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Assisted Living Kentucky
The Southeastern state of Kentucky offers scenic mountain views, thriving metropolitan cities and a broad range of medical and long-term care amenities, making it a prime retirement destination for older adults. Of its 4.5 million residents, nearly 17% are aged 65 and over, and this demographic is growing considerably faster than others.
On the 2024 Senior Living Report, Kentucky scores 27th in the nation for the overall comfort and quality of life it offers older adults. Across the report’s categories, the state has strong scores in Affordability, Senior Living & Housing and Health Care. Its overall cost of living is about 15% below the national median, and health care costs are nearly 10% lower than in the typical U.S. city, making it a budget-friendly option for those with limited incomes. Residents have access to high-performing medical facilities, such as the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Baptist Health Lexington in Lexington and Norton Hospital in Louisville. The state also has competitively priced assisted living rates averaging $3,448 monthly.
This introductory guide for assisted living in Kentucky highlights residential care rates in cities across the state, as well as some options for paying for care. It also lists some resources available to older adults and outlines the rules and regulations governing assisted living facilities within the state.
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The Cost of Assisted Living in Kentucky
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of assisted living in Kentucky and its 22 cities.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Kentucky's Top Cities
With less than a $900 range, costs are like a smooth ride for assisted living across Kentucky. Start your tour in the state capital of Frankfort at $2,950 and move west to the largest city of Louisville at $3,871. Head south to Bowling Green and find costs at $3,173, then round out your trip in Paducah for $3,805. Area and amenities differ greatly, though, so choose wisely.
Kentucky
$3,748
Louisville
$3,871
Frankfort
$2,950
Bowling Green
$3,173
Paducah
$3,805
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Kentucky
Inflation has told quite a tale lately, especially regarding assisted living costs in different states. Kentucky set the tone with a 14% rise against the supporting character of the U.S. with its 9.5% advance. When peeking at neighboring states, the story gets interesting. Indiana barely appeared with its $3 difference, but Missouri threw in a plot twist at a 6% decrease in living costs! They went against the grain. Tennessee and West Virginia turned the page with 24% and 25.6% jumps, respectively. These diverse ups and downs make it important to plan ahead and stay informed.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $3,288 | $3,748 | $4,397 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Tennessee | $3,383 | $4,201 | $4,543 |
| Missouri | $4,488 | $4,217 | $4,318 |
| West Virginia | $4,198 | $5,173 | $5,183 |
| Indiana | $4,360 | $4,357 | $4,699 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
The cost of senior living can change depending on the type of care you need. Independent living is the way to go when looking for the most budget-friendly option, costing around $2,794. Assisted living is a bit higher at $3,748, and memory care takes the top spot at $4,852. More is paid for extra assistance or specialized care. Don't forget to consider needs and preferences when incorporating unique requirements and budgets.
Assisted Living
$3,748
Memory Care
$4,852
Independent Living
$2,794
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Kentucky?
Currently, Kentucky’s Medicaid program doesn’t cover assisted living services, either directly or through waiver programs. However, Medicaid provides comprehensive health care coverage for services, such as outpatient primary and specialty care, inpatient care, prescription medications, transportation and therapy. When used alongside Medicare, it can significantly reduce older adults’ out-of-pocket medical expenses. This may leave more money available for assisted living services. To obtain services, individuals must meet eligibility guidelines related to age, income and assets.
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Kentucky?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Kentucky. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Kentucky.
Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Kentucky
Low-income seniors who are eligible for SSI payments, which are handled through the federal Social Security program, might also be eligible for supplemental SSI payments from the state of Kentucky. The amount of your optional SSI supplement payment varies, depending on your income. The state sets a standard for the total amount of SSI payments. Then, to determine if you qualify for supplemental SSI payments, the amount of your SSI payment and any other monthly income you have is deducted from the set standard. If your income is still below the state's standard, they supplement your income with supplemental SSI payments.
