Indianapolis Nursing Homes: Affordable Care in Indiana's Capital
Expert analysis of Indianapolis's 45 nursing homes. With $279/day costs (9% below national average) and 10 facilities rated 4-5 stars, Indianapolis offers value-focused families quality options if they know where to look.
Indianapolis at a Glance
Total Facilities
45 nursing homes
Average Rating
2.6 stars
Daily Cost (Semi-Private)
$279/day
$8,493/month • 9% below national average
High-Quality Facilities (4-5 Stars)
10 facilities (22%)
4 five-star, 6 four-star
Indianapolis Nursing Home Overview
Indianapolis, Indiana's capital and largest city with nearly 900,000 residents, offers 45 nursing homes—one of the larger markets we've analyzed. While the city leads the Midwest in economic growth and healthcare innovation, the nursing home market presents mixed results: reasonable affordability ($279/day) but limited high-quality options (only 22% with 4-5 stars).
Indianapolis Value Proposition:
- • $279/day - 9% below national average ($305/day)
- • 10 facilities with 4-5 stars (focus your search here)
- • Save $9,490 annually vs national average
- • Strong medical infrastructure supports clinical care
Indianapolis benefits from exceptional medical resources—Indiana University Health, Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network—which support nursing homes with access to specialists, hospital partnerships, and trained healthcare professionals. However, like many Midwest markets, Indianapolis struggles with staffing challenges and older facility infrastructure that impact overall quality scores.
The good news for families: Indianapolis's 10 facilities with 4-5 stars provide genuine quality options, and the city's affordability makes long-term care more accessible than coastal markets. This guide will help you navigate Indianapolis's nursing home landscape and find quality care without overpaying.
Costs & Affordability
Indianapolis nursing homes cost an average of $279 per day for semi-private rooms, which is 9% below the national average and matches the Indiana state average. This makes Indianapolis one of the more affordable major metropolitan areas in the United States for nursing home care.
| Cost Type | Daily Rate | Monthly Rate | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Semi-Private | $279 | $8,493 | $101,835 |
| Indianapolis Private | $355 | $10,806 | $129,575 |
| Indiana State Average | $279 | $8,493 | $101,835 |
| National Average | $305 | $9,150 | $111,325 |
Cost Savings Example:
Choosing Indianapolis over the national average saves $9,490 per year, or $23,725 over a typical 2.5-year stay. Compared to expensive markets like Philadelphia ($437/day), Indianapolis saves $57,670 per year.
Why Indianapolis is Affordable
- •Lower cost of living: Real estate, utilities, and operating costs are significantly below coastal markets
- •Competitive Midwest market: Regional competition keeps prices in check
- •Business-friendly Indiana: Lower taxes and regulatory costs reduce facility operating expenses
- •Moderate wage costs: Staff salaries reflect Midwest pay scales
Indianapolis offers the best of both worlds: major-city medical infrastructure at small-city pricing. For cost-conscious families who prioritize value, Indianapolis deserves serious consideration.
Quality Analysis & Star Ratings
Indianapolis nursing homes average 2.6 stars on Medicare's Five-Star Quality Rating System, matching Columbus and reflecting similar Midwest quality challenges.
Star Rating Distribution
| Rating | Facilities | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 4 | 9% |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars | 6 | 13% |
| ⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars | 10 | 22% |
| ⭐⭐ 2 Stars | 17 | 38% |
| ⭐ 1 Star | 8 | 18% |
Quality Reality Check:
56% of Indianapolis facilities (25 out of 45) have 2 stars or below. This concentration means families must actively prioritize the 10 facilities (22%) with 4-5 stars. Don't be swayed by lower costs at mediocre facilities - quality matters more than saving a few dollars per day.
What the Star Ratings Mean
Medicare's Five-Star Rating evaluates three key areas:
- •Health Inspections (50% weight): On-site surveys checking compliance with federal health and safety standards
- •Staffing (25% weight): Registered nurse (RN) and total nurse staffing hours per resident per day
- •Quality Measures (25% weight): Clinical outcomes like pressure ulcers, falls, medication management
Indianapolis's 2.6 average reflects challenges particularly in health inspections and staffing - areas that directly impact daily care quality and safety.
