Senior Living Apartments in Louisville, KY
Along the Ohio River you’ll find the beautiful skyline of the largest city in Kentucky: Louisville. The urban area veers away from the stereotypical city living mentality. Instead, you’ll be greeted with Southern hospitality in a big city that still manages to feel like a small town. Residents in Louisville look at it as neighborhoods rather than a large metropolitan area. It’s an affordable area where seniors can retire with access to a multitude of activities and events.
A senior apartment is typically a standard apartment complex designed for seniors aged 55+ or 62+. These communities allow seniors to age independently together in the same area, while providing accessibility features for those with disabilities. Whether you’re looking for an affordable apartment or additional luxurious amenities, Louisville has a variety of senior apartments available.
A Place for Mom has researched senior apartments within a 10-mile radius of Louisville, Kentucky (i.e., Jefferson County). This radius includes parts of Indiana, such as Clarksville and Jeffersonville in Clark County. While A Place for Mom only partners with a handful of senior apartments in the area, there are many senior apartment options in Louisville and the surrounding area. Senior apartments are scattered throughout multiple Louisville neighborhoods. However, there is a large cluster of senior apartments, including one of our partners, located in the Old Louisville and Portland area.
This is a comprehensive guide to senior apartments in the Louisville area with information and resources for both Kentucky and Indiana. This guide provides a lot of information and answers to questions, such as the following:
- How can I pay for a senior apartment?
- Are there public assistance options for seniors in Louisville?
- How can Medicare or Medicaid help with senior apartment costs?
- Will I feel safe in a senior apartment in Louisville?
- What type of senior apartment options are available in Louisville?
Besides these questions, you’ll find more information on Louisville itself. Between transportation and exciting activities, this guide offers a look into living in Louisville.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Louisville, KY
I have met one of the housing managers and I liked what I saw in her. I think she is quality for this type of community and her standards are good. She really cares about the elderly and that really stands...
I picked this community because I liked the facility, and the rooms. I like the cleanliness. It's a nice location. I would recommend to others.
It has been a nice experience so far for us with this community. The apartments look very nice. The staff is great, they are quick to respond to my concerns. The community looks very well maintained. My only...
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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 senior apartments in the Louisville, KY, area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Louisville
- How people pay for senior apartments in Louisville, KY
- Understand Kentucky’s and Indiana’s laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Louisville
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Louisville? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Louisville, KY, area
Our senior apartment partners average about $1,000 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This is exactly what seniors have reported paying, including add-on fees. However, through internal research, A Place for Mom found senior apartments in the Louisville area can range from $500 to $3,800. The cost varies depending on the following:
- Amenities
- Location
- Size of the apartment and floor plan
- Apartment features, like private patios or balconies
- Homeowners association fees
- Admission fees
- Pet rent
Breakdown of costs for senior apartments in the Louisville area
While costs vary depending on the senior apartment, the Louisville area typically includes the following in apartment fees:
- Rent
- Some or all utilities, such as trash removal, cable, internet
- Laundry facilities or washer/dryer hookups
- On-site maintenance
- Parking options
Below you’ll find the average baseline costs for senior apartments in Louisville. These numbers do not include add-on fees like utilities and pet rent.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Louisville, KY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Louisville, KY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Louisville vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Louisville, KY by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Louisville
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Louisville
Amber Oaks Assisted Living in Shelbyville, KY
Crescent Place Assisted Living in Shelbyville, KY
River Crossing in Charlestown, IN
How people pay for senior apartments in Louisville, KY
Most retirees pay for a senior apartment as they would with any other apartment — with private funds, such as income or savings. The Louisville area offers additional public assistance, like veterans benefits and Social Security benefits, to help pay for rental and medical costs.
Since a senior apartment is not a senior care facility, a majority of public benefits will not cover rental fees. However, you may qualify for assistance with costs for medically necessary in-home care services through Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance. Here, you’ll learn more about private pay options, as well as ways seniors may receive financial assistance like veterans benefits, housing assistance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
When trying to pay for a senior apartment, most retirees start by looking at their private pay options. Private pay methods can include income sources like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Additionally, seniors may use the following methods to pay for an apartment:
One of the ways retirees pay for senior apartment costs it through veterans benefits. If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for pensions or benefits offered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Can veterans benefits help me pay for a senior apartment?
