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Independent Living in Indiana
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.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Indiana
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Indiana and its 19 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Tennessee's Top Cities
While the statewide independent living average dropped significantly in 2023, some popular cities have higher costs than others. Surprisingly, the state's largest city and capital, Nashville, has one of the lowest monthly independent living costs at $2,078. The state's second-largest city, Memphis, has a significantly higher average of $3,750. Other popular cities fall in between, including Knoxville at $2,756 and Chattanooga at $2,358 per month.
Tennessee
$2,629
Nashville
$2,078
Knoxville
$2,756
Chattanooga
$2,358
Memphis
$3,750
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Tennessee
Inflation can have varying effects on the costs of goods and services, including those provided in independent living communities. The impact may have contributed to an increase in the average cost nationwide, which rose about 5.2% from 2022 to 2023. However, Tennessee saw independent living costs drop by some 15.8% during this period.
Some states closest to Tennessee also had decreases in independent living costs, including Kentucky, where costs dropped about 3.6%, and Alabama, which decreased by 9.7%. However, other states saw prices rise, including North Carolina's increase of about 4.2%. Mississippi had a significant increase of approximately 26.9%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $3,123 | $2,629 | $2,800 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Mississippi | $2,440 | $3,096 | $3,297 |
| Kentucky | $2,898 | $2,794 | $2,830 |
| North Carolina | $2,932 | $3,054 | $3,505 |
| Alabama | $3,050 | $2,754 | $2,735 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living appeals to healthy aging adults who require little to no assistance, so it generally costs less than other senior living options. For example, assisted living in Tennessee averages $4,201 and memory care jumps to $5,115 due to the higher level of care provided. Tennessee's average independent living cost is nearly half as much as memory care at $2,629.
Assisted Living
$4,201
Memory Care
$5,115
Independent Living
$2,629
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.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Indiana
There are many resources in Indiana that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Area Agencies on Aging | Area Agencies on Aging in Indiana support older adults and their caregivers by providing services ranging from case management, Medicare fraud prevention and referrals to local programs that support the daily needs of seniors. Sixteen agencies across Indiana work with local programs to provide services such as meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments, assistance paying for heating and cooling bills and training for caregivers. Indiana seniors can call a toll-free number to learn about additional services. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Indiana provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. Contact your telephone company to begin the application process. |
| Indiana State Government Division of Family Resources | 800-403-0865 | Indiana State Government Division of Family Resources is responsible for administering cash assistance programs and benefits, including the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF offers temporary financial aid and support for low-income families with dependent children under the age of 18. Payments are based on a family's countable monthly income in relation to the size of the family. The program also offers support for basic needs, job training and employment services to help families work toward long-term self-sufficiency. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Indiana seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana's Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver | Hoosier Care participants whose health conditions make them eligible for state-funded care in a nursing home may be able to avoid placement with services provided by Indiana's Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver. This waiver pays for many different types of care services that support seniors in their own homes or in assisted living communities and stay out of the more intensive care offered at nursing homes. Services paid for or directly provided by the Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver include: • Adult day health care • Assisted living expenses • Attendant Care • Self-directed attendant care in the home • Case management support • Transitional care • Home delivered meals • Personal emergency response system (PERS) hardware • Pest control • Respite care • Transportation • Personal vehicle modifications |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Indiana seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program for Indiana seniors aged 60 and over. To qualify, seniors must have diminished mobility that makes meal preparation and shopping difficult. Seniors receive nutritious meals via home delivery or in a congregate setting at their local senior center. Meals are provided on a sliding scale, so they range from free to full price, and no senior is denied for inability to pay. The program also provides safety checks and friendly visits. | |
| Indiana State Government Division of Family Resources | 800-403-0864 | The Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income Indiana residents, including eligible seniors ages 60 and over, obtain healthy food. To qualify, seniors must meet financial, state residency and citizenship requirements. Financial criteria apply to income and asset limits. Seniors are given an electronic benefits transfer card known as the Hoosier Works card, which functions like a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores for eligible food items. It can't be used for alcohol or tobacco. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Indiana collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) | 410-659-9314 | NFB offers assistive equipment for blind and visually impaired people throughout the state. The program maintains a large inventory, but customers are encouraged to reserve equipment before a visit. |
