Thanks to a rich history and reputation as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington is a great place for seniors who want a lively retirement with a balance of help and independence. Assisted living is a long-term care option for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing. Assisted living facilities are also a great option for seniors who wish to stay active and socially engaged. This guide includes details about Lexington assisted living facilities, local assisted living costs, payment methods, activities, and everything that makes Lexington a prime location for assisted living.
They have staffing problems. [name removed] tries to respond..in a good way. However, based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families.
Dad is very happy there! Everyone seems to be on the same wavelength on resident care. They are friendly and very helpful. When we looked at other places, Cedarhurst was far above the others!
Preston Greens has been a good choice for my spouse. However, I’ve had to stay on them to do his laundry. [name removed], one of his caregivers is amazing and [name removed]at the front desk is very friendly...
The Breckinridge is fantastic. For those with advanced dementia, this is one of the best places you could have your loved one. Their staff is dementia trained, whereas at other places that say they provide...
Liberty Ridge has been a wonderful facility for my mom the past 6 years. Mom has been treated with the love and dignity she deserves. The important thing is she feels loved by staff.
It was the best fit for my mother, the physical layout, the activities available, the friendly and caring people, easy communication access, it is close to my home, within our budget. I would recommend to...
Great people, flexible food options, feels good that my loved one is in a place where he can get care. They offered two large bedroooms and a garage.
5 for all of them. Mom has been happy at Meadowthorpe and they have all been very helpful. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend Meaowthorpe Assisted Living and Memory Care to other...
I like the care from the community for my father. They staff have improvment alot. This is a clean community and he enjoys the grounds. The menu is very good and alot of choices. They have a nice variety of...
The most excellent place ever!! Great staff, great food, Great facility. The food variety was really nice and you could request them to make something else if you did like what they were serving I...
I love this place and so does my mother!!! They keep moms mind working on the lantern. There has been some staffing change in the past year but has not been an issue from us. My mom is higher functioning and...
This facility made the best out of a bad situation, The were so caring, compationate, and took good care of my loved one. The communication was good they kept us well informed. I would recommend this...
I would recommend the community. The best part of the community is they take care of my loved one, this allows us to be family. There is nothing at this time that I would change about the community.
The Lantern has an honest and trustworthy staff. I really respect the nurses, administration, and staff. [Removed], the maintenance guy, was very personable and took up with my dad immediately. I do think...
Great food, wonderful compassionate staff in a southern hospitality atmosphere! I can’t express how great our experience was at Tanbark. I would highly recommend to any family looking for a place for their...
Legacy Reserve provides different levels of care for its residents. I am currently in the “independent” level whereas I don’t need personal care; it’s like living at home. I occupy a studio apartment with a...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Lexington community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average cost of assisted living in Lexington is about $5,000 per month.[01] This price includes housing, food, and care costs, as well as associated fees and add-ons.
In general, here’s what you can expect to be included in the monthly assisted living cost:
The average baseline assisted living costs in the graphic below can help you compare nearby options. The costs in the graphic do not include add-on fees like the price mentioned above.
Seniors in Lexington can cover the costs of assisted living through a variety of methods. Some start with personal funds, including retirement savings and investment income, and others explore options like Medicaid and Medicare. While Medicaid and Medicare typically don’t cover the costs of monthly rent at assisted living facilities, they can be used for medical expenses. Additionally, veterans may be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits that may cover the costs associated with assisted living.
The following guide will provide details about the different ways to pay for assisted living, including private pay methods, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. Explore the resources following each section to find local contact information and helpful links.
Your personal income can be used to pay for anything associated with an assisted living stay. Personal income sources can include savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns.
You can also explore other options, such as renting out or selling your home. These private pay methods and those listed below may provide you with the necessary financial resources to cover assisted living costs.
Approximate number of veterans who live in Lexington as of 2021
About 49% of Lexington veterans are 65+.
Eligible veterans in Lexington can use VA benefits to help pay for an assisted living facility. One option is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which gives eligible seniors monthly income that’s added to their VA Pension. Both benefits can be used to cover senior living costs.
Confirming your eligibility and applying for VA benefits can be complicated, but there are local resources that can help. Veterans services officers can be found at the regional VA office and the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs in Louisville. You can also find support from veterans service organizations (VSOs) like the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters.
