This webpage was created to assist Kentucky residents in understanding the costs associated with long-term senior care throughout the state. The cost of assisted living, home care, home health care, and adult day care will all be explored. Payment options for senior care assistance programs, both in the home and in the community, will also be covered.
While the programs outlined here are inclusive of all the elder care options available from the state of Kentucky, programs that are available on a national level are not covered. In order to find the most appropriate care for your needs and budget, it’s vital to search for assistance nationwide. By using our Resource Locator Tool, at no charge, you can easily find other viable options.
Kentucky Eldercare Costs for 2024
Assisted Living / Memory Care
According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the statewide average monthly cost of assisted living in Kentucky is $4,335. Bowling Green has an average monthly cost close to the statewide average, at $4,700. The least expensive assisted living can be found in Owensboro, with a monthly cost of $2,808. In contrast, the most expensive areas for assisted living are Lexington, Louisville, and Elizabethtown, where the average monthly costs range from $5,188 – $5,352.
In addition to the monthly cost of assisted living, those who require Alzheimer’s Care, also referred to as Memory Care, will have an additional cost of approximately $702 – $1,335 / month. On average, this type of care costs approximately 20% – 30% more than the cost of traditional assisted living.
Home Care
The average cost of non-medical home care in Kentucky, per Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, is $37 / hour. The most affordable home care can be found in Louisville, where the average hourly cost is $33. Lexington and Elizabethtown are on par with the state average at $38 and $36 / hour, respectively.
In-home health care (provided by health care professionals) is another option for elderly care. Surprisingly, this type of care is reported to cost less than standard home care, with a statewide average of $25 / hour.
Adult Day Care
Statewide, according to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, the average daily cost of adult day care in Kentucky is $83 / day. The areas of Louisville, Lexington, and Elizabethtown have the same daily cost as the statewide average, $83.
Kentucky Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
Medicaid is a program for low-income individuals of all ages and is a joint effort between the federal government and each of the states. While the federal government sets parameters, each state can work within those parameters to do what works best for that particular state.
In Kentucky, nursing home care and limited in-home personal care is covered by the state plan. However, Kentucky also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. They provide long-term care in the home and community to prevent or delay nursing home placement of the elderly and disabled.
However, unlike the state plan, Medicaid waivers have enrollment caps. This means once the maximum number of participants has been met, there will be a waitlist for services. As of 2024, the state of Kentucky has one HCBS waiver related to seniors.
The Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver program provides supports for elderly residents of Kentucky to enable them to age in place. These supports include minor home modifications, personal care assistance, adult day care, homemaker services, and respite care. Via this waiver, eligible applicants can self-direct their own non-medical care assistance. Family members, and even spouses, may be hired to fill the caregiver role.
Medicaid Eligibility
In order to be eligible for long-term care Medicaid in the state of Kentucky, an individual’s level of functioning, their assets, and their income are all considered. In 2024, a senior applicant may have a monthly income of up to $2,829, which is equivalent to 300% of the current Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). Elderly applicants may have assets up to $2,000. While this may seem like a relatively low figure, certain items, such as an applicant’s primary home, up to an equity interest of $713,000, a vehicle, household items, and personal effects, are considered exempt.
Married long term care applicants whose spouse is not applying for Medicaid may be able to transfer a portion of their income to their non-applicant (community) spouse. This is called the monthly maintenance needs allowance, and is in place to ensure the non-applicant spouse has enough income on which to live. As of 2024, up to $3,853.50 a month in income may be transferred to the non-applicant spouse.
In addition, the community spouse is entitled to a greater amount of assets than the applicant spouse. This is called the community spouse resource allowance, and as of 2024, this figure can be as high as $154,140.
Applicants who are over the income and asset limit(s) may still qualify for Medicaid. If there is any question one might be eligible, it is strongly recommended that one reach out to a Medicaid Planning Professional for assistance. Learn more.
Kentucky Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
The state of Kentucky currently offers three non-Medicaid programs for the elderly to assist in the cost of senior care and supports.
The Kentucky Hart-Supported Living Program, previously called Kentucky Supported Living, provides grants to disabled individuals to assist them in living independently, either at home or in the home of a relative. This grant allows for consumer direction, allowing program participants to choose which supports would most benefit them and who will provide those services. Examples of supports and services include vehicle and home modifications, homemaker tasks, personal care, respite care, and live-in support.
The Personal Care Attendant Program (PCAP) is intended for Kentucky residents who have lost functioning of at least two limbs. This program allows for consumer direction. This means program participants may hire and manage the caregiver of their choosing. Benefits may include assistance with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, housecleaning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and transportation.
The Kentucky Homecare Program provides seniors who are at risk of nursing home placement a variety of in-home supports, such as meal delivery, personal care assistance, household chores, respite care, and minor home repairs. Services are delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living and may vary based on the office.
PACE Programs in Kentucky
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.
PACE services in Kentucky are designed to meet preventative, acute and long-term care needs for adults aged 55 and older. These services include primary care, social services, personal and supportive care, meals and nutritional counseling. Physical, speech, occupational and recreational therapies may be available as well. To be eligible for PACE in Kentucky, an applicant must meet all the following criteria:
- Be age 55 or older
- Meet nursing facility level of care as certified by the state
- Be able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment
- Live in an area covered by a PACE organization (Fayette, Jessamine, Woodford, Franklin and Anderson counties)
How To Get Started with PACE in Kentucky
To learn more about PACE in Kentucky, including information about eligibility requirements, what services are included and how to sign up, visit the state’s Medicaid website or reach out to the PACE provider below.
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PACE Provider
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Contact
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Areas Served
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Bluegrass PACE Center
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(251) 287-8427
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Fayette, Jessamine, Woodford, Franklin and Anderson counties
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Other Financial Options for Care
In addition to the state specific programs that assist in covering the cost of elderly care in Kentucky, there are also federal and non-profit programs available. In order to find other programs that assist in paying for care or reduce your out-of-pocket cost, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool. This tool makes it easy to locate and consider all of your options and choose the program that best fits the circumstances. Eldercare loans and programs that aid veterans with assisted living are other available options.
Finding Affordable Care in Kentucky
As one can see from the figures above, the cost of elder care in Kentucky can vary significantly based on the geographic location. One great way to manage the cost of care is to find a provider that offers needed assistance at an affordable rate. Our organization has made this easy for you by partnering with several organizations that match specific care needs with care providers in the area in which one requires assistance. This service is available at no charge to you. Click here to find affordable care.
Eldercare Financial Assistance Locator
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Top Cities for Senior Care in Kentucky
For more information about the costs and resources available in Kentucky cities, click on the links below.
Top Cities for Memory Care
Top Cities for Assisted Living
