Memory Care in Kentucky | MemoryCare.com

Memory Care in Kentucky

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of seniors age 65 and older in Kentucky who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s was 75,000, and that number is expected to rise to 86,000 by 2025, an increase of nearly 15%. In 2019, the number of Alzheimer’s deaths in Kentucky was close to 1,700, making it the sixth leading cause of death within the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts the number of Alzheimer’s patients nationwide will quadruple, bringing the number of dementia patients to 14 million.

Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility, or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units or facilities undergo specialized training in caring 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 will cover the cost of memory care in Kentucky, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Kentucky.

The Cost of Memory Care in Kentucky

When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Kentucky and 11 other cities in Kentucky.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Kentucky

Inflation has raised the cost of living across the board, and this has had an impact on planning for senior care. In Kentucky alone, costs have risen from $4,359 a month in 2022 to a projected $4,784 in 2024, a 10% increase. The same period saw prices nationwide go up by 19.5%. Other states are expected to follow this trend into 2024, such as Tennessee (31.5%), Ohio (21%) and Georgia (4%). Prices in West Virginia may increase massively to about 43.5%, from 2022 to 2024's projected $5,376 a month. This trend underscores the importance of budgeting for care. 

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Kentucky$4,359$4,852 $4,784
U.S. Average$4,863$5,369$5,792
Tennessee$4,214$5,115$5,539
Ohio$4,827$5,352$5,826
West Virginia$3,744$5,446$5,376
Georgia$4,016$4,196$4,157

Memory Care Costs in Kentucky's Top Cities

The $4,852 monthly cost of memory care in Kentucky is only an average that applies to the state in general. Within the state, there's a variety of price points among cities. Paducah is near the low end, at $3,690 a month, while Lexington is closer to the top at $5,550. Louisville and Bowling Green are closer to the statewide average, at $4,514 and $4,298 a month, respectively.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Memory care is a fairly medically intensive senior living arrangement, which brings significant costs with it. It's not the only choice for Kentucky seniors. Assisted living in the Bluegrass State averages $3,748 a month and entails room and board, caregiver assistance and help with activities of daily living. Seniors with the least need for assistance may opt for independent living, which averages $2,794 a month — just 58% of the cost of memory care.

Kentucky Medicaid Programs for Memory Care

Kentucky Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps low-income individuals pay for health care and receive medical services they otherwise couldn’t afford. Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living and memory care directly, but it does offer one home and community-based waiver program that helps pay for personal care.

Home and Community-Based (HCB) Waiver

The HCB waiver provides financial help to the elderly and to adults and children with disabilities to help them remain in the community as long as possible. The waiver covers a variety of services, including attendant care, home adaptions, meals and respite care.

  • Who Is Eligible: Seniors age 65 and older or those with a disability are eligible to apply for the HCB waiver. Individuals must meet the requirements to be admitted into a nursing home and meet the financial requirements for Medicaid.
  • How To Apply: To apply for an HCB waiver, file an application online through kynect or call the Department for Community Based Services at (855) 306-8959. Applications can also be submitted in person at any DCBS office.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Kentucky

For Medicaid eligibility, the total income limit for applicants can’t exceed 300% of the federal poverty level or $30,276 per year per applicant. Asset limits for a single applicant can’t be more than $2,000. In a two-person household, the asset limit for the non-applicant is $137,400, which allows the spouse to maintain ownership of their home and other belongings.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Kentucky

family sizeannual income limitsasset limits
Single Person$30,276$4,000
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant)$30,276$4,000 for applicant $137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants)$30,276 per applicant$8,000 ($4,000 per spouse)

Additional eligibility criteria include:

  • Kentucky residency
  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legal alien
  • 65 years of age or older
  • Require health care or insurance assistance

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Kentucky

Seniors in Kentucky can choose local or statewide help when applying for Medicaid. The following resources can provide application assistance and answer questions about benefits, claims, billing and additional services.

resourcecontactdescription
Benefits.gov502-564-5472Benefits.gov is a federal government website that serves as a starting point for information regarding Medicaid and the application process. Seniors can obtain information about eligibility and predetermine whether they can receive benefits through an on-site questionnaire.
Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)502-564-6930SHIP is a state counseling program that helps seniors understand their choices with Medicaid, Medicare, supplemental insurance and other coverage options. SHIP volunteers can also explain the appeals process, assess hospital bills and explore long-term care options.
Kentucky Legal Services270-782-1924Kentucky Legal Services provides information about Medicaid and helps seniors understand their rights under the program. The website also provides information about where to apply for benefits in person and explains coverage changes as they occur.

Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Kentucky?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.

That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.

More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Kentucky

In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:

  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance can be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at LongTermCare.gov.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loan will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgage for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
  • Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses can use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.
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Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Kentucky

Memory Care Regulation

In Kentucky, assisted living facilities and personal care homes are regulated by separate government entities. The Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living certifies all assisted living communities, while personal care homes are licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services, Office of Inspector General, Division of Health Care.

