management Center (PMC).
It is important to understand that getting any kind of veteran benefits can seem overwhelming. Whether you want to know more about general or specific veteran benefits, consider contacting someone who can help such as an appointed Allen County veterans services officer or a local veterans services organization (VSO).
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 the state and federally-supported program that helps seniors with limited financial resources cover the cost of both short-term and long-term medical care. An individual age 65+ can submit an application for Medicaid through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Because the application and process can be confusing and complicated, you may want to first contact the Medicaid ombudsman serving the Fort Wayne and greater Allen County area for advice and direction.
If your relative meets Medicaid guidelines and is approved for the state’s Medicaid program, some or all of their costs of living in a nursing care facility may be covered. Medicaid does not, however, cover the room and board costs of assisted living and memory care facilities.
If your loved one is in an assisted living, memory care, or combination facility, they may be eligible to receive what is called a 1915(c) waiver or a home and community based services (HCBS) waiver. The HCBS waiver covers at-home medical visits and could pay for personalized treatments and therapies as given by a visiting nurse, provider, or other type of specialist.
Understanding Medicaid and its nuances
Again, Medicaid has many facets and you’ll want to gain as much understanding about the program before moving forward. To begin your journey, read through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Medicaid Eligibility Policy Manual . It’s an excellent educational tool filled with practical information and advice.
You can also call or stop by The Aging and In-Home Services Department of Northeast Indiana to find out more about the best way to enroll your family member using the information below. Ideally, you’ll want to do this as soon as you can. Even if your relative is a strong candidate to receive Medicaid benefits, the approval process can take months.
Alternatives to Medicaid
Your loved one might not be eligible for Medicaid but may still need financial help. If that is the case, you may be able to gain some assistance through Indiana’s Hoosier Care Connect. Hoosier Care Connect won’t pay for monthly rent but can provide your loved one with discounts on many aspects of medical care such as prescription medications and doctor visit bills.
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, IN 46802
Phone: 260-469-3161
Email: zanzy@doingthegood-ombudsman.org
Seniors become eligible for Medicare coverage when they turn 65. Medicare is set up as an insurance program for short-term medical needs. Like private health care insurance, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of long-term stays at nursing care facilities, assisted living, or memory care communities. However, it will lower the out-of-pocket costs of doctor’s appointments, surgeries, therapies, prescriptions, and other short-term medical treatments. It will also cover short-term stays at skilled nursing facilities if several requirements are met.
Your loved one may already be enrolled in Medicare. If not, you can help them apply through the Fort Wayne Social Security Administration office or online. If you’d rather get some advice before going to the office or submitting an application, the Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides trained counselors to answer your questions. You can always talk with an ombudsman who has been appointed by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of Northeast Indiana. Another resource for Medicare guidance is the Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana.
Paying for medications can be hard on seniors, even if they’re covered by Medicare and otherwise financially stable. HoosierRX is a unique, state-wide program that is set up to further reduce prescription costs on some medications and the Medicare Savings Program can also help cover copays, premiums, and deductibles for eligible individuals.
Indiana also offers a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This is for seniors 55+ who might need nursing home care, but the program delivers a high level of health care and social services to their current location instead to help them avoid nursing home placement.
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.
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 East
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-469-3161
Email: zanzy@doingthegood-ombudsman.org
Understand Indiana laws and regulations for nursing homes
Before moving your loved one to any senior care facility in Fort Wayne, you’ll want to understand how the state of Indiana regulates and licenses these communities. In Indiana, all long-term residential facilities that provide care to individuals are all licensed as residential care facilities (RCFs).
All licenses related to senior care facilities are established and set forth by the Indiana State Department of Health (IDOH). To maintain a license, a residential care facility, such as an assisted living or memory care community, must undergo regular inspections. These inspections are handled by the Department of Health’s Long-Term Care Division and occur every nine to 15 months. In addition to being inspected for compliance with state laws, nursing homes must also meet federal regulations and standards.
What are some of the standards of care that Indiana’s senior care communities are expected to maintain? First are resident rights. Residents have the right to live dignified lives and make decisions for themselves. They and any loved ones involved in the admissions and treatment plan process deserve to fully understand their care as well as any financial obligations.
Second, inspections ensure that the senior care facility is operating within legal parameters when it comes to staff-to-patient ratios, sanitation, administration, food and nutrition services, clinical reporting, personal information storage, and infection control. Inspections also consider the activities that residential care facilities make available to their residents.
Although memory care facilities are classified as RCFs, there are some additional specific requirements that must be adhered to when caring for people with memory-related issues.
- All memory care units must be under the supervision of a director with special training and at least one year of working with seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- All personnel assigned to the unit must receive special in-service training and be up to date on dementia and Alzheimer’s best care practices.
You can find inspection reports for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities online.
Indiana Department of Health contact information
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.
COVID-19 regulations for Fort Wayne nursing homes
All communal living establishments where residents receive care are encouraged to follow best practices outlined by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) in an effort to lower the likelihood of spreading COVID-19, the flu, and other infectious diseases.
Vaccinations.
Whenever possible and practical, healthy seniors and employees should receive vaccinations and boosters against COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. In many cases and through insurance plans such as Medicare and Medicaid, vaccinations are free.
Masking.
Seniors and staff members who are ill or are likely to be around people who are ill should wear masks while indoors or in smaller spaces where social distancing is unlikely, difficult, or impossible.
Facility cleanliness.
Fort Wayne assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities are licensed and expected to maintain a high level of cleanliness.
Social distancing.
Staying six feet apart may be wise when a senior feels sick or is around others exhibiting potential signs of illness such as coughs and sneezes.
Quarantining.
When waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, or after receiving a positive diagnosis, residents and staff members should follow their doctors’ prescribed isolation suggestions.
