10 Best Nursing Homes in Fort Wayne, IN

When paying for any kind of senior care in Fort Wayne, most individuals pay through a combination of means. These typically include personal funds, Medicaid, and Medicare. Those who were military members or spouses of military members may be eligible for special veterans benefits as well. The more you understand the financial options available to you, the easier it will be to either pay for or offset senior care costs.

Before moving your loved one to any senior care facility in Fort Wayne, you’ll want to understand how the state of Indiana regulates and licenses these communities. In Indiana, all long-term residential facilities that provide care to individuals are all licensed as residential care facilities (RCFs).

All licenses related to senior care facilities are established and set forth by the Indiana State Department of Health (IDOH). To maintain a license, a residential care facility, such as an assisted living or memory care community, must undergo regular inspections. These inspections are handled by the Department of Health’s Long-Term Care Division and occur every nine to 15 months. In addition to being inspected for compliance with state laws, nursing homes must also meet federal regulations and standards.

What are some of the standards of care that Indiana’s senior care communities are expected to maintain? First are resident rights. Residents have the right to live dignified lives and make decisions for themselves. They and any loved ones involved in the admissions and treatment plan process deserve to fully understand their care as well as any financial obligations.

Second, inspections ensure that the senior care facility is operating within legal parameters when it comes to staff-to-patient ratios, sanitation, administration, food and nutrition services, clinical reporting, personal information storage, and infection control. Inspections also consider the activities that residential care facilities make available to their residents.

Although memory care facilities are classified as RCFs, there are some additional specific requirements that must be adhered to when caring for people with memory-related issues.

• All memory care units must be under the supervision of a director with special training and at least one year of working with seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
• All personnel assigned to the unit must receive special in-service training and be up to date on dementia and Alzheimer’s best care practices.

You can find inspection reports for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities online.

Indiana Department of Health contact information

Indiana Department of Health
2 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone 317-233-1325
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Fort Wayne nursing homes

All communal living establishments where residents receive care are encouraged to follow best practices outlined by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) in an effort to lower the likelihood of spreading COVID-19, the flu, and other infectious diseases.

Senior care facilities in Fort Wayne are as unique as the residents who live there. As you begin to explore our 12 Fort Wayne senior care options partnered with A Place for Mom, you’ll see all the many options available to you. From the architectural layout of the properties to campus amenities like ponds, gardens, and swimming pools, every facility offers its own hallmarks.

Senior care designed for changing needs

Nearly every modern assisted living or memory care facility provides an atmosphere that supports and celebrates aging in place. This is why you’ll find only one stand-alone assisted living facility in all of our partner communities listed in this guide. All other facilities offer residents the opportunity to transition through different types of care as they age. Here’s the breakdown of our partners:

• 1 stand-alone assisted living facility
• 2 combination assisted living and independent living
• 3 combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care
• 6 combination assisted living and memory care

If you’re looking for more choices and are willing to seek nursing home facilities outside the 10-mile radius of Fort Wayne’s downtown, you’ll find an additional seven partner communities within 25 miles.

Plenty of things to do

Life in any assisted living or memory care facility is vibrant and full of activities. From art and cooking classes to scheduled day trips to see live performances, residents are encouraged to take advantage of all the available amenities. Some features include fitness rooms, game rooms, pavilions, libraries, and even on-site bistros. These varying activities and spaces ensure that residents have opportunities to engage in the activities that bring them joy.

Specialized care and treatment

At almost all the assisted living and memory care facilities listed in this guide, there’s always a doctor on call. Plus, most have hospice services available. You can even count on visiting specialists like podiatrists and speech therapists to make routine visits to these facilities. This can make it easier on your loved one as they won’t have to travel to get the specialized care they need.

Health care for seniors in Fort Wayne

Transportation for seniors in Fort Wayne

Seniors living in assisted living and memory care facilities in Fort Wayne generally have on-site options when it comes to getting around the city. Most seniors don’t bring a vehicle. A full 92% of all senior care communities partnered with A Place for Mom offer free transportation services for residents and 33% offer transportation for a fee. This makes it much simpler to travel around Fort Wayne with a caregiver such as a staff member or loved one.

If you or your loved one needs another option, the Community Transportation Network (CTN) is a shuttle service that is accessible and designed specifically for seniors and persons with disabilities. This is a great option for seniors needing scheduled transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, or outings.

Senior activities in Fort Wayne

While there are many activities within senior care communities themselves, there are places worth visiting outside these communities as well. Fort Wayne is home to museums, parks, and even an internationally recognized zoo.

Outdoor activities

Going outdoors doesn’t have to be limited to strolling the manicured grounds and landscaped courtyards of an assisted living or memory care community. There are more than 80 parks, all of which have a distinctive look and feel. If your loved one has a dog, be sure to stop by some of the pet-friendly parks. Head to Lindenwood Nature Preserve for light hiking and bird watching.

Another outside landmark is Parkview Field. When baseball is in full swing, you can watch the Fort Wayne TinCaps play ball. Parkview Field is also home to the Fort Wayne Farmers Market. Here you’ll find locals selling everything from fresh ingredients and baked goods to arts and crafts.

Rain or shine sites

A good way to feel more comfortable in any new city is to visit its museums. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art includes many different exhibits to enjoy and gives both senior and grandparent discounts. The museum is also accessible to those with disabilities.

To enrich your understanding of Fort Wayne’s history, consider stopping by the History Center. Housed in the impressive Old City Hall, the History Center will teach you all you need to know about Allen County. Another plus? Senior visitors 65 and older receive discounted tickets.

Stops for the entire family

Golf is always on the menu for recreational duffers. In Fort Wayne, you’ll find three city-run public golf courses: Foster Park Golf Course, McMillen Park Golf Course and Driving Range, and Shoaff Park Golf Course and Driving Range. Most offer late-day discounts and host tournaments. Of course, if mini-golf is more your speed, the Putt-Putt Fun Center is open late and has special rates for participants ages 55+ as well as for those who are active or retired military members.

When you’d rather be entertained than engage in physical activity, nothing compares with a trip to the zoo. Though the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo sounds like it’s for the younger set, it’s actually arranged to impress all visitors. From leopards and gibbons to turtles and alligators, this zoo has received many awards. Both seniors and veterans can get discounted memberships. All areas of the zoo are designed for 100% accessibility, whether you’re bringing a loved one in a wheelchair or a baby in a stroller.