Rolling Hills Health and Rehab is located nearby the Westlink neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. It is an 85 bed skilled nursing facility. The community is in a generally middle income area, with a median household income of $62,568. ...
Nursing Homes in Kansas
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Kansas
- Nursing Care Directory for Kansas
- Nursing Care Costs in Kansas
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Kansas
- Kansas Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Kansas
Situated in the nation’s heartland, Kansas features a mixture of close-knit small towns and major metropolitan areas. It's home to several regional and international airports to make it easy for families to visit loved ones in local skilled nursing facilities, including Kansas City International Airport, which has nonstop flights that reach either coast in less than three hours. It has nearly 3 million residents and a senior community that makes up over 16% of its population. Its low cost of living and generally comfortable climate with little snow make it a good retirement option for older adults, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, such as University of Kansas Hospital and Stormont Vail Hospital, provide exceptional care.
Kansas is home to 330 certified nursing homes, providing a range of options to meet the needs of those recovering from injuries or illnesses. These facilities provide the highest level of care available outside of an inpatient hospital setting and feature around-the-clock care and monitoring, personal care and meals. This guide highlights the cost of nursing home care in Kansas, including rates charged in several major cities, and compares statewide nursing home rates to other types of senior care. It also gives an overview of the state-mandated regulations nursing homes must follow and summarizes government agencies and local programs that serve seniors.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Kansas
The SeniorScore helps seniors make decisions regarding where they spend their retirement years. This tool is calculated based on over 100 factors from public and private databases, including the cost of living, access to healthcare and senior care costs. Kansas has a SeniorScore of 75, which is a few points higher than the national score of 72, indicating that it supports seniors’ comfort and quality of life. Across the index’s four metrics, the state scores strongest in General Quality of Life at 74. In Health & Safety, it scores 65, and in the Finances and Recreation & Leisure categories, Kansas scores 63.
Kansas’s year-round temperatures are consistent with national data, with annual highs averaging 66.3 degrees and average annual lows averaging 42.5 degrees. There are approximately 267 people per square mile, which is relatively sparse, but its high public school rankings and graduation rate support a strong economy. Compared to the nation as a whole, Kansas has a relatively large senior population, which may help ensure funding for programs and services for retirees. Over 1,400 churches provide support systems for residents, and a high number of municipal parks and approximately 240 golf courses offer outdoor recreation.
Kansas has a high number of hospitals, and residents have high access to Medicare-registered healthcare providers, which may benefit those managing chronic conditions or who have extensive health needs. Residents have many senior living facilities and home health care agencies to obtain care from, and the average life expectancy is roughly on par with the national average. Overall, Kansas is a very affordable state for retirees, featuring a low cost of living and economically priced senior care, including nursing home care.
Top Nursing Care in Kansas
Hays Medical Center Skilled Care Unit is a 12 unit senior care facility located in Hays, Kansas. With an average household income of $43,561, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It is heavily populated, with ...
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 ...
Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital is a 42 unit skilled nursing facility situated in Gardner, Kansas. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 22,000 poeple living in the 66030 zip code. It is a mostly middle income area, with ...
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. ...
Advanced Health Care of Overland Park is a 96 unit skilled nursing facility. It is located close to the Country Lane Estates area of Overland Park, Kansas. The encompassing area has an average population density, with around 14,000 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Hoeger House is a 34 room senior care community located in Olathe, Kansas. With approximately 57,000 residents in the zip code of 66061, the neighboring area has a dense population. It is a generally middle income area, with ...
Medicalodges Goddard is a 60 room senior housing community. It is located at 501 Easy St in Goddard, Kansas. With roughly 9,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 67052, the surrounding area has a medium-density population. ...
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 ...
Reeds Cove Health and Rehabilitation is an 80 bed nursing facility situated in Wichita, Kansas. With about 3,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 67228, the encompassing area has a sparse population. It is a largely affluent ...
Family Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 72 room nursing care facility. It is situated close to the Westlink neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. The encompassing area has an average population density, with approximately 15,000 people residing in the ...
Hutchinson Health and Rehab is a 60 bed nursing care facility situated in Hutchinson, Kansas. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 25,000 people residing in the 67502 zip code. With an average household income of $51,541, ...
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 ...
Galena Nursing Center is located at 1220 E 8th St PO Box 186 in Galena, Kansas. It is a 58 bed nursing home facility. The neighboring area has a sparse population, with roughly 6,000 residents in the ...
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 ...
Clearwater Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 64 bed skilled nursing facility. It is located at 620 E Wood St in Clearwater, Kansas. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with a median household income of ...
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. ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Kansas
Kansas is an affordable state for nursing home care. On average, statewide care costs as disclosed by the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey are about 16% lower than the national average of $7,756, coming in at $6,692 per month. Its monthly fees are moderate compared to bordering states. In Oklahoma and Missouri, rates are lower at $5,323 and $5,080, respectively. Nebraska and Colorado are pricier at $7,194 and $8,517, respectively.
