WELLNESS, UPSCALED
HIGH-END VACATIONS CURATE YOUR LIVING SPACE
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Instead of the “good old days,” I have been thinking about things that are much better these days. Many of our current conveniences offer a much more luxurious experience than what was possible in the past.
I can order groceries that will be delivered to my doorstep — sometimes in the middle of making a recipe. Now, some of that in-person shopping time can be spent choosing premium ingredients at the farmer’s market or a high-quality butcher or grocery. Or if I change my mind about that recipe, I can order a restaurant meal to be brought to my house by a delivery service.
I can drive somewhere on a whim or find a location in a town using GPS on my phone — no pre-scouting a route or printing out a map. On the way, I can pump gas without having to go inside a gas station to pay. (I remember that when I had young kids, that meant taking them inside with me every time!) If I’m not feeling well, I can pick up medications in a drivethrough from the luxury of my car, shielding others from my germs and me from theirs.
None of these things were available just 15 or 20 years ago. In this issue, we wanted to explore luxury, indulgence, and comfort. I’ve realized that we tend to imagine ‘luxury’ as sinking into something soft and buttery or easing into a warm body of water. As wonderful as those experiences are, the simpler ones are luxurious, too: I know if someone would have told me years ago that these things would be happening every day, I would think, ‘How wonderful!’
—Anita Oldham
The time you save using modern-day conveniences can give you time to enjoy a sunset or plan your next experience.
WINTER 2025-2026 | VOL. 22 | NO. 4
Today’s Transitions is published quarterly by: Barrett Jacoby Publishing, LLC 8002 New LaGrange Road, Louisville, KY 40222 TodaysTransitions.com
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Winter 2025-2026 / TodaysTransitions.com
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Things to Do: WHITEHALL
This Victorian mansion on Lexington Road is a hidden gem where you can take a holiday tour — or plan a Valentine’s Day micro-wedding!
What’s
These basic supplements recommended by a naturopathic physician might just help you feel better all over.
Read this story and more at TodaysTransitions.com by scanning the QR code.
Wrapped in Crust Lots of comfort food starts with a pastry crust. Here’s how we used one recipe to create several delicious dishes, including this rustic apple pie.
Every month you’ll find a roundup of events not to miss, from festivals and concerts to art shows and museum tours.
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Caregiving: THE POWER OF
These ideas for simple activities and better conversations will help you have a meaningful visit with a caregiver or care receiver.
Comprehensive Directory Listings
Find a directory of options for retirement living on page 48. Care community and home caregiving directories start on page 60. Search our directories online for caregiving and living options in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio at TodaysTransitions.com.
By Carrie Vittitoe
People have different ideas as to what constitutes luxury. For some, luxury may be sleeping in a king-size bed, while for others luxury may be Michelin-star meals. It could mean a hotel within walking distance of Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy, versus having to take a vaporetto from your hotel into Venice proper. Or, it could mean being transported to and from airports or train stations in Mercedes Benzes. When it comes to luxury, it is essential for travelers to consider what it is that they consider luxurious and use that to guide them in their vacation planning.
One thing that distinguishes luxury travel is that it is personalized for the interests and personalities of the travelers. When my husband and I visited Quebec City and Montreal to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, we worked with Fresh Tracks Canada to plan a trip tailored to our likes, such as smaller hotels in quiet neighborhoods and historic walking tours. We were met at airports and train stations by classy-looking gentlemen in suits who drove us to our hotels, and our walking tours of the historic districts were private, just the two of us and a guide. We didn’t have to say things like, “Can you hear what the guide is saying?” or worry about being lost in the shuffle. It was a memorable and luxurious trip because we got to plan exactly what we wanted to see and do.
While Emily Smith, owner of Vacations by Em, notes that there isn’t a specific industry standard as to what constitutes luxury, for many travelers luxury comes in the form of less hassle. “What they look for is all the details being taken care of,” she says.
For example, Emily compares two options for visiting the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Italy: “You can visit the Sistine Chapel today, pay around $30, stand in a long line, and go through it. Or you can have an afterhours private tour with an employee there [at a cost of around $400 per person].”
“WHAT THEY LOOK FOR IS ALL THE DETAILS BEING TAKEN CARE OF.”
Clients who want luxury are willing to pay for less hassle and headache, she continues. “They like where they don’t have to stand in a crowd, they don’t have to wait in line. They are going to pay more for it, but look what they’re getting,” she says.
Beth Smith and her husband did a bicycling trip with the travel company Backroads through Willamette Wine Valley in Oregon. There, luxury came in the form of not having to do any preparations for each day’s cycling excursion. “It’s very relaxing when you don’t have to worry about the details,” Beth says. “We just had to walk out there [to the bikes].” The travel operator had the e-bikes ready for guests, with helmets already on the seats and refreshments packed. If someone got a flat tire, the travel company dealt with fixing it. For many adults, this brings a welcome change from decades spent being thrifty and responsible for packing everything for their families.
For some people, luxury travel involves being immersed in beautiful lodgings. Think Eugene Levy in the Apple TV+ series The Reluctant Traveler staying at the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a stunning hotel in Spain where a “basic” room runs between 500-600 Euros a night. In addition to intricate details and architecture that will blow your mind, luxury hotels also offer those small touches that are not the norm for most people, such as an espresso maker in your room.
This writer’s trip plan included nice cars and drivers in suits whisking them to different destinations.
Another factor impacting the luxuriousness of a holiday is the location. Some places are just harder to get to because of their remoteness, which means the cost of visiting them is going to be more. But, it could be worth the price to experience destinations like Polynesian islands such as Tahiti and Bora-Bora, or the Maldives in the Arabian Sea.
Stephanie David has traveled to Kenya twice with the help of Safaris Unlimited, which provides private guided horseriding tours. Due to the length of the flights (almost 10 hours from Chicago to Qatar and another eight hours to Nairobi), Stephanie’s travel group upgraded to first class so that they wouldn’t be exhausted before they arrived.
While they slept in tents as they moved from place to place in Kenya, these tents had sinks and beds with mattresses. Travelers’ laundry was collected and washed nearly every day, and she says the food was five-star with offerings like surf-and-turf and filet mignon. The group was also able to sleep in beautiful lodges at various points, such as Lengishu in the Borana Conservancy.
Most importantly, the service was exceptional. “Safaris Unlimited was accommodating to everyone,” Stephanie says, including an 85-year-old on the holiday. This is an important consideration, especially if you’re a traveler in your 70s, 80s, or 90s. (My own parents, in their mid-80s, have been unable to participate in lagoon snorkeling on non-luxury cruises simply because they are over age 80, even though they are pretty spry.)
Emily suggests that people interested in luxury travel consult with a travel agent so they can see the full scope of what is available. For example, many people have heard of Viking cruises, which are known for great service and amenities, but many other cruise lines are comparable in terms of cost or even more luxury, such as Tauck and Uniworld River Cruises.
Whatever “high-end” means to you, there is a whole world of luxury travel to discover.
Amanda Waugh began volunteering with the Louisville area chapter of Dress for Success about a year ago. “I don’t think women always realize how valuable they are,” Amanda says. “A woman, especially someone who’s a mom, is always giving, working, and doing for others, and she doesn’t always get to take care of herself. Dress for Success helps women find their value, which carries over to all aspects of their lives at home and at work.”
The organization’s no-fee programs includes a boutique where volunteers help clients choose professional outfits for job interviews; employment retention support to encourage and nurture professional growth; and job training that addresses the obstacles many women face during the job search process.
Amanda says this is her first volunteer position, and it has demonstrated to her how giving and helping others can be healing.
“I lost my husband four years ago, and then my mom two years ago,” she says. “Both losses were very difficult for me. When one goes through a loss, you tend to withdraw due to the pain you’re dealing with. Volunteering and helping others are such great ways to help one heal. It brings such joy to your soul — to know you were able to help someone even in such a small way.”
Her advice for anyone considering volunteering is simple: Give it a try!
“Even if it seems small, you never know how what you did to help someone may have changed their life,” Amanda says. “That person may just need to see your small act of kindness to give them hope and encouragement. It may be just what they need to keep going and deal with the struggles they’re facing at that moment in their life.”
