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 ...
Nursing Homes in Kentucky
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Kentucky
- Nursing Care Directory for Kentucky
- Nursing Care Costs in Kentucky
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Kentucky
- Kentucky Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Kentucky
Known for its natural beauty and high-performing hospitals, Kentucky is a great option for those seeking a comfortable climate and affordability. The state has nearly 4.5 million residents, about 17% of whom are aged 65 and over. Medical facilities such as the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Baptist Health Louisville provide acute care and have several areas of specialization. The state is also served by various regional and international airports and several public transportation providers, making it easy for friends and families to visit loved ones.
There are over 270 licensed nursing homes in Kentucky. These facilities provide comprehensive skilled nursing services for those who don’t need inpatient hospital care but still need personal care services, skilled nursing and around-the-clock monitoring and supervision. Nursing homes provide housing, three daily meals, recreational activities, custodial care and medical care as necessary. This guide outlines the benefits and drawbacks of living in Kentucky and the costs of nursing home care in the state. It also provides an overview of the regulations nursing homes are required to follow and a list of resources to help seniors and their families find and pay for nursing home care.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Kentucky
The SeniorScore offers an unbiased assessment of how well a geographic region accommodates the needs and comfort of its older residents. It's comprised of four categories and is based on over 100 factors taken from numerous data sources, with a higher score indicating a greater degree of favorability for seniors. Kentucky’s SeniorScore of 74 is two points higher than the national score. It scores highest in the Finances category at 72, and in General Quality of Life, it scores 68. The state has more moderate scores of 61 in Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure.
Kentucky’s overall cost of living is very low compared to the nation as a whole, which may make it a good option for seniors on fixed incomes. Senior care, including nursing home care, is generally affordable, and state tax laws are retiree-friendly. Kentucky has a high number of healthcare providers who accept payment from Medicare, and the number of hospitals in the state exceeds the nationwide average. For those who need some personal care or skilled nursing services, the state has an average number of senior living facilities and home health care providers. The property crime rate is high compared to the rest of the country, but the violent crime rate is on par with the national average.
Kentucky’s climate is generally comfortable, with mild winters and warm summers, and the state receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually. The portion of the population aged 55 and over is fairly consistent with the national average, and nearly 2,000 churches provide social connections and many offer volunteer-led services such as friendly visits and phone calls for seniors. Statewide, there are approximately 279 golf courses and an average number of municipal parks.
Top Nursing Care in Kentucky
Nazareth Home is a 118 room senior care community situated within the Deer Park area of Louisville, Kentucky. The encompassing area is densely populated, with roughly 25,000 residents in the 40205 zip code. It is a primarily middle ...
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital is situated within the Gardenside-Colony neighborhood of Lexington, Kentucky. It is a 74 room nursing facility. With around 27,000 people residing in the 40504 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. It ...
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 in the Hazelwood area of Louisville, Kentucky, Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital is a 331 bed nursing home facility. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with approximately 23,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 40215. It ...
Located at 300 Shelby Station Dr in Louisville, Kentucky, Elmcroft at Oaklawn is a 130 bed senior care community. The facility is in a primarily affluent area, with a median per-household income of $96,179. It is densely ...
Situated in the Edgewood neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, Franciscan Health Care Center is an 85 unit nursing facility. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 39,000 individuals residing in the 40219 zip code. It is a largely ...
The Episcopal Church Home is located at 7504 Westport Rd in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a 139 unit senior care facility. The surrounding area has a dense population, with approximately 22,000 individuals residing in the 40222 zip code. ...
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 at 1505 South Dixie St in Horse Cave, Kentucky, Signature HealthCARE of Hart County Rehab & Wellness Center is a 104 bed nursing home facility. The encompassing area has a sparse population, with about 6,000 individuals living in ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
Signature HealthCARE at Jefferson Place is a 95 unit nursing facility. It is located at 1705 Herr Ln in Louisville, Kentucky. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with around 22,000 individuals living in the zip code of 40222. ...
Situated around the East End neighborhood of Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Highlandspring of Fort Thomas is a 140 room senior care facility. With a median per-household income of $64,800, the facility is in a predominantly middle class area. It ...
Clark Regional Medical Center is located at 175 Hospital Dr in Winchester, Kentucky. It is a 25 room senior care facility. The community is in a largely middle income area, with a median household income of $47,844. ...
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 ...
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 ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Kentucky
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in the United States pay approximately $7,756 per month for nursing home care, but state rates may be higher or lower depending on local living costs. Kentucky is an affordable option for this type of care, with rates averaging $7,330 per month. In Indiana, rates are a little lower at $7,133, and in Ohio, costs average $7,148. In Tennessee, seniors pay approximately $7,072 per month, while in West Virginia rates are considerably higher at $11,376.
