Making decisions about the care of a loved one is difficult, and trying to find the right senior living option can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering a nursing home in Kansas City for your loved one, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
The term “nursing home” is often used interchangeably with assisted living, memory care, and other senior housing options. By definition, a nursing home is a skilled nursing facility for individuals with serious, debilitating health issues. Even the best nursing homes in Kansas City might not be right for seniors who don’t need constant care.
Assisted living or memory care facilities might be the right option for your loved one. Assisted living facilities typically offer support with daily activities like bathing and dressing, as well as medication management. Memory care facilities provide safe and secure environments that are specifically tailored to the needs of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Both take care of things like laundry, meals, and housekeeping.
All of our assisted living and memory care listings are within 10 miles of downtown Kansas City, offering affordable options for almost any level of care. Because Kansas City sits on a state line, the 10-mile radius extends into Kansas.
Keep reading for a comprehensive look at the local senior care facilities in Kansas City, how to pay for them, and information on health care, transportation, and things to do.
10 Best Nursing Homes in Kansas City, MO
Making decisions about the care of a loved one is difficult, and trying to find the right senior living option can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering a nursing home in Kansas City for your loved one, our team is here to help you every step of the way.Read more
The term “nursing home” is often used interchangeably with assisted living, memory care, and other senior housing options. By definition, a nursing home is a skilled nursing facility for individuals with serious, debilitating health issues. Even the best nursing homes in Kansas City might not be right for seniors who don’t need constant care.
Assisted living or memory care facilities might be the right option for your loved one. Assisted living facilities typically offer support with daily activities like bathing and dressing, as well as medication management. Memory care facilities provide safe and secure environments that are specifically tailored to the needs of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Both take care of things like laundry, meals, and housekeeping.
All of our assisted living and memory care listings are within 10 miles of downtown Kansas City, offering affordable options for almost any level of care. Because Kansas City sits on a state line, the 10-mile radius extends into Kansas.
Keep reading for a comprehensive look at the local senior care facilities in Kansas City, how to pay for them, and information on health care, transportation, and things to do.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Kansas City, MO
My wife has been under care for about two years. I find the place to be very good. Excellent place for a loved one. My wife has shown some improvement. Nursing staff does a wonderful job. Food is very good
My mother has been here for rehab for a couple of weeks and they have been doing a pretty good job. They seem to be rehabbing her quickly and getting her into different therapies right away. I especially...
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.
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...
I lived at Paraclete Manor apartments for 4 years . The manager is excellent and and does a great job. The maintenance workers are very good and work hard to keep everything nice. This building is on Brush...
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- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Kansas City
- Costs of nursing homes in the Kansas City area
- How people pay for a nursing home in Kansas City
- Understand Missouri laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in Kansas City
- What to expect from nursing homes in Kansas City
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Kansas City? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about nursing homes in Kansas City
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Kansas City
Villages of Jackson Creek Memory Care in Independence, MO
Westchester Village of Lenexa
Sunrise of Overland Park
Costs of nursing homes in the Kansas City area
While nursing homes often cost more than other varieties of senior living, the cost for your loved one depends on the level of care they require. In Kansas City, a private room in a skilled nursing facility carries a median cost of $7,908 per month.[01]
Seniors who don’t require the kind of continuous care given at a skilled nursing facility can opt for less expensive options, such as an assisted living community. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, assisted living in Kansas City costs about $4,530 a month on average at our partner communities. For seniors who might be dealing with dementia, the average monthly cost for a room in a Kansas City memory care facility is about $4,966. These totals do include additional costs and fees.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Kansas City, MO vs. nearby cities
Kansas City, MO
How people pay for a nursing home in Kansas City
Families use a variety of methods to pay for senior care facilities in Kansas City. Regardless of how you plan to fund care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or memory care facility, knowledge of every available private and public payment option is important when making these weighty financial decisions.
In this section, we’ll cover private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources for seniors in Kansas City.
Some families decide to use personal income sources to fund senior care facilities for their loved ones. These funding sources could include everything from pensions and Social Security benefits to savings accounts and investment returns. Care costs can also be covered by:
With tens of thousands of veterans located in Kansas City, many seniors in the area qualify for assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Whether they require skilled nursing care, assisted living, or memory care, VA Pension or disability benefits can help offset care costs. Veterans have to meet qualifications to receive a VA Pension.
In addition to a VA pension, veterans and their spouses might qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides an additional monthly payment designed to cover the cost of long-term senior care. These funds can cover the cost of in-home caregivers or be used by seniors with disabilities or individuals who require long-term care in memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities.
Note that the application process for any VA benefit is long and difficult, so it’s best to contact the resources below before applying. There are veterans service officers available through the Missouri Veterans Commission, the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs, and many veterans service organizations.
About 24,643 veterans live in Kansas City, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
25% 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. – 4:40 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
Another way families can help offset the cost of long-term care is to look into Medicaid. Known as MO HealthNet in Missouri and KanCare in Kansas, Medicaid can pay for long-term care for seniors who fall below a set income threshold or who require skilled nursing care for a diagnosed illness or injury.
