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Assisted Living in Kansas

Seniors aged 65+ account for 15.9% of the state's population, according to Census data, which is almost identical to the 16% nationwide average. Over the past decade, Kansas has seen an increase of 2.6% in the senior population and this trend is expected to continue. The climate gives residents more sunny days, and less rain and snow compared to the United States overall. Wintertime in Kansas can still get quite frosty, and the year-round low humidity is preferable for many seniors.

The monthly cost of assisted living facilities in Kansas is approximately 10% higher than the national average, according to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey. All neighboring states have more affordable costs, and in Missouri the cost is approximately 35% lower than Kansas.

This guide contains cost comparisons for assisted living in Kansas, the nearby region and the country as a whole. State benefits, entitlements and other resources that relate to assisted living are also included.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Kansas



SeniorScore is a livability index that helps older Americans make important decisions when they retire or enter an assisted living facility. Kansas has a SeniorScore of 75%, which makes it an above-average state overall after assessing health and safety, finances, quality of life and other factors.



SeniorScore™ for Kansas



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

75

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • Kansas's SeniorScore™ of 75 is higher than the national average of 72.
65

Health & Safety

  • Kansas has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • Kansas has a high number of hospitals within the state.
  • Kansas has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • Kansas has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in Kansas is 78.7, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • Kansas has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • Kansas has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
63

Recreation & Leisure

  • 31% of the population in Kansas are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • Kansas has 238 golf courses in the state.
  • Kansas has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • Kansas has 1,402 churches in the state.
63

Finances

  • The property taxes average 2.59% of total income in Kansas, which is lower than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 1.35% of property value in Kansas, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in Kansas is 8.99%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in Kansas is 3.67%, which is higher than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in Kansas is $67,101, which is higher than the national average of $64,580.
  • Kansas's median household income is $54,238, which is higher than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in Kansas is $26,529, which is higher than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in Kansas average $41,703 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in Kansas average $63,481 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in Kansas average $20,332 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in Kansas average $45,071 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 6.43% in Kansas, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in Kansas is low compared to national averages.
  • 0.70% of the senior population in Kansas are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
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General Quality of Life

  • Kansas receives an average of 32.0 inches of rain per year.
  • Kansas has an average annual temperature of 54.9 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Kansas has an average low temperature of 42.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Kansas has an average high temperature of 66.3 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Kansas has an average population density of 267 people per square mile.
  • Kansas has a high public school quality ranking.
  • Kansas has a high public school safety ranking.
  • Kansas has a high graduation rate of 89.37%.

Kansas scores very well in the health category, with a slightly higher life expectancy compared to the country overall, and it receives high grades for its senior living facilities, hospitals and other health care providers.

The state loses ground in the safety category due to a moderately increased rate of property crime, although this generally has no specific effect on residents in assisted living facilities.

General quality of life is high in Kansas, which features a relatively low population density and a climate that is ideal for many seniors. The state's public schools rank highly for quality and safety, and the graduation rate is almost 90%. While the school system may seem unimportant for residents in assisted living, it's a useful indicator of future stability and economic growth in a region.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in Kansas



Lakeview Village - Lenexa, KS

Lakeview Village

13840 W 91st Terrace

Lenexa, KS 66215

1-855-243-3078

9 Reviews  

Situated near the Wellington West neighborhood of Lenexa, Kansas, Lakeview Village is a 172 room senior care facility. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with a median household income of $73,695. With around 26,000 individuals ...

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Asbury Park - Newton, KS

Asbury Park

200 SW 14th

Newton, KS 67114

1-855-222-1541

7 Reviews  

Located at 200 SW 14th in Newton, Kansas, Asbury Park is a 99 bed senior housing facility. With approximately 23,000 poeple living in the zip code of 67114, the neighboring area is densely populated. It is a generally ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Kansas



Kansas is the least affordable state in the region for assisted living, with a monthly average that's roughly 10% higher than the next most expensive state, Colorado. Nebraska's monthly cost for this level of senior care is approximately 15% lower than Kansas, and Oklahoma is 21% less expensive. Missouri is the most affordable in the region by a wide margin, with an average saving of just over 35% compared to Kansas.

