10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Louisville, KY
Along the Ohio River on the border of Indiana and Kentucky lies Louisville, Kentucky — an affordable metropolitan area full of Southern hospitality. While Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, it maintains a rather small-town feel, with locals describing it more like a cluster of quaint neighborhoods rather than a bustling metropolis. A welcoming and homey city, home to a variety of activities and events, Louisville is an age-friendly environment that prides itself on accommodating seniors.
Louisville has multiple senior living options and assisted living communities that provide a sense of security in safe and comfortable facilities. Whether you or your loved one is looking for assistance with activities of daily living or the security of round-the-clock staff, both can be found in our partner Louisville assisted living communities.
A Place for Mom partners with 21 assisted living communities in a 10-mile radius of the West Buechel neighborhood in Jefferson County. While this includes parts of Indiana, like Clark County, all of our communities located within this radius are on the Kentucky side of the state line. Most of our assisted living partners in the area are located on the eastern side of downtown Louisville.
This all-inclusive guide offers answers to the most common questions about assisted living communities in Louisville:
- How much do Louisville assisted living communities cost?
- What does assisted living offer?
- Can my loved one afford assisted living?
- What type of financial assistance is available to help pay for assisted living?
- How are assisted living facilities regulated by the state?
Additionally, we provide information on a variety of local senior resources and give you a glimpse into life as a retired senior in Louisville, Kentucky.
Louisville Assisted Living Facilities | 720 Reviews
We are very pleased overall. There is one big problem that we along with other residents that needs a soluton. THE DINING ROOM IS ALWAYS COLD AND UNCOMFORTABLE. Dining should be a pleasing experience. It is...
Experience to-date has been exceptional. Caring, informative staff. Mother has no complaints. We chose this community based on the type of environment me felt our mother would choose. Nice, clean,...
When we started looking to move my in-laws to Louisville, this was the closest community and the parents of a friend of mine who lived here, where very happy so, we thought we'd check it out. So glad we did...
Overall it's a great community with caring staff and they offer a lot of activities but the general cost of care can be overwhelming as we expect it is at other similar locations.
I'm very happy with Belmont Village, have said so many times. I have told a couple of friends that when their parents get to that point, Belmont would be a good place to consider.
I would highly recommend Anthology of Louisville. The facility is beautiful! The staff are very attentive and friendly. The one important area of concern I will lift up is that the community is not very...
My loved one is currently a resident at Creekside on Whipps Mill Road and the experience has been very good for her at this facility so far. The staff are very friendly and nice. The meals are of good...
This was a hard decision - made easier through the kind attention of the staff at Everlan. My Mother was living alone in her home and the time had come for us to choose a place for her to be safe, happy and...
First, I should tell you that my aunt moved from Dominion to Everlan (same company/campus, but now in Independent living). Things I liked about Dominion - smaller size, caring staff. The Activity director...
Pinnacle of Louisville is a wonderful facility. We are so happy we moved our mother to this facility. All the staff from head down are so caring & loving. Price is reasonable compared to others & benefits...
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Everything has been good, but it is very expensive. They have great staff. They have been A little lax in cleaning residents' rooms. Overall I would recommend Vitality Living Springdale to others looking for...
My loved one is currently a resident at Forest Hills Commons and everything has been quite acceptable so far. My loved one appreciates the food and the care that he receives, even though it has taken him...
She passed away on [date removed]. Vitality was very good. Would recommend them highly to the elderly that aren't suffering from severe dementia and can do things for themselves. It's a family atmosphere....
The Facility is nice and well put together..[name removed] is an excellent General Manager and cares about the patrons at Spring House at Louisville..The care is excellent and is highly recommend for anyone...
I am thrilled that my dad is in the care of Harmony at Tucker Station! My dad entered Harmony requiring the care of their Memory Care community. After 2.5 months, with managed medicine, PT and OT, and 3...
The community of residents is great. My mom has made many wonderful friends. The staff do not seem empowered to make improvements to the number of employees or the quality of the food or food service. It's...
