For active, independent older adults looking for housing in and around Kansas City, Missouri, independent living communities in Kansas City might be the best choice. Most independent living communities offer a range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of older adults, such as scheduled transportation, meal services, and housekeeping, as well as some optional organized activities. If you need assistance with activities of daily living such as medication management, using the bathroom, dressing, grooming, etc., consider looking at our assisted living options.
The metro area of Kansas City straddles the Missouri and Kansas state line. A Place for Mom has partnered with eight independent living communities for seniors within a 10-mile radius of downtown Kansas City, and these communities are in both states. Within these eight facilities, there is a mix of standalone facilities and facilities that combine with either assisted living or memory care.
Whether you’re interested in living downtown, near the Plaza shopping center, or in a more outdoorsy, suburban setting, A Place for Mom can recommend independent living communities based on your preferences. In this guide, we lay out all the information you need to make the best choice, from cost and payment to laws and regulations and types of care to community activities, we have it all.
Our listings extend a radius of 10 miles out from downtown Kansas City and can be found in close neighboring cities like Shawnee, Overland Park, and Independence, as well.
5s across the board! Everyone is so friendly - staff and residents. Mom is very involved in activities. Meals are fantastic (especially the salad bar). Ability to ask for something off-menu is a plus....
Friendliness of staff- 1 of the big draws for us, everyone with few exceptions very welcoming and friendly. Meals/dining - only true negative. Has deteriorated significantly since coming here. Probably...
Very good! We love it here! Very clean and orderly!!! The staff and employees cannot do enough to please you and answer your demands! Care services are very good! The food and service in the dinning is...
Everyone who works here is friendly and helpful. Their kindness is genuine, they are patient and do their best to solve any issue that arises. To be honest, since my husband died I don't go to lunch or...
I am very happy with the facility and friendliness of staff. Unfortunately, the response time on requests are slow. The rental payment app is not working correctly, but we would recommend this community to...
The staff has a high caring level and does an excellent job communicating with me. The housekeeping is dependable. Moving in was easy -- they provide large flat carts and luggage carriers that came in...
I lived in Independent living for almost 4 years and knew my care just across the street would be just as accommodating as I experienced in independent living. The care provided by St. Anthony's is the best....
I would say that no matter where a loved one lives that the family or one family member should definitely be involved on a regular basis. Especially someone who needs extra care. Like Alzheimer's. Some...
This has been my first experience living in a senior living community. I have been here almost 6 months. All the current staff is very friendly. There have been many changes and a very big turnover in staff,...
Novel Place Overland Park a beautiful place that my mother loves. It's a great value compared to other independent living facilities and I so appreciate having Interim Health Care on site.
I chose Town Village of Leawood for the staff. They make an effort to learn everyone’s names and show interest in how you’re doing. If you need help they’re always there for you. The Concierge staff is...
They were always willing to help at Our Lady of Mercy. They did offer several activities, but my dad did not want to participate in most of them. The ones he did participate in, he liked. Dad passed away,...
The Welstone is well-run and administrators are accessible. The building is attractive and well-maintained. Apartments are attractive and are well thought out. There are a good variety of activities...
They all seem pleasant and helpful snd try to accommodate your suggestions. However they have to report to their boss too. My mom has recommended to others and a few have moved in. I think this place...
My mom has found a really good community to be a part of and is enjoying it. She appreciates being cooked for and having choices at mealtimes. The staff are friendly. And the apartment is great.
Excellent physical therapy department. Responsive medical staff. I love Dr. [name removed]. My mother's health has improved while living there. The facility is old, but a new director just hired and already...
Overall, my loved ones are thrilled with their new home. They ended up securing a single family house that is adjacent to the main property. Armour Oaks is understaffed, but they get the job done. The...
In a week we will move my Mother into Linden Woods Village. We received a fantastic tour from [name removed]. She helped us decide this was the place for my Mother. [name removed] answered all of our...
