15 Assisted Living Communities in Elkhart County, Indiana

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,043 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 15 Assisted Living Communities in Elkhart County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Elkhart County, IN

• Assisted Living: $4,043
• Nursing Home Care: $6,705
• In-home Care: $4,195
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,842

On average, Elkhart County seniors pay $4,043 per month for assisted living, which is comparable to the national average of $4,000 and about $400 less than the statewide median of $4,385. This is lower than the monthly average in several communities in this region of Michigan, including South Bend ($4,625), Muncie ($4,785) and Lafayette ($5,205). The price for assisted living is almost $400 less in Kokomo ($3,625), and over $1,000 less expensive in Fort Wayne, where seniors pay just $2,978 per month.

Note: Data for senior care costs in Elkhart County wasn’t available, so data for the city of Elkhart was used instead.

The cost of senior care in Elkhart County varies considerably based mainly on the level of care and whether room and board are included. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities provide housing and meals, but assisted living doesn’t include skilled nursing care on a 24/7 basis, so it costs just $4,043 compared to $6,705 for a semiprivate room in a nursing home. One-on-one services provided by homemakers and home health aides average $4,195 per month, while adult day health services offered on weekdays in a group setting cost $1,842. Prices for these care options only include direct service hours. The total monthly expenses seniors pay are much higher when household operating expenses and groceries are considered, which increases the costs in comparison to the monthly rate paid for assisted living.

Americans with limited income and resources are provided with a health care safety net through Medicaid, the jointly funded program regulated by the federal government and administered by each state. In Indiana, over 1.3 million residents are enrolled in the state Medicaid program, including adults with disabilities and the elderly.

Those who meet the program’s eligibility requirements are covered for a full range of medical services, including primary and specialist care, inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital services, prescription drugs, X-rays, lab tests and institutional nursing home care.

Qualifying for Indiana Medicaid 

To qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants. They must be assessed as needing a nursing-home level of care and aged 65 or older or blind or disabled if aged 64 or younger. Those eligible for Supplemental Security Income are automatically enrolled in Indiana Medicaid when they apply for benefits. All other residents must have:

• $2,313 or less in monthly income per individual
• $2,000 or less in countable assets if single or $3,000 if married and applying with a spouse

All sources of income count toward the limit, but a few assets are disregarded, including a principal home valued at up to $585,000, household effects, personal belongings, one automobile and irrevocable burial trusts.

If only one spouse applies, the non-applicant’s income isn’t counted. The spouse remaining at home may also receive up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s monthly income and keep up to $126,420 of the couple’s joint assets. These spousal living and resource allowances can reduce an over-limit applicant’s income and asset levels so they qualify for Medicaid coverage.

Elkhart County seniors can apply for Indiana Medicaid online or call (800) 403-0864.

Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver

The state Medicaid program only covers long-term care in nursing homes as an entitlement, but it does provide an alternative for home and community-based care through the Aged and Disabled waiver. To qualify, seniors must be Medicaid-eligible and require the level of care normally provided in a nursing home but be physically and cognitively able to live in a community setting.

Those enrolled in the A&D waiver receive comprehensive Medicaid medical coverage plus necessary support services provided in their home, an assisted living facility or licensed adult foster home. Each person receives case management services and a personalized care plan that may include goods and services, such as:

• Transition assistance to relocate back to the community from a nursing home
• Personal care and help with activities of daily living
• Assisted living services
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies
• Nutritional supplements
• Prepared meals and snacks
• Transportation

Seniors who meet the eligibility requirements may have to wait to receive A&D waiver services due to statewide enrollment caps.

Seniors in Elkhart County who wish to enroll in the program should apply for Indiana Medicaid and then contact REAL Services, Inc. at (574) 284-2644 to schedule an assessment.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

PACE programs in Indiana provide residents aged 55 and older with comprehensive medical and long-term care services in their community. To enroll, seniors must be eligible for Medicaid, or dually qualified for Medicaid and Medicare and reside within a PACE service area. They must also need a nursing home level of care but able to live safely outside an institutional setting. Those who enroll are assessed by the PACE interdisciplinary team and receive an individualized care plan that includes Medicaid medical care and supportive services to meet their needs, such as:

• Adult day care

• Nutritious prepared meals

• Recreational and social programming

• Personal care assistance

• Occupational, physical and speech therapy

• Transportation

While the PACE program doesn’t cover room and board or the cost of care in an assisted living setting, the various services it provides may help residents lower their total monthly care costs.

Elkhart, Goshen and Wakarusa are within the local program’s service area and interested seniors living in these Elkhart County communities can contact St. Joseph PACE at (574) 247-8700 to learn more or apply.

Residential Care Assistance Program

Disabled or frail Indiana seniors who wish to avoid nursing home admission may be eligible for help paying for assisted living through the state Residential Care Assistance program. To qualify, applicants must be eligible for SSI or Medicaid benefits and blind, disabled or aged 65 or older. Additionally, they must:

• Require daily support but not a nursing home level of care

• Live in or be willing to relocate to a state-licensed residential care facility that’s contracted with the Division of Aging

Participants in the program can receive care coordination, housekeeping and laundry services, accommodations and meals. Based on availability, approved seniors may have to relocate outside Elkhart County or be placed on a waiting list to receive assistance.

To learn more about the RCAP program or apply, Elkhart County seniors can contact REAL Services, Inc. at (574) 284-2644.

The Elkhart County Council on Aging provides transportation services to help area seniors access essential services, such as medical, vision and dental care or the bank, pharmacy and congregate meal sites. Rides can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on a limited basis on Saturday. Elkhart County Council on Aging Transportation Services
31 W. Tyler St., Suite 1A, Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 295-1820

As the designated Area Agency on Aging, Real Services, Inc. operates the Aging and Disability Resource Center serving Elkhart County. The ADRC provides county seniors and their families with a single access point for personalized information and referrals for local, state and federal aging-related resources. Available programs and services include geriatric care management, senior nutrition and meals-on-wheels, long-term care options counseling, long-term care advocacy, health and wellness education and in-home support. REAL Services, Inc. ADRC
1151 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601
(800) 552-2916

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.