10 Best Independent Living Communities in Wichita, KS
Wichita remains a popular retirement spot for seniors who are hunting for the best independent living options in Kansas. Within this vibrant city, A Place for Mom has 10 partner independent living facilities. These wonderful communities can all be found within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area. They provide a carefree and convenient environment for seniors who are healthy, active, and able to live on their own but want the convenience of additional amenities such as meal services.
If your loved one is interested in settling down in Wichita, this guide has all the information you need. It covers the costs of these facilities, which payment options are available, and everything you need to know about local regulations, attractions, and helpful senior-specific resources.
Wichita Independent Living Facilities | 651 Reviews
They spent lots of time with us as we found the right place to live within their building. Everyone was always very friendly and helpful. The place is very well taken care of and they update apartments as...
My brother is a resident at Parkwest in Independent Living. I would recommend this facility to others. His experience at this facility has been great. The cleaning staff is really good. They keep the grounds...
When you walk in it just gives you great vibes! Like you just walked into a little village. The place is clean, smells great! The rooms are nice and spacious to fit your needs for 1 or a couple .the...
Well kept, no bad odor. Cozy, lots of activities. I picked it for my mother because she is picky about her environment. Ceilings are high which gives it a look of more space. Couldn't have found a better...
We were only here a short amount of time, but the staff were amazing! They were awesome at getting Mom involved in interactions with the other residents. They also made us feel very welcomed when we visited...
They have both assisted living and independent living. Dad is in the assisted living area. The staff is very attentive and responsive. He is able to use his own pharmacy, a big plus for us. They have lots...
The people are all friendly and helpful! It's so peaceful and stress-free. Activities are fun and so are fun and so are the people. I wanted to really retire I moved in slowly - but trash and vacuum not...
They are extremely helpful and really look after the residents. They get a button to wear and that contacts the front desk for emergencies. They always have a staff person on the premises and they know...
Administration and floor staff are the best! The facility is beautiful! The food is amazing in taste and presentation! I feel I can come and go and my aunt will be taken good care of when I’m not there! ...
The staff has been amazing and take wonderful care of my mother in law. Housekeeping also are great with taking care of her apartment. Since moving there, my mother in law has had not one complaint....
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It's a friendly, well-run place. The food is varied, and it's good quality. It tastes like something you'd get at a restaurant. They clean the rooms weekly. They seem to not be staffed well enough...
Our loved ones really like the size of the rooms and the walking distance from the dining hall is manageable for our loved one
While our loved one was there, we were never allowed to eat a meal so we cannot comment based on our experience but according to our loved one she never complained. They were still in super covid lockdown...
Overall experience -5 The nursing team, the transportation lady, and temporary administrator [name removed] pulled up the overall rating from 3 to 5. Cleanliness rating - 5. The nursing staff was exemplary....
The community is very welcoming, helpful and understanding. I'm glad my Dad has the staff at via Christi McLean, it may be a bit run down compared to other facilities, but I will take this staff over...
We absolutely love the KMH community, from the staff it has just been a wonderful positive experience. We have had no drawbacks or complaints whatsoever. The staff members seem very happy and content - they...
prior to covid, it was the best for money, but as we all know covid caused issues for everyone. Room sizes are above average, and the food was satisfactory with a good variety. I would recommend this...
My loved one is currently a resident at Homestead of Crestview and everything has been very good. I would recommend this facility to others.
I chose The Rushwood Senior Living over other places I looked at because it is a new facility, the food was good, and staff were very friendly. The apartment sizes were also better than others available in...
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the care and support you've provided to my loved one over the last several months. Your kindness and attention to detail have meant the world to us, and we are...
Staff was very, very friendly, very clean. Food was very good. They delivered meals to my aunt when she did not feel like going to the diner would’ve love to stay longer, but my aunt needed more care and...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Wichita community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Wichita community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Wichita area
- What families are saying about independent living in Wichita
- How people pay for independent living in Wichita
- Understand Kansas laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Wichita
- Wichita independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Wichita? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Wichita
- Transportation for seniors in Wichita
- Senior activities in Wichita
Costs of independent living in the Wichita area
According to A Place For Mom proprietary data, the average actual cost of what people pay for independent living in Wichita is $3,576.[01] This monthly payment includes any service fee add-odds and associated fees. The cost estimate for living independently shows the actual amount paid by residents at our network establishments, which takes into account different floor plans, amenities, and other factors.
