Map of Kentucky

Kentucky · Resources

The numbers you actually need — Kentucky.

Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.

If you need help right now

Report elder abuse

1-877-597-2331

Kentucky APS, 24/7

Medicare questions

1-800-633-4227

1-800-MEDICARE, federal

Local community help

211

2-1-1 — food, transport, rent, anything

State Medicaid agency

The office that determines eligibility and runs the program

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services — Department for Medicaid Services

DMS administers Kentucky Medicaid through MCO partners. Apply via kynect or DCBS field office.

Aging services — your entry point

Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging

Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Coordinates Kentucky's 15 Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living. State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is housed here.

Adult Protective Services

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number

Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)

Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan

Kentucky SHIP

Kentucky's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Free Medicare counseling through DAIL.

State health department

Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities

Kentucky Office of Inspector General

Regulates nursing facilities, assisted living, and personal care homes in Kentucky.

Finding a lawyer

Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified

Kentucky Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Kentucky Legal Aid

Civil legal aid for southern, western, and central Kentucky.

Legal Aid Society (Louisville and surrounding counties)

Free civil legal services for low-income residents.

Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (eastern KY)

Serves eastern Kentucky counties.

Nonprofits worth knowing

State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state

Alzheimer's Association — Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter

24/7 helpline, caregiver education and support groups.

AARP Kentucky

Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.

KIPDA Area Agency on Aging (Louisville metro)

Other hotlines

Numbers worth saving in your phone

  • Medicare (federal)

    1-800-MEDICARE.

    1-800-633-4227
  • Kentucky 211

    Community resources and referrals, 24/7.

    211

Forms & templates

Official Kentucky document references

  • Kentucky Statutory Form Power of Attorney

    Per KRS 457 (Kentucky Uniform Power of Attorney Act). Notarization required.

  • Kentucky Living Will Directive

    Per KRS 311.621 et seq. Combines living will + health-care surrogate designation. Two witnesses or notary.

  • Kentucky MOST (Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment)

    Kentucky's POLST equivalent. Signed by physician/APRN/PA.

Key statutes we cite

Kentucky laws referenced across our topic guides

CitationSubject
KRS 457Kentucky Uniform Power of Attorney Act
KRS 311.621 et seq.Living Will Directive Act of Kentucky
KRS 140Kentucky Inheritance Tax (Class A exempt)
KRS 391Descent and Distribution
KRS 209Adult Protection (APS)
KRS 530.050Filial Responsibility (rarely enforced)
KRS 216BAssisted Living and Health Facilities
KRS 427.060Kentucky Homestead Exemption

More from Kentucky

Phone numbers, websites, and statute citations on this page are verified at publication and re-reviewed quarterly. If something looks wrong, please tell us.