Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Louisville’s senior population continues to grow (12% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Louisville, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 7% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 10%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is about the same as the rest of the nation (6.57% in Louisville vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Memory care averages $4,375 per month in Louisville, based on the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021. Since memory care residents often require around-the-clock care and additional support, these facilities usually cost more than some other types of senior care.
Memory care in Louisville is similar to the Kentucky state average of $4,310 and lower than the national average of $5,625. Louisville memory care facilities average the same as nearby Bowling Green facilities. They're more expensive than Owensboro at $3,860 per month and Elizabethtown at $4,031. However, Louisville memory care costs are lower than Lexington, which costs $5,710 per month on average.
Louisville offers several types of senior care, which offer different services depending on each senior's independence and needs. Adult day health care services are the least expensive option, costing $1,809 a month on average. In-home care and home health care each cost $4,767 per month in Louisville. Assisted living facilities average $3,500 per month. Nursing home care is the most expensive, with a semiprivate room costing $7,452.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Louisville.
Louisville seniors living with dementia and their families can access free and low-cost resources to help them navigate a dementia diagnosis. These resources provide education and support as families learn about long-term care options and caregiving.
resource | contact | description | location |
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Alheimer's Association - Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter | 800-272-3900 | This Alzheimer's Association chapter serves the state of Kentucky as well as Southern Indiana. It provides resources for seniors living with dementia and their families. Services include education programs and caregiver support. | Louisville, KY |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 800-372-2991 | Kentucky's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents living in long-term care facilities, including memory care. This office investigates and resolves any complaints about long-term care facilities and offers information to residents about the state's long-term care services. | Louisville, KY |
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Council | 502-564-6930 ext. 3507 | The state-run Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Council provides information and education to help Kentucky families living with a dementia diagnosis. The council works alongside the state chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and the medical research community to identify ways to support seniors with Alzheimer's. | Louisville, KY |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Louisville, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Barton House Senior Living in Louisville offers memory care for up to 20 residents in specially designed private suites. Each resident receives personalized support with the activities of daily living and a comprehensive dementia-related program of activities centered around their unique interests. Residents are also free to relax or spend time with visitors. A registered dietitian oversees the nutritional program, which is comprised of four restaurant-style meals per day plus snacks. Round-the-clock personal care and building security give family members peace of mind in knowing their loved ones are well cared for. Barton House provides on-site physician and rehabilitation services along with a beauty/barber shop. The facility also makes caregiver support and training available to the families of residents. In this nurturing, homelike environment, caregivers support memory impaired residents so they maintain as much independence and dignity as possible.
Family members praise this facility for the compassionate, attentive care and the high level of security that gives everyone comfort. One daughter wrote, I went to Barton House, and were very happy with it. We needed more hands-on personal care for my father, not just assisted living. He is happy there. The staff is wonderful.�
One of 150 similar homes nationwide, BeeHive Homes of Louisville/Smyrna is small by design. It offers one of the highest staff-to-resident ratios in the senior care industry. Both their assisted living and memory care communities provide residents with an intimate, family-like environment in a residential setting where they receive one-on-one attention. Seniors sleep in spacious bedrooms with full private baths. The Carolina classic cherry wood furniture creates a warm environment, but residents can bring their own furnishings if they wish. Each home accommodates between 10 and 14 seniors and provides 24-hour supervision. Three home-cooked, dietitian-approved meals per day and delicious snacks are served in a common dining area. An emergency call response system in each room and keypad entry/exit systems ensure safety and security. Special activities and outings encourage communication and interaction, which is highly beneficial for those with memory loss.
The homelike atmosphere, loving staff and ample activities for residents give family members peace of mind. One daughter shared, Mom has been here for several years. It is very homey and caring - far from institutional. They have lots of activities, and the food is good. The employees are friendly and engaged with their clients.�
Belmont Village St. Matthews is a short drive from downtown Louisville and surrounded by great restaurants, shopping and world-class medical facilities. The pet-friendly senior living community offers assisted living services and cares for those with Alzheimers disease in its secured Memory Care Neighborhood. Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early-stage memory loss have the award-winning Circle of Friends� program available. Circle of Friends residents remain in their own assisted living apartments but receive more support in this seven-day-a-week program that uses a small-group model. Those who live in the Memory Care Neighborhood also enjoy personalized programs based on individual strengths and abilities. All residents enjoy chef-prepared meals served restaurant-style. The small, self-contained community is easy to navigate. Music therapy and exercise classes, as well as local outings and gardening, keep residents active.
