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Memory Care in Kentucky
In Kentucky, where seniors comprise nearly 17% of the population of 4.5 million, Alzheimer’s is increasingly becoming a public concern. According to data published by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the state, and the number of those with this disease is projected to increase in coming years. In 2018, the organization estimated that 71,000 Kentucky residents aged 65 and over were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. By 2025, that number is projected to increase by about 20% to 86,000 seniors.
Fortunately, Kentucky residents have access to a range of programs and services through government and nonprofit agencies that improve the lives of those with this diagnosis. The state is also home to outstanding medical facilities, including the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, a 569-bed acute care hospital in Lexington, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood-Covington Hospitals in Edgewood. Overall, health care costs in the state, such as hospital stays and primary care services, are about 10% lower than in the nation as a whole.
Memory care can either be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or, more often, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
This guide provides an overview of memory care services in Kentucky, including how much residents pay for this type of care and how rates compare to those in nearby cities and other senior care types. It also provides an overview of the financial options available to memory care residents, the regulations governing memory care facilities and statewide resources for seniors and families affected by dementia.
The Cost of Memory Care in Kentucky
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, 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 memory care in Kentucky and its 11 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Kentucky's Top Cities
Kentucky's diverse cities show significant cost differences when it comes to memory care. Although Crestview Hills and Florence are only a few miles from each other, the $4,905 price tag in Florence is $2,010 more expensive than Crestview Hills, which averages around $2,895. Bowling Green falls somewhere in the middle at $4,298, and care in Paducah is $3,690. Comparing these options is essential when choosing an ideal program in Kentucky.
Kentucky
$4,852
Crestview Hills
$2,895
Florence
$4,905
Bowling Green
$4,298
Paducah
$3,690
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Kentucky
Inflation has significantly affected the cost of memory care in Kentucky in 2022–2023. Although costs have gone up 11.3%, they're predicted to decrease 1.4% next year. Meanwhile, the U.S. saw a similar 10.4% increase. When comparing costs across nearby states, Indiana is also predicted to decrease next year by 1.95% after a 5.76% increase from the previous year. Illinois increased 8.67%, and Virginia went up by 6.96%, but Tennessee is standing out on top with its 21.38% jump, even though its costs remain the second-lowest in the region. Be sure to plan ahead and keep rising trends in mind.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $4,359 | $4,852 | $4,784 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Indiana | $5,573 | $5,894 | $5,779 |
| Illinois | $5,328 | $5,790 | $6,382 |
| Tennessee | $4,214 | $5,115 | $5,539 |
| Virginia | $5,298 | $5,667 | $6,060 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Different options cater to various needs when it comes to senior care in Kentucky. Assisted living is $3,748, which is more affordable than memory care at $4,852, but independent living is only $2,794. The level of assistance is typically the reason rates vary. Assisted living and memory care both provide constant monitoring, whereas independent living affords a more autonomous lifestyle. Assess preferences and amenities to find the most fulfilling senior living experience.
Assisted Living
$3,748
Memory Care
$4,852
Independent Living
$2,794
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Kentucky?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Kentucky.
Currently, Kentucky Medicaid doesn’t cover memory care services directly through the regular program or indirectly via waiver programs. However, this program provides comprehensive health insurance coverage for medical expenses, such as inpatient and outpatient primary and specialty services, over-the-counter and prescription medications, emergency medical transportation and speech and physical therapy. When used alongside Medicare, it can eliminate or significantly reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, which may leave more money in the bank for residential memory care services.
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Kentucky?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Kentucky. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will 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 Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Kentucky.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care 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 Memory Care 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 Memory Care. |
| 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 Memory Care. 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 Memory Care. 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 Memory Care 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. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Kentucky
The assisted living facilities in Kentucky that provide memory care are regulated by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living. Personal care homes that offer memory care are regulated by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services, Office of Inspector General, Division of Health Care. Any special staff training, services, placement processes, costs and other factors related to memory care must be carefully documented.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Seniors receiving memory care in Kentucky benefit from the entire scope of services provided by assisted living facilities and personal care homes, including the activities of daily living. While regulations don’t require any specific memory care services, any specialty services in this area must be fully documented so that they can be subject to review. |
| Admission Requirements | Residents at assisted living facilities that provide memory care must be ambulatory or mobile nonambulatory. There is an exception if the condition is temporary. Their care requirements must fall within the scope of care documented by the facility. They must also not be a danger to themselves or others. |
| Care Planning | Prior to entering a new community, a memory care resident must go through a thorough assessment to determine their exact care needs. A similar assessment must take place at least once per year to identify changing needs. Residents have the right to make additional service arrangements with outside individuals or providers. |
| Medication Management | Residents who can self-administer their medication can get help with reminders, opening containers and pouring medication by trained staff members. However, the staff at assisted living facilities, including those with memory care, are not permitted to administer medication for patients directly. Only licensed professionals, such as registered nurses, are allowed to administer medication. |
| Staffing | Assisted living communities with memory care services must have a designated manager, but there are no minimum staffing ratio requirements. At least one staff member must be awake and available at all times, and there must be sufficient staff to meet both the scheduled and unscheduled needs of residents. |
| Training Requirements | All staff members at an assisted living facility providing memory care must go through an orientation within 90 days of hire. Workers who are caring directly for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia must go through specific training related to their duties. Annual education is required for a variety of topics, including resident’s rights, first aid, abuse and neglect, and CPR. |
| Reporting Abuse | Residents in memory care or their loved ones can report abuse to Kentucky’s Elderly Protective Services. It investigates issues involving abuse, neglect and exploitation involving victims aged 60 and older. Louisiana’s Health Standards Section is responsible for investigating complaints and grievances against assisted living facilities. |
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