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Elkhart is situated in Northern Indiana and features a low cost of living, affordable health care and a local hospital, Elkhart General Hospital. Of the city’s 54,000 residents, seniors make up about 13%, promoting access to community-based services and social programs.
Elkhart is home to several assisted living facilities, providing diverse options for those who are unable to safely and comfortably live alone but still want to maintain their privacy and independence. These residential communities feature welcoming studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, some of which accommodate pets, and they offer social and recreational activities and on-site amenities, such as beauty salons and fitness centers. They also provide daily meals, housekeeping services and personalized care plans. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities in Elkhart charge $4,250 per month for services, which is in line with the state median and affordable compared to the national monthly rate.
In this guide, we provide more in-depth information on assisted living in Elkhart, including how local care costs compare to other Indiana cities and the most common ways residents pay for services. The guide also includes a resource table with nonprofit agencies and programs that serve older adults.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Indiana. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
On average, seniors in Elkhart pay $4,250 per month for assisted living.
Assisted living rates in Elkhart come in at $4,250 per month, which is consistent with the state median of $4,283 and a little lower than the national average of $4,500.
In Elkhart, assisted living rates are among the highest in Northern Indiana at $4,250 per month. In the neighboring city of South Bend, seniors pay competitive rates of $3,308, and farther west in Michigan City, facilities charge $3,617. Care costs are even lower in Kokomo, where facilities charge $3,250 per month. In the capital city of Indianapolis, older adults pay $4,478 for monthly care, and in Bloomington, rates are on par with the state median at $4,283. In Columbus, care costs exceed the national average at $4,661, and in Evansville, rates are a little higher than in Elkhart at $4,389.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Elkhart
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Indiana.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Council on Aging of Elkhart County | (574) 295-1820 | The Council on Aging is a regional nonprofit organization that serves seniors aged 60 and over to help them maintain their safety and independence throughout their retirement years. It operates the Life Enrichment Activity Center, which hosts age-friendly fitness programs, social and recreational activities and educational seminars. It also provides transportation for older adults who don’t drive, which may supplement services seniors obtain through assisted living. The council’s transportation program can help older adults attend medical appointments, government offices, pharmacies and grocery stores. |
| REAL Services | (574) 284-2644 | REAL Services is a local nonprofit organization that’s the designated Area Agency on Aging for the Elkhart region. It operates a variety of programs for area residents aged 60 and over, including long-term care options counseling, Medicare assistance, financial guidance, congregate meals and transportation services. The organization hosts the region’s Foster Grandparent program, providing volunteer opportunities for seniors in exchange for a tax-free stipend, and it hosts the Aging and Disability Resource Center, which serves as an entry point to all community-based services in the region. It also has a long-term care ombudsman that advocates on behalf of those in assisted living. |
| Indiana Legal Services, Inc. | (844) 243-8570 | Indiana Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit organization staffed with licensed legal professionals and trained volunteers who help older adults navigate issues related to transitioning to long-term care. Through the local office, seniors can meet one-on-one with an advisor who can help them identify their options for paying for assisted living and determine whether they’re eligible for the state’s RCAP program, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. The office can also help older adults address problems that arise in assisted living, including issues with their care plans, billing problems and disputes with facility management. |
| Veterans Services | (574) 523-2342 | Elkhart County’s Veterans Services office helps older veterans obtain local, state and federal service-related benefits, including those that may provide cash assistance with long-term care. The office can screen individuals for veterans’ home placement and VA medical care, as well as Aid and Attendance and pension benefits. It can also connect older veterans with community-based services, such as transportation, emergency financial assistance and prescription drug assistance. |
| State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (800) 452-4800 | SHIP is a free statewide program that helps older adults understand their Medicare coverage and options. This program provides over-the-phone assistance from trained volunteers who can answer questions about the enrollment process, coverage limits and private Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Volunteers can also help older adults review and understand their medical bills, resolve billing errors and switch to different Medicare Advantage policies, which may help them cover long-term care expenses. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Elkhart area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