Top-Rated Facilities (4 Five-Star, 6 Four-Star)
Indianapolis has 4 five-star nursing homes and 6 four-star facilities. These 10 facilities should be your exclusive focus given the market's quality distribution. Here are the top-rated options:
Five-Star Facilities (4)
Hoosier Village
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 9875 Cherryleaf Dr, Indianapolis, IN
Capacity: 24 beds
Boutique continuing care retirement community (CCRC) on Indianapolis's northwest side. Small size allows exceptional personalized attention. Premium facility with higher costs reflecting quality amenities and staffing.
Fairway Village
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 2630 S Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Capacity: 53 beds
Mid-size facility on Indianapolis's south side. Good balance of personalized care and comprehensive services. Accessible location with strong community reputation. Good Medicare/Medicaid acceptance.
Southpointe Healthcare Center
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 4904 War Admiral Drive, Indianapolis, IN
Capacity: 100 beds
Larger facility with strong rehabilitation focus. Excellent for post-hospital recovery and therapy services. Modern amenities with comprehensive skilled nursing care. Convenient south side location.
St Augustine Home for the Aged
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 2345 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN
Capacity: 23 beds
Small, faith-based facility with strong legacy of compassionate care. Catholic organization but serves all residents. Northwest Indianapolis location. Intimate setting provides highly personalized attention.
Four-Star Facilities (6)
Harcourt Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation
⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 8181 Harcourt Rd, Indianapolis, IN (110 beds)
Large facility with comprehensive rehabilitation services. Good for complex medical needs and post-acute care. Northwest side location.
Marquette
⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 8140 Township Line Rd, Indianapolis, IN (57 beds)
Mid-size facility with strong quality ratings. Northwest Indianapolis. Good staffing ratios and family engagement programs.
Altenheim Health & Living Community
⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 3525 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN (87 beds)
German heritage facility with long community history. East side location. Faith-based values with inclusive care philosophy.
Rosegate Village
⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 7510 Rosegate Dr, Indianapolis, IN (150 beds)
Large CCRC with comprehensive services. Part of continuing care community. Northwest side. Good for residents needing various levels of care.
Chalet Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 4851 Tincher Rd, Indianapolis, IN (88 beds)
Strong rehabilitation focus. Good for post-surgical recovery and physical therapy. Southwest Indianapolis location.
Wellbrooke of Avon
⭐⭐⭐⭐Address: 10307 E County Rd 100 N, Avon, IN (70 beds)
Suburban location west of Indianapolis. Part of Wellbrooke network. Modern facility with contemporary amenities.
Want detailed comparisons?
View complete Indianapolis nursing home rankings with all 45 facilities, inspection reports, staffing data, and quality metrics.
Indianapolis Neighborhoods & Areas
Indianapolis's sprawling geography offers diverse neighborhoods with different advantages:
Northwest Indianapolis / Carmel
Best for: Highest concentration of quality facilities
Home to 6 of the 10 highest-rated facilities including Hoosier Village, St Augustine Home, and Harcourt Terrace. Affluent suburbs with excellent schools and amenities. Easy access to I-465. Higher costs reflect premium locations.
South Indianapolis
Best for: Value and accessibility
Fairway Village and Southpointe Healthcare Center provide five-star care. More affordable than north side. Good highway access via I-65 and I-465. Family-friendly neighborhoods with shopping and services.
East Indianapolis
Best for: Established communities, heritage facilities
Home to Altenheim Health & Living (4-star). Working-class neighborhoods with strong community ties. More affordable options. Easy access to I-70 corridor.
Downtown / Near North Side
Best for: Urban living, medical proximity
Close to IU Health Methodist, Riley Children's Hospital, Eskenazi Health. Urban setting with cultural amenities. Limited high-quality nursing home options in immediate downtown area.
