Who do I call with a complaint about a Louisville nursing home?
OIG's Northern Branch complaint coordinator at 502-595-4958 (NEBComplaints-Reports@ky.gov), which covers Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, Henry and Trimble counties.
The ombudsman can advocate for the resident at the same time.
Can a Kentucky assisted living community evict my parent?
It can issue a move-out notice, which must be in writing; for nonpayment the lease must provide at least 30 days' notice, and the community must help the resident find appropriate living arrangements before the move-out date.
Grievance procedures must be in the lease.
Is the long-term care ombudsman free in Louisville?
Yes. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, run by Catholic Charities of Louisville under contract with KIPDA, advocates for nursing home, personal care home and family care home residents at no cost.
Reach it through KIPDA at (502) 266-5571.
Do I have to report suspected elder abuse in Kentucky?
Yes. KRS 209.030 requires anyone with reasonable cause to suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult to report it immediately, by calling 1-877-597-2331.
Call 911 first in an emergency.
Can my parent hire private help while living in assisted living?
If the community's written policy allows it, yes; Kentucky lets residents arrange additional services, including health services and licensed hospice, directly with outside providers (KRS 194A.705(3)).
The policy must be given to the resident in writing when the lease is signed.
What must be in writing before move-in?
The lease, in at least 12-point type, with fees, services, termination policy, refund and cancellation terms and grievance process; the functional needs assessment; and, for memory care, the dementia-care policies and procedures.
Keep copies of everything signed.
Can a family see a nursing home's inspection report?
Yes. CMS publishes inspection results on Care Compare and OIG posts nursing home inspection findings through its GenSearch database; facilities must also make their most recent survey available to residents and visitors.
Read the deficiency narratives, not just the count.
Does a Kentucky assisted living community have to give notice before raising fees?
Yes, at least 30 days, because KRS 194A.713(7) requires every lease to include a minimum 30-day notice provision for any change in the fee structure.
Care-level changes after a reassessment can still change the bill; ask how reassessments are priced.
Does an assisted living resident in Kentucky get a copy of their care assessment?
Yes. KRS 194A.705(6) requires the community to give the resident a copy of the functional needs assessment at move-in and an updated copy, with the service plan built from it, after move-in.
902 KAR 20:480 requires the assessment to be updated when the resident's condition changes and at least every 12 months.