- Kentucky: $7,330
- United States: $7,756
- Indiana: $7,133
- Tennessee: $7,072
- West Virginia: $11,376
- Ohio: $7,148
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Kentucky’s Top Cities
Nursing home rates in surveyed cities across Kentucky vary considerably. The Louisville/Jefferson County area is the least costly option for this level of care, with fees averaging $7,148, and Bowling Green is the most expensive at $8,273. In Lexington, fees are affordable at $7,178. In Elizabethtown, nursing home residents pay $7,604 per month, and in Owensboro, monthly rates are similar to the national median at $7,787.
- Louisville/Jefferson County: $7,148
- Elizabethtown: $7,604
- Owensboro: $7,787
- Bowling Green: $8,273
- Lexington: $7,178
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Kentucky
Nursing home care is the most expensive senior care option in Kentucky at $7,330 per month. For seniors who need short-term skilled nursing services, other options may be more affordable. Seniors who require this level of care may qualify to receive services in an assisted living community, where costs average $3,699 per month, or via home health care services, which cost $4,147 on average. Home care is comparatively affordable at $4,052. Memory care services cost $4,624 per month, and adult day care is the least expensive option at $1,603.
- Memory Care: $4,624
- Assisted Living: $3,699
- In-Home Care: $4,052
- Home Health Care: $4,147
- Adult Day Care: $1,603
- Nursing Home Care: $7,330
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Kentucky
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Kentucky.
Medicaid in Kentucky
Qualifying seniors in Kentucky may have nursing home care covered under the state’s Medicaid program. Combined, Medicaid and CHIP, which provides health coverage for children, insured approximately 1.5 million people in Kentucky in 2020. This is a 153% increase over the number of beneficiaries in 2013. For those living in one of the state’s 273 nursing homes, Medicaid covers room and board, meals and nutritional supplements, social services, skilled nursing care, medical supplies and prescriptions. For those who qualify for nursing home level care but prefer to remain in the community, the state’s Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver covers adult day services, home modifications, specialized respite care and home-delivered meals.
Medicaid Eligibility in Kentucky
Nursing facility services are an entitlement under Kentucky's Medicaid program, meaning that those who meet eligibility requirements are guaranteed coverage. To qualify, applicants must meet the following eligibility guidelines pertaining to residency, income, assets and need.
- They must be citizens or legal residents of the United States and permanent residents of Kentucky.
- They can have a monthly income of up to $2,382 and up to $2,000 in countable assets.
- If the applicant is married and their spouse is also applying for Medicaid, their combined income can be up to $4,764 per month, and they can have up to $4,000 in countable assets.
- If only one spouse is applying for Medicaid, only their income is considered. the applicant can have up to $2,000 in countable assets, and the nonapplicant can have up to $130,380.
- Applicants must be assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care.
- Eligible applicants must pay all of their income for nursing home services, minus a monthly personal needs allowance of $40.
To apply for Medicaid, seniors can submit applications in person at their local Department for Community Based Services office. Alternately, they can call the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services at (855) 306-8959 to apply over the phone.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Kentucky Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
All nursing homes in the United States must follow federal regulations to receive federal funding, and in some states, regulations are even stricter. In Kentucky, nursing homes must follow extensive guidelines related to the scope of care they provide, care planning, staffing and pharmacy services.
Scope of Care | Nursing homes provide inpatient beds, meals and personal care services for those with a variety of medical conditions who need inpatient care but don’t require hospital services. These facilities provide medical services and around-the-clock nursing services. |
Care Planning | Nursing homes are required to create personalized nursing care plans for each resident based on their illness, the prescribed treatment and short- and long-term goals. These plans must be available to all nursing staff and outline daily needs, specialized rehabilitative services, therapy services and pharmaceutical services. Plans must also note the equipment the individual needs for ambulation or therapy and what personal care services they’re to receive. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes must work with licensed pharmacists or pharmaceutical advisory committees to develop procedures for obtaining, dispensing and storing prescription medications. Facilities can either have a pharmacy department that’s overseen by a pharmacist or have arrangements for obtaining medications from community or institutional pharmacies. |
Staff Screening | The Kentucky Applicant Registry and Employment Screening System is the state’s background check system that’s used to screen nursing home employees before they're hired. All employees whose duties may involve one-on-one contact with residents must have a background check completed unless they’re already subject to a criminal background check for professional licensure. |
Staff Training | Nursing homes are required to conduct orientation programs for all new employees. This orientation should outline the facility’s policies as they pertain to the employees’ respective jobs, services and emergency and disaster procedures. The facility must also provide in-service training and ongoing education programs relevant to employees’ jobs. All nursing personnel are required to complete continuing education programs on a quarterly basis. |
Medicaid Coverage | Nursing home care is covered for qualifying Kentucky seniors under the state’s Medicaid program. Services covered include room, dietary services, respiratory supplies and therapy, nursing services, use of the equipment at the nursing home, medical and surgical supplies, prescription drugs and personal items provided by the facility. Other services may also be covered by Medicaid if they’re ordered by a physician, such as physical, speech or occupational therapy; ventilator use; and laboratory services. |
Reporting Abuse | Complaints regarding quality of care or reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation should be filed with the Division of Health Care. There are four enforcement branches in the state, and the branch an individual files a complaint with depends on where the facility is located. For more information on filing a report, individuals can call the Division of Health Care at (502) 564-7963. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Kentucky
Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities/Kentucky Center for Assisted Living
The Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities/Kentucky Center for Assisted Living is a trade organization that represents licensed and unlicensed residential care facilities and nursing homes in the state. It provides a range of services to members, including professional development, statewide recognition programs, information on the latest in research related to senior care and advocacy services. The organization also helps shape legislation and regulatory activities that affect seniors’ quality of care.
