GATHER with neighbors
WORK OUT with friends
TRAVEL with your tribe
love to hear from you! Send an email to jessica@todaystransitions.com and put “feedback” in the subject line. Also, don’t forget to visit TodaysTransitions.com to read articles that can help you navigate your own transitions.
I recently learned about mirror neurons. These cells found in our brains fire both when we’re experiencing something ourselves, and also when we observe someone else experiencing something. When the friend sitting across from us smiles over her coffee, we experience feelings associated with smiling. When we see someone hurting, mirror neurons prompt us to empathize.
We are literally hardwired to connect with our fellow human beings.
The research is clear: genuine social connection is as essential to our well-being as exercise, and the lack of it is as harmful as smoking. When the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory describing loneliness as an epidemic in 2023, he wasn’t exaggerating. Despite living in an always-online, everaccessible world, loneliness is lowering our health outcomes and claiming lives.
In this issue, we’re celebrating the antidote by exploring how people are connecting in authentic ways today. Read about how local neighborhoods are creating spaces for community (p.48), how to make any gathering more meaningful (p.38), how an adaptive sport allows almost anyone to compete (p.32), ideas to help an older loved one fight against isolation (p.54, 58, 62), and more.
This winter, let’s get together. — Jessica Alyea
WINTER 2024-2025 | VOL. 21 | NO. 4
Today’s Transitions is published quarterly by: Barrett Jacoby Publishing, LLC
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The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Transitions magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2024 by Barrett Jacoby Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Barrett Jacoby Publishing, LLC.
Winter 2024-2025 / TodaysTransitions.com
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Health and Fitness: WINTER READINESS GUIDE
Try these ideas about routines, movement, and safety to keep everyone warm, comforted, and content.
Caregiving: THRIVE AT HOME WITH THESE TOOLS
From smart technology to safety modifications, these tools will help keep you safe and happy at home.
Read this story and more at TodaysTransitions.com by scanning the QR code.
Eat This: ADD THIS TO YOUR WINTER DIET
You don’t have to peel the delicata squash to enjoy its roasted, caramelized goodness — and its anti-inflammatory nutrients.
4 Ideas To Beat Winter Cabin Fever
If you’re stuck inside waiting for spring, try some simple ideas for fun and productive indoor activities to beat the winter blues.
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Comprehensive Directory Listings
Find a directory of options for retirement living on page 50. Care community and home caregiving directories start on page 64. Search our directories online for caregiving and living options in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio at TodaysTransitions.com.
It seems like people either love winter or hate it. Those who love it may prefer the crisp temperatures that require bundling up in layers of clothing instead of peeling them off, or they may enjoy winter sports, such as skiing or ice-skating. Those who hate winter may feel weighed down by gray skies and miss the sun’s rays. But no matter how you feel about winter, the cold months can be a great time to vacation, whether you head to even colder temps or seek out warmer places for a little reprieve.
Heading to the western parts of the United States can be a great option for those who love winter and want more of what it offers. Tara Branch, travel agent and owner of Vacations by Tara, says, “Colorado, Lake Tahoe [California and Nevada], and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, are always popular. With world-class skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, you’ll be surrounded by stunning mountain views and plenty of outdoor activities. But if adventure isn’t your thing, you can always cozy up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the winter scenery.”
If you’re willing to venture a little farther afield, Tara says the Christmas markets in Europe are another fun option. While they may be crowded, they are sure to get you into the winter holiday spirit. December through March is also a great time to see the Northern Lights, especially if you head to Northern Europe or Canada. On Tara’s own bucket list is a winter trip to Quebec City in Canada. This lovely town provides a little slice of Europe without such a long flight. Take a stroll through the Plains of Abraham along the St. Lawrence River and make your way to see Le Château Frontenac, a stunning hotel built in 1893.
Now, for those who dislike even reading about cold-temperature trips, have no fear. You just need to head south. With the busy and destructive hurricane season Florida has experienced this past autumn, it may be wise to head for the southern Caribbean. “Aruba is a perfect choice with its year-round warm weather and stunning beaches,” Tara says, but there are plenty of other islands to choose from. If you can’t select just one island, visit several of them by taking a cruise. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a weeklong adventure to seven ports of call, including Barbados, Antiqua, and St. Lucia.
For those who are a little more adventurous, Tara recommends Central America. “In Costa Rica, you can spot sloths in the jungle, hike around volcanoes, and explore lush rainforests,” she says. “Or head to Belize to enjoy its incredible marine life, turquoise waters, and diverse cultural experiences.”
Now, if you grow tired of being cooped up with your significant other during the hibernation months, you might want to grab some friends and take a short road trip. Tara suggests Madison, Indiana, for its beautifully preserved downtown. Choose from several bed-and-breakfast establishments situated in historic Italianate and antebellum homes, and enjoy a visit to nearby wineries and distilleries.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, is another option. “With its beautiful historic buildings, farm-fresh meals, and tranquil atmosphere, it’s a great spot to reconnect with friends while enjoying nature and learning a bit about the Shaker way of life,” Tara says.
If excitement is what you’re seeking during your friend getaway, then Nashville, Tennessee, is the place to go. See a show at The Grand Ole Opry or head to Broadway Street, a thoroughfare lined with bars where you can hear all kinds of up-and-coming musicians.
Wherever you go in winter, Tara recommends travelers keep in mind the popular holidays and events in the locations they are visiting. For example, if you are heading to South America, our winter months are their summer season, so crowds may be heavier with children being out of school.
While most people think of summer being the busy travel season, it is important to be flexible even during winter vacationing. When recently helping some clients plan a trip to Australia for January, Tara says, “We had to adjust their itinerary to avoid the school holiday rush and the crowds from the Australian Open.” A seasoned travel agent can help you navigate these issues, but if you’re doing your own planning, be sure to do as much research as possible to avoid complications.
By Kym
Michelle Robinson says her Catholic upbringing taught her the importance of giving back and helping those in need. Her parents — a nurse and a doctor — led by example, giving their time to serve others in their community. Michelle even chose a career in nursing because of her desire to care for others.
Born in Louisville in 1970, Michelle graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and the University of Louisville with degrees in psychology and nursing. In the early 2000s, she moved to Florida with her husband and five children, returning to her hometown permanently in 2016. It was while living in Florida that she became involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), work she continues today.
Why did you decide to volunteer for RMHC?
My husband was on the board for the local Ronald McDonald House in Pensacola, Florida. We went to fundraising events, became donors, sponsored a room in their new facility, became friends with the staff and volunteers, and quickly learned what great work they do for the community. When we moved home to Louisville, I had more time and was looking for a way to give back. RMHC was the obvious choice.
What do you do as a volunteer for RMHC?
“IF THE VERY LITTLE I DO HELPS TO EASE THEIR TROUBLES AT ALL, THAT’S SO REWARDING.”
I volunteer in the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital. It’s connected to the hospital and is a respite for families who have children in the NICU. These families are often from outside Louisville and need a place to stay that’s close so they can be with their child at a moment’s notice. The Family Room has four sleeping rooms, a large recreation room, a kitchen (where snacks are offered), and a laundry room all provided free of charge. I make sure the space remains clean and tidy, replenish the snacks, and provide support and answer any questions the families may have.
How has volunteering made a difference in your life?
The families that we serve are going through such a difficult time. If the very little I do helps to ease their troubles at all, that’s so rewarding. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand how very blessed I am. I feel called to give of my time and my treasure. Volunteering and being able to give financially is truly a gift.
What advice would you give others interested in volunteering?
Just do it! You’ll get back so much more than you give. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a lot of people and have fun at the same time.
By Vanessa
Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (October 29)
This novel intricately weaves the lives of three generations of three women who are each influenced by the hidden secrets of their family history. Spanning a considerable timeline, the story immerses readers in the lives of complex yet relatable characters. At its core, Like Mother, Like Mother is about familial bonds, marriage dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of ambition and power. It makes us think about the stories that are passed down through generations and the ways they might shape our identities. This is one you won’t want to miss this winter.
Women’s Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery (October 15)
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud, Daniel M. Lavery’s debut novel about the residents of a women’s hotel in 1960s New York City might be right for you. This take on being a woman in the middle of the 20th century invites comparisons to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but the personalities of the characters — Katherine, Lucianne, and Kitty — feel sometimes like younger versions of The Golden Girls. And like Blanche and Dorothy and company, they seem to long for friendship and to value the time that they spend together.
Yellowstone, Season 5, part 2, Paramount Network (November 10)
If you’ve been holding your breath for the last year, waiting impatiently for the final installment of Yellowstone, you can finally exhale. The last season began airing on November 10, wrapping up five seasons of drama for the Dutton family of Montana. The show has had an immensely popular run and promises to go out with a bang, including a violent series finale that will certainly meet viewer expectations.
Man on the Inside, Netflix (November 21)
Man on the Inside stars Ted Danson as a retired professor who is living an altogether bland life until he sees an ad to become an assistant to a private investigator. His job? To go undercover in a retirement community. Created by Mike Schur, who was also responsible for The Good Place, the show will appeal to those who love Only Murders in the Building, and dark comedy in general.
Blitz, Apple TV+ (November 22)
Because this is the time of year when studios release their Oscar contenders, we cannot omit Blitz from your must-see list. Set during WWII, Blitz follows the lives of a British woman named Rita and her son George, who goes missing while London is being bombed by Nazi Germany. Starring Saorise Ronan, this is one you’re almost certain to hear about again when award season rolls around.
Kelly Clarkson’s new holiday album is expected to be a delightful addition to the pop Christmas canon. With her powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery, we can expect Clarkson to introduce original tracks that become instant classics. The artist has been a powerhouse in the pop world for a long time, and this album is sure to become a staple for fans of Clarkson and holiday music alike.
It’s been almost a decade since Gwen Stefani released new music, but Bouquet arrived on November 15 with a bang. The singles released so far sound like something from another time — not quite the pop of the ’90s that she is famous for, and not quite ’70s folk music, but some amalgamation of the two, with a unique twist that’s completely her own.
By Tonilyn Hornung
“Keeping an open mind, and remaining open for even a moment, can invite a lifechanging connection,” says Dan Mann, executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. And let’s just say, the person responsible for both the Muhammad Ali International Airport and Bowman Field knows a bit about making connections.
conversation, Dan’s buddy invited him to a large airport conference (the Great Lakes Chapter Conference), saying, “Just come along and meet a bunch of people.”
“NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU GO IN YOUR CAREER, YOUR FRIENDS HAVE A WAY OF KEEPING YOU HUMBLE.”
Raised in northwest Ohio, Dan grew up spending time with his mother’s family in the Paducah area. “When I was a kid, we made pilgrimages down for family reunions, and I always had a great time going to the farm,” he says. These trips laid the groundwork for a love of the Bluegrass State. It was this fondness that eventually brought him to Louisville and his position at the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. However, years before, it was connection to a friend that opened the door to his career calling. To attend Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Dan joined the Air National Guard. His mom and dad both worked in factories, and Dan was the first generation in his family to go to college. The Guard assists its members with college tuition, and Dan’s parents were there to support him as he went to officer training school and became a B52 navigator.
It was while he was serving in the Air National Guard that Dan’s passion for aviation took flight. “I fell in love with the aviation part,” he says. “After Desert Storm in 1992, I wanted to do something else, so airport management and operations was a logical fit.”
The Guard brought many benefits and connections into Dan’s life, one of which was a lifelong friend who served alongside him and then joined him at college. Over the years, Dan stayed in contact with this friend. So, when it was time for Dan to leave the Air Force and look for employment, it was his friend who assisted him with his first job opportunity. During one
Attending that conference was a game changer, and six months later, Dan had a job that was born out of staying connected to old friends and being open to meeting new ones. “Your network and connectivity is really vital,” Dan says. “You never know who you’re talking to or what kind of advice someone might give you.”
Dan’s love for business, finance, and aviation is a blend of interests that soars, and this combined passion energizes him today. “Balancing budgets and finding creative ways to generate revenue is all real exciting to me,” he says. “When I got out of the Air Force, it was an opportunity for me to do both.”
Becoming airport director for several commercial service airports led him to his dream job here in Louisville. “When I first started in this business at entry-level positions, I always dreamed of running this airport in Louisville for a host of reasons,” Dan says. Living in Kentucky was one, and Dan adds, “I knew there were opportunities to grow air service… and there’s just a lot going for the airport.”
His instincts were right on. Growing air service was a vision Dan wanted to fulfill, and he and his team have done just that. The year 2018 was SDF’s second-best year ever, and each year following has been a recordsetter for travel. With UPS growing faster than you can open your deliveries and air service increasing, terminal and runway upgrades became imperative.
Through all of this, Dan remains focused on connecting with travelers, and he’s always taking steps to ensure the customer aspect of air travel is just “plane” lovely. “We want to make the customer experience better than anywhere,” he says. Personal stories of appreciation abound about the constructive changes put in place to help passengers make connecting flights and pick up their luggage more easily. Dan says he and his team intentionally focus on all those little things that make a difference.