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.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Kansas City community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Kansas City independent living options average about $3,184 per month at our eight partner communities.[01] This includes related fees and represents the average total cost residents paid. When compared to the cost of senior apartments, independent living communities are more expensive as they offer more amenities such as prepared meals, transportation and laundry services, optional organized activities, etc. For comparison, senior apartments average around $1,116 per month and are more similar to living in a traditional apartment.
The following figures represent baseline averages for independent living communities in the Kansas City area and don’t account for total move-in costs, add-ons, and related fees.
Most seniors use their own income to pay for independent living. While Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance can help cover medically necessary in-home care services, they do not cover the costs of independent living. Listed below are useful resources regarding private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources for seniors.
Seniors who choose to live in an independent living community often pull money from pensions, savings accounts, Social Security benefits, or investment returns. Some seniors also use less-conventional methods to pay for independent living such as:
Thousands of veterans call Kansas City home, which makes it one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the state of Missouri. When paying for independent living, individuals who qualify for VA pension or disability benefits might be able to use those funds to help.
The Veteran Aid and Attendance benefit is given through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and covers senior living and caregiving expenses for thousands of seniors each year. This benefit provides eligible veterans with a substantial monthly payment to help cover the cost of long-term senior care — usually in the form of a direct deposit. The supplemental income can be added to pre-existing VA pensions and can apply to spouses as well. To qualify for this benefit, the veteran must be enrolled in VA health care and meet one of the following criteria:
To find out if there are veterans benefits you’re eligible for, connecting with vetted representatives is key. For veterans in Missouri, the Missouri Veterans Commission has two Jackson County veterans service officers who can help explain the benefits and help with filing claims. Veterans Service Organizations also have representatives who can help. A full list is provided below.
For Kansas veterans, representatives from the Commission on Veterans Affairs are on hand to help and you can meet with them in various locations, such as the American Legion posts, the National Guard Armory, and the Workforce Center.
Approximately 24,643 veterans live in Kansas City, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
53% of those veterans are over the age of 65, 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
Medicaid is a federally funded healthcare program for low-income seniors or seniors who have a disability, among others.
MO HealthNet is the Medicaid program in Missouri that provides health care coverage for eligible seniors and can provide monetary support for medically necessary in-home healthcare services. In order to receive Medicaid benefits, seniors living in independent living communities must apply online and fill out a supplemental form if 65 or older, have a disability or have Medicare or VA healthcare. Applicants should hear back from the Family Support Division within 45 days if they have been approved or not.
Home and Community-Based Services partners with MO HealthNet and provides a waiver program for participants who are approved. Within the waiver program, there is an Independent Living Waiver that offers additional personal assistance services beyond the limitations of the state plan, such as environmental accessibility adaptations, specialized medical equipment and supplies, financial management services, and case management. The Independent Living Waiver is specifically designed for seniors who have a physical disability that would otherwise require them to need institutional care.[04]. The Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman can help you navigate the application process.
In Kansas, Medicaid is called KanCare. Kansas also has a Home and Community Based Services waiver program; the eligibility requirements and the benefits are similar to Missouri’s. You can use the self-service portal to apply for KanCare, but if you aren’t sure about eligibility or need other assistance, contact the KanCare ombudsman. The Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) can also explain eligibility through the KanCare Clearinghouse.
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 federal health care for those 65 and older. While it can’t pay for independent living, Medicare can help pay for medically necessary in-home care. Medicare parts A and B cover hospital and medical bills. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A, but many will pay a premium for Part B. If you want prescription coverage, you can pay extra to add part D.[05]
If you want more supplemental coverage, there are multiple Medicare Advantage plans in Kansas City, making up a large portion of the Medicare coverage chosen by Kansas City Medicare beneficiaries.[06] A good place to start is with a Missouri Medigap plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and can help fill financial gaps not covered by Medicare, such as coinsurance and deductible payments. For seniors with low incomes, Medicare Savings Programs help fill those gaps, and MORx, Missouri’s Pharmacy Assistance Program can assist eligible seniors with medication costs.
CLAIM, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free counseling if you need help understanding or applying for benefits. To find more help, reach out to the local Social Security Administration office. You can also apply in person there.
