With its vibrant local culture and sunny summers, Wichita is a popular destination for retirees. The city known as the air capital of the world is sure to bring your loved one all the joy, entertainment, and support they might need.
There’s plenty to do and see, and the city offers lovely senior apartments for the 55 and older community who desire independence, privacy, and an enjoyable retirement. Senior apartments are perfect for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own, as they don’t offer the personal care services that assisted living communities provide. They offer amenities, such as golf, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers, so seniors can live a low-maintenance lifestyle. For most communities, the fees include utilities, landscaping services, home maintenance services, and security.
With a focus on the 10-mile radius of Wichita’s downtown area, this guide will help you decide if this city is the best place for your loved one, covering essentials like costs, payment methods, regulations, and which senior-friendly activities they can look forward to in Wichita.
My mom doesn't have many complaints other than not a variety of foods - not that it's not good, just limited variety. Friendly people make this a good place to be
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....
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...
I chose Twin Lakes Apartments mainly for the location. The apartment I had had a swimming pool right out behind it with a fountain. We would go everyday when the weather permitted and sit around and talk. I...
These are so nice and affordable. They are only 3 years old so everything is brand new and maintenance and management are AMAZING!!!
My mother has been here for years. It is a small friendly community. Very well maintained. Very helpful and caring staff.
Whoever wrote that review in 2015 is a liar!! Shadyway Plaza is a wonderful place to live for people age 50 and up. One of our residents is 104 years old and doesn't have one complaint and none of us are...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Wichita 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
In Wichita, the average actual costs of senior apartments are $1,385 per month.[01] There’s a wide range of options, however, and you can find something as reasonable as $695 a month or spend as much as $2,406.
The following figures represent the average baseline rental costs for senior apartments without add-on fees considered.
Since senior apartments don’t provide care, they are viewed as general housing and not senior care facilities. For this reason, rent in senior apartment communities isn’t covered by long-term health care insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. However, these resources can help with medical costs to offset the burden of paying for rent for senior apartments. In the following sections, we’ll cover different types of payment options available to seniors, including private methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance.
Seniors typically use their personal resources to pay rent on a senior apartment, starting with their savings and other income like Social Security benefits, investment returns, and pensions. Other private payment options could also include one or a combination of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Wichita, KS
43% of Wichita, KS veterans are 65+
It’s important to know that veterans have benefits that support senior housing. In Wichita, there are several programs and resources that can assist you with the application process. In this section, we’ll discuss what resources are commonly available, who is eligible, and how to apply for benefits.
The two main options are the VA Pension and Aid and Attendance. If you don’t have the Pension yet, check your eligibility, and if you qualify, go ahead and apply for the VA Pension online. In order to qualify for Aid and Attendance, one must need help with daily activities, have limited eyesight, or be confined to bed most of the time. This program provides veterans with up to $1,794 per month, $1,153 for their surviving spouse, and $2,127 for a couple.
The VA benefits system is notoriously complex — especially for those who are applying for the first time. In order to get the help that you need, it’s essential to lean on the correct people. For instance, veterans service officers are invaluable guides to navigating this complex system. Whether you believe that you are eligible or not, please contact the veterans service officers provided below before starting the application process. This way, you won’t miss out on any benefits, and the whole experience will be less frustrating.
Other useful resources include local DAV offices and VA assistance programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Operation Second Chance, which provide veterans with the aid they need to find long-term housing. You’ll also find the particulars of KanVet, an organization that helps Kansas veterans apply for benefits.
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 Officers
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 federally-funded health insurance program that provides coverage to individuals who are 65 or older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. KanCare Medical Assistance Program is the Medicaid program of Kansas. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cover the rent of a senior apartment. However, Medicaid does cover medically necessary in-home health-related care services that take place at a senior apartment. This normally happens via the Home and Community-Based Service waiver program, also sometimes called HCBS waiver.
If you’re not currently covered and you are eligible for Medicaid in Kansas, you can apply online by filling out an application for KanCare. If you need help with the different options or you have questions, you’ll get some excellent help from the local Agency on Aging and the local ombudsman. Their contact details are in the resources section below.
