When you hear the phrase “nursing home,” you may picture a standard retirement community like an assisted living or independent living community. Nursing home, however, technically refers to a skilled nursing facility with round-the-clock medical supervision and treatments for people with severe health conditions. For those who don’t require constant medical oversight, assisted living and memory care facilities are often a better match. These types of facilities provide senior care services and are a fraction of the cost of a skilled nursing facility.
A Place for Mom partners with 27 senior care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Indianapolis’ downtown area, which includes both assisted living and memory care facilities. Assisted living facilities offer help with personal care and activities of daily living, security, and convenient on-site services. Memory care facilities are similar to assisted living but feature additional specialized therapies, security, and programs for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. This in-depth guide breaks down senior care facilities in the Indianapolis area with details on their amenities and services, costs, ways seniors pay, and local senior benefit resources.
10 Best Nursing Homes in Indianapolis, IN
When you hear the phrase “nursing home,” you may picture a standard retirement community like an assisted living or independent living community. Nursing home, however, technically refers to a skilled nursing facility with round-the-clock medical supervision and treatments for people with severe health conditions. For those who don’t require constant medical oversight, assisted living and memory care facilities are often a better match. These types of facilities provide senior care services and are a fraction of the cost of a skilled nursing facility.Read more
A Place for Mom partners with 27 senior care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Indianapolis’ downtown area, which includes both assisted living and memory care facilities. Assisted living facilities offer help with personal care and activities of daily living, security, and convenient on-site services. Memory care facilities are similar to assisted living but feature additional specialized therapies, security, and programs for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. This in-depth guide breaks down senior care facilities in the Indianapolis area with details on their amenities and services, costs, ways seniors pay, and local senior benefit resources.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Indianapolis, IN
It was a beautiful facility. The staff always smilied and updated me with my loved one's care. They were great, and the communication/food was also great. They had bingo, concerts, and comedians that came...
As the POA for one of your residents, I am disturbed by the staff turnover. And, why does it take more than one request of the business office to email me the invoices for our Aunts’s expenses.
The staff seems friendly and helpful. My mother is in an independent living unit so we don't need the help of the staff often, but they do seem nice. It would be great if they had more non-game activities.
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...
I would tell my friends that it is a good place. However, you must make sure someone is overseeing your loved one. You will want to make sure your loved one is being showered on time, going to meals, and...
We were apprehensive about putting mom in any facility, even for a short time, because of all the bad things you hear about nursing homes - also called skilled nursing facilities. She was to be admitted for...
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.
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...
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Everybody here has been amazing. Not only for just making sure his needs are met but also making sure I'm comfortable because I stay with him. And that's something else that we like, that they let me stay...
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Indianapolis
- Costs of nursing homes in the Indianapolis area
- How people pay for a nursing home in Indianapolis
- Understand Indiana laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in Indianapolis
- What to expect from nursing homes in Indianapolis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Indianapolis? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Indianapolis
- Transportation for seniors in Indianapolis
- Senior activities in Indianapolis
What families are saying about nursing homes in Indianapolis
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Indianapolis
Clearvista Lake Health Campus in Indianapolis, IN
Meadow Brook Senior Living in Fishers, IN
Rosegate Commons in Indianapolis, IN
Costs of nursing homes in the Indianapolis area
The cost of a senior care facility in Indianapolis is widely dependent on the level of care provided there. In almost all cases, a skilled nursing facility will cost more than an assisted living or memory care facility, because of the extensive medical support and supervision it provides.
It’s important to be aware of how much care services affect the cost and be familiar with what services are provided in different types of senior care facilities. Otherwise, you could end up paying for services that aren’t actually needed.
