📍 Boone · Kenton · Campbell · Hamilton Counties

Find Senior Care in Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati — Without the Runaround

Real data on nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care across NKY and Greater Cincinnati. Medicare star ratings, Medicaid acceptance, cost ranges, and local contacts — all in one place.

🔍 Browse the Directory 💰 Estimate Your Cost
40+ Facilities Listed
4 Counties Covered
2 States (KY + OH)
$2,304 Lowest Monthly Cost
Senior care facility in Northern Kentucky — peaceful garden courtyard with walking paths
Browse by County

NKY & Cincinnati Senior Care by County

Kentucky and Ohio handle senior care differently. In Kentucky, facilities are licensed through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. In Ohio, ODHS oversees licensing. The two systems have different Medicaid waiver rules, inspection schedules, and cost structures — which matters when you're comparing options across the river.

🏘️

Boone County, KY

Florence · Burlington · Union · Hebron

  • 🏥6 major senior care facilities
  • 💊Memory care avg: $56,748/yr
  • ✅Boonespring, Florence Park, Bridge Point
  • 📋KY Medicaid: HCBS waiver available
  • 🏛️Nearest hospital: St. Elizabeth Florence
  • 📞KY CHFS Region 6: (859) 363-2000
View Boone County Guide →
🏙️

Kenton County, KY

Covington · Erlanger · Edgewood · Independence

  • 🏥7+ facilities in Covington alone
  • 💊AL range: $2,304–$6,256/mo
  • ✅Villaspring Erlanger, Rosedale Green, Woodcrest
  • 📋Medicaid certified facilities available
  • 🏛️Nearest hospital: St. Elizabeth Edgewood
  • 📞KY CHFS Region 6: (859) 363-2000
View Kenton County Guide →
⛰️

Campbell County, KY

Fort Thomas · Newport · Cold Spring · Alexandria

  • 🏥Highlandspring, Coldspring, Barrington
  • 💊Barrington avg pricing: ~$3,752/mo
  • ✅Medicare & Medicaid certified options
  • 📋CMS-certified providers available
  • 🏛️Nearest hospital: St. Elizabeth Fort Thomas
  • 📞Campbell Co. Health Dept: (859) 572-2550
View Campbell County Guide →
🌉

Hamilton County, OH

Cincinnati · Blue Ash · Hyde Park · Norwood

  • 🏥Ohio-licensed under ODHS rules
  • 💊OH Medicaid: PASSPORT waiver (differs from KY)
  • ✅Eastgatespring, Deupree House + more
  • 📋OH star ratings via Ohio Dept of Health
  • 🏛️UC Health, TriHealth, Mercy hospitals nearby
  • 📞Hamilton Co. Job & Family Services: (513) 946-1000
View Hamilton County Guide →
Facility Directory

NKY & Cincinnati Senior Care Facilities

Medicare star ratings as of 2024–2025. Costs are ranges based on room type and care level — call facilities directly for current availability and pricing. Medicaid acceptance is subject to bed availability.