This is a great place. It is like my mom is living in a 5 star hotel. Highly recommend this place. The meals are very good and varied. They made the transition very easy . My mom feels at home here.
It's small but they obviously care about the residents. I got to actually talk to a couple of them and they seemed happy there. Value for the money and no level-of-care fees.
I have lived at The Forum at Brookside nearly five years and am pleased to offer this facility a rating of A+. The accommodations here are pleasant and well maintained by the experienced and conscientious...
My Mom is a resident of this facility and we could not be happier with everything that they do for her. The apartments are beautiful, the staff is just unbelievable, the food is amazing! They go beyond every...
Christian Care Communities Middletown is the perfect fit for my loved one. It's a small and intimate facility. A larger facility with more activities would not have worked for her.
Very knowledgeable and helpful! Staff! Talked with three staff members and all were extremely helpful with the tour and explanation of amenities and services . Several meetings were conducted with detail...
My loved one was previously a resident at The Enclave of East Louisville and overall her experience at this facility was pretty good overall. The activities were great. The friendliness, care services and...
Pretty good. Especially if still pretty independent. Mom's memory issues made it difficult for her to find her room. Often staff were not available to help her. Lots of activities and outings that my Mom...
I visited a few different places before recommending Rose Anna Hughes Home for my mother-in-law. As the director gave me a tour, I was impressed with the fact that she not only greeted every resident by name...
- What families are saying about assisted living in Louisville
- Costs of assisted living in the Louisville area
- How people pay for assisted living in Louisville
- Understand Kentucky and Indiana laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Louisville
- What to expect from assisted living in Louisville
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Louisville? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Louisville
Recent reviews for assisted living in Louisville
Creekside on Bardstown in Louisville, KY
The Pinnacle of Louisville
Riverbend in Jeffersonville, IN
Costs of assisted living in the Louisville area
On average, seniors pay approximately $4,191 per month to live in an assisted living facility in Louisville, Kentucky, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This is based on what residents actually paid over the last 12 months, including room, board, and care costs, as well as add-on fees for additional services. Baseline costs for assisted living communities typically include the following:
- Room and board
- A 24-hour awake staff
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Meals and dining services
- Concierge services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Medication management
- Maintenance and utilities
However, these costs can vary depending on the community’s location, amenities, and floor plan you or your loved one chooses. Additionally, there may be extra fees, such as the following:
- A fee for higher levels of care
- Community fee (usually one time)
- Medication administration fee
- Pet fee and/or pet care services fee
The following prices are average baseline costs and don’t include common additional fees. These figures are meant to help you compare the costs of living across the broader area.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Louisville, KY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Louisville, KY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Louisville vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Louisville, KY by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Louisville over time
How people pay for assisted living in Louisville
One of the biggest questions among seniors and their families is how they’ll pay for senior living. Most seniors use a combination of private income and public benefits. There are many ways seniors and families pay for assisted living costs. Here you’ll learn more about various private pay methods and other public resources like VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid that some seniors may qualify for.
Most families and seniors start by using private funds to pay for assisted living communities. Private pay methods can include savings, pensions, and investment returns. However, there are many private pay options that can help pay for assisted living. Learn more about other types of private pay methods that may be available to you below:
If your loved one is a veteran, they may qualify for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Senior veterans and their surviving spouses eligible for benefits can use these in various ways, such as paying for assisted living. The VA offers a wide range of benefits, from pensions to the Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance benefits for disabled veterans can be the most substantial and can be used for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life.
Who is eligible for veterans benefits?
Many veterans qualify for benefits since there’s an extensive list of veterans benefits available. However, the requirements can be complicated. Therefore, it’s important that seniors and their families use local resources to fully understand what benefits they qualify for before starting the application process. The Louisville area has multiple local veteran service offices and VA-vetted nonprofit organizations that can help veterans understand all their eligible benefits and apply or file claims.
