Muncie is located in Delaware County in the heart of east-central Indiana. The community experienced phenomenal growth during the gas boom of the late 1800s, and residents still benefit from the philanthropy of the Ball family, whose famous canning jars helped to establish Ball State University and the Ball Memorial Hospital. Today, Muncie has 68,000 residents. Although seniors represent just 14% of the population, the area’s home to nearly 9,500 older adults who benefit from the area’s low cost of living and excellent health care services.
Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need help with household chores or activities of daily living. It’s also a helpful choice for older adults who want extra security and more opportunities for social interaction. The median cost of care is $4,645 per month. Although this is slightly higher than the state and national average, it can be more affordable than remaining in the community because rates cover most day-to-day expenses.
This guide takes a look at some of the pros and cons of retiring in Muncie. It explores local and regional long-term care costs, and it concludes with a short directory of local agencies that offer helpful services to promote healthy, independent aging.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Muncie, IN
2410 East McGalliard Road, Muncie, IN, 47303
Lynd Place is nestled in northern Muncie, Indiana, near Highway 35 and just minutes from shopping centers, an airport and Ball State University. The facility receives praise for its large rooms, conne
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Lynd Place is nestled in northern Muncie, Indiana, near Highway 35 and just minutes from shopping centers, an airport and Ball State University. The facility receives praise for its large rooms, connections with Medicare providers and around-the-clock nursing care. Lynd Place also gets high marks for its attentive staff, around-the-clock medical care and pet-friendly environment which visitors refer to as warm and homey. The outside of the building itself is described as meticulously clean and attractive and has an on-site library which is free to use for residents.
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Lynd Place is nestled in northern Muncie, Indiana, near Highway 35 and just minutes from shopping centers, an airport and Ball State University. The facility receives praise for its large rooms, conne
… (read more)
Lynd Place is nestled in northern Muncie, Indiana, near Highway 35 and just minutes from shopping centers, an airport and Ball State University. The facility receives praise for its large rooms, connections with Medicare providers and around-the-clock nursing care. Lynd Place also gets high marks for its attentive staff, around-the-clock medical care and pet-friendly environment which visitors refer to as warm and homey. The outside of the building itself is described as meticulously clean and attractive and has an on-site library which is free to use for residents.
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1601 N Morrison Road, Muncie, IN, 47304
Muncie Estates Senior Living is located in a beautiful residential area, just moments away from Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital and several shopping centers. Visitors consistently giv
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Muncie Estates Senior Living is located in a beautiful residential area, just moments away from Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital and several shopping centers. Visitors consistently give the facility high marks for its caring and helpful staff and homey, friendly atmosphere. Muncie Estates Senior Living also gets plenty of praise for its daily calendar filled with activities such as bingo, exercise classes, movies and van rides. Residents enjoy playing the piano in one of the sitting areas and they appreciate the tasty, home-cooked meals served restaurant-style. Visitors take note of the well-maintained facilities and grounds and garden courtyard.
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Muncie Estates Senior Living is located in a beautiful residential area, just moments away from Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital and several shopping centers. Visitors consistently giv
… (read more)
Muncie Estates Senior Living is located in a beautiful residential area, just moments away from Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital and several shopping centers. Visitors consistently give the facility high marks for its caring and helpful staff and homey, friendly atmosphere. Muncie Estates Senior Living also gets plenty of praise for its daily calendar filled with activities such as bingo, exercise classes, movies and van rides. Residents enjoy playing the piano in one of the sitting areas and they appreciate the tasty, home-cooked meals served restaurant-style. Visitors take note of the well-maintained facilities and grounds and garden courtyard.
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4100 N. Morrison Road, Muncie, IN, 47304
Morrison Woods Health Campus in Muncie, Indiana, is situated close to hiking trails, activities at Ball State University and several art and history museums. Resident rooms are available in private an
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Morrison Woods Health Campus in Muncie, Indiana, is situated close to hiking trails, activities at Ball State University and several art and history museums. Resident rooms are available in private and semi-private suite configurations complete with full bathrooms and walk-in showers. Special touches that residents value include assistance with daily living activities like dressing and grooming, meal, medication and activity reminders, housekeeping and laundry services and a 24-hour emergency call-response system. Residents and their guests appreciate the delicious chef-prepared meals served restaurant style in the lovely dining room.
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Morrison Woods Health Campus in Muncie, Indiana, is situated close to hiking trails, activities at Ball State University and several art and history museums. Resident rooms are available in private an
… (read more)
Morrison Woods Health Campus in Muncie, Indiana, is situated close to hiking trails, activities at Ball State University and several art and history museums. Resident rooms are available in private and semi-private suite configurations complete with full bathrooms and walk-in showers. Special touches that residents value include assistance with daily living activities like dressing and grooming, meal, medication and activity reminders, housekeeping and laundry services and a 24-hour emergency call-response system. Residents and their guests appreciate the delicious chef-prepared meals served restaurant style in the lovely dining room.