Skilled nursing facilities
On-site medical staff, round-the-clock medical supervision, and skilled nursing services make skilled nursing facilities the costliest type of senior care facility. The cost can vary depending on whether you have a private or semi-private room. On average, the cost of a semi-private room in a skilled nursing home is $7,057 and $8,973 for a private room, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care survey.[01]
Costs of Indianapolis assisted living and memory care facilities
Many seniors seek out an assisted living facility when they need help with personal care services or activities of daily living (ADLs). The average cost of one of our in-network Indianapolis assisted living facilities is $3,900 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data.[02] This total amount factors in the cost of rent and personal care services that are often bundled into the monthly rate. Here are the services you can expect to find at our partner Indy assisted living communities:
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Organized community activities and events (on-site and off-site)
- Daily meals and snacks
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Personal laundry and/or dry-cleaning
- Transportation
- Concierge services
- Parking
- Pet rent/pet-care services
Some assisted living facilities have dedicated memory care units for residents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Residents in memory care units receive similar services provided in an assisted living facility, like those above, as well as specialized memory care services. Memory care residents receive advanced services like enhanced security measures, 24-hour awake staff, and specialized activities and therapies. Memory care staff may also be required to have advanced training in memory care-caregiving techniques.
These more specialized care services usually result in memory care costing slightly more than assisted living alone. On average, the cost of one of our partner Indianapolis memory care facilities is $4,400 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data.[02]
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Indianapolis, IN vs. nearby cities
Indianapolis, IN
How people pay for a nursing home in Indianapolis
There are a variety of ways to pay for nursing homes in Indianapolis. Families will often use a mix of private and public pay options. Depending on a couple of different factors, Medicare and Medicaid can help out with some of the costs of long-term care or skilled nursing services. Veterans and surviving spouses may also be able to turn to certain benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
No matter what stage you’re at in your search for long-term care, it’s important to understand what financial resources may be available to help stay a step ahead of the costs. We delve into what specific payment methods can be used to cover certain long-term care costs at senior care facilities below.
Personal assets like savings accounts, investment returns, and retirement income are often the first resources seniors and families look into to pay for their ideal senior care facility. In some cases, the following options below may also be available to help pay for long-term senior care costs:
Number of veterans living in Indianapolis in 2021
About 25% of veterans in Indianapolis are age 75 and older.
Veteran-specific benefits may be available to help veterans or their spouses pay for long-term senior care costs. The Indianapolis Office of Veterans Services has several appointed county veterans service officers (CVSO) to help Indianapolis veterans access benefits. Disability benefits like the Aid and Attendance benefit are particularly helpful. This benefit provides monthly payments to eligible veterans or spouses for anything that improves quality of life, such as senior housing and care. You or a loved one may qualify for more benefits than you think, and local resources are there to help make sure you don’t miss out on any.
The first step to applying is contacting a CVSO or one of the veterans service organizations (VSO) located at the Indianapolis VA Regional Office. VSOs like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and American Veterans (AMVETS) advocate for veterans and families and can help out with the complex benefits application process. Other VSOs include The American Legion, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Find contact information and other online resources below.
Resources for Indianapolis veterans
The American Legion
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 325
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3605
American Veterans (AMVETS) — Find a post
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 314
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3613
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 324
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3615
The Military Order of the Purple Heart
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 312
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3623
Paralyzed Veterans of America
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 313
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3626
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 319
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3629
Eligible individuals who meet financial and medical requirements may qualify for certain health care services through the Indiana Medicaid program. Medicaid is jointly managed by the federal and state government. In some cases, it may be used to pay for long-term care costs in nursing homes, memory care, and assisted living facilities. Find out how Medicaid may be used to pay for long-term care expenses in different types of senior care settings below.
Indiana Medicaid for nursing homes
Indiana Medicaid provides coverage for medically necessary care within a nursing home — or a skilled nursing facility — for patients who require a nursing home level of care. This means a person requires a level of care that can only be provided by licensed nurses and other types of health care professionals. Medicaid nursing homes provide the following to patients:
- Room and board
- Round-the-clock medical supervision
- Nursing care services
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Nutrition management
- Organized activities
To qualify, you must be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. You must also meet certain income and asset limits, which can change every year and vary by family size.
Indiana Medicaid for assisted living and memory care facilities
The cost to live in a private memory care or assisted living facility is not covered by Indiana Medicaid. However, some Medicaid programs let patients access in-home health care services in the residence or community of their choice. These programs meet the needs of seniors who need a nursing home level of care but would rather receive the services in their community or home instead of an institutional-like nursing home.
Depending on the facility, Medicaid will cover certain care services inside an assisted living or memory care facility through home and community based services (HCBS) waiver programs. The following HCBS programs may be available to help seniors with the cost of certain health care services:
- Aged and disabled (A&D) waiver provides access to specialized medical equipment and supplies, home modifications, and participant-directed home care services from within a community.
