Carmel Health & Living Community ranks as a mid-tier healthcare facility in Indiana, earning a 3.5 out of 5 rating from resident reviews. The Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home operates 188 beds while charging $1,200 monthly for basic care, significantly below competitor rates reaching $3,900.
Recent data shows mixed performance metrics at the facility. The 52.9% rehabilitation-to-home rate surpasses state averages, demonstrating successful short-term care outcomes. However, serious falls occur more frequently than regional benchmarks, while nurse staffing levels fall below standard ratios.
This comprehensive analysis examines the facility’s care quality, living conditions, costs and resident experiences to evaluate its suitability for potential residents. The review draws from official records, resident feedback and on-site observations to present an objective assessment of this nursing care option.
Overview of Carmel Health & Living Community
Carmel Health & Living Community runs a for-profit healthcare operation serving 133.4 residents daily across its 188-bed facility.
Facility Background and History
Hamilton County owns the property while a for-profit entity manages operations. The facility reports zero fines or penalties through late 2023. Medicare and Medicaid certifications enable broad resident access, though the facility operates independently from continuing care retirement networks.
Location and Accessibility
The facility sits at 118 Medical Drive in Carmel, Indiana, part of a rapidly expanding metropolitan area. Residents can walk to local shops and restaurants. Several hospitals and medical offices operate nearby, providing quick access to specialized care.
Types of Care Services Offered
Core services include:
- Independent living apartments
- Short-term rehabilitation
- Long-term skilled nursing
- Memory support programs
- Respite care
- Hospice care
Monthly costs range from $2,100 to $7,604, varying by care level. The facility emphasizes family involvement through communal spaces and visiting areas.
Each resident receives personalized care plans and access to specialists including psychologists, audiologists, optometrists, dentists and podiatrists. The pet-friendly policy helps create a more residential atmosphere.
Quality of Care Assessment
Nurse staffing data shows troubling patterns at Carmel Health & Living Community. The facility provides 3 hours and 20 minutes of nurse staffing per resident daily, below Indiana’s 3-hour 38-minute average and the national 3-hour 46-minute standard.
Staff-to-Resident Ratio Analysis
Nursing staff turnover reached 73.8% over 12 months, significantly exceeding Indiana’s 50.7% average. The facility serves 136 residents across 188 certified beds while providing just 0.3 hours of daily nursing care per resident.
Medical Care Standards
Recent health inspections paint a mixed picture. The facility earned an ‘A’ grade but faces operational hurdles. Inspectors found 30 deficiencies, including:
- Two safety violations related to infection control
- Several quality-of-care issues in medication management
- Problems with pain control and pressure ulcer care
The facility reports some positive outcomes. Urinary tract infection rates stand at 0%, while pneumonia vaccination coverage reaches 94.469%, surpassing many peer facilities.
Emergency Response Protocols
Emergency room visit data shows modest performance. Short-term residents require emergency care at a 9.4% rate, better than Indiana’s 11.5% and the national 11.9% average. The facility logs 1.0 emergency visits per 1,000 patient days, slightly below Indiana’s 1.3 average.
Carmel Fire Department’s EMS Division protocols guide emergency responses. The system emphasizes risk reduction and preventive measures. Strong relationships with local hospitals and physicians enable rapid emergency care when needed.
Living Environment and Amenities
Carmel Health & Living Community operates at 70% occupancy, offering residents private accommodations within its multi-wing complex.
Room Types and Accommodations
Private studio and one-bedroom apartments dominate the living spaces. Each unit comes equipped with:
- Kitchenettes featuring microwaves and compact refrigerators
- Resident-controlled climate systems
- Wall-to-wall carpet installations
- Emergency response systems
- Cable TV and utility hookups
- Safety-enhanced private bathrooms
Common Areas and Facilities
Multiple dining rooms and a central living room anchor the community spaces. Recreational facilities include:
A rehabilitation-focused therapy gym Landscaped outdoor courtyards Social pub and lounge space Professional styling salon Free laundry rooms
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Weekly housekeeping services maintain facility standards. The maintenance team handles:
- Apartment repairs and upkeep
- Public area cleaning
- Grounds care
- Safety equipment inspections
Building safety features match modern healthcare requirements, including sprinkler coverage, smoke detection systems, and facility-wide alarms. Staff conduct regular cleanliness checks across all resident and common spaces.
Facility-wide WiFi access keeps residents connected online. The location near shops and restaurants provides easy access to community amenities.
Resident Experience Analysis
Carmel Health & Living Community structures daily life around individual preferences and social engagement.
Daily Life and Activities
The life enrichment team runs daily programs matching resident interests. Popular activities feature:
- Staff-led puzzle sessions
- Prize bingo games
- Wellness exercises
- Cultural programming
- Religious services
Staff assess each resident’s interests and abilities before suggesting activities. Residents choose their participation level, joining programs that match their preferences.
Dining Services Quality
The kitchen serves over 20 menu options daily, responding to resident feedback. Dining features include:
Custom meals meeting dietary needs and preferences. A registered dietitian guides menu planning, while kitchen staff adjust dishes based on resident input. Communal dining rooms encourage social interaction during meals.