Veterans benefits may be able to help you pay for some or all of your senior apartment costs. The VA has a wide range of benefits available for veterans and their surviving spouses. Some of the most generous assistance available is the Aid and Attendance benefit. If you meet eligibility requirements, you can use these benefits toward anything that improves your quality of life, like a senior apartment.
Between pensions and assistance benefits, you may qualify for a substantial amount of aid. However, due to the extensive list of eligibility requirements, you should contact local veteran service officers to help you understand and apply for benefits.
Local counselors can help you understand, apply, and file claims at local VA-vetted nonprofit organizations, such as the following:
Number of veterans living in Jefferson County, Kentucky
About 70% of Jefferson County veterans are 55+.
Resources for Louisville veterans
Louisville Regional Office
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: 1-800-400-4520
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicaid is a health insurance program funded by the state and federal governments. Kentucky Medicaid and Indiana Medicaid help provide health insurance to a variety of low-income people, including seniors aged 65+ and those with disabilities.
While Medicaid will not help you pay rental fees for a senior apartment, both states have Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers that help cover some home health services. Additionally, both Kentucky and Indiana offer Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a Medicare and Medicaid program that offers access to a variety of services.
What are Home and Community Based Services waivers?
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers help cover a multitude of services that can help you continue living independently. Many of the services covered through these waivers overlap between Kentucky and Indiana. These services may include, but are not limited to, the following:[03,04]
- Adult day health care
- Respite care
- Environmental modifications
- Vehicle adaptations/modifications
- Transportation
- Home delivered meals
To qualify for HCBS, you have to meet specific eligibility requirements. For example, you may qualify if you are aged 65+ or have a disability. However, there may be additional eligibility requirements, so it’s important to contact your local resources to confirm whether you or your loved one qualifies.
What are other programs Kentucky Medicaid offers?
In addition to Home and Community Based Services waivers, Kentucky Medicaid has other programs that can help cover certain medical costs, which may benefit those looking for a senior apartment.
Kentucky Medicaid helps cover home health services if a person is also receiving Medicare benefits and the care-providing agency meets these two guidelines:
- Be located in Kentucky
- Be an active Medicaid provider
If you need more care than a home health agency can provide, Kentucky Medicaid helps cover private duty nursing costs. Similar to the home health services, the private nursing duty services must be provided by a licensed agency in Kentucky and be an active Kentucky Medicaid provider.
Besides in-home medical services, Kentucky has programs that help pay for monthly Medicaid costs. If you’re still working and have a disability, you may benefit from Kentucky’s Medicaid Works program. This program helps people between ages 16 and 64, who are earning below 200% of the federal poverty level.
What are other programs Indiana Medicaid offers?
Besides Indiana’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, like the Aged and Disabled Waiver, Indiana Medicaid has an additional program that applies to seniors. Hoosier Care Connect is a health care program for seniors 65+, blind, or disabled persons who cannot receive Medicare. This program covers the same services offered by traditional Medicaid, as well as care coordination services.
Where can I receive assistance with Medicaid benefits?
Between eligibility requirements and the application process, understanding Medicaid benefits is a complex process. Prior to applying for Medicaid, it is important to use your local resources to ensure you are applying correctly and understanding your benefits.
Louisville resident Medicaid resources
Kentucky departments and agencies
275 E. Main St., 6W-A
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-4321
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.
Member services toll-free phone: 800-625-2570
Apply for Medicaid Call: 855-459-6328
Apply for Indiana Medicaid by phone: 1-800-403-0864
Medicare is a federal program that helps seniors aged 65+ and those with certain disabilities receive health insurance coverage. Medicare does not cover senior apartment rental costs. However, if you need in-home care services, Medicare helps cover certain short-term home health services if it is deemed medically necessary and you’re considered homebound.
These type of services can include but are not limited to the following:[05]
- Part-time skilled nursing care
- Part-time home health aide care
- Physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy
- Medical equipment
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
What does Medicare consider “part-time” care?