Kentucky Legal Aid is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides civil legal services to residents aged 60 and over. Through their local office, seniors can receive assistance with applying for public benefits that can help cover the cost of nursing home care, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Legal professionals provide benefits screenings and help resolve issues such as denied claims and overpayment. They can also help resolve issues with nursing homes' quality of care, including discharge procedures or care planning problems.
Community Action Kentucky is a network of nonprofit organizations that provide programs for seniors. Services vary between local agencies, but typically include home-delivered meals, transportation, case management, weatherization, home modifications and one-time utility bill assistance, which can help seniors avoid nursing home placement or transition back to their home environment. Agencies may also have options counselors who help seniors obtain public benefits that meet their needs. To qualify for services, applicants must be at least 60 years old. Programs may have additional eligibility requirements related to need and income.
Kentucky Agencies
Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living
Address: 275 E. Main Street, 3E-E, Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone Number: (502) 564-6930
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/default.aspx
The state’s Department for Aging and Independent Living oversees a range of programs that benefit older residents and those with disabilities. It has a helpline that provides one-on-one assistance to callers, helping them find the community-based programs and services that fit their needs.
Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Address: 275 E. Main Street, 3E-E, Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone Number: (877) 293-7447, option #2
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/ship.aspx
The Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, impartial Medicare options counseling for seniors, which can help them identify ways to pay for nursing home care. It's staffed by trained volunteers who can help seniors understand how Medicare and Medicaid cover nursing home services and compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. It also helps seniors resolve medical billing errors and dispute denied health insurance claims.
Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Address: 3138 Custer Drive, Suite 110, Lexington, KY 40517
Phone Number: (877) 787-0077
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail/Pages/ltcomb.aspx
The state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves seniors in nursing homes by helping them understand their rights, ensuring that they receive the services in their care plans and resolving issues related to intake and discharge procedures and billing. The ombudsman can also help seniors and their families compare local nursing home options and identify programs that help cover care costs.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Address: 275 E. Main Street, 5E-A, Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone Number: (502) 564-7963
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/dhc/Pages/ltc.aspx
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services administers a range of public health programs, including cancer screenings and prevention, supplemental nutrition, immunization and metabolic foods and formulas programs. Its Long-Term Care Facilities Division licenses and monitors nursing homes in the state to ensure a consistently high standard of care.
Area Agencies on Aging in Kentucky
There are 15 Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living in Kentucky. These agencies are funded through the Older Americans Act and provide a broad range of services and programs that help seniors live in their homes as long as possible. While programs vary by region, every agency provides case management, information and referrals for local resources, nutrition services and transportation. AAAs also have benefits counselors who help seniors access programs that can help them pay for nursing home care, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Veteran Affairs Office in Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs ensures that veterans in the state receive the benefits they’ve earned. Through its benefits assistance field offices located throughout the state, the department provides benefits counseling, healthcare screenings and referrals to services in the community. Local officers can help veterans obtain long-term care at state veterans' centers, which may be an affordable alternative to nursing home care. They also assist with applying for programs that can help cover care costs, including the Aid and Attendance benefit and veterans’ and survivors’ pension programs.
Social Security Offices in Kentucky
At Social Security Administration offices, seniors can apply for benefits that may help them pay for nursing home expenses, including Social Security retirement and disability benefits, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income. The office can also provide assistance with determining eligibility for Medicare prescription drug programs. There are 26 SSA offices throughout Kentucky, and seniors can follow this link and search by zip code to find their local office.
Your Information is Processing