Assisted Living in Lafayette, IN

Assisted Living Costs in Lafayette

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Lafayette is significantly more expensive than the national average ($4,000) and nearly $1,000 more than the state average ($4,385). In fact, the study shows that Lafayette is the costliest city in the state for assisted living, coming in slightly higher than the state capital of Indianapolis ($5,053) and notably higher than the nearby city of Kokomo ($3,630). In comparison, Fort Wayne has the lowest monthly average cost for assisted living in Indiana at $2,978 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care varies greatly depending on the location and also on the level of assistance that’s required. In Lafayette, the cost of a semiprivate room at a skilled nursing home facility ($8,030) is significantly higher than all other types of care, and it’s nearly $3,000 more per month than assisted living. Homemaker or home health aid services ($4,385) appear to be less expensive than assisted living; however, these services don’t account for the living expenses associated with staying at home. It’s important to consider the costs of rent or mortgage payments, utilities, home maintenance and food, which are usually included in the price for residential care at an assisted living facility.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lafayette

Medicaid in Indiana

The state of Indiana provides full health care benefits to low-income residents through its program Traditional Medicaid. Covered services include hospital care, prescription drugs, home health care and nursing facility care. Medicaid may also provide financial support for assisted living through the Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver listed below.

To qualify for Traditional Medicaid, Indiana residents must meet certain income and asset standards. The total income limit for an individual (or an individual and their spouse) is $1,041 per month. To qualify for home- and community-based services and Traditional Medicaid, an individual must not make more than $2,313 per month ($4,626 per couple). There is also a maximum of $2,000 (single) or $3,000 (married) allowed in assets. Items counted as assets include bank account balances, cash on hand, stocks and bonds and equity in a vehicle (after $5,000 has been excluded) and property (other than your current home). Institutionalized or disabled residents with slightly higher incomes may still be eligible for Medicaid by paying a monthly patient liability.

To apply for Medicaid, fill out and submit the Indiana Application for Health Coverage online or call (800) 403-0864 for assistance. To apply in person, visit your local Division of Family Resources office. You can also apply through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.

Indiana Aged and Disabled Waiver

Indiana Home and Community-Based Services programs, such as the Aged & Disabled waiver, allow Indiana Medicaid to pay for services provided at some assisted living facilities. This gives low-income seniors an alternative to nursing home admission and helps them live in the least restrictive setting while still receiving the medical care and support they need.

To qualify for financial support under the A&D waiver, residents of Lafayette must meet Medicaid eligibility guidelines and be willing to move to a Medicaid-approved assisted living facility. Participants must also be assessed by a nurse or case manager and found to need assistance with three or more activities of daily living. This is considered to be “nursing facility level of care.”

The A&D waiver is not an entitlement program. Because wait lists are common, it’s helpful to apply as soon as the need for waiver services are recognized. To learn more about the Aged and Disabled waiver, contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 457-8283. Lafayette’s local Agency on Aging office can provide assistance with the A&D waiver application process.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Residential Care Assistance Program

Indiana’s Residential Care Assistance Program provides financial support for Lafayette residents who can’t live alone in their homes and don’t require nursing facility level of care. RCAP funds can cover select services, such as room and board, care coordination and food and laundry at contracted assisted living facilities.

To be eligible for RCAP, Lafayette residents must be at least 65 years of age, blind or disabled and a current recipient of Medicaid or the federal Supplemental Security Income program. They must also be willing to reside in an RCAP assisted living facility that’s contracted with the Indiana Division of Aging.

Applications for RCAP are available online and may be completed by family or an applicant’s guardian or advocate. RCAP facilities may also assist applicants with the eligibility process.

For more information about the Indiana Residential Care Assistance Program, contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration at (800) 457-8283. Live chat help is also available on the website.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

An Elderlife bridge loan can provide temporary financial assistance for seniors who are not eligible for Medicaid or those who are waiting for benefits or a home to sell. It serves as a “bridge” for periods up to 12 months (and sometimes longer) until more permanent financial resources for assisted living can be secured.

An Elderlife bridge loan works much the same way as a credit card. A line of credit is approved and the borrower draws on the funds as needed. To qualify for this type of loan, a fairly strong credit score or co-borrowers are required. The lender may also need information about the anticipated source of permanent funding for assisted living. 

Interest rates for Elderlife bridge loans are usually higher than a home equity loan, but reasonable compared to a credit card or personal loan. As an incentive for prospective residents, some assisted living facilities may offer to pay off the interest on Elderlife bridge loans. In this case, seniors can borrow money for assisted living with no additional costs.

To learn more about assisted living bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Lafayette

Senior Centers

The city of Lafayette offers plenty of opportunities for seniors to stay healthy and active in their community. The following gathering places provide social events, fitness classes, musical programs, day trips and transportation services that encourage seniors to maintain their independence and share interests.

Hanna Community Center
2000 Elmwood Ave., Suite A, Lafayette, IN 47904
(765) 742-0191

Tippecanoe Senior Center
1915 Scott St., Lafayette, IN 47904
(765) 447-2311

Community Aid 

The Area IV Agency on Aging is a nonprofit organization that fosters a better quality of life for seniors by connecting them with helpful resources in the community. Services include Medicare counseling, support groups, educational workshops and a medical equipment loan program.

Area IV Agency On Aging and Community Action Programs
660 N. 36th St., Lafayette, IN 47903
(800) 382-7556

Veteran Services

The Veteran Services Office helps Lafayette veterans obtain federal and state VA benefits, including compensation, pension and tax deductions. The Lafayette office also provides transportation to medical appointments at VA Medical Centers in Indianapolis, IN. and Danville, IL.

Tippecanoe County Veterans Services
629 N. 6th St., Lafayette, IN 47901
(765) 742-1796