Get to know senior living in Fort Wayne
Number of people we have referred to our partner communities in Fort Wayne
Average age of resident we have referred to our partner communities in Fort Wayne
Gender split: 65% female
What to expect from nursing homes in Fort Wayne
Senior care facilities in Fort Wayne are as unique as the residents who live there. As you begin to explore our 12 Fort Wayne senior care options partnered with A Place for Mom, you’ll see all the many options available to you. From the architectural layout of the properties to campus amenities like ponds, gardens, and swimming pools, every facility offers its own hallmarks.
Senior care designed for changing needs
Nearly every modern assisted living or memory care facility provides an atmosphere that supports and celebrates aging in place. This is why you’ll find only one stand-alone assisted living facility in all of our partner communities listed in this guide. All other facilities offer residents the opportunity to transition through different types of care as they age. Here’s the breakdown of our partners:
- 1 stand-alone assisted living facility
- 2 combination assisted living and independent living
- 3 combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care
- 6 combination assisted living and memory care
If you’re looking for more choices and are willing to seek nursing home facilities outside the 10-mile radius of Fort Wayne’s downtown, you’ll find an additional seven partner communities within 25 miles.
Plenty of things to do
Life in any assisted living or memory care facility is vibrant and full of activities. From art and cooking classes to scheduled day trips to see live performances, residents are encouraged to take advantage of all the available amenities. Some features include fitness rooms, game rooms, pavilions, libraries, and even on-site bistros. These varying activities and spaces ensure that residents have opportunities to engage in the activities that bring them joy.
Specialized care and treatment
At almost all the assisted living and memory care facilities listed in this guide, there’s always a doctor on call. Plus, most have hospice services available. You can even count on visiting specialists like podiatrists and speech therapists to make routine visits to these facilities. This can make it easier on your loved one as they won’t have to travel to get the specialized care they need.
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Fort Wayne? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Fort Wayne
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Fort Wayne population
Median annual income for Fort Wayne seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Fort Wayne
Lutheran Health Network – Lutheran Hospital
For a full-service hospital system in Fort Wayne with an excellent reputation, consider the Lutheran Hospital within the Lutheran Health Network. At this medical facility, you’ll be able to find a range of care including bariatric, oncology, cardiovascular, rehabilitation, and stroke care.
Parkview Regional Medical Center
Another highly-ranked medical facility is the Parkview Regional Medical Center. Ranked the fourth highest provider in the region by the U.S. News and World Report, Parkview Regional Medical Center offers a variety of treatments such as cancer care, orthopedics, heart care, physical rehabilitation and therapy, and emergency medicine.
Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System – Fort Wayne
Veterans and applicable family members seeking treatment or a physician may want to talk to someone at The Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System in Fort Wayne. This hospital is known for providing emergency care, heart health care, bariatric care, and other preventative and specialty treatments and services for veterans.
Transportation for seniors in Fort Wayne
Seniors living in assisted living and memory care facilities in Fort Wayne generally have on-site options when it comes to getting around the city. Most seniors don’t bring a vehicle. A full 92% of all senior care communities partnered with A Place for Mom offer free transportation services for residents and 33% offer transportation for a fee. This makes it much simpler to travel around Fort Wayne with a caregiver such as a staff member or loved one.
If you or your loved one needs another option, the Community Transportation Network (CTN) is a shuttle service that is accessible and designed specifically for seniors and persons with disabilities. This is a great option for seniors needing scheduled transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, or outings.
Senior activities in Fort Wayne
While there are many activities within senior care communities themselves, there are places worth visiting outside these communities as well. Fort Wayne is home to museums, parks, and even an internationally recognized zoo.
Outdoor activities
Going outdoors doesn’t have to be limited to strolling the manicured grounds and landscaped courtyards of an assisted living or memory care community. There are more than 80 parks, all of which have a distinctive look and feel. If your loved one has a dog, be sure to stop by some of the pet-friendly parks. Head to Lindenwood Nature Preserve for light hiking and bird watching.
Another outside landmark is Parkview Field. When baseball is in full swing, you can watch the Fort Wayne TinCaps play ball. Parkview Field is also home to the Fort Wayne Farmers Market. Here you’ll find locals selling everything from fresh ingredients and baked goods to arts and crafts.
Rain or shine sites
A good way to feel more comfortable in any new city is to visit its museums. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art includes many different exhibits to enjoy and gives both senior and grandparent discounts. The museum is also accessible to those with disabilities.
To enrich your understanding of Fort Wayne’s history, consider stopping by the History Center. Housed in the impressive Old City Hall, the History Center will teach you all you need to know about Allen County. Another plus? Senior visitors 65 and older receive discounted tickets.
Stops for the entire family
Golf is always on the menu for recreational duffers. In Fort Wayne, you’ll find three city-run public golf courses: Foster Park Golf Course, McMillen Park Golf Course and Driving Range, and Shoaff Park Golf Course and Driving Range. Most offer late-day discounts and host tournaments. Of course, if mini-golf is more your speed, the Putt-Putt Fun Center is open late and has special rates for participants ages 55+ as well as for those who are active or retired military members.
When you’d rather be entertained than engage in physical activity, nothing compares with a trip to the zoo. Though the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo sounds like it’s for the younger set, it’s actually arranged to impress all visitors. From leopards and gibbons to turtles and alligators, this zoo has received many awards. Both seniors and veterans can get discounted memberships. All areas of the zoo are designed for 100% accessibility, whether you’re bringing a loved one in a wheelchair or a baby in a stroller.
Frequently Asked Questions
are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Fort Wayne, IN. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Fort Wayne is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
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) Lutheran Health Network – Lutheran Hospital.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Parkview Regional Medical Center.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System.
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