Dress for Success Louisville welcomes new volunteers. Visit their website for more information.
“VOLUNTEERING AND HELPING OTHERS ARE SUCH GREAT WAYS TO HELP ONE HEAL. IT BRINGS SUCH JOY TO YOUR SOUL.”
Rachel Platt:
An inductee into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame, Rachel Platt is recognized from her years at Good Morning Kentuckiana and remembered for her truthful and compassionate reporting style on topics that matter.
When Rachel was offered a weekend co-anchor position with WHAS11 in 1989, she knew she was saying yes to a career she loved. “Passion has always been in my vocabulary,” Rachel begins. “Journalism was always, to me, a purposeful profession.” And it was in this space she found both a fulfilling career and a city she calls home.
Growing up, Rachel was a child of the military. Her father was in the Air Force, which meant a great deal of moving around. “I was one of those kids who called America home,” Rachel says. While all this moving could lead to resentment or insecurity, Rachel came to see her transience as a help: Being the perpetual “new girl” later assisted her in her reporting. She found she was comfortable speaking with strangers in part because of how she grew up. “It really taught me how to be less fearful in those situations, and it was good training for being a journalist,” she says.
In school, Rachel knew that journalism appealed to her as a career, especially as her sister was a newspaper reporter. Then, a speech teacher at the community college she attended for two years helped set her on the path into broadcasting. “He saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself,” Rachel says. After he introduced her to professors at the University of Central Florida, Rachel pursued a bachelor of science degree in radio/ television. “I loved it, and I never looked back,” she says.
“ANY TIME WE CAN HELP MOVE THE NEEDLE OF DISCUSSION AND CHANGE IN A COMMUNITY, I AM ALL IN.”
When considering her retirement from WHAS, Rachel knew she wanted to do something different. She was fearful there might not be anything else out there, but when the Frazier History Museum approached her about a new line of programming called Bridging the Divide, she was ready. “I loved my career as a journalist, but I felt I had something else to offer that might offer me more longevity,” she says.
Bridging the Divide began in 2019 with the goal of creating community conversations in a safe space at the museum,
By Tonilyn Hornung | Photo by Randy Daniels
particularly focusing on issues that impact the Ninth Street Divide, where the Frazier is situated, and the adjacent Portland and Russell neighborhoods. Rachel has facilitated panels and discussions on everything from race relations to mental health to gun safety, as well as exploring and educating on historical events such as 1968’s the Black Six, the Pack Horse Librarians of the New Deal, and recently the story of Joe Guyon, a Native American who played football alongside the legendary Jim Thorpe and who coached football at Louisville’s St. X.
“Those have been so rewarding to moderate and certainly feel the most natural to me with my background as a journalist,” Rachel says. “Any time we can help move the needle of discussion and change in a community, I am all in.”
Now as VP of Mission at the Frazier, Rachel also helps oversee curatorial and exhibits, education, programming, and fundraising. So far, she reports the role has been a perfect fit and such a gift. “It feels like everything right for me because I’m a believer in lifelong learning and engaging,” she says.
Rachel says she’s waking up with passion and purpose for what she’s doing, and that’s important. “That’s what really fulfills me,” she adds. She takes the personal insight she’s gained and reminds her kids that it doesn’t necessarily matter what they do as long as they’re doing what they love. Leaning into “passion and purpose” helps you get up in the morning on those harder days.
If you’re considering making a second chapter change but are nervous about what that entails, Rachel encourages pushing past your fear and ‘doing it afraid.’
“You have to be engaged,” she says. “You have one life to live, so ask yourself: ‘Why am I holding back?’”
(Top) Rachel at the Frazier History Museum’s Bourbon Bottle Hall. In addition to moderating Bridging the Divide discussions (left), Rachel helps oversee the museum’s curatorial and exhibits, education, programming, and fundraising.
When she’s not working, Rachel loves walking with her husband at The Parklands and spending time with her family. ”We love to play Yahtzee, and recently we all went to Europe, which was one of the best gifts,” she says.
By Jessica
World’s Gone Wrong, Lucinda Williams, out Jan. 23, 2026
Americana singersongwriter Lucinda Williams’ 16th studio album features nine original new songs confronting our country’s socio-political issues. One gem on the album is sure to be the cover of Bob Marley’s So Much Trouble In the World with soul legend Mavis Staples.
Britpop, Robbie Williams, out Feb. 6, 2026
English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams takes us back to the ’90s and its golden age for British music and says he worked with some of his heroes on this new album: “It’s raw, there are more guitars, and it’s even more upbeat and anthemic than usual.”
Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: The Life and Times of Dolly Parton by Martha Ackmann, out Dec. 30, 2025
This biography offers a deeply researched look at Dolly Parton’s life, career, and cultural impact, from her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist.
The Company of Owls by Polly Atkin, out Feb. 3, 2026
Circumscribed by a chronic illness to her cottage in England, Polly Atkin writes this love letter to the clutch of tawny owlets residing in the trees near her home. This quiet memoir reflects on life, nature, and the company we keep through the lens of observing these beautiful birds.
This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page, out Feb. 3, 2026
Tilly is trying to navigate life without her husband, Joe, who died five months ago. When she gets a call from a local bookstore, she is shocked to find that Joe has left her a year’s worth of books, one for each month, with handwritten notes. As Tilly becomes immersed in the pages, a new chapter begins to unfold in her own life. This heartfelt novel will warm your spirit this winter.
The New Yorker at 100, Netflix, out Dec. 5, 2025
This documentary celebrating the 100th anniversary of the legendary magazine will take you on a deep dive into American cultural history, journalism, and literature.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Netflix, out Dec. 12, 2025
In this third film of the popular whodunit series, Daniel Craig returns as the charming detective Benoit Blanc investigating a new murder with a cast including Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, and Josh O’Connor.
What better indulgence in life than to have the opportunity to spend precious time with those we treasure — in places that we love?
Seven generations of Nancy Whitaker’s family have lived on her Floyds Knobs homestead, beginning in 1849, when anyone coming and going would have done so by horse and buggy. Nancy’s family members have homes in any direction you look along the landscape — her parents, living siblings, daughter, and nephew.
The entire property is steeped with love and tradition. Woven into it is the love of horses. “I could show you the photo of the first time my dad held me on a horse,” Nancy says. “I was 6 months old. When I was 12, I got the first one of my own. They have always brought such joy to my life.”
Nancy has lived on this farm her whole life, first with her parents in the home where her great-grandpa lived. As she points to the beautiful home she and her husband Jimmy built in 1988, she explains that they first lived in a mobile home on the property. During this busy time, while Nancy was also working and raising a family, she had taken a break from riding. “I didn’t really expect to get into horses again, but our daughter Paige got us all back into it,” she says. “A friend moved in across the street, and she had a horse. One day Paige went to ride with her new friend. I told my husband that Paige would come home and say first thing, ‘Daddy, I want a horse.’ I was right.”
Indeed, Paige got a horse, but she couldn’t ride alone, and Nancy wanted to join her. Soon, the whole family had caught the bug. They got a pony and cart, another horse, and they gradually added nice fencing and more pastures.
“It became a real family affair,” Nancy says with a smile. “Paige gets credit though for getting the whole thing started again.”
Getting the right horse isn’t always easy. Nancy had one that bucked her off three times (she wasn’t hurt) before she decided that horse wasn’t meant for riding. “It also seemed like every time I got a new one, another person in the family wanted it,” Nancy says. “That was fine though because it meant more people in the family wanted to ride.”
“HORSES ARE LIKE PEOPLE: THEY NEED FRIENDS. THE [RIDING] COMMUNITY MEANS A LOT TO ALL OF US.”
By Megan S. Willman
Close-knit community
Nancy got better at picking out horses, and these days has two beauties from which to choose: Freddy, a Gypsy Vanner, and Paisley, a Quarterhorse who was born on the farm.
