Kansas Senior Living Statistics & Facts

Just over a million residents of Kansas are eligible to get a few bucks off a meal at their favorite restaurant based on their stage of life. In other words, just over one in three residents of Kansas are age 50 and older. What can demographic, economic and health data tell us about the lives of seniors in Kansas?

Turns out Kansas is largely representative of the rest of the U.S. when it comes to most senior-related metrics. For example, 34.6 percent of the state’s residents are 50 and older, compared to 35.3 percent for the entire U.S., and both the state and the nation have an identical life expectancy (78.5 years). Additionally, the median household income for those 65 and older in Kansas is almost the same as the overall U.S. figure.

But in some other ways, the state is unique. The median age in Kansas (37.1) is quite a bit younger than the U.S. median age of 38.5, and the senior age bracket in Kansas is much less diverse than in the U.S. overall.

Senior Living Costs in Kansas

With a low housing index of 85.80, Kansas is one of the more affordable states to retire in. You can get a one bedroom apartment in Kansas for an average of $602 a month ($825 a month is the US average). A two bedroom apartment averages out to roughly $777 a month (average of $1,027 a month in the US).

Kansas is also praised for having lower than average costs of living for seniors. For an average of $3,813 a month for home health care, seniors are able to live in their own homes while getting help with housekeeping and running daily errands.

Adult day care in Kansas averages out to $1,625 a month. Seniors who go to adult day care facilities are supervised and socialized during the day while their regular caregivers are busy tending to their own errands. This kind of facility is best for the elderly who are mostly independent and don't require 24/7 care.

If you or an aging loved one requires more help with everyday activities, then an assisted living facility in Kansas may be a choice worth looking into. Seniors receive personal care and health services for an average monthly cost of $4,250 a month at an assisted living facility here.

Lastly, nursing homes are available for the elderly who need 24/7 supervision and care. The cost for a semi-private room is roughly $5,551 a month. Seniors who would rather pay a little more for the extra privacy can get a private room for about $6,167 a month. At nursing homes, residents receive skilled nursing care, medication, housing, supervision, and therapies and rehabilitation. Compared to the national average, nursing home care in Kansas is affordable.

Living Options in Kansas for Seniors

Retirees in Kansas have several options when it comes to living. There's independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home care depending on individual needs. Learn more about each option below and determine which one is best for you or your aging loved one.

Independent Living

Kansas is home to more than 700 independent living facilities. Seniors who are healthy, active, and don't require extensive nursing care will enjoy independent living or staying at a senior apartment community designed for people 55+ or 65+. Here, the elderly will get to live amongst others of similar ages and enjoy various amenities such as workout rooms, walking trails, pools and jacuzzis, etc. The average costs of staying at an independent living facility in the state range from $935 to $3,836 a month, averaging out to $24,618 a year.

Assisted Living

Seniors who need attentive caregivers, healthcare, access to local activities, and other social opportunities to thrive in life will benefit from staying at an assisted living facility. Here, residents receive help with housekeeping duties, laundry, transportation, meal services, and all-day surveillance.

The average cost of staying at an assisted living facility in the state ranges from $1,700 to $6,975. If you're looking for cheaper assisted living, you'll want to look around the Manhattan area. The Lawrence metropolitan area has the pricier assisted living facilities. Overall though, there are definitely affordable assisted living options in Kansas.

Memory Care

Anyone who has been around someone with dementia knows how terrifying and frustrating it can be. Memory care facilities are the best at caring for seniors with memory loss ailments, with mindfully designed rooms and hallways to help minimize the fear and stress of completely forgetting where you are or what you are doing. Staff are on hand at all times at the 306 memory care facilities to assist with any seniors getting lost or needing help with daily personal grooming needs, as well as administering medications.

Nursing Homes

Kansas has always been known as one of the flyover states, but retirees have come to find senior living here meets all their needs at a lower price point. Also with 743 senior living providers in the state, retirees with even rare, care intensive ailments can find a satisfying life here.

For an average cost of $18,200 per year, seniors can be taken care of at one of the 124 adult daycare centers in Kansas. Art therapy, aromatherapy, nature walks, and three full meals a day can be had at one of these adult daycare centers. Seniors can also be assured their health is properly monitored, and medical attention will be immediate in case any issues arise.

Seniors who are terminally ill can seek specialized care at one of the 103 hospices in Kansas. Hospices can bring peace of mind and ease of physical pain to terminally ill residents better than any other facility. Group and individual counseling is available to release any emotional anguish, and chaplains can come to provide any spiritual support. Not only are hospices helpful for the terminally ill, but also for the family of the patient, who can receive counseling as well to get through this trying time of life.

Respite care facilities are abundant in Kansas, with over 306 facilities to be found throughout the state. Respite care takes in seniors for short term and long term care, to provide relief to the unpaid caregiver, such as a family member or close friend. Seniors will have all their health needs met, while being in a friendly and social environment, under professional supervision in case any health issues occur. Average cost of respite care in Kansas is $58,400 per year, much lower than the national average.