Guide to Independent Living in Indiana

As the Crossroads of America, Indiana is a major part of the American Midwest. Its diverse landscape, with the Great Lake Plains in the north and the Southern Plains and Lowlands in the south, makes the state a popular retirement destination for active seniors. Of Indiana’s 6.7 million inhabitants, 16.1% are Hoosiers aged 65 or older who take advantage of the state’s low property tax and low cost of living.

Seniors living in Indiana have a number of options when it comes to independent living communities. Designed for those who are physically active and require no assistance, these communities offer residents a safe environment where they have access to entertainment, dining, medical care and a range of other amenities and hospitality services.

This guide takes a look at the cost of independent living in Indiana, comparing it with the national average and the costs in neighboring states, and discusses the price of other long-term care options. It also lists a variety of free resources within the state that help Hoosier seniors remain active and independent in their retirement.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Indiana?

Note:There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

Independent living in Indiana costs an average of $2,784 per month, slightly lower than the national average of $2,925. This cost is on a par with the neighboring state of Michigan, where seniors spend $2,763 on independent living communities. The cheapest state in the region is Kentucky ($2,241), while the most expensive states for independent living are Illinois and Ohio, where retirees pay $2,917 and $3,013, respectively.

The Cost of Independent Living in Indiana’s Top Cities

The cost of independent living varies throughout Indiana. For example, seniors in the state capital of Indianapolis can expect to pay an average of $2,911 per month, while those slightly north in Kokomo pay just $2,113, the lowest rate in the state. North Indiana cities are more comparable to each other, with Michigan City and Fort Wayne retirees paying $2,351 and $2,265. Toward the south, Columbus seniors spend $3,030 per month. The western city of Lafayette has the highest independent living rates at $3,416.

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care

Different care options are available to seniors living in Indiana, and costs vary depending on the level of services they provide. The cheapest option, at $1,733 per month, is adult day health care, where seniors spend their daytime hours in a safe environment and take part in a range of activities. The next-cheapest option is independent living ($2,784). Assisted living communities charge $4,283 per month, an additional $1,499 for extra services, such as assistance with activities of daily living. Hoosiers who choose to remain in their own home can receive help from homemaker services and home health aides, both of which cost an average of $4,767. Nursing home facilities charge $7,270 for a semiprivate room and are for those who require the highest level of care.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Indiana?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Indiana to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Indiana.

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Indiana

Seniors choosing to retire in Indiana can take advantage of a number of services designed to help them cover the cost of independent living.

• Life Insurance: Depending on the insurance provider, seniors with life insurance policies could be allowed to cash out and receive the current value of their policy to help pay for later-in-life expenses.
• Reverse Mortgage Loans: Adults aged 62 and older can take out a reverse mortgage loan against the equity in their home. This can be used to pay for independent living without the need to sell the property first.
• Annuities: Annuities provide regular payments to help older adults fund long-term care.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance can reduce the cost of independent living by covering the expense of some community services.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Indiana

There are a number of free services and resources available to seniors in Indiana. These organizations assist and support Hoosiers on a range of senior-related issues to help them improve their quality of life.

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Indiana Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from coronavirus.in.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/7/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents