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Known as the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, Kentucky, is home to the state’s premier racetracks and thoroughbred stables. The area has enjoyed consistent growth since the late 1700s thanks to its pleasant Southern climate and prime farmlands, which lie in the heart of the state’s scenic Bluegrass region. Today, Lexington’s population exceeds 323,150, and this member of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is home to more than 40,700 adults aged 65 or older.
Seniors in this vibrant community enjoy family-friendly amenities, historic attractions, abundant recreational activities and a reasonable cost of living that’s 10% lower than the national average. The city is also known for its popular festivals, including a holiday light spectacular held at the Kentucky Horse Park and the long-running Festival of the Bluegrass, which has entertained residents and visitors for more than 40 years. Seniors also have access to an excellent selection of long-term care communities, including more than 20 assisted living facilities that charge $4,297 per month on average.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living facilities in Lexington are moderately more expensive than the rest of the state. Local residents typically pay $4,297 per month of care, which is $245 more than the national average and $800 more than other parts of the state. Despite this cost premium, local rates are only 3% to 15% higher than neighboring states, including Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia. Additionally, monthly rates are $40 cheaper than neighboring Ohio, where seniors pay $4,339 per month on average.
According to Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, Lexington is the state’s most expensive metropolitan area based on the cost of assisted living. Local rates are almost twice as high as Owensboro, where seniors pay $2,166 on average. Cost differences are less pronounced in Bowling Green and Elizabethtown, where monthly rates are $697 to $897 lower. With an average monthly cost of $4,073, assisted living facilities in Louisville, the state’s largest city, are also 5% cheaper.
Senior citizens and disabled adults in Lexington may qualify for financial assistance through the state’s Home and Community Based waiver. This program is open to elderly or disabled residents who require nursing home care and are financially eligible for Medicaid. It can cover the cost of personal assistance, housekeeping and transportation provided in an assisted living facility or another residential setting. For more details about this program, including eligibility requirements, see our guide to Assisted Living in Kentucky.
| Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living | (859) 269-8021 | This federally designated area agency on aging offers a wide range of community-based services to help older adults and disabled individuals live safely in the community. Its core services include health insurance counseling, caregiver support, Medicaid waivers and in-home care based on a sliding scale. The agency is also home to a regional ombudsman who represents the interests of individuals residing in long-term care facilities. |
| Lexington Senior Center | (859) 278-6072 | Operated by Fayette County, the Lexington Senior Center organizes a comprehensive selection of programs for residents aged 60 and older. Members can participate in fitness classes, recreational activities, group trips and educational classes. The center also connects residents with aging and disability services and provides information regarding government-sponsored benefits. |
| Lexington Aging and Disability Services | (859) 278-6072 | The city’s division of Aging and Disability Services operates four senior centers and offers a variety of programs to help area seniors live safely and independently, including water aerobics, games and AARP safe-driving courses. It sponsors Eldercrafters at the Black and Williams Center and hosts age-related conferences on topics, such as vision impairment, grandparents as parents and senior internships in government offices. |
| Lexington Vet Center | (859) 253-0717 | Located on Leestown Road, the Lexington Vet Center offers support groups, counseling and informational services to connect veterans and their families with government benefits and related services. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and after-hours service is available upon request. |
| i Know Expo | (859) 227-9692 | i Know provides a wealth of informational services to connect area seniors and caregivers with resources in Lexington and the state’s Bluegrass region. Since 2007, its annual expo has helped more than 7,000 residents find local services, plan for the future and take steps to live independently for as long as possible. |
| University of Kentucky Elder Care Resources | (859) 218-0457 | The University of Kentucky maintains a directory of local and regional resources for seniors and caregivers, such as Alzheimer’s related clinical trials overseen by the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. Elder care coordinators also offer one-on-one assistance to help university families locate and compare long-term care providers locally and in other parts of the nation. |
Assisted living facilities in Lexington are certified by the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living. This agency establishes requirements for staffing, administrative procedures, activities, resident accommodations and approved services. All licensed facilities must be recertified annually. To learn more about these requirements, see our page on Assisted Living in Kentucky.