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5200 S Burlington Dr, Muncie, IN, 47302
Rosewood Manor is located in Muncie, Indiana, about 50 miles outside of Indianapolis. Residents and visitors praise the overall pleasant feel of the community and the attentive care provided by dedica
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Rosewood Manor is located in Muncie, Indiana, about 50 miles outside of Indianapolis. Residents and visitors praise the overall pleasant feel of the community and the attentive care provided by dedicated staff. The accommodating dining routine of the facility, which includes room service, is also a major perk. Residents and visitors appreciate the staff members’ efforts to keep the residents involved and socially active within the greater community. At Rosewood Manor, residents and visitors enjoy amenities including a lounge, activity center, personal shopping, on-site beauty and barber services and scheduled trips to special events.
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Rosewood Manor is located in Muncie, Indiana, about 50 miles outside of Indianapolis. Residents and visitors praise the overall pleasant feel of the community and the attentive care provided by dedica
… (read more)
Rosewood Manor is located in Muncie, Indiana, about 50 miles outside of Indianapolis. Residents and visitors praise the overall pleasant feel of the community and the attentive care provided by dedicated staff. The accommodating dining routine of the facility, which includes room service, is also a major perk. Residents and visitors appreciate the staff members’ efforts to keep the residents involved and socially active within the greater community. At Rosewood Manor, residents and visitors enjoy amenities including a lounge, activity center, personal shopping, on-site beauty and barber services and scheduled trips to special events.
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2500 W Kilgore Ave, Muncie, IN, 47304
Silver Birch of Muncie assisted living is new and it’s Kilgore in Muncie. They’ve got 3 floors and it’s a big complex. They have elevators that the seniors go up and down in to get to their rooms and
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Silver Birch of Muncie assisted living is new and it’s Kilgore in Muncie. They’ve got 3 floors and it’s a big complex. They have elevators that the seniors go up and down in to get to their rooms and the dining hall. It was nice and we liked it but that just would be too hard for my father-in-law to remember how to get around. It’s a bit too much, even if he was ready for assisted living. The price is lower, which was nice, but it probably isn’t going to work unless he ends up being in a nursing home situation where he’s only going to be in his room unless somebody takes him out, then we’ll be looking at places differently.
The place is new so it’s going to look new and nice, but they also had a maintenance guy going through there that was touching up the walls. He’s just on top of making sure that everything stays pristine, and that was interesting and pretty neat.
The people that work there were very friendly and they seemed to be interacting with the residents well.
The apartment I saw was spacious and felt like it was spacious. The 1-bedroom was a little bit bigger than what we’ve seen in other places.
It’s good that the residents have things to do. They also have a visiting area with a two-sided fireplace and some of the residents were on one side of it when we visited. There were a few residents that were in there just visiting together. It was more homey-looking and it’s very apartment-feeling in the hallways because it’s 3 floors but they had areas that you could go to that’s inviting. I just think it would be better if they’re all on one floor.
I didn’t have interaction with all the staff. I was just interacting with the person that was giving me the tour.
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Silver Birch of Muncie assisted living is new and it’s Kilgore in Muncie. They’ve got 3 floors and it’s a big complex. They have elevators that the seniors go up and down in to get to their rooms and
… (read more)
Silver Birch of Muncie assisted living is new and it’s Kilgore in Muncie. They’ve got 3 floors and it’s a big complex. They have elevators that the seniors go up and down in to get to their rooms and the dining hall. It was nice and we liked it but that just would be too hard for my father-in-law to remember how to get around. It’s a bit too much, even if he was ready for assisted living. The price is lower, which was nice, but it probably isn’t going to work unless he ends up being in a nursing home situation where he’s only going to be in his room unless somebody takes him out, then we’ll be looking at places differently.
The place is new so it’s going to look new and nice, but they also had a maintenance guy going through there that was touching up the walls. He’s just on top of making sure that everything stays pristine, and that was interesting and pretty neat.
The people that work there were very friendly and they seemed to be interacting with the residents well.
The apartment I saw was spacious and felt like it was spacious. The 1-bedroom was a little bit bigger than what we’ve seen in other places.
It’s good that the residents have things to do. They also have a visiting area with a two-sided fireplace and some of the residents were on one side of it when we visited. There were a few residents that were in there just visiting together. It was more homey-looking and it’s very apartment-feeling in the hallways because it’s 3 floors but they had areas that you could go to that’s inviting. I just think it would be better if they’re all on one floor.
I didn’t have interaction with all the staff. I was just interacting with the person that was giving me the tour.
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3820 West Jackson Street, Muncie, IN, 47304
The Woodlands is an assisted living facility located about a mile away from the top-notch IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. The staff are trained in long-term care, short-term rehab
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The Woodlands is an assisted living facility located about a mile away from the top-notch IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. The staff are trained in long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and post-operative recovery care. Residents stay in private suites and receive complimentary transportation to shopping, entertainment and appointments. There are therapists and nurses on site to handle day-to-day medical needs. Families can come visit in the beautiful courtyards. Activities include scheduled outings, games and visits to local attractions. The passionate, skilled staff strive to encourage seniors to socialize and stay active for whole body wellness.