The following organizations may have veterans benefits counselors in the Louisville area available:
Number of veterans currently living in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Percentage of veterans living in Jefferson County aged 65+
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: 800-400-4520
Kentucky Medicaid and Indiana Medicaid are health insurance programs funded by the state and federal government. Medicaid can provide health insurance coverage to low-income seniors or adults with disabilities. In addition, Medicaid’s home and community based services waiver programs can help cover certain health care services in the residence of the senior’s choice, like their assisted living community. However, Medicaid will not cover custodial costs — room and board — in a community unless it’s a Medicaid-contracted nursing home.
Home and community based services for assisted living in Louisville
Both Kentucky and Indiana have home and community based services (HCBS) waiver programs to help cover some health care services at an assisted living community. These programs reduce the need to move to a nursing home so seniors can remain in the living environment of their choice.
Kentucky’s home and community based waiver: This waiver helps cover attendant care, such as adult day health care or respite care.
Indiana’s Aged and Disabled waiver: This Iowa waiver helps cover assisted living services, which may include assistance with activities of daily living.
Indiana also has a Hoosier Care Connect program, which helps seniors aged 65+ and those who are blind or disabled and do not qualify for Medicare.
While these waivers cover a multitude of different services, many of them overlap between the two states. The following are some care services covered by both waivers that may help seniors in assisted living:[03,04]
- In-home caregiver support
- Attendant care
- Adult day care
- Community transition services
- Environmental modifications (ramps, grab bars, or other accessibility features)
- Case management
- Specialized medical equipment
Additionally, both states have Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps individuals living in a community access a variety of health care services, like the following:
- Prescription drugs
- Home care
- Meals
- Transportation
- Nursing home care
- Adult day care
- Hospital and/or primary care
- Medical specialty services
Where can I get help applying for Medicaid in Louisville?
Between understanding and applying for Medicaid benefits, the health insurance application process can be long and complicated for anyone, especially seniors. However, the benefits outweigh the frustration. Thankfully, Kentucky and Indiana provide local Medicaid advisors to help you and your loved one fully understand the benefits they qualify for. These Medicaid advisors help families through the application process. You or your loved one can find these advisors through the Louisville Area on Aging Agency or the local Department of Medicaid services office.
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:Â 800-403-0864
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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
TTY Phone: 812-542-6895
Fax: 812-948-0147
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that helps seniors aged 65+ and those with disabilities receive health care. While Medicare does not cover room and board costs for assisted living communities, it can help cover medically necessary health care services.
What if my loved one can’t afford Medicare?
Both Kentucky and Indiana have Medicare Savings Programs to help low-income seniors with Medicare premium costs. If your loved one receives coverage under Medicare Part D, also known as prescription coverage, they may qualify to receive assistance with Extra Help. Additionally, if your loved one resides in Indiana, they can receive additional support for their Part D costs through HooiserRx.
Who qualifies for Medicare benefits?
Like other public benefits, Medicare can be difficult to understand and has a lengthy application process. Before you start the application process, it’s important to contact a local Medicare advisor to ensure your loved one gets the benefits they qualify for. Kentucky and Indiana have local agencies that can help you and your loved one fully understand Medicare eligibility. This assistance includes the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and local Social Security offices.
In addition to these resources, your loved one can contact their local long-term care ombudsman who works to uphold their Medicare rights. These ombudsmen help beneficiaries work through their health insurance issues or claims. Plus, the Louisville area has Senior Medicare Patrol, which helps seniors identify health care scams, abuse, and billing issues. Look below for these local Medicare resources and more.
Louisville resident Medicare resources
Natalie Brown-Radtke
Catholic Charities
2911 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: 502-637-9786
Toll free phone: 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
Office of the long-term care ombudsman
Lynn Clough
402 W. Washington St., Room W451
P.O. Box 7083, MS 27
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7083
Information/complaint phone: 800-622-4484 or 317-232-7134
Fax number: 317-972-3285
Email:Â longtermcareombudsman@ombudsman.IN.gov
Clark County long-term care ombudsman
Mary Cleavinger
Indiana Legal Services
3303 Plaza Drive, #5
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: 812-913-7361, ext. 11223
Email:Â mary.cleavinger@ilsi.net
Louisville Social Security office
601 W. Broadway, Room 101
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 866-716-9671
Fax: 833-950-3149
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jeffersonville/Clarksville, Indiana, Social Security office
3700 Blackiston Blvd.
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: 800-772-1213
Fax: 833-950-2142
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand Kentucky and Indiana laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities in Kentucky and Indiana have state laws and regulations to help ensure the safety of your loved one and make sure their care needs are met. Both states require assisted living communities to be licensed and undergo inspections.
