Memory Care in Kansas
America's heartland isn't immune from the Alzheimer's epidemic. Kansas is home to nearly 500,000 senior citizens, and some 55,000 older adults statewide are living with this progressive form of memory loss. This number is projected to rise by 13% over the coming years. As cases increase, more and more seniors are turning to long-term care facilities to meet their physical and cognitive needs.
For many individuals with dementia, memory care is the best option. These specialized assisted living centers provide secure, homelike accommodations, customized daily activities and advanced therapies that can improve day-to-day functioning and prevent cognitive decline. According to Genworth Financial, the average cost of memory care in the Sunflower State is $5,591 per month, which is moderately higher than the national average.
Created especially for individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia, this guide includes information about memory care, average costs, Medicaid assistance and statewide resources to help Kansas seniors and their families make informed decisions.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Kansas
Kansas is a desirable location for seniors who require memory care or other supports. The state has a SeniorScore of 75, which is three points higher than the national average of 72. This livability index rates communities on more than 100 items related to Finances, Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure and General Quality of Life.
With 74 out of 100 possible points, Kansas scores exceptionally well in General Quality of Life thanks to its balanced climate, average population density and excellent schools. Seniors in the Sunflower State also benefit from robust Health & Safety infrastructure, including a large number of hospitals, long-term care facilities and physicians. Despite high average crime rates and a life expectancy that's just a fraction higher than the national average of 78.6 years, Kansas earned 65 points for Health & Safety.
Ranking criteria for Finances and Recreation & Leisure resulted in a tied score of 63. Property taxes are lower than the national average in relation to income. Long-term care tends to be competitively priced, which can benefit seniors who need assisted living or memory care. Other positive features include a high number of parks and a larger than average senior population. The state is also home to more than 200 golf courses and 1,400 churches.
Top Memory Care Communities in Kansas
Pinnacle Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 94 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 400 S Rogers Rd in Olathe, Kansas. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 75,000 individuals living in the zip code ...
Larksfield Place Health Care and Rehabilitation is located in the Cottonwood Village neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. It is a 90 room nursing care facility. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 19,000 individuals living in ...
Located at 201 E Flaming Rd, Royal Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a nursing facility serving Olathe, Kansas. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average household income of $74,559. With around 57,000 ...
Villa St. Francis is a 170 unit senior housing community. It is located at 16600 W 126th St in Olathe, Kansas. The neighboring area has a dense population, with approximately 75,000 people residing in the 66062 zip code. ...
Via Christi Village in Pittsburg is located at 1502 E Centennial in Pittsburg, Kansas. It is a 96 room senior housing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 26,000 poeple living in the zip code ...
Located at 5015 SW 28th St in Topeka, Kansas, Tanglewood Health and Rehabilitation is a 54 bed nursing home facility. With an average household income of $59,990, the community is in a primarily middle income area. It is ...
Brandon Woods at Alvamar is a 140 bed senior community situated in Lawrence, Kansas. With approximately 19,000 people residing in the zip code of 66047, the surrounding area has a medium-density population. It is a generally middle income ...
Catholic Care Center is a 176 unit senior care facility. It is located around the Cottonwood Village neighborhood of Bel Aire, Kansas. The community is in a predominantly well-to-do area, with a median per-household income of $76,234. ...
McCrite Plaza Topeka is a 91 unit senior care facility. It is located at 1610 SW 37th St in Topeka, Kansas. With an average per-household income of $43,314, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. ...
Located nearby the Westlink area of the city, Meadowlark Adult Care Home is a residential care facility in Wichita, Kansas. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with a median family income of $62,568. With roughly ...
Located at 757 W Eisenhower Rd in Lansing, Kansas, Twin Oaks Health and Rehab is an 80 bed nursing care facility. The community is in a predominantly upper class area, with a median household income of $78,094. With ...
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center SNU is a 15 unit senior care facility. It is located at 1701 E 23rd Ave in Hutchinson, Kansas. The community is in a generally middle class area, with a median household income of ...
Logan Manor Community Health Services is a 36 bed nursing care facility. It is located at PO Box 308 in Logan, Kansas. The community is in a generally middle income area, with an average per-family income of $44,119. ...
Manorcare Health Services - Wichita is located in the Comotara Mainsgate Villa area of Wichita, Kansas. It is a 118 unit nursing care facility. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with around 16,000 individuals living in the ...
Rossville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is a 79 unit nursing care facility situated in Rossville, Kansas. With approximately 3,000 people residing in the 66533 zip code, the surrounding area is sparsely populated. It is a generally middle class ...
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 ...