Typical services and amenities that are included in the costs are:
- Meals and dining
- Housekeeping
- Grocery and errand runs
- Beauty salon and barber shop
- Laundry
- Wheelchair-accessible rooms, showers, and common areas
- Air conditioning
- Transportation and parking
- Computer or media room
- Activity common room
Please note that the following graphic represents the average baseline costs without additional add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Wichita, KS vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Wichita, KS vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Wichita vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Wichita, KS by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Wichita over time
What families are saying about independent living in Wichita
Recent reviews for independent living in Wichita
Ascension Living Via Christi Village Georgetown in Wichita, KS
The Regent in Wichita, KS
Brookdale Tallgrass in Wichita, KS
How people pay for independent living in Wichita
Due to independent living facilities not being categorized as senior care communities, seniors are unable to use Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term insurance to cover the costs of their stay. However, seniors do have the option to use public pay methods to pay for in-home care services that they may require during their stay at the independent living facility.
Below, we will provide information on how seniors can use private funding and VA benefits as alternative options to finance their stay in independent living facilities.
When seniors retire to Wichita, most turn to private methods first. But what exactly are they? Despite what many might hope for, long-term care insurance doesn’t cover independent living care fees. It only covers true care facility costs, which independent living communities technically are not.
Private sources that can be used include any form of savings, pensions, investment returns, Social Security Benefits, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Wichita
About 43% of Wichita veterans are 65+
When it comes to housing and retirement, It’s important to know that there are benefits out there for veterans. While there are a range of benefits available, one of the most generous is Aid and Attendance. Designed to help veterans who need assistance with daily activities, the Aid and Attendance benefit adds additional money on top of a VA Pension.
The VA benefits system might be well-intentioned, but it’s also notoriously frustrating to navigate for first-time applicants. You can save yourself a lot of time and process a successful application much faster when you talk to the right people.
Veterans service officers are regional experts, and it’s crucial to contact them before you start your application process. Your local veterans service officers can determine whether you qualify or not, guide you through the entire application process, and perhaps even identify more benefits that you potentially qualify for. Another useful entity are local veterans service organizations.
Resources for Wichita veterans
Kansas DAV and Regional Office
5500 E. Kellogg Ave.
Wichita, KS 67218
Phone: 316-688-6722
Kansas VFW and local veterans service organizations
5500 E. Kellogg Drive, Bldg 61
Wichita, KS 67218
Email: ksvfwhq@kvfw.kscoxmail.com
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
437 N. Topeka St.
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: 316-202-0637
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
KanVet
Phone: 785-762-8870
Email: joseph.comfort@ks.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Operation Second Chance
Phone: 301-972-1080
Phone: 888-672-4838
Medicaid is a health care program that can assist low-income elderly. In Kansas, Medicaid is more commonly known as the KanCare Medical Assistance Program, and unfortunately, it cannot be used to pay for rent in independent living arrangements. That being said, Medicaid is still a good resource when you need in-home health care services. Seniors who medically qualify will be assisted through a channel called Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility for Medicaid, and once you are ready to move forward, you can easily apply online by filling out the application for KanCare. Remember, there’s no need to wade through the complexities of Medicaid on your own. You will find ready assistance from the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging and the long-term care ombudsman. Find their contact details in the resources section below and send them any questions or queries that you might have.
Wichita resident Medicaid resources
Kansas Department of Health & Environment
1000 SW Jackson St.
Topeka, KS 66612
Email: kdhe.info@ks.gov
Phone: 785-296-1500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA)
Ronald Reagan building
271 W. Third St. N, Suite 500
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: 855-200-2372
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Local KanCare Ombudsman
Kerrie Bacon
Phone: 855-643-8180
Satellite Office Direct Phone: 316-978-3567
Relay: 711
Email: KanCare.Ombudsman@ks.gov
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health care program that assists seniors who are 65 and older. Seniors under 65 also qualify, but only if they already have Social Security Disability benefits. While Medicaid doesn’t cover custodial costs like rent (room and board) it can still go toward certain medical expenses for seniors in independent living facilities.
