Indiana Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Indiana

Indiana is a great retirement option for senior adults, welcoming them with its small-town charm and high living standards. Continuing care retirement communities allow prospective residents to live independently, moving to a greater level of care or supervision when the time will come. Also known as life care communities, these ensure one will be able to maintain an active lifestyle, with future healthcare needs in mind.

There are about eighty communities of this kind in the state of Indiana, including non-profit and for-profit CCRCs. Common locations include: Anderson, Avon, Berne, Bloomington, Bluffton, Carmel, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, New Albany, Warren, and many more. With several levels of care in one single location, prospective residents can maintain their independent lifestyle for as long as possible. Should they become unable to live on their own or handle daily living tasks, they can transition to assisted living.

Admittance to one of the Indiana-based CCRCs is based on a number of requirements, starting with the age, which has to be over 55 or 62. Prospective residents should be financially-independent and capable of covering the rather substantial entrance fees, as well as the associated monthly fees. A reasonable state of health is a must, as there are CCRCs who reject candidates who suffer from chronic conditions. Some senior living communities also require a complex health insurance policy to be undertaken.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Indiana - financing and costs

Indiana-based CCRCs are regulated by the Indiana Securities Division, and they are divided into two main categories: non-profit and for-profit. The first category includes both CCRCs developed by corporations and church-based ones. The second refers exclusively to retirement communities belonging to corporations. The state has also created the Indiana Retirement Home Guaranty Fund, which is meant to protect prospective residents upon entering into an agreement with a retirement community.

The entrance fee for admittance in such a retirement community varies between $160,000 and $600,000. As always, the fee depends on each CCRC, its location, as well as services and amenities included as part of the contract. Monthly CCRC fees vary between $2,500 and $5,400, surpassing the national average. In comparison to other states, the fees to be paid are similar but it should be mentioned that each CCRC is free to decide on the types of contracts offered. Rent-based contracts, for instance, will automatically imply higher fees, and the same thing can be said about higher levels of care.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Indiana - services and levels of care

By choosing to live in an Indiana-based CCRC, you can benefit from a wide range of services. Prospective residents can live comfortably on their own, without having to handle household chores. Services offered by this type of senior living facility might include housekeeping, laundry and linen, maintenance, security, adapted meal plans, transportation to/from appointments, etc.

In terms of care many seniors start with independent living, as this offers the opportunity to live your golden years without any worry. Should you require more care over time, or no longer be able to handle daily living activities, the transition to a new level of care is recommended. New levels include assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. With assisted living, residents receive both personal assistance and enhanced medical care. Nursing care is advised in case of health challenges, including but not being limited to physical rehabilitation. Memory care is the standard level for those who suffer from dementia and other similar conditions.

Prospective residents are informed from the start that they can transition to a higher level of care, should their healthcare needs change. This is a plus point for CCRCs, as one is allowed to age in place. Even if their health deteriorates or they are no longer able to live independently, residents remain within the same setting and that is beneficial for their state of mind. Transitions are generally decided by medical specialists, after thorough assessments. In making this decision, the staff might also consider the potential risks associated with independent living.

CCRC in Indiana - amenities and options

These life care communities have been designed to meet every need a senior adult might have. For instance, many CCRCs in the state of Indiana are pet friendly, allowing prospective residents to live together with their beloved pets. Residents can also choose to live alone or, if they want, together with their partners. This reduces the risk of social isolation and it facilitates the grief recovery process, should the unavoidable occur.

If you were to ask any resident, they would quickly tell you all about the many wonderful amenities these retirement communities have to offer. From heated swimming pools to restaurants that offer fine dining, it seems that everything has been designed to guarantee a comfortable living experience. Residents can practice their favorite sports or take part in fitness classes, learn how to pain or become a member in one of the different social clubs.

There are also amenities developed especially for people who require higher levels of care. People who suffer from dementia can take walks in gardens that have been designed for them, requiring minimum supervision. They can work on their cognitive and memory skills in learning centers, as well as express themselves through painting in art studios. Every amenity has been chosen with care to deliver exactly the kind of experience one was looking for in the first place.

What are some of the cons and pros of moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Indiana?

You have reached the age where everything should be about comfort and pleasant living. Is life in a retirement community the best choice? Let's see a few pros and cons.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in IN

Independent living as long as your state of health allows it

Freedom to choose the contract that suits your needs the best

Part of a community that allows transitions to higher levels of care (temporary or permanent)

Non-stop medical and personal assistance, should you need it

A setting which provides for both current and future healthcare needs

Cons of moving to a CCRC in IN

It might not be easy to make the transition from one level of care to the other, especially since the loss of independence might lead to frustration

Not everyone is capable of integrating into a life care community

Might not be self-sufficient from a financial point of view

Contract might be associated with higher fees if you cannot cover the entrance fees

Might miss your old lifestyle, including family and friends left behind