For seniors seeking assisted living in and around Kansas City, Missouri, there are numerous options. We offer 13 listings all within a 10-mile radius of downtown Kansas City, which includes assisted living facilities in Kansas and Missouri, including but not limited to, Shawnee, North Kansas City, Independence, and Parkville.
Assisted living facilities provide services to make seniors feel safe and comfortable by catering to their individual needs. These services include assistance with personal care, medication management, meal preparation as well as opportunities for outings and activities. The majority of assisted living facilities in the Kansas City area are facilities that offer another service along with assisted living, such as memory care or independent living. In fact, three assisted living facilities in the Kansas City area include independent living options and five offer memory care. And if you are looking for standalone assisted living facilities, there are also options available.
A Place for Mom can help you find assisted living facilities and other senior-specific housing options in the Kansas City metro area. Whether you prefer living near the excitement of Arrowhead Stadium or near the Kansas City art district or in the Kansas suburbs, A Place for Mom can streamline your search for an assisted living community that is right for you or your loved one. This guide will explore costs, ways to pay, laws and regulations, health care and transportation options, and things to do.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Kansas City, MO
For seniors seeking assisted living in and around Kansas City, Missouri, there are numerous options. We offer 13 listings all within a 10-mile radius of downtown Kansas City, which includes assisted living facilities in Kansas and Missouri, including but not limited to, Shawnee, North Kansas City, Independence, and Parkville.Read more
Assisted living facilities provide services to make seniors feel safe and comfortable by catering to their individual needs. These services include assistance with personal care, medication management, meal preparation as well as opportunities for outings and activities. The majority of assisted living facilities in the Kansas City area are facilities that offer another service along with assisted living, such as memory care or independent living. In fact, three assisted living facilities in the Kansas City area include independent living options and five offer memory care. And if you are looking for standalone assisted living facilities, there are also options available.
A Place for Mom can help you find assisted living facilities and other senior-specific housing options in the Kansas City metro area. Whether you prefer living near the excitement of Arrowhead Stadium or near the Kansas City art district or in the Kansas suburbs, A Place for Mom can streamline your search for an assisted living community that is right for you or your loved one. This guide will explore costs, ways to pay, laws and regulations, health care and transportation options, and things to do.
Kansas City Assisted Living Facilities | 398 Reviews
So far so good. Except sometimes my loved one is depressed and doesn't want to get out of bed. She didn't want to eat which resulted in her fainting. I had to go over and take her to the ER. They could use a...
They are professional. The staff is attentive. They are open to suggestions. They show care toward residents. It is clean and smells nice. The food is good. The room size is sufficient. The layout is nice.
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about assisted living in Kansas City
- Costs of assisted living in the Kansas City area
- How people pay for assisted living in Kansas City
- Understand Missouri and Kansas laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Kansas City
- What to expect from assisted living in Kansas City
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Kansas City? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Kansas City
Recent reviews for assisted living in Kansas City
Westchester Village of Lenexa
Benton House of Staley Hills in Kansas City, MO
Sunrise of Overland Park
Costs of assisted living in the Kansas City area
Assisted living costs in Kansas City vary based on floor plan, amenities, location, additional services, and the level of care residents require. Including rent and various fees, Kansas City assisted living at our partner communities averages about $4,530 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This average cost listed covers room and board as well as service fees and other add-ons.
The average assisted living monthly cost is very comparable to the average monthly fee for memory care in Kansas City, which sits around $4,966, but is significantly more expensive than options without supervision and care such as senior apartments, which average around $1,116 per month.
To compare costs in Kansas City and nearby cities, the following figures represent baseline averages and don’t account for total move-in costs, add-ons, and related fees.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Kansas City, MO vs. nearby cities
Kansas City, MO
How people pay for assisted living in Kansas City
Since assisted living facilities offer both housing and personal care services, families and seniors typically finance their expenses through a combination of private means (e.g., personal savings and investments) and public sources (e.g., Medicaid or VA benefits). This section provides guidance regarding private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources for seniors.