Nancy had friends in the area who enjoyed riding, and she met them regularly at Pekin Saddle Club or Deam Lake. “You would be surprised how huge riding is in this area, particularly for women,” she says. Nancy and Jimmy also began to join other riding couples in the area. They would camp and ride, sharing wonderful times together and meeting new people with common interests. “Horse people are so kind, and we can always find things to talk about,” Nancy says. “Plus, Jimmy is a great musician. Picture a cowboy by the campfire. People love that and are drawn to it. We can always meet new people when he plays.”
Traveling with their posse
It wasn’t long before Nancy and Jimmy bought their first horse trailer and set out for a camping/riding adventure. They loved that experience so much that it has become a true way of life for them. These days they have an even bigger camper with a horse trailer, and they are gone for a few months each year exploring the country. They roam the countryside with Freddy, Paisley, and friends old and new.
Nancy also loves her regular local rides at Deam Lake or Harrison Crawford State Forest. “The trails are always in pristine condition, and we have a great ride,” she says. “Wherever we are, this has become our social community, and it has been a true gift in our lives. We’ve been to more than 10 states and have met people from all over.”
One of their favorite spots is in South Fork, Tennessee. When they went last year, they met up with some friends they’d met in Florida the year before.
“Horses are like people: They need friends,” Nancy says. “The community means a lot to all of us. Building and maintaining those connections is everything.”
Nancy’s favorite thing:
“I love my ‘office’ — the barn. Going to work every day, mucking the stalls, bathing the horses, and getting in a good ride. It’s hard work, but it keeps me in shape and healthy. I get the chance to ride and take care of my horses every day, and it all starts in the barn.”
a few months each year
There are small, simple ways to gather with others even if hosting people makes you nervous. We put together ideas for a Happy Hour-inspired event that allows for a short, delicious visit that can reap big rewards. We have found that a small commitment to good food can bring people running to your house — and there is no better way to get to know others on a deeper level. What began as an experiment of a “happy hour” gathering has worked so well, we decided to keep it going. The limited timeframe also doesn’t interfere with other plans and is a good way to kick off a weekend.
Set a start and ending time for 1.5 hours and a repeating regular timeframe, such as every third Friday.
Make it casual, more like a drop-in situation than a formal start time.
Invite people: neighbors, family members, friends, people from your workout class. Start small with three to four people if you want, then add to it.
Be clear in your invite about ending time and what to expect.
Gather good food that is easy for people to serve themselves. You can make it or pick it up. We have given you some starting point ideas on these pages.
Have fun finding interesting ways to display the food options. For example, you can arrange food in a rainbow by color, use a charcuterie board, or bring out your grandma’s pretty bowls.
(l-r) Mini Fresh Fruit Tart, Mini Raspberry Cheesecake, Mini Chocolate Mousse, Mini Key Lime Cheesecake all from Whole Foods, but so many local bakeries also make small tarts and pastries.
A hickory smoked salmon from Lori’s Fish Market is a delicious protein to add into any gathering. Try pairing it with cream cheese or a dill spread on a sturdy cracker or cucumber slice.
“A SMALL COMMITMENT TO GOOD FOOD CAN BRING PEOPLE RUNNING TO YOUR HOUSE.”
DON’T MAKE THESE EXCUSES
Excuse #1: That time doesn’t work.
If late afternoon is not the best time for you, consider something different but similar in terms of a short time commitment or an ending time. A brunch? A tea? A snack time?
Excuse #2: We need a better theme.
If you feel people won’t just come and hang out with you, perhaps you need to add an activity like discussing a certain topic or playing a game.
Excuse #3: My house is not big or cute enough.
One thing a time limit and a people limit does is allow you to adjust the situation.
Excuse #4: I would need to include children.
This type of party allows for kids to be exposed to multi-age gatherings, and you can decide to serve more kid-friendly foods (think cheese, crackers, and fruits) or just allow them to try what you offer. You are not fixing a meal, but rather a snack.
By Carrie Vittitoe
There’s been an uptick in news about how alcohol use and cancer are related in connection to the US Surgeon General’s advisory report published in January 2025. In that report, Dr. Vivek Murthy noted the large number of studies showing a causal link between alcohol use and cancers of the breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box. To put it bluntly, alcohol use and overuse can cause cancer.
With the winter season of parties approaching, at which many of us partake of celebratory adult beverages, it is a complete downer to think about this topic. Still, we already know “it’s heck getting old,” so we might as well talk about one of the many realities we have to face and how that might impact our drinking decisions at the holidays and beyond.
Bette Hancock, behavioral health specialist at Baptist Health Louisville, explains that there are four ways in which alcohol use can lead to cancer. One way is that alcohol converts to acetaldehyde, which damages DNA in multiple ways, causing an increased risk of cancer, she says. Alcohol also causes oxidative
stress within cells, which damages DNA, proteins, and lipids. A third mechanism is that alcohol alters levels of multiple hormones, including estrogen. “This can increase breast cancer risk,” Bette says. Finally, alcohol in the body causes greater absorption of carcinogens, those chemicals that cause cancer.
Unfortunately, being older even without alcohol use automatically puts a person at greater risk of developing cancer. Our bodies have experienced years and years of DNA damage that are just a part of living, and our immune systems begin to weaken. Adding too many alcoholic beverages to the mix might be the thing that tips the scale into cancer.
Some health conditions we develop as we age, as well as the medications to manage them, have an impact on how much we can drink and how well we handle alcohol when we do drink it. “Alcohol can worsen some medical conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, ulcers, memory loss, and mood disorders,” Bette says. She adds that alcohol can also make it difficult for practitioners to diagnose and treat medical problems. “For example, alcohol can dull pain that might be a warning sign of a heart attack,” she says. While no alcohol is the safest bet, the reality is that people are going to indulge at holiday parties. So what guidelines should we follow? “Generally, men should not have more than two drinks a day, and women should not have more than one [per day],” Bette says. And one drink equals the following:
• One 12-oz can or bottle of regular beer, ale, or hard seltzer
• One 8-oz can or bottle of malt liquor
• One 5-oz glass of red or white wine
• One 1.5-oz shot glass of 80-proof distilled spirits like gin, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey
With our health in mind, may we all choose well when to indulge — and when to abstain.
If you’ve been lamenting the cost of beef, milk, or cereal, you are not alone. The cost of everything continues to climb. And while most of us recognize that the cost of our health care is increasing in the form of higher deductibles or monthly paycheck deductions, we might not think about just how expensive illness is until the moment someone is actively ill. There are the costs of office visits to specialists, increased diagnostic testing, additional medications, and various therapies. People can and do go bankrupt from paying for their health care.
So if the idea of spending money on wellness to prevent or minimize the severity of illness sounds wasteful, it might not be when compared to all the costs associated with disease.
But where do you start if you are thinking about devoting more of your budget to your overall wellness? How much should you spend, and where should you spend it?
Believe it or not, it is possible to enhance one’s wellness without spending a dime. Terri Paige, CEO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center, says that improving your sleep and doing resistance exercises (such as squats or planks) are the low-hanging fruits of wellness that can make a big difference in your overall health and quality of life.
But if you have several hundred dollars to spend, Terri says, “I would tell them to clean up their diet. Spend that money on better quality food.” Buying more fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and whole grains and spending less on ultra-processed food would be a great way to use one’s windfall on wellness.
When a health issue is not too serious but is bothersome on a daily basis, investing in a solution can be what yields more comfortable days — a high return on investment. For example, annoying nasal congestion might be relieved by salt therapy, which can be found in an area salt room such as Bodhi Salt Center, where visits run from $35-$50.
For nagging aches and pains, massage therapy — or better yet, a massage routine — is an option. Dasha Grankina, co-founder and co-owner of Bodhi Salt, compares a one-time massage to a routine of massage as the difference between a crash diet and a healthy lifestyle. “One-time massage sessions can offer immediate relief, but regular sessions help your body and mind build lasting strength and flexibility,” she says. Massage, as a general rule, is going to run between $100-$125 per 60-minute session, although some businesses offer memberships with reduced rates. If a person begins a routine of regular monthly massage, they could end up spending $1,500-$2,000 per year.