Residents request menu changes directly through the dietary team. The open kitchen layout lets residents suggest future menu items, creating an adaptive dining program.
Social Engagement Opportunities
Staff-led programs combat social isolation. Structured activities help reduce depression and anxiety among residents.
Social programming includes:
- Holiday celebrations
- Interest group meetings
- Educational events
- Family activities
Daily staff interactions combine health monitoring with casual conversation. Residents report better emotional health through these structured interactions.
Family connections remain priority. During COVID-19, staff created safe ways for residents to stay socially active. Daily staff visits provide both care and companionship.
Staff and Management Evaluation
Administrator Alyssa Holliday and Director of Nursing Anke Mtafu lead Carmel Health & Living Community’s 58-person workforce.
Administrative Leadership
Key leadership positions include:
- Memory Care Director Nerissa Miller
- Medical Office Receptionist Kamarie Fuller-McDade
- Certified Dietary Manager Leah Bridgewater
The administration reports zero substantiated complaints this year, down from two complaints two years ago.
Nursing Staff Competency
Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 20 minutes per resident, falling below Indiana’s 3-hour 38-minute average and the national 3-hour 46-minute standard.
Weekend staffing patterns earn above-average ratings, showing consistent care levels across all days.
The facility partners with several training institutions:
- Ivy Tech Community College, Hamilton County
- Legacy Medical Academy
- Ready to Care
- All Hearts Training Services, LLC
Support Staff Performance
Emergency response data shows 1.0 emergency room visits per 1000 patient days, beating Indiana’s 1.3 average.
Resident independence metrics reach 85.8%, close to Indiana’s 86.2% average. Staff achieved 93.6% resident influenza vaccination coverage.
Local physician partnerships span multiple specialties, strengthening care delivery. Support staff help maintain resident independence through daily assistance programs.
The facility shows strong performance in weekend coverage and emergency management, though overall nurse staffing needs improvement to match state and national benchmarks.
Cost and Value Considerations
Carmel Health & Living Community charges between $2,100 and $7,604 monthly, averaging $4,852 per month. Additional services may increase costs based on care needs.
Pricing Structure Analysis
Monthly rates vary by care level:
- Independent Living: $1,200
- Memory Care: $3,700
- Skilled Nursing: $3,900
- In-Home Care: $1,175
Insurance and Payment Options
Original Medicare covers up to 100 days of short-term rehabilitation after qualifying hospital stays.
Available payment sources include:
- Government Programs:
- Medicare for short-term care
- Medicaid for long-term care
- VA benefits for eligible veterans
- Private Options:
- Long-term care insurance
- Life insurance conversions
- Bridge loans
- Personal loans
- Home sale proceeds
Free financial consultations help families navigate payment options.
Value for Money Assessment
The facility’s homelike setting and healthcare quality support its pricing structure. Key value factors include:
- Wide insurance acceptance
- Payment flexibility
- Full-service care
- Financial planning support
- Prime location
Regional nursing homes typically charge over $4,000 monthly, making Carmel’s rates competitive. Medicare and Medicaid acceptance helps residents transition to long-term care after depleting personal funds.
Clear pricing enables effective financial planning. Residents receive customized payment plans matching their care needs and resources.
Conclusion
Carmel Health & Living Community charges competitive rates starting at $1,200 monthly, well below neighboring facilities’ $3,900 fees. Nurse staffing ratios miss state benchmarks, yet weekend coverage and emergency responses show strong performance.
Zero fines or penalties through 2023 reflect consistent regulatory compliance. Prospective residents face a clear trade-off between lower staffing levels and comprehensive services. Prime location and diverse amenities strengthen the facility’s overall value proposition.
Data suggests this facility suits budget-conscious seniors comfortable with moderate staff attention. Medicare and Medicaid acceptance, plus multiple private payment options, opens quality care access to more residents. Emergency response metrics and activity programming remain solid, offsetting staffing limitations at this reasonably priced care center.
FAQs
Q1. What types of care services does Carmel Health & Living Community offer? Carmel Health & Living Community provides a range of care services including independent living, short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing care, memory support programs, respite care, and hospice care. They also offer specialized amenities and individualized care assessments.
Q2. How does the facility’s staffing compare to state and national averages? The facility provides 3 hours and 20 minutes of nurse staffing per resident daily, which is below both Indiana’s average of 3 hours 38 minutes and the national standard of 3 hours 46 minutes. However, they maintain strong weekend staffing patterns.
Q3. What amenities are available to residents at Carmel Health & Living Community? Residents have access to private studio and one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and emergency response systems. Common areas include dining rooms, a living room, therapy gym, outdoor courtyards, a pub/lounge area, and a beauty shop. WiFi is available throughout the facility.
Q4. How does the facility approach dining services? The facility offers a flexible dining system with over 20 different food options. Meals are customized to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, and residents can request menu changes. A registered dietitian works closely with families to address specific dietary needs.
Q5. What are the costs associated with living at Carmel Health & Living Community? Monthly rates at Carmel Health & Living Community range from $2,100 to $7,604, with an average cost of $4,852 per month. Different pricing tiers are available for various levels of care, including independent living starting at $1,200 monthly and skilled nursing care starting at $3,900 monthly. The facility accepts multiple payment options, including Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits.