Kansas also has Medicare Savings Programs. There are three that can help qualified people get help paying for premiums and copays. There is also a Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) in Kansas for those who need help with getting HIV/AIDS drugs. The Kansas Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps seniors get access to health and social services. The Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (or SHICK), provides free counseling for those who need help navigating Medicare. The long-term care ombudsman is on hand for assisting as well.
Anyone in Kansas City can reach out for additional support from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services’ regional branch in Kansas City. The regional office supports both Missouri and Kansas residents.
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 MORxMissouri 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 Council600 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
Because independent living facilities do not provide around-the-clock medical care, they are not subject to specific regulations. Instead, most independent living facilities are regulated like any other apartments. However, independent living communities that are combined with assisted living facilities, would be regulated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Inspection reports for Missouri facilities can be found here. For Kansas facilities, inspection reports can be located here.
A full list of laws and regulations that apply to Missouri assisted living facilities can be explored on this page of the Missouri DHSS website. For Kansas residents, this page outlines the laws and regulations that apply. Some of the key regulations that pertain to facilities in both states center around staff training and availability. Someone must be awake and available 24-hours a day. Staff must be trained on disaster and emergency preparedness. Residents must be screened and provided with a care plan upon move-in.
The two states differ in their laws around administration. In Missouri, there must be a licensed administrator in charge of the facility at all times. In Kansas, a full-time operator must be employed, but it doesn’t have to be a licensed administrator if the facility has fewer than 61 residents. However, administrators and operators alike must hold a Kansas license as an adult care home administrator and complete the operator training.
Independent living communities, not combined with other care, usually have specific age, income, health, background check, and pet policies. Qualifications for senior housing vary depending on the type of housing, with low-income housing options (e.g., subsidized housing, public housing, co-op housing, and Section 8 housing) available for seniors on Social Security or a fixed budget.
In the interest of offering a quiet, child-free environment and features that appeal to active adults, there are also age requirements in many independent living communities. In most cases, these communities require residents to be at least 55 years old. Independent living facilities must also comply with the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-6400
Fax: 573-751-6010
Email: info@health.mo.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1000 SW Jackson Street
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-1500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are no specific COVID-19 regulations in place for independent living communities in the Kansas City metro area. Kansas City follows CDC guidance and provides general information and COVID-19 guidelines, including details on community spread, vaccinations, and requirements. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also has recommendations.
The Kansas City metropolitan area is home to more than 2.2 million people, many of whom are seniors enjoying their retirement in the beautiful Heart of America.[07] For those looking for a comfortable living option, there are numerous independent living communities — four which are standalone and one is classified as senior apartment/independent living — available with a variety of floor plans and amenities to meet the unique needs of every resident. Whether you’re looking for a cozy one-bedroom or a more spacious residence, independent living communities in Kansas City offer many options.
Kansas City independent living communities are able to meet the living preferences of the region’s diverse population due to numerous available floor plans. Whether seniors opt for a smaller home with some cozy nooks for reading or a larger place with space to entertain guests, there are options. Most independent living options in Kansas City include resident parking and communal dining areas, and some include internet and cable TV service for all residents.
For those looking to age-in-place, three in-network options are a combination of independent living and assisted living. Another two facilities include combined independent living, assisted living, and memory care. While some independent living communities are standalone and treated as senior apartment complexes, combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities offer a greater range of care and services for you, or the loved one in your life. No matter which type of facility you need or prefer, Kansas City has the perfect place for you to call home.
For seniors who love to stay active and social, independent living communities in Kansas City are a good option. These communities offer a wealth of amenities and services to support independent lifestyles, with features like fitness centers, swimming pools, jacuzzis, and indoor walking paths that can be utilized year round to avoid the temperature extremes that Kansas City can experience. Residents can mingle with their neighbors at community events like happy hours featuring adult beverages from the local Boulevard Brewing Company, barbecues and picnics that feature famous Kansas City BBQ, Bible study groups, or live music performances all within the comfort of their independent living communities.
