Indiana is a favorable location for older adults. Seniors aged 65 and older represent about 16% of the state’s 6.7 million residents. Thanks to the state’s competitive cost of living, which is 18% lower than the national average, retirees in Indiana may find that their income stretches further. Health care is remarkably affordable, although residents have access to cutting-edge medical care at facilities, such as the Indiana University Health Medical Center in Indianapolis and the Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Indiana also has its fair share of attractions. Residents enjoy an abundance of gardens, golf courses, museums and scenic natural areas, ranging from sand dunes on Lake Michigan to the Chain O’Lakes State Park.

Independent living is a convenient option for Indiana seniors who want to live in a comfortable, age-restricted community that offers recreational activities and helps with maintenance. Since independent living doesn’t include access to 24-hour personal care, it costs significantly less than assisted living. The median cost of independent living in Indiana is $2,848 per month, which is slightly higher than the national average. This guide provides information about average independent living prices, payment options and free resources for long-term care planning.

The Cost of Independent Living in Indiana

Note: The following Independent Living rates are calculated based on Assisted Living costs in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. On average, Independent Living is 30-40% cheaper than Assisted Living, so we reduce Assisted Living fees by 35% to estimate the following rates. 

Indiana is among the more affordable states in the nation for obtaining Independent Living services, with older adults paying $2,784 per month for care. By comparison, nationally, Independent Living communities charge $2,925. Among Indiana’s bordering states, Kentucky is the cheapest option for obtaining this type of care, with older adults paying $2,241 per month. In Michigan, rates are comparable at $2,763, and in Illinois, seniors pay $2,917. Ohio’s fees are a few hundred dollars higher at $3,013. 

$2784

Indiana

$2925

The United States

$2763

Michigan

$2917

Illinois

$2241

Kentucky

$3013

Ohio

Kokomo is the cheapest place in Indiana to live in an Independent Living community, with local residents paying $2,113 per month for services, and in South Bend, rates are a little higher but still competitive at $2,150. In Muncie, communities charge $2,402, and in Bloomington, rates come in at $2,784. Seniors in Evansville pay $2,853, and in the state capital city of Indianapolis, fees exceed the state median at $2,911. Columbus and Lafayette are the costliest options in Indiana for Independent Living, with communities charging monthly rates of $3,030 and $3,416, respectively.  

$2113

Kokomo

$2150

South Bend Area

$2402

Muncie

$2784

Bloomington

$2853

Evansville

$2911

Indianapolis Area

$3030

Columbus

$3416

Lafayette

Independent Living is the cheapest residential care option in Indiana at $2,784 per month. By comparison, Assisted Living, which is similar but includes personal care services, is over $1,000 higher at $4,283, and Nursing Home care provides medical monitoring and skilled nursing for $7,270 per month. Older adults who want to obtain care in their own homes pay $4,767 for basic In-Home Care and specialized Home Health Care. Adult Day Care is the most affordable long-term care option at $1,733 monthly.  

$2784

Independent Living

$4767

In-Home Care

$4767

Home Health Care

$1733

Adult Day Care

$4283

Assisted Living Facility

$7270

Nursing Home Care

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Indiana?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Indiana.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Indiana

There are several ways to pay for independent living, depending on a senior’s situation and financial goals. Because these services provide accommodations and services that are social and recreational, they’re not covered by programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Most seniors pay for independent living using retirement benefits or investments. For seniors who want a monthly income stream or need a lump-sum payment to pay for buy-in fees and other upfront costs, a reverse mortgage could be a good option. Additionally, long-term care insurance may pay for some personal services, such as help with meal preparation and errands. For more details, see our guide to independent living.

Independent Living Resources in Indiana

Whether seniors want to remain in their own home or move to an independent living apartment in a life plan community, there are a variety of free resources to help them make informed decisions. The following organizations can provide more information about Medicare, long-term care insurance and community-based resources, such as meals, fitness classes and transportation. 

