Independent Adult Day Care Centers - Indianapolis South

Pros

• The center is a great place to make friends, go on outings, and enjoy frequent activities.
• The themed parties are a highlight for attendees.
• The staff are caring and go out of their way to help.
• Medicaid coverage is a major plus for residents.
• The staff are super friendly and willing to help residents.
• This location is excellent.
• Staff were very helpful and friendly during events, contributing to a great turnout.
• The place is amazing and caring toward every client.

Cons

• The center is not a good place because residents may be subjected to bullying by some staff, which upper management tolerates.
• The service is poor.
• The staff are not trustworthy and only care about their own interests rather than residents or their families.
• Transportation to appointments is unreliable; staff won't take residents to needed appointments and trips are canceled or delayed.
• The food is dry and tasteless and needs improvement.
• There isn't enough staff to meet some residents' needs, making visits feel like a waste of time.

Review

Independent is described by many reviewers as a lively and social place for adults, especially those with memory concerns, where there is always something happening and a sense of community. The range of experiences is wide, with several families and individuals expressing warm appreciation for the center as a regular part of their week, while others urge caution based on negative encounters. Taken together, the stories paint a picture of a program that can be deeply meaningful for some participants and their loved ones, but also fraught with concerns for others.

For families dealing with dementia, the center often serves as a dependable refuge. One reviewer notes that their mother-in-law loves coming two days a week and, most of the time, seems to enjoy the environment. The sentiment is echoed by others who report that the staff are caring and willing to help with whatever is needed, and that the center provides a structured, friendly setting where clients can socialize and feel included. Several accounts emphasize the value of socialization, outings, and themed activities that give attendees opportunities to connect with peers and volunteers. The sense that staff genuinely cares for the people they serve comes through in multiple positive reflections, with people describing the atmosphere as welcoming and the staff as attentive.

A strong thread in the positive reviews is the program's richness in activities and social opportunities. Reviewers repeatedly mention a busy lineup: bingo, other games, outings to places to eat or shop, and various events such as themed parties and community activities. The center is praised for creating meaningful activities that encourage participation and conversation, and for fostering friendships among attendees. Transportation services are highlighted as an invaluable component, and some reviewers note that Medicaid covers most of the costs beyond what is paid for transit or activities, making the center accessible to families who rely on public assistance. An example often cited is how a local case manager recommended the center, underscoring its place within a broader network of community support.

In addition to general praise, several specific positive voices stand out. One reviewer highlights an employee, Cassandra, as particularly awesome during a summer event, while others characterize the staff as friendly, helpful, and quick to go out of their way to assist with day-to-day needs. The sense of belonging is strong for some attendees, who say they feel part of a family when they come five days a week and speak highly of the food, outings, and opportunities to form friendships. The venue is also described as a welcoming option for those who want to participate in community life, with comments about the ease of inviting others to visit and join the activities.

Not all experiences are positive, however. A notable portion of reviews expresses concern about staff behavior and management. Some reviewers describe bullying by certain staff members that allegedly goes unchecked by upper management, listing specific employees by name and warning others away. These accounts describe a culture where staff's personal priorities or conduct are prioritized over the wellbeing of residents, and they call for greater accountability. There are vivid cautions about the treatment of loved ones, suggesting potential harm when expectations of care and compassion clash with staff behavior. The intensity of these claims underscores a sense among critics that the center's leadership should address problems more decisively.

Another set of criticisms focuses on operational issues that affect families' ability to rely on the center. Some reviews complain about poor service, with individuals feeling that the center does not consistently meet expectations for care. There are also troubling anecdotes about appointment logistics and transportation: a reviewer claims that the center cannot or will not provide transportation to required appointments, leading to cancellations and lengthy delays. Complaints about the director - specifically Carly - include a lack of direct engagement, with one reviewer noting the director did not come out to assist or check in, which exacerbated frustration and diminished trust. In some cases, reviewers report cancellations that stretch out for weeks, making the center feel unreliable at times.

Dietary quality is another area where opinions diverge. While many praise the overall environment and activities, others note that the food could be improved and that meals tend to be dry or tasteless. Conversely, some reviews celebrate the social dining experiences and the overall quality of life the center provides through outings and companionship. These mixed remarks about food reflect a broader pattern: for some attendees, the day revolves around companionship, engagement, and meaningful activities; for others, it's the details of daily operations - whether staff conduct, meal quality, and appointment logistics - that color their overall experience.

Finally, several reviewers highlight the importance of location and personal fit. Some express a preference for one location over another, recounting logistical hurdles tied to distance from doctors' offices or convenience factors. One heartfelt narrative describes initially preferring a different location but ultimately finding reassurance and support in the staff and volunteers, including a door attendant who remembered the family and offered a welcoming hand on the first day. Across the board, the center is portrayed as a place where people can feel valued and connected, even as practical concerns about staffing, management, and operations prompt cautious consideration.

For anyone considering Independent for a loved one, the collected experiences suggest a two-sided reality: it can be a vibrant, caring, socially rich environment that brings joy, companionship, and meaningful activity to many participants; at the same time, it can present challenges related to staff conduct, administrative oversight, and logistical reliability. Prospective families are wise to visit, engage with staff and leadership, ask pointed questions about transportation to appointments, inquire about how staff handle conflicts or misconduct, and assess whether the location and daily rhythm align with their loved one's needs. With careful due diligence, this center can be a positive and transformative space for the right individual and family.

This part of Indianapolis, Indiana offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for seniors looking to relocate. There are several pharmacies in the vicinity, making it convenient to access medications and healthcare supplies. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and cafes providing dining options for socializing or enjoying a meal out. The area also boasts a few theaters for entertainment options. For medical needs, there are several physicians' offices and hospitals nearby, ensuring quality healthcare access. In terms of outdoor recreation, there are multiple parks within a short distance, offering opportunities for leisurely walks or relaxation in nature. Lastly, there are places of worship for those seeking spiritual fulfillment and community engagement. Overall, this part of Indianapolis provides a well-rounded environment with various resources that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Dista Products Company (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Anthony's Dugout (2.5 miles)
• Tappers Arcade Bar (2.6 miles)
• Sun King Brewing (2.8 miles)
• Yolk (2.9 miles)
• Saint Joseph Public Ho (3.1 miles)
• Slippery Noodle Inn (3.2 miles)
• Livery (3.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (7.4 miles)

Theaters

• Living Room Theaters (3.3 miles)
• AMC Washington Square 12 (6.9 miles)

Physicians

• Oak Street Health (3.7 miles)
• Dr Richard Stanley, DPM (4.4 miles)
• Riley Pediatric Neurology - IU Health Simon Cancer Center (4.5 miles)
• Indiana Kidney Specialists (4.7 miles)
• Community Health Pavilion (4.7 miles)
• Windrose Health Network (4.8 miles)
• Blackburn Community Health Center (5.6 miles)

Parks

• Military Park (3.9 miles)
• White River State Park (3.9 miles)
• Watkins Park (5.3 miles)
• Meridian Woods Park & Neighborhood (6.4 miles)

Hospitals

• St Francis Hospital Breast Center (4.4 miles)
• Indiana University Hospital (4.5 miles)
• Eskenazi Hospital (4.5 miles)
• Simon Family Tower (4.7 miles)
• Newborn Follow-Up Program, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health (4.7 miles)
• Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Richard L. Roudebush Va Medical Center (5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Living Word Bible Church (4.7 miles)
• Tabernacle Presbyterian Church (5.7 miles)
• Al-Fajr Masjid (6.9 miles)