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
Toll-Free 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 program that provides health insurance for seniors who are 65 and older. Just like Medicaid, Medicare doesn’t cover rent for senior apartments, but it can go toward short-term medical in-home care.
Medicare savings programs include:
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is a free volunteer-based resource that answers all your questions on Medicare and insurance. In order to apply for Medicare, you need to go to the Social Security Administration office. You can also apply for Medicare online through Social Security. If you need help with more information about Medicare, understanding eligibility, and successful applications, the local ombudsman can assist. You’ll find all the contact details of the local Medicare savings programs and the ombudsman in the resources 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
Seniors who fall in the low-income bracket usually turn to housing assistance programs and Social Security benefits to help pay the rent. One of the most relied-upon methods is the local Housing Choice Voucher (HUD) program. As the name suggests, the program provides vouchers to qualifying individuals, which they can then put toward their housing costs. The qualifications include income level, criminal history, immigration status, and record of on-time rent payments. Please note that it’s important to make sure that a particular landlord does accept HUD vouchers before you sign a lease.
Wichita also has other low-income senior housing assistance programs like the City of Wichita Housing and Community Services, Wichita Area Team Community Help (WATCH), and Mennonite Housing. You’ll find all of their contact details in the resources section below.
Social Security benefits provide a great source of income for seniors who also need financial assistance with things other than rent. Indeed, Social Security benefits can go towards any cost of living. However, not everyone is eligible for all types of Social Security. Below, we take a quick look at the four types and their qualifications.
Wichita resident public assistance resources
Local HUD Office
Kansas/Western Missouri Field Office
400 State Ave., Room 200
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-551-5462
Fax: 913-551-5469
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Wichita Housing and Community Services
455 N. Main, 10th Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: 316-462-3700
Fax: 316-337-9103
Email: CommunityHousing@wichita.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wichita Area Team Community Help (WATCH)
840 N. Wabash Ave.
Wichita, KS 67214
Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services
2145 N. Topeka St.
Wichita, KS 67214
Phone: 316-942-4848
Email: badrian@mhrsi.org
Wichita Social Security Office
3216 N. Cypress St.
Wichita, KS 67226
Phone: 866-931-9173
TTY: 800-325-0778
Senior Services of Wichita
200 S. Walnut
Wichita, KS 67213
Phone: 316-267-0302
Under Kansas law, senior apartments are not typically licensed or inspected by the state. The reason? They’re not senior care facilities — which do require inspection. However, senior apartments still need to comply with rental and housing laws.
There are several laws that ensure equal housing opportunities for all. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) states that senior apartments cannot refuse a new resident based on their race, gender, religious beliefs, national origin, disability, familial status, or age. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that the apartments have accessibility features for those with disabilities, such as wheelchair ramps and accessible doorways and bathrooms. Kansas Service Animal Laws also permit service pets to stay with seniors, even if their apartment complex has a no-pet policy.
Although senior apartments aren’t strictly monitored by authorities, they must still provide a safe and habitable environment for residents. Everything must be well-maintained, including the grounds, buildings, plumbing, heating, and electricity systems. In particular, senior apartments must comply with the Title 20 of the Wichita local code, which outlines the housing codes of the city’s residential properties. If the owner of the building accepts HUD vouchers, they must also comply with HUD laws and regulations.
Safety inspections are sometimes performed by local housing authorities. When and where depends on a particular apartment complex and applicable regulations. Although the inspection reports aren’t available via the local housing authority, some could be available from the management of the apartment complex in question upon request.
Kansas doesn’t have a renter’s guide, but there are two important resources you can use instead. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation provides plenty of information for renters. The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act also outline all your rights and responsibilities as a renter in Kansas.
People who want to live in senior apartments must be 55 or older, some other requirements may be related to income and credit checks, criminal background checks, and rental history checks.
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.
While there are no COVID-19 regulations that are specific to Wichita senior apartment communities, the city does provide residents with suggestions on how to stay safe. If you have a particular apartment complex in mind, it might be prudent to contact them to find out what their own COVID-19 rules for residents are.
Vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations include staying current with vaccines.
Masking. Masks should be worn by the vulnerable and those with COVID-19.
Social distancing. The CDC recommends practicing good ventilation habits when indoors and avoiding those with COVID-19.