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps seniors age 55+ that live in a PACE service area access several medical and supportive services from their community instead of a nursing home, such as hospital and skilled nursing care when necessary.
You’ll need to apply for Medicaid before applying for the A&D waiver or the PACE program, which can be done in person at your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office or online. Once that step is complete, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to get started with the application process to enroll in the A&D waiver program.
To apply for PACE, contact your local PACE organization. You can find a list of all Indiana PACE programs and contacts listed on the state’s Department of Family and Social Services Administration website.
Indiana Medicaid resources
Medicare is the federal health insurance program designed to help seniors pay for medically necessary health care costs. Depending on a person’s Medicare plan and the type of senior care setting, Medicare will pay for certain medically necessary, short-term care services.
Nursing homes in Indianapolis — or skilled nursing facilities — can be covered by Medicare for up to 100 days. To qualify for Medicare coverage, seniors must have a confirmed medical diagnosis and meet all of the following criteria:[04]
- They are age 65 and older.
- They have a qualifying inpatient hospital stay.
- They receive skilled nursing services in a Medicare-certified facility.
- They’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and have unused days left in their benefit period.
- They need skilled nursing services for a condition that was either treated during an inpatient hospital stay or developed while receiving care in a nursing home.
Most expenses incurred in an assisted living or memory care facility are considered custodial costs and aren’t covered by Medicare. However, there are some specific services and expenses that Medicare may pay for while a patient is living in an assisted living or memory care facility, like the following:
- Prescriptions
- Medical supplies
- Preventative services
Help with Medicare benefits
Indianapolis seniors have access to ample resources to help with Medicare. Trained Medicare counselors are available through the Indiana State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), as well as CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions — the Marion County Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Both provide no-cost Medicare counseling to guide seniors through Medicare-approved services, eligibility requirements, how to file claims, and more.
Medicare resources
Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Find a SHIP location near you
Central office phone: 800-452-4800
CICOA — Marion County Area Agency on Aging
Online request form
4755 Kingsway Dr., Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46205-1560
Phone: 317-254-5465
Understand Indiana laws and regulations for nursing homes
The state regulations for senior care facilities in Indiana vary somewhat depending on the type of care setting. We highlight some important state regulations in place for Indiana skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities below.
Skilled nursing facilities
Skilled nursing facilities are also referred to as comprehensive care facilities in Indiana. Skilled nursing facilities are required to be licensed through the Comprehensive Care Facility Licensing and Certification Program by the Indiana Department of Health. Skilled nursing facilities are required to provide the following:[05]
- Room and board
- Food for special diets
- Medication administration
- Rehabilitative treatments and therapies under the order of a physician
- Comprehensive nursing care
Read on to find out about types of care provided in a skilled nursing facility, as well as some specific regulations for skilled nursing facilities.
Types of care in a skilled nursing facility
Skilled nursing facilities are licensed to provide comprehensive nursing care, which goes beyond what’s provided in settings like assisted living or memory care facilities. Comprehensive nursing care includes the following types of medical care services:[05]
- Insertion, irrigation, and replacement of catheters
- Treatment of complex or infected wounds that require the use of sterile techniques
- Treatment of widespread skin disorders, such as pressure ulcers
- Any physician-ordered treatments that require a nurse’s observation
- Administration of oxygen or other medical gases
Skilled nursing facility regulations in Indiana
Indiana’s regulations for skilled nursing facilities help make sure facilities provide a safe and sanitary environment that promotes residents’ quality of life and dignity. We highlight a few of those regulations for skilled nursing facilities below:[05]
- Prospective residents must have a physician’s order to be admitted.
- All residents must be served three daily meals and, if needed, be provided with special eating equipment and utensils.
- Facilities must conduct a preadmission evaluation on prospective residents to make sure their needs can be met at the facility.
- Facilities must develop a comprehensive care plan within seven days after a resident’s initial assessment. The plan must include measurable goals and timelines to meet a resident’s specific care needs.
- Facilities must provide residents a discharge summary that details their health status at the time of transfer, as well as a post-discharge plan to identify their needs after transfer.