Facility & Address County Care Types Medicare Stars Est. Cost/Mo Medicaid Phone
Boonespring of Boone County10250 US-42, Union, KY 41091 Boone, KY Skilled NursingAssisted LivingMemory CareIndependent Living ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,200–$7,500 ✓ Yes (859) 824-1717
Florence Park Care Center6975 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY 41042 Boone, KY Skilled NursingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐ 3★ $3,000–$6,800 ✓ Yes (859) 282-1000
Bridge Point Center7300 Woodspoint Drive, Florence, KY 41042 Boone, KY Skilled NursingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐ 3★ $2,900–$6,500 ✓ Yes (859) 282-0032
Magnolia Springs Florence7665 Ewing Blvd, Florence, KY 41042 Boone, KY Assisted LivingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,500–$7,200 Private Pay (859) 859-0111
Colonial Gardens6910 Hopeful Road, Florence, KY 41042 Boone, KY Assisted LivingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $2,800–$5,500 Private Pay (859) 282-2227
St. Elizabeth Florence SNF4900 Houston Road, Florence, KY 41042 Boone, KY Skilled Nursing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5★ $4,500–$9,000 ✓ Yes (859) 212-5000
Villaspring of Erlanger3604 Turkeyfoot Road, Erlanger, KY 41018 Kenton, KY Skilled NursingAssisted LivingMemory CareIndependent Living ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $2,900–$7,000 ✓ Yes (859) 282-6500
Rosedale Green4250 Glenn Avenue, Covington, KY 41015 Kenton, KY Skilled Nursing ⭐⭐⭐ 3★ $2,600–$5,800 ✓ Yes (859) 291-2500
The Pavilion at Kenton401 East 20th Street, Covington, KY 41014 Kenton, KY Skilled Nursing ⭐⭐⭐ 3★ $2,500–$5,500 ✓ Yes (859) 283-6600
Woodcrest Nursing & Rehab3876 Turkeyfoot Road, Elsmere, KY 41018 Kenton, KY Skilled NursingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐ 3★ $2,600–$5,700 ✓ Yes (859) 341-5700
Village Care Center2990 Riggs Avenue, Erlanger, KY 41018 Kenton, KY Skilled Nursing ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $2,800–$6,000 ✓ Yes (859) 342-1100
Brookdale Edgewood2950 Turkeyfoot Road, Edgewood, KY 41017 Kenton, KY Assisted LivingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,200–$6,500 Private Pay (859) 331-3990
Atria Summit Hills2625 Legends Way, Crestview Hills, KY 41017 Kenton, KY Assisted LivingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,500–$7,500 Private Pay (859) 331-6800
Madonna Manor Nursing Home2377 Amsterdam Road, Villa Hills, KY 41017 Kenton, KY Assisted Living ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $2,800–$5,200 Private Pay (859) 331-4224
Highlandspring of Fort Thomas960 Highland Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY 41075 Campbell, KY Skilled NursingAssisted LivingMemory CareIndependent Living ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,200–$7,200 ✓ Yes (859) 572-0660
Coldspring Transitional Care (Carespring)3756 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 Campbell, KY Skilled NursingAssisted LivingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,000–$6,800 ✓ Yes (859) 281-7300
Barrington of Fort Thomas (Carespring)2055 Greenup Avenue, Covington, KY 41011 Campbell, KY Skilled NursingAssisted LivingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐ 3★ $3,500–$7,800 ✓ Yes (859) 572-0600
Eastgatespring of Cincinnati (Carespring)4488 Mt. Carmel-Tobasco Road, Cincinnati, OH 45244 Hamilton, OH Skilled NursingAssisted LivingMemory Care ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,400–$7,500 ✓ Yes (513) 653-6000
Deupree House5435 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227 Hamilton, OH Assisted LivingMemory CareIndependent Living ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4★ $3,800–$8,500 Private Pay (513) 561-8151

⚠️ Important: Medicare star ratings, costs, and Medicaid availability change frequently. Always call facilities directly to confirm bed availability, current pricing, and Medicaid acceptance before making a decision. This directory was last reviewed May 2025.

Cost Estimator

Estimate Monthly Senior Care Costs in NKY

Costs vary significantly by care type, county, room type, and whether Medicaid covers any portion. Use this estimator to set a realistic budget before you start visiting facilities.

Senior Care Cost Calculator — NKY & Cincinnati

Get a localized monthly cost estimate based on care type and county.

Estimated Monthly Cost

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How to Pay

Payment Options for NKY & Cincinnati Senior Care

🏛️

Kentucky Medicaid (HCBS Waiver)

Kentucky's Home and Community Based Services waiver can cover assisted living and some memory care costs for eligible low-income seniors. Not all facilities accept KY Medicaid.

Apply through DCBS: (855) 459-6328
🏛️

Ohio Medicaid (PASSPORT Waiver)

Ohio's PASSPORT program funds home and community-based long-term care. A separate program, MyCare Ohio, covers both Medicare and Medicaid for dual-eligible seniors in Hamilton County.