That intentionality is also driving the airport’s newest projects: transforming its security area, and improving the taxiway and runway, parking garage, and ticketing and rental car counters. All this is to accommodate the record growth happening at this hub.
Whether you’re meeting friends as you travel or staying close to old ones at home, the connections you keep are important. The Mayo Clinic reports adults with strong social connections have a lower risk of health problems. So, go ahead and fly out to visit your grandkids, and keep that lunch with your college friend. As Dan reminds us, “No matter how far you go in your career, your friends have a way of keeping you humble.”
For Dan, maintaining relationships with family keeps things grounded and real. But let’s not forget that being open to new connections can bring unseen opportunities on many levels. “Think about the person you’re talking to, and if you’re open, you’ll learn something… because you never know when you’re going to make a friend or a genuine connection,” Dan says.
By Carrie Vittitoe
If you hear the term “sewing society,” you might visualize a small circle of three or four demure women of the Victorian era, quietly stitching in front of a fireplace. That image may have been a somewhat accurate picture of the St. Joseph Children’s Home Sewing Society back when women gathered to make clothing for the children orphaned by the cholera epidemic in the mid-1800s. But today some 40 women, ages 56 to 91, gather twice a week in a large, well-lit room filled with quilting frames, sewing machines, cutting tables, and a storage area packed with fabric of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
The Sewing Society of St. Joseph Children’s Home makes large quilts, most of which are raffled off as part of the annual summer picnic, an event that celebrated its 175th year in 2024. But the group also makes small wall-hanging quilts for children who are adopted out of St. Joseph’s foster care program; fleece blankets for children who come to the home (often without anything in their possession); and crib sheets and bibs for the little ones who attend the St. Joseph Child Development Center each day.
It isn’t an understatement to say that the Sewing Society is a powerhouse of activity and good works. Their contribution to the children’s home just from quilt raffles is around the $2 million mark.
The work these ladies do involves considerable creativity and talent. Finding quilt ideas, buying or making patterns and figuring them out, piecing together fabric shapes on the sewing machine, making small stitches by hand to connect fabric and batting, and putting binding on finished quilts
takes hours and hours and hours. Quilts that are raffled off go from anywhere between $800 and $4,000, which is probably a bargain for these practical items that are also works of art.
What is unique about the Sewing Society is the important connections between its members. Patrice Flynn has been a member since 2015 (although she has managed the quilting booth at the picnic for three decades). One thing that makes her involvement special is that her two aunts both attend, as does her cousin. Patrice’s aunt, Lois Pendleton, remembers her own mother being part of the Sewing Society in the late 1940s. For these ladies, coming each week connects them to their family’s history and offers a mini family reunion of multiple generations. But the connections aren’t just familial. The women who attend form close friendships with their fellow quilters and sewers.
The Sewing Society welcomes new members and will even teach you how to quilt, so if you’re looking to make some meaningful connections, consider reaching out to them at info@sjkids.org or 502-893-0241.
$2 MILLION FOR ST.
We can find sources of connection through our family, our friendships, our work and volunteer lives, and even our pets. David Inman — a journalist, author, podcaster, and educator — demonstrates through his work that movies and TV can be added to that list because they not only serve to entertain us, but they can connect us in deep and long-lasting ways.
For more than 30 years, David wrote a column called The Incredible Inman, which appeared in The Courier Journal and later in other newspapers around the country. “I was Google before there was Google,” David says. If there is anything you want to know about a movie, TV show, or actor, you’ll find it in his anthology.
The research involved is incredible, but better than that is the way that David immediately engages you with his humor, wit, and obvious love for the subject matter. His work comes from the heart, drawing upon the emotions that come from watching shows he loved with people he treasured. “It happens for all of us. TV is universal. Some people don’t want to admit it, but we all watch,” David says. “I began my column in an age well before computers and the internet. Such a cool job, being able to talk about movies that many people watched when they were young. These stories leave an impact that stays with you. It’s not trivia for trivia’s sake. It’s a genuine connection that brings people together.”
David has also authored seven books, one of them called Louisville Television (2010), which takes a close look at 50 years of TV in our city. He also hosts a podcast called Incredible Inman’s Pop Culture Potluck. Despite the fact that he’s officially retired now, David stays quite busy with these projects. “Nostalgia makes people happy, and I see a great need for it,” he says. “I like being able to tap into that. I can be the conduit to happy memories and special times.”
These days, David and his wife still live in Louisville, but they also have a home in Chicago where they live part of the year. “I like to get out and do something different every day. When I’m in Chicago, I enjoy getting on the train and riding around, just observing and taking it all in,” he says. “I do a lot of walking in Louisville, and we live near beautiful Seneca Park. I love getting out and meeting new people, finding new projects, and staying as busy as I want to be.”
What’s The Incredible Inman’s take on the importance of connection with others? “It’s like a muscle,” he says. “You kind of want to exercise it.”
If you had to pick one item that brings you joy, what would it be?
“That’s an easy one. Back when I worked at The Courier Journal, I saw a giant stack of TV Guides, going back as far as 1956, all bound up and ready to be thrown away! I couldn’t have that. I asked if I could have them, and was told ‘sure.’ No one else wanted them. They are a treasure. None of that can be found online, and it’s a wonderful glimpse of Louisville TV. A piece of history.”
“IT’S NOT TRIVIA FOR TRIVIA’S SAKE. IT’S GENUINE CONNECTION THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.”
By Tami Pyles
If you haven’t yet found a way to be active while also being social, you can double your gains if you combine the two. We all know moving keeps us healthy, but the social aspects have been proven to make at least as much of a difference in our well-being as exercise. Check out these great ways people are staying active while strengthening social ties: a win-win for overall health.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a sport similar to tennis that uses a small paddle and plastic ball (think a wiffle ball). Players volley the ball back and forth to score points. “Pickleball is a very accessible and multigenerational sport,” says Stephanie Daniels, owner of Pickleball Euphoria. Stephanie sees people of all ages and skill levels take to the courts. Some people pick it up as a social activity, while others get serious and compete.
Pickleball will get you moving, but it has other benefits too. “Pickleball boosts your physical health, and it also boosts your mental health and well-being,” Stephanie says. “It creates connection and community with people you may have never otherwise connected with. It starts with meeting on the court, but it becomes so much more. Some of our groups travel together, celebrate birthdays, and are there for one another through tough times.”
Getting involved is easy. “We’ve tried to keep things simple because we want as many people as possible to get engaged and play on our courts,” Stephanie says. Pickleball Euphoria has two Louisville locations and a third opening soon in Clarksville, Indiana. A membership is free and is required to use the automated system for reserving courts. Beginner clinics are also offered to allow people to get in the game right away. Since Pickleball Euphoria’s opening in 2021, over four thousand people have been introduced to the sport through their clinics. “We have groups that are always willing to invite a new person in, and we can connect you with them,” Stephanie says.
“PICKLEBALL BOOSTS YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH, AND IT ALSO BOOSTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.”
— STEPHANIE DANIELS
by
Hiking is a great way to get moving with the added benefit of spending time in nature. The Louisville Hiking Club invites people to get outside and explore with a group of friends. Founded more than 95 years ago, the club meets each Saturday year-round to hike a local or regional trail and enjoy a meal after the hike.
“Our purpose is to have people enjoy nature while getting physical activity and enjoying each other’s company,” says Cindy Vaughan, a Louisville Hiking Club board member.
To join a hike, you can see what hikes are coming up on the club’s website, then you can just show up. You’ll follow a hike leader who guides the group. Hikes are generally 5 to 6 miles long, but the group often offers a shorter version of each hike. After you complete two hikes with the group, you can opt to become a member. Members get weekly emails with information about upcoming hikes and events, invitations to weekend hiking trips that include an overnight stay, and invitations to special events such as the annual holiday party and the Derby Day hike at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana.
Anyone is welcome to join a hike. “We are a very welcoming group,” Cindy says. “We watch out for new hikers and make sure they have everything they need to enjoy a hike with us.” Hiking gives you an opportunity to talk with others and to develop new friendships. “It is such a great opportunity to meet like-minded people,” Cindy continues. “When I think about it, a majority of my friends are from the Louisville Hiking Club.”
Having a friend to work out with is always a motivator to keep moving. Why not join a group that is focused on fitness and fun so you can always do both? The YMCA of Greater Louisville offers Forever Young/Active Older Adult programs that aim to keep older adults moving and connected. They offer special fitness classes designed for participants age 50+. In addition to fitness classes, the groups plan social events and outings.
“Our programs are open to all — you do not have to be a Y member to attend,” says Sandra Simpson, Forever Young volunteer coordinator for the Northeast Family YMCA. Social events range from events at a Y location to field trips. “We are headed to tour Rebecca Ruth Candy next month as a group,” Sandra says. “We do most of our events at the Y, but occasionally we go offsite. We are taking a bus as some of our members do not want to drive, so it is great to all travel together.”
Events hosted at Y locations include time for socializing, and often the groups share a meal together. “We have done a variety of things — in February we make valentines to donate, last March we played bingo, and we do potlucks,” Sandra says. Branches host different events, so to get involved, check the YMCA of Greater Louisville website or contact the YMCA branch closest to you.
By Anita Oldham | Photos by Melissa Donald
Want to know our secret to hosting? We’ve found that the best food gatherings happen with a lower-stress combination of the “famous” food from your kitchen (or your guests’ kitchens), delicious specialties from neighborhood chefs, and a few pickups from your local grocery.
“What’s a go-to treat for you?” might be a good question to lead with when inviting a few friends over. Have them bring something delicious from their neighborhood while you make something you love or pick up a few favorites from around town. Then when your guests arrive, you can pull out some serving platters and cake plates and turn your table into a beautiful spread.
Here are our suggestions for goodies to pick up from local eateries, whether you’re hosting or on your way to a party yourself.
A. Fresh linguine, four cheese ravioli, alfredo sauce
Lotsa Pasta, 3717 Lexington Rd, Louisville
You can also pick up cookie dough take-and-bakes here for dessert!
B. Fresh European-style bread and pastry varieties
Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe, 2868 Frankfort Ave, Louisville
Enjoy a beautiful snack here when you pick up your bread.
C. Specialty doughnut holes
Toni T’s Cobblers and More, 4510 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, IN
We’ve heard rave reviews about Toni T’s cobblers and cheesecake, too.
D. Cherry pie, cheesecake slices Sweet Stuff Bakery, 323 E Spring St, New Albany, IN This bakery always has delicious cakes ready to add to any gathering.
The roar of the crowd echoed around the vast, vaulted glass ceiling of the Grand Parlais museum in Paris, France. Sean Shumate looked up in awe. Thousands of people were cheering for the elite wheelchair fencing athletes from all over the world competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
The electrifying feeling never got old. Not when Sean was refereeing wheelchair fencing at the past three Paralympics, like he was in Paris, and not when he himself competed in the Games in Athens in 2004.
Sean says wheelchair fencing has given him a gift. His life was instantly changed after the car accident that paralyzed him from the waist down when he was just a 20-year-old college student at Morehead State. But it’s given him more than he could have imagined as a sporty kid growing up in Ashland, Kentucky.
“AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT’S THE EFFORTS YOU PUT INTO WHAT YOU’RE DOING.”
— SEAN SHUMATE
Now an internationally renowned referee at 53, what would Sean tell that 20-year-old grinding through rehab and learning to use a wheelchair? “I don’t know because, I would say just keep doing what you’re doing,” he says. “There’s nothing in my life that I would change. I’ve got a wonderful marriage, kids, and career in sports. I’ve been blessed beyond measure even though I’ve had a lot of setbacks. Put your nose to the grindstone and get it done. At the end of the day, it’s the efforts you put into what you’re doing.”
It was a chance connection during a quest for a hot dog that led Sean to his heart sport. A few years after his accident, he nearly bumped wheelchairs with a young woman exiting the elevator at the Oxmoor Center food court. She just happened to be part of the 1996 U.S. Paralympic fencing team, and she told him about the Louisville Fencing Center. That’s where Sean discovered wheelchair fencing, which allows people who use a wheelchair to strap into a frame and compete in a physically and mentally challenging bout on an equalized playing field.
“This is a game of thought, not a game
of thrones,” says Dawn Wilson, head of coaching at Louisville Fencing Center. “It’s physical chess: I have to outsmart you.”
Dawn didn’t pick up fencing until she was 37, but by her 50s she’d worked her way up to being a member of the U.S. Veteran Fencing World Championship team in both 2017 and 2018. She has gained perspective by strapping into the wheelchair fencing frame to practice with Sean and other wheelchair fencers, and she’s now dedicating her time to coaching the next generation of athletes, teaching them the respect, mental toughness, and physical strength required for this game.
“We salute each other, whether you’re in a chair or able-bodied,” Dawn says. “It’s about sportsmanship.”