  • Kansas: $4,473
  • United States: $4,051
  • Missouri: $2,881
  • Oklahoma: $3,518
  • Colorado: $4,095
  • Nebraska: $3,819

The Cost of Assisted Living in Kansas' Top Cities

Assisted living costs fluctuate wildly depending on the city as well as the state. Lawrence is the most expensive area surveyed for this category of care. Lawrence has a monthly average cost that's approximately 22% higher than that of the state and almost double the cost found just across the border in Joplin, MO. The costs begin to fall slightly in Manhattan and again in Wichita, which have average monthly costs of $4,975 and $4,698, respectively. Topeka, which is the most affordable, is the only surveyed city in Kansas with an average cost below that of the state and country.

  • Wichita: $4,698
  • Topeka: $3,738
  • Lawrence: $5,450
  • Manhattan: $4,975
  • Joplin (MO): $2,750

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Kansas

Although Kansas has relatively high costs for assisted living, the cost of nursing home care is substantially lower in the state when compared to the region and to the United States overall. The monthly cost for nursing care in Kansas is $5,627, whereas in neighboring Colorado the price goes up by almost 50%, reaching $8,197 per month. In-home and adult day care costs are more standardized across the region, with little savings to be found based on location.

  • Assisted Living: $4,473
  • In-Home Care: $4,004
  • Home Health Care: $4,195
  • Adult Day Care: $1,733
  • Nursing Home Care: $5,627

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Kansas



Medicaid HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver


Phone Number: (785) 296-4983
Website: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/home-community-based-services-(hcbs)/programs/frail-elderly

Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) covers the cost of nursing facility care for low-income seniors, but it doesn't cover assisted living and it won't provide funding for any services received in assisted living unless a waiver is granted. The Frail Elderly HCBS waiver provides access to community-based services with the ultimate goal being to prevent the recipient from being placed in a nursing facility. This is usually accomplished via in-home care, but this waiver can also be used to cover some of the costs associated with assisted living.

FE waiver services include personal care, assistive technology and emergency response, medication reminders and wellness monitoring. In many cases, this waiver will cover all assisted living costs except for room and board.

To qualify, waiver recipients must be at least 65 years of age, financially eligible for Medicaid (KanCare) and at risk of nursing home placement. Applications for Medicaid and HCBS waiver services can be submitted online. However, the applicant must still be assessed in person as to their functional eligibility, and this assessment can be arranged at the Aging and Disability Resource Center or by calling (855) 200-2372.


Kansas Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is responsible for licensing and regulating the state's adult care homes, which include assisted living facilities, nursing facilities and various other classifications. The complete statutes and regulations can be viewed online, and a relevant summary is provided here.

Memory Care Regulations

Facilities that house any number of residents with dementia or other memory care needs must train staff on the relevant issues. This training must include the proper response toward residents who are agitated, aggressive or exhibiting other unwanted behavior.

Level of Care Provided

All residents must receive the appropriate assistance with the activities of daily living based on their cognitive and functional abilities, and this assistance must be available 24/7. Skilled nursing care can be provided on a limited or intermittent basis. Residents who need full-time or permanent skilled nursing care cannot be admitted to an assisted living facility.

Care Plan Regulations

The resident's service agreement or care plan must specify the type and amount of services to be provided. The resident and family members can be involved in the drafting of this agreement, and it must be kept up to date, noting any significant changes in the resident's condition.

Staffing Regulations

Staff members must be screened and rescreened annually against known offender lists. They must also receive a satisfactory criminal background check from state police. The operator of each facility is screened by state regulators and checked by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Staff must be licensed and properly trained to carry out the functions of their employment, such as medication administration or Alzheimer's care. They must also receive 40 hours of training, supervised by a registered nurse, on how best to provide direct care to residents.

