10 Best Nursing Homes in Louisville, KY
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest metropolitan area, with big-city amenities and suburban nostalgia. Beyond the beautiful city skyline are distinct neighborhoods full of small-town energy — a senior-friendly environment full of Southern hospitality. Louisville is known as a lovely place to retire, with many senior care communities in the area to choose from.
Many people use the term nursing home as an all-encompassing term for senior living. However, nursing homes generally include skilled nursing services and offer the highest level of care with 24-hour medical supervision. On the other hand, assisted living and memory care communities support seniors with their activities of daily living, meals, and other personalized services. If your loved one doesn’t require a nursing home level of care, assisted living senior care options may be a better, more affordable fit.
A Place for Mom does not partner with stand-alone skilled nursing homes. But we do partner with 22 assisted living and memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of the West Buechel neighborhood in Louisville. This radius also includes parts of Indiana, like Clark County. We highlight those communities in the guide along with local information on costs and ways families in Louisville pay for senior care. This guide also provides detailed information on all senior care types — from nursing homes to assisted living and memory care. You’ll learn what to expect from senior care in Louisville, find important local resources for seniors, and get a glimpse into Louisville’s senior-friendly atmosphere.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Louisville, KY
When it came time to find a new home for Mom, we toured multiple facilities and found the perfect place at The Ashton on Dorsey. It is the people that work there that make this the best. All the staff know...
My Family chose Magnolia Springs assisted-living for my mother after my father died. We are very happy she is there. That facility is gorgeous. We selected the one bedroom apt, which has ample space. The...
Our mother rapidly bonded with her care-givers and neighbors in the Sunrise of Louisville Community. She received truly wonderful care in the last months of her life--a level of care that we, her sons, were...
Quick and understanding. Was contacted in less than 24 hours and assisted in scheduling visit quickly. They provided information and support that was extremely helpful. They helped my family during a...
My Mom was only at Springhouse for two days before she passed away…please send me an assessment form to complete on the rehab center she was in before coming to Springhouse…it was The Willows at Springhurst...
My mother still resides at Creekside and we couldn't be happier. The staff is kind and considerate. The food is good which is a big deal to my mother. We did recommend to a friend and his Mother in Law...
My loved one went to Vitality Living Springdale for a respite stay. The staff were all very attentive and easy to reach when I wanted to check on my loved one. The only thing that was disappointing was that...
I'm very happy with Belmont Village, have said so many times. I have told a couple of friends that when their parents get to that point, Belmont would be a good place to consider.
They have about an 8/1 ratio of residents to staff. Many of the caregivers are very attentive and care for their residents but they cannot keep eyes on every resident at every moment. They are required to...
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It is so much better than my previous top two. It. Seems like I would like to hug Almost everyone. Probably the dining is # 1. It seems that everyone wants to help you . I visited many homes, but this...
Harmony has an amazing staff they are so helpful and caring. I would highly recommend this senior care facility to anyone who has an elderly parent. The only thing I would wish they had more food choices...
My visit was very nice. Every body concerned went out of their way to amend me comfortable and cared for. I would definitely consider them if I need someplace to go.
The place & people was very nice. Additional comment: it was just too far away from her friends. They were all older ladies who just couldn't drive that far .
Vitality is well kept. It is very well organized. Lots of activities. The residents seem happy. The fact that there are nurses on staff is comforting. The young ladies that are mom's aids seem to really...
The only thing she's not liking, is the food they serve. It looked like a smaller version of her patio home. Everyone there was really nice and residents were friendly. Staff was also friendly and helpful.
I chose this facility because I was in a time crunch and they had something available immediately. This facility is very clean and decorated nicely. They are pet they are a pet-friendly community which is...
The Forum makes the transition to independent living so easy for the residents and their family members! Almost immediately my parents were participating in all kinds of activities and events and continue to...
Mom really likes the food that is served. The staff is very attentive and helpful. The director is easy to access and work with. This is a smaller assisted living facility which makes it better in my view.
There is a wonderful energy at Inspirations. It's not just a job to the staff, they are part of the community at Inspirations and love the residents. The staff cares about residents' families and are just...
We moved our mother into Arcadia assisted living and found everyone to be helpful, friendly and most importantly welcoming. Within a matter of days mom had connected with a group of residents and became...
