Known for its beautiful scenery, access to quality health care, and reputation as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington, Kentucky, is a popular Southern destination for seniors looking for a quiet and charming place to call home.
If you or a loved one are looking for a nursing home in Lexington, it’s important to know what the term means, as different people use it in different ways. Nursing homes can often be used interchangeably for any long-term senior care, such as assisted living communities and memory care facilities. However, it actually refers to skilled nursing facilities with 24-hour skilled nursing care for residents who require medical care and are unable to live on their own.
These communities focus on providing care for individuals who are unable to live independently. However, many people prefer options that offer more independence, such as assisted living or memory care. These communities assist seniors in maintaining their independence to the greatest extent possible while also offering on-site personal or health care services.
Lexington has various senior care options, and A Place for Mom has partnered with 11 assisted living and memory care facilities located within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area. The following guide provides information about what senior care facilities Lexington has to offer, how to pay for them, what benefits may be available, and why Lexington is a great place to live.
10 Best Nursing Homes in Lexington, KY
Known for its beautiful scenery, access to quality health care, and reputation as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington, Kentucky, is a popular Southern destination for seniors looking for a quiet and charming place to call home.Read more
If you or a loved one are looking for a nursing home in Lexington, it’s important to know what the term means, as different people use it in different ways. Nursing homes can often be used interchangeably for any long-term senior care, such as assisted living communities and memory care facilities. However, it actually refers to skilled nursing facilities with 24-hour skilled nursing care for residents who require medical care and are unable to live on their own.
These communities focus on providing care for individuals who are unable to live independently. However, many people prefer options that offer more independence, such as assisted living or memory care. These communities assist seniors in maintaining their independence to the greatest extent possible while also offering on-site personal or health care services.
Lexington has various senior care options, and A Place for Mom has partnered with 11 assisted living and memory care facilities located within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area. The following guide provides information about what senior care facilities Lexington has to offer, how to pay for them, what benefits may be available, and why Lexington is a great place to live.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Lexington, KY
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about nursing homes in Lexington
- Costs of nursing homes in the Lexington area
- How people pay for a nursing home in Lexington
- Understand Lexington laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in Lexington
- What to expect from nursing homes in Lexington
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Lexington? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about nursing homes in Lexington
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Lexington
Morning Pointe of Lexington-East
Rose Mary C. Brooks Place a CCRC in Winchester, KY
Hometown Manor Assisted Living of Georgetown
Costs of nursing homes in the Lexington area
The median monthly cost of a nursing home stay in Lexington is $6,996 for a semi-private room and $9,125 for a private room.[01] In comparison, the average cost for assisted living at one of our partner facilities in Lexington is $4,529, and the average for memory care is $4,535, according to A Place for Mom proprietary data.[02] The figures for assisted living and memory care do include associated fees and service fee add-ons.
The cost of assisted living covers things like meals, personal care, housekeeping and laundry, complimentary transportation in many cases, and planned activities for residents. Memory care options are often within an assisted living community, but memory care facilities also include personalized care plans for residents with memory loss and orientation cues and alarms to keep residents safe. Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide 24-hour medical care.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Lexington, KY vs. nearby cities
Lexington, KY
How people pay for a nursing home in Lexington
Paying for a senior care facility may feel daunting, but there are resources that can help. Seniors and families often use a variety of income streams when paying for a senior living facility, such as VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. Each method has its benefits and limitations. In this section, you’ll learn more about how these funding options can cover senior living expenses.
Many people will use private pay methods to fund a senior living facility stay. These income sources could include personal bank accounts and savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, or investments, as well as any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Lexington
About 22% of Lexington veterans are 75+
Veteran seniors may want to consider using VA benefits to pay for a senior care stay. Many veterans will use their VA Pension as it can be used for housing and health-related costs and come in the form of a monthly payment.
Another VA benefit is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which is for veterans who need help with daily tasks. The benefit can be used for anything that helps improve a veteran’s quality of life. It is paid in addition to the Pension.
Navigating VA benefits can be complicated, but don’t be afraid to ask for help if you or a loved one need it. One of the best places to start is with a veterans service officer, a representative who helps veterans determine which benefits they are eligible for. You can connect with these representatives at veterans service organizations (VSOs), the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Division, or the regional VA office.
Don’t think you’re eligible for benefits? Still, reach out to a veterans service officer because many veterans qualify for more than they think they will.
Resources for Lexington veterans
VA 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.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
1111B Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-9203
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.
National Association for Black Veterans
3022 Tuscaloosa Lane
Lexington, KY 40515
Phone: 859-421-5851
Medicaid provides eligible individuals with coverage for institutional long-term care, which includes nursing homes. Medicaid will cover the main costs, including room and board, nursing services, dietary services, and standard hygiene items. Outside of that, residents will need to cover extras like cosmetic and grooming items, clothing, and a private room (unless needed for medical reasons). Read more about what Medicaid will cover in nursing homes online.