Seniors can pay for assisted living using a variety of personal income sources. These sources might include pensions, savings accounts, Social Security benefits, or investment returns. Assisted living costs can also be covered by the following options:
To pay for assisted living, Kansas City veterans who qualify for VA Pension or disability benefits can often use those funds to help.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is intended to assist veterans with a disability or individuals who require long-term care in assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care facilities. To qualify, veterans must meet one of the following criteria:
- You need another person to help you perform activities of daily living
- You have to stay in bed — or spend a large portion of the day in bed — because of illness
- You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability
- Your eyesight is limited
If you are looking for additional guidance on navigating veteran benefits, there are veteran service officers in every county who can help. It’s worth connecting with these experts to see if there are benefits you may qualify for and aren’t aware of. In Missouri, there are two Jackson County veterans service officers with the Missouri Veterans Commission ready to educate you about benefits and help with claims filing.
Many Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) have helpful representatives, too. We provide a helpful list below.
Representatives from the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs counsel Kansas veterans about benefits and eligibility. They move around and can meet you in their field office, as well as at various Veterans Service Organizations.
Approximately 24,129 veterans live in Kansas City, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 19% of those veterans are over the age of 75, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Kansas City veterans
VA Heartland Network (KC)
1201 Walnut St., Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-701-3002
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Missouri Veterans Commission
615 E. 13th
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-889-2015
Email: movets@mvc.dps.mo.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
4801 Linwood Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64128
Phone: 816-922-2882
Vietnam Veterans of America
3027 Walnut St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-561-8387
Veterans of Foreign Wars
406 W. 34th St., Suite 320
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-756-3390
American Veterans
4801 Linwood Ave., #1427
Kansas City, MO 64128
Phone: 816-922-2887
Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Field Office
10107 W. 105th St. Suite B
Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: 913-371-5968
Hours: Appointment Only
Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs
Jayhawk Tower
700 SW Jackson, Suite 1004
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 785-296-3976
Medicaid is a public insurance program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals. Each state runs its own Medicaid program within the regulations set by the federal government. In this section, we will discuss both Missouri and Kansas Medicaid programs.
MO HealthNet is the resource used in the state of Missouri to provide Medicaid coverage for those living in Kansas City. Those eligible must be under a certain income amount. To apply for Medicaid in Missouri, you can apply online, via phone, mail, or fax. When you apply for MO HealthNet, the Family Support Division of Missouri will also check to see if you qualify for a variety of other benefit programs, no additional application necessary.
Missouri Medicaid covers some costs for behavioral health, dental, hospital, pharmacy, and more. For a comprehensive coverage list, click here.
In Kansas, KanCare is the name of the state’s Medicaid program. In order to apply, you must fill out a self-assessment on its website to determine whether or not you are eligible. The assessment will ask you if you are 65 years or older, if you have a disability, as well as your total income. If eligible, you can apply on their website.
Kansas Medicaid covers prescription drugs, mental health services and medical coverage, inpatient hospital, and hearing. Dental and eye-wear coverage is also included for most people.
The Kansas City Department for Aging and Disability Services also offers a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) through the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The PACE program provides comprehensive medically necessary care to seniors who are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare or both.
Both Missouri and Kansas have long-term care ombudsman programs that are designed to help seniors in long-term care facilities maintain their quality of life. They act as representatives to ensure the rights of seniors are preserved and protected. In Missouri, the ombudsman program is facilitated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In Kansas, the program is facilitated by KanCare.
Kansas City resident Medicaid resources
MO HealthNet
Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division
615 East 13th St., Suite 102
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 855-373-4636
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816-474-4240
Email: LTCOmbudsman@health.mo.gov
Contact: Angela Barnes, Scott Rowe
KanCare
Kansas Department for Children and Families
402 State Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-279-7000
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kansas Medical Assistance Program
Phone: 1-800-766-9012
KanCare Ombudsman Office
Phone: 1-855-643-8180
Contact: Kerrie Bacon
Email: KanCare.Ombudsman@ks.govHours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicare is a federal program that covers healthcare costs for seniors over 65 who have paid Medicare taxes or are married to someone who paid Medicare taxes. Although Medicare won’t cover any of the costs associated with assisted living in Missouri or Kansas, it can help cover medically necessary services like prescription medications, rehabilitation, hospital stays, or medical equipment. To sign up for Medicare in both Missouri and Kansas, seniors will need to contact their local Social Security Administration office.
Medicare Advantage plans in Missouri are the majority of Medicare coverage chosen by Kansas City Medicare beneficiaries and there are more than 40 Medicare Advantage options to choose from in Kansas City.[05]
Some Missouri seniors also opt for a Medicare Supplement in addition to their Medicare plan for more comprehensive coverage. They might use Medicare Medigap to help pay for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. If you have a low income, Medicare Savings Programs can help assist with premiums and copays. MORx, Missouri’s Pharmacy Assistance Program, can help with medication expenses. There are three Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas to help people who qualify. The Kansas Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) also helps Kansas seniors connect with health and social services.
