Memory Care in Indiana

Q: How Much Does Memory Care Cost in Indiana?

The average monthly cost of residential memory care in Indiana is <a href="https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html">$5,125</a>. Actual costs may be higher or lower than the state average depending on the location, the amenities and which services are included or excluded.

Q: Does Indiana Medicaid Pay for Memory Care?

Yes. Indiana&#8217;s <a href="https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/212.htm">Aged and Disabled Waiver</a>, a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver, includes memory care benefits for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries.

Q: What Security Features Are Present in Memory Care Facilities?

Memory care facilities are designed to provide those living with Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and other forms of dementia with safe environments that decrease the risk of wandering. Common security features in residential memory care facilities include delayed-exit doors, electronic locks on exterior doors and motion-activated sensors that alert staff when a resident tries to exit the building. Many facilities also have enclosed outdoor areas such as fenced gardens or courtyards, and some programs use WanderGuard, a wireless monitoring system.

Q: What Are Activities of Daily Living?

Activities of daily living are the daily tasks everyone needs to perform in order to maintain basic health and hygiene. Also known as ADLs, these tasks include getting dressed, using the toilet, bathing and moving about one&#8217;s home. ADLs also include taking prescription medications, installing and adjusting prosthetic devices and preparing meals.

Q: What Types of Services Does Memory Care Provide?

Residential memory care communities provide room and board in a specially-designed facility or unit. Services also include 24-hour supervision and support from specially-trained caregivers, housekeeping and laundry service, transportation to medical appointments and daily social and recreational programming that meets the unique needs of those living with memory loss.

Q: How Many Memory Care Facilities Are in Indiana?

There are 183 memory care facilities in Indiana. They cater to seniors with memory loss. Generally, memory care takes place in settings with dementia-specific safety measures. Seniors in memory care often live in a unit which is part of a larger residential care facility. <a href="https://www.caring.com/answers/how-many-memory-care-facilities-are-in-indiana/">Read More</a>

The Midwestern state of Indiana is home to over 6.8 million people. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 16.4% of the population, which means many Indiana residents may be at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In recent years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Indiana has risen by 16.5%. Numbers are on the rise across all of America, and the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that by 2050, there will be 12.9 million seniors living with dementia.

Fortunately, communities across Indiana have taken steps to develop dementia care initiatives and programs to support this demographic. The many memory care facilities throughout the state provide a comprehensive solution for seniors dealing with memory loss. These facilities are secure environments staffed with specially trained caregivers who are on-site 24/7 to provide personalized care, daily assistance and memory-focused programming.

This guide is designed to provide information about memory care in Indiana, including how much these services cost, organizations seniors can contact for support and what senior living is like in the state.

The Cost of Memory Care in Indiana

Note: In Indiana, older adults obtain residential memory services in licensed assisted living facilities. Because these memory care has more extensive staff training requirements and specialized programming, dementia care typically costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. Nationwide memory care cost data isn’t available, so we calculate residential dementia care costs by adding 25% to the assisted living rates in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Indiana is a moderately priced option for dementia care, with seniors paying $5,298 per month for services. This is several hundred dollars lower than the national rate of $5,625. In Kentucky, memory care rates are among the lowest in the country at $4,310. Seniors in Michigan pay $5,313, and in Illinois, rates are comparable to the national average at $5,610. Ohio is a relatively expensive place to obtain care, with memory care facilities charging $5,794 per month.

Across surveyed cities in Indiana, Kokomo has the most economical memory care rates, with facilities charging an average of $4,063 for monthly services. In the South Bend area, care costs are a little more at $4,135, and in Muncie, fees are slightly higher at $4,619. In the Elkhart area, rates exceed the state average at $5,313, and in the capital city of Indianapolis, memory care facilities charge $5,598. Seniors in Columbus pay $5,826, and in Terre Haute, rates are the highest surveyed in the state at $6,185.

Kokomo

$4063

South Bend Area

$4135

Muncie

$4619

Elkhart Area

$5313

Indianapolis

$5598

Columbus

$5826

Terre Haute

$6185

Memory care is among the costlier long-term senior care options in Indiana, with residents paying $5,298 for monthly services. The only care option with higher monthly fees is nursing home care, which costs an average of $7,270 for shared rooms and $8,700 for private rooms. Home-based care is moderately priced at $4,767 for basic home care and specialized home health care, and standard assisted living is several hundred dollars cheaper at $4,283. Adult day health care is the most economical senior care option at $1,733 per month.

Memory Care

$5298

Assisted Living

$4283

Home Care

$4767

Home Health Care

$4767

Adult Day Health Care

$1733

Nursing Home (semiprivate)

$7270

Nursing Home (private)

$8700

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Indiana?

Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Indiana.

Indiana Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for qualifying Hoosiers. While it doesn’t cover memory care services directly, individuals may obtain services under the state’s Aged and Disabled Waiver. This waiver is for those with extensive care needs that qualify them for nursing home placement but who want to remain in a residential care facility. Seniors may obtain covered services in assisted living facilities that provide memory services, in adult day programs or in their own homes.

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Indiana?

Indiana Medicaid’s A&D waiver covers a full range of services to meet the needs of those in long-term care. Many services under this waiver are consumer-directed, meaning individuals choose their own providers. The services an applicant receives under this waiver depend on their specific needs. Unlike Medicaid, which is an entitlement with guaranteed coverage for everyone who qualifies, the A&D waiver has a limited number of slots. Eligible individuals may be placed on a wait list until an opening is available.

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Indiana

Aging and Disabled Waiver

The A&D Waiver covers services tailored to the needs of individuals, helping them remain in residential care and avoid nursing home placement for as long as possible. Enrollees are assigned case managers who review their needs and create service plans that determine what services the individual receives. Covered services include:

Residential memory care services
Specialized medical equipment and supplies
In-home and out-of-home respite care
Nutritional supplements
Health care coordination
Community transition services to help an individual move out of a nursing home and into residential care
Attendant care
Adult day services

Eligibility for the A&D Waiver is based on residency, whether the individual lives in a qualifying facility, their income and assets and their level of functioning. To apply for services, seniors or their responsible person can call the Division of Aging at (888) 673-0002 or their local Area Agency on Aging.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Indiana

To qualify for memory care coverage under the A&D waiver, applicants must meet financial guidelines. The waiver has a monthly income limit of $2,523 before taxes. This includes all income, including Social Security benefits, pension income and withdrawals from retirement accounts. Spouses applying for the waiver may each have a monthly income of up to this amount. If only one spouse is applying, only their income is considered. To ensure their spouse’s financial security, Indiana has a spousal impoverishment protection law in place.

Single applicants can have up to $2,000 in countable assets, including cash, checking and savings accounts, vacation properties and investments. Married applicants applying together can have joint assets up to $3,000. If one spouse is applying, up to $2,000 in countable assets can be in their name, and their spouse can have up to $137,400.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Indiana

Name	Income limit	Asset limits
Single Applicant	$2,523 per month	$2,000
Married (both spouses applying)	$2,523 per month per spouse	$3,000
Married Applicant (one spouse applying)	$2,523 per month (applicant)	$2,000 (applicant) $137,400 (non-applicant)

Seniors must meet other eligibility criteria to apply for the A&D waiver. These include:

Residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents
Place of Residence: Applicants must be living in or willing to move to a memory care facility that accepts payment from the A&D waiver instead of in a nursing home
Functional: Applicants must need help with at least three activities of daily living, including mobility, toileting and personal grooming

How to Apply for Medicaid in Indiana

To apply for Medicaid and the A&D Waiver, seniors can fill out and submit a paper application at their local Division of Family Resources office. They may also apply online through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration portal or through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace, or they may call the Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 403-0864. Once the application and all necessary documentation are submitted, the approval process may take up to 90 days, though many who qualify are approved within a shorter time frame. To follow up on their application, individuals can call the FSSA or check their application online.

Information You Will Need

Applicants must submit all necessary documentation to apply for Medicaid. This includes:

Proof of their name and date of birth
Social Security number
Proof of income, including public benefits
Bank statements showing the amount of money in checking and savings accounts
Documentation of other health insurance coverage, including Medicare or TRICARE

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Seniors have access to several agencies that can help them obtain the Medicaid coverage they need to pay for memory care. The following resources help individuals apply for coverage, understand their benefits and resolve issues related to denied claims.

Program	Contact	Services provided
MHS Ombudsman Program	(877) 647-5326	The MHS Ombudsman Program answers seniors’ questions regarding their Medicaid benefits, including coverage for medical services and residential memory care, finding a doctor and obtaining nonemergency medical transportation services. It also provides free assistance and advice for those experiencing problems with their coverage, such as denied claims and violations of members’ rights. The toll-free hotline is open daily, and all calls are confidential.
American Council on Aging	Contact Form	The American Council on Aging publishes information on eligibility requirements for Medicaid, including income and asset limits and how individuals can qualify if they exceed these limits. It also provides information on Medicaid planners, offering a table with the strengths and weaknesses of types of planners to help families choose the right planner for their needs.
Indiana Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit	(800) 446-1993	The Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit enforces state Medicaid laws to help keep costs as low as possible. The agency fields and investigates reports of fraud, mistakes or abuse, including billing errors, charges for services not rendered and excessive services in memory care facilities.