Great place. Great caring staff. Staff seem to enjoy working there. Facility is kept up and bright Our brother is up and active here whereas before he mostly just wanted to sleep. Staff seem to work hard to...
My loved one is currently a resident at Forest Hills Commons and everything has been quite acceptable so far. My loved one appreciates the food and the care that he receives, even though it has taken him...
Wonderful facility. The care that they have given my aunt is exceptional. The layout/design of the facility is beautiful and the staff, even more so. They seem to take a genuine interest in their...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Louisville community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Louisville community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of nursing homes in the Louisville area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Louisville
- How people pay for a nursing home in Louisville
- Understand Kentucky and Indiana laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Louisville
- Louisville nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Louisville? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Louisville
- Transportation for seniors in Louisville
- Senior activities in Louisville
Costs of nursing homes in the Louisville area
The cost for any senior care facility depends on the community’s location, amenities, services, and floor plan. For example, the price varies between a semi-private and private room when looking at skilled nursing facilities. The average cost for a semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility in Louisville or Jefferson County is $7,450 per month, according to Genworth data. This price increases for a private room to $8,540 per month. Both of these prices are lower than the national average.[01]
Skilled nursing home prices are higher than other senior care facilities, like assisted living or memory care communities, because they offer the highest level of medical care on-site. For example, skilled nursing home costs typically include the following in their monthly rent:
- Room and board
- 24-hour skilled nursing care
- Personal care
- 24/7 medical supervision
- Medication administration
- Rehabilitation therapies
- Wellness therapies, like physical, occupational, and/or speech
How do assisted living and memory care costs differ from nursing homes?
Since assisted living and memory care communities don’t offer a skilled nursing level of care, they cost less than nursing homes. Our assisted living partners in Louisville average about $4,140 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[02] However, memory care communities can sometimes cost more than assisted living. Our memory care partners in Louisville cost slightly more, with an average of about $4,356 per month.[02] These prices are what seniors reported paying in the past 12 months and includes any add-on fees. Monthly costs at these types of senior care communities typically include the following:
- Private or semi-private room
- Meals and snacks
- 24-hour awake caregiver staff
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Medication management
- Transportation services
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Grocery shopping and errand services
- Access to all on-site amenities, like social lounges, dining halls, game rooms, theaters, gyms, pools, courtyards, etc.
If your loved one doesn’t need 24-hour medical care, an assisted living community in Louisville may be more affordable and offer more beneficial senior care option. If your loved one has dementia and does not need 24-hour medical care, they may prefer a memory care community in Louisville.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Louisville, KY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Louisville, KY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Louisville vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Louisville, KY by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Louisville over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Louisville
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Louisville
Bennett Place in New Albany, IN
Amber Oaks Assisted Living in Shelbyville, KY
Crescent Place Assisted Living in Shelbyville, KY
How people pay for a nursing home in Louisville
When families start looking at senior care, one of the most common questions is how to approach paying for senior living. Many seniors start by looking at their private income sources like savings, retirement accounts, or Social Security benefits. Even more, eligible seniors may be able to receive additional help paying for care through veterans benefits, Medicaid, or Medicare. It’s often the best choice to combine private pay methods with public senior benefits to pay for nursing home, assisted living, or memory care.
A senior can pay for a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care community in several different ways. Most seniors and families look first to private income sources to see how much senior living costs they can cover independently. These income sources can be savings, pensions, investment returns, and much more. Depending on a family’s resources, the following options offer other ways to save towards senior living costs:
Number of veterans who live in Jefferson County, Kentucky
23 percent of Jefferson County veterans are aged 75+
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of veterans benefits. Most veterans find the Aid and Attendance benefit to be the most substantial and generous monthly payment. Senior veterans can use this benefit towards anything that improves their quality of life, including room and board at a senior care facility.
How can I know if my loved one is eligible for VA benefits?
The VA has an extensive list of potential eligible conditions, so there’s a high likelihood that senior veterans may qualify for various benefits. However, it can be challenging to understand what a senior is eligible for. This is why it’s crucial for seniors and their families to use their local resources to fully understand what benefits they can receive.