Acupuncture is another increasingly popular wellness treatment that can reap benefits. Holly Macias of Louisville Family Acupuncture explains that acupuncture
needles are hairlike solid needles, about 20 of which could fit into a regular blood draw needle, so there isn’t the type of discomfort experienced in an injection. “People are surprised by how relaxing acupuncture is,” she says. “Most of my patients take a nap while the needles are in.”
Older adults may find that acupuncture can become an important part of their wellness. “Acupuncture has been shown to relax the nervous system, and the more we are in that state, the more the body can do restorative processes,” Holly says. Her colleague, Alex, frequently works with veterans and older adults who are experiencing pain associated with inflammation and blood circulation. Acupuncture has also been shown to help regulate the endocrine system, which can be helpful for women who are going through the hormonal changes of peri- and post-menopause.
The cost associated with acupuncture can have a pretty wide range, but generally falls between $100-120 per session. Unlike massage, however, acupuncture, especially for pain, may need to be done twice a week for a while, and then gradually become a once-a-month visit. With that in mind, weekly sessions for a six-month period would cost approximately $2,700.
“SPEND THAT MONEY ON BETTER-QUALITY FOOD.”
Sometimes, people spend money on wellness because they can’t get answers or relief with traditional medicine. Maybe their labs are normal, but something just isn’t right. Some folks seek out additional diagnostic testing with the hope of figuring out the mystery. Medical Transformation Center, for example, offers a wide range of tests, including microbiome assessment and gut permeability measures. Terri says other clients are interested in regenerative medicine, such as using peptides and technology to help their bodies do what they are supposed to. “We can couple peptide therapies with Emsculpt Neo, which uses targeted MRI technology,” she says. “These little fragments of protein are targeted and mimic what your body already makes. It’s just extra support to help your body do what it knows how to do.” Of course, when we’re talking about cutting-edge technology and compounding peptides, this is going to be more costly. Emsculpt Neo sessions are in the region of $700-$1,000 per treatment. When it comes to how we feel in our bodies each day we have, it’s worth considering what we are able to put toward feeling great.
Aman once sought a psychiatrist’s advice on how best to raise his children. He presented a list of priorities, including providing essential material needs like food, clothing, and housing; ensuring educational opportunities; making religious training accessible; instilling proper social attitudes; and setting a strong moral example.
The psychiatrist said, “All these are extremely important, but you have not named the most important thing you can do for your children.”
The man wondered aloud what was more important than the things he had named.
“The best thing you can do for your children,” replied the psychiatrist, “is love their mother.”
I agree that this is a wise statement, because nothing gives children a deeper sense of security than to know their parents love each other.
My mom, Rita, died after a decade of living with Alzheimer’s disease. Because of this burden, she couldn’t remember — so I remember for her — that love was the foundation of her life.
Of the many foundations a home can have, love is the most vital. A home built on love, even without other foundations, has a strong chance of enduring. However, a home with all other foundations but lacking love is destined for destruction.
Until Dad had to move to a nursing home with Mom, he used to visit faithfully every day and spend most of the day with his beloved Rita. We all used to ask him, “Why do you visit Mom every day and stay so long since often she doesn’t even know who you are?” He said instantly, “She might not know who I am, but I know who she is.”
Our dear Rita, affectionately known as “Sweet Rita” by the care providers at Episcopal Church Home, was a woman of delightful contradictions: a blend of strength, sweetness, and a touch of saltiness. Rita’s passions included music, a love she instilled in all her children by teaching them to play the piano. She also embraced travel with an open heart, always filled with wonder and delight at the beauty of creation.
Her “saltiness” emerged in her firm insistence on piano practice, doing what was right, and upholding commitments. Yet, her strength truly shone through in the unwavering importance she placed on her faith, her family, and her beloved husband, Elmer. Her never-give-up attitude was evident in how she bravely faced many years of illness.
We often discuss the needs of children and young people today. They require many things, including the opportunity to be heard, to express their thoughts, and to be understood. While discipline is necessary, it is not sufficient.
I recall my mother disciplining us. She would take me to the bedroom and talk to me, leaving me on the edge of the bed. As she left, she would always turn and say, “But, Bob, remember, I love you.” That simple statement meant more to me than anything else in life.
Too often, children feel alienated because their parents fail to make them feel loved. The greatest tragedy for any child or young
person is to feel unwanted, unneeded, and unloved.
There are some other foundations a home needs, but if we have love — real love — the other foundations will take care of themselves. Without love, nothing else is strong enough.
The ultimate lesson my brother, sister, and I learned from Elmer and Sweet Rita is learning how to love and be loved unconditionally. We have been blessed with love, the foundation of the family.
Bob Mueller is a bishop of the United Catholic Church. Connect with him at bobmueller.org.
By Jessica Alyea |
In the world of later living, there’s a lot of talk about ‘downsizing.’ But what if this is actually the best time to consider ‘upscaling?’
Interior designer Theresa Martorana of TIM Interiors advises that this is the perfect season of life to let go of trends and invest in a high-quality home that embodies your personal story.
“We spend 98% of our day in the built environment,” Theresa says. “[Our surroundings] shape how we feel and move and use the space. So it’s not at the forefront of most people’s minds, but it is a huge factor in how we feel every day.
“To have a space that is edited and tailored to you where you can put your head down at night is an amazing gift everyone should have.”
Achieving such a space might mean adapting your current home to add more functional luxury, taking into account changes needed to age in place. Or, it might mean building something completely new and ‘you.’
Before busy family life set in, Andy and Laurie Weeks used to go on little dates where they would walk through
neighborhoods and houses that were being built, looking at floor plans.
“We’ve always had in the back of our minds that we’d love to build,” Laurie says.
While raising their two daughters, the couple lived in a series of older homes that they would gradually renovate, settling longest in a cozy 1970s two-story in Douglass Hills. But after their girls married and started families, things started feeling cramped.
“Everybody didn’t have a place to sit around the Christmas tree,” Laurie says.
“And all four bedrooms were upstairs; our laundry room was in the basement. I’d been trudging laundry down to the basement and up to the second floor for many years.
“Our thoughts were, well, we could find another old house and renovate it to what we want, or we could maybe build something like we’d always thought about.”
It was challenging to find a place to build that didn’t require a long commute to necessities like the grocery store, but when the opportunity to purchase a lot near Beckley Creek arose, Andy and Laurie knew they’d found the spot for their future home. They built during COVID — navigating all the chaos of that time — and moved in in 2022.
“My number one favorite thing is the view out the back,” Laurie says. “In our
previous house, the view out the back was the back of somebody’s garage. We built this big, screened-in porch. When it’s nice weather, that’s our favorite spot. And for this house, we put in a large mudroom/laundry room, and it’s right off our walk-in closet in our bedroom. So all I have to do is go a couple of steps.”
The Weeks’ home offers plenty of intentional space for their family, including a nursery with a crib, a walk-out basement where the grandkids can spread out their toys, and a guest suite where their daughters’ families can have privacy — which may also in the future be a safe and comfortable place for Laurie’s aging parents. They’ve also been able to host traveling friends and members of their church who have needed temporary housing.
“The way God has worked all that out for us is humbling,” Laurie says.
For those who enjoy their current home but want to make some upgrades, Theresa advocates for a process of editing and tailoring: A Marie Kondo-style decluttering where you clear out the things that don’t bring you joy, and then bringing that top-10% of your special possessions into the spotlight. Hang up that artwork you bought on that trip. Bring your family heirlooms into everyday use. It’s a slow process that requires a long-term outlook — and no shortcuts.
“That is how you make your home ‘you,’” Theresa says. “I can make a house pretty for resale in one afternoon. But there is no way to cultivate a home to have that authentic, intimate, tailored-to-you feel in an afternoon.”
Theresa also advises putting your money toward investment pieces and quality materials rather than cheaper, trendier options. You might have to do it slowly over time, but to make a home feel luxurious, there’s no substitute for real woods, soapstones, limestones, leather, and wool. “The real materials make it look so much richer,” Theresa says.
If you’re waiting for a sign to invest in your space, making it a place of peace and personality, consider this to be it.
