10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Lexington, KY
With its rich history, culture, and reputation as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington is a popular destination for a relaxing retirement. Lexington is known for its high-quality health care, close-knit community, and gorgeous natural landscape. It is also an ideal locale for families with loved ones who need care for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Memory care is a form of long-term care that is specifically designed for people with memory issues, such as those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. In Lexington, memory care facilities provide staff who are specially trained to care for people with memory loss, and the environment includes features such as orientation cues and alarms to keep residents safe.
There are nine memory care facilities partnered with A Place for Mom within a 10-mile radius of downtown Lexington. Many offer memory-enhancing activities, dementia therapies, medication management, and additional security features. In this guide, you’ll learn all about memory care facilities in Lexington, including how to pay for them, what benefits may be available, what access there is to health care, and why Lexington is a great place to call home.
Lexington Memory Care Facilities | 587 Reviews
I’m not sure you can find a better experience for your parents! Ours have been here for almost three years. The culinary department is magnificent; the social experiences are nice; and the combination of AL...
Richmond Place, as a facility has exceeded expectations. They worked with my mother to establish a price point that was within her means, and offered incentives and bonuses in the negotiation process. The...
I would recommend them. They were a very caring staff. We visited 5 or 6 different places and were drawn to Cedarhurst. I just felt that my mom would be happy and helped with her needs.
Beautiful, modern facility with a good amount of activities. Staff and residents are very friendly. Highly recommend Preston Greens to others looking.
I moved my mom to Liberty Ridge and it was the best decision I could have made for her, they were wonderful. It was a life saver for her and me. I can't begin to tell you how good they were with my Mom. The...
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...
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...
The community is warm, friendly, helpful, and kind to mom. The "apartment" is nice and spacious. The food is above average and mom has gained a little weight. We appreciate the activities though mom does not...
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...
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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...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Lexington community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Lexington community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Costs of memory care in the Lexington area
The average cost for memory care in Lexington is $4,353, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes housing, meals, and any additional costs, including add-on service expenses such as specialized therapies, 24-hour monitoring, and other services. However, this figure is an average, and the cost of the facility and its services will most likely vary depending on location.
You can find the average baseline costs for memory care in the graphic below. Please note costs in the graphic do not include add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Lexington, KY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Lexington, KY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Lexington vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Lexington, KY by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Lexington over time
How people pay for memory care in Lexington
There are multiple ways to fund memory care services in Lexington, such as private funds, public assistance, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. The information below includes information about different options as well as resources and contact details so you can learn more about what works best for your family.
Seniors and their families will often use private funds to cover the cost of memory care services. These private funds can include personal savings, investments, pensions, and Social Security benefits, as well as any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Lexington
About 22% of Lexington veterans are 75+
For seniors who are veterans, VA benefits can help cover the costs of a memory care facility. The most common option is the VA Pension. Senior veterans should also look into the Aid and Attendance benefit, a benefit designed to support veterans who need help with daily tasks.
Navigating VA benefits can be challenging, but there are several local resources that can help. One of the best places to start is with a veterans services officer, a representative trained to help veterans learn what benefits they are eligible for. Veterans services officers can be found at veterans services organizations (VSOs) and the regional VA office.
For veteran seniors who aren’t sure if they qualify for VA benefits, it’s still worth speaking to a VSO because veterans often qualify for more benefits 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
National Association for Black Veterans
3022 Tuscaloosa Lane
Lexington, KY 40515
Phone: 859-421-5851
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income residents. Seniors can use Medicaid to help cover health costs in their memory care facility. These benefits are provided in the form of Home and Community Based waivers (HCB waivers), which are designed to assist seniors and/or people with disabilities to live as independently as possible.
Seniors must first be eligible for Medicaid before applying for an HCB waiver. Medicaid in Kentucky is managed through Kynect Benefits, and seniors can apply online, over the phone, or by downloading the application and mailing it to the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office.
Applying for Medicaid can be tricky, so don’t be afraid to turn to local resources to help. One option is the Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review, which serves as an advocate for people in need of public services. The team at the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living can also be a good resource, as well as a Kynector (a trained representative who can guide you through the process).
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
People over 65 are eligible for Medicare, a federal health insurance program. Medicare will not cover room and board at memory care facilities, but it can help offset costs for medically required in-home medical care.
Those who need help paying for Medicare’s premiums, copayments, and deductibles can see if they qualify for the Medicare Savings Program. Those who need a high level of care (such as what would be provided in a nursing home) may be eligible for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE provides comprehensive health care and social services to help seniors remain as independent as possible and out of a nursing home.
For seniors and their families who are having trouble navigating Medicare benefits, there are local resources to provide guidance. The Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free service that provides advice for seniors and people with disabilities to ensure they know their rights to Medicare and what benefits they are eligible for. The local ombudsman and The Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living can also help seniors figure out what benefits they’re eligible for.
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 Kentucky laws and regulations for memory care facilities
In Lexington, 89% of A Place for Mom in-network memory care partners are combined with assisted living facilities. Regulations for memory care facilities are similar to regulations in assisted living facilities. However, memory care facilities have additional regulations they must follow due to the increased care they provide for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients.
Assisted living and memory care facilities must be licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services as assisted living communities or personal care homes to make sure they are consistently meeting approved standards of safety, staffing, and care. They also must be certified each year by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living.
Assisted living and memory care facilities are regularly inspected by the Division of Health Care, a part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Inspections are annual, and they are unannounced. An inspection can also happen if a complaint is received. Access to memory care facility inspection records in Kentucky is not available. Please visit the Office of Inspector General Open Records Request page and the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living for information on viewing records related to Kentucky senior communities. The Bluegrass District Ombudsman can also provide information about a community’s violation history.