If you are looking for Medicare guidance, both Missouri and Kansas have insurance assistance programs In Missouri, there is CLAIM, which is a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Kansas has the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas program (SHICK). These programs essentially do the same thing and help seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare. Employees at both programs are trained to walk seniors and their families through all the Medicare plan options available to them in their state and assist them in making the best choice possible.
Each state also has an ombudsman’s office with representatives specifically trained to help people applying for Medicare find the best plan for them with all the resources available. Ombudsmen do not regulate long-term care facilities, but they do work with residents, their families, providers and other agencies to resolve problems and concerns.
If you are looking for additional support, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services have a regional branch in Kansas City that can answer your questions.
Kansas City resident Medicare resources
Kansas City, MO Social Security Administration
2021 Independence Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64124
Phone: 888-221-3612
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kansas City, KS Social Security Administration
850 Nebraska Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 1-800-772-1213 Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kansas City Regional Office of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
821 Admiral Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-426-5861
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
CLAIM (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Phone: 800-390-3330
Medicare Savings Programs and MORx
Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division
615 East 13th St., Suite 102
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 855-373-4636
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816-474-4240
Email: LTCOmbudsman@health.mo.gov
Contact: Angela Barnes, Scott Rowe
Understand Missouri and Kansas laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
You can find the full list of laws and regulations for assisted living facilities in Missouri through the Laws, Regulations, and Manuals page on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website, but listed below are some key takeaways:
- There must be 24-hour care and protective oversight
- Facilities are able to bring in services from third-party providers to meet residents’ needs
- A qualified individual will conduct a premove-in screening for each new resident
- All new residents must have a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician
- Every room needs to be at least 70 square feet
- The maximum number of beds per unit is four
- At least one shower must be provided for every 20 residents
- The facility must follow all codes and standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- There must be a licensed administrator in charge of the facility at all times
- Staffing patterns must be followed to ensure proper care
If you are a family or senior looking for the latest inspection reports in Kansas City, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services collects that information and publishes the most recent reports here.
You can find the full list of laws and regulations for assisted living facilities in Kansas on the Surveys, Reports, Regulations, and Statutes page on the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services website, but listed below are some key takeaways:
- Wellness and health monitoring is required
- A licensed nurse, social worker or administrator must conduct a functional capacity screening on each new resident and follow up with screenings annually
- Every apartment must be at least 200 square feet (not including bathrooms or closets)
- The facility must follow all codes and standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- The facility must follow life safety codes for building
- A full-time operator ((not required to be a licensed administrator if less than 61 residents are in the facility) must be employed by the facility
- Administrator and operators must hold a Kansas license as an adult care home administrator and complete the operator training
- All staff must have training pertaining to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and in disaster and emergency preparedness.
If you are a family or senior looking for the latest inspection reports in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services publishes inspection reports on its website.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services contact information
912 Wildwood
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
573-751-6400
573-751-6010
info@health.mo.gov
Kansas Department of Health and Senior Services contact information
503 S. Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603-3404
785-296-4986
kdads.wwwmail@ks.gov
COVID-19 regulations for Kansas City and assisted living communities
There are no specific COVID-19 regulations in place for assisted living communities in the Kansas City metro area for either Missouri or Kansas. Kansas City provides up-to-date general information and COVID-19 guidelines, including details on community spread, vaccinations, and requirements. You can also visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for the most recent guidelines in Kansas.
Get to know assisted living in Kansas City
What to expect from assisted living in Kansas City
With more than two million calling Kansas City home, you will be in good company with thousands of others enjoying their retirement years.[07] For seniors who need a helping hand navigating their golden years, Kansas City assisted living facilities have a lot to offer.
Various geographic locations
Assisted living within a 10-mile radius of downtown Kansas City is very unique in that it covers many different geographic areas across the state line between Kansas and Missouri. From west of Kansas City, Missouri into Kansas City, Kansas, and Johnson County, Kansas, and north from Kansas City into Liberty, Mo., there are assisted living facilities to fit almost every geographic preference.