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The Woodlands is an assisted living facility located about a mile away from the top-notch IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. The staff are trained in long-term care, short-term rehab
… (read more)
The Woodlands is an assisted living facility located about a mile away from the top-notch IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. The staff are trained in long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and post-operative recovery care. Residents stay in private suites and receive complimentary transportation to shopping, entertainment and appointments. There are therapists and nurses on site to handle day-to-day medical needs. Families can come visit in the beautiful courtyards. Activities include scheduled outings, games and visits to local attractions. The passionate, skilled staff strive to encourage seniors to socialize and stay active for whole body wellness.
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Muncie
Assisted living facilities that provide personal care in Muncie must be licensed by the state’s Residential Care Facility Licensing Program, which is part of the Department of Health, Division of Long Term Care. These rules govern all aspects of care and staffing and are designed to protect residents’ health.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Muncie
- Muncie is a very affordable location for retirees. The cost of living is 28% lower than the national average. Essentials ranging from housing and health care to transportation are significantly more affordable than other parts of the country, which benefits those who depend on a fixed income.
- Competitive tax rates boost the city’s financial outlook for retirees. Sales and income taxes are three-tenths of a percent lower than the national average. Plus, the state exempts Social Security retirement benefits and some government and military pensions. This can reduce seniors’ tax burdens and leave more funds for assisted living and daily expenses.
- Seniors in Muncie have access to a handful of local and regional hospitals for routine or emergency care. The Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital has received high marks for its performance in six treatment areas, and it has been recognized as one of the top hospitals in central Indiana.
- Muncie is a fairly safe community for older adults. Although the city’s property crime index is higher than the national average, the community experiences fewer violent crime rates than similarly sized cities. Additionally, local crime rates have decreased in recent years, which minimizes potential safety concerns.
- The climate in Muncie is about average when compared to other parts of the country. Rainfall totals are higher than average, but the community receives less snow than the typical U.S. city. The summer months are particularly comfortable with a seasonal comfort index of 8.9 compared to 4.9 in the winter.
- Seniors who don’t drive or need help getting to medical appointments and local stores can access low-cost transportation through the LifeStream Area Agency on Aging. Seniors also qualify for half-price fares through the Muncie Indiana Transit System, which operates 15 fixed-route bus lines and a door-to-door paratransit service.
Paying for Assisted Living in Muncie
The median cost of assisted living in Muncie is $4,645 per month, which is about $300 higher than the state and national average.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
According to data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities in Muncie charge $263 more than the state median of$4,382 and $345 more than the national average of $4,300. Median prices are just $72 lower in Indianapolis and $130 lower in Kokomo. Fort Wayne residents pay just $3,503 on average, a monthly savings of $1,142.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
At $4,645 per month, assisted living typically provides an excellent overall value since rates include personal care, meals and accommodations. Seniors in Muncie pay $4,099 per month for in-home assistance and about $400 more for home health care. Nursing home prices are almost $2,000 higher, with a median cost of $6,578 for a semiprivate room and $7,452 for a private room. Adult day health care programs provide a limited amount of daytime care for $1,733 per month in most parts of the state.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Muncie
Indiana’s Regional Care Assistance Program (RCAP) helps seniors pay for the monthly cost of assisted living. The state also offers a Medicaid Waiver program, but it only covers costs for seniors residing in an RCF.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Indiana page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Indiana page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Muncie
Seniors who are considering assisted living in Muncie have access to a variety of free and low-cost services sponsored by the local government and area nonprofits. Families can learn more about some of the most helpful resources below.
LifeStream Services is an award-winning Area Agency on Aging that helps nearly 20,000 seniors every year. It connects residents to a variety of local and federal programs designed to promote healthy, independent aging. Staff members can help with long-term care needs assessments, transportation, nutritional services and chronic disease management. Services are also available to disabled adults and caregivers.
Located in the former Forest Park Elementary School, the Muncie/Delaware County Senior Center provides social and recreational opportunities for residents aged 55 and older. It offers live entertainment, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, card games, square dancing and a coffee club for veterans. The center operates a thrift store, food pantry and senior cafe. Residents can contact the center for help with estate planning, and tax preparation assistance is offered in partnership with AARP.
Legal Aid of East Central Indiana is a nonprofit law firm offering pro bono legal services for civil matters, such as help with housing, health care, long-term care admissions and government benefits. Services are intended to help Delaware County residents who have limited income and may not be able to afford an attorney. It also manages a moderate means program that offers discounted legal services.
Muncie is home to more than 3,400 veterans who can benefit from free services provided by this county agency. Benefits assistance is also available to family members and survivors. Service officers with the Veterans Affairs Office can help seniors apply for government benefits, appeal decisions and access programs that help with health care, long-term care and transportation.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Muncie
Muncie-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Indiana are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Indiana page for more information about these laws.