- Facilities must provide an ongoing activity program with a range of options, such as group social activities, events, arts and crafts, and spiritual programs.
- Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and free from all forms of abuse. All facilities must have policies in place that prohibit abuse, mistreatment, and neglect of residents.
- Facilities must provide specialized rehabilitative therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) or use an outside resource to provide such therapies for residents who need them.
Indiana assisted living and memory care regulations
Assisted living facilities in Indiana can be licensed or unlicensed to operate. Both types of facilities should provide assistance with activities of daily living to individuals. We outline some distinctions between both types of facilities, as well as Indiana regulations for licensed assisted living facilities below.
Licensed vs. unlicensed assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities can be either licensed or unlicensed in Indiana. Assisted living facilities that are licensed fall under the category of residential care facilities and are regulated and inspected by the Indiana Department of Health about every nine to 15 months. Licensed assisted living facilities can provide more advanced health care services like medication administration. Unlicensed assisted living facilities, on the other hand, can’t provide medication administration. However, residents can hire their own home health care caregivers if they need such services while living in a facility.
Assisted living vs. skilled nursing facilities
Unlike skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities — both licensed and unlicensed — can’t provide comprehensive nursing services or admit residents who need round-the-clock nursing care. They also can’t admit seniors who require total assistance with all their activities of daily living. We outline some more key regulations in place for licensed Indiana assisted living facilities below.
Indiana regulations for licensed assisted living facilities
Any medication administration needs to be ordered by a resident’s doctor and supervised by a licensed nurse, though residents may self-administer or receive medication assistance from staff when appropriate and safe.
Below are some regulations for licensed assisted living communities in Indiana:[06]
- Like skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities must serve three daily meals.
- All private units must be at least 100 square feet, with a minimum of 80 square feet available per resident in multiple-occupancy units.
- Residents’ rooms should have no more than four beds within one unit, and every unit must have a private toilet, sink, and tub or shower.
- All staff members must undergo an initial orientation before working on their own, as well as an annual in-service education and training program related to their duties.
- Assisted living facilities are responsible for creating policies for investigating and addressing complaints to prevent any abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of residents.
- Licensed residential care facilities are required to perform personal care services and assistance with activities of daily living that are tailored to the needs of each resident.
- Licensed residential care facilities are also responsible for scheduling activities that are tailored to the interests and abilities of residents, as well as for arranging transportation to off-site community events.
Regulations for licensed assisted living facilities with memory care
Licensed assisted living facilities that offer memory care are required to submit an Alzheimer’s and dementia special care unit form. This form outlines a facility’s specific mission and philosophy for caring for patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, as well as the following:[06]
- Staffing patterns and staff-to-patient ratios for each shift
- Any therapeutic methods and programs provided
- Types and amount of training required or provided to staff
- A facility’s criteria and processes for admissions, transfers, and discharges
Memory care facilities that submit the disclosure form must have a designated director for the Alzheimer’s and dementia care unit. This director needs to complete the following:
- At least 12 hours of dementia-care training
- An annual 6 hours of training about current care practices and regulatory standards for residents in memory care
All memory care staff are required to complete an initial orientation and annual in-service training. Memory care staff must also meet the following training requirements:[06]
- An annual 6 hours of dementia-specific training within six months of employment
- An annual 3-hour training course over current standards of dementia care
Look up and report Indiana licensed assisted living facilities
You can find consumer reports of all licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Indiana by searching the Indiana Department of Health online lookup tool. You can use the tool to search directly for a provider in the “find any provider” search box.
You can also look up a provider using the list menu, organized by county. Once you click the provider type (such as nursing homes or residential care facilities), you’ll have a list of all Indiana counties to choose from. Select the county you’re interested in, and a list of all licensed facilities will appear. From there, choose a facility and a pop-up box will open up and let you view the consumer report.
You can also submit a complaint to the Indiana Department of Health regarding any licensed health facility.
COVID-19 regulations for Indianapolis nursing homes
There currently aren’t any statewide mandates or restrictions in place for senior care communities, like assisted living or memory care, in Indianapolis. But private communities can set their own standards, so it’s important that you check with a prospective facility beforehand to understand their COVID-19 policies.
You can find the most recent public guidance and view county-specific information on the state’s COVID-19 response website. You can also find the latest guidance for Indianapolis on the Marion County Public Health Department website.