“If they haven’t yet, it is the time to invest in themselves and their home, to bite the bullet and do what they want to do,” Theresa says.
Sometimes, we purchase a new home that has a few landscape bushes out front, we get used to it, and we don’t think about it again. Unless there is a problem or bushes die, many of us don’t consider a big change to our exteriors. I want to propose a different approach and explain why you might benefit from a consultation with a professional.
Landscape architects can help you envision a new way of using the outside of your home. When you drive up, what could it be? When you go out your back door, is there a way to create a sanctuary? Even a small bit of land can be enhanced. I sat down and sketched some ideas I have for my own property. Just like clients I help, I have to think about which projects will have the most impact and help me enjoy my home. I want to have a thrill when I drive into my driveway, and I want to see different textures and light when I look out my windows. Dream a little with me.
Right now the back of my house needs some work, and these are some ideas — everything from deck railing changes to exterior door additions. Notice the high-quality granite pavers and wide boulder steps I dream of installing, as well as the small details such as a dinner bell.
• New ideas on how to create “rooms” or views at your property.
• A solid plan that includes specific materials that can make a difference, such as using reclaimed stone or adding a divider of bushes.
• An idea on how to execute the plan, which can be managed by your professional or done yourself. You can also do phases at different times, spreading out the cost.
is a landscape architect, the owner of Firefly Exteriors, and a landscaping instructor at
Beth Caldwell is the great-granddaughter of William and Elaine Caldwell, who bought the house from the Conrads. She and her sister are docents and lead some of the tours.
The Conrad-Caldwell museum is located at 1402 St. James Court and is open Thursday-Sunday with docent-led tours at 11am and 3pm and self-guided tours from 12:30-2:30pm. For the holiday season, Candlelight Christmas tours are available December 19-21 from 5pm-9pm. The museum is also frequently booked as a wedding venue, is a landmark on guided walking tours of Old Louisville, and is of course a cornerstone of the St. James Art Fair held in
and loyalty of the “downstairs” families to be delightful. The history, attire, and architecture were stunning.
missed the TV series and first two films of Downton Abbey, but that didn’t stop me when my besties included me in their plans for a Baxter Avenue Theater matinee for the third and final film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. I found the indulgent lifestyle of the “upstairs” families and the work
It turns out that the Old Louisville neighborhood of St. James Court has its own example of a grand and lavish home (and stories of the families who inhabited it) in the ConradCaldwell House Museum, constructed in 1895. Opulent and ornate, this 10,000-square-foot mansion, with its towers and Bedford limestone facade, earned the nickname of Caldwell’s Castle back in the day.
For an memorable day exploring Old Louisville, you can take in the grandeur of the Conrad-Caldwell home and make some other stops to treat yourself.
The Conrad-Caldwell home is named for its earliest inhabitants. Theophile Conrad immigrated to Louisville from Strasbourg, France, in 1853. He had great financial success from his tannery business, and he and his wife Mary purchased land from the Victoria Land Company to build their dream home: a ‘castle’ modeled after his childhood home in France.
You can take a tour of the Caldwell-Conrad home, which is now a museum reflecting the furnishings and decor as it looked in 1908. Some pieces are original, while others are replicas authentic to the time period the families lived in the home. It is open to the public for both self-guided and docent-led tours. Beginning in the downstairs parlor, up the grand staircase, through the library, sitting room, family bedrooms, billiard room, dining room, and more, visitors can observe the great indulgences of families who lived during the Gilded Age.
If a tour of the ConradCaldwell House Museum leaves you wanting more, local author David Dominé offers The Glitterball Walking Tour through Old Louisville with entertaining tales of local lore and intrigue. The Old Louisville Visitors Center also offers guided walking tours and seasonal events.
Take a break for some decadent desserts and tasty beverages at the nearby Nook and Nowhere at 1149 Shelby Street. This bookstore/bar/cafe offers coffees, wines, and cocktails, along with daily assorted pastries from Wiltshire Bakery and a small hot food menu sourced from local eateries.
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A stop at Phalcha Coffee at 1001 Mary Street invites patrons to unwind and indulge in the fresh aromas of its freshly roasted beans. Phalcha Coffee offers a variety of unique drinks including the popular iced coffee flight consisting of mocha, butterscotch, ube, and strawberry rose. Phalcha also offers pastries, waffles, bagels and sandwiches.
The Conrad-Caldwell house was built on part of the 45-acre site of the Louisville Southern Exposition, a series of world’s fairs held between 1883 to 1887 in what is now Old Louisville. Luxurious mansions were constructed on Third Street nearby, which became known as Millionaire’s Row. Never intended as a permanent structure, the site was torn down in 1889. The Victoria Land Company seized the opportunity to continue the construction of homes on the nowempty land, creating St. James Court. This area is now the third largest historic district in the country and the largest preservation district featuring Victorian architecture.
Buck’s Restaurant and Bar is located in the heart of Old Louisville in the historic Mayflower Building at 425 W. Ormsby. With an attractive Art Deco vibe and beautiful bar with huge vases full of white flowers, Buck’s offers a dessert menu that is sure to delight. Lunch is served from 11am-2pm and dinner from 5pm-10pm. Ladies are given a lovely Star of David flower as they leave.
When art and nature combine, magic and mystery come together to make a masterpiece. Karen Boone uses that masterful combination for her creations, working with natural materials to create abstract paintings and sculptures inspired by her love of the outdoors. “I’m only at home on the top of a mountain,” she says.
From the time Karen was old enough to mold Play-doh and finger paint, she was drawn to art. With a master’s degree from the Basel School of Design in Switzerland, Karen began her career as a graphic designer and is now creating her own style of organic sculptures and paintings at her light-filled studio in Borden, Indiana. You’ll recognize Karen’s signature style from the Kentucky Derby posters for the years 1996, 1999, and 2015.
“Fine art has always been a note inside of me that just had to come out,” Karen says.
What do you love about being in nature?
I always hiked and was that kid playing in the dirt. If I could be outside, then I would be. This is always who I was and where I feel the most free. The main goal of my work is to encourage people to get outside. You don’t need to be anywhere fancy, just please remember to go outside and take in the fresh air.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature and my family. My husband and son are very supportive of me. And my sister, before she passed, was a huge inspiration. I started a new career with my art, and she wasn’t even here to see it.
The best book you’ve ever read is…
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses the relationship between people and the land. The way she talks about observing and protecting nature — it’s a fabulous book. Finding The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard is another excellent
book and more of a biography about her life as a scientist and how the trees actually talk to one another.
Your hobbies are…
Taking care of the land I live on and gardening are very important to me. We have 10 acres, and I can look out onto the pond and the forest and it’s stunning. I also love hiking and backpacking.
One thing you can’t get the knack of…
Learning how to redirect from perfectionism. It’s hard for me with things like letting the house go. When I come into the studio, I have to be loose, and putting down my mental load can be challenging. That’s something I need to work on.
One thing you’ve learned over the years that is true...
Living with intensity and intent every day is important. Look for the beauty in your life and lean into nature and your family during hardships. You can get through almost anything with that attitude.
Life doesn’t stay the same, and you don’t have to keep living in a situation that is not bringing you joy. 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 50 and 51. 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, and retirement/independent living communities. Find more at TodaysTransitions.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: $2354
Owner: The Altenheim
936 Barret Ave, Louisville, KY 40204 (502) 584-7417 • thealtenheim.org
2024 Senior Advisor Award Winner. Our active seniors live very independently in lovely garden homes 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 parklike 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
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 • forestspringshc.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: $2500-$3800 • Min. Age: 62
Owner: Bunker Hill Assoc. III, LLC
2960 Goose Creek, Louisville, KY 40241 (502) 429-7700 • brownsboropark.com
Independent living means freedom, convenience, and peace of mind in a beautiful, friendly community for adults 62+. Enjoy the privacy of your own patio home, surrounded by landscaped grounds and welcoming neighbors. Every home includes an emergency call system with on-campus medical services. Outpatient care can be arranged in your home or at the Clubhouse fitness center. On-campus restaurant with delivery to your door. All faiths welcome. Experience the difference and schedule your no-cost tour today!