Regulations around assisted living and memory care facilities in Kentucky include guidelines such as:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (e.g.: getting dressed or grooming)
- Assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (e.g.: housekeeping and laundry)
- Provide three daily meals as well as snacks
- Scheduled daily activities
- Help residents with taking their medications
In addition to assisted living rules, memory care facilities must follow additional regulations that include ensuring facilities are safe and secure for seniors with memory loss and potential wandering behaviors. Staff must also have additional training on how to properly assist people with memory loss and respond to their behaviors.
Kentucky Department of Health contact information
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-3970
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Kentucky memory care facilities
Lexington does not have COVID-19 mandates in place, but the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department urges COVID-19 preventative measures.
Vaccinations.
Kentucky residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters.
Masking.
There is no mask mandate but masks are recommended.
Quarantining.
High-risk residents are encouraged to stay in when possible if they are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Social distancing.
It is recommended that high-risk people avoid crowds and close contact if possible.
What to expect from memory care living in Lexington
There are a variety of options for memory care facilities in Lexington. Seniors and their families can choose an assisted living community that also specializes in memory care or go for a standalone memory care facility.
Our nine in-network memory care options receive, on average, five-star reviews. Reviewers like the “comfort of home” that the communities offer while still providing a safe, secure environment. Reviewers also love the caring staff at memory care facilities in Lexington, and all of our partner facilities provide redirection, disorientation, and wandering care so family members know safety is the first priority for their loved one.
Beautiful scenery and lots to do for visitors
Lexington is known for its beautiful scenery and attractions. These elements make the city a great place for seniors and their families to spend time together. Some memory care facilities in Lexington have outdoor walking paths so seniors and their loved ones can enjoy the fresh air while staying close to the facility. If visitors are in town and want to explore, the city offers lots to do, from tours of the area’s horse farms and race tracks to art galleries and distilleries.
Access to the best health care in the state
No senior plans an unexpected trip to the hospital but it can give families peace of mind to know their senior family member is close to reliable health care. Lexington has the highest-rated hospital in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, so residents can get quality health care when they need it, whether it’s for a check-up or an emergency.[04]
Memory care in the surrounding Lexington suburbs
There are several additional partner memory care facilities within the broader 25-mile radius of Lexington. Of the seven additional facilities, four are combination assisted living and memory care facilities, and three are combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities. For those interested in living outside of the city, the surrounding towns of Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Midway also have many living options to choose from.
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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
This 569-bed hospital is the No. 1 ranked hospital in the state. This hospital is part of the University of Kentucky and pulls resources from six colleges including nursing, medicine, public health, and more.
Baptist Health Hospital
This 434-bed hospital is a major medical research and education center. It’s part of the largest nonprofit health care system in the state.
St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington
St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington is part of a wider health system, CHI Saint Joseph Health. It is renowned for its cardiology, stroke, and orthopedics services and is rated as high performing by U.S. News & World Report in five adult procedures and conditions.
Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Bluegrass Region veterans can seek care at the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Transportation for seniors in Lexington
The majority of our partner memory care facilities (89%) in Lexington offer complimentary transportation for their residents, and 56% offer at-cost transportation. However, there are other transportation options in Lexington if needed.
Please be aware that a senior with memory loss should never use public transit without a caregiver present.
Additional Lexington transportation options include:
- Independent Transportation Network (called iTNBluegrass) – Created specifically for the aging population and visually impaired, iTNBluegrass is a nonprofit transportation system similar to a taxi service. Seniors must be members, and journeys can be booked using a prepaid account.
- Lextran – Lextran is Lexington’s public transport system, and buses run about every 30 minutes. There is a discounted fare of 50 cents for veterans, Medicare cardholders, people with disabilities, and people 62 or older.
- Wheels – Wheels is a partnership between Lextran and the Bluegrass Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, specifically for people with disabilities. An application via ADA Ride is required for use. To apply, call (877) 232-7433 or visit www.adaride.com.
For private transportation options, Able Care Transportation, Barbara Care, and Helping Hands Transportation all specialize in senior care and offer non-emergency medical transportation or other journeys.
Senior activities in Lexington
Lexington is known for its scenery and attractions, particularly its horse country. One activity families can do with a loved one with memory loss is visit the area’s horse farms. Blue Grass Tours, the city’s oldest horse farm tour company, can provide a custom tour based on a family’s needs.
A good activity to do with people with Alzheimer’s or dementia is to spend time outside. Lexington has lots of spots to spend a sunny day, including the Arboretum. As 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.{{citation 6}}
Lexington also has a variety of walking trails, many of which are wheelchair friendly, such as McConnell Springs Trail, an easy 0.6-mile loop.
In addition to its scenery, Lexington is known for its bourbon and history. Seniors and their loved ones who want to learn more about the city’s bourbon history should go to the Distillery District, where visitors can tour working distilleries, including the Barrel House Distillery and the James E. Pepper Distillery.
History buffs will also want to visit Lexington’s most popular historic sites, including the Mary Todd Lincoln House, where the famous First Lady grew up, and Ashland, the former estate of Henry Clay.
For those who like to find new places to eat, downtown Lexington is a popular destination. The Square, a block of 16 buildings built in the 1880s, is considered the heart of downtown and is home to many restaurants, hotels, and bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Magnolia Springs Lexington, Richmond Place and Cedarhurst of Beaumont are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Lexington, KY. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Lexington is $4,487 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
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.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023) St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington.
The Arboretum: State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. (n.d.) Plan Your Visit.
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