As part of the licensing process for long-term care homes that provide memory care, facilities (both personal care home and assisted living communities) must provide a comprehensive document that details special services, staff training programs that specialize in dementia care, placement processes, family care expectations and any costs associated specifically with memory care services. Barring a complaint, inspections are carried out every two years to ensure compliance and recertification at an assisted living facility and annually for licensing at a personal care home.

Facility Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities offer services that include assistance with all seven activities of daily living, help with housekeeping or other chores, transportation assistance and help with self-administered medication. These facilities are also expected to offer scheduled activities and social opportunities, along with meals and snacks.

Personal care homes, another residential option, provide a range of health-related services, along with continuous monitoring and supervision. A personal care home is also required to offer social and recreational activities that stimulate and engage residents to the best of their ability.

Admissions Requirements

Long-term care facilities work with a wide variety of residents who need different levels of care; however, not all seniors can be safely and adequately cared for in these communities. The table below lists some of the reasons why a senior might be denied for placement in an assisted living facility.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people with:

  • Dementia
  • Disabilities
  • Mobility or physical disabilities who can still navigate the facility with limited assistance
  • Mental health conditions
  • Intellectual or developmental disabilities

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who:

  • Can’t walk or transport themselves using a mobility assistance device, unless the condition is temporary
  • May be a danger to themselves, other residents or staff members
  • Require nursing care or other health services (some facilities may allow contracted service through a third-party company)

Care Plan Requirements

According to the Louisiana Administrative Code, ARCPs must perform and document an initial assessment of the resident’s needs. The screening must include information on the resident’s physical and mental status as well as the need for assistance with ADLs and IADLs. The ARCP must use this assessment in devising the resident’s care plan within 21 days of admission. The care plan has to be reviewed at least annually and revised, as necessary, by the staff involved in the resident’s care.

Medication Management Requirements

Staff with documented training can supervise the self-administration of medications and assist with reminders, opening containers, pouring medication and bringing it to residents. Staff administration of medications is allowed in all ARCPs in accordance with residents’ care plans. Medications can only be administered by a person currently licensed by the appropriate state agency. Intravenous therapy may be administered by staff under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in level 4 facilities only. The resident, the resident’s representative or the ARCP may contract with another individual or agency to administer medications

Facility Requirements

ARCPs may house up to two residents per resident unit. Level 1 and 2 facilities must have one bathroom for every four residents; level 3 and 4 facilities must have a separate, complete bathroom in each apartment. Facilities that accept residents with dementia or exit-seeking behaviors must provide an enclosed area adjacent to the facility so the residents may go outside safely.

Staffing Requirements

Louisiana doesn’t impose staffing ratios. Each ARCP must have at least a director, a designated activities coordinator and a direct care staff person. Employees who work directly with residents who have dementia must obtain at least eight hours of evidenced-based dementia training within 90 days of employment in addition to eight hours of such training annually. Staff who have regular contact with residents must obtain a minimum of four hours of dementia training within 90 days of employment as well as two hours of dementia training annually.

Medicaid Policy

Medicaid reimburses assisted living facilities for services rendered to seniors covered by Medicaid waivers or enrolled and receiving personal care coverage. These individuals must be eligible for institutional level of care. The reimbursement includes coverage of assistance with ADLs.

Reporting Abuse

The Elderly Protective Services in the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs investigates and intervenes appropriately in cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation involving Louisiana residents aged 60 years and older. The office can be reached at 1-833-577-6532 or by mail at: Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs, P.O. Box 61, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0661.

Louisiana’s Health Standards Section provides a complaint form for filing grievances against any health care facility licensed by the Department of Health. Once completed, the form should be mailed to: Health Standards Section, P.O. Box 3767, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. The HHS can be reached at 225-342-0138.

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Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Kentucky

In Kentucky, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in Kentucky is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Area Agencies on AgingKentucky's Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit organizations dedicated to assisting older adults and caregivers. They provide various programs and services to enhance independent living and enhance seniors' overall well-being. These include care planning, transportation, nutrition programs, and caregiver support. They also offer valuable information, referrals, and benefits counseling. Kentucky's AAAs are committed to advocating for seniors' rights and ensuring they have access to the resources needed for a dignified aging experience.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Kentucky to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Lifeline Program800-234-9473The LifeLine Program offers discounted telephone service, enabling participants to stay connected with their loved ones through landline or mobile phones.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Elderly individuals in Kentucky, living independently or in elderly care homes, can avail of numerous local financial support opportunities. These aid options help reduce in-home or long-term care costs and connect them to valuable community resources.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Transitions877-564-0330Kentucky Transitions assists seniors in the waiver program to transition from nursing homes to independent living. This enables them to qualify for an HCB waiver, which offers extra support. Move out of the nursing facility and enjoy the benefits of living in your own home or community.
Kentucky Home and Community Based Waiver844-784-5614The Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver in Kentucky empowers seniors to maintain their independence by living at home or in the community, reducing the necessity for nursing home placement. It provides a variety of services such as personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, minor home adaptations, adult day health care, and homemaker services.