Resource
Contact
Service
(888) 673-0002
Indiana’s Family and Social Service Administration funds a wide range of programs that benefit seniors, disabled adults, caregivers, low-income families and other vulnerable residents. The Division of Aging manages the state’s Medicaid long-term care system, and Adult Protective Services intervenes in case of abuse or neglect. Seniors can learn more about available programs through the INConnect Alliance or by calling Indiana 211.
(800) 622-4484
The long-term care ombudsman program is a statewide service that’s available to assisted living and nursing home residents, families and members of the general community. It educates seniors about their rights, provides information about long-term care options and works to resolve complaints against specific providers. All services are free and confidential.
(800) 986-3505
Indiana has 16 Area Agencies on Aging that serve seniors, caregivers and disabled adults in designated areas. These agencies provide case management services, general information and referrals for state-sponsored programs and long-term care benefits. AAAs sponsor local senior centers, nutrition programs and transportation services. Many free statewide resources are available to seniors who are interested in healthy, independent aging.
(800) 452-4800
Whether seniors are new to Medicare or existing participants, this free program provides a range of services to help them understand their benefits, rights and coverage options. Counselors complete a four-day training program to educate residents about Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug coverage, long-term care insurance and Medigap supplements. It also helps with billing issues and appeals.
(317) 205.9201, ext. 207
Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging manage the state’s Senior Medicare Patrol. This free service helps seniors and their family members detect and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and billing errors. It also educates residents about common scams and ways to prevent identity theft and protect their personal information, including their Medicare beneficiary number.
(844) 243-8570
This nonprofit law firm helps seniors and low-income Hoosiers statewide. It offers information, advice, self-help resources and direct representation to residents who have questions about civil legal issues. Attorneys focus on cases related to housing, health care, government benefits, elder abuse, consumer rights, guardianship petitions, retirement income and estate planning. The organization has offices in nine major cities, and its Senior Law Project is based in Indianapolis.

COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Indiana

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including coronavirus.in.gov/long-term-care. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/8/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Rules for Indiana Communities

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Yes

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

No

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Yes

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Yes

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Outings & Social Activities

Rules for Indiana Communities

Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Rules for Indiana Communities

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Yes

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?

Yes

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Find Independent Living Communities in Indiana

Use the tool below to find Independent Living Communities near you – if you’d like to search in a specific city in Indiana, simply put that in the search bar below.

Directory of Independent Living Communities in Indianapolis, IN

Neighborcare at Chapel Hill

230 Welcome Way Blvd., Indianapolis, IN, 46214

I chose Neighborcare at Chapel Hill for myself. They have really good prices and the utilities are included in it. The outside doesn’t match the inside. The outside looks very old, but the inside is t … (read more)
I chose Neighborcare at Chapel Hill for myself. They have really good prices and the utilities are included in it. The outside doesn’t match the inside. The outside looks very old, but the inside is t … (read more)

2016

Rosegate Assisted Living and Garden Homes

7525 Rosegate Drive, Indianapolis, IN, 46237

Rosegate Assisted Living and Garden Homes is an assisted living facility located close to the I-65 in Greenwood, Indiana. It’s a short distance from shopping centers, dining and hospitals, and residen … (read more)
Rosegate Assisted Living and Garden Homes is an assisted living facility located close to the I-65 in Greenwood, Indiana. It’s a short distance from shopping centers, dining and hospitals, and residen … (read more)

Traditions at Solana

7721 Battery Pointe Way, Indianapolis, IN, 46240

Traditions at Solana in the Indianapolis suburb of Washington Township enjoys a uniquely situated area between the White River and its nearby bay. The community’s residents and their loved ones recomm … (read more)
Traditions at Solana in the Indianapolis suburb of Washington Township enjoys a uniquely situated area between the White River and its nearby bay. The community’s residents and their loved ones recomm … (read more)

Traditions at North Willow

1703 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46260

Traditions at North Willow is a comfortable and welcoming independent living community nestled in the heart of the North Willow neighborhood. Living options include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom … (read more)
Traditions at North Willow is a comfortable and welcoming independent living community nestled in the heart of the North Willow neighborhood. Living options include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom … (read more)

American Village

2026 E. 54th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46220

American Village in Indianapolis is the epitome of a great assisted living facility. Housing options, such as garden homes, independent living and assisted living, offer seniors options through every … (read more)
American Village in Indianapolis is the epitome of a great assisted living facility. Housing options, such as garden homes, independent living and assisted living, offer seniors options through every … (read more)

Altenheim Senior Living

3525 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46237

Altenheim Senior Living is an assisted living facility located in Indianapolis, Indiana, close to a major freeway and a bustling shopping district. The facility resides on a 32-acre campus and offers … (read more)
Altenheim Senior Living is an assisted living facility located in Indianapolis, Indiana, close to a major freeway and a bustling shopping district. The facility resides on a 32-acre campus and offers … (read more)

Sycamore Reserve

8275 Craig Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46250

Sycamore Reserve is more for just senior living rather than assisted living and that suited me really well. I like the arrangement of the apartments and it’s a nice place. It’s a very nice place to li … (read more)
Sycamore Reserve is more for just senior living rather than assisted living and that suited me really well. I like the arrangement of the apartments and it’s a nice place. It’s a very nice place to li … (read more)

Spring Mill Meadows

2140 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN, 46260

I did not tour there be cause they did not provide what I needed but they were very friendly and employees were laughing, They were honoring an employee in a very big way. She gave me suggestions … (read more)
I did not tour there be cause they did not provide what I needed but they were very friendly and employees were laughing, They were honoring an employee in a very big way. She gave me suggestions … (read more)