Both Sean and Dawn stress that fencing is a sport for anyone from age 8 to 80. Whatever your age, you can decide to fence for fun and recreation, or you can train to compete at an elite level. (“We’ve had some grandmothers down here, and they were vicious,” Dawn says with a laugh.) All the while, you’ll get a cardiovascular workout with minimal risk of injury — the protective
Dawn Wilson and Sean Shumate are world-class fencing veterans of the Louisville Fencing Center. Dawn is now head of coaching at the center, and Sean works as an internationallevel referee of wheelchair fencing.
Far left: Sean referees a bout between Dawn and one of her students.
gear actually makes it one of the safest sports you can do, Sean says — and you’ll enjoy connecting with fellow athletes.
“This sport is a great opportunity to meet some new folks, and you get to stab them,” Sean says jokingly. “At the end of the day, you take off your gear, and you sit down and talk about how the day was. There are so many good friendships I’ve made from this sport.”
The accessibility offered by adaptive fencing also reaches across lines and builds understanding between those who use a wheelchair and those who don’t.
“One of those interesting things about wheelchair fencing is that when you’re positioned in the frame, you don’t move,” Sean says, “so it becomes all about what you’re doing with your mind and hands. This sport allows non-disabled individuals the ability and opportunity to see that the chair isn’t the factor. The chair doesn’t identify the person. Even though there’s a disability, it allows them to see that it can be conquered and overcome. It’s lifechanging, but not life-ending.”
By Carrie Vittitoe
There is no shortage of jokes about hair loss, and while some people find them “hair”larious, hair loss is nothing to laugh at. It can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, and it also impacts people’s self-image and self-esteem.
The causes of hair loss are varied: It can be genetic and run in families, or it can be caused by excess stress. Most people are familiar with the hair loss that often accompanies chemotherapy, but it can also happen as a result of thyroid disorders, which people sometimes experience as they age. According to Dr. Monalisa M. Tailor, internal medicine physician with Norton Healthcare, hair loss can also be a sign of an autoimmune disorder or even an infection, like syphilis or COVID-19.
While men generally experience hair loss more than women, Dr. Tailor notes that the causes are similar among both groups. She adds, “Hair loss for men may look different when it comes to location on the scalp and distribution.” Male hair loss may be more noticeable than it is for women, who may be able to disguise it better with longer hairstyles and more accessories.
The first line of defense is to eat balanced meals that include vegetables and protein since hair loss can sometimes be caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies. And since stress can also contribute to hair loss, it is essential to get adequate rest and generally engage in self-care practices.
Because the causes of hair loss are so varied, it is important for individuals experiencing hair loss to check in with their physician, who can do bloodwork and rule out any major medical issues. While this is the case no matter your age, it is especially important for older adults. “Your primary care can draw labs and rule out thyroid issues and some vitamin deficiencies like iron, B12, and folate,” Dr. Tailor says.
Barring anything unusual from lab work, a physician may suggest a topical treatment of minoxidil as a starting point. This foam shampoo can be purchased over the counter and may result in hair growth. Should that not be effective, Dr. Tailor says a doctor may prescribe another medication. Spironolactone is typically prescribed as a diuretic but is used off-label for treating female hair loss. Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia in men, as well as male pattern baldness.
Dr. Tailor cautions patients about online companies that promise results. “They charge higher prices for the same thing a primary care doctor will suggest and don’t follow up with you,” she says.
You never know how much stuff you have until you have to move it all somewhere. Especially when we’ve gradually accumulated possessions over decades, the idea of sorting through it all in order to make a move — and the decisions we have to make about each item along the way — can wear us out before we even get started.
My own mother-in-law, who is almost 70, recently pulled an all-nighter going through her things as she prepares to put her house on the market in order to move closer to us. I think she has more stamina than I do!
But if, like me, you don’t have that much endurance, there’s help available to make all this easier. When you or your older loved one are ready to start your next chapter, local services can break down the process into more manageable segments, sending you on your way to your new space — no all-nighters needed. — Jessica Alyea
When older adults need to move into their next home — whether they want to downsize, be closer to the grandkids, move into a retirement community, or have some support in assisted living — they tend to think they must deal with their stuff first. But Kay Barringer of Transitioning Services advises flipping that thinking on its head.
“Our experience has been that moving first, and thinking of yourself and what you want for your new home, is top priority,” she says. “Next, we will work with you to have a plan in place to address the remaining contents of your home — what you’d like to go to family and friends, what can be sold, what can be joyfully donated, and what needs disposed of. Then it is time to sell your home, having dealt with yourself and the contents in an organized, less stressful, and unrushed manner.”
Moving can be overwhelming, but Transitioning Services can support you through the entire process, from helping you find a realtor to boxing up your things. “We can tackle all aspects of a move, literally every step,” Kay says. “My favorite day is moving day! We find such value in leaving a client on the day they move completely unpacked and set up to stay comfortably the first night.” We can tackle all aspects of a move, literally every step.
By Carrie Vittitoe
The door opens to a warm, inviting space. The music perfectly fills the background; the lights are lovely; the smell of delicious food ushers you inside. As a guest, you feel welcomed and wanted; you somehow find that the environment lends itself to fun conversations, even with people you don’t know. Long after you leave, you remember this gathering, and not because things were perfectly polished, but because somehow you felt so at ease.
We would suggest that the host of this get-together had shared plenty of “insider” information beforehand, and connection opportunities were planned with intention. We all want to throw (and attend!) this party. How can we move beyond the typical to foster true connections between people and make meaning out of our gatherings? Here are some ideas to help make your next gathering more comfortable, meaningful, and delightful.
Consider your guests’ different personalities
An important piece of planning a gathering is thinking about your guests, and while that seems obvious, it can be more complex than just showing them where the restroom is and handing over a beverage. For example, a person who likes to entertain may be an extrovert, while someone who attends that gathering may be more introverted. As a general rule, introverts don’t love small talk, so they may need some help feeling comfortable.
Priya Parker is the author of The Art of Gathering, and in addition to her book and classes, her website is a source of articles and a free guide to help people create more engaging gatherings with colleagues, friends, and family. She suggests that one way to help introverts feel more comfortable is to offer them “nonverbal invitations” in the form of books stacked on a windowsill, a chess set on a side table, or a collection of framed art on a piano. These items can spark conversation or activity with one other person or a small group, a situation that is more amenable than a large group for people who are generally more ill-at-ease at parties.
“WELCOMING AMBIANCE IS NOT A PERFECTLY CLEAN HOUSE. IT’S AN INVITING ATMOSPHERE WITH GOOD SMELLS, HAPPY SOUNDS, AND JOYFUL INTERACTIONS.”
— VICKY YOCUM
Create spaces to connect
Louisville event planner Abby StichCordaro, owner of BeSpoke Events by Abby, notes that having an intentional seating arrangement, including quiet corners where one or two people can sit together, is essential. These nooks can give attendees the option of decompressing if they are overwhelmed with food and fun, or they can be a place where two or three individuals can chat without the noise of the larger group surrounding them.
Invite with intention
Another suggestion Parker has to make all guests feel comfortable and provide a sense of connection is to give the gathering a special name, which will bring a sense of belonging to everyone who is invited. Rather than writing “Come to my party” or “You’re Invited,” use your creativity to find a common thread among all those who are invited and use it in your wording. Someone who gets an invitation titled “WOW — A Gathering of Wonderfully Ornery Women” will have an automatic connection and conversation starter even if she knows no one else at the event.
Fine-tune the atmosphere
Special events can be feasts for the senses, from the scent of burning candles to the reflection of twinkling lights in mirrors, but it is important that hosts not forget the sense of sound. Music is critical, particularly its volume. “If you can’t hear the person next to you, it’s hard to have meaningful conversations,” Abby says. “Music sets the tone, but when it’s too loud, it can create barriers.”
Most people prepare the physical space before hosting a gathering, but sometimes they spend far too much time worrying about cleanliness
and neatness and not enough time on the warmth of the event. Jeffersontown resident Vicky Yocum says, “Welcoming ambiance is NOT a perfectly clean and organized house. It’s an inviting atmosphere with good smells, happy sounds, and joyful interactions.” When we think about gatherings we’ve attended, none of us think about how much dust was on the floorboards because that’s not where the memories happen.
The decor of the party itself is important, especially if it is a themed event. Jennifer Browning, who lives in Richmond, Kentucky, invites friends for an annual bonfire event in the autumn. “We gather beside our barn, eat chili, and make s’mores,” she says. In addition to the barn, she ensures that the decor is memorable. “We hang orange lights in the trees and have hay bales, corn stalks, and pumpkins sitting around,” she says.
Food can do more than taste good
Of course, food is typically part of any gathering, so families and friends may want to take an inspirational note from Abby, who suggests a way to meld food and memory-sharing together. “A fun twist could be hosting a ‘memory lane’ dinner, where family members bring a dish that has a special story behind it, sparking meaningful conversations,” she says.
No matter who you are hosting or why, it is essential to keep the needs of your guests in mind as you prepare. Considering their physical needs, such as hearing loss and dietary allergies, as well as their emotional needs, such as social anxiety, can ensure that your gathering is a comfortable affair they will remember joyfully.
As the dawn breaks on another year, it might be the perfect time to start dreaming of a fresh adventure for 2025. My husband and I started planning the trip we took this past fall with a cycling group to Acadia National Park in Maine about a year before it happened, and it was worth the wait. We were reminded that one of the greatest joys of traveling is connecting with others. I’m excited to share about the places we went with you — and I hope it will inspire you to start planning a trip, whether it’s to Maine or another place on your bucket list.
Two things led us to choose this destination. I was inspired by my book club’s selection of On The Trail by Conor Knighton, which highlighted features of our national parks. Turns out Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is known as the spot where one can first see the sunrise in the United States. That sounded amazing.
In addition, since my husband’s retirement last year, we have taken up cycling together. We came across an opportunity with Vermont Bike Tours to see Acadia and Bar Harbor over five days on bicycles. Sign me up!
Of course, all the sites I’ll share with you are available and accessible all on your own if that’s your preferred way to travel. Always be sure to check the National Park website for up-to-date information and to see if you need to make reservations for any of the popular sites.
Our group consisted of 18 people: 12 of retirement age, a multigenerational family of six, and two local guides who shared all the insider info about Acadia and Maine. Electric bikes leveled the playing field, giving all of us an opportunity to comfortably enjoy the day-long excursions into Bar Harbor and Acadia.
Bar Harbor is a town of about 5,500 on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay, and it serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. The town was settled in 1763 and incorporated in 1796. La Rochelle, a 1903 shorefront estate and one of the best preserved Gilded Age “cottages" in northern New England, is home to the Bar Harbor Historical Society. With three floors of exhibits, La Rochelle displays the history of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island.
The Abbe Museum in downtown Bar Harbor highlights the history of the island’s original inhabitants, the Wabanaki people. The museum encapsulates Wabanaki art, culture, and stories within its exhibits.
Bar Harbor’s Shore Path is an easy trail along the coastline of Frenchman Bay. It starts at the Town Pier, leads past the historic Bar Harbor Inn, and follows the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island, making it the perfect spot to catch the morning sunrise.
The namesake of Bar Harbor is the sandbar that connects the town to Bar Island, part of Acadia National Park. Visitors can walk across the sand and gravel path, also known as the Land Bridge, for only about two hours throughout the day, before and after low tide. Otherwise, the path will be underwater. Visitors are cautioned to know the tide schedule to avoid incurring a water taxi fee, or being stranded on Bar Island!
Acadia offers more than 125 miles of interconnected and looping hiking trails that appeal to explorers of all skill levels. To simply relax and enjoy your vacation on a scenic yet casual walk, try some local favorites that can all be reached from the Island Explorer Bus Service.
Forty-five miles of rustic carriage roads weave around the mountains, valleys, and waterways of Acadia. The roads, a gift of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., were developed between 1913 and 1940. Approximately 16 feet wide and open only to hikers, bikers, and horses, the roads are an example of broken-stone roads commonly used at the turn of the 20th century. Along the carriage roads you will find 17 stone-faced bridges.
There are many scenic and well-known stops to enjoy along the carriage roads. Jordan Pond House is a restaurant and shop where one can sit outdoors on a beautiful lawn overlooking Jordan Pond. The original
Jordan Pond House originated on this very site in 1893 when proprietor Nellie McIntire first began serving up her famous popovers. Popovers (along with a delicious full menu) remain a popular, not-to-be-missed tradition of Acadia. Jordan Pond is one of the park's most pristine lakes, with outstanding surrounding mountain scenery. Glaciers carved the landscape, leaving behind numerous geological features.
Park Loop Road leads visitors to many natural sites, all accessible by the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus or, in our case, bicycle. Thunder Hole is a naturally formed inlet. When the right-sized wave rolls in, a deep, thunderous sound emanates, and waves may reach as high as 40 feet. Nearby Sand Beach has sand made of shell fragments, formed from the pounding surf over thousands of years.