Indianapolis skilled nursing facilities have more advanced standards in place since they’re considered health care facilities. All Indianapolis skilled nursing facilities need to follow COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specific to health care settings. These guidelines include the following:
Staff safety.
Staff should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever there’s a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Vaccinations.
Everyone is recommended to stay current with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Quarantining.
Patients who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate in a private room for at least 10 days.
Masking.
Health care professionals should wear masks and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) around residents with confirmed COVID-19.
Get to know senior living in Indianapolis
What to expect from nursing homes in Indianapolis
Senior care facilities are often grouped into a single category in people’s minds. But there are some pretty important distinctions you’ll want to be aware of when considering a senior care facility for a loved one. We lay out some key distinctions between different types of senior care facilities in Indianapolis below.
Skilled nursing facilities in Indianapolis
Skilled nursing facilities are often a short-term care option for people with complex medical needs or conditions. They provide medical care services just below those available at a hospital, such as round-the-clock, medically supervised nursing care. Most skilled nursing homes require a referral from a physician before admission. These facilities are designed to accommodate people who need to recover from an illness, surgery, or injury. Patients often return to their homes or move into a different type of senior care setting once they’ve recovered.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone skilled nursing facilities. However, you can still find general nursing services at nearly all of our in-network assisted living and memory care facilities. Some of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities even have skilled nursing units right on-site, in the event their current residents require such advanced medical care.
Indianapolis assisted living
Seniors who don’t need the level of care provided in a skilled nursing facility may consider an assisted living facility. In Indiana, assisted living facilities can be either licensed or unlicensed. The main difference between the two is that only licensed facilities can provide health services like medication administration. Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs) while also providing socially engaging activities for them to participate in, which include the following:
- Stretching and yoga classes
- Holiday parties
- Wine tastings
- Gardening clubs
- Art classes
- Cooking clubs
Transportation, meals, housekeeping, and personal laundry are often considered baseline services at most assisted living facilities. Baseline services are typically included as part of the monthly cost. Many assisted living communities also offer access to on-site amenities such as fitness centers, resident lounges, game rooms, theaters, and outdoor courtyards. Additionally, you’ll find Indianapolis assisted living facilities offer a diverse selection of floor plans, with some featuring elegant, in-unit upgrades like stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
Indianapolis memory care
Memory care facilities provide similar services and amenities as general assisted living facilities, with more specialized standards for staff and security. The facilities are designed to provide a secure living environment for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They also offer advanced therapies and person-centered activities for individuals with dementia. These specialized activities and therapeutic programs help to reduce loneliness, boredom, and aggressive behaviors in residents. Reminiscence and sensory-based programs are popular, and they help residents remember positive moments from the past and create new memories.
Most of our in-network memory care facilities feature enclosed courtyard areas, outdoor walking paths, and Wander Guard or similar systems to prevent residents from wandering away from the grounds. All of our partner memory care facilities have round-the-clock awake staff available, and staff are required to complete annual dementia-specific training. Some communities exclusively accommodate residents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. But most of our partner memory care facilities operate on the same campus as an assisted living facility.
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Unfamiliar with Indianapolis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors age 75+ currently living in Indianapolis
Average household earnings in Indianapolis[08]
Health care for seniors in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is anything but short on exceptional health care and top-notch hospitals, according to Google reviews from patients. Take a peek at just a couple of Indianapolis’ biggest local hospitals.
Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis
Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis is a full-service hospital and a prime destination for specialty care. The hospital has highly qualified doctors on-site to provide both primary and specialty care in areas from cardiac rehabilitation to stroke care. Ascension St. Vincent also features a Level I trauma center and transplant center at its Indianapolis campus.
Indiana University Health — IU Health Methodist Hospital
IU Health Methodist Hospital is affiliated with Indiana University Health and is the state’s largest hospital. As a magnet-designated hospital, patients and families can expect the highest quality of care and exceptional nursing services. The hospital specializes in several specialties that include urology, neurology, and orthopedics.