Owner: Episcopal Retirement Services
7504 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40222 (502) 736-7800 • episcopalchurchhome.org
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
Owner: Sinceri Senior Living
200 Brookside Dr, Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 245-3048 • theforumatbrookside.com
2025-2026 / TodaysTransitions.com
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
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
Discover a community that encourages connection, comfort, and independence! We’re committed to making the most of your golden years with all-inclusive services, indulgent dining, and vibrant social living all wrapped up in one monthly payment. With everything taken care of by our expert team, you can focus on celebrating the moments that matter.
Schedule a tour and join us for lunch. You’ll see why Village Crossing is the ideal choice for independent senior living in Louisville.
Min. Age: 55
Owner: Resort Lifestyle Communities
2400 Arnold Palmer Blvd, Louisville, KY 40245 (502) 208-1527 • VillageCrossingRetirement.com
Located at our Clifton Campus, Nazareth Home offers newly renovated independent living apartments in a welcoming, service-rich community that fosters comfort, connection, and convenience. Each one-bedroom apartment provides ample living space and a full bath, with utilities included. Our amenities include three daily meals, housekeeping and laundry services, use of common area, on-site parking, on-site chapel and services, outdoor green space with courtyards, nearby shopping and restaurants on Frankfort Ave.
Cost: $2400 • Min. Age: 55
Owner: Nazareth Home, Inc. 2120 Payne St, Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 895-9425 • nazhome.org
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
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
By Carrie Vittitoe
The pink sand of a Bahamian beach coalesces with the blue ocean, reminiscent of the delicate tones of a baby’s nursery.
The relentless mist of Icelandic waterfalls billows up in clouds, swirling around visitors standing before their roaring majesty.
The sun settles into the Blue Ridge Mountains, its fiery light casting shadows on the sweeping expanse of trees and shrubs.
If these descriptions make your heart pound, then you probably love the thought of packing a bag and hitting the road or runway on an adventure to see new places. But if you’re getting older, even if the spirit is willing, the body may not be quite as excited at the prospect of a journey.
Traveling can become a lot more complicated the older we get. Technology is changing all the time, and it can feel overwhelming to navigate reservations and boarding passes that are all digitized. Plus, we may have physical limitations we didn’t have when we were younger, such as needing to carry oxygen or use a walker. But it is still possible to travel as an older adult into one’s 80s and 90s with a little assistance.
One way to make travel a little easier is to go with a younger person, namely a family member. Melissa Donald didn’t necessarily plan to travel with her parents, who are in their 80s. When she moved around to different states in her young adult years, her parents would always come visit her, which planted seeds for later years. “During those visits, I played the role of tour guide,” Melissa says. “I would show them around the area. We would do activities together, go out to eat, see a show, take sightseeing tours. Many times the three of us would also travel together and explore areas in my new state that I hadn’t even explored yet.”
In 2023, when Melissa’s father began talking about wanting to take a trip to Germany, her mother wasn’t totally on board. Melissa offered to go with him if he couldn’t find a travel buddy. The next day, he asked if she was serious about her offer, and she reassured him that she was. “With
a relieved look on his face, he said, ‘That’s good because your mother said she would go if you went with us,’” Melissa says.
There are a variety of reasons why Melissa thinks her parents liked the idea of having her as their travel companion to Germany. She has lots of experience traveling in Europe and knows how to get around. Also, traveling with another person you don’t live with all the time can add some unique flavor to a trip because of their perspective and personality. Melissa handles all the planning and confirming related to the trip, which includes gathering information about mobility challenges and alternatives, ensuring wheelchair assistance booking for the airlines, and speaking for her small group at security points, she says. She also handles luggage as needed, especially placing bags in overhead compartments on airplanes.
“[OLDER ADULTS] CAN HAVE COMPANIONS TO FINISH STRONG AND DO THE THINGS THAT THEY USED TO DO OR WANT TO DO.”
Of course, not everyone has a family member who is able to be a travel companion, but there are companies that provide this service for older adults. BrightStar Care offers Companion Care Services that include travel companionship. Teresa Doyle, director of community relations, says the company offers both medical and nonmedical companions depending on a client’s needs. Whether a client requires catheter care, uses a feeding tube, or has to have intravenous medication, nurses are available who can travel along and tend to these needs. Some clients may not need nursing help, but rather general assistance with their activities of daily living, such as bathing or grooming. Still others may just need help with logistics and technology.
In order to meet clients’ needs while traveling, Teresa meets with travelers or their families to go over the details. Sometimes this means BrightStar Care is involved before the trip is planned, while other times clients already have a trip planned and call for a traveling companion to provide additional support.
“People are living longer, but with all the aches and pains, trying to maneuver airports and hotels or cruise ships [is hard],” Teresa says. “They can have companions to finish strong and do the things that they used to do or they want to do. They can still have an awesome life, just doing it a little bit differently.”
If an older adult is considering traveling with a companion, it is critical to keep communication open and clear. “I never kept anything from my parents except for pleasant surprises like upgrading our airline tickets for better seats,” Melissa says. “The information I gathered was always shared with my parents, and we made decisions together.” If a companion outside the family is hired, it is essential to have a contract in place delineating exactly what the companion’s roles and responsibilities are to protect all parties.
It’s also important to remember that sometimes you can’t make decisions in advance because you don’t have enough information…or motivation. While an older adult might say they aren’t interested in visiting a place with stairs, they might become highly motivated to take stairs, albeit slowly, when they are in the midst of grandeur and history. Melissa’s parents had never seen a castle before and were blown away with their visit to Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, even though it did require them to climb some steps.
Between family, work (or the ‘work’ of retirement!), caring for a loved one, and the constant hum of the news, it can feel impossible to slow down. We hear that it is important to unplug and practice self-care, especially when we ourselves are caregivers, but that’s easier said than done. If you’re ready to find a little oasis of calm at home, here are some of the best gadgets out there that feel less like circuitry and more like a long, warm hug.
Ember Mug - $149.95
We’ve all been there: We make a perfect cup of tea or coffee, get distracted, and return 20 minutes later to find it cold. The Ember Mug is a simple solution to this common problem. This isn’t just a thermos; it’s a smart mug. You set your ideal drinking temperature using a simple app on your phone. The mug’s built-in battery and heating system will keep your drink at that exact temperature for up to 80 minutes on its own, or all day long if you use the included charging coaster. It’s a small, everyday luxury that just makes life a little better.
Hatch Restore 3 - $169.99
A blaring, buzzing alarm clock is a stressful way to start the day. The Hatch Restore 3 is different. At night, its ‘sunset’ plays calming sounds (like gentle rain or a crackling fire) as its light slowly dims, signaling to your brain to wind down. But the morning is the real magic. Thirty minutes before wakeup, a soft light gradually brightens, mimicking a natural sunrise. By the time your chosen gentle sound (like morning birds or a soft chime) plays, your body is already easing its way out of sleep. It’s a peaceful way to wake up that can genuinely change the entire mood of your day.
Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer - $159.99
You can capture the luxurious feeling of a spa facial right in your own bathroom with a high-quality facial steamer. This one uses professionalgrade “micro-steam” to create a super-fine, gentle, consistent cloud of warm mist. A quiet nine-minute session with the warm steam is wonderfully meditative, hydrating, and makes any skin products you use afterward sink in and work so much better.
Inhand Heated Weighted Blanket - $99.99
You might have heard that weighted blankets use deep-pressure stimulation to feel like a calming, all-over hug, which is proven to help soothe the nervous system and reduce anxiety. When you combine that comfort with the bliss of an electric blanket, you get the Inhand Heated Weighted Blanket. It has glass beads evenly distributed throughout to provide that grounding weight (you can choose from 15 to 20 pounds). Then, it adds 10 different heat settings to keep you cozy. It’s perfect for easing restless legs, or just taking the best nap you’ve ever had.