The Wild Gardens of Acadia is home to over 300 native plant species featured along interwoven paths and water features.
The crown jewel for me was Cadillac Mountain, the reason I was initially drawn to visit Acadia National Park. At 1,530 feet, this is the tallest mountain on Mount Desert Island and the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. From October 7 through March 6 of each year, it is the first place to view a sunrise in the United States. Largely composed of pink granite, Cadillac Mountain is covered with spruce and pitch pine forests, tiny sub-alpine plants, short gnarled trees, wild blueberries, and boulders of all sizes and shapes. Reservations are currently required to make the 3-mile drive up the mountain. Fortunately, our tour group had made those arrangements. As we ascended, parked our van, and headed out over the granite rocks to settle in, we felt part of a pilgrimage, joining the many small groups of people gathered to see the rising sun.
Our final night in Bar Harbor consisted of a farewell dinner with our bike group, featuring Maine lobster, of course! This group of strangers had become friends over the last five days. As people shared their stories of what prompted them to make the trip and what they had gained from being there, we learned of retirements, health challenges, and hurricane devastation left behind. For many, this cycling trip was a personal challenge, a gift to themselves — which led to the gift of connection with each other.
By Tonilyn Hornung
Not always opting for the traditional, grandparents today are picking names based on family history, an affinity for the moniker, and in some cases, letting the grandkids choose one as they grow. We spoke with local grandparents about how their nicknames were born along with their grandkids.
Mimi and Opi
For Eric and Barbara Schmall, much thought went into picking the names their grandkids would call them. Eric says he went through all the usual choices but couldn’t arrive at a favorite. Then he happened to be reading a biography of a young girl in Germany in the 1930s, and she called her maternal grandfather Opi. That name made an impression. Opi is the diminutive form of Opa, a popular German
“I CAN’T IMAGINE BEING CALLED ANYTHING ELSE.”
— MELLANIE LORI, AKA HOWDY
term for grandfather. Eric felt Opi had a warmer, more casual feel that allowed family members to refer to their grandfather in a loving or playful way. “Perfect, I thought,” Eric says.
Barbara also found it difficult to choose from the more common grandparent names, partly because those names conjured up images of significantly older folk who were not 55 years young as she was. “My grandparents had seemed like old people to me — certainly, I was not their age,” Barbara says. She goes on to explain that another soon-to-be grandma friend felt the same way about traditional names, so they decided to pick their own. “A nurse friend of mine said her grandchildren called her Mimi, and I liked that name,” Barbara says. Studies show the name Mimi is on the rise with other names like Gran and Bibi, while the number one name choice these days is Nana. Barbara liked the sound of Mimi and knew it would be easy for a small child to say. “So, Mimi it was, and is, eleven grandchildren later,” Barbara says.
The only drawbacks Barbara and Eric found to choosing uncommon names are a lack of merchandise for personalized gifts and confusion regarding name origins. Barbara quickly discovered that “Mimi merchandise” was nonexistent, but she cherishes the handmade gifts her grandkids have given over the years. “Only the precious gifts handmade by my grandchildren have my Mimi name on them, but that is what makes these one-of-a-kind gifts so unique,” she says.
And for Eric: “When people heard the term I’d chosen, they thought I was paying some quirky tribute to Sheriff Andy Taylor’s son from The Andy Griffith Show.” This opened the door to talk about the real reason for the name, which Eric says he didn’t mind revealing, adding, “For two decades now, I have worn the name proudly.”
When Mellanie Lori found out she was going to be a grandparent, she had a plan. “I was set on being called Granny,” Mellanie says. She felt it was a perfect representation of the Kentucky grandma she was about to become, and in fact, research shows that Granny is the most popular nickname for Kentucky grandmothers, along with Nana. However, popularity wasn’t the reason behind Mellanie’s choice — this name had a special meaning. “My dad’s mom was Granny, and I loved the fact I was going to have that title,”
Mellanie says. Then, like all things baby-related, her grandson, River, had different plans.
As River began saying small words and phrases, Mellanie and her daughter (River’s mom) noticed him using a frequent and slightly unusual word when he saw his Granny. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t Granny.
“As [River] was learning to talk, he’d babble something that sounded like ‘Howdy’ when I walked in,” Mellanie says. She and her daughter suspected River might be borrowing a word from one of his favorite pastimes since he was a newborn: playing peekaboo with his grandmother. However, instead of saying “Peekaboo!” for the big reveal, Mellanie used the phrase “Hiddy Baby!” She and her daughter first thought River was trying to greet her with a cute Southern-sounding “Hiddy” like in their game, but his “Howdy” was so specific to her, Mellanie eventually realized she was Howdy. That’s when all the T-shirts, doormats, and hand towels with “Howdy” arrived. And now, three years later, Mellanie says, “I can’t imagine being called anything else.”
Oma and Opa
Steve and Jan Greubbel knew the prefix “grand” was not to be in their future when their kids had kids. When their oldest daughter became pregnant, part of the discussion regarding a grandparent nickname centered around not using this “grand” title. “My mom was Grandmother and my dad was Granddaddy, and I told Steve that only my mom could be Grandmother and the same for my dad,” Jan says. Keeping her parents’ names specific to them was important. Plus, Steve’s grandparents all had “grand” in their nicknames, too. With so many traditional grandparent titles in their family, Jan and Steve sought other options.
Jan had first heard the German equivalent of grandmother and grandfather, Oma and Opa, from cousins born in Germany, and she liked it. With their German last name, both Jan and Steve agreed that following in Jan’s cousins’ footsteps was the way to go. “We’re still Oma and Opa, from the 8-year-old twins to the 22-yearold,” Steve says. Steve and Jan’s two daughters supported their name choice, and nothing has altered since their original decision. “And seven grands later, we love our titles of Oma and Opa,” Jan says.
It’s easier than ever today to drive straight into your garage, close the door, and head inside without a wave or a word to the people you live next to. But have we lost something in our hyper-individualized, ever more virtual and private lives? Do we know our neighbors?
Sure, neighborhoods look different today than they did decades ago, and technology has changed how we go about our daily lives. But humans have been communal all throughout history for a reason: We help each other out. We keep an eye out for each other; we problem-solve together; we enjoy a spirit of community and camaraderie. And that starts with connection to those nearest us — on our street, in our building, or around the corner.
Explore how some local neighborhoods are cultivating a sense of community today, from gathering spaces to events, favorite locales, social media pages, and even apps.
The neighborhood app
The most popular app neighborhoods use to connect is Nextdoor. This app is available in more than 260,000 neighborhoods in the U.S., and its use continues to increase. Most people use Nextdoor to connect about life in their neighborhood, but it can also be used to talk about shared interests. Each of the communities we examine here are active on Nextdoor, and they also have vibrant out-of-doors social life where people come together to share in activities that excite and inspire.
HUMANS HAVE BEEN COMMUNAL ALL THROUGHOUT HISTORY FOR A REASON: WE HELP EACH OTHER OUT.
Small-town character by the bridge
Sitting next to the Ohio River, Jeffersonville, Indiana, is rich in good ol’ small-town feels. Holiday markets, public park activities, and festivals by the Big Four Bridge are only a handful of the fun events you’ll find. For those who enjoy a competitive sport (while seated), there’s weekly bingo, Bunco, and euchre at the Ken Ellis Center. Or if you need to get in your steps, you can make new friends or meet old ones in historic downtown Jeffersonville at the weekend farmers market or events like the Christmas Cookie Stroll through shops and restaurants.
Don’t forget the NoCo Arts and Cultural District, named for its location north of Court Avenue. NoCo and the NoCo Arts Center support an artistic culture with community-centric programming to inspire and support — bringing the artist and art lover together in spaces that celebrate creativity.
Public parks, green spaces, and community events abound in Oldham County. With eight popular hiking and family parks like Creasy Mahan National Reserve and Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Oldham County has space to connect with nature. “We have many beautiful parks in Oldham County where events are held throughout the year,” says Helen McKinney, Oldham County resident and author with Oldham County Tourism. Farmers markets in Springs Park in La Grange and Pewee Valley, art shows in Crestwood, and the Oldham Gardens and Hermitage Farm in Goshen with their holiday teas and whiskey tastings bring people together here.
Spending time at organized events and in public spaces allows you the opportunity to meet new people and celebrate together. “Our Oldham County community really comes together to support many causes,” Helen says. For example, the Humane Society of Oldham County holds annual events at The Maples Park, and the Oldham County History Center hosts events such as public archaeology digs and Underground Railroad tours. Check out the Tour Oldham County Facebook page for more information, because as Helen says, “There’s something for all ages.”
Smoketown was named for the smoke-producing kilns of the brick-making industry in the 1800s. Southeast of downtown Louisville, this up-and-coming area is home to great restaurants, Idlewild Butterfly Farm and Insectarium, and Logan Street Market. With more than 25 locally owned restaurants and shops, Logan Street has food, handmade crafts, events, and tons of space to connect with locals. Yoga classes and weekly brunches are a few of the activities you can check out here.
Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Shelby Park has it going on if you need some time in the great outdoors. Bring a picnic to one of many summer concerts, or a stein for fresh beer and food trucks during their October festival. Shelby Park also has a community garden where pros and newbies alike can grow fresh produce that anyone can harvest. Gardens such as these join people in a common interest and can boost public health.
The history of the Crescent Hill neighborhood dates back to the pioneer road of the 1780s — today’s Frankfort Avenue. In 1849, Crescent Hill became established due to Louisvillians choosing the area for their “summer residences.” According to the Crescent Hill Community Council, residents have always been dedicated to their community.
“Crescent Hill is very family-oriented,” says resident Gretchen Leachman, a mother of two. For example, the Crescent Hill Library offers storytimes and homework help for kids. But the library has something for all ages with game nights and books groups for adults.
And if good shopping and good restaurants don’t bring a community together, then what will? “The shops on Frankfort are always bustling,” Gretchen says. “The Easter Parade is always big, and the 4th of July celebration at Peterson Dumesnil House is huge.” For the last 29 years, the 4th of July Festival has been a big draw for Crescent Hill residents. Bringing the best fireworks, food, music, and art together in one place, festivalgoers can gather with new friends and old as the community continues its tradition of bringing people together.
The front porches are immediately noticeable as you drive or walk down the streets of the Norton Commons neighborhood in Prospect, Kentucky. Built to encourage conversation and connection, these front porches, with their inviting swings and solid front stoops, provide an idyllic spot to chat with neighbors or passersby. In truth, Norton Commons was made for this.
The intention behind the development of Norton Commons and similar New Urbanism communities is to invite an old-neighborhood charm into the modern world. Connecting sidewalks and walkways make conversing with folks that much easier. Residents Mike and Roxanne Falk say they love the convenience and walkability of the neighborhood — and working in a smaller yard also has benefits. Neighbors look out for one another on Nextdoor, and you can find up-to-date Facebook and Instagram pages with the latest activities.
And let’s not forget all the shops, restaurants, playgrounds, and public spaces that are a short walk from your front porch. Norton Commons supports closeness in the community not only through the proximity of its houses but also with its event calendar. From weekend farmers markets to block parties, to sold-out summer concerts by the lake and trivia nights, there’s never a shortage of things to do in this growing neighborhood.
You don’t have to organize a block party to be more connected to your neighbors (though that’s not a bad idea!). Here are some ideas to get out and get to know your fellow residents.
• Deliver holiday cookies, cards, or valentines to neighbors
• Park outside your garage when it’s nice out
• Take a regular morning or evening walk around the neighborhood
• Join your neighborhood social media pages
• Invite a couple of neighbors to a dinner party or to play cards
• Start a group text with a few neighbors to ask for recommendations or borrowing needs
If your current living situation isn’t comfortable anymore, then perhaps it’s time to move. These living options allow you to stay active and independent without the regular maintenance of a house. Some communities offer gyms, artistic rooms, and food options. Others might be located in an area that allows for accessibility to the local community. Whether you are actively looking for your next home or making plans for the future, our Living Options directory lists local apartments, condos, independent living communities and other specific living situations available.
See more on pages 52 and 53. Also search online at TodayTransitions.com by scanning the QR code.
Looking for a new place to call home? This directory of low-maintenance housing options includes condos, garden apartments, retirement and independent living communities. Find more at TodaysTransitionsNow.com/searchliving. All costs are per month.
The Altenheim has apartment suites for independent living. Apartments have an efficiency kitchenette, full bath with shower. All apartments have emergency call cords and offer emergency pendants. Linen service, housekeeping, personal laundry service and meals are provided at no additional charge. Recreational, educational, social, and religious services are also available.
Cost: $2200
Owner: The Altenheim
936 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204 (502) 584-7417 • thealtenheim.org
Our active seniors live very independently in lovely garden home and spacious apartments. Take advantage of all a senior living community has to offer, including maintenance-free homes, wellness programs, spiritual care and security. Our serene setting is close to shopping and dining, yet offers a private park-like feel in a close-knit community with plenty of delicious food and fun, engaging activities. Assisted Living suites available.