Many different types of assisted living facilities
There are two standalone assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Kansas City. Three of them include independent living options and five include memory care. There are also facilities that include all three as well as a group home for those who need additional support.[01]. As you or your loved one ages and their needs change, you can rest assured knowing that many facilities are versatile enough to grow with you.
Special care offerings
All of our partner assisted living facilities in the Kansas City area offer diabetic care, almost all of the facilities in Kansas City offer full medication management, and almost 70% have staff who are specially trained in memory care.[01] All facilities have staff that are awake and ready to provide care at any point in the day. You can also expect help with all types of daily activities, including laundry and housekeeping. Meals are also provided.
Endless activities
For residents who want to engage with their new neighbors, assisted living communities in Kansas City set the bar high. Many assisted living communities organize a variety of day trips and outings for their residents to local venues, such as the many museums located in the city or the City Market. Some even host live dance and theater performances. Residents can mingle with their neighbors at community events like cooking classes, religious services, pet-focused programs, or holiday and birthday parties.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Kansas City? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Kansas City
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Kansas City population
Median annual income for Kansas City seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Kansas City and Kansas
The Kansas City area provides excellent health care options for seniors including both in Missouri and across the state line.
Kansas City VA Medical Center
The Kansas City VA Medical Center offers a variety of care options for veterans and helps veterans access quality and affordable care.
Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City is nationally ranked in one adult specialty and rated a high-performing facility for five adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital.
The University of Kansas Hospital
The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas is nationally ranked in eight adult specialties and rated a high-performing facility in two adult specialties and 17 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital.
Transportation for seniors in Kansas City
Kansas City has relatively limited options for public transit and isn’t considered highly walkable, so seniors will generally need to use a car or other forms of public transportation. The good thing is that 62% of our partner communities provide complimentary transportation and 77% of our partner communities have resident parking available.
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority does provide bus routes throughout the metro area and into Kansas, and the KCATA Freedom program offers both ADA paratransit and non-ADA on-demand response services. You do have to qualify to be able to use the Freedom service. The eligibility process requires an application and a phone interview. To access the full application, click here.
There is a rapid transit option, RideKC Max, but it is available in limited areas. In the downtown area, you can use the free Kansas City streetcar. Kansas City seniors might also choose to use ride-hailing services like Uber, Lyft, or taxis.
Kansas City is scored on the lower end for walkability, bicycling, and transit. A low walk score on a scale of 1 to 100 implies that most errands require a car or bus. A low transit score means there are a few nearby public transportation options, but not many. And a low bike score means there is minimal bike infrastructure throughout the city.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Kansas City
Seniors looking for some enriching activities in Kansas City have no shortage of options. There are countless fun and rewarding activities that cater to a wide range of interests for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
There are plenty of options for art lovers. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, Kansas City Symphony, and more. The Kauffman Center is a great option for seniors looking to unwind and enjoy a performance or show. Perks of visiting the Kauffman Center include accessibility everywhere — from programs to parking to transactions and events — as well as military and senior group discounts. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is another must-see for art aficionados.
For those interested in shopping and food, Kansas City is home to the Country Club Plaza. The Plaza includes over 45 locally owned shops and restaurants among others. The Plaza also hosts many events throughout the year, some of which have included KC Restaurant Week, The Plaza Art Fair, and the Kansas City Film Fest International. The Kansas City Power & Light District is another popular place for shopping and eating.
Bally’s Casino is about a 10 minute drive from the plaza and is located right next to the Missouri River. With a wide variety of table games and slot machines, the casino is a perfect activity for seniors who are feeling lucky.
If you want to sit in on a good spectator sport, there are plenty of professional teams calling Kansas City home. Check out the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Sporting, or the KC Mavericks. The Kansas Speedway hosts NASCAR for racing fans.
If you are looking for some good barbeque, Kansas City is known for just that. Cross the Missouri border and try the original Joe’s KC BBQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Lady of Mercy Country Home, Senior Star at Wexford Place and John Knox Village are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Kansas City, MO. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Kansas City is 4568.68 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population estimates (V2017-2021): Kansas City, Missouri; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Explore census data. data.census.gov.
Long Term Care for Veterans. (2017). Housebound. ltc4vets.org.
Malzone, L. (2023, January 16). Best Kansas City Medicare Plans for 2023. Medigap.com.
Malzone, L. (2022, October 9). Kansas Original Medicare Insurance for 2023. Medigap.com
Census Reporter. (2021). Census profile: Kansas City MO-KS metro area [Data set].
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