Some services, such as skilled nursing care and home health aide care, are only covered if they are part-time or intermittent. For skilled nursing care, Medicare considers the following to be part-time:[05]
- Less than seven days weekly
- Less than eight hours daily for no more than 21 days
To receive coverage for an intermittent home health aide, you must already be receiving skilled nursing care.[05]
How can I save money on Medicare costs?
Both Kentucky and Indiana have programs to help you save money on medical and Medicare costs, such as Medicare Savings Programs. A Medicare Savings Program helps low-income recipients cover Medicare premium costs.
Those who receive Medicare Part D coverage may qualify to enroll in Extra Help. This program helps with costs related to Medicare drug coverage (i.e. Part D). Besides this help, Indiana has an additional assistance program for Part D costs called HoosierRx.
Who can help me understand and apply for Medicare?
Similar to other benefits, Medicare is hard to understand and apply for, but the health care coverage can be well worth the wait. Kentucky and Indiana both have a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). This program has counselors that can help you or your loved one understand Medicare benefits, coverage, and rights.
Both states have other resources to help you fully understand and apply for benefits, including Social Security offices. Plus, every area has a local long-term care ombudsman who helps inform seniors of their rights and understand common health insurance issues.
Louisville resident Medicare resources
KIPDA Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Natalie Brown-Radtke
Catholic Charities
2911 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: 502-637-9786
Toll free phone: 1-800-854-3233
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
State Long Term Care Ombudsman
Lynn Clough
Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman
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
Area 14 LTC 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
The Louisville area offers a variety of public assistance opportunities to help you pay for senior apartment rental costs.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program/Section 8?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds local housing assistance programs like the Housing Choice Voucher programs, also known as Section 8. This is a program that helps low-income families and individuals, like seniors, find and pay for affordable housing. These are overseen by local public housing authorities, such as Louisville Metro Housing Authority and Jeffersonville Housing Authority, depending on where you reside.
However, not all senior apartment communities accept Section 8, so prior to applying and signing a lease, you should check with the landlord. Additionally, keep in mind there may be a waiting list for public housing.
How can Social Security benefits help with senior apartment costs?
Social Security benefits have a multitude of options to help you cover any cost of living, such as senior apartment rental fees. There are different eligibility requirements for each benefit, so it is important to understand what type you should apply for to help ensure you will be approved. Below are a few options that you may qualify for:
- Social Security in retirement, also known as Social Security Retirement benefit (SSR), can help seniors 62+ who no longer work or have recently reduced their working hours. This benefit offers monthly checks for those who have work credits that included paying Social Security taxes.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI): If you have worked recently, have work credits, and have had a disability for one year or expect the disability to be fatal, you may qualify for this benefit. However, the amount you receive is determined from your yearly wages and income.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI): This benefit is specifically for those with a disability or seniors aged 65+. However, you must also have limited income and no work credits.
- Social Security survivors pension: This benefit is specifically for a widow or a widower whose deceased partner had work credits. This benefit is usually paid in a lump sum, but seniors aged 60+ may be able to receive this pension as monthly payments.
Below, find your local Social Security office, which can help you understand what benefits and pensions you qualify for and how to apply for them. Additionally, you’ll find local Area Agencies on Aging, which have resource guides for seniors and can help connect you with other reliable resources and information.
Louisville resident public assistance resources
Public Housing Office
420 S. 8th St.
Louisville, KY 40203
Phone: 502-569-3400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Section 8 Office
600 S. 7th St.
Louisville, KY 40203
Phone: 502-569-6060
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Section 8 Applicant questions
Phone: 502-569-1704
Customer Service/OmbudsmanTerri Thorton: 502-569-6942
Alyss Brindley: 502-569-6464
Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living
KIPDA AAA
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: chfs.listens@ky.gov
Lifespan Resources, Inc.
33 State St., 3rd Floor
New Albany, IN 47151-0995
Phone: 812-948-8330
888-948-8330
Toll-free Phone: 812-542-6895
Fax: 812-948-0147
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand Kentucky’s and Indiana’s laws and regulations for senior apartments
While senior apartments are typically not licensed as senior care facilities, they are still rental properties and typically follow regular apartment laws and regulations. Besides apartment requirements, you can rest easy knowing you cannot be discriminated against, thanks to the Fair Housing Act. Both Kentucky and Indiana comply with this federal law, which prohibits landlords from discriminating against those wanting to apply based on race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more.[06,07] However, a majority of senior apartments typically have an age minimum. In the Louisville area, both senior apartments for 55+ and 62+ are common.
