Assisted Living in Kentucky
Seniors who are looking to spend their retirement in Kentucky will find that a variety of assisted living options are open to them. Kentucky has a small but steadily growing senior population, with 11.5% of residents over the age of 65 as of 2019.
A typical assisted living facility in Kentucky charges $3,497 per month, and there are a total of 246 assisted living facilities in the state, giving seniors lots of variety to choose from for their living arrangements.
Learn more about Kentucky and the assisted living options that you or your loved ones have in the state.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Kentucky
Kentucky has a SeniorScore of 74%. This is above the national average and means that Kentucky compares well with other parts of the country based on a variety of important metrics such as recreation options, health care availability, general safety, cost of living, and the overall quality of life in the state.
SeniorScore™ for Kentucky
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Kentucky's SeniorScore™ of 74 is higher than the national average of 72.
- Kentucky has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Kentucky has a high number of hospitals within the state.
- Kentucky has an average number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Kentucky has an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Kentucky is 76.0, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Kentucky has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Kentucky has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
- 28% of the population in Kentucky are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Kentucky has 279 golf courses in the state.
- Kentucky has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Kentucky has 1,914 churches in the state.
- The property taxes average 1.68% of total income in Kentucky, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.77% of property value in Kentucky, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Kentucky is 6.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Kentucky is 5.16%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Kentucky is $57,455, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,580.
- Kentucky's median household income is $44,261, which is significantly lower than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Kentucky is $23,070, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Kentucky average $30,559 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Kentucky average $80,786 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Kentucky average $17,409 per year, which are lower than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Kentucky average $43,241 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 9.03% in Kentucky, which is higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Kentucky is very low compared to national averages.
- 1.21% of the senior population in Kentucky are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Kentucky receives an average of 47.7 inches of rain per year.
- Kentucky has an average annual temperature of 55.5 degrees fahrenheit.
- Kentucky has an average low temperature of 43.8 degrees fahrenheit.
- Kentucky has an average high temperature of 66.1 degrees fahrenheit.
- Kentucky has an average population density of 333 people per square mile.
- Kentucky has a very high public school quality ranking.
- Kentucky has a very high public school safety ranking.
- Kentucky has a low graduation rate of 81.76%.
Kentucky scores well for finances thanks to its low cost of living and a lower than average sales tax. It also scores well for the quality of life, having a generally mild climate, although summers can be hot in certain parts of the state. The average life expectancy in Kentucky is 76, and the state has a relatively high number of hospitals. Leisure options are varied, with seniors having a significant choice of parks, golf courses and other facilities open to them. The 1,919 places of worship in Kentucky cover a range of faiths and denominations.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Kentucky
Bridge Point Center is located at 7300 Woodspoint Dr in Florence, Kentucky. It is a 151 unit senior care community. The neighboring area has a dense population, with roughly 51,000 residents in the 41042 zip code. With ...
Coldspring of Campbell County is located at 300 Plaza Dr in Cold Spring, Kentucky. It is a 143 room senior community. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with a median family income of $51,837. ...
Located near by the Rock Creek Lexington Road area of Louisville, Kentucky, Westport Place Health Campus is a 62 unit nursing facility. The surrounding area has a dense population, with around 31,000 poeple living in the zip code of ...
Located within the Iroquois Park area of Louisville, Kentucky, Signature HealthCare of South Louisville is a 100 room nursing home facility. The facility is in a mostly middle income area, with a median family income of $38,146. It ...
The Forum at Brookside is a 40 unit senior housing community located in Louisville, Kentucky. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-household income of $62,104. It has an average population density, with ...
Bradford Square is a 100 room senior housing community. It is located at 1040 US 127 South in Frankfort, Kentucky. With an average household income of $49,853, the community is in a largely middle income area. It ...
Grant Center is a 95 bed senior care community. It is located at 201 Kimberly Ln in Williamstown, Kentucky. With about 8,000 people residing in the 41097 zip code, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. It ...
Treyton Oak Towers is a 60 room senior housing community. It is located in the Old Louisville area of Louisville, Kentucky. With roughly 21,000 residents in the zip code of 40203, the encompassing area has a medium-density population. ...
Jefferson Manor is a 100 room senior care facility. It is located at 1801 Lynn Way in Louisville, Kentucky. With a median family income of $67,257, the community is in a mostly middle income area. It has ...
Heartland of Louisville is a 178 bed senior care community. It is located within the Hikes Point area of Louisville, Kentucky. With approximately 34,000 residents in the 40220 zip code, the encompassing area has a dense population. ...
Brookdale Richmond Place Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is located around the Idle Hour area of Lexington, Kentucky. It is a 120 bed nursing home facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 33,000 individuals residing in ...
Countryside Center is a 53 unit senior housing community. It is located at 47 Margo Ave in Bardwell, Kentucky. With an average per-family income of $29,321, the community is in a generally lower income area. It has ...