After Medicare professionals are satisfied that you have qualifying medically necessary costs, you can expect the program to pay for things like physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, occasional skilled nursing, part-time home health services, and more.
It’s worth noting that Kansas also offers other useful local Medicare savings programs:
- Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK): This is an entirely free service for those who have questions about Medicare and insurance. Volunteers are ready to answer all your queries.
- Kansas has three Medicare Savings Programs (MSP): Each can fully pay or lower Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D copays, deductibles, and premiums.
- Kansas Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): This service promotes quality health care for seniors.
If you want to apply for Medicare, the first step is to visit the Social Security Administration office. If you cannot physically go to the office, you can easily apply for Medicare online through Social Security. Don’t forget that the local ombudsman can make the process of applying a lot easier, too. You can find their contact details and the particulars of the Medicare savings programs in the resources section below.
Wichita resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
3216 N. Cypress Drive
Wichita, KS 67226
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kansas Region-4 Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Marilyn Randa
Phone: 316-347-1429
Email: Marilyn.Randa@ks.gov
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)
Phone: 800-860-5260
Fax: 785-296-0256
KanCare Medicare Savings Program
Phone: 1-800-792-4884
Kansas Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
503 S. Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 785-296-8288
Email: KDADS_PACE@ks.gov
Understand Kansas laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Kansas, independent living facilities are not required to be licensed, nor are they regulated by the state. Some communities can register on a voluntary basis with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to hold themselves accountable to certain standards. However, independent living facilities in Kansas are still subject to certain state and federal laws. Here are the most relevant housing and safety laws:
- Communities must comply with the Fair Housing Act. This law forbids discrimination, in other words, denying someone housing because of their age, gender, race, religious beliefs, physical limitations, or familial status.
- The Fair Housing Act and Kansas Service Animal Laws also allow seniors to keep service pets and state that facilities must be adapted to accommodate residents with support animals.
- Facilities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law ensures that people with disabilities enjoy accessibility features like wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and easy-to-navigate entrances and rooms.
- They must also provide safe and healthy living conditions for all residents. Title 20 of the Wichita local code presents all the housing codes that must be adhered to by residential properties in the city.
To learn more about independent living community laws and regulations, feel free to contact the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.
Kansas Department of Health contact information
Kansas Department of Health & Environment
1000 SW Jackson St.
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-1500
Hours: Monday though Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Wichita independent living communities
At the moment, there are no particular rules that residents must follow in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in Wichita’s independent living communities. However, recommendations include good personal hygiene practices such as wearing a mask when infected or visiting a vulnerable friend, wiping surfaces with a strong disinfectant, and making sure that one’s home has proper ventilation at all times.
If you’re interested in a particular community, it might be worth contacting them to discuss your concerns about COVID-19, and find out if they have their own in-house rules that residents must follow to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Vaccinations. The CDC recommends staying up to date with vaccines and boosters
Masking. Wear a mask when diagnosed with COVID-19, or if you suspect you might have it.
Quarantining. Self-isolate when diagnosed with COVID-19, or after contact with an infected person.
Types of independent living in Wichita
Independent living in Wichita promises to be the perfect retirement that you’ve always dreamed about. The city’s culture is vibrant and packed with places to go and things to see — you’ll never get bored. Independent living facilities also do their part to make the lives of residents easier by offering — among other things — housekeeping services, food deliveries, transportation, a variety of social opportunities, and amenities.
Amenities and activities
Independent living communities are great because they offer so many amenities and activities to keep residents entertained. For example, some of our partner communities have an arts and crafts center, a game room, a movie theater room, and even raised garden beds. And if you’re looking for specific amenities, you will often find a barbershop, beauty salon, fitness center, or private balcony. The options are endless, and best of all, residents don’t have to venture too far.
Independent living in the Wichita area
In Wichita, there are 10 A Place for Mom partner facilities. Among these, five are standalone, independent living communities. But if you require extra care or think you might down the road, the rest of the facilities offer extended services. One community is a combination of assisted living and independent living. There’s also a facility that combines assisted living, independent living, and senior apartments. Finally, there are three communities that each provide assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
Wichita independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Wichita independent living
Availability of select dining options in Wichita independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Wichita independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
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Unfamiliar with Wichita? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Wichita[02]
Median annual income for Wichita seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Wichita
Residents of Wichita can visit first-class medical centers and hospitals in the area.