What are the laws and regulations for apartments in Kentucky and Indiana?
While every state has different apartment regulations, there are commonalities between Kentucky and Indiana. Both states require landlords to provide a safe, clean, and habitable living environment, as well as maintaining working conditions of installed utilities, such as the following:[08,09]
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems with hot and cold water
- Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems
- Appliances included in the rental agreement
While landlords are accountable for a majority of apartment building requirements, you, as a tenant, have certain responsibilities to help create a clean and habitable living environment. Luckily, your obligations are limited to maintaining your apartment appliances and the cleanliness of your living space.[08,09]
In addition to these regulations, The City of Louisville requires apartment buildings to meet the Existing Structures Code, as well as specific construction standards by including a multitude of necessities and room requirements, which include those below:[09]
- A bathroom with walls, water resistant flooring, a door, a toilet, and a tub or shower
- A kitchen with cabinets, flooring made of water resistant materials, a sink, as well as a stove and refrigerator or connections for those utilities
- At least one window in every habitable room
- Smoke detectors
- Safe exits
- Firmly fastened handrails on stairs
Are apartments in Kentucky and Indiana required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Apartments in Kentucky and Indiana are required to make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities.[10,11] This can include changes to policies and procedures, such as providing accessible parking or allowing service animals. However, landlords are allowed to have conditions for certain accommodations.
Kentucky: When renting an apartment, your landlord can require that you restore the property to the condition it was in prior to the modifications.[10]
Indiana: You, as a tenant, are allowed to make modifications to your apartment to help make it more accessible. This may include installing a ramp or removing carpeted flooring. However, your landlord can make you, as the tenant, pay for these types of modifications and require it be done professionally.[11]
Note: All apartment buildings built after March 1991 must meet Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines.
COVID-19 regulations for Louisville senior apartment communities
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) is currently following community-level COVID-19 guidance. As of now, Jefferson County, Kentucky, is under a low level of guidance. This means masking is up to individual preferences, but masks can be required following a COVID-19 exposure in an indoor setting. Jefferson County continues to recommend isolation after testing positive or coming in contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19 infection. However, the amount of time varies depending on whether you have symptoms or not.
- If you have symptoms and have tested positive, you should isolate for 10 days (starting when your symptoms began).
- If you do not have symptoms and have tested positive, you should isolate for 5 days (starting the day you tested positive).
- If you come in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days following exposure.[12]
Senior living congregate care settings do not require masks, but KDPH recommends speaking with a medical professional about preventative treatments, if you are considered high risk.[12,13] However, some senior apartments may implement their own COVID-19 guidelines, so it is important to ask your landlord for further information.
What to expect from senior apartments in Louisville
Whether you’re looking for an affordable apartment or a luxuriously secure living environment, Louisville offers an abundance of options. While a majority of apartments in Louisville are similar, there are still a range of options. Here, you’ll begin to understand what types of senior apartments you can find in Louisville, which may help you decide on the best option for you.
Budget-friendly senior apartments
The Louisville area offers a handful of affordable senior apartment options. And while Clark County, Indiana, does not have many senior apartment options, there is an affordable senior apartment community available. These apartments typically accept Section 8, also known as Housing Choice Voucher programs. These affordable housing options are similar to standard senior apartments in the Louisville area. While they are listed as the most budget-friendly options, they do not lack in community and apartment features.
Standard senior apartments
There are many commonalities across senior apartments in Louisville. A majority follow the same type of structure for their community amenities and apartment features. Whether a senior apartment building is a mid-rise or high-rise, on average these buildings have at least 100 units. Additionally, these units are typically one- or two-bedroom apartments, but a few studio floor plans are offered as well.
