Gary, Indiana

Respite Care in Gary, IN

A few hours, a day or a weekend of cover so the family member doing the caring can rest, work, see a doctor or travel. Post what you need in Gary for free and hire a caregiver directly, with no agency mark-up.

A younger man supporting an older man's arm as they walk through a bright living room
Local figures

Respite Care in Gary, IN: the local picture

12,880
residents 65 or older (19% of Gary)
61%
of residents 65+ in households live with someone, often a family caregiver
37%
of residents 65+ report a disability (32% in Lake County)
14
Medicare-certified hospices serve Gary ZIP codes

Most older adults in Gary live with someone: 61% of residents 65 and older in households do. When one of them needs care, the person they live with usually provides most of it, and respite is what keeps that sustainable.

About 4,731 Gary residents aged 65 or older report a disability (37%) (32% in Lake County). Many of them rely on a spouse or adult child day to day.

Medicare lists 14 hospices serving Gary ZIP codes. For someone on hospice, Medicare also covers short inpatient respite stays so the family caregiver can rest.

Gary compared with Lake County and Indiana

Census figureGaryLake CountyIndiana
Residents 65+ with a disability37%32%33%
Residents 65+ in households who live alone39%29%30%
Residents 65 or older19%18%17%
Residents 85 or older2.3%2.0%1.9%
Residents 65+ below the poverty line (approx.)18%11%9.1%
Households with no vehicle14%7.2%6.2%
Median income, households headed by someone 65+$42,274$53,273—

Older residents in towns around Gary

TownDistanceResidents 65+65+ with a disability
Ross, IN4.1 mi1,05140%
Lake Station, IN5.0 mi1,64840%
Griffith, IN5.9 mi2,97429%
Hobart, IN6.5 mi4,47832%
Highland, IN6.5 mi5,09631%
East Chicago, IN6.8 mi3,67640%

Hospices serving Gary

HospiceOfficeDistancePhone
Unity Hospice Of Northwest Indiana LLCMerrillville, IN6.6 mi(219) 769-8648
Hospice Of The Calumet Area IncMunster, IN8.3 mi(219) 922-2732
Traditions HealthCrown Point, IN12 mi(219) 661-3100
Transitions Crown Point, LLCCrown Point, IN12 mi(317) 954-6600
Providence Hospice, IncSaint John, IN12 mi(800) 509-2800

Nursing homes near Gary (ask about short stays)

Nursing homeTownDistanceCMS overall ratingCertified bedsPhone
South Shore Health & Rehabilitation CenterGary, IN1.0 mi1 of 5100(219) 886-7070
Aperion Care Tolleston ParkGary, IN1.4 mi1 of 5178(219) 977-2600
Waters Of Hobart Skilled Nursing Facility, TheHobart, IN4.1 mi1 of 5110(219) 942-2170
Casa Of HobartHobart, IN4.6 mi1 of 5138(219) 947-1507

Straight-line miles from the center of Gary. Medicare (CMS) data, October 2026; call ahead to confirm. We are not affiliated with these providers.

What it covers

What a respite caregiver can help with

  • Taking over the usual routine while you are away
  • Meals, medication reminders and personal care
  • Company and activities
  • Overnight cover for a weekend or a trip
Cost

What respite care costs in Gary

At the Indiana median aide wage of $16.86 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,461 a month in wages, which is 41% of the $3,523 monthly median income of Gary households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Indiana's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).

Hiring directly, you agree the rate with the caregiver and usually become the household employer (U.S. Department of Labor rules). Some families qualify for programs that pay for care at home; see Medicaid programs for family caregivers: who can be paid, and the rules in 12 states.

Before you hire

What to know before hiring a respite caregiver

Family caregivers carry most long-term care in the U.S., and burnout is a common reason a home arrangement breaks down. The federal National Family Caregiver Support Program funds respite through local Area Agencies on Aging, and the ARCH National Respite Locator lists respite programs by state.

Questions worth asking: Can you do a short paid visit first, while I am home? Are you available at short notice if I am ill? Can you stay overnight, and what do you charge for it? More in our respite care guide.

CaregiverConnect does not run background checks. Check identity, references and any certification yourself before anyone starts. The Safety Center explains how.

Questions

Respite Care in Gary: common questions

Which hospices serve Gary?

Medicare lists 14 hospices for Gary ZIP codes, including Unity Hospice Of Northwest Indiana LLC, Hospice Of The Calumet Area Inc, Traditions Health.

How much does respite care cost in Gary?

At the Indiana median aide wage of $16.86 an hour, 20 hours of help a week comes to about $1,461 a month in wages, which is 41% of the $3,523 monthly median income of Gary households headed by someone 65 or older. Private rates are agreed directly with the caregiver, so yours may be higher or lower. Indiana's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour (U.S. Department of Labor table, updated July 1, 2026).

Does Medicaid or Medicare pay for respite care?

Medicare pays for short inpatient respite stays only for people on its hospice benefit (Medicare.gov); the hospices on this page serve Gary. Many state Medicaid home and community-based programs, veterans’ programs and the National Family Caregiver Support Program fund respite. Our guide Medicaid programs for family caregivers: who can be paid, and the rules in 12 states covers Indiana.

Sources

Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year; CMS provider data (October 25, 2026); U.S. DOL state minimum wages (July 1, 2026); BLS OEWS May 2025 aide wages, which cover employed aides rather than private rates.

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