Quarantining. The CDC recommends isolating yourself and when you suspect or confirm that you have tested positive.
Retiring to Wichita is guaranteed to keep you engaged with the local vibe. This city is not only packed with a rich variety of attractions and activities, but senior apartments in Wichita are also designed to comfortably accommodate those who are 55 and older. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at these communities and what they have to offer.
Senior apartments in Wichita aim to enrich the lives of residents, especially those with accessibility needs. Some offer ground-floor apartments for accessibility, wheelchair access, and even assisted living options. Some apartment complexes might also offer laundry and grocery shopping services to seniors.
Although availability can vary from complex to complex, you can expect a surprising variety of services and activities. These include access to libraries, common rooms, game rooms, theater rooms, and salons. Activities are commonly geared toward a fun, social experience and can include parties, picnics, outings, gardening, live music or theater, art or gardening classes, and devotional activities.
Senior apartments in Wichita are designed with comfort in mind. Units are also commonly air conditioned to deal with Wichita’s hot, humid summers, and in some places, residents are allowed to keep pets and provided with their own parking space.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Wichita
Median annual income for Wichita seniors 65 and older
Ascension is the No. 1 hospital in Wichita, according to U.S. News & World Report. It’s pulled in ranking as high performing in eight adult procedures or conditions.
Wesley Healthcare Center is rated as high performing by U.S. News & World Report in three procedures and conditions.
Robert J. Dole VA Medical and Regional Center
The Robert J. Dole Center is a standard surgical and medical facility that serves the veteran community of Wichita, as well as the surrounding rural areas.
According to WalkScore, Wichita is a car-dependent city. With a walk score of 35 out of 100 (the higher the score, the easier you can walk around any given address), seniors will require a car or another form of transport to run errands in Wichita.[05]
Public transportation is somewhat limited, but seniors have options, like Wichita Public Transit. Standard fare is $1.75, but there is a Veterans Ride Free Program. The city’s fixed route buses are also ADA compliant, but for residents who have more intense physical or mental challenges, Wichita offers a fleet of shuttles called Paratransit.
There are a few private services and taxi options. It’s also worth enquiring about transportation options at senior apartment complexes themselves, as some offer transportation services to their residents.
Wichita offers a particularly vibrant culture to its residents, especially those who are looking for entertainment, outings, and good food. Right outside of Wichita is an immensely popular destination: the Kansas Star Casino. Here, seniors can try their luck with the jackpot, stay over at luxury accommodations, and dine their way through different cuisines.
If you love to explore, then Wichita has a unique blend of opportunities for every mood. Feeling a bit nostalgic about the past? Hit the huge variety of specialty museums in the city, many of which offer senior discounts on specific days, such as the Museum of World Treasures. Adventurous seniors can tackle any number of self-guided tours or scavenger hunts that are uniquely themed — just to give you an idea, there are zombies, seasonal quests, and totally wacky tours!
When a slow day strikes and you just want to take it easy, why not stroll through Wichita’s gorgeous zoo or botanical garden, both of which are filled with thousands of species of flora and fauna. There are also five golf courses sprinkled throughout the city to test your swing score, and if you don’t feel like walking the greens, there are plenty of stunning hiking trails, such as the Prairie Sunset Trail, to keep fit and get out in nature more.
Wichita is also known for its amazing theaters and live shows. From small to large, these theaters provide great entertainment through live performances, music, and more. When you need to catch a break and fill up on some lunch, you’ll soon discover that Wichita has a seemingly endless panorama of restaurants that offer every delicious snack and cuisine imaginable.
There are also many senior programs and centers that add a unique flavor to Wichita’s wild side. NorthEast Senior Center loves large potlucks, Mardi Gras, dancing, and recreational programs. Linwood Senior Center always has coffee available and celebrates with everything from Halloween balls to Hawaiian luaus. Downtown Senior Center offers sports, yoga, employment, foot care, and parties. Orchard Park Senior Center is small but has tons of spirit, rallying to give to the less fortunate every Christmas, and members dine out every month or visit the theater together.
Sedgwick Plaza, Ascension Living Via Christi Village - Ridge and Vintage Park at Waterfront are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Wichita, KS. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Wichita is $1,850 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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.