Home Care in Kansas
With its affordable housing and a lower cost of living than the national average, Kansas can be an appealing place to retire for seniors on a budget. Retirees who crave wide open spaces will find much to love here — Kansas boasts nearly 10,000 square miles of sweeping prairie lands and 29 diverse state parks packed with trails just waiting to be explored. More than 16% of the state's population consists of adults aged 65 and above.
The SeniorScore for Kansas is 75, which is three points above the national average of 72. The SeniorScore rates how friendly a state is for older adults in four key categories: General Quality of Life, Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure and Finances. Kansas' highest score was 74 in the General Quality of Life category thanks to low population density and high public school rankings. In the Finances category, the state lost points due to high sales and income taxes, although assisted living and nursing home costs are lower than the U.S. average. Kansas residents enjoy access to a high number of home health care providers and Medicare-registered doctors throughout the state.
In this guide, seniors will learn about the average price of home care in Kansas and get information about several programs and resources that may help cover the cost of care.
Top Home Care Agencies in Kansas
Located at 108 N Walnut PO Box 249 in Inman, Kansas, Pleasant View Home is a 124 unit senior housing community. With an average family income of $53,066, the facility is in a generally middle income area. ...
William Newton Home Health Services is a home health care company located in Winfield, Kansas at 1305 East 5th Ave. They offer in-home personal care services in addition to in-home nursing to seniors. For almost 37 years, they have ...
Midwest Healthcare Services is a in-home care company based in Overland Park, Kansas at 8600 West 110th St Suite 210. They offer home care services in addition to in-home nursing for senior clientele. They have been in business in ...
Located in Wichita, KS at 7607 East Harry, Home Health of Kansas is a senior in-home care company offering personal care services and also in-home nursing. For nearly 8 years, they have been providing care to customers in the Wichita ...
Located at 9415 E Harry Suites 204 And 205 in Wichita, Kansas, Absolute Home Health Care is a senior home healthcare provider that offers home health care in addition to home care services. For nearly 21 years, they have been ...
Brookdale Home Health Kansas is a senior home care company located in Salina, KS at 123 Indiana Ave Suite B. They offer home care and home health services for senior clients. For nearly 31 years, they have been serving ...
Homecare and Hospice is a home health care company based in Manhattan, Kansas at 3801 Vanesta Dr. They provide in-home nursing and also in-home personal care to senior clients. They have been operating in Manhattan for nearly 40 ...
Located in Hutchinson, Kansas at 1515 N Lorraine St Ste C, Home Instead Senior Care is a home health care service provider offering personal home care services in addition to in-home nursing services. They provide multiple personal services including spiritual ...
Located in Overland Park, KS at 11880 College Blvd, Suite 4a, Gentiva Health Services I is a home health care company that offers in-home care and in-home medical services. For nearly 31 years, they have been serving customers in the ...
Located in Topeka, Kansas at 1251 SW Arrowhead Suite 103, Interim Healthcare of Topeka is a senior home care company offering in-home personal care services along with in-home medical care. For almost 5 years, they have been providing care to ...
Located at 2810 North Barons Pl in Garden City, Kansas, Wildcat Pt Home Health Physical Therapy is a home health care service provider offering in-home medical services as well as in-home personal care services. Since 1988, they have been serving ...
Located at 249 N Hillside St in Wichita, Kansas, Home Instead Senior Care is a senior home healthcare service provider offering personal care along with in-home health care. They can provide multiple medical services like memory care, diabetes care, licensed ...
Located at 6811 Shawnee Mission Parkway Suite 115 in Overland Park, Kansas, Essential Home Health Inc is an in-home care provider offering home care along with in-home nursing. Since 2008, they have been helping seniors throughout the Overland Park area. ...
Located in Fredonia, Kansas at 314 North 7th St, Home Town Health Care is a senior home care company offering in-home nursing care and in-home personal care. They have been serving clients in the area since 2006. They offer various ...
Located at 1919 N Amidon Ave Ste 310 in Wichita, Kansas, Home Instead Senior Care is a in-home care service provider that offers in-home medical services as well as in-home care. They provide multiple personal services including help managing medication, ...
