As Dorothy would say in The Wizard of Oz, there is no place like home. Senior living communities in Kansas are a comforting delight for mature adults 55 and up. There are plenty of sights and attractions such as the Emporia Zoo or even the Salt City Splash Aquatic Center for seniors to enjoy. Older adults who love golfing will enjoy the diverse range of greens available within the state. Those that have larger families will be able to entertain their grandchildren at the Boot Hill Museum, The Indian Art Center, or any of the dozens of other cultural hot spots. Senior living within the state is simple and low maintenance. There are ample shopping and entertainment complexes to cater to just about every need. The cost of living in on par with other states, and there is plenty of medical care within driving distance of most senior living communities in Kansas.
If you have never been one for the big city, and like a slower pace and quieter lifestyle, Kansas is difficult to beat for seniors thanks to its low cost of living and laid-back lifestyle. Where are some of the best senior housing developments and apartments in Kansas located? A great deal of Kansas is in small-town rural settings. Unfortunately, this only provides limited opportunities for senior citizen housing, though with a little extra digging you can discover some hidden treasures. The more premium Kansas senior housing units are located in larger cities. Wichita is the largest, with a population of almost 400,000. Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka and Lawrence round out the rest of the major cities in Kansas where senior living apartments are plentiful.
Expect to pay less for senior apartments in Olathe and Topeka, though Kansas City, Overland Park and Wichita also have reasonable prices in parts of the city. Overall, the state is far more affordable for senior housing in Kansas as rentals begin at $800 and run up to $1,500 per month - perfect for seniors with low or fixed income. The average monthly cost for Kansas senior housing and apartments is $2,000 per month, which is lower than the national average. Even the pricier senior rental units in Kansas City and Wichita max out at $3,500 and those places often have a number of amenities as well as include utilities.
Senior Housing and Apartments in Kansas - Amenities
What are some of the amenities you can expect to get in and around Kansas senior apartments? Some of the things older adults will receive include access to wide open spaces. The open land is especially convenient for retirees who are hunters and other sportsmen. The Kansas Jayhawks basketball team is one of the perennial best in the country, and you can catch a game at historic Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence.
The state of Kansas may lack some of the other amenities of bigger states with larger cities when it comes to senior housing, yet Kansas has enough to offer to prevent you from getting bored. As Dorothy once said, “There is no place like home” and the area can definitely become that for seniors looking for affordable senior housing and apartments in Kansas. The stable economy and conservative lifestyle fit well for a number of retirees.
Senior apartments in Kansas are very comfortable. They are usually located in low crime areas of the city, in a state that is already low on serious or violent crime. Many senior living developments and communities are often gated and/or secured with hired staff to monitor security cameras as well as patrol the premise. Additional requests can be made and accommodations are provided to help handicapped adults who are in wheelchairs or for other specific needs. The floorplans are also cleverly designed for seniors in mind with non-slip floors and single-story units that do not require the need to go up and down stairs.
Kansas has always represented land of freedom and opportunity. It is a very open state, catered primarily to agriculture with a few decent sized cities sprinkled in, though most of the communities are small, farm-based towns. To put it in perspective, Kansas is the 15th largest state in terms of landmass yet only the 34th most populated with just under 3 million residents. It is perfect when it comes to senior housing for 55+ adults looking for a quiet and affordable retirement.
Types of Senior Living Communities in Kansas
As more adults reach the age of retirement, there is a bigger need for senior living options than ever. Unlike before, seniors are living longer, healthier lives than ever and want to remain active well into their retirement. Senior living communities are ideal spaces for active adults to downsize their lives while also remaining active. There are quite a few senior living options to choose from, each of which serves a different need. There are 55+ senior living communities for active adults and continuing care senior living communities for those who want to age in one place. Lifestyle communities for senior living are great for mature adults who want to focus on their hobbies and luxury senior living communities for older adults who enjoy the posh life.
Independent Senior Living Communities in Kansas
In Kansas, independent senior living communities are ideal neighborhoods for mature, older adults who are fairly active. Often the residences within these communities are smaller and easier to manage. Transportation within the community is also available in most cases. The residents tend to all be at the same point in life making friendship cultivation more efficient. There are often social clubs, fitness centers, and dining accommodations nearby. Adults 55 and over in Kansas senior living communities will need to be able to care for themselves. Medical assistance and home care are not available within this community type.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Kansas
Mature adults who want to age in place after downsizing can consider continuing-care retirement communities. Most CCRCs in Kansas have quite a few residences to choose from within the community. Entry into these communities is typically for mature adults able to care for themselves. As their needs change, they will be able to move from independent living accommodations to a higher level of care. This may be as simple as seniors moving into an assisted living apartment, or as intensive as transferring to a memory care facility. The advantage is that all of these options are located within the community for the changing care levels of aging residents. Kansas CCRCs support seniors in their old age by enabling them to remain around people they have nurtured relationships with. Community and social bonds are extremely important in retirement, and these communities support those bonds.