2014, 2016

Wyndmoor of Castleton

8480 Craig Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46250

When I toured Wyndmoor of Castleton, the first thing is that it smelled bad, smelled terrible. The menu showed that there were not many choices. They had a soup and salad category. There was never any … (read more)
When I toured Wyndmoor of Castleton, the first thing is that it smelled bad, smelled terrible. The menu showed that there were not many choices. They had a soup and salad category. There was never any … (read more)

2013, 2016

Five Star Residences of Banta Pointe

6510 U.S. 31 South, Indianapolis, IN, 46227

My parents lived in an Independent living cottage home. They are big! And the sun room is a nice added bonus. They have many amenities of assisted living. However, they still had their Independence. E … (read more)
My parents lived in an Independent living cottage home. They are big! And the sun room is a nice added bonus. They have many amenities of assisted living. However, they still had their Independence. E … (read more)

2016

Robin Run Village

5354 West 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN, 46268

Robin Run Village is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis near Eagle Creek Park. Residents and visitors find that the park seems to extend to the facility, with its wooded campus, lakes, walk … (read more)
Robin Run Village is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis near Eagle Creek Park. Residents and visitors find that the park seems to extend to the facility, with its wooded campus, lakes, walk … (read more)

2014, 2016

Five Star Residences of Clearwater

4519 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46250

Five Star Residences is located in the northeastern part of Indianapolis, just minutes from both Interstate 465 and the Castleton Square Mall. The facility’s location offers easy access to several top … (read more)
Five Star Residences is located in the northeastern part of Indianapolis, just minutes from both Interstate 465 and the Castleton Square Mall. The facility’s location offers easy access to several top … (read more)

Magnolia Springs SouthPointe

4926 Sir Barton Way, Indianapolis, IN, 46237

Magnolia Springs SouthPointe in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a premier facility offering spacious rooms with small kitchens complete with a microwave, refrigerator and sink. The interior common spaces ar … (read more)
Magnolia Springs SouthPointe in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a premier facility offering spacious rooms with small kitchens complete with a microwave, refrigerator and sink. The interior common spaces ar … (read more)

Westside Garden Plaza

8616 West Tenth Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46234

We will be moving into Westside Garden Plaza. We liked it because it had a lot more activities, has a swimming pool, and a fitness center. It also has paths to walk outside. It was just beautiful when … (read more)
We will be moving into Westside Garden Plaza. We liked it because it had a lot more activities, has a swimming pool, and a fitness center. It also has paths to walk outside. It was just beautiful when … (read more)

Westminster Village North

11050 Presbyterian Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46236

We visited Westminster Village North. We saw both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments, and we ate lunch there. The tour was very thorough and all of our questions were answered. The staff we talked to … (read more)
We visited Westminster Village North. We saw both 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments, and we ate lunch there. The tour was very thorough and all of our questions were answered. The staff we talked to … (read more)

Marquette

8140 Township Line Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46260

Marquette is designed to be welcoming and bring people together. There is a strong interior/exterior connection so one feels connected with nature. Residents and staff are very friendly . The … (read more)
Marquette is designed to be welcoming and bring people together. There is a strong interior/exterior connection so one feels connected with nature. Residents and staff are very friendly . The … (read more)

The Forum at the Crossing

8505 Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN, 46240

What we liked about The Forum at the Crossing was it was a relatively large community with good options for their fitness center for the people of that age, as well as a spacious dining room and patio … (read more)
What we liked about The Forum at the Crossing was it was a relatively large community with good options for their fitness center for the people of that age, as well as a spacious dining room and patio … (read more)

Brookhaven at County Line

940 Wild Indigo Lane, Indianapolis, IN, 46227

Brookhaven at County Line is a very nice and clean place. The office was very nice and very informative. I also like the building. It was very well kept, and I’m assuming they do well because the upke … (read more)
Brookhaven at County Line is a very nice and clean place. The office was very nice and very informative. I also like the building. It was very well kept, and I’m assuming they do well because the upke … (read more)

2022

Crestwood Village South

8809 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46227

Crestwood Village South is an older complex. I remember when it was built when I was a teenager, but they seemed to be well taken care of. I talked to a couple of people who live there, and they said … (read more)
Crestwood Village South is an older complex. I remember when it was built when I was a teenager, but they seemed to be well taken care of. I talked to a couple of people who live there, and they said … (read more)

Ahepa 232 Senior Apartments

7355 Shadeland Station Way, Indianapolis, IN, 46256

The minute I saw the place, I loved it. It’s really a great place to live. The apartments are very clean and nice. The people from the office are very nice and the workers are very good. I would r … (read more)
The minute I saw the place, I loved it. It’s really a great place to live. The apartments are very clean and nice. The people from the office are very nice and the workers are very good. I would r … (read more)