Gentiva Health Services is a home healthcare provider located in Wichita, KS at 2622 West Central Avenue Suite 401-a. They provide in-home nursing services along with personal care for senior clients. For nearly 15 years, they have been providing ...
Located in Prairie Village, KS at 8101 Mission Rd, Health at Home is a home care provider offering in-home health care in addition to personal home care. Since 2008, they have been providing care to customers throughout the Prairie ...
Prn Home Health Agency is a home health care company based in Norton, KS at 801 N Norton Ave. They provide in-home personal care and also home healthcare to senior clientele. They have been serving clients in Kansas for ...
Susan B Allen Mem Hospital is a senior home health care provider based in El Dorado, KS at 620 West Central. They provide in-home nursing care and in-home personal care to senior clientele. They have been in business ...
Located in Anthony, KS at 123 N Jennings, Harper County HHA is a home health care company that offers in-home nursing services along with personal care. They have been providing care in Kansas for nearly 52 years. They can provide ...
The Cost of Home Care in Kansas
In Kansas, home care costs seniors an average of $4,004 per month, according to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care survey. In-home care includes non-medical services, such as housekeeping and companionship. Home health care, which provides various medical services and skilled nursing compared to regular home care, is about $200 more expensive at $4,195 per month.
The Cost of Home Care in Kansas Compared to Nearby States
Seniors in Kansas can expect to pay approximately $200 less for home care than the national average of $4,290. Compared to surrounding states, Kansas is one of the most affordable places for both types of care. In Nebraska, for example, seniors pay $4,671 for in-home care and $4,957 for home health care. Colorado is even pricier, with rates around $4,957 for both care options.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Kansas | $4,004 | $4,195 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,290 |
Nebraska | $4,671 | $4,957 |
Missouri | $4,195 | $4,195 |
Oklahoma | $4,195 | $4,242 |
Colorado | $4,957 | $4,957 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Kansas
Kansas residents have other assistance choices in addition to home care. Adult day care is the least expensive of these — it costs $1,773 per month and provides services in a community setting while seniors live independently at home. Assisted living, with rates around $4,473, includes room and board, meals and personal care. Nursing home care is the most expensive, costing seniors $5,627 for a semi-private room.
- In-Home Care: $4,004
- Home Health Care: $4,195
- Adult Day Care: $1,773
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,473
- Nursing Home Care: $5,627
The Cost of Home Care in Kansas's Top Cities
Costs for home care in Kansas vary greatly throughout the state, with rates ranging from $3,718 to $4,576. Care is cheapest in the Lawrence area, which is less than 40 minutes from Kansas City and the Missouri border. Costs are a bit higher in the capital city of Topeka, with home care rates around $4,178 and home health services at $4,195. Rates are highest in the Manhattan area, located about one hour west of the capital.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Kansas | $4,007 | $4,195 |
Lawrence | $3,718 | $3,909 |
Topeka | $4,147 | $4,195 |
Manhattan | $4,576 | $4,576 |
Wichita | $4,290 | $4,433 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Kansas
Senior Care Act
The Senior Care Act provides low-cost services for residents aged 60 and up, which may include help with errands, housekeeping and personal care. Eligible seniors may also receive some skilled nursing services, such as medication administration and wound care. Services are provided through one of the state's Area Agencies on Aging. Cost of care is based on a sliding fee scale and determined by an individual's ability to pay.
Contact Information
To learn more about the SCA, seniors can call (855) 200-2372.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Kansas residents who are eligible for Medicaid and aged 55 or above can receive free in-home care services through PACE. Services include meal delivery, personal care, transportation and several types of therapy. Seniors must be capable of living independently and undergo a functional eligibility assessment from a PACE provider in order to receive care.
Contact Information
Seniors interested in this program can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at (855) 200-2372.
Frail Elderly Waiver Program
The FE Waiver provides free in-home care and medical services for seniors who would otherwise require nursing home care. Services can include wellness monitoring, financial management assistance and regular evaluations by a skilled nurse. Virtual health checkups are also available for homebound seniors. Residents must be at least 65 years old and eligible for Medicaid to qualify.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply for the FE Waiver by calling the ADRC at (855) 200-2372.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Kansas Home Care Rules and Regulations
In Kansas, non-medical care services are provided by home care agencies, while skilled nursing and other medical assistance are provided through home health care agencies. Both types of care are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Home health agencies must be licensed and comply with Kansas state regulations for patient rights and hiring practices.