Kentucky: Assisted living communities in Kentucky are certified annually through the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living. This certification has an extensive checklist to ensure facilities meet regulatory standards. Previously, assisted living communities were licensed as personal care homes, so some communities still label assisted living services as personal care. Additionally, you can find inspection reports tracking back to 2014 through the Office of Inspector General.[05]
Indiana: Assisted living facilities that offer nursing care or administer medications are required to have a residential care facility license. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) regulates residential care facilities, so consumer reports are available for licensed assisted living facilities through the IDOH. However, if an assisted living facility does not administer medication or offer nursing care, they are not required to have a residential care facility license.[06]
While both states have their own individual laws for assisted living communities, many of the regulations overlap. Below you’ll learn about the shared rules for assisted living facilities across Kentucky and Indiana. These regulations are designed to keep assisted living facility residents happy and healthy.
Residents’ rights
Seniors have the right to live in an assisted living facility without experiencing abuse and/or neglect. In fact, both Kentucky and Indiana state laws require staff members who suspect a resident is suffering from abuse, neglect, or exploitation to report the issue.[05,07]
Staffing requirements
To help ensure the safety of your loved one, Kentucky and Indiana have very similar staffing requirements for assisted living communities. Both states require a sufficient amount of staff members to meet the needs of facility residents around the clock. Additionally, at least one staff member must always be awake and on-site.[05,07]
Facility requirements
Both Kentucky and Indiana require assisted living communities to meet building safety codes, such as maintaining rules for fire prevention and meeting square footage requirements for rooms. These safety codes may also include regulations to provide adequate utilities, such as the following:
- Water supply
- Air conditioning
- Heat
- Ventilation
- Lighting
The rest of their facility requirements and standards differ.
Kentucky: Besides meeting building and life safety codes, assisted living communities in Kentucky have fewer requirements than Indiana. However, the state has specific requirements for residents’ rooms in an assisted living community. As a result, your loved one’s room must have one of each of the following features:
- Lockable entry door
- Private bathroom with a tub or shower
- Provisions for emergency response
- Window to outdoors
- Telephone jack
- Individual thermostat control (if the community has over 20 units)
Beyond residents’ rooms, an assisted living community in Kentucky must have access to dining, a laundry facility, and a living room.[05]
Indiana: Indiana has an extensive list of assisted living community regulations, from offering general things like adequate utility systems to specifics like having ice available to residents at all times. There are also specific resident room standards. If your loved one requests any of the following at the time of their admission, the facility is required to provide items, including but not limited to the following:
- A bed
- A clean and comfortable mattress
- Comfortable bedding
- A bedside table or cabinet
- A cushioned chair
- A bedside lamp
Additionally, the living, activity, lounging, and dining areas must have sufficient space to accommodate wheelchairs and necessary equipment.[07]
COVID-19 regulations for Louisville assisted living facilities
Kentucky has followed the lead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by relaxing its COVID-19 regulations. As a result, as of September 2022, senior living care communities, like assisted living facilities, don’t require masks.[08] Individual assisted living communities may have additional COVID-19 guidelines, so you should be aware of those changes before visiting or moving into the community.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health currently follows community level COVID-19 guidance for statewide guidance. Currently, Jefferson County falls under a low level of guidance, so the area still has relaxed recommendations, as found below.
Masking. Masks may be required after an exposure to a COVID-19 infection.
Quarantining. After a positive test for COVID-19, a person should isolate for five days if they have not shown symptoms and 10 days if they have. After close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, seniors should monitor their symptoms for 10 days.
