Kansas’s overall cost of living is 16.9% lower than the national average. Housing costs, in particular, are 40.4% below average. However, assisted living residents pay $80 per month more than the average American, and health care costs are slightly more expensive. Kansas’s property and sales tax rates are also relatively high but assisted living communities can help. Public pension income remains untouched, as well as Social Security income for those earning less than $75,000 per year, and there is no estate or inheritance tax.

Kansas Assisted Living: Types Of Senior Housing Options

Many housing and long-term care options are available for older adults in Kansas, with costs varying widely based on location and the types of services required. Depending on individual circumstances, state residents may be eligible for partial or full coverage of some services via Medicaid and other programs. These programs base eligibility and the amount of coverage on income, functional abilities, and medical needs.

Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)

When a loved one can no longer live independently, an assisted living provider can be a good option.  Assisted living residences are for residents who would like to, and can, maintain some independence but need help with meals, housekeeping, and some of the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as showering, getting dressed, or personal hygiene.

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) accredits assisted living communities in the state and performs routine inspections to ensure residents’ safety and well-being. Assisted living is for older adults who need help with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, mobility, meals, recreation, and medication. These communities range from small private residences to large high-rise apartment blocks.

Communities must provide various health services, but residents who need full-time medical treatment and ongoing testing must receive it in a nursing home or another appropriate setting. Assisted living communities in Kansas often provide transportation to and from medical appointments. Therapists and other service providers may also visit a community as needed.

Floor plans differ greatly in size and layout but typically have a private or shared bathroom, small dining area, or full kitchen and may be furnished. Within ALFs, studio, one- and two-bedroom units are most common. Some communities also offer units with enclosed patios and balconies.

Difference Between Assisted Living and Residential Health Care Facility

Residential Health Care Facilities are similar to assisted living facilities in that they provide many of the same services to their residents as ALFs.  The Residential Health Care facility has 6 or more residents, but a key difference is that the resident units are not required to have a kitchen.  The ALF must provide apartments with kitchens for their residents and will provide a range of 24/7 services to help support the independence of the residents.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities are a good housing option for seniors who can still live independently but want to downsize. Each resident or couple lives in a private unit, and most communities offer social programs so residents can meet their neighbors. Housekeeping, chores, and some meals may be provided, although these may incur an additional cost. Unlike the care given in an assisted living community, assistance with activities of daily living and medication management aren’t available in these communities. 

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes offer the highest level of care of all senior living options. These communities provide around-the-clock supervision and skilled nursing care, and medical help is available. Generally, people in nursing homes have complex medical issues or need more residential care than is offered in an assisted living facility. Kansas has both skilled nursing facilities (SNF) for people who require 24-hour care and intermediate care facilities (ICF) for people who don’t need as much medical care. The average cost of nursing home care in the state is $6,296 for a semiprivate room and $6,813 for a private room. 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Many seniors prefer to choose a community that will continue to meet their needs in the future. Continuing care retirement communities have independent living, assisted living, and nursing home facilities on the same property or owned by the same community. This model allows seniors to stay near their friends in familiar surroundings, even as their needs change. The care provided in the assisted living section of a CCRC is the same as in any assisted living community. The difference is that residents can easily move to a skilled nursing room if required. Often, CCRCs are bigger than ACHs, as they encompass more care options. 

Supportive Housing

Supportive Housing facilities are residential facilities designed for older adults or persons with disabilities who are unable to live independently.  These individuals need help with toileting, bathing, dressing, medication management and administration, assistance with meals and housekeeping, and other activities of daily living.  These individuals do not need regular nursing care.  There are several housing options available that range from living in a facility to residents living in their own home or apartment, with community-based support services.

Adult Day Care

As with assisted living, KDADS regulates adult day care centers in Kansas. These centers provide community-based services, often combined with in-home care, with the ultimate goal of maintaining the individual’s health, independence, and well-being in the least restrictive environment. These centers assess older adults and formulate a care plan to meet their needs. Considerations for the care plans include nutrition, health and social services, socialization, and medication management.

Adult day care centers in Kansas generally operate during regular business hours and aren’t permitted to provide overnight care or accommodation. Many adult day care providers operate as part of assisted living communities, other types of adult care homes, senior centers, religious organizations, and nonprofits. The use of adult day services along with in-home care usually results in a lower overall cost, as the service reduces the number of in-home care hours while the individual receives more care in a group setting.