Villa Maria is a 64 bed senior care facility. It is located at 116 S Central Ave in Mulvane, Kansas. The encompassing area has an average population density, with about 9,000 individuals residing in the zip code of ...
Located at 12802 Johnson Dr in Shawnee, Kansas, Brookdale Rosehill is a 92 unit senior community for those 55 and up. With a median family income of $77,390, the facility is in a generally wealthier area. It is ...
Brookdale Overland Park is a 100 unit senior housing community for people over 55 situated in Overland Park, Kansas. With around 21,000 individuals residing in the 66209 zip code, the surrounding area has a medium-density population. It is ...
Village Shalom is a 76 bed senior housing facility. It is situated nearby the Blue Hills Estates area of Overland Park, Kansas. The surrounding area has an average population density, with around 21,000 residents in the 66209 zip ...
The Cost of Memory Care in Kansas
According to data from Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of memory care in Kansas is $5,591 per month, which is about 10% higher than the national average of $5,064 and moderately more expensive than other parts of the region. Monthly rates are anywhere from $470 to $1,990 higher than neighboring states. Colorado is the next most expensive area with an average of $5,119 per month, followed by Nebraska at $4,774 and Oklahoma at $4,398. In Missouri, monthly rates are 35% lower at $3,601, representing an annual savings of more than $23,800 compared to Kansas. In most cases, memory care costs 20 to 30% more than assisted living. Since there's no official data, all estimates are based on the adjusted price of assisted living.
- Kansas: $5,591
- National: $5,064
- Nebraska: $4,774
- Colorado: $5,119
- Oklahoma: $4,398
- Missouri: $3,601
The Cost of Memory Care in Kansas's Top Cities
The cost of memory care varies by more than $2,100 across the largest cities in Kansas. Rates are nearly $1,000 higher than the state median and 35% higher than the national average in Lawrence, where seniors pay $6,813 per month. Memory care is also more expensive than average in Manhattan, which has a monthly cost of $6,219. Seniors looking for a more affordable area should consider Topeka, where average rates are $900 lower than the state median. Across the border in Kansas City, Missouri, seniors pay just $3,623 per month, which is $1,970 lower than most in-state communities.
- Wichita: $5,873
- Topeka: $4,673
- Lawrence: $6,813
- Manhattan: $6,219
- Kansas City, MO: $3,623
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Kansas
Memory support is one of the most expensive long-term care options for seniors in Kansas. It costs just $36 less per month than skilled nursing and about $1,120 more than assisted living. Seniors who have dementia may also opt for in-home care, which costs about $4,004 per month, or home health care, which costs $4,195. Although these services are more affordable than memory care at first glance, seniors are still responsible for the cost of housing, utilities and upkeep when living at home, which gives institutional options a clear advantage. Another alternative is community-based daytime health care programming. These services cost $1,733 per month on average, and many offer dementia-specific activities.
- Memory Care: $5,591
- 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 Memory Care in Kansas
Frail Elderly Medicaid Waiver
Address: P.O. Box 3599, Topeka, KS 66601
Phone Number: (785) 296-4983
Website: https://kdads.ks.gov/commissions/home-community-based-services-(hcbs)/programs/frail-elderly#
Frail Elderly is a versatile long-term care waiver available through KanCare, the state's Medicaid program. It helps with the cost of personal care and related services provided in an assisted living facility or similar residential setting. Covered supports depend on the results of a functional needs assessment and may include emergency response systems, wellness monitoring, dental care and medical evaluations. Services may be self-directed or coordinated through an agency. Benefits are provided through managed care organizations, including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare and Sunflower. Individuals must be 65 years or older and require a nursing home level of care to qualify. In addition to meeting income and asset limits, beneficiaries may be required to pay a monthly premium. Applicants can call their local ADRC at (855) 200-2372 to learn more.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Address: 503 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66603
Phone Number: (785) 296-8288
Website: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/home-community-based-services-(hcbs)/programs/pace
PACE is a Medicaid/Medicare alternative available to adults who are 55 years or older and require long-term care. Nationally, 49% of participants have dementia. In Kansas, services are offered by three regional providers, including Midland Care, Bluestem Communities and Via Christi HOPE, which serve residents in two dozen counties and counting. PACE is unique because it combines medical and long-term care. Each interdisciplinary team includes doctors, nurses, physical therapists, social workers and transportation specialists. In addition to providing personal care at home or within a memory care facility, PACE covers prescription medications, diagnostic services, wellness visits and emergency medical care. It pays for all of the services offered by Medicaid or Medicare, and additional supports may be available as determined by the care team.