Luxury Senior Living Communities in Kansas
Retirement doesn’t mean that you no longer have access to the finer things in life. In fact, there are many luxury senior living communities in Kansas that offer high-end living options. Most high-end senior communities are in the best areas of the state and offer one-of-a-kind views for their residents to enjoy. Luxury apartments, high-end townhomes, and even high-rise waterfront condos are common living options. Just like any other retirement community, luxury senior living communities come with life care options, hobby-focused options, and age-restricted options. Luxury senior living communities in Kansas also offer a wealth of social activities, fine dining, specialized wellness programs, and more for their residents.
Age-Restricted Senior Living Communities in Kansas
Age-restricted senior living communities in Kansas are communities that are intended for mature adults at least 55 years of age. Some of these communities allow long-term rentals though most prefer homeowners. Living in an age-restricted community with others in the same age range makes it easy to find companionship. Lower taxes and easier-to-maintain homes are also other advantages of these types of communities.
55+ Senior Living Communities in Kansas
There are many 55+ senior living communities that are either age targeted or age-restrictive. The residence type will depend on the community ranging from townhomes and small apartments to condos or single-family residences. The community is for independent living as residents will need to care for themselves. Social activities, community clubs, fitness centers, and even dining options are available within 55+ senior living communities. Clinics and medical care are usually within a short drive. The housing in addition to being senior-friendly, is also more affordable than other urban areas.
62+ Senior Living Communities in Kansas
62+ senior living communities are similar to 55+ communities, but just with an older age requirement. The amenities are tailored to older adults in their senior years who are looking for a low-maintenance residential option. The social clubs and dining options cater to the needs of older adults and there are many fitness clubs and wellness programs to help seniors stay active. Though most 62+ senior living communities do not offer medical care, it is common for them to be situated near area medical care. Shopping, nature walks, and entertainment options are also available in the surrounding local area.
Popular Senior Living Communities in Kansas
Asbury Village –This senior living community is located in the gentle heart of Coffeyville, Kansas. It is a smaller community made up of less than 75 residences which allow for close bonding between the residents. While not a continuing care community, it does offer both independent living and assisted care living options for mature adults. The social environment fostered in the community is highly enriching and supports seniors’ mental and physical well-being. The floor plans are senior-friendly and extremely low maintenance. Meals, housekeeping, and fitness centers are included in the overall rate.
Mission Square – No two senior living communities are the same and Mission Square is a reflection of that. This unique community offers a different approach to retirement. The community is set up in a hometown-style format and is only for adults 55 and older. Independent living is supported and there are many activities and events that will help keep seniors active and healthy. The community is also locally owned and operated by a non-profit organization which helps to keep costs down, and the service consistent. The resident make up the board of directors and the principals of the residents are what guide the rules for the community. Dining options in and around the senior living community are diverse, and safety & security are also ensured through private monitoring.
Town Village of Leawood – For those looking to cultivate friendships with other mature adults, Town Village is a great option. This senior living community is for those 55 and older who are independent and able to care for themselves. The community features a saltwater pool for indoor swimming, landscaping that offers tremendous views of the trees and surrounding wildlife, and plenty of social activities. The residents all tend to be very outgoing and friendly which will make finding friends easy for even the most introverted of seniors. Wellness programs and fitness centers are available and the community also offers plenty of support for seniors who want to pursue their hobbies. Shopping, dining, theater, and excellent medical care are available in the local area.
Brandon Woods at Alvamar – There are a lot of senior living communities in the state, but this one is very popular. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, it offers independent living and continuing care. Assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing are available for seniors who entered the community as able adults. There are small units dedicated to continued care which means that each senior will get the personal attention they need to thrive. The community is eco-friendly and offers townhomes, apartments, and specialized care facilities for retired seniors. There are several wellness and rehab programs in addition to facilities for seniors seeking a short-term stay as opposed to a forever home. Dining is provided in the community, however, there are ample options for fine dining in the surrounding areas.
The Regent – Located in the quaint city of Wichita, this senior living community offers a wealth of options for independent living. There are a little under 200 residences within the community which means seniors will have ample neighbors to spend their golden years with. The social environment is enriching and the entire layout of the community is set up to promote lasting health and wellness. Privacy is an important aspect of living in this specific community as well as the family and the support they offer. There are plenty of residential floor plans which allow seniors to be as creative in their space as they were before retirement. Easy access to medical care, entertainment, and fine dining are also perks of living in this location.
FAQs
Senior Living in Kansas | Senior Communities, Housing & Apartments? ›
The drawbacks of a CCRC include: Fewer social connections. CCRCs tend to offer fewer events and activities, so seniors don't have as many opportunities to make friends. High costs.
What is a major problem with continuing care retirement communities? ›The drawbacks of a CCRC include: Fewer social connections. CCRCs tend to offer fewer events and activities, so seniors don't have as many opportunities to make friends. High costs.
What is the best age to move into independent living? ›If you're 60+, Independent Living could be a good fit. And if you're ready to enjoy the many benefits, why wait? But if you do need a little assistance, especially with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, getting dressed or managing your medications, you may want to consider an Assisted Living community.
What is defined as independent living? ›Independent Living is controlling and directing your own life and taking responsibility for your own actions. It is knowing what choices are available and selecting what is right for you. Independent Living means being as self-sufficient as possible.
How many 90 year olds live independently? ›Seniors Need Help to Live Independently
Similarly, independence decreases as people age. On average, 31 percent of people in the study could carry out all activities independently. For people 90 years or older, this dropped to four percent.
Less privacy. Most of these communities are apartment-style or houses that are close together. Since many residents may be retired, your neighbors may have more time to see what you are doing. Costs can add up.
What is a major drawback of some continuing care facilities? ›Perhaps the largest drawback for an elderly person considering a move to a continuing care facility is cost. Many senior citizens must exist on a fixed income and the financial stressors of continuing-care facility expenses could be very worrisome. See full answer below.
What is the hardest age to move? ›And the group of youngsters most likely to feel the ill effects of moving are kids in early adolescence, between 12 and 14.
Should a 90 year old live alone? ›Elderly parents who cannot take care of their basic needs such as cleaning, cooking, bathing, walking, or taking their medications at the right time should move into an assisted living facility. Mental, emotional, or cognitive decline can also indicate that your elderly loved one is no longer safe living alone.
What's the oldest you should live with your parents? ›It's safe to say that adults older than 30 should not be living at home with their parents unless they are caring for parents with declining health. By the time someone is 30, they should have had enough time to secure a job and save up enough to move out.
What are the 4 principles of independent living? ›
Lots of people have made definitions of independent living. They all focus on a few key concepts: choice, control, freedom, equality.
What is another name for independent living facility? ›Independent living facilities sometimes go by other names, such as retirement communities, 55-plus communities, active adult communities, or senior living apartments.
What is the loss of independent living? ›Loss of independent existence means a definite diagnosis of the total inability to perform, by oneself, at least 2 of the following 6 activities of daily living for a continuous period of at least 90 days with no reasonable chance of recovery. The diagnosis of loss of independent existence must be made by a specialist.
What is the life expectancy of a 90 year old person? ›Research has also emerged that investigates medical procedures for very old adults,4–6 but life expectancy for very old adults is still short in most high-income countries, ranging from around 8 to 10 years for 80-year-olds to 4 to 5 years for 90-year-olds (online Table S1).
Should a 70 year old live alone? ›Social wellness is vital to your health, no matter what your age. The consequences of living in isolation or dealing with feelings of loneliness as a senior can be detrimental. Some accompanying health risks include: Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
What is the life expectancy of a 95 year old? ›For 95-year-olds, the average number of years of life believed to be remaining fell slightly, to 3.18 years, from 3.19 years in the period from 1999 through 2001. For 100-year-olds, the average number of years of life remaining held steady at 2.27 years.
What is the main advantage to a CCRC? ›The chief benefit of CCRCs is that they provide a wide range of care, services and activities in one place, offering residents a sense of stability and familiarity as their abilities or health conditions change.
What would be a major advantage to living in a continuing care retirement community? ›CCRCs offer similar amenities to assisted living communities, plus the necessary daily care services that residents need. Amenities like a beauty salon, on-site pharmacy, fitness center, game and activity room, and scheduled social events are available to all residents of CCRCs.
What are the challenges of the senior care industry? ›Senior care providers are struggling to hire and retain workers, boost workers' skills and qualifications, and ensure workplace health and safety. These challenges are exacerbating risks associated with the quality of care as well as generating operational, reputational, and legal costs.
What is one reason that an older adult would typically choose a continuing care retirement community? ›For many retirees who choose to live in a CCRC, a driving factor is peace of mind that they'll have adequate care for their future needs. That holds true for the Hirts.