By Louisville Senior Advisor Care Team · October 6, 2026
Kentucky family care homes serve no more than three unrelated residents under 902 KAR 20:041. OIG's October 2026 directory lists 12 in the seven Louisville-area counties, all in Jefferson County; most show "Pending Renewal" and several list zero beds, so confirm status before relying on one.
What is a family care home?
A family care home is the smallest residential care license in Kentucky. Under 902 KAR 20:041, the licensee provides 24-hour supervision and personal care in a home setting to no more than three residents who are not related to the licensee. Residents must be ambulatory or mobile nonambulatory, meaning they can get around with a walker or wheelchair, leave the building on their own in an emergency and transfer from bed to chair with little help, and must be able to manage most daily activities.
Family care homes do not provide skilled nursing. They suit adults who need supervision, meals, reminders and a little hands-on help, especially those who would feel lost in a large building.
Where are Louisville's family care homes?
Every family care home on OIG's current directory for the seven KIPDA counties is in Jefferson County, and most are in the western and southern ZIP codes: 40211, 40210 and 40216 in the West End and Shively, with others in 40219, 40291, 40299, 40206 and 40245.
| Status on OIG's October 2026 directory | Homes |
|---|---|
| Active with an expiration date | 1 |
| Pending renewal | 11 |
| Listing 3 beds | 4 |
| Listing 0 beds | 8 |
A bed count of zero alongside a pending renewal often means a home is newly licensed or not currently admitting. It is the reason to call before visiting.
Who pays for a family care home?
Residents pay privately or, with SSI-level income, through Kentucky's State Supplementation Program. Under 921 KAR 2:015, the base standard of need for a family care home resident is $965 a month, increased by Social Security cost-of-living adjustments since 2021. The home must accept that standard, minus a $40 personal needs allowance the resident keeps, as payment in full. Medicare does not pay, and Kentucky Medicaid does not pay room and board in a family care home.
That makes family care homes one of the few residential options for very low-income adults who cannot live alone but do not need a nursing facility.
How do I check a family care home?
Confirm the license on OIG's Family Care Home Directory or our personal care roster, which lists license number, bed count and status. Then visit and ask: who lives in the home besides residents, who covers nights, how medications are handled, what happens if the licensee is sick, and how emergencies are handled. Ask how many residents live there now; the limit is three unrelated residents.
If you have concerns about care in a licensed family care home, the long-term care ombudsman program, run by Catholic Charities of Louisville through KIPDA, covers family care homes. Licensing complaints go to OIG's Northern Branch at 502-595-4958, and suspected abuse to 1-877-597-2331.
How do family care homes compare with personal care homes?
Personal care homes are larger licensed facilities under 902 KAR 20:036, with an awake staff member on site at all times and a higher State Supplementation standard of $1,409. The Louisville area has five freestanding personal care homes and ten long-term-care campuses with personal care beds. For a resident who likes a crowd and activities, a personal care home or assisted living may suit better; for one who wants a household, a family care home can be a good fit.
Why are family care homes so rare?
Statewide, OIG's October 2026 directory lists only 24 family care homes, and half of them are in the Louisville area. The license fits a particular kind of operator, usually an individual or family caring for a few people in their own home, and the State Supplementation rate of $965 a month before cost-of-living increases leaves little margin. That scarcity is one reason families seeking a small, home-like setting also look at small social-model assisted living communities, some licensed for fewer than twenty units.
What questions matter most on a family care home visit?
Because the licensee is usually also the main caregiver, ask about backup. Who steps in during the licensee's illness, vacation or a family emergency, and is that person trained and background-checked? Ask how residents spend the day, whether they leave the house for activities or appointments, and how transportation works. Ask to see the bedroom, the bathroom your parent would use and the exits, since residents must be able to leave the building on their own in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
How many residents can a Kentucky family care home have?
No more than three residents unrelated to the licensee, under 902 KAR 20:041.
Does State Supplementation pay for family care homes?
Yes, for SSI-level residents: the base standard of need is $965 a month plus cost-of-living increases since 2021, minus a $40 personal needs allowance.
Are family care homes inspected?
Yes. They are licensed by Kentucky's Office of Inspector General, which investigates complaints through its regional branches.
Can a family care home resident use a wheelchair?
Yes, if they are mobile nonambulatory: able to move with the device, leave the building on their own and transfer with minimal help.