OH Benefits: benefits.ohio.gov
🩺

Medicare (Short-Term Only)

Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility stays up to 100 days after a qualifying 3-night hospital stay. Days 21–100 require a copay (~$200/day in 2025). Medicare does NOT cover long-term custodial care.

Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE
📄

Long-Term Care Insurance

Policies purchased before age 65 typically offer the best rates. Review your policy carefully — most have a 90-day elimination period before benefits begin, and daily benefit amounts may not keep pace with inflation.

KY Dept of Insurance: (800) 595-6053
🎖️

Veterans Benefits (Aid & Attendance)

Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance, which can provide up to $2,300/month toward senior care costs. Separate from Medicaid — veterans can use both.

NKY Veterans Services: (859) 292-3850
💵

Private Pay / Bridge Financing

Most families start with private pay while awaiting Medicaid approval (which can take 45–90 days in Kentucky, 30–60 days in Ohio). Some facilities offer short-term bridge arrangements — ask directly.

KY Medicaid wait: avg 45–90 days
Kentucky vs. Ohio

How Senior Care Differs Across the River

The Ohio River separates two completely different regulatory, licensing, and Medicaid systems. If your family is considering facilities on both sides, understand these key differences first.

Factor Kentucky (NKY) Ohio (Hamilton/Clermont)
Licensing Agency KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services (CHFS), Office of Inspector General Ohio Dept of Health (ODH), Long-Term Care Division
Medicaid Waiver Program HCBS Waiver — covers AL and some MC; income & asset limits apply PASSPORT Waiver + MyCare Ohio (dual Medicare/Medicaid option)
Medicaid Application Through DCBS (Dept. for Community Based Services); avg 45–90 day approval Through county Job & Family Services; avg 30–60 day approval
Star Rating Source Medicare Care Compare (CMS) — same federal system as Ohio Medicare Care Compare + Ohio Dept of Health state inspections
Ombudsman Program KY Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (800) 372-2991 OH Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (800) 282-1206
Assisted Living Regulation "Personal Care Home" license required; regulated by CHFS OIG "Residential Care Facility" (RCF) license; regulated by ODH
Average AL Cost $2,304–$6,256/mo (Boone Co. avg: ~$3,800/mo) $3,200–$6,800/mo (Hamilton Co. avg: ~$4,998/mo)
Memory Care Avg Cost ~$56,748/year ($4,729/mo) in Boone/Kenton counties ~$62,000–$70,000/year in Hamilton County
Family Preparation Guide

What to Do Before You Start Touring Facilities

Families in crisis mode skip steps and end up in the wrong facility. Use these checklists before you make any phone calls.

📋 Documents to Gather First

  • ☐Medicare card and Medicare number
  • ☐Medicaid card (if applicable)
  • ☐Long-term care insurance policy
  • ☐Most recent bank statements (3 months)
  • ☐Social Security award letter
  • ☐Durable Power of Attorney
  • ☐Healthcare Surrogate / HCPOA
  • ☐Advance Directive / Living Will
  • ☐List of all current medications
  • ☐Most recent hospital discharge summary

🏥 Questions to Ask Every Facility

  • ☐What is your current Medicare star rating?
  • ☐Do you have Medicaid-certified beds available?
  • ☐What is your nurse-to-resident ratio on nights?
  • ☐What's the process if a resident's needs increase?
  • ☐Are there any move-out triggers I should know about?
  • ☐How do you handle hospitalizations and returns?
  • ☐What extra charges are NOT included in the base fee?
  • ☐Can we tour on a weekend or evening unannounced?
  • ☐What is your staff turnover rate?
  • ☐How is family communication handled?

