Indiana continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Find Continued Care in Indiana

Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay. Depending on your location and specific needs your options may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often imbue their philosophies and ideals within the communities.

Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions In Indiana

From the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory to the Hendricks County Senior Center, Indiana offers a wide range of activities and attractions for senior lifestyles. Numerous museums and outdoor markets can make for charming afternoons about town, providing a nice outlet for meeting others in the local community. Indiana is also widely known for its sporting events and teams, such as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Indianapolis Colts. If sports aren’t quite your interest, there is still something for just about everyone.

Indiana's Climate, Geography, and Culture

The average temperature is 52 degrees, with an average low temperature of 41 degrees, and an average high temperature of 62 degrees. The summers are usually wet and warm with temperatures in the 80s while winters are cold with temperatures in the 30s and 40s. The spring and fall temperatures range between the 50s and 70s. During the spring thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods occur often due to the temperature transitions. Indiana stresses the arts and is always looking to welcome creative minds into the community. The state is perfect for retirees looking to explore the creative talent that our country has to offer.

Indiana's Personal Care Home Regulations and Laws

Continued care homes in Indiana are subject to a list of rules, regulations, and laws that can be found on the Indiana Government website. Indiana uses these regulations and laws to ensure that you or your senior is getting the best possible care.

Crime and Safety in Indiana

When seeking a long-term care option, finding a safe and respectable community is advantageous to the overall health and wellbeing of your elderly loved one. Of the many cities in Indiana, a few stand out as being safer than others. Indiana is average when compared to the national median for violent and property crimes, so it’s as good a place as anywhere to seek a quality senior care option.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Zionsville	.08	2.57
Ligonier	0	4.1
New Whiteland	1.05	4.58

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in Indiana

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a buy-in option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. This includes monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,00
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extended to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a paying on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights for Personal Home Care in Indiana

Just because your senior is entering a continuing care facility, does not mean that their rights are thrown away. Residents have the right to manage their personal and financial affairs and air grievances. Additionally, all services provided and a description of your rights within each particular CCRC are to be displayed and understood upon entering into your continuing care contract.

Indiana Personal Care: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Many CCRCs will require that applicants present medical records and/or health screenings. Unfortunately, it is common for applicants with frailties and those older than 80 years of age to be denied admission, especially if their pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from the health care coverage to be provided. Residents receiving any type of medical attention in Indiana are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws require that these records are available to access at any time. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.