VA Aid and Attendance
Address: 5500 E. Kellogg, Building 61, Wichita, KS 67218
Phone Number: (800) 827-1000
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
Aid and Attendance is a valuable cash benefit available to certain medically needy veterans and survivors who receive a military pension. Individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia typically qualify for this program. Benefits are also available to applicants who are bedridden, have serious vision impairments or need help with at least one activity of daily living. A similar program is available to military pensioners who are housebound. Medical documentation is required, and applicants must currently receive a regular pension. Individuals can apply by contacting the VA's Wichita Regional Office or mailing their completed application to the St. Paul VA Pension Management Center.
Kansas Memory Care Rules and Regulations
Adult care homes and special care units in Kansas are licensed and regulated by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Survey, Certification and Credentialing Commission. These laws are designed to protect residents' health and safety by ensuring that all facilities are held to the same standard.
Scope of Care | Assisted living and memory care facilities may provide 24-hour personal assistance and skilled nursing to help residents with the activities of daily living. |
Care Planning | Assisted living and memory care facilities must work with the resident or resident's representative to develop a personalized care plan that addresses all medical or personal needs. The care plan must be reviewed annually, upon request or as needed to ensure the resident's health and safety. |
Medication Management | Licensed staff members, including nurses and certified medication aides, may administer medications or assist with self-administration based on the findings of a needs assessment. Medication plans must be reviewed quarterly by a licensed pharmacist. |
Staff Screening | All employees and contractors, including clinical workers and office staff, must pass a comprehensive criminal background check processed by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Individuals who have a record of certain offenses may not be employed by assisted living facilities or home care agencies. |
Staff Training | Memory care facilities must provide orientations and in-service training for all new employees. Annual dementia training is required for all memory care staff. |
Medicaid Coverage | Seniors who have dementia and meet certain income and asset limits may qualify for financial assistance through the Frail Elderly Medicaid waiver. This program covers the cost of necessary personal care, but it doesn't pay for room and board. |
Reporting Abuse | Complaints of abuse or neglect should be made to the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services by calling (800) 842-0078. Information can also be faxed to (785) 296-0256. |
Free Memory Care Resources in Kansas
University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center
The University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center in Fairway is one of a select group of federally designated dementia research facilities recognized by the National Institutes of Health. The center hosts caregiver support groups, webinars and outreach events. Individuals diagnosed with dementia can participate in clinical trials or access advanced medical care through the center's Memory Care Clinic. It also offers interactive Lifestyle Empowerment for Alzheimer's Prevention (LEAP!) programs that give residents the tools needed to maintain brain health and reduce their risk of dementia.
The Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the nation's foremost nonprofit focused on dementia and memory loss. Patients, loved ones and caregivers can access various free resources through the association's Heart of America and Central and Western Kansas Chapters. Since 1980, this longstanding nonprofit has hosted fundraising walks, sponsored research and educated the public about the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia. Kansas residents can take advantage of local and virtual support groups or call the association's 24-hour helpline at (800) 272-3900 to find additional resources in their area.
Kansas Agencies
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Address: 503 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66603
Phone Number: (785) 296-4986
Website: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/commissions/commission-on-aging
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Commission on Aging manages a number of critical programs designed to protect the well-being of older adults. In addition to managing the state's network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers, it sponsors the Kansas Senior Medicare Patrol, Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas and the Alzheimer's Disease Task Force. This initiative is dedicated to assessing the state's needs and developing successful strategies to support Alzheimer's patients, families and caregivers.
Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas
Kansas is home to 11 Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Area Agencies on Aging that serve seniors, caregivers and disabled adults in designated geographic areas. These organizations provide age-related programs funded by the federal government and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. They handle applications for Medicaid Frail Elderly waivers and offer services related to long-term care, housing, elder rights and health insurance. Kansas residents can find their local ADRC online or by calling the statewide call center at (855) 200-2372.
Veterans Affairs Offices in Kansas
The Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs Office operates 16 regional service centers that help veterans and military families access state and federal benefits. The agency offers information, application assistance and unbiased advice related to medical care, pensions, education and disability benefits, such as Aid and Attendance. The commission also manages veterans' homes that provide long-term care to qualifying service members. To learn more, veterans and their families can contact their district office or call the headquarters in Topeka at (785) 296-3976.
Social Security Offices in Kansas
The Social Security Administration is best known for processing retirement benefits, but it also handles Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability payments, which can help Kansas residents pay for memory care, personal assistance and other essentials. Survivors benefits may also be available to beneficiaries' spouses or dependents. Additionally, the SSA is responsible for overseeing Medicare enrollment. Individuals can manage their benefits online, by calling (800) 772-1213 or by visiting their local field office.
Other Cities in Kansas