Even if you think you may not be qualified for benefits, it’s worth reaching out to an expert because you may be eligible for more than you realize.
Resources for Lexington veterans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Louisville Regional Office
321 W. Main St., No. 390
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 800- 827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Bluegrass Post 680
1494 Leestown Road
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 859-254-8277
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday, noon – midnight; Saturday, noon – 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans Chapter Lexington #1
3150 Tates Creek Road, Room 107
Lexington, KY 40502
Phone: 859-652-1198
Meets monthly at noon on the first Saturday of each month
Kentucky Medicaid is the state’s program that provides health insurance to seniors with low-income status. In Kentucky, Medicaid is run through Kynect Benefits, the state’s one-stop shop for benefits.
Medicaid does not cover the cost of room and board in assisted living communities. Instead, eligible seniors may use waivers to cover expenses that occur during their assisted living stay.
For example, Kentucky has a Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver that gives seniors the option to receive care in their chosen community instead of in a nursing home. To qualify for the HCB waiver, you must be eligible for Medicaid.
You can apply for Medicaid in the following ways:
If you need advice about applying for Medicaid, your local ombudsman serves as an advocate for people who want to understand their eligibility and potential benefits. Representatives at the Department for Medicaid Services and the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living can also help seniors access long-term care.
The information below provides additional Medicaid links and contact details for local resources.
Lexington resident Medicaid resources
The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
455 Park Place
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 855-306-8959
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living: Resources
699 Perimeter Drive
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 866-665-7921
Email: ADRC@bgadd.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass
3138 Custer Drive, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 859-277-9215
Email: sherry@ombuddy.org
Medicare is a federal health insurance program, and it will not cover the rent for an assisted living stay. However, it can help offset some care costs by covering medically necessary expenses, such as medications and preventive and rehabilitative health services.
Individuals aged 65 or older are eligible for Medicare. Various resources and programs can help eligible seniors in Kentucky save on their Medicare plans:
Understanding Medicare benefits can be intimidating, but numerous resources in Kentucky can help. The best place to go to learn about Medicare and when to enroll is the Lexington Social Security Administration office. We also recommend contacting your local ombudsman or a representative from The Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living for guidance.
Lexington resident Medicare resources
Lexington Social Security Administration Office
2241 Buena Vista Road, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40505
Phone: 866-530-7754
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass
3138 Custer Drive, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 859-277-9215
Email: sherry@ombuddy.org
The Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living: Resources
699 Perimeter Drive
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 866-665-7921
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
275 E. Main St., 3E-E
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-6930
Bluegrass PACE Care
2409 Members Way
Lexington, KY 40504
Phone: 855-492-0812
Kentucky assisted living communities are annually certified by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living. Each community must provide the following services:[03]
Assisted living communities may also provide health care services as needed. For instance, some communities schedule on-site visits with physical therapists, nurses, and speech pathologists.
Inspections
Kentucky’s assisted living communities are reviewed annually, but these reports aren’t available online. Instead, you can browse the Kentucky Division of Health Care’s long-term care directory for contact information and license expiration dates. For more information about the violation history of a community, contact your local ombudsman.
Memory care
In Lexington, 78% of A Place for Mom’s assisted living partners also provide memory care. This means that these communities must follow regulations for memory care in addition to assisted living. Regulations for memory care include things like additional security measures, specialized activities, and specific therapies.
You can find more detailed information on specific memory care regulations in our Lexington memory care page.
Kentucky Department for Public Health
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-3970
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are no COVID-19 mandates in place in Lexington. However, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department encourages high-risk residents, which includes people over 60 and those with chronic health conditions, to take precautions against COVID-19. Additionally, all residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the current recommendations on respiratory viruses from the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH).
Your experience in a Lexington assisted living community will be full of engaging opportunities. From combined care facilities and homelike atmospheres to a wealth of high-end amenities, you can craft your ideal care environment.
Combined assisted living and memory care options
Many of A Place for Mom’s assisted living partners in Lexington also provide memory care. Some seniors and their families find comfort in these options because they know a higher level of care can be provided if it’s required in the future.