The Louisville area hosts many organizations to help seniors and their families understand, apply, or file claims for veterans benefits. Through the following links, you can search for local VA-vetted veteran service organizations (VSOs) in the Louisville area:
Other resources for Louisville veterans
321 W. Main St., Suite 390
Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
1111B Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-9203
Fax: 502-564-9240
Clark County Veteran Service Office
County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO): Ronnie Iglesias
Assistant CVSO: Ashley Strange
300 Corporate Drive, Suite 101
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: 812-285-6345
Fax: 812-280-5628
Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
777 N. Meridian St., Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2738
Phone: 317-232-3910
Fax: 317-232-7721
Toll free phone: 800-400-4520
Kentucky Medicaid and Indiana Medicaid are the state health insurance programs for low-income seniors or adults with disabilities. Medicaid will only cover custodial costs, like room and board, if a community is a Medicaid-contracted nursing home. However, seniors can get help covering care costs at their place of residence through Medicaid’s home and community based (HCB) waivers and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
What is covered under home and community based waivers?
Home and community based waivers allow Medicaid to help cover certain services in senior care facilities. These are made to reduce a senior’s need to move into a nursing home so they can remain in their home of choice.
Both Kentucky’s home and community based (HCB) waiver and Indiana’s Aged and Disabled waiver cover similar services in a senior care community, such as the following:
- In-home caregiver support
- Attendant care
- Adult day care
- Community transition services
- Environmental modifications, like installation of ramps, grab bars, or other accessibility features in the home
- Case management
- Specialized medical equipment
Additionally, Indiana’s Aged and Disabled waiver helps cover assisted living services like assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).
What is covered by Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)?
Both Kentucky and Indiana have Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This Medicare and Medicaid program helps provide access to a variety of health care services in a recipient’s current place of residence. Some of the in-home health care services covered under this program include the following:
- Skilled nursing home care
- Adult day care or caregiver respite
- Home care aide
- Medical specialty services
- Meal delivery
- Transportation services
- Prescription drugs
- Hospital and/or primary care
How do I get help applying for Medicaid in Louisville?
While Medicaid benefits are beneficial, the eligibility requirements and application process can be complicated. Luckily, the Louisville area offers local Medicaid advisors to help applicants and their families fully understand their benefits. Local area agencies on aging, Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA), and the Department of Medicaid Services office can help seniors apply, file claims, and understand everything they may qualify for under Medicaid.
Louisville resident Medicaid resources
Kentucky departments and agencies
275 E. Main St. 3W-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-4321
Email: hcbinquiries@ky.gov
Clark County Division of Family Resources
285 Quartermaster Court
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Telephone/fax number: 800-403-0864
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living
KIPDA Aging and Disability Resources
11520 Commonwealth Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Phone: 502-266-5571
Fax: 502-266-5047
Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living
275 E. Main St., 3E-E
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-6930
Email: dail.general@ky.gov
33 State St., 3rd Floor
New Albany, IN 47151-0995
Phone: 812-948-8330
888-948-8330
TTY Phone: 812-542-6895
Fax: 812-948-0147
Seniors aged 65+ and individuals with certain disabilities may qualify for Medicare, a federal health care program. This program helps cover short-term stays in skilled nursing facilities. However, throughout the stay, skilled nursing coverage changes:
- Between day 1 and day 20, a senior has a $0 copay.
- Between day 21 and day 100, a senior has up to a $200 copay.
- On day 101 and beyond, a senior pays 100% of skilled nursing costs.
Skilled nursing is only covered if a senior has days left on their benefit period for Medicare Part A. Medicare can also help cover multiple services provided in a skilled nursing facility, such as the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language pathology services
- Meals
- A semi-private room
- Medication
- Medical supplies and equipment
Is assisted living and/or memory care covered by Medicare?
Medicare helps cover certain medical costs in an assisted living and memory care facility, but won’t cover room and board costs. Additionally, Special Needs Plans (SNPs) — one of the Medicare Advantage Plans — can help people with certain diseases, like dementia, receive care, benefits, and drugs tailored to their needs.
How can my loved one afford Medicare?
Kentucky and Indiana have access to different savings programs to help with the cost of Medicare. For instance, Medicare Savings Programs can help low-income seniors with premium costs. Likewise, if your loved one has Medicare Part D, Extra Help can reduce prescription and Part D costs. Indiana residents can also receive additional support for their Part D costs through HooiserRx.
Who can help me apply for Medicare benefits?
While Medicare is helpful to seniors, the application process can be lengthy and complicated. Therefore, contacting local Medicare advisors before starting the application process helps ensure your loved one receives all the benefits they qualify for. Kentucky and Indiana have local State Health Insurance Assistance (SHIP) programs and Social Security offices to help seniors and their families understand and apply for Medicare.