Food Assistance Programs

In Kentucky, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Feeding Kentucky502-699-2656Kentucky's community food pantries extend a helping hand to independent seniors with transportation options. These pantries, managed by churches and nonprofits, offer a range of fresh and nonperishable food items for seniors to prepare meals at home. Operating hours and eligibility criteria may differ, so it's advisable to contact them in advance for specific information.
Kentucky Meals on WheelsKentucky Meals on Wheels is a government-funded initiative that provides nutritious meals to qualifying individuals aged 60 and above. Eligibility is determined through a home visit to assess if the person is unable to leave their home due to illness. Seniors can apply or be nominated by a caregiver or loved one.
Kentucky Nutrition Program for the Elderly502-564-6930The Kentucky Nutrition Program for the Elderly provides a daily meal to Kentucky residents aged 60 and above. To qualify for home-delivered meals, individuals must be 60 or older, unable to access congregate meals due to illness or disability, and have no one available to regularly prepare nutritious meals at home. This program is managed statewide by Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living.
Kentucky Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)502-782-9238The Kentucky Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides $50 checks to seniors aged 60 and above. These checks are redeemable for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at authorized farmers' markets in Kentucky. To qualify, seniors must have an income equal to or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)855-306-8959The Kentucky Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program assists low-income seniors in purchasing food. To qualify, seniors must be U.S. citizens, meet income requirements, and have resources below $3,500. Eligible seniors receive an electronic benefit transfer card to purchase approved foods at grocery stores.
Kentucky Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)800-327-6568The Kentucky Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers monthly food packages to eligible residents aged 60 or older who meet income requirements. These packages provide nourishing meals tailored to their dietary needs. Seniors can contact their local agency for more information on how to obtain assistance.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Kentucky, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

program-namephone-numberdescription
AT Reuse/ CARAT (Coordinating & Assisting the Reuse of Assistive Technology)800-327-5287Project CARAT is dedicated to redistributing assistive technology (AT) and durable medical equipment (DME) to individuals in need, at no cost. Our goal is to encourage the reuse of these valuable resources, ensuring they find new homes and provide assistance to those who require them.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Elderly residents of Kentucky with certain income brackets have access to local aid for prescription medication expenses. They might also be eligible for health coverage and other programs providing complimentary or reduced-cost healthcare services.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program800-633-8100The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP), managed by the Kentucky Department for Public Health Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement (DPQI), Health Care Access Branch, helps eligible seniors access free or discounted prescription medications. This program connects seniors with assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers, discount pharmacy programs, and discount drug programs.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Kentucky, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Section 504 Home Repair Program859-224-7353Seniors can access a lifetime home repair grant of up to $10,000, exclusively aimed at covering expenses for repairs and enhancements that target health or safety hazards.

Senior Engagement

In Kentucky, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center859-323-5550The University of Kentucky College of Medicine's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging provides a range of resources for Kentucky residents affected by dementia. These resources include research studies, memory screenings, clinical evaluations, and educational workshops. Topics covered in the workshops include identifying signs of the disease and locating long-term care options.

Social Security Offices

In Kentucky, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Social SecuritySocial Security offers financial support to retirees and those unable to work due to disability. It is funded through payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Monthly payments during retirement are based on past earnings.

Tax Assistance

In Kentucky, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Homestead Exemption502-564-4581Kentucky homeowners who meet certain requirements may be eligible for a homestead exemption. This exemption can help lower the assessed value of their home and property, potentially reducing their tax burden.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

In Kentucky, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)800-456-3452LIHEAP is a federal program in Kentucky that helps low-income seniors and households with their home heating and cooling expenses. It gives priority to heating costs and may cover cooling costs if funds are available.

Veteran's Services

In Kentucky, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

program-namephone-numberdescription
Kentucky VA Benefits and Health CareThe Department of Veterans Affairs in Kentucky provides specialized medical care for senior veterans. With VA Medical Centers, outpatient care sites, and administrative buildings in Lexington, Fort Thomas, Louisville, and other major cities, eligible veterans over 65 can access subsidized memory care, skilled nursing, and in-home medical and home care services. Kentucky's Department of Veterans Affairs has 23 accredited benefits representatives serving veterans in all 120 counties statewide.

Kentucky COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

questionanswer
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person?Yes (Conditions Apply)
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her?No
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person?Yes
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures?Yes
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will?Yes
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back?No (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures?Yes
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19?Yes (Conditions Apply)
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms?Yes
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures?Yes
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19?NA*
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