Finally, let’s not forget the power of scent. The right aroma can instantly change your mood and signal that it’s time to relax. The vitruvi Stone Diffuser is a beautiful way to do it. Crafted from matte ceramic stone, it looks like a piece of minimalist art. Add water and a few drops of essential oil — like calming lavender or uplifting bergamot — and its ultrasonic vibrations create a scented mist, making a room feel (and smell) like a five-star spa.
If you’ve never heard of an ‘ADU,’ this acronym for Accessory Dwelling Unit is a trend in housing that may provide a welcome solution for older loved ones and their families.
An ADU is a small, separate living space built on the same property as a single-family home. They’re often referred to as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard apartments. They can be part of the main house (think basement reno), attached to it (home addition), or built as a freestanding, separate structure.
ADUs can be customized to include accessibility features like wider doorways, handrails, non-slip flooring, and other safety features for older loved ones. You can even make them smart homes by adding fall detection systems, smart doorbells, automated lighting, and other smart technology.
According to Brandee Smith with Distinctive Design Remodeling in Louisville, the two most common ADUs in the area are stand-alone, one-floor apartments and garages with living space above. Typically, the dwelling includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and in-unit washer/dryer, with a maximum size of 800 square feet in accordance with Louisville building regulations. (The allowable size varies in different cities based on their specific regulations.)
ADUs can provide a practical solution for older loved ones looking to age in place, offering a balance between independent living and nearby family support. According to Brandee, ADUs offer an alternative to care facilities while increasing property value.
While ADUs offer an additional senior living option, it’s always important to consider the needs of your family.
Questions to consider:
• Will this type of living space provide both independence and safety for your loved one? Think about in-home safety features such as grab bars, nostep entrances, and accessible bathrooms.
• How close is close enough? Being just a few steps away might sound great, but does it offer the right amount of privacy and family connection? Living close to an older family member can be rewarding, but it also means setting clear boundaries for everyone and keeping the lines of communication open.
• Is your property appropriate for an ADU? You’ll need space to add on to your existing home or build another structure. Check zoning rules to make sure your project is allowed.
While trendy in states like California, ADUs are relatively new to Louisville but have gained in popularity, especially over the last year.
“We’ve received an uptick in the number of people asking about ADUs,” Brandee says. “More people are seeing them as an option for parents and grandparents.”
Many cities including Louisville have recognized the benefits of ADUs and are updating zoning rules
to make them easier to build. It’s important to note that these dwellings must comply with local zoning and regulatory guidelines. You can’t simply purchase an ADU online and assemble it in your backyard.
If you’re considering an ADU, the best first step is to research, then consult an expert to discuss your needs. They can provide design solutions and walk you through the entire building process.
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
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
10503 Timberwood Cir, Ste 101 Louisville, KY 40223 (502) 244-8446 eldercare4families.org/
9300 Stonestreet Rd, Ste 700, Louisville, KY 40272 (502) 935-3300 heartsong-mc.com
2301 Hurstbourne Village Dr #100 Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 426-9783 home-companions.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, Dementia Care, After-Hospital Care, and End-of-Life Care. Services are provided in your own home, Independent or Assisted Living, Personal or Memory Care, Skilled Care, Rehab or Hospital. All care directed by Registered Nurse and Master Level Social Worker.
Services: All personal and hygiene care, all mobility needs, meal prep, homemaking, medication reminders, exercise assistance, errands, transportation, companionship
Price per hour: $28.75+ No long-term contract. | Min. time required: Flexible up to 24/7
Type: Non-medical | Owner: Kayla Cook, RN, Elisabeth Knight, MSSW
ElderCare 4 Families has provided compassionate and professional home care in Louisville and Southern Indiana for over 40 years. We are experienced with LTC Insurance, VA Benefits, and private pay. No hour or shift minimums. Our staff completes annual certified Alzheimer’s and dementia training. Call for a complimentary assessment. Services: personal care, 24-hour service, respite relief, concierge services, homemaking, meal prep, laundry, Dementia Care, Parkinson’s support, transportation, errands, companionship, transition nurturance, end-of-life aid and comfort, and appointments.
Price per hour: EC4F services begin at $35/hr and we offer a special rate for Couple Care.
Type: Non-medical | Owner: Nova Leap Health
Proven excellence providing care at our place or yours by experienced, trained staff with the goal of keeping your loved one at home in the community.
Services: Adult day health care center; in-home personal care, light housekeeping, meal prep, med reminders, and some errands & transportation
Price: ADHC $88/day or Medicaid; In-home Care Medicaid HCB waiver Type: Medical ADHC; Non-medical In-home Care
Owner: Heartsong Memory Care, LLC
Personalized loving care available in home, assisted living, nursing home or hospital; scheduling up to 24 hours 7 days a week; trained and experienced 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
Home Instead
4101 Taylorsville Rd, Ste 200, Louisville, KY 40220 (502) 515-9515 louisvillehomecare.com
2001 Stanley Gault Pkwy, Ste C Louisville, KY 40223 (502) 244-1212 hwcg.com/Louisville
Hosparus Health
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
We have proudly provided Home Care Services to the Louisville Community for 25+ years. We are committed to providing personalized care in the comfort of the home you love! Call today for a complimentary consultation.
Services: Available 24/7; personal care, post-rehab support, companionship, transportation, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, and end of life support provided. EVERY client will be assigned a Client Care Manager. Trusted & Credentialed Partner with the VA. Price per hour: $33+/hr and we offer special rate for Couples Care
Min. time required: flexible up to 24/7
Type: Non-medical Home Care Services | Owner: Ben Karakunnel
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
Nazareth At Home Elite Concierge
2000 Newburg Rd Louisville, KY 40205
502-459-9681 nazaretheliteconcierge.org
Senior HelpersLouisville/Southern Indiana
1902 Campus Place, Suite 9
Louisville, KY 40299 (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 60. For retirement Living Options Directory, see page 48.
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 64.
If you are interested in a listing, email teri@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-$411
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: $4399+
Number of Beds: 98
In our Assisted Living residents enjoy the perfect balance of independence and support in beautifully appointed private apartments. With 24-hour personal care and clinical oversight, we provide the stability and safety that bring peace of mind to residents and their families. Our dedicated, licensed caregivers are always available to assist with daily activities, offering personalized care that respects each individual’s needs and preferences.
Our specialized Memory Care offers a secure and nurturing environment tailored to those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Residents benefit from structured routines and the support of compassionate, specially trained staff.
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
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
4600 Bowling Blvd, Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 721-7500
belmontvillage.com
Price Per Day: $140-$340
Belmont Village St. Matthews is home to the perfect blend of comfort, personalized care and active living. Our community offers personal care and memory care in Louisville. Nestled in the heart of the St. Matthews area, our beautifully landscaped senior living community is surrounded by premier dining, shopping and entertainment along with numerous places of worship. Here, you’re surrounded by a dedicated team who provides a wide spectrum of care, including our award-winning Circle of Friends program for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Every Belmont Village community is licensed to the highest standard—this means couples with different care needs can stay together. Like always. And as your needs change, we can change with you, offering the right level of care for where you are. Our experienced management team and specially trained staff are here to provide just the right balance of care and support to suit any lifestyle.
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.
Cedarhurst of East Louisville
100 Shelby Station Dr, Louisville, KY 40245
(502) 632-5500
cedarhurstliving.com/cedarhurst-east-louisville-ky
Price Per Day: Monthly rates starting at $5,250
At Cedarhurst of East Louisville, we tailor senior living to you. Our senior living community in Louisville, Kentucky, offers assisted living for those who need assistance with activities of daily living and memory care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It’s our mission for you to feel loved, supported, and valued, which starts with our life enrichment program, delivering customized experiences and genuine connections every day. Enjoy the privacy of your spacious apartment alongside community amenities, such as an on-site theater and salon. Cedarhurst of East Louisville is located just off I-265, around the corner from the shopping and dining options at Landis Lakes Townecenter.