The local Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) district long-term care ombudsman also advocates for seniors’ rights and helps work through health insurance issues and claims. While every area has a long-term care ombudsman, Louisville has a special task force — Senior Medicare Patrol — to assist seniors with health care scams, abuse, and billing issues. Below you’ll find links and specific information on these local resources.
Louisville resident Medicare resources
Natalie Brown-Radtke
Catholic Charities
2911 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: 502-637-9786
Toll free phone: 800-854-3233
Email: nbrownradtke@archlou.org
State long-term care ombudsman
Sherry Culp
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Inc.
3138 Custer Drive, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 859-277-9215
Toll Free phone: 800-372-2991
Email: sherryculp@ombuddy.org
Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman
Lynn Clough
402 W. Washington St., Room W451
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
Information/complaint phone: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134
Fax number: 317-972-3285
Email: longtermcareombudsman@ombudsman.IN.gov
Clark County long-term care ombudsman
Mary Cleavinger
Indiana Legal Services
3303 Plaza Drive, #5
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: 812-913-7361, ext. 11223
Email: mary.cleavinger@ilsi.net
Louisville Social Security office
601 W. Broadway, Room 101
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 866-716-9671
Fax: 833-950-3149
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jeffersonville/Clarksville, Indiana, Social Security office
3700 Blackiston Blvd.
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: 800-772-1213
Fax: 833-950-2142
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand Kentucky and Indiana laws and regulations for nursing homes
Seniors and their families can have peace of mind knowing both Kentucky and Indiana have laws and regulations for nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities. Every type of senior care facility has an extensive list of requirements to help ensure the safety of its residents. Below you’ll learn more about senior care requirements in both Kentucky and Indiana.
Kentucky nursing home laws and regulations
Kentucky nursing homes must be run by a licensed nursing home administrator and pass on-site inspections. These inspection reports are available through the Office of Inspector General website.
Nursing homes in Kentucky help ensure your loved one is receiving the best quality of care by having extensive staffing requirements. For example, nursing homes must have an adequate number of staff members, with at least one registered nurse or licensed practical nurse available around the clock. This number depends on how many residents live in the nursing home and what kind of care and supervision is required to meet their needs.[04]
How Indiana nursing home laws and regulations differ from Kentucky
Indiana nursing homes differ from Kentucky in the ways facilities are licensed. Indiana skilled nursing homes are licensed as comprehensive care facilities by the director of the Indiana Department of Health Division of Long Term Care (IDOH). Similar to Kentucky, these facilities must undergo inspections, and these are available under “consumer reports” on the IDOH website.
Indiana also has an extensive list of requirements for skilled nursing facilities, such as requiring training for every staff member and which members can administer medication. Only licensed nursing staff or qualified medication aids can administer medications. If the drug is injectable, only licensed personnel can inject the medication.[05]
How do on-site nursing services differ from skilled nursing care
While many senior care communities offer on-site nursing services, these services differ from skilled nursing services. Approximately 41% of our assisted living and memory care partners offer on-site nursing services, which could mean a facility provides any of the following:[02]
- On-staff nurses
- On-site hospice care
- A rehabilitative care unit
In fact, about 72% of our assisted living and memory care partners in Louisville have on-site hospice care services. Plus, almost all (20 out of 22) of our Louisville partners have visiting physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
Since most nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care communities have rehabilitative services, there are certain requirements a nursing facility must meet to provide these specialized therapies. Kentucky requires rehabilitative services to be provided by licensed therapists on a planned and frequent basis. Indiana has similar requirements for rehabilitative services, but also requires a prescription from the senior’s physician.[04,05]
Kentucky assisted living and memory care laws and regulations
Assisted living facilities are certified annually through the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living. Similarly, memory care facilities are licensed as assisted living communities with dementia care. Both must undergo on-site inspections, which are available for review through the Office of Inspector General website.[06]
Similar to nursing homes, senior care facilities have multiple requirements to help ensure your loved one’s well-being. For instance, Kentucky assisted living communities must have a sufficient amount of staff members with at least one caregiver available on-site around the clock. Memory care communities require additional requirements, with staff required to have a dementia-specific orientation and annual dementia trainings to help ensure the safety of seniors with dementia.[05,06]
How other Indiana senior care community laws and regulations differ from Kentucky
While nursing homes in Indiana are licensed as comprehensive care facilities, assisted living and memory care communities receive a residential care facility license. These facilities are regulated by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). However, this license is not required if the senior care community does not administer medication or offer nursing care.[07,08]
Staffing requirements for assisted living and memory care communities in Indiana are extremely similar to Kentucky’s. However, memory care communities in Indiana have additional dementia care training hours required for their staff. Memory care staff members in Indiana must undergo at least 6 hours of specialized dementia training annually.[07]
What are your loved one’s rights in senior care facilities?
