8 Assisted Living Communities in Wyandotte County, Kansas

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,050 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 8 Assisted Living Communities in Wyandotte County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Wyandotte County, KS

• Assisted Living: $4,050
• Nursing Home Care: $5,582
• In-home Care: $4,004
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,733

Seniors in Wyandotte County benefit from moderately priced assisted living ($4,050) that’s comparable to the monthly amount paid nationwide ($4,000). The local cost is also $500 below the Kansas median rate and substantially less than prices paid in other communities throughout the state. Assisted living in Wyandotte County is more affordable than in Wichita ($4,728), Manhattan ($5,100), Lawrence ($5,265) and Topeka ($5,300), where seniors pay the highest average prices statewide.

Note: Data on senior care costs in Wyandotte County wasn’t available, so data for the Kansas City, Missouri, metropolitan area was used instead.

Monthly senior care costs can vary considerably in a particular area based on the skill level of care required and where it’s provided. The most expensive option in the local area is nursing home care ($5,582), which offers 24-hour skilled nursing care and other specialized services, such as medication management. This option costs about $1,500 more per month than assisted living, although both include room and board. The average monthly rates for homemaker ($4,004) and home health aide ($4,385) services appear comparable to assisted living, but they don’t include the cost of housing or food. For a true cost comparison, seniors debating whether to remain at home need to factor in monthly expenses for groceries, utilities, taxes, insurance and upkeep that assisted living’s room and board already cover.

Low-income Americans of all ages are eligible for health care coverage through Medicaid, a government-funded program that’s available in every state. Using a framework of federal regulations, each state manages its own Medicaid program to meet the needs of its residents.

The Medicaid program in Kansas is called KanCare, and it’s available to permanent state residents who are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants and meet certain eligibility guidelines. Those who qualify are entitled to a broad range of benefits, including:
 

• Doctor and specialist visits
• Inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital services
• Prescription medications
• Preventive care, including wellness checks and vaccines
• X-rays and laboratory services
• Dental services
• Medical transportation
• Home and community-based services
• Institutional nursing home care

 

Qualifying for KanCare for Long-Term Care

To be eligible for long-term care through KanCare, Wyandotte County residents must meet the program’s strict eligibility requirements and:

 

 

 

• Be aged 65 or older or deemed permanently disabled if younger
• Be assessed as requiring the level of care normally provided in a nursing home
• Have no more than $2,000 in countable assets per person

 

While many assets count, a number are automatically excluded, such as one vehicle, personal effects, burial plots, a principal home and household furnishings.

The state doesn’t cap a person’s income when applying for nursing home care but requires that all income excluding a $62 per month personal needs allowance go toward their cost of care. Those applying for home and community-based services are required to contribute any income above $727 per month toward their care costs.

Exceptions to the Eligibility Guidelines

KanCare applicants who are eligible for or receiving benefits through the federal Supplemental Security Income program are automatically enrolled in Medicaid.

Spouses of married applicants who don’t need coverage may be eligible to receive up to $3,160.50 of the applicant spouse’s monthly income and retain up to $126,420 of their shared assets. These amounts are the maximum allowances mandated by the federal government to deter spousal impoverishment.

Wyandotte County residents can apply for KanCare online or call (800) 792-4884 to learn more or request a paper application through the mail.

KanCare Frail Elderly Waiver

The Frail Elderly waiver is a home and community-based services program available to KanCare-eligible Wyandotte County residents who are aged 65 or older. The state offers the waiver to reduce its costs for nursing home care and allows seniors a less restrictive lifestyle in their own home or a community setting.

To qualify for the program, seniors must meet the financial guidelines for KanCare coverage and be assessed as needing a nursing home level of care but able to live in the community without any concerns for their safely.

Those who enroll in the FE waiver must pay the room-and-board portion of their assisted living facility fees, but the program covers various services, such as:

 

 

 

 

• Comprehensive support 
• Financial management assistance
• Personal care
• Medication reminders
• Nurse evaluations
• Wellness monitoring
• Enhanced care services

 

For more information about the FE waiver or to begin the application process, Wyandotte County residents can contact the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at (785) 296-4983.

 

 

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Wyandotte County seniors waiting for assets to sell or benefit application approval to move to assisted living can speed up the process with an Elderlife Financial bridge loan. These loans have a line-of-credit structure that allows borrowers to directly send money to their care facility to cover move-in fees, monthly rent or care costs.

The loan’s maximum 12-month term allows ample time for long-term funding to fall into place, and there are no up-front costs or early payoff penalties. Application approval and access to funds often takes just 24 hours.

Interested seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500 to learn more or apply by phone. Alternately, seniors can start the application process online.

State Supplemental Payment

Seniors and adults with disabilities eligible for SSI benefits and living in KanCare-approved facilities may qualify for a monthly cash stipend from the state. The State Supplemental Payment can provide $32 for single people and $64 for married couples, which seniors can use for expenses, such as assisted living room and board.

To qualify for these two benefits, applicants must have a monthly income no greater than the current federal benefit rate and meet specific asset limits based on their marital status. Presently, the limits are:

 

 

• $771 in monthly income and up to $2,000 in assets for an individual
• $1,157 in monthly income and up to $3,000 in combined assets for a married couple




• Wyandotte County residents can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to learn more or apply for SSI and Kansas SSP benefits.

 

 

The local Area Agency on Aging is responsible for planning, funding and coordinating resources to maintain the independence and quality of life of seniors and disabled adults in Wyandotte County. The AAA’s Aging and Disability Resource Center is a central access point for information, options counseling and referrals to local, state and federal programs and services. The many other resources supported by the AAA include client assessments and referrals, home and community-based services, caregiver and in-home support, senior nutrition and health insurance counseling. Wyandotte and Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging
Midtown Metro Ctr., 849-C N. 47th St., Kansas City, KS 66102
(913) 573-8531

The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs helps Wyandotte County veterans apply for state and VA pensions and benefits. Primary care and referrals to the VA medical center in Leavenworth are offered at the Wyandotte County VA clinic.

Kansas CVA Overland Park Field Office
10107 W. 105th St., Ste. B, Overland Park, KS 66212
(913) 371-5968

Wyandotte County VA Clinic
21 N. 12th St., Ste. 110, Kansas City, KS 66102
(800) 574-8387

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.