Cost: Prices vary depending on floor plan • Min. Age: 62
Owner: Christian Care Communities, Inc. (since 1884)
11530 Herrick Ln, Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 254-1799 • Middletown.ChristianCareCommunities.org
Best of Senior Living Kentuckiana 2024 Recipient — Everlan of Louisville combines the perfect balance of modern luxury with southern charm. Strategically designed with abundant recreation space and an impressive array of amenities, you can enjoy an afternoon at the spa, take in a movie in the theater room, or relax in the courtyard while catching up with family and friends — all from the comforts of your new home. Our Boutique Senior Living community was designed to meet your individual needs.
Cost: $3500-$5400
Owner: Everlan by Dominion
5900 Hunting Rd, Louisville, KY 40222 (502) 812-1558 • everlanliving.com/louisville/
Winter 2024-2025 / TodaysTransitions.com
Family owned & operated since 1986, several spacious floor plans, located on 14 beautiful acres with a park, walking trail and fishing pond. Warm, friendly residents, spacious apartments with great closets, activities to keep your mind entertained and your body in shape, housekeeping, extensive shuttle program that runs 7 days a week and excellent chef-prepared meals. All-inclusive pricing (includes all utilities, phone, cable, internet & personal alert pendant).
Cost: $2300-$3600 • Min. Age: 62
Owner: Bunker Hill Assoc. III, LLC
2960 Goose Creek, Louisville, KY 40241 (502) 429-7700 • brownsboropark.com
Enjoy friends next door, nicely landscaped grounds, and medical assistance with a reputation for quality care right on campus, should you need it. Take part in a book club, Bible study, bridge, social hour, exercise group, or dinner and a movie at the neighborhood clubhouse. Or stroll through the neighborhood on our 22-acre campus. Also, see our newest patio homes with open floor plans that are available this Spring!
Min. Age: 65
Owner: Episcopal Retirement Services 7504 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40222 (502) 736-7800 • episcopalchurchhome.org
Steps away from our full-continuum of care, villa patio homes offer housekeeping; lawn maintenance; fitness center and clubhouse; medical alert pendant, a full calendar of activities and excursions; Villa Lifestyle Director; pet-friendly.
Min. Age: 55
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
4120 Wooded Acre Ln, Louisville, KY 40245 (502) 694-7092 • forestspsringshc.com
Everything you love and need — a beautiful forty acre gated senior living community! People walk into our community feeling a sense of warmth and welcome. A place that feels like home. The Forum at Brookside is about hospitality, and a carefree lifestyle. Amenities include chef prepared meals, room service, housekeeping, social activities,indoor heated pool, pet friendly, transportation, security, an experienced management staff,and support with medical care as needed.
Cost: $2900-$5700 • Min. age: 55
Five Star Senior Living, Inc.
200 Brookside Dr, Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 245-3048 • theforumatbrookside.com
Secured 540 sq. ft. 1 BR efficiency units located in both the Clifton & Cane Run Road areas. Dining room, meeting rooms, library and sitting areas and on-site laundry, appliances, walk-in shower, individually controlled heat and A/C, pets accepted with restrictions. Handicapped accessible units if available. Water & electric included. Income limitations apply. Call for details.
Cost: income based • Min. Age: 62
Owner: Mercy Housing
2110 Payne St, Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 895-6409 • facebook.com/SacredHeartVillage
Nestled on 35 acres, The Village at Wesley Manor blends traditional living with the harmony of nature and 21st century conveniences. Our community provides two and a half miles of walking trails weaving through mature trees, lawns and natural meadows. Tucked into this picturesque setting, The Village at Wesley Manor offers three floor plans to satisfy your retirement needs and dreams — all with a new, relaxed, carefree independent living lifestyle.
Cost: Approx. $600 monthly maintenance charge upon entrance fee payment • Min. Age: 65
Owner: Methodist Retirement Homes of Kentucky, Inc.
5012 E Manslick Rd, Louisville, KY 40219 (502) 964-7498 • wesman.org
Resort style living, luxurious apartments, spacious closets, extra storage available, garage & golf cart garage rental, utilities & appliances included, patios/balconies, weekly housekeeping, 24-hour concierge, pet spa, salon & barber shop, fitness center, indoor heated pool, sun deck, putting green, club house, recreational activities, theater, cocktail lounge, terrace, shuttle service, continental breakfast, chef prepared gourmet meals, easy access to dining, shopping, entertainment, & health care, Signature Passion Program.
Cost: Starting at $4010+ • Min. Age: 55
Owner: Management, Civitas Senior Living
9300 Civic Way, Prospect, KY 40059 (502) 289-8370 • thegrand-sl.com
Retirement is a time to enjoy life to the fullest. For many people, that means setting aside all the duties and responsibilities that come with maintaining a home, and spending time simply enjoying all life has to offer. Choose from 14 different one-, two-or three-bedroom plans, all available with wall-to-wall flooring options, window treatments and completely equipped kitchens. Our comfortable apartments allow residents to find the perfect balance between vibrant community life and a high degree of privacy.
Cost: $3820-$7600 • Min. Age: 62
Owner: Third & Oak Corporation
211 West Oak St, Louisville, KY 40203 (502) 589-3211 • treytonoaktowers.com
We want to help connect your community to people looking to move to a maintenance — free living space.
We have a comprehensive list of Living Options online at TodaysTransitions.com.
By Kym Voorhees
The days of caregiving and hours at home can get long. Or, perhaps you can’t be with your loved one during the day due to work or other demands. An adult day program might be just the thing your loved one needs to meaningfully pass the time while still living at home.
An adult day center provides daytime care, stimulating activities, and much-needed socialization for older adults during the day. These programs can give primary caregivers a break to run errands, attend appointments, or just take some time for themselves while knowing their loved one is receiving the care and attention they need.
Access Care Louisville is one example of a day program that provides a place for older adults and adults with disabilities to receive nutritious meals, skilled nursing care, health-boosting activities, and individual care plans designed for their specific health needs. An activity coordinator is assigned to each participant to provide personalized care throughout the day. Skilled nurses, medical assistants, and certified nursing assistants are also on hand to support the needs of each participant.
While day programs are typically open five days a week during business hours, daily attendance varies for each person depending on their personal needs, according to Abby Bauer, business development manager at Access Care. She says the goal is to help people remain at home as long as possible.
Many adult day programs also offer transportation for your loved one to get to and from the facility, or to medical appointments they have. At Access Care, this service is provided for an extra fee and utilizes wheelchair-accessible vans and buses.
Abby says a day at Access Care starts with a morning activity, breakfast, and exercise. By midday, residents can choose from several activities around the facility and enjoy a light snack. After lunch, participants begin winding down and heading home.
Participants can choose from a wide range of activities designed to enhance cognition and encourage socialization, including board games, yoga, exercise classes, education seminars, jewelry making, sewing, and puzzles. The center also hosts birthday and holiday celebrations and offers regular field trips to add variety to the day.
Abby says bingo is the most popular activity followed by art classes, dominos, and yard games.
AN ADULT DAY CENTER PROVIDES DAYTIME CARE, STIMULATING ACTIVITIES, AND MUCH-NEEDED SOCIALIZATION FOR OLDER ADULTS DURING THE DAY.
A unique passion at the heart of Access Care, from its beginning, is serving those from cultures outside the U.S. For 84-year-old Abdal Amir, the day center has become a home away from home. The native of Iraq has dementia and does not speak English. But because Access Care employs immigrants and refugees from a variety of countries, they can assist and support participants without fear of a language or cultural barrier — a need that may not often be met in other services, such as health care.
For Abdal’s family, having caregivers who speak his language and understand and respect his heritage offers them peace of mind.
“Of course, we want the best care possible, and seeing how the staff at Access Care treats participants, how much they care and how well they interact with them, sold us on this as an option for my grandfather,” says Asmaa Hussein. “He calls it ‘school’ and can’t wait to go each day.”
Asmaa says Abdal attends the day program five days a week. His favorite activity is exercise class, and he loves the authentic Iraqi food he receives at meals every day. He also takes advantage of the transportation service, receiving rides to and from the facility.
According to Abby, Access Care started with a small group of Russian-speaking immigrants in 2011 and has grown over the years to accommodate other immigrant populations, catering to a variety of cultures and languages including Russian/ Eastern European, Southeast Asia (China, Korea, Vietnam), Middle East (Arabic-speaking nations), and Hispanic (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Columbia, Puerto Rico), as well as American.
When the food, the language, and the faces are all familiar, a person from a different culture can feel less isolated and may be more willing to interact with others.
Some adult day care programs charge by the hour, while others charge by the day or week, and costs can vary. Medicare does not pay for adult day care, but Medicaid does. Veteran’s programs, state assistance programs, and programs like PACE might also be able to provide financial assistance.
You may qualify for a Home and Community Based (HBC) waiver. Search for this waiver on chfs.ky.gov for more information and eligibility requirements. A case manager from your chosen day center can also help you navigate waiver services.
Before enrolling your loved one in an adult day program, do your research. Check out the organization’s website, look at online reviews, and make an appointment to visit in-person with your loved one.
• What is the ratio of caregivers to participants?
• What kind of training do staff receive?
• What are the procedures for a medical emergency?
• Do they provide individualized care plans?
• Will caregivers help with toileting, medication, eating?
• Do they provide meals and snacks? If so, are dietary restrictions considered?
• What activities are provided?
• Do participants help decide what activities are offered?
• What is the policy for late arrival or pick-up?
• Do they provide transportation to daytime appointments such as to the doctor, dentist, or hairstylist?
Ask for referrals. What do other families and current participants think of the program?
Make sure you choose a program that is licensed, certified, or accredited
Watch for red flags including high staff turnover, poor cleanliness, a minimal variety of activities provided, disinterested or disengaged staff, and insufficient safety and security measures.
Most importantly, consider if this is somewhere your loved one would like to spend their days and whether you feel comfortable leaving them there.
Keeping up with family and friends isn’t just about sharing updates; it’s about nurturing relationships, fostering joy, and enhancing well-being. These tech tools are designed specifically to help you engage with loved ones, even when miles apart.
GrandPad: Starts at $65/month
GrandPad is a tablet specifically designed to keep multigenerational families connected. The intuitive, simplified interface makes it easy to enjoy video calls, share photos, and play games with family members without the complications that often come with traditional tablets. Caregivers can set up the device and manage content remotely, ensuring a seamless experience. GrandPad allows for secure interactions and works even without Wi-Fi, making it a wonderful tool for enhancing social connections.
Starts at $99
Meaningful conversations can sometimes feel lost amidst the hustle of daily life, but Storyworth provides a beautiful solution to help families connect in a deeply personal way. Each week for a year, Storyworth sends out a question, such as ”What was your favorite childhood game?” or ”What lessons have you learned from your experience?” The recipient can respond at their own pace, crafting detailed answers that often spark rich reflections. At the end of the year, the collected stories can be compiled into a book that will allow future generations to learn about their heritage.
Megilla: $72/year (first 6 months free!)
If you’d rather talk than write, then Megilla might be for you. Like Storyworth, Megilla is a crossgenerational storytelling platform, but it invites you to create short videos kept privately online, which you can then send to loved ones. It offers a creative space for sharing personal narratives and preserving cherished memories. The user-friendly interface is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible for people of all ages. The platform encourages collaboration, allowing friends and family to contribute their own memories or reflections related to the story.
Aura Frames: Start at $149
Wi-Fi-enabled digital photo frames like Aura Frames come with a companion app that family members can download on their smartphones. After caregivers help set up the frame, family members can send photos directly to the frame via the app. Whenever a new photo is added, it automatically updates on the Aura Frame. This means Grandma can enjoy fresh pictures of the grandchildren, family gatherings, and special moments without needing to do anything herself.
Ialways talk to people on elevators. One day I was talking to a dear old lady who told me she was lonely. She had reared several children, but now they were scattered, her husband had died, and she lived alone. She said it wasn’t so bad until she sat down to eat: “Eating just by your lone self after having had a large family is hard to do.” She shared that she isn’t eating correctly because she has no incentive to cook a balanced meal just for herself.
Years ago while serving four parishes in Kentucky, I found home visitation my most effective tool to connect with people. On one occasion after visiting a family in an apartment complex, I was in no special hurry and decided to try a little experiment. There were eight apartments in that building, and I decided to visit the people in every one, though I did not know any of them. So I knocked on every door.
In three of them, no one was at home. I had already visited one, so that left four. When someone in each of those four opened the door, I simply said I was a minister in the area and thought I would just stop in to see them for a few minutes. The cordial welcome I received in every instance really amazed me. And it seemed to me that every one of them appreciated my coming and was genuinely glad to talk to somebody.
Over the years I remember many people calling the number that gives us the correct time. I know of one old lady in town who calls that number every night just before going to bed. Somebody asked her if she had a clock.