Ascension Via Christi St. Francis
Ascension is ranked as the best hospital in Wichita. Apart from being a level III trauma center, it’s also the most standard issue cancer treatment referral for family practitioners.
As the top cardiac hospital in the area, Wesley Medical Center has ranked nationally for excellence in heart failure and heart attack response. This hospital is also a level I trauma center.
Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and Regional Center
As a general surgical and medical facility, the VA Medical Center serves the needs of the veteran community of Wichita, as well as veterans living in the surrounding rural areas.
Transportation for seniors in Wichita
If you like to walk around a city to do your shopping, here’s where Wichita might drop the ball a little. The city has a walk score of 35. Scored out of 100, the higher the number, the better you can move around any given address as a pedestrian, according to Walk Score, which also refers to Wichita as a “car-dependent city.” A score of 35 means that you require transportation to run errands.[05]
For those who don’t have their own cars, public transport is the next choice. Although public options in Wichita are not abundant, seniors can rely on three useful alternatives. Veterans can enjoy free transport with Wichita Public Transit’s “Veterans Ride Free” Program, and individuals with physical or mental challenges can use a fleet of shuttles called Paratransit.
Finally, many of our partner independent living communities also provide free transportation for their residents and take them wherever they want to go, while 40% offer it at-cost.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Wichita
As far as variety is concerned, Wichita is up there with the best. Active seniors can explore a broad range of activities, amazing cuisines, cultural trips, and entertainment. There’s always something to do, whether you want to enrich your own time or spend some quality time with the grandkids.
A magnificent casino
Casinos have their own exciting atmosphere and can offer an amazing afternoon for the whole family, especially those that provide other amenities and activities besides gambling. A highly recommended casino is located right outside of Wichita. Called the Kansas Star Casino, you can try your luck with one-armed bandits, enjoy high-end meals, view performances in a theater setting, or stay at luxury accommodations for a few days, among other things.
An unusual trip down memory lane
Wichita has something special for individuals who love history and artifacts. The town is packed with plenty of specialty museums, such as the Kansas Aviation Museum and the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum. Just a few of their hyper-focused themes include fossils, aviation or other transport, historical figures, firefighters, and there’s even a Pizza Hut museum!
Something for slow days and more active times
Reset your body and mind at Wichita’s amazing wellness centers and spas. From massage and float tanks to traditional head-to-toe pampering, you’ll soon feel fit and relaxed enough to tackle the city’s five public golf courses. During those slow days when you just want to stroll with the grandkids, why not take them to Wichita’s zoo or botanical garden and view thousands of species of animals or flora?
Feeling more adventurous? Try the city’s self-guided tours or scavenger hunts, or tackle Wichita’s hiking trails, biking, and boating trips to keep fit.
Live entertainment and great food
Wichita is a hotspot for people who love theaters and live shows. From small to large, the city’s theaters regularly organize live events including music and performances that display classic theater story-telling. Watching a good drama or comedy can leave the family hungry, so head on over to Wichita’s incredible range of restaurants for great snacks, filling meals, and yummy desserts.
Socialize with other retirees
If you love spending time with other retirees, you might be happy to learn that Wichita’s seniors have created their own wonderful culture and support system. Below, you can get a quick overview of four of the most popular senior centers in the city.
- NorthEast Senior Center celebrates all special occasions and holidays — including Mardi Gras. Besides offering tons of parties and fun get-togethers, this center also provides interesting educational and recreational programs.
- Linwood Senior Center offers engaging sports and exercises to keep those fitness levels up, they always have coffee available and throw fun-themed parties like Halloween balls and Hawaiian luaus.
- Downtown Senior Center offers relaxing yoga, different sports, foot care, and all sorts of parties.
- Orchard Park Senior Center is the smallest Wichita senior center but they make up for that with a truckload of spirit. They go all out to make Christmas a good day for those who are less fortunate, and members also meet once a month to visit the theater or dine out together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ascension Living Via Christi Village Georgetown, Parkwest and Avita Senior Living at Rolling Hills are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Wichita, KS. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Wichita is $3,792 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Wichita, Kansas [Data set].
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Ascension Via Christi Hospital Wichita.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Wesley Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Wichita.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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