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Indiana?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Indiana. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Indiana.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Indiana

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

Name	How To Apply	How It Works
Aid and Attendance	Learn more and apply online at va.gov.	Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans may receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for memory care.
Reverse Mortgages	Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov	If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for memory care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance	Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.	Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for memory care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but coverage depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of memory care are not typically eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Indiana

Indiana is home to numerous government and nonprofit agencies that help seniors and families navigate memory care and community-based dementia services. Through the following resources, individuals can connect with support groups, options counselors and professionals who can help them address financial and legal issues related to dementia.

Resource	Contact	Service
Dementia Friends Indiana	(317) 254-5465	Dementia Friends Indiana is a statewide agency that provides support for seniors and families affected by Alzheimer’s. Through its Become a Friend in-person and virtual sessions, attendees can learn about dementia, get valuable information about the perspective of someone living with memory loss and develop communication skills to help them interact with a loved one with dementia. The organization also hosts memory cafes throughout the state.
Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center	(317) 274-8157	The Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center operates out of Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. It conducts research and participates in community events such as annual caregiver symposiums and Walk to End Alzheimer’s events. Individuals with and without dementia can participate in the center's studies.
Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Indiana Chapter	(800) 272-3900	The Greater Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves 73 counties within the state, providing access to information, support and services for over 100,000 Hoosier families affected by Alzheimer’s. Through this organization, seniors and families can participate in virtual and in-person early stage engagement activities such as the Learning Together program, Meet Me at IMA, Musical Moments and memory cafes. Individuals can call its free 24/7 helpline to receive emotional support and guidance on how to plan for long-term needs.
Center for At-Risk Elders	(317) 955-2790	The Center for At-Risk Elders operates as a nonprofit public guardian for those who are unable to make decisions regarding their own care and who don’t have family members to fill the role. Its lawyer-led team of trained staff and volunteers advocate for seniors who are being financially abused, neglected or exploited.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program	(800) 452-4800	The State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, impartial health insurance options counseling for Medicare-eligible Hoosiers. Trained volunteers help older adults make informed decisions regarding their health insurance options by explaining Medicare benefits, comparing Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and screening for eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid. Counselors can also help older adults review medical and long-term care bills, resolve billing errors and appeal denied health insurance claims.
Indiana Area Agencies on Aging	(800) 986-3505	Indiana has 16 Area Agencies on Aging, each with a designated service area. These nonprofit agencies serve those aged 60 and over through information, advocacy and direct and indirect services. Options counselors can help families make decisions regarding their loved ones’ long-term care options, and legal professionals can help individuals resolve issues related to dementia, including assigning guardianship and managing assets.
Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman	(800) 622-4484	The Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman visits memory care facilities in the state to ensure compliance with regulations. It also advocates for residents, ensuring their rights are honored and they receive the services in their care plans.

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Indiana

Indiana memory care facilities, including assisted living communities that offer memory care services, are regulated by the Indiana State Department of Health, Residential Care Facility Licensing Program. The following is a brief overview of the rules and regulations related to residential memory care in the state.

Topic	Rule
Scope of Care	Facilities that provide room and board to five or more residents must offer activities and programming that is dignified, age-appropriate and designed to meet the unique needs of those living with memory loss. Facilities may not admit any resident with medical or behavioral needs that cannot be safely managed in a non-medical residential setting.
Care Plan Requirements	Each resident of a memory care facility must undergo a comprehensive pre-admission assessment to determine their suitability for placement, and a care plan must be written and reviewed at least once every six months.
Medication Management Requirements	Staff may assist with self-administration of prescription and over-the-counter medications, so long as those medications are used under order of a licensed physician. Licensed nursing staff may administer medication if permitted under their license.
Staff Screening Requirements	Facilities must have written procedures that outline the screening of prospective employees, and these procedures must consider personal and professional references as well as any criminal convictions that could negatively impact vulnerable residents.
Staff Training Requirements	Memory care facility administrators must complete a minimum of 40 hours continuing education related to residential care every two years, and directors of memory care units must have a minimum of 12 hours dementia-specific training.
Medicaid Coverage	Indiana’s Medicaid program covers the cost of residential memory care through the Home and Community-Based Aged and Disabled Waiver.
Reporting Abuse	Concerns regarding the physical, emotional or mental abuse of a long-term care resident should be reported to Indiana’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman by calling 1-800-622-4484. The Ombudsman also deals with concerns about the quality of care in memory care programs. Situations that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of a senior should be reported to local law enforcement agencies.