- Kansas: $6,692
- United States: $7,756
- Nebraska: $7,194
- Colorado: $8,517
- Oklahoma: $5,323
- Missouri: $5,080
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Kansas’s Top Cities
While Kansas is generally affordable for nursing home care, monthly fees vary considerably throughout the state. Seniors in Manhattan pay the lowest rates of $5,735 per month, and in Wichita, care costs are closer to the state median at $6,829. Topeka is a pricier option but still affordable compared to the national average at $7,612, and in Lawrence, care costs are the highest in the state at $7,863. Across state lines, monthly rates are generally affordable, with seniors paying $6,844 in Kansas City, Missouri, and $5,597 in Enid, Oklahoma.
- Topeka: $7,612
- Manhattan: $5,735
- Lawrence: $7,863
- Wichita: $6,829
- Kansas City, MO: $6,844
- Enid, OK: $5,597
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Kansas
Nursing home care is the most expensive senior care type in Kansas at $6,692 per month, and seniors with less extensive care needs may have more affordable options. Assisted living costs $5,090, and memory care is approximately 25% more at $6,363 per month. Those who opt for home-based care typically pay $4,147 for in-home care and $4,195 for home health care, which includes some skilled nursing services. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,733 per month.
- Memory Care: $6,363
- Assisted Living: $5,090
- In-Home Care: $4,147
- Home Health Care: $4,195
- Adult Day Care: $1,733
- Nursing Home Care: $6,692
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Kansas
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Kansas.
Medicaid in Kansas
Medicaid is jointly funded by the state and federal government to provide health insurance coverage for qualifying children and adults. It covers a comprehensive range of medical services, including primary and specialty care, prescription drugs, hospitalization and skilled nursing services. Over 430,000 Kansas residents are enrolled in Medicare or CHIP, which provides coverage for those aged 18 and under. This is an increase of approximately 14% since the Medicaid program expanded in 2013. In Kansas, one in eight Medicare beneficiaries and half of all nursing home residents are enrolled in Medicaid. There are 330 certified nursing homes in Kansas that accept Medicaid.
Medicaid Eligibility in Kansas
Eligibility guidelines for institutional/nursing home Medicaid aren’t as strict as the guidelines for regular Medicaid, helping more seniors qualify for services. Institutional Medicaid is for those who require custodial care in a skilled nursing facility and pays for all nursing home costs, as well as medical care. To qualify for Institutional Medicaid, seniors must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and they must be permanent residents of Kansas.
- Unlike traditional Medicaid, there are no set income limits for Institutional Medicaid. Seniors are expected to pay all of their monthly income, minus $62 for discretionary spending, toward the cost of their care.
- If only one spouse is applying for Institutional Medicaid, only their income is considered. A Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance is available for non-applicant spouses to ensure they have enough money to cover their living expenses.
- Applicants can have up to $2,000 in countable assets, while non-applicant spouses can have up to $130,380 in countable assets. Countable assets include cash, bank accounts and property other than the individual’s primary dwelling. Assets that aren’t counted include personal belongings, household goods and furnishings, life insurance policies, death benefits, the primary dwelling, one vehicle and burial plots.
- Applicants must have a functional need for nursing home level care. Certain benefits may require that additional criteria are met.
Seniors can apply for KanCare online through the Medical Consumer Self-Service Portal, or they can request an application by calling (800) 792-4884 and submitting the completed application via fax at (844) 264-6285. To learn more about the program, individuals can refer to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Kansas Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services regulates nursing homes in Kansas through regulations pertaining to the scope of care, staffing, Medicaid coverage and procedures for reporting abuse. It also provides the CARE assessment tool to evaluate seniors for nursing home placement, publishes information on home- and community-based services and administers training programs for professional and informal caregivers. It enforces the following regulations to ensure a consistently high standard of care in licensed and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.
