Indiana has a vast selection of quality senior care options, and features over 541 nursing homes statewide. For seniors needing comprehensive assistance around the clock, a skilled nursing home can be a great option to pursue. Recent initiatives have ensured that Indiana’s nursing homes are some of the best in the nation, so finding the right fit for your elderly loved one is now easier than ever.
| City | Monthly Minimum | Monthly Maximum | Monthly Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | $5,325 | $5,935 | $5,935 |
| Elkhart | $5,325 | $7,180 | $6,570 |
| Evansville | $4,870 | $7,400 | $5,900 |
| Fort Wayne | $5,170 | $6,850 | $6,115 |
| Lafayette | $5,140 | $7,180 | $6,700 |
| South Bend | $5,870 | $7,580 | $6,725 |
Median annual rates for nursing homes in Indiana can vary quite a bit depending on their location. The statewide average for a private room is $91,250 with semi-private rooms averaging around $78,475. Skilled nursing care in Indiana can be a heavy expense for many families. Fortunately, there are programs such as Medicaid to take the edge off steep medical bills.
For more information on nursing home care costs in California, check out: Genworth's 2015 Cost of Care Survey - Indiana.
In Indiana, there are numerous sites to see including the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art. On display are various paintings and sculptures from the early 19th century. The museum features works from leading Western artists and also features Native American art from all over North America.
Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is the world's largest auto racetrack. It is home to well-known races of the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1987 and is is the only type of site in automobile racing history. On the grounds, you can also visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which is home to the Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
For lovers of the outdoors, check out White River State Park. Located in Indianapolis, the 250-acre park is home to gardens, museums, trails, waterways, and more. Grab a kayak or paddleboat and enjoy scenic skyline views as you drift down the 1.5-mile Central Canal. Catch some live music down on The Lawn, which has been named a top 100 venue and has hosted many famous artists. With multiple things to do, you'll go back to White River State Park again and again.
Indiana is known for their Midwestern hospitality and conservative values. It is a state of hardworking Amish and farmers, and because of that, there is a deep respect for farming endeavors. The state also seems to have and obsession with sports, particularly with motor racing and basketball. If you enjoy outdoors or athletics, you will probably enjoy living in Indiana.
Indiana is one of eight states that make up the Great Lakes Region. Major river systems in Indiana include the Ohio River and the Wabash River while Lake Michigan borders the state to the northwest. The state experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures typically in the upper 80s. Winter bring chill temperatures in the 30-degree range, and anywhere from 14 to 80 inches of snow per year depending on your location in the state. The state gets approximately 45 inches of rain annually as well. Indiana is vulnerable to tornadoes, and ranks in the top 20 tornado-prone states in the U.S.
Nursing homes in Indiana are regulated by agencies in the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). The Health Care Quality Commission is responsible for providing health care certification and licensing programs while the Division of Long Term Care oversees licensed nursing homes. Nursing homes are evaluated on a yearly basis to make sure that the homes are up to code and are following regulations. If regulations are not being followed, state employees will come back and continue to monitor nursing home efforts until they are up to standard.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ligonier | 0.23 | 2.74 |
| Zionsville | 0.23 | 5.83 |
| St. John | 0.32 | 6.36 |
| New Whiteland | 0.35 | 6.56 |
(source: safewise.com)
There are several ways to pay for skilled nursing care in Indiana. One’s personal resources can be used to pay for care, however, many homes will require advanced payments of up to a month in advance. Another option is private insurance, available as a result of Indiana’s Partnership Policy. This route is most affordable when purchased during an individual’s 50’s and can help preserve assets.
Medicare will only cover short-term skilled nursing rehabilitation in Indiana for a maximum of 100 days, requiring an approximate $119 of co-payment after the 20th day. After one’s own financial resources have been used or there is little income to start with, Medicaid is available as a Federal and State joint assistance program. Breaks are typically provided for married couples in order to retain assets and income where possible. There are several different variations of Medicaid in Indiana.
As a nursing home resident, you have rights outlined by Indiana law. You have the right to exercise the rights afforded to you as a U.S citizen and resident. You have the right to quality care without discrimination as well as the right to privacy and confidentiality. Residents have the right to participate in making decisions in regards to their care plan and treatment, as well as the right to refuse treatment, medications, or experimental procedures.
An initiative from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was implemented across several states, including Indiana, to ensure quality senior care options and an improved assessment and management of homes. As a resident, it is your right to be aware of whether nursing home employees are following all health and safety regulations. Any complaints or incident reports can be filed with the Indiana State Department of Health with the proper forms.
Accessing your individual medical records is another right of residents in nursing homes. Records are to be accurate and readily available to individuals receiving skilled nursing care in Indiana. Medical records are to be retained for at least 7 years under Indiana law and must fully describe the specifics of the services provided. Each state is slightly different in their approach to receiving one’s personal records, so make sure you’re familiar with the guidelines for your state.
Remember, just because someone enters a nursing home doesn’t mean their freedoms as an American citizen are left behind. The federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law ensures that you are treated with dignity and provided with the appropriate care and accommodations. You still retain the right to manage your own finances and participation in receiving care and other nursing home activities. If ever these rights are violated, contact a lawyer well versed in elder law.
After reviewing the options and benefits of nursing homes in Indiana, we hope your transition to long-term care can be a happy and enjoyable experience!
