I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Louisville, KY
As the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville is a thriving modern metropolis that has long served as the regional hub for higher education, health care, industry and entertainment. Nearly 15% of the city’s 617,638 residents are aged 65 and older, and plenty of services, attractions and events are geared towards retirees in the area. In fact, the Age-Friendly Louisville initiative shows just how committed the city is to its seniors.
The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends and family, while the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Wonderful public parks to enjoy include Louisville Waterfront Park, where you can explore artwork, stroll along level, paved walkways and catch a ride on the Belle of Louisville, a stunning century-old steamboat.
If you need some help with everyday activities so you can remain in your own home as you age, there are a number of qualified home care providers in Louisville. Many seniors in the area find that hiring a home care worker gives them the support they need to remain safe and comfortable at home throughout their retirement years.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Louisville, KY
The average monthly cost of home care services in Louisville is $4,195, based on 44 hours of care weekly. Home health care, which adds limited medical care to the services provided through home care, costs around $4,385 per month.
If you’re like many seniors, you may not need full-time help in order to remain in your home. Given that the average hourly rate for home care in Louisville works out to about $22, your actual home care costs may be well below the monthly average listed on Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care and home health care costs in Louisville are slightly higher than the state average, although lower than in some other locations within Kentucky. In nearby Elizabethtown, the average monthly home care and home health care rates of $3,432 are the lowest in the state. Expect to pay much more for the same services in Lexington, where home care and home health care rates run about $4,385 per month.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care is just one of the many long-term care services available in Louisville. The least expensive type of senior care is adult day care which runs about $1,603 a month, while rates for residential care in an assisted living community cost an average of $4,557 per month. Seniors who have complex medical needs can expect to pay an average of $7,148 per month for a semiprivate room in a skilled nursing facility.
III. How to Find Home Care in Louisville, KY
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Louisville, KY.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Louisville, KY
Jewish Community Center Nutrition Site
The Jewish Community Center Nutritional Site is Kentucky’s only kosher congregate meal program. It’s open to seniors aged 60 and older regardless of race or religion. For a $3 donation, seniors can enjoy hot, nutritionally-balanced kosher meal every weekday at the Center.
If you’re homebound, you can use the Center’s Meals on Wheels service which delivers healthy, hot meals right to your home every weekday. The JCC’s Meals on Wheels program also supports pet owners with delivery of pet food and supplies. Volunteers are available to take companion animals to the vet or groomer, and they can help care for your pet if you’re hospitalized so you don’t have to place your pet in a shelter.
Who Is Eligible?
All seniors aged 60 and older can take part in the congregate meal program at the JCC. If you’re unable to maintain a healthy diet because you struggle to prepare meals at home or you have difficulty getting groceries, you can apply for Meals on Wheels service through the JCC.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the JCC’s congregate dining and Meals on Wheels service, call (502) 238-2743.
Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program
The Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program connects elders aged 55 and older with a variety of community groups and organizations that support children with exceptional needs. Volunteer grandparents help children learn to read and master social skills while enjoying the satisfaction that comes with giving back to the community. They also earn a tax-free hourly stipend in exchange for your time. The program also provides a transportation allowance, accident and liability insurance, and ongoing training and support.
Who Is Eligible?
To participate in the Foster Grandparent program, you need to be at least 55 years old, reside in Louisville, and pass a vulnerable sector background check. You’ll also need to have a low or moderate income, and be willing to spend up to 20 hours a week volunteering with children throughout Louisville.
How to Get Started
To learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program, call (502) 574-1529.
Transit Authority of River City
The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is Louisville’s public transportation provider. Seniors can ride any TARC fixed-route bus for a reduced fare. All TARC buses are equipped with a ramp that the driver can deploy for riders who use mobility devices or who have difficulty navigating the bus steps. Those who can’t use the regular fixed-route service due to either a temporary or permanent disability can apply to use TARC3, the ADA-compliant paratransit service that offers on-demand, curb-to-curb rides throughout Louisville.
Who Is Eligible?
Anyone can ride TARC buses. To qualify for discounted fares, you need to show proof that you’re aged 65 or older. In order to use the TARC3 paratransit service, you have to complete an application to verify that you have a qualifying disability.
How to Get Started
For the latest TARC fares and schedules, or to learn more about paratransit service, call the TARC information line at (502) 585-1234.
Louisville Recreation & Senior Center
The Louisville Recreation & Senior Center is a large, modern recreation complex complete with an aquatics center, fitness center and dedicated seniors-only space. The entire facility is ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible, including the swimming pool.
You can become a Platinum Member of the senior center for just $15 a year. Your membership gives you access to daily, free drop-in activities at the senior center, along with unlimited use of the computer lab, lounge and snack area. You can also participate in annual events at no additional cost and enjoy discounts on organized day trips and educational workshops. The Center also offers low-cost lunchtime meals every weekday at Brooks Cafe. Curbside take-out meals are available when the center is closed due to regional health orders.
Who Is Eligible
If you’re a senior who lives in Louisville, you can join the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center. To qualify for low-cost lunchtime meals at Brooks Cafe, you need to be aged 60 or older; otherwise, you’ll need to pay full price for your meal.
How to Get Started
For more information, you can call the Center at (303) 666-7400.
Louisville Metro Office for Veterans
If you’re one of the nearly 37,000 veterans who call Louisville home, you can contact the Office for Veterans to learn about all the county, state and federally-sponsored benefits and services you may be eligible for. The Office works to ensure that you and your dependents receive your maximum entitlements through programs such as VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound, two enhanced benefit programs that provide funds you can use towards home care costs.
Who Is Eligible
Veterans and their family members qualify for free services through the OFV.
How to Get Started
To speak with a Veterans Service Officer at the OFV, call (502) 574-4377.