Many of these apartments offer apartment styles with utilities, full kitchens, and either on-site laundry facilities or connections for washer and dryers. Additionally, these senior apartments are usually pet-friendly, but there may be limitations, monthly pet fees, or pet deposits. You can also feel at ease knowing you may have access to services like the following:
- On-site maintenance
- On-site property managers
- Nearby public transportation
Luxury senior apartments
If you’re looking for more luxurious accommodations or amenities, Louisville also has options to fit those needs. There are a handful of apartments that go beyond the standard by adding modern touches, such as granite countertops, ceiling fans, hardwood flooring, and rich paint colors, to make the unit look and feel more luxurious. Additionally, some apartments go above and beyond with apartment features like the following:
- Walk-in showers
- Walk-in closets
- Energy-saving appliances
- In-unit washers and dryers
- Private patios or balconies
Besides these perks, some senior apartments add on extra amenities to encourage active living among senior residents. While these amenities depend on the apartment building, they may include but are not limited to the following:
- Pools
- Fitness centers
- Dog parks
- Business centers
- Breakfast or coffee concierge services
Additionally, some apartments offer secured buildings and safer units. You can feel at ease knowing the building is gated, has controlled access, and/or has security systems. Plus, some senior apartments in Louisville have emergency pull cord systems in their units.
Newer senior apartments
The senior population in Louisville continues to grow. A handful of apartments in Louisville have been built or opened in recent years and may offer more luxurious amenities, such as a pool, business center, clubhouse, fitness center, and storage area. While there is a cluster of senior apartments located near the Old Louisville and Portland area, a majority of the newly built and/or newly opened senior apartments are located in other neighborhoods in the area.
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Unfamiliar with Louisville? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 62 currently living in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Percentage of seniors 62 and older within Jefferson County, Kentucky
Average retirement income for seniors 65+ in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Health care for seniors in Louisville
The Louisville area has several highly ranked health care systems and you’ll have access to innovative care thanks to Forbes naming Louisville as America’s Aging Care Capital. You can receive care for adult conditions and procedures common in seniors, such as strokes. Below are some of the highest rated hospitals in the area; some of which include home health care services.
Baptist Health Louisville
Baptist Health Louisville is the No. 1 hospital in Louisville and ranks No. 3 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital system is high-performing in 10 adult procedures and conditions, such as heart attacks, diabetes, and strokes. You’ll also have access to in-home care through the hospital’s Baptist Health Home Care. In addition to this location, the hospital has centers in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Norton Hospital
As the teaching hospital for the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Hospital is another distinguished health care facility in the area and is ranked No. 2 in Louisville and No. 5 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. This location highly performs in nine adult procedures and conditions, like heart attacks, heart failure, diabetes, strokes, hip replacements, and knee replacements. You can also receive compassionate in-home care through the Norton Home Health services.
UofL Health — Jewish Hospital
UofL Health — Jewish Hospital is ranked No. 3 in Louisville and No. 6 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. This hospital system performs well in a variety of adult conditions, including but not limited to heart attacks, heart failure, diabetes, strokes, and knee replacements.
Transportation for seniors in Louisville
The Louisville area is difficult to get around; therefore, a majority of residents in the Louisville area own a vehicle. While Louisville lacks public transportation options, there are ways to get around through the local Transit Authority of River City (TARC) system. TARC offers a variety of busing options, including the following:
- Fixed routes: Buses run along a multitude of routes in Louisville, some of which include stops in Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany. Availability depends on the bus route, however many of the buses run these routes on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): This system runs along Dixie Highway into downtown Louisville.
- TARC3: This is the local paratransit service, which goes door-to-door to offer shared rides to those who meet eligibility and disability requirements. The service is not limited to small buses; it also uses vans and taxis.
TARC also has a senior pass for seniors aged 60+ who use the Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition site, which is similar to a congregate meal site or the Meals on Wheels Program.
While the Louisville area is not easy to get around, the downtown area is much easier to walk, with a whopping Walk Score of 95 in the Central Business District. However, as seen below, the general Louisville-Jefferson County area receives low ratings (out of 100) for walking, transit, and biking.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Louisville
As the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville is home to multiple well-known attractions, as well as senior-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for horse races, casinos, or outdoor areas, the opportunities are endless. Plus, you can travel across the Big Four Bridge to get to activities in other parts of Kentucky or Indiana. Here, you’ll learn more about what you can find in the Louisville area.
