Assisted Living

2/19/2020 | By Terri L. Jones

Updated on 1/4/21

Before you start researching assisted living communities in Kentucky, it’s important to also know about another senior living model that exists only in Kentucky and Pennsylvania – personal care. While personal care communities are similar to assisted living in their environment and socialization options, there are key differences you need to understand before choosing one community over another.

Assisted Living vs. Personal Care?

Assisted living communities are for residents who are essentially able to live independently but may need some assistance with bathing, dressing, housekeeping or keeping up with their medications (however residents must be able to take their meds on their own). If residents need continuous supervision, medical oversight and medication management and administration, they’ll be better served by a personal care community, which is a step closer to skilled nursing.

Plus, personal care communities in Kentucky are licensed; whereas, assisted living communities are certified. NOTE: We are only discussing assisted living in this article.

What Does It Cost?

According to the Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Study, the median monthly cost for assisted living communities in Kentucky is $3,699 (for a private, one-bedroom unit). That’s $23 per day and $44,388 per year, which is lower than the national median.

What Do You Get?

While those prices may sound exorbitant, remember that those dollars are not only covering your housing, typically an apartment, but they’re also paying for your utilities, meals, housekeeping, 24-hour emergency response, and the services you moved for: help with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming and mobility and medications. Your monthly fee also takes care of your activities and plenty of amenities; some communities also include laundry and cable. If you’d rather cook a few meals yourself, most units have a kitchen to give you that option.

Generally included are onsite activities, such as movie nights, exercise classes and book clubs. But you may have to pay extra for activities off campus; in addition to services like a community salon or barbershop.

What Determines Your Cost?

Like any apartment, your cost will depend on the size of your unit and where it’s located. For example, assisted living communities in Lexington, the second largest city in the state, run significantly higher than those in smaller Owensboro. Plus, the area of the city or town will also drive price, just like real estate.

The level of assistance you need also impacts your cost. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what you need before you move in; you want to have all the help you need but don’t want to pay for more than is necessary. Amenities such as fitness centers and in-house therapists, plus details like well-appointed lobbies, restaurant-like dining areas and chandeliers in common areas may also translate to higher rates. If you want to reduce your costs, think about sharing your apartment with a friend.

How Do You Make Your Choice?

It’s not sufficient to just research assisted living communities over the phone. You should also check out the communities in person. Tour each assisted living, have a meal there, and spend some time talking to the people – staff and residents alike. And don’t be afraid to ask lots and lots of questions. You’re choosing your new home!


Find out more about assisted living here!

Terri L. Jones

Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over ten years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.

Terri Jones