Medicaid can cover all of the costs of skilled nursing care in a nursing home, but it also can pay for some in-home health care services. Seniors in assisted living or memory care facilities who require these medically necessary in-home care services can get help through Medicaid’s Home & Community-Based Services Waivers in Missouri or Kansas.
Before they can qualify for Medicaid, seniors must first exhaust their private savings — their total assets must be less than $2,000 — and then navigate the Medicaid application process. Seniors who want to apply for Medicaid through MO HealthNet can begin the process online. They can apply for KanCare here.
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.gov
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicare is a federal program that covers health care costs for seniors over 65. Under very specific conditions, Medicare can cover the costs associated with care in a skilled nursing facility[03].
To be eligible, seniors must have been hospitalized for at least three consecutive days for a medical condition; their doctor must also specify that they require skilled nursing care daily.[04] Seniors must then receive that skilled nursing care within a Medicare-certified facility, with the care relating to the same condition or disease that caused the initial hospital stay.
Medicare coverage is a short-term answer for skilled nursing care costs, as it’s generally limited to a maximum of 100 days per benefit period. Seniors might still be responsible for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and coinsurance for their care.
As for assisted living and memory care facilities, Medicare does not directly cover these expenses. It can, however, be used to pay some of the medical costs associated with assisted living or memory care. These might include prescription medications, medical equipment, or rehabilitation.
There are also Medicare Savings Programs in both Missouri and Kansas that can help seniors who qualify pay for some of the premium and copay costs. MORx, can also help Missouri seniors with medication expenses. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps Kansas seniors get access to both health care and social services.
For help with the complex application process and to better understand these benefits and programs, Missouri seniors can reach out to CLAIM, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). The Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (or SHICK) is available for seniors in Kansas. The long-term care ombudsman and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services’ regional branch in Kansas City can help anyone.
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
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)
503 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 800-860-5260
Kansas Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
503 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 785-296-8288
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Contact: Christine Mozingo
Phone: 913-236-9385
Email: chris.mozingo@ks.gov
Understand Missouri laws and regulations for nursing homes
Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities are overseen by the federal government, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. However, the states carry out regulations. In Missouri, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) licenses and inspects nursing homes. In Kansas, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) performs those duties. DHSS and KDADS conduct routine inspections of nursing homes, and also investigate any complaints related to alleged abuse, neglect, or unlicensed facilities.
Licensing and inspection information is available online through the DHSS website and KDADS website.
In terms of regulations for Kansas City, Missouri, nursing homes, the state of Missouri sets standards related to certifications, licensures, training, sanitary standards, and resident rights. With regard to sanitation, for instance, the regulations state that nursing homes must have easy-to-clean surfaces, one-time use utensils and cups, proper food preparation areas, and sealed foods kept at safe temperatures.[05]
In Kansas, regular inspections are performed to ensure all regulations are being met, typically annually. These inspections cover a broad range of areas, including care, medication management, staff levels, and facility maintenance. As an example, nursing homes located in Kansas state must have at least one registered nurse on duty for at least eight hours a day. Inspections are performed by KDADS, but might also involve representatives from CMS.
Laws and regulations for other senior care facilities in Kansas City
Some of the above regulations also apply to memory care and assisted living facilities in Kansas City. In Missouri, for example, any facility that provides care for people who have physical, cognitive, or other impairments that might make it difficult for them to safely evacuate the building in case of an emergency must meet the same minimum staff-to-resident ratios: 1:15 during daytime and evening shifts and 1:20 during overnights.[06]
The comprehensive list of laws and regulations for assisted living in Missouri can be found here, but the following are some of the most pertinent points.
- There must be 24-hour care and protective oversight.
- Facilities are able to bring in services from third-party providers to meet residents’ needs.
- All new residents must have a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician.
- The maximum number of beds per unit is four.
- At least one shower must be provided for every 20 residents.
- There must be a licensed administrator in charge of the facility at all times
Memory care facilities in Missouri also are licensed and inspected by the DHSS. Each facility must have a licensed administrator, licensed nurse, and direct care staff. In addition, if a facility administers medications, it must have a Level I medication aide or certified medication technician on staff.
Kansas regulations
The full list of laws and regulations for assisted living in Kansas can be found here, but the following are some of the most pertinent points.
- 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 life safety codes for building.
- All staff must have training pertaining to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and in disaster and emergency preparedness.
- Administrators and operators must hold a Kansas license as an adult care home administrator and complete the operator training.
Similarly, dementia care facilities in Kansas are required to have full-time operations, administrators, and 24-hour staff that is awake and active. There should also be a registered nurse available to supervise licensed nurses on staff. Furthermore, staff must be trained on how to treat behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services contact information
912 Wildwood
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Phone: 573-751-6400
Fax: 573-751-6010
Email: info@health.mo.gov
Kansas Department of Health and Environment contact information
1000 SW Jackson Street, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone 785-296-1500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Kansas City nursing homes
Currently, there are no specific COVID-19 regulations for nursing homes or skilled nursing care facilities in the Kansas City metro area. Kansas City provides up-to-date general information and COVID-19 guidelines, including specifics regarding vaccinations, requirements, and community spread. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment provides these recommendations.