“Yes,” she said, “I have a clock, but I call, not because I want to know the time, but just to hear somebody’s voice before I go to bed.”
A man told me recently how his life had been since he retired. For 40 years he had been on the job, and now his career was over. He had a pension to live on, but he needed something to do. He had a small yard, but after a few weeks, he had done everything in it that needed doing. He watches for the mailman every morning, and he says he carefully reads every circular he gets. He had looked forward to retiring and had worked hard for it, but now that it has arrived, he is miserable.
Instead of thinking about yourself, realize that you are in the midst of many other people who are very lonely. Then, set out to do something for a few of them. You will be amazed at how grateful and responsive those you help will be, and when you see how you have helped, there will be a warm glow in your heart that is by far the best feeling you have ever had.
One of the tragedies in our society is that there are so many
people slowly starving to death. Not starving for physical food, because there are numerous agencies that will give hungry people something to eat, but starving for a little attention. Deep in every heart is the yearning to be accepted, to be loved, and to be held dear by someone.
It takes some planning and work, but there are lasting friendships waiting for all who will do their part. I have heard people say, “I do not have an enemy in the world,” and it is true. Yet it may also be true that they do not have any friends, either. Many people have neither friends nor enemies. To have friends requires that you do things that make and keep friends. What you need to do is expressed in this little poem:
If any little love of mine may make a life the brighter, If any little song of mine may make the heart the lighter; God help me speak the little word and take my bit of singing, And drop it in some lonely vale to set the echoes ringing.
If any little love of mine may make a life the sweeter; If any little care of mine may make a friend’s the fleeter; If any little lift may ease the burden of another, God give me love and care and strength to help my toiling brother. — Author Unknown
Bob Mueller is a bishop of the United Catholic Church. bobmueller.org
For an older loved one, isolation can be hard to fight, especially with barriers such as illness, lack of mobility, social anxiety, the death of a spouse, and geographic distance from family.
It is important to find solutions because social isolation can contribute to a variety of physical and mental health issues, including decreased cardiovascular health, poor cognitive function, lower immune function, depression, and anxiety.
Several local organizations help provide companionship at home:
Following an assessment with an older adult and their family, ElderCare 4 Families will create a customized companionship plan that addresses the person’s individual wants and desires, then match them with a caregiver based on those requirements and personality. Caregivers can come as little as one hour per week or 24 hours a day, and they can provide in-home care and personal services in addition to companionship if needed.
Sara Olivencia, community outreach coordinator at ElderCare 4 Families, says caregivers commonly spend time with clients playing board games and cards, making crafts, going for walks, exercising, and going out to lunch. They can take clients to the grocery, the movies, the park, the beauty shop, doctor appointments, and anywhere else they’d like to go.
“We strive to match clients with a caregiver they enjoy spending time with,” Sara says. “We love it when a friendship develops between a caregiver and a client.”
Seniors Helping Seniors matches older caregivers with clients who are looking for companionship. These caregivers offer a unique perspective as they also have life experience and may share similar interests and hobbies with those they’re helping. In addition to companionship, they provide light housekeeping, cooking, shopping, transportation, and assistance with personal care as needed by the client.
For those who live outside of Jefferson County, the Central Kentucky Community Action Council also offers a companion program where volunteers provide one-on-one social interaction. They may also perform household tasks such as cleaning, light meal preparation, and transportation. The purpose of the program is to ease loneliness, provide social support, and build friendships. See a list of counties served on their website.
Hosparus Health Louisville has a companionship program to help relieve loneliness and share interests. Volunteers will visit with your loved one to play games, read, or just sit and talk. For older adults without family or friends in the area, just having someone to talk to or get a hug from can make a big difference.
BY STRENGTHENING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS, WE CAN ENHANCE OUR LOVED ONE’S OR OUR OWN SENSE OF BELONGING AND SECURITY, IMPROVE OUR HEALTH, AND GAIN A MORE POSITIVE OUTLOOK.
When you need help caring for someone you love, trust is important — you are trusting the caregiver with someone you hold dear. Whether your loved one needs skilled nursing care or simply companionship, caregivers who have been vetted, trained, and who are backed by a reliable company help bring peace of mind.
Search more directories online at TodaysTransitions.com.
406 Blankenbaker Pkwy, Ste G Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 893-4700 louisvillehomecare.org
CareBuilders at Home
2210 Goldsmith Ln, Ste 209 Louisville, KY 40218 (502) 458-2273 carebuildersathomelouisville.com
1169 Eastern Pky, Ste 1134, Louisville, KY 40217 (502) 208-9424
caringexcellenceathome.com
Green Leaves
129 St. Matthews Ave Louisvillle, KY 40207 (502) 260-9271 greenleavesadhc.com
Search more home caregiving services online by scanning the QR code.
Joint Commission Accredited. High quality skilled & non-skilled in home care for people of all ages. All care is overseen by a Registered Nurse and is available 1-24 hrs/ day with Guaranteed Caregiver Compatibility. Compassionate care, excellent service. Services: personal care, homemaker, transportation, errands, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, Parkinson’s, ALS, respite, med reminders, meal prep, end of life care, RN/geriatric case management, skilled nursing.
Price per hour: $32-$36 | Min. time required: 4 hrs
Type: Non-medical, skilled nursing | Owner: Christian & Leslie McCutcheon
Compassionate, customized, coordinated care; State Certified Personal Service Agency, Help at home for independence, post-rehab recovery, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, Parkinson’s, respite, sitter service any location; 1-to-1 for med appointments, companion
Services: personal care, homemaker, transportation, errands
Price per hour: $30-$34 | Min. time required: 3 hrs Type: Non-medical | Owner: Laura Curry and Michael Coffey
Locally owned, Consistent Caregivers, Caregiver Matching and RN Case Management. Senior Care, Parkinson’s Care, Alzheimer’s Care and After-Hospital Care in your home. All care directed by Registered Nurse and Master Level Social Worker. Services: All personal care, all mobility needs, meal preparation, homemaking, medication reminders, exercise assistance, errands, transportation, respite care.
Price per hour: $23-$24 | Min. time required: Flexible up to 24/7
Type: Non-medical | Owner: Kayla Cook, RN, Elisabeth Knight, MSSW
Every day is dedicated to the independence and dignity of older adults and others who need extra support. While our participants enjoy themselves in our adult day health center, their families experience a renewed sense of security and fulfillment. locally and women owned.
Services: adult day health center, non-medical home care, personal care, meal preparation, transportation, medication reminders, skilled nursing, case management
Price per hour: $30-$36 | Min. time required: Flexible Type: non-medical | Owner: Galena Burstein
2301 Hurstbourne Village Dr #100 Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 426-9783 home-companions.com
2001 Stanley Gault Pkwy, Ste C Louisvillle, KY 40223 (502) 244-1212 hwcg.com/Louisville
6200 Dutchmans Lane Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 456-6200 HosparusHealth.org
Kentuckiana Home Care
126 S. Sherrin Ave Louisville 40207 (502) 897-6547 kentuckianahomecare.com
Personalized loving care available in home, assisted living, nursing home or hospital; scheduling up to 24 hours 7 days a week; trained and experience caregivers; free assessments; serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana since 1996.
Services: personal care, home making, transportation, errands, respite, med reminders
Price per hour: $30+ | Min. time required: Flexible Type: Non-medical | Owner: Terry Graham, RN; Dawn Smithwick, BSW
Fully trained and experienced CNA’s/Caregivers, on-staff Certified Dementia Practitioners, complimentary evaluations, customized care plan, company with 30 years of home care experience, Alzheimer’s/Dementia expertise, Five Star reviews Services: personal care, homemaker, transportation, errands
Price per hour: $27-$32 | Min. time required: 4 consecutive hours
Type: non-medical | Owner: Steve and Trish Kochersperger
For over 45 years Hosparus Health has been helping patients and families dealing with a serious illness to live life to the fullest. Our patient-centered care means a better quality of life.
Services: hospice and palliative services, pain and symptom mgmt, social workers, spiritual care, CNA’s, grief counseling services, and volunteer program
Price: Medicare accepted rate | Min. time required: N/A
Type: Medical | Owner: Hosparus Inc.
Customized Care by reliable and experienced caregivers. Total scheduling flexibility and a tailored care plan, including integral client communication. Free assessment! Services: Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Light Housekeeping, Companionship, Meal Prep, Laundry, Errands & Transportation, Alzheimer’s care, Fall Prevention, Med Reminders, Respite Care for Families, Transitional & Rehab Care, Overnight Care, End-ofLife and Specialized Care
Price per hour: $23-$30 | Min. time required: Flexible Type: Non-medical | Owner: Andy Block, locally owned & operated
Nazareth At Home
2000 Newburg Rd Louisville, KY 40205 502-459-9681 nazarethathome.org
2000 Newburg Rd Louisville, KY 40205 502-459-9681 nazaretheliteconcierge.org
Senior HelpersLouisville/Southern Indiana
4043 Taylorsville Rd Louisville, KY 40220 (502) 690-2648 seniorhelpers.com
Nazareth at Home empowers seniors to live independently in the place they love. We provide personalized, compassionate in-home services that cater to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they age gracefully while maintaining their quality of life. Committed to excellence and the power of meaningful moments, we strive to make every day fulfilling and enriching for the seniors we serve.
Services: In-Home personalized care and support.
Price per hour: Negotiated | Min. time required: Flexible Type: non-medical | Owner: Nazareth Home
Nazareth at Home Elite Concierge offers personalized concierge services designed specifically for seniors. From coordinating appointments and arranging transportation to handling errands and providing lifestyle assistance, we ensure that every need is met with efficiency and care. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for seniors, allowing them to focus on enjoying a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Services: Personalized concierge services.
Price per hour: Negotiated | Min. time required: Flexible Type: non-medical | Owner: Nazareth Home
Locally Owned, licensed and insured with excellent service and compassionate caregivers trained how to keep SENIORS SAFE AT HOME! Call today for a FREE Life Profile consultation — the first step in reducing risks and hospital admissions! Services: Flexible schedules helping with personal care, companionship, transportation, errands, med reminders, meal prep, housekeeping, Dementia care, end of life support. Accepting private pay, LTC ins., VA, ABI and HCB Medicaid Waivers.
Price per hour: $25-$30 | Min. time required: Flexible Type: Non-medical Home Care Services | Owner: Nancy Galloway
Today’s Transitions seeks to help you find the right care you need for a loved one whenever you need it. The Care Communities Directory contains both short- and long-term carerelated resources. More details can be found at TodaysTransitions.com.
For Home Caregiving Directory, see page 64. For retirement Living Options Directory, see page 50.
TYPES OF CARE COMMUNITIES: Adult Day Care programs provide care and companionship to those who need supervision or assistance. Aging-In-Place Communities offer several levels of care on one campus.
Assisted Living is residential living for those who need help with daily activities and health services. Hospice provides pain relief for those with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Memory Care residential living is for those with dementia at different care levels. Palliative Care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. Personal Care residential living offers mobile residents minimal assistance for daily activities. Rehabilitation Services is physical treatment in an inpatient or outpatient clinic. Skilled Nursing Care is 24-hour nursing services for residents in a care community Respite Care provides short-term care in order to provide relief for primary caregivers.
Search our care community directory online by scanning the QR code.
Search the Location Chart (on the right page) for specific types of care by location. The Map (right) coordinates with the Zone column. More details for all care communities listed in the chart can be found in the full directory listing starting on page 68.
If you are interested in a listing, call 502.327.8855 or email Office@TodaysTransitions.com.
*Published rates are given by company.
Payment Options: These definitions can help you navigate the payment options in each directory:
Private – consumer pays out-of-pocket.
Private Ins. – could include Medicare supplements or HMOs/health insurance.
LTCi – long-term care insurance; helps cover the cost of services for people who have an extended physical illness, extended disability, or cognitive impairment.
VA – Veterans Administration; provides financial assistance to retired veterans needing medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care.
The Altenheim
936 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
(502) 584-7417
thealtenheim.org
Price Per Day: $100-$384
Number of Beds: 32 (N/R), 30 (PC)
Enjoy our beautiful Highlands park-like setting with updated furnishings no matter your living arrangements – independent, assisted, personal care, nursing/rehab or short-term stay. We offer a secure, lockdown building for resident safety. Our selective menus offer a variety of options. Staffing levels are above expectations and truthfully make us what we are today! Our Aging-in-Place community offers an above average staff-to-resident ratio, allowing time for visits with residents as well as necessary care. Hosparus care supports our staff when requested. We specialize in activity programs for residents offered by trained staff and volunteers. Our Personal Care option provides the independence of living at home.