One thing that all senior care communities in both Kentucky and Indiana do is protect your loved one. In a senior care community, a senior should live free of abuse, neglect, restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal. In the event of any issues, you can file a complaint through your state Department of Health or your local long-term care ombudsman.[05,06]
Comparable to nursing homes, all senior care communities have extensive laws and regulations. To understand more about different community regulations, visit our guides to assisted living and memory care in Louisville.
COVID-19 regulations for Louisville nursing homes
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) loosen COVID-19 recommendations, so have individual states, including Kentucky. For this reason, senior care communities no longer require masks as of September 2022.[09] However, communities can implement their own additional COVID-19 guidelines. So, before visiting or moving into the community, ask about their COVID-19 regulations.
While senior care facilities no longer require masks, the Kentucky Department for Public Health follows the community-level COVID-19 statewide guidance. Currently, Jefferson County falls under a low level of guidance, so the area still has relaxed recommendations, as found below.
Masking. Wearing a mask is up to each individual, but may be required after an exposure to a COVID-19 infection.
Quarantining. After a positive test for COVID-19, a person should isolate for five days if they do not show symptoms or 10 days if they do. After close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days.
What to expect from nursing homes in Louisville
Whether a senior is looking for a nursing home, assisted living community, or memory care facility, the Louisville area has options for everyone. Every senior care facility’s amenities and services vary to accommodate the needs of its residents. But, what are senior care communities in Louisville like? Here you’ll learn more about what you can expect.
Skilled nursing in Louisville
The Louisville area has plenty of skilled nursing facilities, ranging from small facilities to large ones. These skilled nursing facilities offer the highest level of 24-hour nursing and medical care outside of a hospital. They have many specialized services on-site, which may include but are not limited to the following:
- Rehabilitation services
- Nutrition services
- Pharmacy services
- Laboratory services
- Radiology services
- Palliative care
- Wound care
- IV therapy
- Stroke care
- Cardiac care
If your loved one doesn’t need long-term skilled nursing care, most senior care facilities in Louisville have short-term and/or respite care options. For example, many assisted living and memory care facilities have units for short-term rehabilitative care with services like the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Post-hospital care
While most of our assisted living and memory care partners do not have on-site skilled nursing units, there are many facilities that offer access to these types of advanced care services on their campus.
Assisted living in Louisville
Louisville assisted living communities go beyond simply supporting seniors with activities of daily living (ADLs). Most of our partners have on-staff activity directors to create varied on- and off-site activities. This helps your loved one maintain an active and social lifestyle while living at the community.
Our partner assisted living communities provide an array of additional services and amenities to personalize the resident experience. For example, many of our partners have devotional activities on-site, like Bible study groups as well as a visiting chaplain or priest. Our Louisville partners may also include additional resort-style amenities, from fitness centers to beauty salons.
Only two of our assisted living partners are stand-alone facilities dedicated to assisting seniors with their activities of daily living. The rest of our partners have either independent living or memory care services available on the same campus. This enables partners with different care needs to live on the same campus and lets seniors with advancing care needs access services without needing to move.
Memory care in Louisville
Almost all of our memory care partners in Louisville are part of a larger assisted living community. However, on-site memory care neighborhoods have different types of services and amenities catered to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Whether a memory care community is a stand-alone facility or a part of a larger assisted living facility, memory care-designated areas are designed to help seniors with memory loss easily navigate their new home safely.
Memory care units also help families live worry-free and have peace of mind knowing their loved one is cared for in a personalized, homelike environment. These facilities help ensure the safety of your loved ones by having secured exits and entrances, as well as security systems like WanderGuard or emergency call systems. They also typically have on-site staff with experience and sensitivity training in nuanced memory care needs.