Personal care homes must accept the total of optional state supplement and SSI payment less a $60 personal needs allowance as payment for room and board.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Receive monthly SSI payments
- Fall below the state's pre-set monthly income standards.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, you should contact your local offices of Social Security
IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in mind, not all assisted living facilities in Kentucky accept the same form of payment. There are some communities who might not accept a Medicaid waiver or supplemental SSI payment. Because of this, you should check with your assisted living community to see what type of payments they do accept before applying for assistance. It's also a good idea to ask if your community offers discounted monthly rates for low-income seniors.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Kentucky
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. 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. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Kentucky
There are many resources in Kentucky that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Area Agencies on Aging | Kentucky's Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving the needs of older adults and caregivers. They provide programs and services that promote independent living and help to enhance seniors' quality of life. These include care planning, transportation services, nutrition programs and caregiver support. They also offer information, referrals and benefits counseling. Kentucky's AAAs play a crucial role in advocating for seniors' rights and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to age with dignity. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Kentucky provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Kentucky seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Home and Community Based Waiver | 844-784-5614 | Kentucky's Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver helps seniors live at home or in the community, delaying or preventing placement in a nursing home. It supports this goal through services such as personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, minor home adaptation, adult day health care and homemaker services. |
| Kentucky Transitions | 877-564-0330 | Another service under the waiver program for seniors is Kentucky Transitions. It helps seniors currently living in a nursing home or institution move into their own homes or communities. Once applicants have moved from the nursing facility and live on their own, they qualify for an HCB waiver for further assistance. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Kentucky seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding Kentucky | 502-699-2656 | Seniors needing food assistance who can travel independently or have access to transportation may benefit from community food pantries. Generally operated by churches and nonprofit organizations, food pantries provide fresh and nonperishable food that seniors can use to create meals at home. Kentucky boasts numerous food pantries throughout the state. Each program operates under its own eligibility requirements and has varying hours of operation, so call ahead to confirm when to come and what kind of information to bring. |
| Kentucky Emergency Feeding Assistance Program (EFAP) | 800-327-6568 | The Kentucky Emergency Feeding Assistance Program supplements the diets of low-income seniors with healthy foods available at no cost. By meeting federally established income guidelines, seniors in Kentucky ages 60 and older can receive foods that enable them to create nutritious meals at home. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture administers this program, making nutritious foods available to local agencies for distribution to seniors in need. |
| Kentucky Meals on Wheels | The Kentucky Meals on Wheels service is part of the federally-funded Senior Nutrition Program in the state. Accepted Kentuckians aged 60 or older can get hot meals delivered to their homes. A home visit is first done to determine eligibility, such as that the resident is ill and homebound. A senior can apply to be a part of the program or can get nominated by a caregiver or loved one. | |
| Kentucky Nutrition Program for the Elderly | 502-564-6930 | The Kentucky Nutrition Program for the Elderly provides one congregate or home-delivered meal per day to each Kentucky resident aged 60 and older. To qualify for home-delivered meals, seniors must be 60 or older, be unable to secure a congregate meal due to disability or Illness and have no one in the home to prepare them a nutritious meal regularly. Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living administer this program statewide. |
| Kentucky Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) | 502-782-9238 | The Kentucky Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides seniors ages 60 and older with $50 checks to purchase fresh, unprocessed and locally grown foods. Seniors can use this money to purchase Kentucky-grown fruits, vegetables and fresh-cut herbs. These checks are redeemable at authorized farmers' markets throughout the state. To be eligible, seniors must have an income less than or equal to 185% of the federal poverty level. |
| Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 855-306-8959 | The Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds food purchases for low-income seniors. Individuals must be U.S. citizens, meet income eligibility requirements and have no more than $3,500 in resources, including cash and bank account assets. Qualifying seniors receive an electronic benefit transfer card, which they can use at a grocery store to purchase eligible foods. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Kentucky collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network Coordinating Center | 800-327-5287 | Project CARAT promotes the reuse of assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) by transitioning unused AT and DME to individuals who need them at no cost. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Kentucky seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program | 800-633-8100 | The Kentucky Department for Public Health Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement (DPQI), Health Care Access Branch administers the Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP). This free service helps qualified seniors obtain free or reduced-cost prescription drugs through assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers, discount pharmacy programs and discount drug programs. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Kentucky have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants | 859-224-7353 | Seniors may qualify for a home repair grant of up to $10,000 in their lifetime. They must use their grant funds to pay for repairs and improvements that remove health or safety hazards. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Kentucky help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Kentucky resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Homestead Exemption | 502-564-4581 | Qualifying Kentucky homeowners may be eligible for a homestead exemption deducted from their home and property's assessed value. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Kentucky retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 800-456-3452 | LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps cover the home heating and cooling costs of eligible low income seniors and other Kentucky households. The Kentucky LIHEAP program initially uses annual funds to cover heating costs, then covers cooling costs if there are still funds available. |
Veteran's Services
Kentucky retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky VA Benefits and Health Care | The Department of Veterans Affairs provides specialized medical care for senior vets throughout Kentucky. Primary VA Medical Centers, outpatient care sites and administrative buildings are located in Lexington, Fort Thomas, Louisville and other major cities. Memory care, skilled nursing and in-home medical and home care services may be financially subsidized for veterans over 65. Kentucky's Department of Veterans Affairs includes a total of 23 accredited benefits representatives who serve veterans in all 120 counties statewide. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Kentucky
Assisted living facilities in Kentucky have to be certified annually by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living. This department enforces rules and regulations to ensure a safe, comfortable environment for residents.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements | Before a prospective resident moves in, the assisted living facility is required to complete an assessment that outlines the individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Residents need a current medical evaluation. Based on these assessments, the facility creates a service plan. This plan is updated annually or whenever the individual’s needs change. |
| Assisted Living Admission Requirements | To be admitted into an assisted living facility, individuals must be ambulatory or mobile nonambulatory, unless they’re nonambulatory due to a temporary condition. They also must not be a danger to themselves, staff members or other residents. |
| Assisted Living Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities provide residents with access to services according to the lease agreement, including: laundry, housekeeping, assistance with activities of daily living, and shopping services. ALFs should provide three meals and snacks a day and help with self-administered medications. Residents can contract with third-party providers to obtain skilled nursing services beyond the facility’s scope. |
| Assisted Living Medicaid Policy | Currently, Kentucky’s Medicaid program doesn’t pay for assisted living services directly or under any waiver programs. |
| Assisted Living Facility Requirements | Assisted living facilities must adhere to building and life safety codes, and they must have central dining and living areas and laundry units. Single- and double-occupancy living units must have at least 200 square feet, and each unit must have at least one unfurnished room with a lockable door, a full private bathroom, a telephone hookup, an emergency response system and a window facing outside. A maximum of two residents are allowed per room, and only by mutual agreement. |
| Medication Management Regulations | Medication administration isn’t permitted in assisted living facilities, but staff members can provide help with self-administered medications that are prepared or directed by the resident, their designated representative or a licensed health care professional not employed by the facility. |
| Staffing Requirements | There are no mandated staffing ratios for assisted living facilities in Kentucky, but facilities must have at least one awake staff member on-site at all times and enough caregivers to meet residents' needs around the clock. Facilities are also required to have at least one awake staff member on duty at all times, and they have to have a designated manager. If the facility has multiple floors, one awake staff member must be on duty on each floor at all times. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Facilities must provide orientation to all new employees, including management and staff, within 90 days of their hire date. This orientation must cover topics relevant to their assigned duties. Employees are also required to attend an annual in-service training program that covers topics appropriate to their assigned duties. In-service topics might include adult first-aid, CPR certification, adult abuse and neglect, and emergency procedures. |
| Background Checks for Assisted Living | Assisted living facilities must apply for a criminal records check from the Kentucky Administrative Offices of the Court, the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet or the KARES screening program no more than 45 days prior to and no more than seven days following a new employee’s hire date. Facilities must also check the Central Registry, the Adult Protective Services Caregiver Misconduct Registry and the Nurse Aide Abuse Registry upon the hire date and again annually. |
| Requirements for Reporting Abuse | Facilities are required to maintain written policies on reporting and recording instances of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state, meaning that anyone who suspects elder abuse is legally required to report it. ALF staff report suspected or confirmed cases of abuse to the appropriate Complaint Coordinator within the Division of Health Care. Residents, family members and visitors can file anonymous complaints by calling (877) 597-2331. |
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