Kentucky Assisted Living Information

Kentucky defines an assisted living facility as a certified assisted living community that is a business with one facility that includes residential units that provide services to more than five people.

Please Note: We have compiled a list of senior living companies in the state of Kentucky. Some of these providers may not be Certified Assisted Living Communities by the state of Kentucky. To be called an assisted living community in the state of Kentucky, a business must file a current application to be certified with the state and receive certification from the state. You can view the list of Kentucky Certified Assisted Living Communities here: http://chfs.ky.gov/dail/ALC.htm.

Certification Clarification: Our directory contains senior living providers in the state, some of which may not be certified as Kentucky Assisted Living Communities. Certified Assisted Living Communities are not licensed to provide health services do not provide licensed nursing care. They are prohibited from performing health care services to their clients. Conversely, senior living companies that are personal care or nursing facilities and ARE NOT certified as Kentucky Assisted Living Communities, CANNOT market themselves as "assisted living" communities.

Kentucky Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

In Kentucky, an assisted living facility must provide assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, help with self-administered medications, provide daily scheduled activities and offer three meals and a snack every day. Residents may contract with other service providers.

Kentucky Assisted Living Admission Requirements

When a resident is admitted, the resident must be ambulatory, or at least mobile non-ambulatory. The exception to this rule is if the resident has a temporary health condition and services are being provided by an outside home health provider. They must not be a danger to themselves or others.

Kentucky Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

A functional needs assessment must be completed before a lease agreement can be entered into. There is no standardized form, but it must be conducted annually on each resident to determine if their needs have changed.

Kentucky Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Medications are the responsibility of the resident and medication administration is not allowed. Assistance with self-administration of medication is permitted, however.

Kentucky Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Residential units (double or single) must be at least 200 square feet and include a telephone jack, window to the outdoors, lockable door, thermostat control (for facilities with more than 20 units), private full bathroom and an emergency response system. Residents must also have access to a living room, dining are, and laundry facilities. No more than two residents per room are allowed.

Kentucky Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Staffing must be adequate to meet the needs of all residents and at least one staff member must be awake and on the premises at all times. All staff must receive orientation and training, and the manager must be 21, have a high school diploma or GED, and demonstrate competence in running the facility.

Kentucky Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Kentucky Medicaid policies do not permit reimbursement for care in an assisted living facility.

Kentucky Alzheimer's Unit Requirements

In Kentucky, an Alzheimer’s unit must maintain a training log of all staff training related to dementia care and it must provide interested people with complete information on programming, staffing, or training related to the Alzheimer’s unit.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services, Department for Aging & Independent Living