The�well-designed facility, cleanliness, excellent security and caring staff receive high marks from family members. My Dad has been a resident at Belmont Village St. Matthews since September 2015. We were so relieved to find such a warm, inviting community for Dad. Unlike his life before Belmont, I now never have to worry about his safety or comfort,� says one son.
Creekside on Bardstown�provides assisted living, memory care and respite services in a clean, modern facility�filled�with light-colored furnishings�and green plants to promote�a sense of peace and comfort.�The community�encourages active, healthy living for each resident and provides a full calendar of activities tailored�to benefit those with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.�Each morning begins with gentle exercises and a nutritional breakfast followed by staff-facilitated bingo or trivia games, crafts in the activity room, religious services and gatherings such as ice cream socials. Family members are encouraged to�visit often, and pets under 20 pounds are welcome.
Reviewers compliment the facility's involved, caring staff who create a close-knit environment. One employee states, "Everyone is family and works very hard. The care staff are amazing and engage the residents every day. Everyone is very knowledgeable and are always willing to lend a hand. I would highly recommend working here and living here!"
One of Dominion Senior Livings newest facilities, this 42,000-square-foot, faith-based assisted living and memory care community lies in Northfield, approximately 10 miles from Louisville. The renovated one-story building features 41 assisted living and 20 memory care apartments. Residents enjoy a choice of private one-bedroom or studio suites. The specially trained caregiving team uses the Tapestry by Dominion Senior Living program to create a personalized program for its memory care residents. This person-centered approach takes into account each individual's life history, abilities and interests. Each resident is free to choose how they spend their day, but some of the engaging activities include movie nights, Bible study, cooking demonstrations and physical exercise. Families enjoy peace of mind knowing that their loved one, who is experiencing memory loss, is being cared for in a safe, supportive and enriching environment.
The service-to-seniors, faith-based philosophy that guides Dominion is attractive to family members. Many remark upon the lovely surroundings and well-designed facility. One writes, DSL of Louisville is a wonderful community nestled in the Northfield community of Louisville. We love the one-story community and spacious rooms! The outdoor areas are very beautiful and private!�
Forest Hills Commons is a people-focused assisted living, independent living and memory care facility that�strives to maximize residents' sense of freedom and well-being. The research-based Auguste's Cottage Memory Care program offers brain and sensory-stimulating activities that include card games, dancing and gardening. Residents enjoy a�familiar, caring environment filled with plants, artwork, personal items and visiting pets.�The dining hall's brightly colored�dishes�assist in stimulating cognition and appetite, and nutritionists provide well-balanced, healthy meals and portable snacks so residents can move about as they eat. Innovative sensory therapies�such as Snoezelen, deep pressure and aromatherapy�promote feelings of connection and�relaxation.�An in-house doctor with access to state of the art technology provides extra convenience for residents, as well as a community van to transport people to events and appointments.
Reviewers mention the numerous amenities including a barber shop and theater along with the excellent dining experience. One visitor states, Forest Hills is a very beautiful place. They have a very good chef, so you have better than average food, and you have a bit of a selection. They have physical therapists in the gym and a full-time nurse on staff for emergencies.�
Hallmark House strives to create a rewarding living experience for residents with varying needs, including those with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The highly trained staff helps residents maintain cognitive function through medication management, regular wellness assessments and round-the-clock supervised care. They approach each resident's needs using tactics that preserve dignity while promoting safety, security and confidence. Hallmark House's customized floor plan enhances resident comfort and safety with open spaces and natural light designed to minimize irritation and confusion. The dining room has an open kitchen where aromas from freshly cooked meals can circulate, making the space really feel like home.
A daughter of one of the residents says, "A beautiful, planned facility.The administration has been extremely caring and responsive to our needs. Today when I was there the staff was busy with the residents in various ways. There are always efforts throughout the day to stimulate the residents. My brother and I are very thankful to have our father there."
Heartsong Memory Care provides licensed, secure dementia care in both a residential program and a daycare program. The community, located in Southwest Louisville, contains private studios and companion suites for up to 36 residents in a sprawling, ranch-style home. Rooms are furnished with the residents' familiar belongings, and theres a feeling of one big, but warm and cozy, household. Residents can come and go freely, and the secured outdoor courtyards contain plentiful areas for walking and gardening. The adult day health care program for seniors with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia operates every weekday, providing a needed break for at-home caregivers. Both programs offer stimulating physical, cognitive, social and spiritual activities. This locally owned and operated memory care facility provides 24-hour nursing service, on-site medical visits, and physical, speech and occupational therapies.