Get to know assisted living in Louisville
What to expect from assisted living in Louisville
Whether your loved one is looking for a luxurious lifestyle or a cozy setting where they can age in place, Louisville has the assisted living community for them. You can have peace of mind knowing your loved one will not only receive the care they need but will also be able to find a community that meets their preferences. Assisted living communities can offer a sense of security with the option to receive on-site health care. They may even offer the opportunity for your loved one to attend religious services without leaving their new home. Here you’ll get more information on what to expect from assisted living in Louisville.
Assisted living with advanced levels of care services
Like many retirees, your loved one may value being able to age in place. Aging in place enables seniors to stay within their community if their care needs change, and care needs tend to change over time. Therefore, having a community with advanced levels of care on the same campus may be beneficial. Almost all our assisted living partners in Louisville offer advanced care services on their campus. For example, a majority of our partner assisted living communities also provide memory care.
Both stand-alone and multi-tiered communities offer similar services, such as the following:
- Medication management
- Incontinence care
- Concierge services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Emergency call systems
- Transportation
Additionally, many assisted living communities offer convenience by having visiting medical professionals available like those listed below:
- Nurses
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech therapists
- Podiatrists
- Dentists
Some assisted living communities go beyond assisting and supervising seniors, so you can feel at ease knowing your loved one can access on-site health care. About 71% of our assisted living partners have an on-call doctor to ensure your loved one receives the best care. However, if your loved one needs 24-hour medical supervision, they may benefit from a higher level of care like that offered in a skilled nursing home in Louisville.
Some assisted living communities also have on-site nursing care, which may include having nurses on staff, hospice care, a third-party skilled nursing agency, or rehabilitative care. Additionally, you can live worry-free knowing your loved one can get around the facility easily, as at least 18 of our 21 assisted living partners in Louisville are handicap-accessible.[01]
Active living in assisted living
Most assisted living communities have an activity director to help your loved one live an active and social lifestyle. There are a variety of on-site and off-site activities your loved one may be able to enjoy, including but not limited to the following:
- Day trips and outings
- Live musical performances
- Happy hours
- Art classes
- Trivia games
- Stretching classes
- Cooking classes
- Wii Bowling
- Tai chi
Assisted living communities also encourage socialization between residents, with senior-friendly clubs for hobbies like walking, reading, card games, bridge games, and quilting.
Religious and devotional opportunities
The Louisville area is right on the cusp of the Bible Belt, heavily populated by residents of faith. As a result, Louisville has a copious amount of churches, with one of the area Christian churches considered one of the largest in the United States.
Our Louisville assisted living partners reflect the need for religious and devotional services and activities. Approximately 95% of our assisted living partners offer on-site devotional activities and 47% have Bible study groups.
A majority of our assisted living partners in Louisville offer Catholic services and access to a visiting chaplain or priest.[01] If your loved one prefers to continue attending local religious services in Louisville, they may be able to use the community’s transportation services to travel to and from their church or faith community.
Deluxe assisted living services and amenities
If you or your loved one is looking for a more satisfying lifestyle, many of our assisted living partners in Louisville have extra special amenities available to residents. Live comfortably without leaving the community. Some of the deluxe amenities one can typically find at our Louisville partner communities may include the following:[01]
- Fitness centers
- Jacuzzis
- Beauty salons
- Barbershops
- Movie theaters
- Game rooms
- Courtyards and gardens
- Billiards lounges
Note: While these amenities may be available, some may require additional fees.
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Unfamiliar with Louisville? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors 65+ currently living in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Percentage of seniors 65+ within Jefferson County, Kentucky
Average annual income for seniors 65 and older living in Jefferson County, Kentucky
Health care for seniors in Louisville
Beyond our partner assisted living facilities, Louisville is one of the most innovative health care areas in the United States. Louisville was named America’s Aging Care Capital by Forbes Magazine for its work to advance aging health solutions. In Louisville, you or your loved one will have immediate access to highly rated hospitals. Between specialized teams and certified stroke centers, many hospitals in Louisville have optimal care for conditions common in seniors.
Baptist Health Louisville
Baptist Health Louisville offers top-notch care. It’s ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Louisville and No. 3 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. You or your loved one can find specialized care at Baptist Health Louisville thanks to their expert teams, and it’s high-performing in adult conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, and many others. If your loved one resides on the Indiana side of the Louisville area, they can find care at the hospital’s Jeffersonville location.