An assisted living or memory care stay, however, cannot be covered by Medicaid because they are considered “social models” and not health care facilities.[05] Fortunately, there are ways to use Medicaid to offset the cost of an assisted living or memory care stay. Medicaid can cover the costs of a health service received in an assisted living facility through Home and Community Based waivers (HCB waivers), which are designed to help seniors and/or people with disabilities to live independently.
Regardless of how you want to use Medicaid, you must be eligible first. In Kentucky, Medicaid is run through Kynect Benefits, the state’s one-stop shop for benefits.
There are multiple ways to apply for Medicaid: Apply online, apply by phone, or print the application and mail it. If you need help applying, Kynect Benefits offers Kynectors, representatives trained to provide advice on benefits.
Other resources for advice on applying for Medicaid include the Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review (OOAR), which serves as an advocate for people looking for public services. Representatives at the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living can also provide guidance.
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
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.
Bluegrass District Ombudsman (Alice Salyers)
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Inc.
3138 Custer Drive, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 859-277-9215 or 877-787-0077
Email: alice@ombuddy.org
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65. It can cover skilled nursing home costs but only for a limited amount of time; it’s not meant for long-term skilled nursing care coverage. You read all the details about what Medicare covers in nursing homes online.
For assisted living or memory care stays, Medicare does not cover room and board but can cover medically necessary in-home health care that can take place in an assisted living community or a memory care facility if a doctor says it is needed.[06]
If you plan to use Medicare to help with medical costs, there are resources in Kentucky that can help:
- Medicare Savings Program – This program is a Medicare initiative but is run through state Medicaid offices and can help pay for copayments and Medicare premiums for those eligible.
- Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP) – This program helps seniors locate cost savings programs provided by drug companies.
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) – PACE is a program that helps seniors living more independent lives by delivering care and social services in the community rather than having them go into a nursing home.
Having trouble navigating Medicare benefits? Don’t be afraid to reach out to local resources for help. The Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free service that helps seniors and people with disabilities know their rights to Medicare and which benefits they qualify for. The Lexington Social Security Administration office and the local ombudsman and The Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living are also available to answer questions and help seniors see what they qualify for.
Find helpful Medicare resources and contact details in the section below.
Lexington resident Medicare resources
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.
Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review
275 E. Main St., 2E-O
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-5497
The Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living
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
Understand Lexington laws and regulations for nursing homes
Nursing home facilities, as well as assisted living communities and memory care facilities, must be licensed by the Department for Aging and Independent Living, which is under the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Licensing ensures facilities meet standards of care, staffing, and safety.
Different types of facilities must follow certain regulations. There are many laws to follow, but key rules for skilled nursing homes include:
- Staff members must be trained to provide care in specific areas, such as wound care and infection control.
- Facilities must have processes to prevent and control infections.
- Staff must be trained to safely administer medications.
In addition to Kentucky laws and regulations, nursing homes are federally regulated as well. The state ensures both state and federal requirements are being met.
Assisted living communities also must follow specific rules, including:
- There must be adequate 24-hour staffing.
- Units must include certain features such as a phone jack, a private bathroom with a bathtub or shower (unless built before 2000), and an unfurnished room with a lockable door.
- Staff must be trained in certain areas like adult first aid, the aging process, residents’ rights, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Memory care facilities are often included in an assisted living community. This means that they follow assisted living rules and regulations. However, they do have specific regulations, including the following:
- The environment must include orientation cues and alarms to reduce confusion.
- The facility must offer activities to improve the quality of life for residents with memory loss.
- There must be a personalized care plan for each resident.
Learn more about Kentucky’s long-term care regulations and status on the Division of Health Care’s website.
Nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities are inspected annually by the Division of Health Care, also a part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. For an inspection, a surveyor comes to the facility unannounced and makes certain checks to ensure the location is compliant with regulations. Inspections also happen if a complaint is received. Unfortunately, nursing home records and inspection reports for Kentucky assisted living and nursing home facilities are hard to find online. To obtain information regarding Kentucky senior communities, including access to records, please refer to the Office of Inspector General Open Records Request.
Kentucky Department of Health contact information
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-3970
COVID-19 regulations for Lexington nursing homes
There are currently no COVID-19 mandates in place in Lexington for senior care facilities. Staff at long-term care facilities, such as skilled nursing homes, memory care facilities, or assisted living communities, must take precautions, as with other diseases, by following basic infection control guidance. This includes hand washing, wearing a mask if necessary, and wearing protective equipment if recommended for the situation.
The COVID-19 details below are from the Kentucky Department of Health. Some nursing homes, assisted living communities, or memory care facilities may have their own guidance, so ask about this when looking at different options.
Vaccinations.
Kentucky residents are urged to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.
Masking.
Masks are recommended, but there is no mask mandate in place.
Quarantining.
After a positive COVID-19 test, residents are advised to stay isolated for five days.
Social distancing.
High-risk individuals should avoid crowds and close contact if possible.
Get to know senior living in Lexington
What to expect from nursing homes in Lexington
On average, the assisted living communities and memory care facilities A Place for Mom partners within Lexington receive nearly five-star reviews. Seniors and their loved ones often highlight the “comfort of home” the communities offer while remaining in a safe, secure location. Reviewers also rave about the caring staff at communities across Lexington, so families know their loved ones are being well taken care of.
