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Gary is located in the northwestern region of Indiana and is home to high-performing medical facilities, including Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, a 496-bed facility with a range of primary and specialty services. Seniors account for over 19% of Gary’s 69,000 residents, ensuring access to social activities and long-term care.
During retirement, many older adults begin to experience challenges with everyday tasks, such as meal preparation, housekeeping and personal care. Fortunately, Gary has numerous assisted living facilities that provide personalized services that meet each resident’s unique needs. These residential facilities feature studios and apartment homes and provide services, such as regular housekeeping and linen services, daily meals and snacks and personal care. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that in Gary, assisted living facilities charge an estimated $3,617 per month for services, making this one of the cheapest places in the state and nation for care.
In this guide, seniors can learn more about how assisted living fees in Gary compare to rates in other Indiana cities, as well as the most popular ways residents pay their monthly care costs. The guide also highlights free resources for seniors in Gary and outlines the state regulations facilities follow.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Indiana. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Assisted living facilities in Gary charge an estimated $3,617 per month for housing and services.
Compared to state and national medians, Gary is an affordable place to obtain care, with monthly fees averaging $3,617. The state rate is higher at $4,283, and nationally, seniors pay $4,500.
In Gary, assisted living rates are among the lowest in the state at $3,617, making the city a financially sound option for those with budgetary considerations. Kokomo and South Bend are among the only cities with lower recorded monthly rates, with facilities charging respective rates of $3,250 and $3,308. In Elkhart, seniors pay $4,250 for services, and in Bloomington, care costs are consistent with Indiana’s median of $4,283. In Evansville, rates average $4,389, and in Indianapolis, costs are closer to the national median at $4,478.
Note: Data for Gary was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Michigan City, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Indiana.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Northwest Indiana Community Action | (219) 794-1829 | Northwest Indiana Community Action is the Area Agency on Aging for the Gary region, meaning that it uses funding available through the Older Americans Act to provide free and low-cost services to those aged 60 and over. It has options counselors who help seniors determine the scope of their care needs and their options for funding assisted living services, and it helps qualified individuals apply for the Medicaid Aged and Disability Waiver, which provides coverage for some assisted living services. It also houses the Indiana Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, which has volunteers who advocate for those in assisted living, involve proper authorities in instances of substandard care and help residents understand their rights and obtain the services in their care plans. |
| County Veterans Service Office | (219) 755-3285 | The County Veterans Service office educates veterans and their dependents on the services and programs available through the state and federal governments. Through this office, older veterans can apply for VA disability and pension benefits, which may help them pay for assisted living services, and they can be screened for veterans’ home placement eligibility, which may provide more economical care. The office can also help veterans access community-based services, such as counseling, prescription drug assistance and transportation. |
| Indiana Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program | (800) 452-4800 | SHIP is a statewide initiative that provides free health insurance counseling for seniors. It’s staffed with trained volunteers who provide in-person and over-the-phone assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, helping them understand their coverage, enrollment options and the Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans available in Gary. SHIP counselors can also help seniors shop for long-term care insurance and determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, RCAP and the Aged and Disabled Waiver. |
| Indiana Legal Services | (888) 255-5104 | Indiana Legal Services is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services to Hoosier seniors aged 60 and over. Older adults can contact the local ILS office for help with navigating age-related issues, such as assigning guardianship and powers of attorney, drafting wills and managing estates. The office can also help with legal issues related to assisted living, including insufficient or excessive care, billing errors and unfair move-in and move-out procedures. |
| Retired & Senior Volunteer Program | (219) 464-3583 | The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program is a free volunteer placement agency with exclusive opportunities for those aged 55 and over. Volunteers enjoy flexible hours that fit their interests, abilities and schedules, and they can serve in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, libraries, museums and performing arts centers. They receive benefits, such as limited mileage reimbursement, supplemental liability insurance, on-the-job training and invitations to social and recognition events throughout the year. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Gary area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