West Indianapolis / Avon
Best for: Suburban setting, newer facilities
Wellbrooke of Avon (4-star) in growing western suburbs. Modern facilities with contemporary designs. Good access to I-70. Family-friendly communities with lower cost of living.
Indiana Medicaid & Financial Assistance
At $8,493 per month for semi-private rooms, nursing home care in Indianapolis is more affordable than many markets but still represents significant expense. Understanding payment options is crucial.
Indiana Medicaid Coverage
Indiana Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible low-income seniors. To qualify:
- •Income limit: $2,829/month for individuals (2025)
- •Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals (excluding home, car, and personal belongings)
- •Medical necessity: Must require nursing facility level of care as determined by state assessment
Medicaid Acceptance in Indianapolis:
Most Indianapolis facilities accept Medicaid, including several high-quality options. However, premium facilities like Hoosier Village may have limited Medicaid beds or waitlists. Ask specifically about Medicaid bed availability during tours.
Other Payment Options
Medicare (Limited Coverage)
Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days). First 20 days are fully covered; days 21-100 require copayment ($200/day in 2025). Not for long-term custodial care.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Private insurance policies can cover $3,000-$6,000/month. Indianapolis's lower costs mean policies stretch further - a $4,000/month benefit covers 47% of costs vs. only 25% in expensive markets like Philadelphia.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans may qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits (up to $2,431/month for couples, $2,050/month for individuals in 2025). Contact the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center at (317) 554-0000.
Private Pay to Medicaid Transition
Many families pay privately initially and transition to Medicaid after spending down assets. Indianapolis's affordability means private assets last longer than in expensive markets.
Need Help with Medicaid Planning?
Contact the Area Agency on Aging Association of Indiana at (317) 803-2858 or visit ageindiana.org for free counseling on Medicaid eligibility and application assistance.
How to Choose the Right Indianapolis Nursing Home
With only 10 facilities rated 4-5 stars (22% of Indianapolis nursing homes), families must be strategic. Here's a systematic approach:
Step 1: Focus on the Quality 10
Start your search with these 10 facilities only:
Five-Star Facilities (4):
- • Hoosier Village (24 beds) - Northwest
- • Fairway Village (53 beds) - South
- • Southpointe Healthcare Center (100 beds) - South
- • St Augustine Home for the Aged (23 beds) - Northwest
Four-Star Facilities (6):
- • Harcourt Terrace (110 beds) - Northwest
- • Marquette (57 beds) - Northwest
- • Altenheim (87 beds) - East
- • Rosegate Village (150 beds) - Northwest
- • Chalet Rehabilitation (88 beds) - Southwest
- • Wellbrooke of Avon (70 beds) - West
Step 2: Prioritize by Your Needs
- •Small, personalized care: Hoosier Village (24 beds), St Augustine (23 beds)
- •Rehabilitation focus: Southpointe, Harcourt Terrace, Chalet
- •CCRC (continuum of care): Rosegate Village, Hoosier Village
- •South side location: Fairway Village, Southpointe
- •Value-focused: Facilities accepting Medicaid with good quality
Step 3: Tour Thoroughly
Indianapolis Nursing Home Tour Checklist
- ✓ Cleanliness and freedom from odors
- ✓ Resident appearance and engagement
- ✓ Staff-resident interactions
- ✓ Actual staffing levels during your visit
- ✓ Call light response times
- ✓ Food quality (sample a meal)
- ✓ Activities and socialization opportunities
- ✓ Room conditions and privacy
- ✓ Staff turnover rate
- ✓ Medicaid acceptance and bed availability
- ✓ Speak with current residents/families
Step 4: Verify Costs and Payment
- •Get written pricing for both semi-private and private rooms
- •Ask about additional fees (therapy, medications, specialized programs)
- •Confirm Medicaid acceptance and transition policies
- •Understand waitlist times for preferred room types
Final Recommendation:
Indianapolis offers excellent value - quality care at affordable prices. Focus exclusively on the 10 facilities with 4-5 stars, tour multiple options, and don't compromise quality for minor cost savings. Your loved one deserves the best Indianapolis has to offer.
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