Lexington also has four assisted living facilities that share a campus with independent living and memory care. These options are a great choice for seniors who want a place that can address their needs without requiring a move to a new facility.
A sense of home
Some seniors may be nervous about transitioning from their home to an assisted living community, but the assisted living options in Lexington offer a warm and homey atmosphere. Most of the facilities also have desirable features like an enclosed courtyard, a library, and a theater room — seniors can have the comforts of home and friendships without the stress of maintaining a house.
An abundance of amenities
Lexington assisted living communities offer a wealth of high-end amenities. You’ll find several of the features below in our partner communities:
Assisted living in the surrounding Lexington suburbs
There are plenty of additional assisted living communities within a 25-mile radius of Lexington. Among the 11 additional facilities, there are a variety of senior living combinations, some of which include independent living and memory care. If you wish to live outside of the city and explore more affordable options, we recommend looking into Georgetown, Richmond, and Winchester.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Lexington as of 2021[02]
The average high temperature in July, which is Lexington’s warmest month[04]
Lexington Kentucky is a well-known medical hub and home to one hospital with a Level I Trauma Center. Lexington also offers state-of-the-art medical facilities with an emphasis on well-being and providing excellent care.
The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington is the No. 1 ranked hospital in Kentucky. With various nationally ranked specialties, the location is also a teaching hospital and has the only Level I trauma center in central and eastern Kentucky.
Baptist Health Hospital in Lexington is ranked as Kentucky’s No. 3 hospital. It’s ranked as high performing in 11 procedures and conditions.
As part of the wider health system CHI Saint Joseph Health, St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington has been rated high performing in colon cancer surgery and four other specialties.
The Franklin R. Sousley Campus is a primary care center for local veterans. They also provide care for mental health and geriatric needs.
All of our partner assisted living communities in Lexington provide complimentary transportation to residents. Community transportation is a safe and convenient way for seniors to explore the city, run errands, and attend events. This service can provide peace of mind to seniors in this highly car-dependent city.[09]
For seniors and visitors who enjoy exploring on foot, downtown Lexington has options for everyone. This walkable area of the city has plenty of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. However, Lexington also has several public transportation services.
One such service is Lextran. With buses running every 30 minutes, Lextran is a reliable system for seniors and visitors. Lextran offers a discounted fare of 50 cents for veterans, Medicare cardholders, people with disabilities, and people 62 or older.
Another transportation option for seniors in Lexington is the Independent Transportation Network (called iTNBluegrass). This is a nonprofit transportation system for seniors and people who are visually impaired. Similar to a taxi or ride-sharing service, members can book journeys using a prepaid account.
Also available is a partnership between Lextran and the Bluegrass Area Chapter of the American Red Cross called Wheels Paratransit. This service is specifically for people with disabilities, so it requires an application.
Below are Lexington’s Walk Score ratings, which range from zero to 100. If a mode of transportation has a higher score, that means it’s relatively accessible in Lexington.[06] These scores may be helpful for active seniors and for their visitors who need ways to explore the city.
Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington has plenty to offer equestrians and horse racing fans. But Lexington also has just as much for those who aren’t horse lovers, thanks to its history, culture, and variety of activities for seniors.
Horse races and more
Explore these local attractions to see what makes Lexington famous for its equestrian culture:
Local sports
Sports fans will be pleased to know that Lexington is home to range of sports teams:
Lexington fare
Lexington is a popular destination for bourbon enthusiasts and foodies alike:
Museums and art galleries
This city is also a favorite among art and history buffs:
Magnolia Springs Lexington, Richmond Place and Cedarhurst of Nicholasville are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Lexington, KY. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Lexington is $4,544 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2024). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates 2021: Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky. [Data set].
Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2024). Assisted living communities.
Weather Spark. Climate and average weather year round in Lexington.
U.S. News & World Report. (2024). Best hospitals in Kentucky.
Walk Score. (2024). Living in Lexington-Fayette.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2024). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates 2021: Lexington-Fayette urban county, Kentucky. [Data set].
Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2024). Assisted living communities.
Weather Spark. Climate and average weather year round in Lexington.
U.S. News & World Report. (2024). Best hospitals in Kentucky.
Walk Score. (2024). Living in Lexington-Fayette.