Kansas Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Kansas

Continuing care retirement communities provide senior adults with comfortable living arrangements, care and non-care services, and a wide range of amenities. These offer a continuum of care, catering to residents who can live independently. Should their healthcare and personal assistance needs evolve, they can transition to other levels of care, including assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care.

Kansas-based CCRCs accept residents over the age of 55 or 62, with a certain level of financial independence and a good state of health. They demand a substantial entrance fee, followed by monthly fees. Prospective residents can choose between different types of contracts, ranging from life care to rent-for-service options. Most CCRCs have strict admittance criteria, especially with regard to financing and health status.

There are over 80 retirement communities of this kind in the state of Kansas. These are found throughout the state, including in the following locations: Arkansas City, Bel Aire, Clay Center, Dodge City, Emporia, Goddard, Junction City, Lawrence, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Kansas - financing and costs

As in other states, CCRCs are divided into two main categories: for profit and non-profit. The first are usually owned by corporations but they can also be established through private-public partnerships. Corporations can also own non-profit retirement communities, and a part of these are faith-based. Local authorities regulate the functioning of CCRCs, but residents are always advised to have their contract checked by an attorney before signing it (bankruptcy policy in particular).

The monthly costs for living in a Kansas-based CCRC vary between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the actual retirement community, its services and amenities, as well as location. In Johnson County, the average cost is $2,000 per month, which is lower than the national median of $2,500. Entrance fees vary between $200,000 and $600,000, and they may be partially or completely refunded, in case the resident changes his/her mind or should death occur. Usually, in case of death, the entrance fee is returned to family members.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Kansas - care levels and services

Residents usually start out with independent living, choosing a housing unit that suits their needs the most. While living on their own, they do not require any kind of personal assistance but benefit from the general services offered. When healthcare needs evolve, and the resident also requires personal assistance, they might transition toward assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care.

Each care level has been designed with the purpose of covering the needs of an aging adult, both in terms of healthcare and personal assistance. While the first level concentrates mostly on maintaining an independent lifestyle, the others are dedicated to ensuring comfortable living.

Many residents might not be able to live on their own anymore, or they might require medical supervision. They can transition to a suitable level without having to leave the community, with transitions being decided by experienced medical personnel. Health changes and potential risks of living independently are the main factors considered when recommending the transition to a new level of care.

The services offered can also be divided into two main categories: care services and non-care services. The first cover medication management, round-the-clock call system and supervision, meal preparation and service, transportation to medical appointments, coordination with healthcare providers. Non-care services refer to housekeeping and linen service, fitness classes, community-sponsored activities, day trips, transportation to non-medical appointments, maintenance and security, etc.

CCRC in Kansas - amenities and options

Kansas-based CCRCs welcome senior adults into a setting that offers everything they might need. Couples are allowed to live together, and should their health needs become different, they can remain in a close proximity. For instance, one spouse might keep living independently, while the other will require skilled nursing or memory care. They can stay within the same campus and that is an important point to consider.

Should an illness, injury or a stroke occur, the retirement community has all the necessary resources to deal with the major health change on the spot. The transition to a whole new level of care unfolds smoothly, and the resident can return to his/her previous living arrangement, once the situation allows it. Many of these retirement communities allow residents to live together with their pets, as this option facilitates both socialization and physical activity.

Basic amenities include cable, Internet, telephone, air conditioning and kitchenettes. Depending on the size of the CCRC, other amenities include: restaurant-style dining, landscaped gardens, beauty salons, hiking trails, communal activity areas, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf courses, religious services. Amenities designed especially for residents who suffer from dementia might also be included.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in Kansas?

Even if you are just as the beginning of your golden years, you might consider moving into a CCRC. Kansas retirement communities are welcoming, allowing you to maintain your previous lifestyle and socialize with other senior residents on a daily basis. To help you decide, we have gathered a few pros and cons.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in KS

Social interaction through daily living and programs offered within the retirement community

A lifestyle based on comfort, relaxation and simplicity

A wide range of programs and activities destined to keep you fit (body, mind and soul)

Wellness programs with emphasis on preventative care

Restaurant-style dining options, with dietary options included

Cons of moving to a CCRC in KS

Substantial fees to be covered

Entrance fee might not be returned in case you decide to move out

Monthly fees are charged on top of the entrance fee

The higher the level of care, the more expensive these fees are going to be

Lack of age diversity and eventual restrictions might lead to frustration (lessened after the period of adjustment has passed)

It can be difficult to make the transition from your old lifestyle to the one a retirement community offers. However, if you can afford to make this move from a financial point of view, you should definitely consider it. Kansas-based CCRCs are modern and they offer a wide range of services and amenities, ensuring you will live your golden years in the most comfortable way possible. Moreover, they allow you to maintain your independence for as long as it is possible, transitioning to a new level of care only when your healthcare and personal assistance needs change.