Our one stand-alone memory care partner in Louisville is extremely similar to those within an assisted living community, though safety and staff standards are more specialized. One unique part of this community that goes beyond the standard services is they have a licensed nurse on-site around the clock. This is not uncommon for memory care communities, but it’s not always the standard.
Nonambulatory care services in Louisville senior care communities
You or your loved one will receive the best assistance, as all our assisted living and memory care partners provide nonambulatory care services to help seniors get around. Here are some examples of these types of services: [02]
- One or two person assisted transfer
- Standby assistance
- Total transfer/Hoyer lift
Louisville nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Louisville nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Louisville nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Louisville nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Louisville nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Louisville nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
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Unfamiliar with Louisville? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors aged 75+
Number of seniors aged 75+ currently living in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Percentage of seniors 75+ within the Jefferson County population
Percentage of seniors 65+ in Jefferson County with a disability
Health care for seniors in Louisville
Louisville was recognized by Forbes for its advanced aging health solutions and named “America’s Aging Care Capital.” Its distinguished hospitals offer specialized care for seniors and treatments for common adult conditions. In this section, you’ll find Louisville’s highest-rated health care systems.
You or your loved one can receive trustworthy care at Baptist Health Louisville, the hospital rated No. 1 in Louisville and No. 3 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital performs highly for conditions common in adults, like strokes, hip and knee replacements, and cardiology. There’s also a location in Jeffersonville for those who live on the Indiana side of the Louisville area.
Norton Hospital offers innovative care as the teaching hospital for the University of Louisville School of Medicine. It ranks No. 2 in Louisville and No. 5 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. Its geriatric care services include different programs to accommodate seniors aged 65+, such as on-site care at certain nursing homes.
You or your loved one can find superb care at UofL Health — Jewish Hospital, known for many U.S. medical firsts. U.S. News and World Report ranks it as No. 3 in Louisville and No. 6 in Kentucky. Seniors aged 65 and older can find specialized care through the hospital’s geriatric clinic, Republic Bank Optimal Aging Clinic.
Transportation for seniors in Louisville
The safest way for seniors in a senior care community to get around the city is through their facility’s transportation services. Luckily, about 95% of our assisted living and memory care partners in Louisville have on-site transportation services for their residents. A majority of these services are complimentary, but some facilities may charge an additional fee.[02]
On-site transportation is extremely helpful in Louisville because the city lacks walkability and robust transit options. However, if you or your loved one need transportation outside of the community’s available services, there are ways to get around, thanks to the Transit Authority of River City (TARC).
Are there paratransit services available in Louisville?
Yes, TARC offers an ADA paratransit service called TARC3. TARC3 is best for those who can’t use regular buses due to accessibility and safety issues. This may include seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living or have dementia.
A personal care attendant (PCA) is likely best for these seniors and is required by TARC3 for seniors with dementia. A PCA helps seniors remain safe during rides, guides them to buildings, administers medications, and more. To have a PCA, a senior must request a PCA certification.
For more information on eligibility and TARC’s paratransit service, visit the TARC3 Rider’s Guide. On top of this, seniors can find additional transportation options recommended by the Office for Aging/Disabled Citizens on pages 71-72 in their resource guide.
Senior activities in Louisville
Whether you’re a visiting family member or a local senior resident, the Louisville area has something for everyone, from sunset cruises along the Ohio River to shopping in historic neighborhoods. Louisville is known for endless attractions, sports, and iconic food. Below, you’ll find some senior-friendly and accessible things to enjoy in Louisville with your loved one.
Famous Southern food and the finest bourbon
You or your loved one can experience the authentic Southern experience in Louisville, where some of the most well-known Southern dishes were first created. For example, the Brown Hotel in Louisville was the birthplace of the open-faced turkey sandwich called The Hot Brown. This is not your ordinary turkey sandwich, since it’s topped with strips of bacon and smothered in deliciously creamy Mornay sauce.
The popular chocolate-filled Kentucky Derby Pie was also created in Louisville’s Prospect neighborhood. You can enjoy the creators’ secret recipe at Kern’s Kitchen.
Besides delicious Southern staples, Louisville is known to have some of the best bourbons. As a result, the area has Bourbon District in downtown Louisville along Whiskey Row on Main Street. Plus, you’ll find many distillery tours where you can try many of these handcrafted bourbons:
Local and chain stores in Louisville
Visitors and locals alike enjoy exploring the area’s local stores with loved ones. Many traditional chain stores are located in the local malls, Mall St. Matthews and Oxmoor Center, both situated along the TARC bus stops. These malls are also adjacent to many local hotels, making them easily accessible for visiting friends and families.
