Kentucky Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Kentucky

Reaching senior age is a blessing, but also a challenge in its own way. You may wish to maintain an active lifestyle, without the burden of household chores and with everything necessary within easy reach. Continuing care retirement communities in the state of Kentucky meet exactly these specifications, allowing people of older age to live comfortably and transition to higher levels of care, in accordance to their needs.

In the state of Kentucky, there are over 50 retirement communities of this kind. These can be found throughout the state, including in Jefferson County, Boone County, Kenton County, Laurel County, Madison County, and Union County. Common locations of CCRCs are Bowling Green, Lexington, and Louisville.

These retirement communities typically accept people over the age of 62, but there are some CCRCs welcoming senior adults who have turned 55. Admittance into a CCRC is based on financial eligibility and a good state of health, but each CCRC might have additional criteria to meet. For instance, some require prospective residents to carry a long-term insurance policy.

If you are considering moving into a Kentucky-based retirement community, it might be a good idea to check out several CCRCs first. Many senior living communities allow seniors to take virtual tours or visit the actual campus, as such opportunities can help them form an idea about what they should expect. It might also be useful to know that waiting lists for CCRCs can be quite long, which also means that admittance might last months or even years.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Kentucky - financing and costs

Continuing care retirement communities can be developed through investments, which are often made by various corporations. A private-public partnership might lead to the development of a CCRC as well. Both non-profit and for-profit CCRCs follow generally the same goal, the one of helping senior adults live their golden years in a comfortable and readily-accessible environment.

Church-based CCRCs are often non-profit and they are more affordable, even though their services and amenities might not be as generous as the ones you will see in luxury retirement communities. The average monthly fees for Kentucky-based CCRCs vary between $2,350 and $5,000. By comparison, the national average is around $2,500. Entrance fees can vary between $100,000 and $1,000,000. The fees are determined by the care level, amenities included, and type of service offered (from basic to luxury). Compared to other states, Kentucky seems to be among the less expensive options for retirees.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Kentucky - care levels and services

Retirement communities in KY offer different levels of care, but all residents generally start out with independent living. They can choose a housing unit that satisfies their current needs, and keep on living, with little or not assistance. Within the campus, they have access to healthcare and scheduling off-site medical appointment is also possible.

With their health needs evolving, residents can transition to another level of care. Commonly, the next level is assisted living, where senior adults receive personal and healthcare assistance. This transition can be permanent or temporary, and it might be necessary to move to an even higher level of care. Skilled nursing is advisable for adults whose health has changed significantly, who are no longer capable of managing daily living activities on their own. This level might include long-term rehabilitation. Memory care is usually reserved for adults who exhibit symptoms characteristic for dementia and other similar conditions.

Transitions are decided by the on-site staff, after a thorough medical assessment. To take this decision, the staff might also evaluate the resident's ability to live independently. There are cases in which the need for higher care is obvious; for instance, a resident might no longer be able to handle basic self-care tasks, such as feeding, dressing or toileting. In other cases, independent living might mean a higher risk of accidents; a resident who has balance issues, for example, might fall and break his/her hip.

The range of CCRC services can vary from one community to the other, but almost all offer housekeeping, laundry and linen service, general maintenance, security, and meal plans. Depending on the chosen contract, an additional number of services might be included. It is always a good idea to inquire about the services offered, also in accordance to each level of care. In the memory care unit, for instance, residents benefit from round-the-clock supervision.

CCRC in Kentucky - amenities and options

Seniors can choose between various living options, starting with regular one or two-bedroom units and moving toward cottages or townhouses. Most living units are equipped with air conditioning, Internet and telephone, security system, modern appliances and kitchenettes. They can live alone but also with their partner, as almost all CCRCs allow couples to stay together. Should their healthcare needs become different, they can remain on the same campus, which can be recomforting from an emotional point of view.

The amenities offered by Kentucky-based CCRCs are meant to ensure a comfortable living standard. Most retirees declare themselves to be satisfied with the amenities offered, feeling like they are actually living in a resort. They can stay physically active by taking one of the fitness classes organized on the campus, or practice their favorite sport. Many CCRCs have swimming pools, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Learning centers invite residents to work on keeping their mind young, with special programs being designed for those who suffer from dementia. Residents can serve meals in fine restaurants, enjoy snacks in modern cafes, and attend a wide range of social clubs. They can take part in group activities or attend worshipping services, and practice various hobbies, such as woodworking, painting, etc. Pets are also allowed in some of these communities, helping residents feel less lonely and offering another opportunity for physical activity.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in Kentucky?

To help you answer this question, we have gathered a few pros and cons on moving into a Kentucky-based CCRC.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in KY

Retirement communities are found throughout the state, so you might keep on living in an area you are familiar with

Possible to cover the required fees through private retirement funds or various assets

Multiple levels of care offered within the same setting

You can live together with your partner and should your healthcare/assistance needs become different, you will still remain in close proximity

An impressive number of amenities designed to offer a comfortable style of living

Cons of moving to a CCRC in KY

Despite being in a familiar area, you might miss your old lifestyle and home

High fees which can be difficult to cover if you have a low or medium income

Not all CCRCs allow pets and the separation might be difficult to handle

Eventual restrictions might cause you to feel frustrated

You might not feel comfortable making the transition from 100% independent living to life in a retirement community.