The main deciding factor between adult day care services and assisted living is whether the individual needs or would benefit from 24/7 security and immediate access to trained caregivers. In Kansas, the average cost of adult day care is $1,788 per month.

In-Home Care

There are two types of in-home care available in Kansas: homemaker services and home healthcare. Homemaker services generally provide personal care and may also help with errands, chores, and housekeeping. Home healthcare can deliver these services and also offer medical care such as skilled nursing and medication management. Unlike assisted living care, in-home care is provided to people in their homes, making it a good choice for those who prefer to age in place. However, it doesn’t give seniors access to the social and recreational programming of assisted living communities. The average cost of homemaker services is $4,576 per month and the average cost of a home health aide is $4,671 per month. 

Largest Providers Of Assisted Living in Kansas

There are over 400 assisted living facilities in Kansas with over 12,100 licensed beds.   Many of the assisted living facilities in Kansas are managed by some of the large corporations that dominate assisted living.  Brookdale manages or operates 12 communities in or near Kansas.  Some other major providers of ALFs include; Vintage Park with 16 communities, Via Christi with 7, and Country Place with 4 communities in Kansas.

Quality and Safety of Assisted Living Facilities in Kansas

In the statutes and regulations, assisted living in Kansas is one of the many types of senior care referred to as adult care homes. Residents and their families should understand what to expect from assisted living communities and what they can do if problems arise with staff or the living environment in general:

• Assisted living communities must accommodate six or more residents.
• Kansas allows for the provision of skilled nursing in assisted living, although only on a short-term or intermittent basis.
• Each apartment/unit in a community must have a bathroom with a toilet, kitchen or kitchenette, lockable door, and areas for sleeping and storage. Regulation permits shared bathrooms.
• Residents are entitled to assistance with activities of daily living from caregivers, including mobility, toileting, personal hygiene, and eating.
• Assisted living communities and all other adult care homes in Kansas must provide a copy of the last inspection notice upon request.

Cost Of Assisted Living Care In Kansas

The average cost of assisted living care in Kansas is $4,580 per month. This is $80 higher than the national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Kansas is 13.5% lower than the national average with healthcare costs a little higher than the average at 0.4% higher than the national average and housing costing 27.4% lower than the national average. The exact price of care differs depending on where in the state you’re located. Costs in Manhattan and Wichita are on the high end with costs averaging $5,398 and $5,425 while costs in Lawrence and Topeka are on the lower end with average monthly costs of $4,538 and $4,495.

How Costs Compare In Nearby States

If you live close to one of Kansas’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is an affordable option.  Kansas is a largely rural state and your best option could be found in a bordering state.  The average costs in Colorado are a little higher than in Kansas with an average monthly cost of $4,750.  The other border states are all a little lower with Missouri averaging $3,000 per month, Oklahoma at $3,855 and the average monthly cost in Nebraska is $4,076.

Paying For Assisted Living Care In Kansas

The average cost of assisted living in Kansas is around $55,000 per year, so, understandably, you or a family member may be wondering how to pay for care. A range of options is available to fund senior housing in the state. 

Private Funds

Selling a home is a common way for seniors to raise funds for assisted living care. Income from pensions and Social Security may also pay for some care. Other examples of private funds include your retirement accounts, mutual funds, and other investments. 

Kansas Optional State Supplement

Eligible older adults can receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and live in Medicaid-funded assisted living communities. Assisted living residents are eligible for the same supplemental payments as those in nursing homes. The optional state supplement in Kansas is one of the lowest in the country, as individuals receive an extra $32 per month and couples receive $64, regardless of the specific type of Medicaid facility.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance covers personal care, residential care, and other long-term support and services. Each plan is different; however, most offer a daily amount based on the policy that pays for assistance with activities of daily living. Most people buy a policy in their 50s or 60s and access it when required. If you or your family member has a policy, read it carefully to see what care it covers. 

Programs For Veterans

Kansas has one Veterans Home in the state located in Winfield. These homes provide skilled nursing care to residents of Kansas who served in the military. The state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs also has offices around the state where team members can help people obtain benefits and services. This includes the Aid and Attendance Benefit, which can help qualified veterans fund personal care. 