Well-known attractions in Louisville
Become a true Southern resident by attending the most famous event in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby. This legendary annual horse race is hosted in the well-known racetrack, Churchill Downs. While the Kentucky Derby tries to accommodate those with disabilities, it does not provide wheelchairs to rent and will not store wheelchairs that are brought to the event. However, the event does have accessible parking available, as well as an accessible shuttle to help those with disabilities travel from the parking lot to the racetrack.
Kentucky and Indiana are home to multiple caves and caverns. While underground areas may not be the best for those with disabilities, some have accessible opportunities. The most well-known in the area is the large Louisville Mega Cavern with a historic tram tour that explores the man-made cavern. The Mega Tram offers wheelchair-accessible tour each day, but prior to your visit, you should call to see whether these tours are available at that time.
Bourbon tours
Louisville, Kentucky, is known for having some of the best bourbons out there. As the home of handcrafted bourbon, Louisville has many distillery tours. The following tours will allow bourbon aficionados to see the distilling process and sample some of the best the state has to offer:
Outdoor areas and activities
The Louisville area is home to many outdoor areas and activities thanks to a copious amount of parks and stunning views of the Louisville skyline on river cruises. From beautiful sunset rides to picnics on a steamboat, Louisville offers a variety of vessels to cruise along the local riverbanks in view. At least two of the riverboats — the Belle of Louisville and the Mary M. Miller — offer accessible areas. Additionally, these riverboats offer a discounted rate for seniors aged 65 and older.
Whether you reside in Louisville or Jeffersonville, you’ll be able to find many outdoor areas. Louisville parks have miles of hiking paths, as well as areas for activities like fishing, picnics, and camping. Just outside the bustling downtown, Jefferson Memorial Forest is the largest city-owned urban forest in the United States, with more than 60 miles of hiking trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Tulip Tree Trail.
Jeffersonville city parks go beyond just picnic tables, with specialty areas like dog parks, boat slips, and the City’s Home of Champions Wall, where locals honor well-known people from the area.
Performing arts and entertainment
Between the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and the Iroquois Amphitheater, you’ll have access to a large entertainment and performing arts scene. Luckily, both of these venues are accessible, so anyone can enjoy live concerts and performances. There is something for everyone at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts since the center goes beyond live concerts with other entertainment options, such as performances from the following:
- Orchestra
- Opera
- Ballet
- Broadway
- Speakers
- Comedians
Active senior living
Seniors in the Louisville area have access to a variety of active senior living opportunities, including senior centers. Besides recreational programs and visiting opportunities, the regional senior centers provide a variety of services, such as meals, health and wellness programs, educational seminars, and counseling. A handful of senior centers can be found through the Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA). Additionally, there are local programs, such as the YMCA Forever Young program, to help seniors aged 50+ stay healthy and active through activities and outings.
In Clark County, Indiana, seniors can join the senior games gang through Life Span Recourses, an Area Agency on Aging location. This is a membership available for seniors aged 55 and older, where they can participate in chair volleyball, cards, games, horseshoes, bowling, mini golf, dance contests, and more competitions year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson Crossing Senior Living, Overlook Terraces and Amber Oaks Assisted Living are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Louisville, KY. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Louisville is $1,085 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Jefferson County, Kentucky [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Home and Community Based Waiver.
Indiana Medicaid for Members. Aged and Disabled Waiver.
Medicare. Home health services.
Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission. Fair Housing.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity serving Indiana.
Landlord-Tenant Relations, Indiana General Assembly § IC32-31. (rev 2022).
Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government. Check it out!! – Property maintenance.
Discriminatory Practices; Fair Housing, Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government § 92.03 (2020).
Indiana State Government. (Feb. 2023). Frequently asked questions.
Kentucky Department of Public Health. {2022, July 27). Have you been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19?
Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2022, Sept. 16). Provider guidance memo: Face coverings in long-term care and senior living congregate care settings.
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.
Walk Score. Living in Louisville-Jefferson.
Martinson, M. (2023, March 29). Personal communication [Phone interview].
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