Visitors appreciate the homey and caring feeling at Heartsong,�and the freedom of movement the residents enjoy. One reviewer wrote, The caregivers are very caring and treat each resident respectfully. I have visited many personal care facilities and found many have an institutionalized feeling. Heartsong has a feeling like you are at home.�
Magnolia Springs East Louisville is a beautiful senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care. The interiors have a grand, gracious appearance, with traditional furnishings and elegant decorative accents. Residents can choose from two sizes of private studios with large baths. Memory Way at Magnolia Springs cares for individuals with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia using the nationally recognized Heartfelt CONNECTIONS Memory Care Program. Daily activity programming is structured around a thorough life history of each resident. A jam-packed calendar ensures theres something for everyone to love. Daily staples include raising the flag in the early morning and lowering it at night, afternoon rest and hydrate sessions, happy hour, and dinner. Live entertainment, scenic drives, exercise, a nail salon, pet therapy and reminiscing hour are just some examples of the many opportunities for socialization and engagement.
The excellent food and nonstop activities delight those with relatives here. One daughter offered, Mom and Pop moved in last summer. I can tell you as a family member, this place treats our folks very well. They are there for anything they may need and never seem bothered by the request.�
Magnolia Springs in Louisville offers purpose-driven programming along with enriching outings and events for its active senior residents in the assisted�living community. Those experiencing Alzheimers and other forms of dementia are cared for at Memory Way, where the Heartfelt CONNECTIONS Memory Care Program provides the foundation. This nationally recognized program focuses on the residents remaining abilities with the goal of providing small victories and daily successes. Specially trained caregivers capture important historical information, relationships, hobbies and preferences for each resident and integrate the life story details into the daily activity programming. This helps residents retain a sense of dignity, satisfaction and purpose. Memory care residents have two private studio and bath apartment floor plans to choose from. They enjoy a full schedule of daily activities, including a nightly happy hour before dinner and a late afternoon rest & relax period.
Children of residents are quick to praise the high quality of life and superior service their parents receive. Several gave Magnolia Springs a five-star rating. One daughter shared, Their professionalism, dedication and compassion for their residents and quality services like care, food, housekeeping, and especially their social activity programs, are absolutely exceptional.�
Morning Pointe of Louisville is a modern assisted living community on nine acres that includes the Lantern Alzheimer's Center of Excellence. Residents of The Lantern receive highly personalized needs-based programming that utilizes several innovative techniques. The Meaningful Day�program incorporates each residents prior roles, interests and life experiences to provide an individualized, enriched quality of life. Components of the program include SimpleC Community Connect memory technology, pet therapy and The Best Friends approach to Alzheimers care, which adapts to each persons remaining abilities. Teepa Snow activity boxes holding meaningful personal items are often placed in residents rooms to help calm and engage them. Memory boxes hung outside apartment doors help guide residents back to their own two-bedroom suite or private studio.
The beautiful campus and caring staff are often highlighted by family members with loved ones residing here. One woman wrote, My father lived in the memory care section for a few short months until his health required different care. Morning Pointe quickly became his home, and his caregivers became his second family. They were patient, caring, and helped my father and our family weather the storms of his disease.�
Located in the east end of Louisville and part of the Plainview neighborhood, The Pinnacle of Louisville provides care for residents with Alzheimers and related dementias. The community contains four houses, and residents live in simple, private rooms. They can walk freely along the secured main street� area that connects all of the houses and also stroll along the quarter-mile outdoor path in the secured courtyard, or help garden vegetables and flowers in the community gardens. The facility contains an art studio, a community center and a health center. Care associates perform an hourly location check on each resident to ensure safety, and those walking outside are checked every 15 minutes. This nurturing, supportive community celebrates the individuality of memory-impaired persons using Purposeful Moments and Destination Stations. These programs encourage interactions with other residents and staff while restoring some of the independence residents lose upon leaving their homes. All Park Louisville caregivers receive monthly training on Alzheimer's, dementia and other relevant topics.
The resident-centered, passionate caregivers are often praised by those who have�loved ones residing at The Pinnacle of Louisville. My mother lives here. They always keep us informed of anything that happens with her. They contact us about any medicine changes they see she needs. The staff has been exceptional,� writes�one family member.