Wesley Manor is a 68 room senior community. It is located near by the Okolona area of Louisville, Kentucky. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 39,000 individuals living in the 40219 zip code. With ...
Summit Manor is a 104 bed senior care facility. It is located at 400 Bomar Heights in Columbia, Kentucky. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with approximately 17,000 individuals residing in the 42728 zip code. With ...
Park Terrace Health Campus is an 88 room nursing facility located in the Valley Station neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. With roughly 38,000 poeple living in the 40272 zip code, the neighboring area has a dense population. It is ...
Baptist Health Paducah is a 24 room nursing facility located in Paducah, Kentucky. The community is in a largely middle income area, with an average per-family income of $39,381. With roughly 31,000 poeple living in the 42003 zip ...
Mountain View Health Care Center is a 106 unit nursing home facility. It is located at 945 West Russell St in Elkhorn City, Kentucky. The encompassing area has a sparse population, with roughly 6,000 poeple living in the ...
Florence Park Nursing and Rehab Center is a 150 unit nursing facility located in Florence, Kentucky. With an average per-household income of $59,669, the community is in a primarily middle class area. It has a dense population, with ...
Hillside Center is a 71 unit senior housing community. It is located at 1500 Pride Ave in Madisonville, Kentucky. With an average per-household income of $39,541, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It is ...
Spring Creek Health Care is a 226 room nursing home facility situated in Murray, Kentucky. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with an average household income of $35,851. With approximately 31,000 residents in the 42071 ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Kentucky
Assisted living facilities in Kentucky have a median monthly cost of $3,497. This is significantly lower than the national average fee for assisted living, and it also compares well with many neighboring states. The fees charged by assisted living facilities tend to be a reasonable reflection of the overall cost of living in a state, and this can be seen in the prices listed below.
- Kentucky: $3,497
- National Average: $4,051
- Pennsylvania: $3,497
- Indiana: $4,100
- Tennessee: $3,900
- Ohio: $4,051
- West Virginia: $3,750
The Cost of Assisted Living in Kentucky's Top Cities
The largest city in Kentucky is Louisville, and the median cost of assisted living facilities in the city is higher than the state average at $4,072 per month. Lexington, which is another of the state's largest cities, also has a relatively high average monthly fee for assisted living facilities. In contrast, Owensboro tends to have more affordable options for senior living, even though it's still a large city with plenty of amenities for residents. It's a good idea to explore several cities and compare prices to get a true picture of the costs associated with moving into an assisted living facility in Kentucky.
- Louisville: $4,072
- Lexington: $4,297
- Bowling Green: $3,600
- Owensboro: $2,166
- Covington: $4,245
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Kentucky
The level of care provided by adult day care, assisted living and nursing home providers varies significantly, and this is reflected in the different fees charged by those providers. However, many regular living expenses such as utilities and housekeeping are covered by the monthly payment to a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Note that in-home care may carry a higher fee than assisted living because in-home care staff focuses on an individual household, while a similarly-skilled staff member at an assisted living facility can care for multiple residents. The cost of skilled caregivers is one of the main expenses faced by a facility. Adult day care providers can offer services to a large group, providing care during daytime hours only, and are therefore usually more affordable.
The median monthly costs of different types of senior care in Kentucky:
- Assisted Living: $3,497
- In-Home Care: $3,813
- Home Health Care: $3,813
- Adult Day Care: $1,560
- Nursing Home Care: $7,604
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Kentucky
KY Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone Number: 1-800-928-4012
Website: https://veterans.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
The KY Department of Veterans Affairs works with veterans to provide support and assistance in the form of medical benefits, veteran-specific nursing or assisted living facilities, and access to financial aid, including the Aid and Attendance pension, which can be used toward the costs of an assisted living facility. A number of state and federal benefits for veterans may offset the cost of assisted living facility fees.
VA benefits can include pensions, support with medical expenses and support with housing. Eligibility criteria vary depending on individual circumstances, and benefits are available for veterans or surviving spouses. The KY Department of Veterans Affairs can help former service members in Kentucky and their families to understand the benefits system and access the financial aid that they're eligible for. There are branches of the VA in several cities in Kentucky, and a lot of advice and resources are available via the website.
Eldercare Bridge Loans
Phone Number: (888) 228-4500
Website: https://www.eldercarefinancial.com
Eldercare Bridge Loans is a program run by Eldercare Financial that allows up to six individuals, who can be friends or family members, to share the cost of a senior's care. These loans are typically used when a person is entering assisted living for the first time, and they bridge the period while the family is waiting for other funds to become available. Bridge loans of this type may be useful if a family is waiting for Veteran Benefits to be paid, if the senior is selling their home and waiting for the equity to be unlocked or if there are other funding sources expected in the near term. Bridge loans are a form of borrowing, not a grant, and need to be paid back. They can be useful for residents of Kentucky who have exhausted state financial aid options geared at helping seniors remain in the community and who are now looking to move into a long-term care facility.