Beyond chain stores, Louisville has many locally owned shops and businesses. Westport Village in one of Louisville’s historic neighborhoods, is one of the charming areas where you and your loved one can appreciate local restaurants and shopping destinations.
Accessible performing arts
You and your loved one can delight in local performances at one of the many local accessible performing arts areas, including the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and the Iroquois Amphitheater. Both offer reserved seating for those with wheelchairs, as well as free assisted listening devices for those experiencing hearing loss.
The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts goes above and beyond with additional accommodations for those experiencing vision loss or sensory issues. For example, some performances are sensory-friendly by modifying house lighting and loud noises, as well as adding captioning.
Wheelchair-friendly outdoor areas
Louisville is a lovely area to retire for those who love the outdoors. The area offers an abundance of outdoor areas, from riverboat cruises on the Ohio River to idyllic picnic spots in numerous lush parks. Many of these areas offer wheelchair-accessible options, so families and their loved ones can experience these nature areas together. You could even plan a day on one of the many local riverboat cruises, where seniors aged 65 and older receive a discounted rate.
Furthermore, Louisville has nearly 60 miles of hiking trails with wheelchair-accessible options, like Tulip Tree Trail. You can find many accessible options for fishing and more at one of the largest city-owned forests in the U.S., Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Well-known sports champions, teams, and monuments
Between baseball monuments and professional sports teams, the Louisville area is known for its many sports-related attractions. One must-see is the world’s largest baseball bat, replicated after Babe Ruth’s Louisville Slugger. This bat is the landmark of the local baseball museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Louisville is also known by many as the home to famous boxing champion Muhammed Ali, who has his own eponymous museum in the city — the Muhammed Ali Center.
When you’re not visiting these attractions, you can watch one of the local collegiate and professional sports team games. Louisville is home to the Division I football team, the University of Louisville Cardinals. In addition to collegiate teams, seniors and their families can experience the Louisville Bats play in Slugger Field, which offers accessible seating. You’ll need to contact the ticket box at 1-855-228-8497 to purchase seating in this area.
Additionally, soccer fans can enjoy games in one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the area, featuring Louisville City FC. Families can also experience these games with their loved ones in the accessible seating options. Guests with disabilities are allowed one guest to sit with them in the designated area.
Legendary attractions for tourists and locals
If you’re a visiting family member or friend, you must visit one of these well-known attractions with your loved one. The most legendary areas in Louisville include the famous racetrack, Churchill Downs. This stadium hosts the Kentucky Derby each year. Keep in mind that the arena has limited space, so they will not store any wheelchairs brought to the event. However, there are accessible seating options. The Kentucky Derby also provide accommodations, including accessible shuttles to and from the parking lots to help those with disabilities get inside the racetrack.
The second best attraction in Louisville is the underground Louisville Mega Cavern. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this cavern is popular among all ages. Plus, the cavern has a wheelchair-accessible tour on the Mega Tram, so your loved one can easily visit the mysterious underground. Before your visit, however, you should check with the facility to ensure availability on the accessible tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ashton on Dorsey, Magnolia Springs Louisville and Sunrise of Louisville are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Louisville, KY. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Louisville is $4,703 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Jefferson County, Kentucky [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Health Services and Facilities, Kentucky General Assembly § 902 KAR 20 (2021).
Health Facilities; Licensing and Operational Standards, Indiana State Department of Health Division of Long-Term Care § 410 IAC 16.2 (1997 & rev. 2013).
Assisted Living Communities, Kentucky General Assembly § 194A.700 – 194A.729 (2000 & rev. 2022).
Residential regulations, Indiana State Department of Health Division of Long-Term Care § 410 IAC 16.2-5 (1997 & rev. 2008).
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2015). Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy: 2015 Edition.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2022, Sept. 16). Provider guidance memo: Face coverings in long-term care and senior living congregate care settings.
Kentucky Department of Public Health. (2022, July 27). Have you been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19?.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Jefferson County, Kentucky [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in The United States (S0103): Jefferson County, Kentucky [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. Best hospitals in Louisville, KY.
Martinson, M. (2023, March 29). Personal communication [Phone interview].
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