Beyond recreational and social amenities, many independent living communities also provide practical services to make daily living easier. These services can include housekeeping, free transportation, and on-site options for laundry and grocery shopping. Some communities even offer raised garden beds for green thumbs, cooking classes for foodies, and on-site beauticians and barber shops for a bit of pampering.
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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
The Kansas City area provides truly excellent healthcare options for seniors. Several top-rated hospitals are in Kansas City, including:
The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City 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.
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 Kansas City VA Medical Center offers a variety of care options for veterans and helps veterans access quality and affordable care.
More than half of our partner independent living communities in Kansas City offer complimentary transportation services to and from local restaurants, shops, attractions, and medical appointments, making it easier than ever to explore the greater Kansas City area. Another 40% of our partners provide at-cost transportation as an option.
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) also offers bus routes throughout the metro area, and RideKC Freedom offers both ADA paratransit as well as non-ADA on-demand response. Note that anyone hoping to use these programs must first navigate an eligibility process. Kansas City residents can also opt to use ride-hailing services like Uber, Lyft, and taxis to travel throughout the city. There is a rapid transit option called RideKC Max but it is only available in limited areas. In the downtown, you can catch the free Kansas City streetcar.
The walk score in Kansas City is 35 out of 100, meaning most errands will require a car. The bike score is 35 out of 100, as there is limited bike infrastructure around the city. The overall transit score for Kansas City is 25 out of 100, which means there are only a few public transportation options available.
There are many options for activities in Kansas City — especially for more active, independent seniors.
Music enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Kansas City Symphony. With multiple performances throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a wide range of music styles. Plus, the symphony offers discounted tickets for seniors and various accessibility options for people with disabilities.
There are also a plethora of parks in the Kansas City area, such as Loose Park. Located on 75 acres and known for its historical ties to the Civil War, Loose Park is one of Kansas City’s most popular parks. Seniors looking to enjoy some fresh air or take a walk in the sunshine will find Loose Park perfect for outdoor activities. Loose Park is also home to many events that take place during the course of the year, and you can find its calendar here.
If you are a senior who loves fresh food, local goods, and cultural happenings, the Kansas City River Market checks all the boxes. The River Market is a perfect way to spend the morning. With over 10 specialty grocers, flavors from around the world and unique shops and boutiques, there are plenty of ways to keep busy. The Kansas City Power & Light District is another exciting place to shop or dine. You don’t want to miss the Kansas City staple for shopping and eating, Country Club Plaza.
You can enjoy many professional sports teams in Kansas City from the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals to the Kansas City Sporting and the KC Mavericks. If NASCAR is your thing, you will want to work in a trip to the Kansas Speedway.
Kansas City’s arts scene is thriving. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers free admission to its galleries, which feature works from all over the world spanning thousands of years. The museum also provides senior programming, such as tours and art discussions, enabling seniors to engage with art in a fun and social setting. For fans of history, you might want to stop by The National WWI Museum and Memorial or the Arabia Steamboat Museum.
Novel Place Overland Park, Novel Place Blue Springs and Town Village of Leawood are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Kansas City, MO. 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 Kansas City is $3,663 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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. (2022). S2101 Veteran Status [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Paying for Senior Care. (2023). Missouri Independent Living Medicaid Waiver. Payingforseniorcare.com
Medicare.gov. (2023). Parts of Medicare. Medicare.gov
Malzone, L. (2023, January 16). Best Kansas City Medicare Plans for 2023. Medigap.com.
Census Reporter. (2021). Census profile: Kansas City MO-KS metro area [Data set].
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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. (2022). S2101 Veteran Status [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Paying for Senior Care. (2023). Missouri Independent Living Medicaid Waiver. Payingforseniorcare.com
Medicare.gov. (2023). Parts of Medicare. Medicare.gov
Malzone, L. (2023, January 16). Best Kansas City Medicare Plans for 2023. Medigap.com.
Census Reporter. (2021). Census profile: Kansas City MO-KS metro area [Data set].
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.