🚩 Red Flags During a Tour

  • 🔴Strong odors of urine or cleaning chemicals
  • 🔴Staff who don't make eye contact with residents
  • 🔴Call lights left on for more than 5 minutes
  • 🔴Residents left alone in common areas for long periods
  • 🔴Administrator who can't answer staffing questions
  • 🔴Reluctance to show you the state inspection report
  • 🔴No dedicated memory care unit for dementia patients
  • 🔴Outdated or broken equipment in common areas
  • 🔴Pressure to sign anything on the first visit
  • 🔴No family council or resident council in place

📅 After You Choose a Facility

  • ☐Read the entire admission agreement — every page
  • ☐Confirm which services are included vs. billed extra
  • ☐Get Medicaid application submitted immediately
  • ☐Establish a care plan meeting schedule
  • ☐Identify your primary nursing contact
  • ☐Set up direct deposit for Social Security to facility
  • ☐Label all personal clothing and belongings
  • ☐Introduce yourself to other family members on the floor
  • ☐Save the state ombudsman number in your phone
  • ☐Schedule your first follow-up visit within 72 hours

📥 Download These Checklists

Print-friendly PDFs for touring, comparing facilities, and the Medicaid application process.

📋 Tour Checklist PDF 🏛️ Medicaid Prep Guide ⚖️ Facility Comparison Sheet
Step-by-Step Guide

How to Place a Loved One in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living in NKY

This process typically takes 2–6 weeks in non-emergency situations. An emergency placement (directly from hospital) can happen in 24–72 hours but limits your choices significantly.

  1. 1

    Determine the Level of Care Needed

    Independent living (needs minimal help), assisted living (needs help with daily tasks), memory care (dementia/Alzheimer's), or skilled nursing (24-hour medical care). A physician or discharge planner can help assess this. Don't guess — choosing the wrong level wastes time and money.

  2. 2

    Check Medicare Star Ratings

    Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare and filter by county. Look beyond the overall star rating — the staffing sub-rating and health inspection sub-rating often tell a truer story than the composite score. A 4-star overall with a 2-star staffing rating is a red flag.

  3. 3

    Verify Medicaid Availability Before Visiting

    Call and ask specifically: "Do you have Medicaid-certified beds available, and is there currently a wait for them?" Many NKY facilities have a Medicaid waitlist of 3–12 months. Do not assume Medicaid acceptance on the directory listing alone — call to confirm current status.

  4. 4

    Tour 3–5 Facilities

    Tour at least one unannounced (show up without an appointment). The difference between a scheduled and unscheduled visit can be revealing. Visit at mealtimes or in the evening when possible — staffing patterns change significantly. Bring the checklist in this guide.

  5. 5

    Start Medicaid Application Immediately

    In Kentucky, apply through your local DCBS office — Boone/Kenton/Campbell counties are served by Region 6 at (855) 459-6328. In Ohio, apply through Hamilton County Job & Family Services at (513) 946-1000. Applications take 45–90 days in KY and 30–60 days in OH. Private pay begins on day 1 — start the application before you need it.

  6. 6

    Review the Admission Agreement Carefully

    The admission agreement is a legal contract. Review it for: what triggers a forced discharge, what services incur extra charges, the facility's bed-hold policy when hospitalized (Kentucky requires 10 days; Ohio varies), and whether the facility is the nursing home or a management company. When in doubt, have an elder law attorney review it — many NKY attorneys offer a free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