Norton Hospital
Norton Hospital is the teaching hospital for the local University of Louisville School of Medicine. You or your loved one can receive innovative care at this highly rated hospital, ranked No. 2 in Louisville and No. 5 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. Seniors aged 65 and older have access to Norton Hospital’s specialized geriatric care with programs for house calls and on-site care at certain nursing homes. Norton Hospital also highly performs for several adult procedures and conditions, including strokes. Stroke care is top-notch thanks to the Primary Stroke Center, certified by The Joint Commission and the American Stroke Association.
UofL Health — Jewish Hospital
UofL Health — Jewish Hospital is a hospital in Louisville known for many medical firsts in the United States. You or your loved one will find comprehensive care at this hospital, ranked No. 3 in Louisville and No. 6 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital system has a geriatric clinic for seniors 65+ called the Republic Bank Optimal Aging Clinic, which has a variety of specialists and programs to help your loved one receive and understand the care they need. Additionally, the hospital performs well for multiple adult conditions — such as strokes — thanks to its certified stroke center.
Transportation for seniors in Louisville
You can rest easy knowing your loved one can easily get around the area because 95% of our assisted living partners offer on-site transportation services. This on-site option is the safest alternative to public transportation and driving independently, as these options are more accessible and senior-friendly.
For visiting family and friends, approximately 61% of our assisted living partners in Louisville are conveniently located near public transit. However, Louisville isn’t known for having a lot of public transportation options, which is why most residents own a vehicle. The transportation options the city does have are mostly provided by the Transit Authority of River City (TARC).
Disability and paratransit services
TARC has an ADA paratransit service called TARC3 for seniors. If paratransit services are needed, riders may be eligible for a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) certification. A PCA assists riders at all times and guide them into buildings. For more information on eligibility and what other assistance the service offers, visit the TARC3 Rider’s Guide. Seniors can find additional transportation options recommended by the Office for Aging/Disabled Citizens on pages 71-72in their resource guide.
While the overall city is not easy to get around, the downtown area is easier to walk. Walk Score highly rates the Central Business District, i.e. the downtown area, with a walk score of 95. However, due to the lack of transportation options, the greater Louisville-Jefferson County area is not easily accessible for seniors and their visiting friends and families. Therefore, when scored out of 100, the city has low walking, transit, and biking ratings.[13]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Louisville
Whether you’re a visiting family member or a local senior resident, you can find a multitude of entertainment options, from famous attractions to entertaining activities. The Louisville area is well-known for its food, bourbon, Southern hospitality, and horseracing. But, the city goes beyond the famous attractions, with local sports teams, shopping areas, cruises on the Ohio River, and picnics in the parks. Check out some of those notable highlights of Louisville below.
Visit well-known attractions
A must-see is the legendary racetrack, Churchill Downs, where you and your loved one can dress in full Southern attire to attend the famous Kentucky Derby. Please note that the racetrack has limited space, so the arena cannot store any wheelchairs brought to the event. The Kentucky Derby does provide accommodations by offering accessible shuttles to and from the parking lots to help those with disabilities get inside the racetrack.
Besides the famous racetrack, Louisville is also home to world-renowned cave systems. Many visitors and locals take the chance to experience the underground Louisville Mega Cavern. This awe-inspiring cavern is popular among people of all ages, so young visiting family members can enjoy the mysteries of the underground with their senior loved one. The cavern even offers wheelchair-accessible tours through the Mega Tram, but you should contact the facility before your visit to ensure there’s availability on the accessible tour.
Watch collegiate and professional sports
The Louisville area is famous for its history with boxing champions and handcrafted baseball monuments. Louisville was the home to the famous boxer Muhammed Ali, who has his own museum in the city — Muhammed Ali Center. In addition to this museum, there is the baseball museum — Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory — which features the world’s largest baseball bat. This 120-foot baseball bat replicates Babe Ruth’s Louisville Slugger bat.