Owner: The Altenheim
Payment: Private, LTCi
Features and Services: 24-Hour Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Tours/Trips, Medication Given, Pets
Considered, Chef on Staff, Laundry
The Ashton on Dorsey
1105 Dorsey Ln, Louisville, KY 40223 (502) 653-8111
theashtonondorsey.com
Price Per Month: $4099+
Number of Beds: 98
The Ashton on Dorsey is situated in a quiet, picturesque suburb rich in history, brimming with southern hospitality and sophisticated country charm. The Personal Care apartments provide the stability and safety needed for the independence our residents desire. We also feature a Memory Care neighborhood specially designed for those transitioning through Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
The Ashton on Dorsey was designed with purpose to embody the impeccable southern style of Louisville with all the comforts of home. The spaces and furnishings have been artfully created as a nod to Louisville’s rich heritage and easy elegance. Stop in for a tour experience that will exceed your Senior Living expectations.
Owner: Sonida Senior Living
Payment: Private, LTCi, VA, Hospice
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Barton House
6830 Overlook Dr, Louisville, KY 40241 (502) 423-7177 • bartonlouisville.com
Price Per Month: $7100 all-inclusive
Designed for Alzheimer’s & memory impairments. Dignified & individualized care, from meals to the activities they participate in, and how their room is decorated. Pets to love & care for, frequent meals promoting socialization, tree-filled backyard with a patio and walking path. Staff trained in dementia. Medical care by our nurses, therapists, psychiatrist & doctor.
Owner: Goodworks
Payment: Private, LTCi
Features and Services: Showers, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hr Care, Physical/ Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Chef on Staff
BeeHive Homes of Goshen/Prospect
12336 US Hwy 42, Goshen, KY 40026 (502) 292-3200 • beehivehomes.com/goshen
Price Per Month: $4500
24/7 care, low resident-to-staff ratio, home atmosphere, no care increases
Owner: Eric and Catherine Sherrard
Payment: Private, LTCi, VA
Belmont Village St. Matthews
4600 Bowling Blvd, Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 721-7500
belmontvillage.com
Price Per Day: $140-$340
The Community Built for Life – Belmont Village St. Matthews offers a variety of senior living options. Our residents enjoy an environment that allows as much independence or assistance that they may need. Our Community is designed inside and out to complement the style of the area and create a comfortable, familiar space for our residents. Private apartments are available in a variety of floor plans, and as a licensed Personal Care Community, our residents don’t have to move if care needs change and couples with differing care needs can stay together. We have been recognized for our award winning memory care programming, including our Circle of Friends® program designed to address mild to moderate cognitive impairment and varying stages of dementia. Founded in research and developed by experts, our memory care activities are therapeutic and engaging, with attainable goals that allow our residents to stay involved, maintain function and have happy fulfilling days.
Owner: Belmont Village, L.P.
Payment: Private, LTCi, Private Ins.
Features and Services: Chef prepared meals, Transportation, Housekeeping, Laundry, on-site Therapy services, Entertainment and Happy hour, Medication management, Bathing, dressing, toileting assistance, Activities and outings, Pet friendly.
Christian Care Communities – Middletown 11530 Herrick Ln, Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 254-1799
Middletown.ChristianCareCommunities.org
Price Per Month: $3750-$4820 All-inclusive. No added fees for care needs.
Assisted living is ideal for those seniors who wish to maintain their independence while benefiting from a little extra help with everyday tasks when needed. Our assisted living services are tailored to the unique needs of each resident, with a goal to balance active independence with trusted support. Dementia and mobile-friendly building, on one floor.
Our loving and dedicated team of caregivers and providers want to help residents live their best lives. Residents enjoy the freedom and flexibility to keep their own schedule, while having access to a 24/7 team ready to assist with daily living activities. Imagine your own private and cozy suite with a community full of fun, friends and fellowship right outside your front door when you want them. Relax in our sundrenched dining room to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals with delightful desserts. Our shared living room areas are well-appointed and designed to promote social interaction.
Owner: Christian Care Communities, Inc.
Payment: Private, VA, LTCi
Features and Services: Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing and Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hour Care, Dining Room, Medication Reminders, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Chef on Staff, Chapel, Beauty Salon
Cooper Trail Senior Living
325 Lincoln Way, Bardstown KY 40004 (502) 572-4329 • coopertrailsl.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing. Compassionate staff, activities, respite & outpatient services on-site.
Operated by: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, LTCi
Creekside on Bardstown
3535 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40218
(502) 919-7715
creeksideonbardstown.com
Price Per Month: $4000-$5500
At Creekside on Bardstown, we are committed to providing the best care and community at affordable, all-inclusive prices. We tailor each individual’s care to their unique abilities and strengths, which as proven to be extremely beneficial for dementia-related illnesses.
Family/home like atmosphere that is all inclusive. We provide scheduled transportation to and from doctor appointments, telephone, cable, wifi, compassionate caregivers to assist with toileting, and more. We also provide 3 home-made meals per day with 3 snacks.
Owner: TDK
Payment: Private, VA, LTCi
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Creekside on Whipps Mill 9701 Whipps Mill Rd, Louisville, KY 40223 (502) 919-8470
creeksideonwhippsmill.com
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Price Per Month: $4000-$5500
At Creekside on Whipps Mill, we are committed to the all-inclusive experience at an affordable cost. We take time to provide individual assistance, outstanding therapy, and a family environment unlike any other.
Family/home like atmosphere that is all inclusive. We provide scheduled transportation to and from doctor appointments, telephone, cable, wifi, compassionate caregivers to assist with toileting, and more. We also provide 3 home-made meals per day with 3 snacks.
Owner: TDK
Payment: Private, VA, LTCi
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/ Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Pets Allowed, Chef on Staff
Dominion Senior Living of Louisville
6000 Hunting Rd , Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 812-1556
dominionseniorliving.com/louisville/
Price Per Month: $4600-$5850
We believe our Dominion Lifestyles should enrich the minds, bodies, and souls of our residents. Our person-focused approach allows each resident to choose how they spend their day enjoying our fun activities. Our personal care and memory care lifestyles come with top-notch amenities for residents. From private apartments to home-style meals, assistance with daily living, and housekeeping. It’s covered in our allinclusive pricing.
Personal care is perfect for seniors who enjoy independence but need help with the activities of daily living and medication management. Our team provides person-centered care that meets the individual needs of each resident. Team members are available 24-hours a day to support residents with activities like dressing, bathing, medication reminders, and coordination of transportation and health services.
Owner: Dominion Senior Living, LLC
Payment: Private, VA, LTCi
Features and Services: Transportation, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Management, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Chef on Staff
The Enclave of East Louisville
100 Shelby Station Dr, Louisville, KY 40245
(502) 632-5500
theenclaveofeastlouisville.com
Price Per Day: Pricing varies according to level of care
As a two-time U.S. News & World Report award-winning community, The Enclave of East Louisville helps create rewarding lifestyles for all our residents. Expect a warm and welcoming senior living community where residents enjoy support provided by a professional, caring staff.
From delightful and nutritious chef-prepared meals to engaging curated activities and meaningful new friendships, each day brings chances for fun, fitness and real connection. You’ll find everything you need within our stunning grounds and inspired interiors so you can feel confident stepping into your next stage of life. With Personal Care, Memory Care, and Respite Care options, along with round-the-clock expert health services and support, life at The Enclave will always include a sense of serenity, safety, and satisfaction.
Owner: Bridge Senior Living
Payment: Private, LTCi, Private Insurance
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Episcopal Church Home
7504 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 736-7800
episcopalchurchhome.org
Price Per Day: Varies by Level of Care
We provide the options while you make the choices. We offer high-quality support, services, and amenities as you age and your personal care needs change. Experience our spacious patio homes in a neighborhood where your neighbors are your friends. Enjoy our intimate and luxurious dining and life-enrichment spaces, or relax on the outdoor patio and seating areas that overlook our new garden.
Our Personal Care neighborhoods including memory care support provides a place where you can enjoy the highest quality of life possible in a safe, fun, and enriching environment no matter what level of assistance you may need. We have options for those who may only need intermittent support, or offer additional services for those needing more help with their daily routines or health needs. We have on-site nursing care with a high staff-to-resident ratio that can provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Owner: Episcopal Retirement Services
Payment: Private, Medicaid, Medicare, VA, LTCi, Hospice, Private Ins.
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Meal Prep, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Management, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Chef on Staff
Forest Springs Health Campus
4120 Wooded Acre Ln, Louisville, KY 40245 (502) 694-7092 • forestspringshc.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Full continuum of care, short-term care, therapy services on-site.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, LTCi
The Forum at Brookside
200 Brookside Dr, Louisville, KY 40243
(502) 245-3048
theforumatbrookside.com
Price Per Day: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Number of Units: Assisted Living – Basic Health 24 Apartments
Our Ambassador Suites have 24 Assisted Living – Basic Health apartments providing 24-hour nursing supervision and medication administration. Restaurant-style dining room, stimulating activities tailored to the individual, and a private landscaped courtyard with gazebo within our 40-acre park-like campus encourages healthy living.
On-site physical therapy specializes in rehabilitation and fitness training solutions providing easy-to- access outpatient rehab and pro-active strength and fitness training.
Five Star Senior Living is proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work!
Owner: Five Star Senior Living, Inc.
Payment: Private, Private Ins.
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Water/Aquatic Exercise, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Franciscan Health Care Center
3625 Fern Valley Rd, Louisville, KY 40219 (502) 912-9041 • franciscanhc.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Full continuum of care, short-term care, therapy services on-site.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, LTCi
Glen Ridge Health Campus
6415 Calm River Way, Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 272-4739 • glenridgehc.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Full continuum of care, short-term care, therapy services on-site.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, LCTi
The Grand Senior Living
9300 Civic Way, Prospect, KY 40059
(502) 289-8370
thegrand-sl.com
Price Per Month: $4810+
In house Medical Director, Licensed nurse 7 days a week, 24-7 professional care services, dedicated staff trained in dementia care. Signature Passion Program with family care services and support group.
Restaurant dining with 3 chef prepared meals a day, assistance with all activities of daily living, 24-7 care staff, medication management, emergency pendant system, in-house therapy program with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, house cleaning and laundry services, transportation, pet friendly, full service salon, indoor heated pool, movie theater, putting green, bocce ball, and walking trails.
Owner: Management, Civitas Senior Living
Payment: Private, LTCi, VA
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, House Cleaning, Bathing and Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hour Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Water/Aquatic Exercise, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Harmony at Tucker Station
12523 Taylorsville Rd, Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 694-4673 • HarmonySeniorServices.com
Price Per Month: $3350+
Our senior living community offers a range of options to provide as much or as little assistance as you may need. Choose from Independent Living, Personal Care and Memory Care to get the right level of support from our caring, expert team. We are committed to serving our residents in a way that provides comfort and enrichment in your life. Harmony stands out among senior living communities for our uniquely engaging calendar of events, enriching activities, and world-class care services.
Owner: Harmony Senior Services
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Laundry, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical Therapy, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
9300 Stonestreet Rd, Ste 700, Louisville, KY 40272 (502) 935-3300 • heartsong-mc.com
Price Per Day: $80/day, baths $20 | Type: medical
Activities to promote cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.
Owner: Heartsong Memory Care, LLC
Payment: Private, Medicaid, LTCi
10720 Plantside Dr, Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 935-3300
Price Per Day: $85/day, baths $20 | Type: medical
Activities to promote cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.
Owner: CJL Group, LLC
Payment: Private, LTCi
The Legacy at English Station
13700 English Villa Dr, Louisville, KY 40245 (502) 495-3276 • legacyatenglishstation.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Memory care honoring unique life stories, highly trained caregivers.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, LTCi
Nazareth Home – Clifton Campus
2120 Payne St, Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 895-9425 nazhome.org
Price Per Day: $185-$525
Number of Licensed Beds on This Campus: 113
Nazareth Home was established in 1976 as a healthcare ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Today, Nazareth Home is an award-winning, 5-star rated long-term care and rehabilitation organization that provides person-centered health and wellness services for adults and families. With two campuses in Louisville, Ky., Nazareth Home enriches the lives of its patients through personal care, memory care, recovery to home, and long-term care programs.
Owner: Nazareth Home, Inc.
Payment: Private, LTCi, Medicare, Medicaid
Features and Services: Showers Available, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing Assistance, Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hour Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Chef on Staff
2000 Newburg Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 459-9681
nazhome.org
Price Per Day: $215-$595
Number of Licensed Beds on This Campus: 168
Nazareth Home was established in 1976 as a healthcare ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Today, Nazareth Home is an award-winning, 5-star rated long-term care and rehabilitation organization that provides person-centered health and wellness services for adults and families. With two campuses in Louisville, Ky., Nazareth Home enriches the lives of its patients through personal care, memory care, recovery to home, and long-term care programs.
Owner: Nazareth Home, Inc.
Payment: Private, LTCi, Medicare, Medicaid
Features and Services: Showers Available, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing Assistance, Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hr Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Chef on Staff
Park Terrace Health Campus
9700 Stonestreet Rd, Louisville, KY 40272 (502) 909-0583 • parkterracehc.com
Price Per Day: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
On-site skilled nursing, memory care services, private/semi-private.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Medicare, Medicaid, Private, Private Ins.
