The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Elkhart, IN for 2024

 

Alzheimer's disease is a significant nationwide problem, affecting up to 1 in 9 seniors, so a sizable proportion of the 65+ community can be affected even in small cities. In Elkhart, seniors comprise 13.6% of the population of 53,801, which means at least 813 people may be living with Alzheimer's. Fortunately, CDC data shows deaths from the condition have only risen by 2.4% from 2016 to 2020 in this city, compared to the doubling of mortality across the entire country, which quality dementia care can help reduce.

Memory care focuses on establishing routines and creating familiarity to ensure seniors with Alzheimer's can maintain a fulfilling lifestyle. Facilities providing this type of care feature simple floor plans and security measures such as coded doors to keep seniors safe. Caregivers are specially trained to apply behavioral management strategies and show empathy, creating a safe and comfortable home.

In this guide, families can learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of memory care in Elkhart and compare prices with other cities to find the ideal facility for loved ones.

The Division of Long-Term Care, which is part of the Indiana State Department of Health, is responsible for ensuring memory care facilities meet state standards and follow all applicable laws. Families can learn more about these laws by contacting the agency or browsing its website.

 

• Elkhart has 128 physicians per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 210. However, the city's health care costs run 19.8% below the U.S. average, and seniors can access medical treatment locally at the Elkhart General Hospital, located toward the city's center, reducing the need to travel.
• Elkhart's overall cost of living is exceptionally low, rated at 79.9 on an index where the U.S. average is 100. While this figure is skewed slightly by the city's highly affordable housing, other expenses, such as groceries and transportation, still fall below the national average.
• Although the city has 28 fewer sunny days per year than the national average, seniors may appreciate the cool conditions. Elkhart's continental climate, with frequent light rain and average high temperatures 3 degrees below the U.S. average, gives the city a summer comfort index rating of 9.1 out of 10 during the warmer months.
• Elkhart is located just a short drive from Chicago, which may allow family members living there to visit more regularly. Chicago also has several airports, such as O'Hare International, for relatives who live out of state or overseas.
• Crime rates are very high in Elkhart, with violent crimes ranking at 68.6 on a 100-point index compared to the U.S. average of 22.7 and property crimes also ranking 22.3 points higher than the national figure. Luckily, seniors are typically very safe in dementia care facilities, many of which have surveillance and security personnel.
• The air quality index sometimes surpasses 100 in Elkhart, which may cause discomfort for sensitive people or those with lung conditions. However, most days, the city has a good or moderate rating, allowing seniors to sit outdoors and enjoy fresh air.
• Elkhart's income tax rate is just 0.1% higher than the national average, while the city's sales tax rate is 0.3% lower, so seniors may find they can stretch their budget a little further.

 

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we've estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth's 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Memory care typically averages $5,313 a month in Elkhart.

At an average of $5,313 per month, memory care expenses in Elkhart rank just slightly below the state average of $5,354 and the national cost of $5,625. When comparing other locations in the state, Kokomo stands out as one of the most affordable cities at $4,063, while Fort Wayne is also over $950 cheaper. Indianapolis averages $5,598 per month, and Lafayette is $1,256‬ more expensive, making it one of the least affordable cities in the state.

Memory care is one of the more expensive types of care in Elkhart, so families may want to consider other options. In-home care and home health care, which each cost $5,768, may be ideal for seniors who want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Adult day care is highly affordable at $1,300, and assisted living offers significant savings of $4,250 per month. Nursing homes are very expensive in Elkhart, averaging $8,111.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Indiana page.