Medication Management

Medications and treatments must be prescribed by a physician or dentist. If a resident is unable to self-administer, all medications and treatments must be administered by licensed nursing personnel. Residents must not be forced or coerced into changing their supplier of medication to one that is more convenient or financially beneficial to the facility.

Assisted Living and Medicaid

Kansas Medicaid will cover some or all of the cost of care received in an assisted living facility if the resident is approved for HCBS via the Frail Elderly waiver. Kansas Medicaid doesn't cover the cost of room and board in assisted living, regardless of the waiver status.

Other Protections for Residents

An individual must not be forced to undergo medical care or treatment if they object based on spiritual reasons. Residents must not be transferred from or discharged from a facility without a minimum of 30 days advance notice in writing, except in emergencies or when dealing with issues of compliance with federal law or state regulations.

Reporting Abuse and Complaints

Staff are obligated to report suspected wrongdoing to the relevant agency governing the facility, as well as to police if the allegation is serious and criminal in nature. Facility residents, family members and the general public should report suspected abuse and neglect to the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services at (800) 842-0078.


Free Assisted Living Resources in Kansas



Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman


The LTC Ombudsman program is an advocate for all residents of long-term care facilities in Kansas. Staff members investigate complaints and mediate issues, and the general goal of the program is to improve the quality of life for the resident. Its services are free of charge and confidential, which means seniors and family members can be assured they won't suffer reprisals due to any reports made. Complaints can be submitted online via the website, over the phone or through local contacts.

Contact: Call the statewide hotline toll-free at (877) 662-8362 for more information, or view the regional map for local contacts.


Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)


SHICK is a free program that offers information and counseling on available benefits and health insurance, even as it relates to assisted living. Residents can speak to unbiased counselors who don't work for any of the companies involved. These counselors provide clear answers on all aspects of Medicare, including prescription drug coverage, supplemental insurance and long-term care insurance. Staff can then assist in the claims process for benefits and services or, if the individual is ineligible, make referrals to other local agencies and service providers that may be able to assist.

Contact: Call the toll-free hotline at (800) 860-5260 for more information or to arrange a meeting with staff.


Kansas Agencies


Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging & Disabilities

This association manages the state's Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and its Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Both receive funding from federal, state and local sources, and both share the goal of helping seniors in Kansas understand their options, pursue their best interests and maintain their independence. For example, seniors who would like to live in an assisted living facility may call the ADRC hotline and ask staff about how to pay for it. The ADRC would most likely point to the Frail Elderly waiver as a possibility. The ADRC, which manages all of Kansas, is the state's approved partner in making functional assessments that determine eligibility for these waiver services. Residents are usually referred to the Area Agencies on Aging to receive certain services and information at the local level.

Veteran Affairs Offices in Kansas

The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office provides useful information and services for veterans and their eligible dependents. There are more than a dozen offices throughout the state along with mobile outreach programs. One of the main goals of the KCVA is ensuring all veterans and their family members have access to the relevant state and federal benefits. Staff can help with the application process as well as the appeals process if necessary.

Aid and Attendance benefits are available for eligible veterans. This benefit comes as a monthly payment in addition to the regular VA pension, and the dollar amount can be quite substantial in certain cases. This benefit can be used to help pay for assisted living or other care.

The veteran homes at Fort Dodge and Winfield can provide assisted living and skilled nursing care at costs below the current market rate for these levels of care, and priority goes to veterans with few or no resources to pay for care. Spouses and surviving spouses can also live in these homes if space is available at the time.

Social Security Offices in Kansas

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income in Kansas are automatically eligible to receive services via Medicaid and the Frail Elderly waiver, so it's often more efficient to apply for SSI before all else. In combination, these programs and benefits can cover most or all personal care costs from assisted living, but not the room and board in such a facility.

Information on benefits, eligibility requirements and the application process can be found on the official Social Security Administration website. Kansas residents should contact their local SSA office for issues that can't be managed online.

 

Other Cities in Kansas

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