Scope of Care | Home health agencies provide medical services, including therapy, medication administration and management of chronic conditions. In-home care agencies assist with non-medical services, such as household chores, meals and grocery shopping. |
Care Plan Requirements | Home health agencies must provide clients with a written care plan outlining immediate and long-term requirements. The plan should be signed by the supervising nurse or another appropriate health professional and periodically reviewed. Kansas doesn't outline care plan requirements for home care agencies. |
Medication Management Requirements | Home health aides may administer medications as prescribed by a client's doctor. In-home caregivers can help a client self-administer medication, as long as the medication doesn't require administration by a health care professional. |
Staff Screening Requirements | All home health caregivers must pass a criminal history record check conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. |
Staff Training Requirements | Home nurse aides must complete a 90-hour certification course approved by the state licensing agency; for health aides, a 20-hour course is required. |
Medicaid Coverage | Seniors who are enrolled in or eligible for a Medicaid plan may receive reduced-cost or free care through PACE or the FE waiver. |
Reporting Abuse | Elder abuse should be reported to the Department for Aging and Disability Services at (800) 842-0078. |
Free Home Care Resources in Kansas
Seniors in Kansas have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Aging and Disability Resource Center
In association with Kansas' 10 Area Agencies on Aging, the ADRC helps seniors find valuable community services near them. Residents can speak with a volunteer at ADRC to learn more about Medicare plans, long-term care options and other topics of interest to older adults. Services vary depending on location but may include transportation, home-delivered meals, housekeeping assistance and caregiver respite.
Contact Information
Seniors can reach the ARDC helpline at (855) 200-2372. The helpline is open to take calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Seniors
This program, also called SAFESR, provides a property tax refund to eligible homeowners under the Kansas Homestead Act provisions. The refund amount is 75% of the property taxes paid for the year, with no cap on the amount received. It's available to seniors 65 and up who have a household income of $20,300 or less. Residents who have a home appraised at more than $350,000 do not qualify.
Contact Information
Residents must complete and file form K-40PT for the year they wish to receive a refund. The form may also be requested by mail at (785) 296-4937.
Weatherization Assistance
Low-income seniors who can't afford to improve their homes may qualify for aid via the Weatherization Assistance Program. The program pays for insulation, air sealing treatment and weatherstripping for windows and doors. Heating and cooling appliances may be repaired or upgraded to a more energy-efficient model. Both homeowners and renters can receive help from the program. Seniors who are on SSI or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families are automatically eligible.
Contact Information
Seniors can find their region's weatherization provider on the Kansas Housing website.
Salvation Army Utility Assistance
The Salvation Army provides funding to help the elderly and disabled pay their energy bills. Programs and benefits offered may vary depending on region and utility provider. Bill payments are typically made to the utility provider on the customer's behalf and can include a one-time grant per season or a monthly subsidy. Seniors must have a household income level that is less than 200% of the poverty level to qualify for most programs.
Contact Information
To apply for utility assistance, seniors should call the Salvation Army at (816) 756-5392.
Kansas Legal Services
Kansas Legal Services is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteer attorneys who are dedicated to helping seniors understand their rights. Seniors can call the Elder Law Hotline to get free assistance with legal questions about Medicare appeals, power of attorney, bankruptcy and other issues important to older adults. The organization partners with the Senior Citizen Law Project, which focuses on stopping elder abuse and connecting Kansas residents with the medical and financial resources they need.
Contact Information
To contact Kansas Legal Services, call (785) 233-2068. The Elder Law Hotline can be reached at (888) 353-5337.
Meals on Wheels Association of Kansas
MOWAK partners with Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers throughout the state to provide Kansas residents with nutritious home-delivered meals. Other services may include wellness checks, social visits, transportation and home repairs. In general, seniors must be 60 or older and unable to prepare their own meals to qualify for delivery. Meals may be free or priced based on a sliding fee scale, depending on ability to pay.
Contact Information
Seniors can apply for assistance with their local MOWAK partner or search by zip code for the provider nearest them.
Other Cities in Kansas