Understanding the difference between skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care
Although they may appear similar, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and memory care communities offer distinct services.
- Skilled nursing facilities offer specialized medical care to seniors who need 24/7 medical care at a level just under what one would receive in a hospital.
- Assisted living facilities are suitable for individuals who require assistance with daily activities. These communities offer medication management, personal care, meal service, and more.
- Memory care facilities are designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. They offer services designed to protect and engage patients with memory impairments, as well as all the services offered in assisted living.
Senior living options in Lexington
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone nursing homes. However, we do partner with 11 assisted living and memory care facilities in Lexington. Here’s a summary of the different communities in our network:
- Two standalone assisted living facilities
- One standalone memory care facility
- Three combined assisted living and memory care facilities
- Five combined assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
Lots to do and see for visitors
Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World, but the area has even more to offer than its famous horse farms and race tracks. The city is also known for its bourbon distilleries and historic sites and for being the home of the University of Kentucky. This means that there is plenty to do for families when they come to visit their loved ones.
For visitors who like to get outside with their loved ones, Lexington is also known for its beautiful scenery. Some facilities have outdoor walking paths on site so seniors and their loved ones can enjoy the fresh air without venturing far.
Easy access to the state’s top health care
No one plans for an unexpected trip to the hospital, but it’s nice to know health care is nearby should an emergency arise. Lexington has the highest-rated hospital in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, so residents at a nursing home, assisted living community, or memory care facility can get quality health care when they need it.[07]
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Unfamiliar with Lexington? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Lexington
Median annual income for Lexington seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Lexington
University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital
The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington is the No. 1 ranked hospital in Kentucky and is home to various nationally-ranked specialties. It is home to the only Level I trauma center in central and eastern Kentucky and is also a teaching hospital.
Baptist Health Hospital
Baptist Health Hospital in Lexington is a research and education facility and is home to the Clinical Research Center. The hospital is part of Baptist Health, the first health system in the U.S. to earn Magnet or Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nursing Credentialing Center for all of its hospitals.
St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington
Renowned for its cardiology, stroke, and orthopedics services, St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington is rated “high performing” in five adult procedures and conditions: colon cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and stroke.
Transportation for seniors in Lexington
Most of our partner facilities in Lexington (91%) offer complimentary transportation for residents, and 55% offer at-cost transportation, both of which can be safer options for seniors.
For families visiting Lexington, a car is the most commonly preferred mode of transportation. However, drivers should keep traffic in mind when planning trips at peak times.
There are also public transportation options for seniors when families visit. But please remember a senior living in a skilled nursing home or a senior with memory loss should never use public transit without a caregiver.
Transportation options for seniors include:
- Lextran – With buses running every 30 minutes, Lextran is Lexington’s public transport system. People 62 or older, as well as veterans, Medicare cardholders, and people with disabilities, can get a reduced fare.
- Wheels – As a partnership between Lextran and the Bluegrass Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, Wheels is a transportation service specifically for people with disabilities. You must apply via ADA Ride to be eligible, so call 877-232-7433 or visit the website for more information.
- Independent Transportation Network (called iTNBluegrass) – Similar to a taxi service, iTNBluegrass is a nonprofit transportation system for the aging population and the visually impaired. Users must be members so journeys can be booked using a prepaid account.
For seniors who prefer private transportation options in Lexington, Able Care Transportation, Barbara Care, and Helping Hands Transportation specialize in senior care and provide non-emergency medical transportation or other trips.
Senior activities in Lexington
Lexington is a Southern city famous for its scenery, bourbon, and horse country. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, one activity families can do with a senior loved one is visit the area’s horse farms. Blue Grass Tours, for instance, can create a custom tour based on a family’s needs.
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, a good activity to do with seniors with memory loss is to spend time outside.[10] For a nice day in the fresh air, visit the Arboretum, Kentucky’s official botanical garden. The Arboretum is a 100-acre public garden and is a partnership between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.[11]
In addition to the Arboretum, Lexington is home to many walking trails. Some are wheelchair friendly, such as McConnell Springs Trail, an easy 0.6-mile loop.
Apart from horses and scenic views, people love Lexington for its bourbon and history. Bourbon enthusiasts should visit the Distillery District to tour working distilleries, including the Barrel House Distillery and the James E. Pepper Distillery. For those who prefer history, Lexington is home to the Mary Todd Lincoln House, where the famous First Lady grew up, and Ashland, the former estate of Henry Clay.
If you get hungry, downtown Lexington is a great place to go. The Square, a block of 16 buildings built in the 1880s, is at the heart of downtown and is home to many restaurants, hotels, and bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Lexington, 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 Lexington is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth Financial. (2021) Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living. (n.d.) Selecting an Assisted Living Community in Kentucky. Ky.gov
LongTermCare.gov. (Feb. 18, 2023.) What is Medicare and what does it cover?
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Kentucky.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023.). Best Hospitals | University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington.
Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.) 50 Activities.
The Arboretum: State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. (n.d.) Plan Your Visit.
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