NKY & Cincinnati Senior Care — Common Questions

Kentucky's Medicaid HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waiver can cover assisted living costs for income-eligible seniors. However, not every assisted living facility in NKY is enrolled to accept this waiver. You must apply through DCBS and be assessed by a state case manager. There is often a waitlist. Skilled nursing facility care is covered under standard Medicaid (no waiver required), and most nursing homes in NKY accept KY Medicaid.
Skilled nursing facility (nursing home) costs in Boone and Kenton counties generally range from $2,500 to $7,500 per month depending on room type and level of care. The lowest-cost facilities with shared rooms start around $2,500/month; private rooms at higher-rated facilities run $6,000–$8,000/month. Memory care is typically higher, averaging $4,700–$5,000/month in the NKY area. These figures were current as of early 2025 — always call facilities directly for current rates.
Kentucky Medicaid (applied through DCBS) typically takes 45–90 days to process for long-term care applications. Ohio Medicaid (applied through county Job & Family Services) is generally faster at 30–60 days. Both states require financial disclosure going back 5 years (the "look-back period") for nursing home Medicaid — this is why many elder law attorneys recommend starting the process well before you need it. During the wait period, care is paid privately or through other sources.
In Kentucky, assisted living facilities (licensed as "Personal Care Homes") provide help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, but are not licensed for 24-hour skilled nursing care. Nursing homes (Skilled Nursing Facilities) are licensed to provide continuous medical care, IV therapies, wound care, and post-hospital rehabilitation. If your loved one needs more than daily living assistance — monitoring vital signs, wound care, therapy after a fall or surgery — they need a nursing home, not assisted living.
Generally, no. Kentucky Medicaid covers care at Kentucky-licensed facilities. Ohio Medicaid covers Ohio facilities. If you are a Kentucky resident, you would need to apply for Ohio Medicaid separately and establish Ohio residency to use an Ohio facility on Medicaid. This is one of the most common cross-river complications families face in the NKY/Cincinnati area. In an emergency, private pay is often used first while the correct state application is processed.
Federal law (OBRA '87) gives nursing home residents significant discharge protections. Facilities must provide at least 30 days written notice, state a specific reason, and offer a safe discharge plan. Valid reasons include: the resident's medical needs can be better met elsewhere, the resident's health has improved such that care is no longer needed, safety of other residents or staff is at risk, the facility is closing, or the resident has not paid. You have the right to appeal a discharge notice — contact the Kentucky or Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman immediately if you receive one.
Medicare's 5-star rating for nursing homes combines three sub-scores: (1) Health Inspections — unannounced annual inspections by state surveyors plus complaint investigations; (2) Staffing — how many hours of RN, LPN, and aide time residents receive per day compared to what their needs require; and (3) Quality Measures — clinical outcomes like fall rates, pressure ulcers, weight loss, and rehospitalization. The overall star is a composite, so always look at all three sub-ratings. CMS updates ratings quarterly at medicare.gov/care-compare.
Yes. The Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is your free advocate if you have concerns about care quality, discharge, billing, or resident rights in any KY nursing home or assisted living facility. For NKY (Boone, Kenton, Campbell counties), contact the Gateway Area Development District Ombudsman at (606) 564-6894 or the statewide line at (800) 372-2991. In Ohio, the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman for Hamilton County can be reached through ProSeniors at (513) 621-8721 or the statewide line at (800) 282-1206. Services are free and confidential.
Local Contacts

NKY & Cincinnati Senior Care Resource Directory

Free and low-cost programs, government contacts, and local advocacy organizations for seniors in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.

KY DCBS / Medicaid Applications

NKY Region 6 office for Medicaid, SNAP, KTAP applications

(855) 459-6328

KY Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Free advocacy for nursing home and AL residents in Kentucky

(800) 372-2991

AARP Kentucky (Covington)

Benefits counseling, legal aid, caregiver resources

(866) 444-2778

St. Elizabeth Healthcare Social Work

Discharge planning and placement help from St. E hospitals

(859) 212-5000

Hamilton Co. Job & Family Services (OH)

Ohio Medicaid applications for Hamilton County residents

(513) 946-1000

ProSeniors (Cincinnati / OH Ombudsman)

Free OH nursing home ombudsman + elder law legal aid

(513) 621-8721

NKY Veterans Services Office

VA Aid & Attendance benefits, veteran senior care assistance

(859) 292-3850

Alzheimer's Association — Cincinnati

Memory care navigation, caregiver support groups, 24/7 helpline

(800) 272-3900

SHIP — Medicare Counseling (KY)

Free unbiased Medicare counseling for KY seniors

(877) 522-7821

Medicare Care Compare

Official federal tool to compare nursing home star ratings

medicare.gov/care-compare

KY Dept. of Insurance (LTC Policies)

Long-term care insurance complaints and licensing

(800) 595-6053

Brighton Center (NKY)

Local nonprofit with senior services and assistance programs

(859) 261-1572