In Indianapolis, the first decision is to distinguish guidance from direct service. CICOA is the Area Agency on Aging for a region that includes Marion County; Indiana sets program rules, and nonprofits may deliver food or provide daytime care. A call to the regional agency can identify the right entry point, but it does not replace a Medicaid assessment or guarantee an opening.
The CICOA Resource Center, at (317) 803-6131 or (800) 432-2422, offers free initial guidance on long-term care, in-home support, and referrals. CICOA serves eight central Indiana counties, not only the city. Staff can discuss the state CHOICE program, whose published rules include age 60 or a disability, risk of losing independence, and assets within the program limit; there is no income limit, although cost sharing may apply and funds are limited.
For food, Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana serves Indianapolis and Marion County through Seniors RISE. It is intended for people age 55 and older with chronic illness, those who are homebound, or those needing nutrition support. The organization may deliver one hot and one cold meal on service days; it lists a donation-supported discounted flat rate and additional discounts for some clients, but asks callers to confirm the price. Start online or call (317) 252-5558.
When a family needs a supervised daytime setting, A Caring Place at Catholic Charities Indianapolis serves adults age 60 and older with physical or cognitive impairments. The center offers recreation, social contact, health monitoring, medication administration, lunch, and a snack. Its page lists transportation within nine miles, subject to address and availability confirmation; no fee is posted, so ask about cost and possible assistance before planning regular attendance.
The federal Older Americans Act generally starts at age 60 and has no income limit, but Indiana warns that funding may not cover every requested service. INconnect also routes callers to caregiver support, group meals, transportation, and respite. Distinguish those services from Indiana CHOICE and PathWays for Aging: CHOICE is a non-Medicaid state program with asset limits and possible cost sharing; PathWays is Medicaid for eligible people age 60 and older.
Have the ZIP code, age, diagnosis, difficult daily activities, household members, approximate income and assets, and current insurance ready when calling. Ask who conducts the assessment, whether it happens at home, which documents are accepted, and whether there is a waitlist. For meals, ask whether frozen food can be stored and reheated; for adult day care, confirm mobility, schedule, transportation, and medication support.
Everyday nonmedical care can exceed what Medicare pays; coverage depends on the service and a qualifying medical need. To find another public or nonprofit provider outside Area 8, use Indiana’s INconnect Alliance directory or the federal Eldercare Locator. Call 911 for emergencies; suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation should be reported to Indiana Adult Protective Services.
About CICOA — CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions.
Senior Meals and Nutrition — CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions.
CHOICE Program — Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
Older Americans Act and Family Caregiver Support — Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
Get Meals — Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana.
A Caring Place Adult Day Services — Catholic Charities Indianapolis.
Area Agencies on Aging / INconnect Alliance — Indiana FSSA.
Long-term care — Medicare.gov.
Eldercare Locator — U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Information checked against official agency and provider pages on October 23, 2026. Enrollment, cost, and availability are determined case by case and may change; confirm requirements before arranging a service.
Start with CICOA to compare options and ask about CHOICE; apply directly to each meal or adult-day provider and confirm cost and openings.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions
8440 Woodfield Crossing Boulevard, Suite 175, Indianapolis, IN 46240
CICOA is the Area Agency on Aging for Marion and seven other central Indiana counties. Its ADRC provides free guidance; programs include care management, caregiver support, meals, transportation, home modifications, and in-home assistance, subject to program rules, assessment, and availability.
Nonprofit Area Agency on Aging and resource center
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana
The organization serves Indianapolis and Marion County with home-delivered meals. Its Seniors RISE program supports people age 55 and older who have chronic illness, are homebound, or need nutrition support; donations help keep the rate low, and additional discounts may be considered.
Nonprofit meal and older-adult support organization
Catholic Charities Indianapolis — A Caring Place Adult Day Services
4609 North Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208
A Caring Place provides person-centered daytime support for adults age 60 and older with physical or cognitive impairments. Services include recreation, socialization, health monitoring, medication administration, lunch, and a snack; published fees are $75 for a full day, $50 for a half day, and $15 per transportation trip within nine miles, with financial assistance available.
Nonprofit adult day service and caregiver support
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Catholic Charities Indianapolis · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indiana FSSA · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Medicare.gov · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Administration for Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information ↗
Primary source
CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions ↗
Primary source
CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions ↗
Primary source
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information ↗
Primary source
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana ↗
Primary source
Meals on Wheels of Central Indiana · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information ↗
Primary source
Catholic Charities Indianapolis · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Catholic Charities Indianapolis — A Caring Place Adult Day Services ↗
Primary source
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.