Transportation for seniors in Indianapolis
More than half of our partner Indianapolis senior care facilities offer some form of transportation service to their residents. Most provide complimentary transportation, and a select few communities provide at-cost transportation. Residents in assisted living or memory care facilities often find the transportation services to be especially helpful for medical appointments and other errands. Not only is this highly convenient, but it’s also safer for seniors who can’t travel independently. Memory care facilities will even offer caregiver escorts on rides for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
For visiting friends and loved ones, Indianapolis has an expansive public transit system. IndyGo is Indianapolis’ primary public transit service and is made up of over 200 buses. All IndyGo buses are ADA-accessible, and there’s also a paratransit service available for passengers with disabilities who can’t access the fixed routes. Seniors who can safely travel on IndyGo buses receive a discounted fare when they present a valid Medicare card or Half Fare ID card. You can find an application for a Half Fare ID card online.
Indianapolis has several other transportation services as well, such as Way2Go, which helps Marion County seniors get to and from locations such as medical appointments, grocery stores, and pharmacies. You may also find one of the following Indianapolis transportation services to be helpful to you or your loved one:
Senior activities in Indianapolis
From live theater performances and museums to outdoor excursions, Indianapolis is full of family-friendly experiences and attractions. Several of the city’s key points of interest have adaptations available to make them accessible to people of all abilities. Take a peek at some of Indianapolis’ best and most accessible attractions below.
Outdoor adventures
Take a stroll through one of Indianapolis’ lovely outdoor spaces. These parks all boast different accessibility features, like accessible parking and restrooms, as well as crosswalks with visual prompts and audio commands.
- Fort Harrison State Park has an accessible on-site dog park and multiple trails to enjoy hiking and mountain biking.
- White River State Park is home to ample trails and waterways. Several of Indianapolis’ most beloved attractions are located here such as the Indianapolis Zoo and Indiana State Museum.
- Eagle Creek Park is a sprawling outdoor haven with thousands of acres of forests, waterways, and trails. The park offers endless opportunities to enjoy activities like bird watching, fishing, and boating.
- Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden is Indianapolis’ oldest park and offers a variety of recreational pursuits, including swimming and tennis. You can also catch live concerts and performances at the park’s outdoor amphitheater during the summer.
Historic sites
Indianapolis has several historic attractions for everyone to enjoy. Most of these venues allow trained service animals and have accessible parking, restrooms, and elevators for guests with limited mobility.
- Indiana War Memorial and Museum is an Indianapolis must-see that honors Hoosier veterans with a captivating and interactive museum.
- Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site explores the home of Benjamin Harrison — America’s 23rd president — and hosts a coffee with the curator event on the first Friday of every month.
- Indiana Statehouse has guided and self-guided tours available to learn about how the state government functions and admire the building’s impressive, historic architecture.
Live entertainment
From concerts to Broadway shows, Indianapolis has plenty of live entertainment options at its performing arts venues, with generous accessibility options. Many venues offer features like accessible seating, shows with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, and sensory-friendly performances.
- Butler University Arts and Events Center performs 100 shows every year that range from Broadway performances and concerts to lectures.
- Indiana Repertory Theatre is a nonprofit theatre that produces around nine productions during its season from September through May.
- Phoenix Theatre is located in a fully ADA-compliant building and hosts an array of productions, including Broadway shows and comedies, during its season.
- Ruoff Music Center is Indiana’s largest outdoor amphitheater and has been the site of major concerts and events.
Indianapolis’ popular attractions
Some of Indianapolis’ most popular attractions have adaptations available that make it possible for people all of ages and abilities to get in on the fun. Take a look at some of Indianapolis’ top destinations and the accessibility accommodations they offer below.
- Indianapolis Zoo is fully accessible with ramps and low-grade slopes for guests with limited mobility. On-leash service animals are also allowed to accompany guests to the zoo.
- NCAA Hall of Champions welcomes trained service animals, has American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation available with notice, and has accessible parking available.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has special “touch tours” of select cars on display, available ASL interpreters, and wheelchair-accessible buses for tours around the track.
Frequently Asked Questions
are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey: Indianapolis area, Indiana.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Medicare.gov.
Indiana Department of Health. Indiana Administrative Code. Article 16. Health facilities; Licensing and operational standards.
Indiana Department of Health. (2022). Residential care facilities.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). ACS demographic and housing estimates (DP05): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Indianapolis. American community survey.
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