Memory Care in Kentucky

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Kentucky

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Kentucky
• Kentucky Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Kentucky?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Kentucky
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Kentucky
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Kentucky
• Kentucky COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

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When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Kentucky and 11 other cities in Kentucky.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Kentucky

Inflation has raised the cost of living across the board, and this has had an impact on planning for senior care. In Kentucky alone, costs have risen from $4,359 a month in 2022 to a projected $4,784 in 2024, a 10% increase. The same period saw prices nationwide go up by 19.5%. Other states are expected to follow this trend into 2024, such as Tennessee (31.5%), Ohio (21%) and Georgia (4%). Prices in West Virginia may increase massively to about 43.5%, from 2022 to 2024's projected $5,376 a month. This trend underscores the importance of budgeting for care. 

Memory Care Costs in Kentucky's Top Cities

The $4,852 monthly cost of memory care in Kentucky is only an average that applies to the state in general. Within the state, there's a variety of price points among cities. Paducah is near the low end, at $3,690 a month, while Lexington is closer to the top at $5,550. Louisville and Bowling Green are closer to the statewide average, at $4,514 and $4,298 a month, respectively.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Memory care is a fairly medically intensive senior living arrangement, which brings significant costs with it. It's not the only choice for Kentucky seniors. Assisted living in the Bluegrass State averages $3,748 a month and entails room and board, caregiver assistance and help with activities of daily living. Seniors with the least need for assistance may opt for independent living, which averages $2,794 a month — just 58% of the cost of memory care.

Kentucky Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps low-income individuals pay for health care and receive medical services they otherwise couldn’t afford. Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living and memory care directly, but it does offer one home and community-based waiver program that helps pay for personal care.

Home and Community-Based (HCB) Waiver

The HCB waiver provides financial help to the elderly and to adults and children with disabilities to help them remain in the community as long as possible. The waiver covers a variety of services, including attendant care, home adaptions, meals and respite care.

• Who Is Eligible: Seniors age 65 and older or those with a disability are eligible to apply for the HCB waiver. Individuals must meet the requirements to be admitted into a nursing home and meet the financial requirements for Medicaid.
• How To Apply: To apply for an HCB waiver, file an application online through kynect or call the Department for Community Based Services at (855) 306-8959. Applications can also be submitted in person at any DCBS office.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Kentucky

For Medicaid eligibility, the total income limit for applicants can’t exceed 300% of the federal poverty level or $30,276 per year per applicant. Asset limits for a single applicant can’t be more than $2,000. In a two-person household, the asset limit for the non-applicant is $137,400, which allows the spouse to maintain ownership of their home and other belongings.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Kentucky

Additional eligibility criteria include:

• Kentucky residency
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legal alien
• 65 years of age or older
• Require health care or insurance assistance

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Kentucky

Seniors in Kentucky can choose local or statewide help when applying for Medicaid. The following resources can provide application assistance and answer questions about benefits, claims, billing and additional services.

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.

That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.

In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance can be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at LongTermCare.gov.
• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loan will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgage for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
• Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses can use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.

Memory Care Regulation

In Kentucky, assisted living facilities and personal care homes are regulated by separate government entities. The Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living certifies all assisted living communities, while personal care homes are licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services, Office of Inspector General, Division of Health Care.

As part of the licensing process for long-term care homes that provide memory care, facilities (both personal care home and assisted living communities) must provide a comprehensive document that details special services, staff training programs that specialize in dementia care, placement processes, family care expectations and any costs associated specifically with memory care services. Barring a complaint, inspections are carried out every two years to ensure compliance and recertification at an assisted living facility and annually for licensing at a personal care home.

Facility Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities offer services that include assistance with all seven activities of daily living, help with housekeeping or other chores, transportation assistance and help with self-administered medication. These facilities are also expected to offer scheduled activities and social opportunities, along with meals and snacks.

Personal care homes, another residential option, provide a range of health-related services, along with continuous monitoring and supervision. A personal care home is also required to offer social and recreational activities that stimulate and engage residents to the best of their ability.

Admissions Requirements

Long-term care facilities work with a wide variety of residents who need different levels of care; however, not all seniors can be safely and adequately cared for in these communities. The table below lists some of the reasons why a senior might be denied for placement in an assisted living facility.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people with:

• Dementia
• Disabilities
• Mobility or physical disabilities who can still navigate the facility with limited assistance
• Mental health conditions
• Intellectual or developmental disabilities

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who:

• Can’t walk or transport themselves using a mobility assistance device, unless the condition is temporary
• May be a danger to themselves, other residents or staff members
• Require nursing care or other health services (some facilities may allow contracted service through a third-party company)

Care Plan Requirements

According to the Louisiana Administrative Code, ARCPs must perform and document an initial assessment of the resident’s needs. The screening must include information on the resident’s physical and mental status as well as the need for assistance with ADLs and IADLs. The ARCP must use this assessment in devising the resident’s care plan within 21 days of admission. The care plan has to be reviewed at least annually and revised, as necessary, by the staff involved in the resident’s care.

Medication Management Requirements

Staff with documented training can supervise the self-administration of medications and assist with reminders, opening containers, pouring medication and bringing it to residents. Staff administration of medications is allowed in all ARCPs in accordance with residents’ care plans. Medications can only be administered by a person currently licensed by the appropriate state agency. Intravenous therapy may be administered by staff under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in level 4 facilities only. The resident, the resident’s representative or the ARCP may contract with another individual or agency to administer medications

Facility Requirements

ARCPs may house up to two residents per resident unit. Level 1 and 2 facilities must have one bathroom for every four residents; level 3 and 4 facilities must have a separate, complete bathroom in each apartment. Facilities that accept residents with dementia or exit-seeking behaviors must provide an enclosed area adjacent to the facility so the residents may go outside safely.

Staffing Requirements

Louisiana doesn’t impose staffing ratios. Each ARCP must have at least a director, a designated activities coordinator and a direct care staff person. Employees who work directly with residents who have dementia must obtain at least eight hours of evidenced-based dementia training within 90 days of employment in addition to eight hours of such training annually. Staff who have regular contact with residents must obtain a minimum of four hours of dementia training within 90 days of employment as well as two hours of dementia training annually.

Medicaid Policy

Medicaid reimburses assisted living facilities for services rendered to seniors covered by Medicaid waivers or enrolled and receiving personal care coverage. These individuals must be eligible for institutional level of care. The reimbursement includes coverage of assistance with ADLs.

Reporting Abuse

The Elderly Protective Services in the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs investigates and intervenes appropriately in cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation involving Louisiana residents aged 60 years and older. The office can be reached at 1-833-577-6532 or by mail at: Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs, P.O. Box 61, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0661.

Louisiana’s Health Standards Section provides a complaint form for filing grievances against any health care facility licensed by the Department of Health. Once completed, the form should be mailed to: Health Standards Section, P.O. Box 3767, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. The HHS can be reached at 225-342-0138.

In Kentucky, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in Kentucky is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Kentucky to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Elderly individuals in Kentucky, living independently or in elderly care homes, can avail of numerous local financial support opportunities. These aid options help reduce in-home or long-term care costs and connect them to valuable community resources.

Food Assistance Programs

In Kentucky, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Kentucky, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Elderly residents of Kentucky with certain income brackets have access to local aid for prescription medication expenses. They might also be eligible for health coverage and other programs providing complimentary or reduced-cost healthcare services.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Kentucky, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

Senior Engagement

In Kentucky, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.

Social Security Offices

In Kentucky, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.

Tax Assistance

In Kentucky, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

In Kentucky, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.

Veteran's Services

In Kentucky, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.