Owner: Cedarhurst Senior Living
Payment: Private
Features and Services: Weekly Housekeeping, On-site Therapy, Multiple Dining Options, Transportation Services, Movie Theater, On-site Full-service Salon, Outdoor Spaces and Paths, Emergency Pendant Program, Ongoing Assessments and Health Monitoring, and ResidentCentered Life Enrichment Programs
Chestnut Ridge Health & Rehabilitation
1015 West Magazine St, Louisville, KY 40203 (502) 815-6460 • chestnutridgehr.com
Price Per Day: Varies depending on levels of care and community Committed to delivering exceptional rehab and skilled nursing care. Inpatient hemodialysis offered.
Owner: Lyon Healthcare
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, commercial policies
Search our care community directory online by scanning the QR code.
Christian Care Communities – Middletown
11530 Herrick Ln, Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 254-1799 Middletown.ChristianCareCommunities.org
Price Per Month: $3900+ All-inclusive. No added fees for care needs.
2024 Senior Advisor Award Winner. Imagine maintaining your independence while enjoying a little extra help when needed - exactly how assisted living should be. We tailor our services to meet unique needs, balancing active independence with trusted, personalized support. The monthly investment includes housekeeping, meals, laundry, utilities, plus help with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, toileting, etc. Our pet-friendly, VA-certified community features a thoughtfully designed, ground-floor layout that’s mobileand memory-friendly.
Our experienced, long-tenured caregivers are dedicated to helping residents live their best lives. With a 24/7 support team, freedom and flexibility come naturally. We offer private suites for personalized comfort, daily social activities, shared living areas designed for fellowship, and weekly worship and Bible studies. Residents have access to an abundance of outdoor greenspace, onsite beauty salon, whirlpool spa, library, and chapel.
Owner: Christian Care Communities, Inc.
Payment: Private, VA, LTCi
Features and Services: Housecleaning, Bathing and Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, 24-Hour Care, Dining Room, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed
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
Eastway Health & Rehabilitation
1155 Eastern Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40217 (502) 636-5241 • eastwayhr.com
Price Per Day: Varies depending on levels of care and community Committed to delivering exceptional rehab and skilled nursing care.
Owner: Lyon Healthcare
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, commercial policies
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.
Episcopal Church Home
7504 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40222 (502) 736-7800
episcopalchurchhome.org
Price Per Day: Varies by Level of Care
Discover award-winning assisted living and memory care designed for your comfort, security, and peace of mind. Tour luxurious private suites, savor fine dining, and enjoy enriching activities, private courtyards, fitness programs, and a full-service salon. See why so many families trust Episcopal Church Home.
Here, you or your loved one (age 62+) can thrive, no matter the level of assistance needed. Our dedicated team provides compassionate, onsite nursing care with a high staff-to-resident ratio—offering security and support when it matters most.
All faiths are welcome. Experience the difference and schedule your no-cost tour today!
Owner: Episcopal Retirement Services
Payment: Private, Medicaid, Medicare, 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, Restaurant, Chef on Staff, Happy Hour, Tours/Trips, Emergency Assistance, Medication Management, Open Kitchen, Outdoor Spaces, Garden, Pets Allowed
Forest Springs Health Campus
4120 Wooded Acre Ln, Louisville, KY 40245 (502) 243-1643 • forestspringshc.com
Price Per Month: Visit our website or call for current pricing.
Full continuum of care, short-term care, on-site therapy & dialysis unit.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, LTCi
Franciscan Health Care Center
3625 Fern Valley Rd, Louisville, KY 40219 (502) 964-3381 • 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, Medicare, Medicaid, LCTi
Glen Ridge Health Campus
6415 Calm River Way, Louisville, KY 40299 (502) 297-8590 • 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
The Legacy at English Station
13700 English Villa Dr, Louisville, KY 40245
(502) 254-2361 • 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
Lyon Healthcare
13 Kentucky campuses to serve you lyonhc.com
Price Per Day: Varies depending on levels of care and community
Lyon Healthcare is committed to delivering exceptional rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. Our dedicated caregivers work together to provide around-the-clock care and an environment where you and your loved ones feel valued, respected and empowered.
Each of our three local communities blend advanced healing technology. Learn more about each within these directory pages:
Chestnut Ridge Health & Rehabilitation
Eastway Health & Rehabilitation
Parkwood Health & Rehabilitation
Your journey is our top priority.
Owner: Lyon Healthcare
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, commercial policies
Features and Services: Transportation Available, Showers Available, Bathing Assistance, Dressing Assistance, Eating Help, Laundry, 24Hour Care, Dining Room, Emergency Assistance, Medication Given, Feeding Assistance if needed, Dietary Department, Wound Care, Respiratory Care
• Known for their award-winning, nonprofit long-term care, Nazareth Home now offers home health services to help your loved one stay safe and comfy in their own home.
• Spring House in the Hurstbourne area is now offering adult day health care. This is a great way to ensure your loved one receives help and social interaction that’s crucial for their well-being.
• Village Crossing Retirement Community hosted a special celebration for residents Alethea and Spurgeon Peay to mark an extraordinary milestone in August: their 80th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
• The YMCA of Greater Louisville will soon offer EGYM Smart Strength equipment, which can automatically adjust to your ideal seat height, resistance, and range of motion, helping you train with proper form and reduced risk of injury.
Got an update we should know about? Email jessica@todaystransitions.com.
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
Nazareth Home — Highlands Campus
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) 995-6600 • parkterracehc.com
Price Per Day: Visit our website or call for current pricing. On-site skilled nursing, memory care services, dialysis unit.
Owner: Trilogy Health Services, LLC
Payment: Medicare, Medicaid, Private, LTCi
Parkwood Health & Rehabilitation
900 Gagel Ave, Louisville, KY 40216
(502) 368-5827 • parkwoodhr.com
Price Per Day: Varies depending on levels of care and community
Committed to delivering exceptional rehab and skilled nursing care.
Owner: Lyon Healthcare
Payment: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, commercial policies
Riverbend Assisted Living & Memory Care Community
2715 Charlestown Pike, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 280-0965
sonidaseniorliving.com/community/riverbend
Price Per Month: $3950+
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
Sanders Ridge Health Campus
119 E Sanders Lane, Mt. Washington, KY 40047 (502) 251-3821 • 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: Private, Medicare, Medicaid, LCTi
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
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 offering:
Independent Living: We offer a wide range of floor plans.
Adult Day Health Care: A great way to ensure your loved one receives support and social interaction — while giving you a well-deserved break.
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
The Springs at Oldham Reserve
2000 East Peak Rd, LaGrange, KY 40031 (502) 516-3176 • springsatoldhamreserve.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 Springs at Stony Brook
2200 Stony Brook Dr, Louisville, KY 40220 (502) 491-4692 • springsatstonybrook.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
Treyton 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 patio homes 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
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
4247 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 893-3033 • 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
3101 N Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40241 (502) 412-3775 • willowsatspringhurst.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
By Carrie Vittitoe
Expand your culinary capabilities, search for feathered friends, or indulge in more ideas to warm up your winter.
It’s a bit of a joke that the older you get, the more interested you are in birds, but birds are fascinating. Winter is a perfect time to search for them because they can’t hide in tree leaves. Check out meetups with the Beckham Birding Club or the Louisville Women’s Birding Club (on Instagram).
If you usually take a sweetheart out for dinner around Valentine’s Day, do something a little different this year and head to the Frazier History Museum, which has an exhibit that runs through March 29, 2026 called Davis Jewelers’ Love & Marriage. On display are wedding dresses from days gone by, rings designed by an Oldham County native, and numerous interactive activities.
Many Louisvillians were sad when Gasthaus German Restaurant closed in 2022, but you can bring a taste of that restaurant into your home. The Greipel family has created a cookbook and is now offering cooking classes (which sell out fast). Learn more at GasthausLouisville.com, or follow them at Gasthaus German Restaurant on Facebook. Guten appetit!
Let the markers be your guide
A fun way to explore more of Kentucky may be to check out the historic markers in each county. The Kentucky Historical Society allows you to search by county or subject to find places in the state that appeal to your interests. Fascinated by grist mills? A quick search could lead you on a drive to Fleming County, where you can see the Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, named for a grist mill that operated in the 1800s. Or just pick a county, drive there, and use the tool to find interesting markers to explore.