Minutes away from four hospitals and the rolling rapids of the Ohio River, Sunrise of Louisville is an award-winning senior living community that offers coordination of hospice, respite, and memory care. In addition to assistance with activities of daily living, residents receive weekly housekeeping and laundry service and a monthly wellness checkup from a licensed on-staff nurse. From morning till night, residents have numerous opportunities to socialize with their neighbors while participating in mind- and body-stimulating activities such as trivia, walking club and movie nights. Sunrise of Louisville encourages socializing among memory care residents by placing their suites near living and dining areas, which also eases navigation. Life-enrichment�managers, assigned to each memory care resident, design care plans tailored to residents' preferences to ensure each day is a fulfilling experience.
Many residents and their families speak highly of the staff's friendly, genuine demeanor and the homelike ambiance of the community. One resident noted, "The atmosphere was wonderful, and we liked it immensely. The staff was very friendly and very attentive." In regards to praise given, the chef-prepared meals are a close second.
The cozy community of Symphony at Valley Farms offers assisted living (called Personal Care�) and memory care. Their comfortable environment filled with traditional furnishings and thoughtful accents creates a gracious setting. The innovative "In the Moment" program for those experiencing memory loss is an intentionally designed team approach that more closely resembles a hospitality program than a�standard dementia care program. Instead of scheduled, pre-planned activities, theres a focus on recognizing and deepening the spontaneous moments of connection between resident and caregiver.�Taste & Tell is another one of this facilitys signature programs. It allows residents in the memory support neighborhood to enjoy an interactive, hands-on culinary program that lets them work alongside the chef in prepping meals. Memory care residents may choose between a private studio and bath, a one-bedroom apartment or a shared two-bedroom suite.
The number of engaging activities and lovely dining room are noted highlights of Symphony at Valley Farms.�Family members appreciate that the one-level facility is clean and easy to navigate. One person writes, Best assisted living home I could ever imagine for my Memaw. The staff members are wonderful. The facility is wonderful. Everything is wonderful!�
The Legacy at English Station does memory care differently. Every team member, including housekeepers and chefs, is NIDE (National Institute for Dementia Education) certified. This facilitates the forging of deep, meaningful relationships in which residents are treated as unique human beings. Residents are referred to as elders, and respite care is a Staycation.� There is a Director of Excitement, whose only job is to engage the residents daily. The community contains three unique neighborhood environments intentionally designed to make life simpler for residents while empowering them to act as autonomously as possible. Each secured neighborhood has a light-filled communal living area, a dining room and a spacious open-air courtyard. Elders live in small, private suites that are elegant and airy. A luxury coach transports them on outings, and a full calendar of stimulating activities and socializing keeps spirits high.
Clean, modern, comfortable and beautiful are some of the terms family members use to describe The Legacy's facility. But its the positive energy generated by the staff and their interactions with residents that garner numerous five-star reviews. As one son wrote of his mothers experience at The Legacy, This place seems totally focused on building positive moments for the residents.�
Traditions at Beaumont provides independent living, assisted living and memory care in a supportive, family-liFke community that focuses on comfort and relationships between residents and staff. Memory care residents�can explore their living areas freely and safely�thanks to�a modern security system and the aid of highly trained certified�dementia practitioners. To reduce incidents of depression and promote feelings of connectedness and well-being, frequent socialization is encouraged through activities such as card games, exercise classes in the on-site fitness room,�cookouts and holiday celebrations.�The facility utilizes the Varietas Memory Care program to create familiar, customized daily routines for each resident that take into account their personal tastes, skills and histories.
Loved ones admire the clean, well-maintained building, welcoming staff and high-end dining hall. A family member states, Traditions at Beaumont is wonderful and extremely clean. They cater to everything�Their dining area looks like a very, very large restaurant. I met three or four of their staff who are somewhat young and courteous Their grounds look like a high-end country club.�
Situated on an expansive 35-acre campus, Wesley Manor is a full-service, nonprofit retirement community providing independent and assisted living, nursing and memory care. Tree-filled grounds provide a�peaceful setting�perfect for�nature lovers, with walking paths and an enclosed garden and patio for memory care residents. Also termed a "personal care" community, the memory�support wing ensures a nurse is on site 24 hours a day and staff is attendant to the needs and preferences of each resident. Visiting musicians regularly entertain, and residents�play bingo games and�participate in other sensory-stimulating activities such as tabletop petting zoos and crafting. An on-site beauty salon, a whirlpool spa and a chapel are also available for residents' use.
Family members comment on the good food, the activities and religious services that help residents maintain a fulfilling, productive lifestyle. One reviewer says, My mother loves it there.�Theyve got crafts, they do Bingo and trail walking, and they just have them busy all the time.�They have a Catholic mass every Sunday. My mom is Catholic, and that is one thing that she really likes.