Elderlife Financial can help you understand how to pay for assisted living.

What Is Included With Assisted Living Care In Kansas?

The services provided in assisted living communities generally come under three broad categories: personal care, medical care, and amenities. 

Most people move to assisted living communities because they look for easy access to personal care. These services assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, and toileting. Communities also provide supervision and can deliver care for unforeseen needs or in cases of emergencies.  

In Kansas, ACHs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Communities may also deliver health services, with some communities providing skilled nursing. Many have healthcare specialists and on-site services, with 60% of communities offering dental care. In addition, some ACHs could provide hospice services, you will have to ask when you visit potential ALFs.

ACHs may provide specialized care for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These special care units have additional security measures to ensure residents don’t wander, a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Typically, they also offer programs designed to improve cognitive function and routines that help lower stress.

Mental health issues are a growing consideration for communities, and services to address these concerns are becoming more common. In Kansas, 84% of communities conduct depression screening, and 62% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 53% of ACHs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents have access to all the resources they need.

Amenities refer to other features and services of the community. ACHs offer three meals a day and coordinate activity programs to help residents stay active and connected with families and the community. Kansas facilities must also provide transportation and laundry services and may offer housekeeping services. 

Wellness Resources in Kansas

While assisted living community staff takes care of residents’ daily needs and basic medical requirements, hospitals and smaller clinics are essential in other situations. The state has around 150 hospitals, including those on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metro area. The University of Kansas Health System (KU Med) currently ranks as the best in the state. More importantly, it performs very well in treating many conditions commonly affecting older adults. KU Med ranks 24th nationwide in geriatrics and is among the top 50 hospitals for cancer, cardiology, ENT, and neurology procedures. Stormont Vail in Topeka ranks second statewide, noted for its high performance in geriatrics, hip and knee replacements, stroke, diabetes, and various heart conditions.

Mental Health Resources

There are around 30 community mental health centers (CMHCs) throughout the state, with a directory of addresses, websites, and contact details for each maintained by the Association of CMHCs of Kansas. Assisted living residents and their families can talk to staff in the community to determine what kind of support is available locally and whether there are on-site systems in place to assist with relevant mental health issues. The Kansas chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also provides a map and listings of its affiliates throughout the state, as well as helpful guides and a database of local resources.

The Transition Into Assisted Living In Kansas

The decision to move into an assisted living community can be difficult. Generally, you’ll notice changes in your loved one that suggest they need some assistance. Signs that this environment could be beneficial include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and signs that they’re neglecting household chores. 

Your older family member may be the one to start talking about assisted living. For many seniors, the idea of moving into a home where cooking, laundry, and other chores are taken care of is appealing. For seniors who realize they need help with daily tasks, the addition of personal care may come as a relief. In Kansas, 24% of residents need help with eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (46%), toileting (49%), and walking (66%). Caregivers in ACHs help 60% of residents to dress, and 76% of residents need help bathing. 

If you think your family member would benefit from assisted living, start by talking about it openly. Highlight the positives of a move, such as social activities, cooked meals, and easily accessible assistance. Some ACHs provide respite care, which may allow your family member to have a trial run. Remember, this should be a conversation, not a lecture. Stay open to their opinion. If they’re not ready to transition to assisted living, talk about the care they need to stay at home. 

Kansas Assisted Living Oversight

The Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office is an effective way of handling complaints about facilities. Ombudsmen can help investigate complaints and advocate for residents and their rights. They work independently of state regulators and have no affiliation with assisted living communities. Staff at the Ombudsman Office can also answer more general questions related to long-term care, local providers, and communities in Kansas and explain the rights and responsibilities of residents.

Legal Resources

Older adults can find information, advice, and legal representation to deal with many issues, such as denial of benefits, bankruptcy and debt collections, the appointment of guardians and conservators, fraud, and family law. People with low-income may be eligible for free services. Kansas Legal Services operates the Elder Hotline — (888) 353-5337 — which is available to all state residents aged 60 and over, although it prioritizes some of its services for low- and moderate-income individuals. People can direct requests for legal services and information to a nearby Area Agency on Aging, with 11 locations throughout Kansas.