Get to know senior living in Kansas City
What to expect from nursing homes in Kansas City
Whether you or your loved one prefers a certain location, amenities, or level of care, Kansas City has options available. While A Place for Mom does not partner with nursing homes, we have 13 facilities that offer assisted living and memory care, and almost all offer an on-site physician or comparable medical staff member.
Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri, with more than 508,000 residents spread throughout the metro area.[02] The city is known for its thriving arts scene, mouth-watering barbecue joints, and a rich history in jazz music. This vibrant and dynamic city is undergoing a bit of a renaissance, and its options for senior housing are equally impressive.
Combo assisted living and memory care facilities in Kansas City
Most of our listings are a combination of assisted living and memory care facilities. The type of care you or your loved one chooses will depend on the level of care needed.
For seniors who need an extra level of care, assisted living and memory care communities (or a combination of the two) are great options. Whether residents need help with medication management, dementia, or diabetic-specific ailments, assisted living or memory care facilities can provide that helping hand. For example, all of our partner assisted living facilities in Kansas City provide diabetic care, almost all of the facilities offer full medication management, and almost 70% of facilities offer staff that has specialized training in memory care.[07]
Activities for everyone
Assisted living communities and memory care facilities in Kansas City also provide ample opportunities for residents to bond by hosting activities like cooking classes, trivia competitions, devotional activities, educational speakers, and so much more. Almost all of our listings also have beauty salons and barber shops, so residents can get pampered regularly. For residents who can safely leave the assisted living facilities, they also organize a variety of day trips and outings for residents.
24/7 care
All of our senior care facility listings offer 24-hour awake staff, so residents and their loved ones never have to worry about receiving care. On top of that, 85% of our listings offer full medication management, so your loved one is always taken care of.[07] If safety is a concern, almost half of our facilities offer wander guards or similar systems to alert staff if someone is exiting a specifically defined area.
Nursing homes in the surrounding Kansas City suburbs
For families who prefer care in a more suburban setting, A Place for Mom has myriad options for the Kansas City area. Nearby communities like Independence, North Kansas City, and Johnson County all boast assisted living and memory care options that can meet your needs.
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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
The Kansas City area provides excellent healthcare options for seniors including:
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City is ranked in the U.S. in one adult specialty and rated a high-performing facility for five adult specialties, as well as 13 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital.
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.
The University of Kansas Hospital
The University of Kansas Hospital is nationally ranked in eight adult specialties. It is also rated a high-performing facility in two adult specialties and 17 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility and a teaching hospital.
Transportation for seniors in Kansas City
Kansas City has somewhat limited options for walkability and public transit, so it tends to be a car-first metro. However, the majority of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation services for residents.
For visiting friends and family, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority does operate bus routes throughout the metro area. A full rundown of area routes and stops can be found on the transportation authority’s website.
Meanwhile, there are ADA paratransit and non-ADA remand response services available through the KCATA Freedom program. Seniors must meet eligibility requirements. The full application is available online through the KCATA.
Senior activities in Kansas City
Almost every facility in our listings has an activity director on staff, so residents have opportunities to participate in regular events and activities, such as arts and crafts, bingo, trivia, music, holiday celebrations, and much more. Additionally, many of our locations have green spaces or are located near parks, so independent seniors can stretch their legs on nature walks, enjoy the sunshine, or bird watch. For spiritual residents, facilities provide devotional activities off-site, on-site, or both, including Bible studies and worship services. Some locations even have in-house restaurants with meals made to order.
Whether it’s amazing food, live music, art, or even sports, Kansas City has something to offer for just about everyone if you want to get out and about. Many of our facilities plan group excursions for residents where they can explore different aspects of the city.
Kansas City offers sights like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and the American Jazz Museum. The city is also home to the Arabia Steamboat Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts from Arabia, a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856.
When it comes to food in Kansas City, barbecue is the name of the game. The city is famous for its mouth-watering smoked meats, with incredible dining options like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Q39 (all with locations in both Missouri and Kansas), as well as Arthur Bryant’s on the Missouri side of the state line. Whether you’re a brisket believer or more into sides, these restaurants have you covered for a special meal out.
For people who just want to take in the sights and sounds of the city, Kansas City’s unique architecture can be a major draw. The city is known for several historic buildings and neighborhoods, including the Power & Light District, the 18th & Vine jazz district, and the Country Club Plaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Kansas City, MO. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Kansas City is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey [Data set].
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population estimates (V2017-2021): Kansas City, Missouri; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Medicare.gov. (2023). Nursing home care.
Medicare.gov. (2023). Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
Walker, R. (2019). Nursing home rules and regulations. Missouri State University.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. (2015). Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy: 2015 Edition.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
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