Avilla, Indiana, was originally named Hill Town after Noah I. Hill, one of the first settlers in the area. The name was later changed to Avilla, a derivative of the French word villas, which means small village, at the suggestion of a judge, Edwin Randall. Today, this city is home to an active senior population, comprised of more than 17% of the total number of residents.
Seniors in Avilla who need help with daily necessities like bathing and dressing can find it at one of the two assisted living facilities located within the city proper, or in one of the two additional facilities located in nearby Kendallville. These facilities in both Avilla and in all of Indiana are officially designated as residential care facilities and must register with the Family and Social Services Agency. Those facilities that provide medication must also be licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health.