Scope of Care | Nursing homes provide 24/7 care for six or more unrelated individuals who need skilled nursing services and assistance with daily living activities. These facilities employ registered nurses, nurse aides and therapists, and they may either employ or enter into a contract with consulting pharmacists. They must administer medications and treatments as prescribed by licensed physicians and dentists, along with other services that require the judgment and skills of registered nurses. Nursing homes must also provide three meals daily with foods that are nutritious, appetizing, well-seasoned and served at the appropriate temperature. If a resident refuses a dish, the facility must offer a nutritionally similar alternative. |
Care Plan Requirements | When residents are admitted, and periodically throughout their stay, nursing homes must conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate their current medical condition and medical history, physical and mental capacities, nutritional concerns, dental condition, ability to participate in activities, medication requirements and likelihood of returning to the community. This care plan must be completed within 14 days of the resident’s admission and updated annually or within 14 days of any major change in condition or abilities. To ensure that care plans are accurate and reflect residents’ current states, the nursing staff must examine residents every one to three months. |
Medication Management Requirements | Nursing homes must be able to administer medications as prescribed by licensed doctors and dentists through ingestion, inhalation and injection. This includes removing the appropriate dose from its packaging, verifying the medication reflects a doctor’s orders, administering the medication and documenting the dose in the individual’s records. Medications are administered by medication aides under the supervision of licensed nurses. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Nursing homes aren’t permitted to hire any individual who’s been identified on the state nurse aide registry as having a history of abusing, neglecting or exploiting nursing home residents. |
Staff Training Requirements | All unlicensed nursing home employees are required to complete 40 hours of training on basic resident care skills. This training must be supervised by a professional nurse, and it must conform to the rules and regulations outlined by the Department. Nutrition assistants must complete at least eight hours of training relevant to their duties. |
Medicaid Coverage | KanCare, the statewide Medicaid managed care program, covers the majority of nursing home costs for qualifying residents. To receive financial assistance for nursing home care, residents must be in a Medicaid-certified facility and complete a function needs assessment to verify they need this level of care. |
Reporting Abuse | Nursing homes are required to develop and implement written procedures and policies that outline and prohibit resident abuse, neglect and exploitation. To report suspected abuse, individuals should call the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Adult Protective Services at (800) 922-5330 or the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at (800) 842-0078. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Kansas
Kansas Health Care Association
The Kansas Health Care Association is a state affiliate of the American Health Care Association and represents over 260 long-term care providers in Kansas. This nonprofit organization supports improved healthcare services for those in nursing homes and is involved in licensure, Medicaid reimbursement, administrator licensing and legislative issues related to long-term care providers. It offers advice on preventing Medicare fraud and abuse and up-to-date information on industry and health insurance changes.
Kansas Legal Services is a nonprofit agency that’s served the state since 1977. It works with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and local Area Agencies on Aging to provide free legal advice, assistance and representation for seniors. Through this agency, seniors can learn about Medicare Savings Programs, which can help them reduce out-of-pocket Medicare costs, as well as information regarding advance directives and powers of attorney, Social Security benefits and preventing financial abuse. It also operates the Elder Law Hotline, which is operated by attorneys who answer questions regarding civil cases.
Kansas Agencies
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Address: 503 S Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603
Phone Number: (785) 296-4986
Website: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/home
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services administers a broad range of programs for older adults in the state, including home- and community-based services programs, behavioral health and aging services. Through its CARE Program, it conducts screenings to help seniors assess their eligibility for nursing home placement, and it operates the local Program for All-Inclusive Care for seniors who qualify for nursing home care but want to remain in their own home or an assisted living facility. The department also operates the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center, which serves as a single point of contact for those seeking local services and supports.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas
Address: 503 S Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603
Phone Number: (785) 296-4986
Website: https://kdads.ks.gov/commissions/commission-on-aging/medicare-programs/shick
The Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas program provides free, impartial health insurance options counseling for those who qualify for Medicare. Through this program, trained community volunteers talk one-on-one with seniors to answer questions about Medicare benefits, including nursing home coverage, available Medigap and Medicare Advantage Plans and long-term care insurance. SHICK counselors aren’t affiliated with an insurance company and aren’t licensed to sell policies, but they can help seniors make educated decisions regarding their health insurance options. All counseling is confidential.
Kansas Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Address: 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 1041, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone Number: (877) 662-8362
Website: https://ombudsman.ks.gov
The Kansas Long Term Care Ombudsman advocates on behalf of residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The program features paid and volunteer workers who help nursing home residents resolve complaints regarding comfort and quality of care, provide information and support for residents and their families and inform residents of their rights.
Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas
Ten Area Agencies on Aging serve Kansas seniors aged 60 and over through a broad range of benefits that promote their independence, provide access to social and recreational programming and help them identify ways to cover nursing home care. These agencies are independent, nonprofit organizations that serve designated areas. Services vary slightly by region, but all AAAs provide home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation services, in-home care and information and referrals for local services and supports. Agencies may also operate local senior centers and have health insurance options counselors who provide free, unbiased health insurance advice for Medicare-eligible individuals.
Veteran Affairs Office in Kansas
The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs provides veterans in Kansas with advice, information on VA programs and assistance through a range of programs and services. At its office locations, veterans meet with trained advisors who help them identify eligibility and apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit, service- and non-service-connected disability compensation and pension programs. The office can also help veterans access programs, such as prescription drug coverage, TRICARE health insurance and the CHAMPVA health benefits program, and they can help determine whether an individual qualifies for veterans’ home placement.
Social Security Offices in Kansas
The Social Security Administration has several programs to promote financial security for retirees in Kansas. At their local office, seniors can apply for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, which may help them cover nursing home costs. The office can also screen seniors for eligibility for Supplemental Security Income and the optional state supplement, which pays out a monthly stipend for those in Medicaid-certified nursing homes. There are 13 Social Security Field Offices in Kansas. To find their local office, seniors can follow this link and search by zip code.
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