Best Nursing Homes in Kentucky

99 of 269 nursing homes (37%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#7 of 50 states

99 recommended · 111 avoid · 152 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

99

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

99 recommended 7 caution 111 avoid

National Rank

#7

Top 10

Total Facilities

269

across 152 cities

Facilities to Avoid

111

78 Grade F

$6,279,299 in combined fines

Best City

Greenville

100% recommended

State Average

2.8

CMS star rating

Kentucky vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between Kentucky and national averages
Metric Kentucky National Verdict
% Recommended 37% 31% ✓ Better
Average CMS Stars 2.8 3.0 ✗ Worse
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The Kentucky Reality

Nursing home care in Kentucky offers a mixed landscape for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. With a national rank of #7 out of 50 states, Kentucky surpasses the national average of 31% recommended facilities, boasting 37% of its 269 nursing homes deemed suitable. However, this statistic is tempered by the reality that 111 facilities are advised against, and 78 facilities have received an F grade. These numbers highlight the importance of thorough research and careful consideration when selecting a nursing home in the state.

Families should take note of the best-performing areas and facilities while remaining aware of problem areas. Greenville stands out as the best city for nursing home care, with a remarkable 100% recommendation rate. Additionally, Nazareth Home in Louisville is recognized as a top facility with a trust score of 95, indicating high levels of satisfaction and care quality. On the other hand, the presence of 111 facilities to avoid, alongside a total of $6,279,299 in fines, raises concerns about accountability and oversight in some nursing homes. The average CMS star rating of 2.82 further underscores the varied quality of care across the state.

When searching for nursing home care in Kentucky, families should prioritize several critical factors. First, examining trust scores and CMS star ratings can provide insights into the quality of care provided. Facilities with higher trust scores, like Nazareth Home, are likely to offer a better experience. Additionally, families should be vigilant about checking for any fines or violations reported against facilities, as these can be indicative of systemic issues. Overall, a careful and informed approach will help families navigate Kentucky's nursing home landscape more effectively, ensuring the best possible care for their loved ones.

Quality Trend

Is Kentucky improving or declining?

2024
40%
2025
38%
2026
37%

Kentucky quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across Kentucky nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In Kentucky, 78 out of 269 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 111 facilities in Kentucky recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $6,279,299, Kentucky nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in Kentucky

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in Kentucky

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Greenville

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Greenville

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kentucky compare to neighboring states?

Kentucky ranks 7th nationally for nursing home quality, which is a strong performance compared to neighboring states like Indiana and Ohio. Both of these states rank lower in terms of quality ratings, indicating that Kentucky may offer better overall care in its nursing homes.

What percentage of nursing homes in Kentucky meet quality criteria?

In Kentucky, 37% of nursing homes meet the recommended quality criteria, which is higher than the national average of 31%. This suggests that a significant portion of the state's facilities provide a higher standard of care.

Which city in Kentucky offers the best nursing home care?

Greenville is recognized as the best city in Kentucky for nursing home care, likely due to its higher percentage of quality-rated facilities and positive resident outcomes. This city stands out for its commitment to delivering excellent healthcare services for the elderly.

What is the cost of a private room in a Kentucky nursing home?

The average cost of a private room in a Kentucky nursing home is approximately $7,500 per month. This figure is competitive compared to national averages, making Kentucky a relatively affordable option for long-term care.