• A list of all local caregiving communities: nursing home care, home caregiving, assisted living, memory care, and living options.
• Comprehensive directories of care communities and resources complete with features, photos, and reviews.
The Pinnacle of Louisville
10451 Linn Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40223
(502) 423-8776
thepinnacleoflouisville.com
Price Per Month: $4950
As one of Louisville’s first stand-alone memory care communities, our compassion and care sets us apart. There are many advantages to being a stand-alone community — two courtyards, a big backyard, and neighborhoods — our residents have plenty of space to move around. You will find activities and events, commonly found in an assisted living communities, like games, parties and entertainment, right here for your loved ones to enjoy. Our memory care specific activity program provides therapeutic activities that encourage creativity, a sense of community and physical, mental and cognitive stimulation.
With 24/7 licensed nursing care, we provide medication administration, bathing, dressing, grooming and meals (cuing if needed). All meals, housekeeping and activities like our weekly bus outing, are included. Your loved one is also able to visit our salon or take advantage of our on-site therapy.
For immediate residence or respite stays, we offer furnished move-in ready rooms. We believe that The Pinnacle of Louisville is above all else, our resident’s home. Honoring their dignity and individuality is at the core of everything we do. Come see us and feel the difference.
Owner: The Pinnacle of Louisville
Payment: Private
Riverbend Assisted Living & Memory Care Community
2715 Charlestown Pike, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 280-0965
sonidaseniorliving.com/community/riverbend
Price Per Month: $3500-$4500
Live life stress-free at Riverbend, where amenities and convenient services make everyday living comfortable and exciting for older adults. In assisted living, you will find spacious studios and onebedroom apartments with patio options that lead to our beautiful courtyards. In Magnolia Trails, our specialized memory care, we offer a safe and secure environment tailored to the unique needs of seniors with dementia.
You will also find our calendar is always full of fun and engaging activities to try. From live entertainment, fitness and painting classes, Bridge and Euchre club to educational seminars, we provide meaningful ways for you to develop new skills and interests and expand your social circles.
Owner: Sonida Senior Living
Payment: Private, Medicaid, VA, LTCi, Hospice
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Chef On Staff
119 E Sanders Lane, Mt. Washington KY 40047 (502) 251-4184 • sandersridgehc.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Full continuum of care, short-term care, therapy services on-site.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Medicare, Medicaid, LTCi, Private
Shelby Farms Senior Living 100 Williamsburg Dr, Shelbyville KY 40065 (502) 257-9485 • shelbyfarmssl.com
Compassionate staff, activities, respite & outpatient services on-site.
Operated by: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, LTCi, EFT
Spring House at Louisville
1760 Plantside Dr, Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 452-2664
springhouseliving.com/spring-house-at-louisville
Price Per Month: $3945-$5395
A remarkable senior community in the Hurstbourne area. We understand senior living can be challenging. Our team works closely with residents and families to ensure a seamless transition.
Independent Living: We offer a wide range of floor plans.
Assisted Living: Services include medication assistance and reminders, assistance with ambulation, transfers, and escorts to and from daily routine activities and social events, assistance with dining, bathing, grooming and personal hygiene, dress, toileting and incontinence management.
Memory Care: A special memory care neighborhood is dedicated to caring for residents with memory impairment. Our Township program is designed with varying stages in mind, and features unique “Neighborhoods” tailored to meet the needs of each resident.
Owner: Canopy Senior Living
Payment: Private, Private Ins., LTCi
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Movie Room
2000 East Peak Rd, LaGrange, KY 40031 (502) 516-2824 • springsatoldhamreserve.com
Full continuum of care, meals, activities, gorgeous surroundings.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, LTCi
The Springs at Stony Brook
2200 Stony Brook Dr, Louisville, KY 40220
(502) 632-3283 • springsatstonybrook.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Full continuum of care, meals, activities, gorgeous surroundings.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private
Oak Towers
211 West Oak St, Louisville, KY 40203 (502) 589-3211
treytonoaktowers.com
Price Per Day: $130-$450
We provide the highest quality of individualized service with dignity and respect while honoring our faith-based tradition.
Everyone’s needs change as the years go by. Treyton Oak Towers is designed specifically to meet those changing needs, so you can continue to live in the same warm, caring environment, regardless of how your circumstances may change.
We provide what is known as a continuum of care — additional levels of care available should the need arise in the future. Our caring staff will make certain you are receiving the appropriate level of care.
Our mission is to plan so that you don’t have to. Dignity, Respect, Faith
Owner: Third & Oak Corporation
Payment: Private, Medicaid, Medicare, VA, LTCi, Hospice, Private Ins.
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Water/Aquatic Exercise, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Trilogy Health Services
303 N Hurstbourne Pkwy, Ste 200, Louisville, KY 40222
12 local campuses to serve you (502) 785-9188
trilogyhs.com
Price Per Month: Varies depending on levels of care
Trilogy Health Services offers a full range of senior living options, and with over 12 locations in the Louisville area, you’re sure to find a location near you that meets your needs.
Cooper Trail Senior Living • Forest Springs Health Campus • Franciscan Health Center • Glen Ridge Health Campus • The Legacy at English Station • Park Terrace Health Campus • Sanders Ridge Health Campus • Shelby Farms Senior Living • The Springs at Oldham Reserve • The Springs at Stony Brook • Westport Place Health Campus • The Willows at Springhurst — Learn more about each campus in these directory pages.
Trilogy senior living communities offer luxury Independent Living villas and apartments, compassionate Assisted Living services, a full range of Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, and even Memory Care services for those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Every level of care we provide, from basic assistance to round-theclock clinical care, is delivered by people who will take the time to learn your story, and who will act in your best interests, always. That’s The Trilogy Difference.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Search our care community directory online by scanning the QR code.
Search for care options by locations, keywords, and categories. TodaysTransitions.com offers comprehensive directories of care communities and resources complete with features, photos, and reviews.
Twinbrook Assisted Living 3525 Ephraim McDowell Dr, Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 452-6330
twinbrookassistedliving.com
Price Per Month: $3550-$4700
Private apartments with emergency call system, planned activities, medication reminders, assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, three meals daily, transportation to shopping. Catholic church services six days per week. Charges for additional services may apply. Staff on duty 24 hours. Family owned & operated.
Twinbrook is owned and operated by the McCoy family members who are on site regularly. We are not owned by a large out of state company like most assisted living facilities. You can talk to the owners whenever you have a concern or suggestion. We do not require an endowment or large deposit and rentals are on a month to month basis. We work with families and residents to accommodate their needs and desires.
Owner: Bryan S McCoy, Inc.
Payment: Private, VA, LTCi
Features and Services: Transportation Available, Showers Available, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing Assistance, Dressing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hour Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Game Night, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Reminders, Outdoor Spaces, Chef on Staff
UofL Health — Frazier Rehab Institute
200 Abraham Flexner Way, Louisville, KY 40202 (502) 582-7400 • UofLHealth.com
Price Per Day: $1000
Inpatient/stroke/brain injury/spinal cord injury/cancer rehab; PT/OT/ST.
Owner: UofL Health
Payment: Medicare, Medicaid, Private ins., LTCi, VA
Vitality Living Springdale
4501 Springdale Rd , Louisville, KY 40241 (502) 412-0222
vitalityseniorliving.com/senior-living-locations/ kentucky/springdale/
Price Per Month: $3775-$6800
VITALITY LIVING SPRINGDALE IS REDESIGNING SENIOR LIVING IN KENTUCKY WITH YOU IN MIND.
Vitality is your premier choice for senior living in Kentucky. We are committed to ensuring that every service and amenity helps create the enriched, active life you or your loved one deserves.
Vitality Living Springdale specializes in assisted living and memory care that allow adults to experience a lifestyle with vitality at any age.
Owner: Vitality Senior Living
Payment: Private, VA, LTCi
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing Assistance, Laundry, Meal Prep, 24-Hr Care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Vitality Living St. Matthews
120 S Hubbards Ln, Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 896-1759
vitalityseniorliving.com/senior-living-locations/ kentucky/st-matthews/
Price Per Month: $3000-$3600
As the premier independent living and assisted living community in the St. Matthews area, we are conveniently located in the unique St. Matthews neighborhood, with easy access to shopping, dining, festivals and the arts, Vitality Living St. Matthews offers independent living and assisted living in the heart of Louisville, KY. This vibrant senior living community offers all the comforts of home with none of the day-to-day obligations of owning one.
After a morning meditation workshop, enjoy good conversation over breakfast. Take a stroll through the tree-lined streets nearby or meet neighbors for an afternoon shopping spree. At Vitality Living, the choice is always yours.
Whether you are ready now or are just beginning to think about senior living, we invite you to stop by or call to schedule a tour at your convenience. We are here to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Owner: Vitality Senior Living
Payment: Private,LTCi, VA
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, House Cleaning, Laundry, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Outdoor Spaces, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Vitality Living Stony Brook
3451 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 383-1574
vitalityseniorliving.com/senior-living-locations/ kentucky/stony-brook/
Price Per Month: $2650-$5000
Vitality Living is your premier choice for senior living in Louisville, whether you need assisted living or memory care.
Vitality Living Stony Brook offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. We support our residents’ needs as well as their interests with a calendar filled with a variety of activities to keep our residents as engaged, social, and independent as possible. Families will find peace of mind by knowing that their family members are well taken care of and enjoying life.
You’ll find plenty of comfortable common spaces to spend time with friends and family, whether it’s in the spacious family room, furnished sitting areas, front/back porches, or the large dining room. Large windows throughout our community give it an open and airy feel.
Owner: Vitality Senior Living
Payment: Private, LTCi, VA Aid & Attendance Benefits
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, Meal Prep, Errands, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Exercise Facility, Game Night, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Outdoor Spaces, Movie Room, Chef on Staff
Wesley Manor Retirement Community
5012 E Manslick Rd, Louisville, KY 40219 (502) 969-3277 wesman.org
Price Per Month: Varies depending on level of care.
Wesley Manor offers a Life Plan retirement community (full continuum of care services), including all levels of senior living on one campus: independent living, assisted living, personal care/memory support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. This gives seniors the advantages of living in one location, even as their health care needs change over time. This is especially helpful for couples who may have varying levels of needs, yet wish to live on the same campus. For all individuals, it means you only need to move once!
You’ll find a wonderful sense of community felt throughout the 35-acre campus. Located near the Gene Snyder Freeway in Louisville — a city convenience with a country feel. Both residents and family members often speak as being part of an extended family — the Wesley Manor family. Living here feels like home. Wesley Manor is a faith-based, non-profit; independently owned and operated since 1963.
Owner: Methodist Retirement Homes of Kentucky, Inc.
Payment: Private, Medicaid, Medicare, LTCi, Hospice, Private Ins.
Features and Services: Transportation, Showers, Separate Units, House Cleaning, Bathing & Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, 24-Hr Care, Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy, Dining Room, Game Night, Tours/Trips, Medication Given, Pets Allowed
Westport Place Health Campus
4247 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 883-7092 • westportplacehc.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Full continuum of care, short-term care, therapy services on-site.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, LTCi
The Willows at Springhurst
3101 N Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40241 (502) 413-2282 • willowsatspringhurst.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Licensed RNs, skilled nursing, short-term care, therapy services on-site
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, LTCi
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By Carrie Vittitoe
Our tendency in winter may be to hunker down at home. But we can’t stay inside until March, so we have some suggestions that may lure you out of your hibernation, at least temporarily.
Faithful photographs
Portraits In Faith: Seeing the Other by photographer Daniel Epstein is on exhibit at The Muhammad Ali Center until April 30, 2025. Epstein has photographed and interviewed more than 500 people of different faith traditions from 30 countries in an effort to show how similar people are, no matter their unique life and belief trajectories. The exhibit is free with admission to the Muhammad Ali Center.
Wintery wandering
We always get a nice day or two in winter, so if you’re able, consider driving to Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington. You can do some hiking on their trail system and see some sites, such as a historic grist mill built in 1833. You may even get a peek of the Kentucky River Palisades. There is also a small nature center you can visit before or after a stroll.
Find your zen
Since life slows down in winter, it might be a great time to investigate a class or two at the Louisville Zen Center. They offer Dharma Talks, which are presentations that provide information on aspects of Buddhism and Zen teachings.
A light in the darkness
Candles make a home seem cozier in any season, but they are especially nice during winter when night falls so early. If you want to explore new scents and even pour your own candles, visit Commonwealth Candle Company in Jeffersontown. Their candles are soy-based and 100% vegan.
Ballet of remembrance
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust’s end, the Louisville Ballet brings two stories of healing to the public that combine music, dance, and art on February 1-2, 2025. Titled A Time Remembered, the performance is in two acts: Another Sunrise, which is a collaborative performance with Kentucky Opera, and Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project.