Kentucky Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Assisted living facilities in Kentucky are regulated by the Department for Aging and Independent Living. This government organization helps to promote the welfare, dignity and independence of seniors.
Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities can support seniors with their personal daily living activities and household activities such as shopping, laundry, housekeeping and clerical tasks. |
Care Plan Requirements | Assisted living facilities should devise appropriate care plans for residents based upon whether they're ambulatory or mobile nonambulatory, and whether the senior is living with the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. |
Medication Management Requirements | Assisted living facilities are permitted to provide assistance with the self-administration of medications. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All personnel should be screened using Kentucky's national background check to satisfy VI 2 (b)-(c) and VI 3 (a)-(c) as applicable. |
Staff Training Requirements | All staff at assisted living facilities are required to receive training relating to their job rules, covering topics such as client rights, ALC policies, providing first aid for adults, performing CPR within the home's policies, awareness of adult abuse and neglect, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, emergency procedures, aging process, assisting with the self-administration of medication and client or ALC-specific training. Staff should receive refresher training on an annual basis. |
Medicaid Coverage | State policies don't cover assisted living facilities for seniors for general age-related care. |
Reporting Abuse | Any concerns should be reported to the long-term care ombudsman at (859) 277-9215 or [email protected] |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Kentucky
NCOA Benefits Checkup
The National Council on Aging provides a benefits checkup tool to help seniors in Kentucky and across the United States confirm whether they are claiming all of the benefits that they're entitled to. The tool is available free of charge online and offers information about medication and health care benefits, income assistance, veteran benefits and help with housing costs. While not all of the benefits the tool highlights will directly go toward the costs of assisted living, some benefits like tax relief and discounts could collectively make assisted living facilities more affordable for those who need them.
Contact: Call 1-800-753-8827
Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman is run by the Cabinet for Family and Health Services and the Department for Aging and Independent Living. It serves as an advocate for seniors and their loved ones, helping to ensure that those who use long-term care facilities receive good and fair treatment in all respects. The ombudsman also works to educate residents and prospective residents about available services, represents the interests of residents in legislative matters and works with providers to improve the quality of care offered in long-term care facilities with a view to promoting maximum quality of life.
Department for Medicaid Services
The Department for Medicaid Services manages the state and federal Medicaid program to support eligible low-income families or individuals by providing them with assistance with medical expenses. Kentucky's Medicaid rules don't support the use of Medicaid to pay for the costs of assisted living facilities directly; however, many of the other care costs faced by seniors are covered under Medicaid rules. The Department for Medicaid services can advise seniors and their loved ones on eligibility.
Contact: Call Benefind at (844) 407-8398
Kentucky Agencies
Department for Aging and Independent Living
Phone Number: (502) 564-6930
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/default.aspxThe Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living advises seniors and their loved ones on the issues surrounding both assisted living and independent living. The department works to maintain the dignity, well-being and independence of older adults and supports those who are in need of a guardian and adults who are living with disabilities. This agency is a good first point of contact for seniors and their loved ones when they're looking for advice or recommendations relating to assisted living, health care and financial assistance.
Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living
The Kentucky Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living is a group of agencies with branches across the state. City and county offices help seniors and their families by connecting them with licensed assisted living facilities and providing information about programs and assistance available in the area. The agencies can assist with long-term care, respite services, at-home care and legal advice or ombudsman referrals in the event of a dispute.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Kentucky
The Veteran Affairs offices in Kentucky can provide assistance to veterans and their families, including advice relating to veterans' assistance and benefits, nursing home and assisted living facility recommendations and signposting to veteran-friendly or veteran-run resources.
The Veteran Affairs Office in Kentucky is a useful contact point for veterans and those who are directly related to a veteran. It provides support with the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pensions, which can be used to pay for the cost of assisted living facilities. This benefit is available for veterans, surviving spouses and couples, with payments varying depending on the individual circumstances. A couple could be eligible for up to $2,127 per month. The veteran affairs offices can help seniors find suitable assisted living facilities, including ones that are run by veterans or that have skills in supporting veterans with disabilities or who are living with PTSD.
Social Security Offices in Kentucky
The Social Security Administration's Atlanta Region covers Kentucky, as well as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Information about the location, contact details and opening times of the state's social security offices can be found on the SSA website.
Social Security benefits include disability and retirement benefits, as well as Medicare and associated payments. While the eligibility criteria are quite complex, it's possible that someone who is considering transitioning to living in an assisted living facility could be eligible for benefits that would offset the costs of moving. Benefit calculators and other tools available on the SSA website can help individuals work out whether they're entitled to specific benefits. It's a good idea to seek advice about benefits, especially Medicare and Medicaid or veterans' benefits, to confirm eligibility before applying.
In addition to benefit payments and discounts, there may be some options for tax breaks for those who are paying for senior care services for themselves or a loved one.
Other Cities in Kentucky