Located in the northeast of Indiana, Fort Wayne lies approximately 130 miles outside Indianapolis. The city is home to a population of almost 264,000, of which more than 37,400 are seniors aged 65 or above. With a low cost of living compared to state and national averages and lower-than-average sales and income tax rates, Fort Wayne is ideal for low-income retirees. The city’s high-performing Parkview Regional Medical Center is among the best hospitals in the state, and seniors can access many clinics and pharmacies in the area. Shops, restaurants, parks and local attractions provide plentiful leisure options for active seniors.
Assisted living communities are ideal for older adults who can’t live independently but don’t need the around-the-clock monitoring and higher levels of clinical care provided in nursing homes. Assisted living care includes support with day-to-day activities, such as dressing, bathing, housekeeping and meal preparation. In Fort Worth, assisted living care typically costs around $3,485 per month, which is more affordable than the Indiana average.
This guide provides an introduction to assisted living in Fort Wayne, with details of average costs of care around the state and a list of low-cost local resources for seniors.
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.
Per Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Fort Wayne is $3,485.
Assisted living facilities in Fort Wayne cost significantly less than the state average of $4,283. Compared with the national average of $4,500, Fort Wayne seniors can save around $1,015 per month on their assisted living care.
Costs of assisted living vary widely throughout Indiana. In Elkhart, northwest of Fort Wayne, average prices rise to $4,250 per month, while Kokomo, southwest of Fort Wayne, has some of the state’s lowest monthly rates at an average $3,250. Seniors typically pay the most in Lafayette, where the median monthly cost of assisted living is $5,255. Monthly fees in Evansville are around $4,389. At around $4,478 per month, assisted living costs in the state capital of Indianapolis are almost $1,000 more than in Fort Wayne. Average rates are also higher in Bloomington, where assisted living facilities charge around $4,283 each month.
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 |
(800) 552-3662 |
Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana (AIHS) is Fort Wayne’s local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Also operating as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), AIHS is a great source of information for seniors and their family members. Options advisors can refer you to appropriate services and SHIP volunteers offer free impartial Medicare counseling. AIHS provides diverse programs to support individuals as they age, including community engagement, nutrition, wellness and health. | |
(260) 427-6460 |
Operated by City of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, the Community Center provides a safe and welcoming space for those aged 50 and above to socialize and enjoy an assortment of activities. The schedule includes computer classes, art and craft sessions, movie screenings, health checkups and education, games and fitness classes. | |
(260) 481-0404 |
Seniors aged 60 and above looking for enrichment opportunities may consider joining a course at Purdue University Fort Wayne. There’s no cost for seniors to audit classes for personal pleasure and development through the Senior Scholars Program. However, if you want a grade and certificate of course completion, you will need to pay 50% of the tuition fees, with the other half waived under the Senior Citizen Fee Remission Program. | |
(260) 424-3505 |
Active seniors can volunteer with a range of community projects through Fort Wayne’s Volunteer Center. Opportunities may be ongoing commitments or one-off events and may include fundraising, administrative tasks, mentoring, caring for animals or sharing skills. | |
(260) 432-0032 |
Senior veterans can obtain support and assistance from Post 499, a local Fort Wayne post of the nonprofit American Legion. The organization also facilitates both veteran-centered and community events. | |
(260) 373-7289 |
For a small annual fee, anyone aged 50 and above can enroll in Parkview Seniors Club. Members can benefit from comprehensive health and wellness education, exercise classes and social activities, as well as discounts on leisure, dining and personal care services from local businesses. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Fort Wayne 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.