Beyond famous sports players, landmarks, and museums, visiting family members or friends, as well as sport-loving seniors can enjoy collegiate and professional sports thanks to accessible stadiums in the Louisville area. The University of Louisville Cardinals is a Division I football team. Seniors can either watch the local college play or enjoy the minor league baseball team, the Louisville Bats, play in Slugger Field, where accessible seating is available. To buy accessible seating tickets, contact the ticket box at 1-855-228-8497.
Louisville is also home to one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the area, where you can watch the professional soccer club, Louisville City FC, play during the USL Championship. You can sit with your loved one in the accessible seating area, provided you purchase those specific tickets. Those who need accessible seats are only allowed one additional guest with them in that area.
Enjoy famous Southern food and handcrafted bourbon
You’ll find various Southern staples in Kentucky, from burgoo to benedictine and other famous dishes created in the Louisville area. One of the most prominent dishes is The Hot Brown, which was first created at The Brown Hotel in Louisville. This open-faced turkey sandwich is topped with strips of bacon and smothered in deliciously creamy Mornay sauce.
After enjoying a delectable sandwich, finish with a delightful chocolate-filled pie. Travel to northeast Louisville’s Prospect neighborhood, where the Kentucky Derby Pie was created by the folks at Kern’s Kitchen.
Before or after enjoying these delicious treats, you can find some of the best bourbons in Louisville within its own Bourbon District in downtown Louisville and along Whiskey Row on Main Street.
Shop in Louisville neighborhoods
Visiting family and friends can take their loved one on a shopping trip to one of the various shopping areas scattered throughout Louisville. Westport Village rests in one of Louisville’s historic neighborhoods, where you can support locally-owned businesses, from restaurants to shopping destinations.
Besides local shops, many traditional chain stores exist in local malls — Mall St. Matthews and Oxmoor Center. Both of these malls are accessible through TARC bus stops. These malls also have mall walking programs with designated times for those who want to walk in an air conditioned area. If you’re a visiting family member or friend, you can also find local hotels near these malls.
Appreciate the arts in Louisville
Louisville has accessible performing arts areas, including the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts and the Iroquois Amphitheater. Between Broadway shows and ballet performances, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts offers exciting entertainment. The center also works to make the area easily accessible for everyone. Seniors with disabilities can reserve a courtesy wheelchair, though a limited number is available.
Additionally, there are barrier-free access areas. There are also helpful options for those with limited vision, hearing loss, and sensory issues. Accommodations for those who need it can include assisted listening systems, as well as performances with captions, house lighting, warnings for loud noises, and more.
Likewise, Iroquois Amphitheater offers optimal entertainment with live concerts and performances. This amphitheater is ADA accessible, with reserved seating for those with wheelchairs. If your loved one has hearing loss, they can also utilize the free assisted listening devices.
Explore outdoor areas
The Louisville area goes beyond a beautiful city skyline with rich outdoor areas, from cruises along the river to picnics in the park. Families and their loved ones can enjoy a sunset ride or picnic on the river with riverboat cruises. Some of these cruises offer accessible accommodations and a discounted rate for seniors aged 65+.
The area also offers nearly 60 miles of charming hiking trails with a wheelchair-accessible option, Tulip Tree Trail. You or your loved one can find other parks, hiking options, and fishing areas in one of the largest city-owned forests in the United States, Jefferson Memorial Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Magnolia Springs Louisville, Sunrise of Louisville and Magnolia Springs East Louisville are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Louisville, 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 Louisville is $4,574 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). 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.
Assisted Living Communities, Kentucky General Assembly § 194A.700 – 194A.729 (2000 & rev. 2022).
Residential regulations, Indiana State Department of Health Division of Long-Term Care § 410 IAC 16.2-5 (1997 & rev. 2008).
Health Facilities; Licensing and Operational Standards, Indiana State Department of Health Division of Long-Term Care § 410 IAC 16.2 (1997 & rev. 2013).
Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2022, Sept. 16). Provider guidance memo: Face coverings in long-term care and senior living congregate care settings.
Kentucky Department of Public Health. {2022, July 27). Have you been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19?.
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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