| National Federation of the Blind | 410-659-9314 | The National Federation of the Blind operates a Free White Cane Program that distributes free canes to blind or visually impaired seniors. Seniors residing in any state, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico are eligible to receive a free cane, provided they have a need for it. The National Federation website has information for seniors about deciding what size best fits them. Interested seniors can fill out an online application as often as every 6 months. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Indiana have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Housing | 202-708-1112 | Indiana has several organizations that help low-income seniors in the state pay for vital repairs to their homes. One is the Indiana Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity, which rehabilitates homes so that seniors can stay living in them safely. Another is the Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center, an organization that provides loans and grants to seniors who need to adapt their existing dwellings to meet their changing needs. |
| FHLBank Indianapolis | 800-442-2568 | FHLBank Indianapolis provides home repair and modification services to make homes more accessible for seniors with mobility issues. Participating FHLBank financial institutions fund grants through the Accessibility Modification Program, which serves homeowners 62 years or older and their dependents under 17 years old. Any seniors with disabilities can qualify for the program. Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income HUD Income Limits to qualify for assistance. |
| Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority | 800-872-0371 | Ramp Up Indiana is a Home Repair and Modifications program in Indianapolis, IN, that helps with mobility assistance. Homeowners with household wheelchair users or other mobility issues can apply for exterior ramp installation to improve home accessibility. The pre-built aluminum or steel ramps help reduce falls and improve the quality of life for residents with mobility problems. Ramp repair is also available through Ramp Up Indiana. |
| Indiana Rural Development State Office | 317-290-3100 | The Indiana Rural Development State Office administers Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in Indiana. The USDA program is for homeowners aged 62 and older who live full-time in a residence, can't secure funding from another agency and meet the very low income guidelines for their county. Applicants must use grants to remove health and safety hazards, and loans can go toward repairing, improving or modernizing homes. Applications are available and accepted year-round at each area's local RD office. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Indiana seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Adult Protective Services | 800-992-6978 | Adult Protective Services hears complaints about abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults in Indiana, including seniors. If a senior or family member submits a report to the local APS unit, It will investigate and take the necessary measures to protect the individual. |
| Indiana Legal Services | 844-243-8570 | This organization provides free legal assistance in civil cases for seniors who meet income limit requirements. It can help with matters such as wills and estates, advance care directives, guardianships and elder abuse. It also assists with consumer rights issues, including bankruptcy, wage garnishment, repossessions and predatory lending. |
| Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 800-622-4484 | The Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman program allows residents of assisted living communities to receive advocacy help. If a resident or resident's family member believes their rights are not being protected, they can contact the Ombudsman to get help. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Indiana help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Dementia Friends | 317-254-5465 | Dementia Friends Indiana, a nonprofit run by CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, is a referral service that connects older adults with agencies that support those coping with cognitive decline. Through the organization's in-person and virtual events, including Memory Cafes and Become a Friend sessions, seniors and family members can meet others facing dementia-related challenges and learn techniques for safer home management. Loved ones can also access Help and Hope for Family Caregivers, a video series and workbook on navigating caregiving's demands. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Indiana help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Indiana resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Homestead and Over 65 Deduction | 800-457-8283 | Indiana's homestead deduction lowers the property tax burden for a resident's primary residence and up to 1 acre of land. The standard deduction is for a maximum assessed property value of $45,000 or 60% of the property's value, whichever is less. An additional deduction is available for seniors 65+ whose property value is $200,000 or less. Seniors may also apply for the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit, which limits how much their property taxes can increase each year. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Indiana retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority | 317-232-7777 | Energy assistance is available to Indiana residents who meet the program's financial restrictions, which are similar to Medicaid's income and asset limits. |
Veteran's Services
Indiana retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana VA Benefits and Health Care | Senior veterans and their dependents may receive state income tax exemptions, property tax exemptions, military retired pay and additional funds to help finance care via the Aid and Attendance program from the Indiana VA. Additionally, numerous medical services, including mental health, primary and specialty care, as well as social programs, can be accessed at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. In some cases, the Indiana VA's services are available remotely. |
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