4 Assisted Living Communities in Pottawatomie County, Kansas

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $5,100 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 4 Assisted Living Communities in Pottawatomie County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Pottawatomie County, KS

• Assisted Living: $5,100
• Nursing Home Care: $6,661
• In-home Care: $4,290
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,419

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey, seniors who receive assisted living services in Pottawatomie County pay an average of $5,100 per month for their care. While this number is more than $1,000 above the national average and $500 above the state average, the cost in the area isn’t the highest in the state. Seniors living in Topeka pay $5,300 per month for assisted living, which is $200 more than those living in Pottawatomie County, while those in Lawrence pay an average of $5,265 per month. Those looking for less expensive care can consider assisted living options in Wichita, where the average monthly cost of assisted living is only $4,728. 

Note: Specific cost data regarding the cost of senior care in Pottawatomie County isn’t available. Data for Manhattan, the nearest major city, has been used instead. 

Senior care costs differ significantly depending on the level of care required. In Pottawatomie County, nursing home care costs an average of $6,661 per month, making it the most expensive type of care in the state, while assisted living costs $5,100 per month, which is about $1,500 less. Although homemaker services and home health aide costs are both considerably lower, it’s important for seniors who are planning to live at home to budget accordingly. While home care costs less than other types of round-the-clock care, it doesn’t include housing costs, while options such as assisted living and nursing home care usually do. 

The state Medicaid program in Kansas is known as KanCare. It helps low-income residents across the state to access safe, affordable health care services, including primary care, hospital services, dental care, mental health services and nursing home care. It also pays for the cost of prescription medications and necessary medical devices. The standard KanCare plan may provide coverage for seniors who receive assisted living services; however, this is only available to those who require a higher level of care. 

KanCare’s financial eligibility requirements state that senior citizens aged 65 and older must have a maximum income of $475 per month to qualify for benefits. Individual applicants may own a maximum of $2,000 in countable assets, while those who are married are permitted to own up to $3,000. The state considers all forms of income when determining eligibility but exempts some assets, including the applicant’s home, car and personal belongings. 

Seniors who don’t meet the KanCare financial eligibility requirements may be eligible through the state’s spend-down program. This program is available to Kansas residents with exceptionally high medical expenses. It allows eligible KanCare beneficiaries to pay down medical expenses before counting income toward eligibility. Applicants who apply via the spend-down program are still required to meet the program’s asset limitations. 

Seniors in Pottawatomie County who wish to apply for KanCare can contact the KanCare Eligibility line for the elderly at (800) 792-4884. 

Frail Elderly Waiver

The Frail Elderly waiver helps seniors remain in their homes and communities by providing services that can delay the need for nursing home care. The waiver covers the cost of personal care, comprehensive support and regular nurse visits at home or in an assisted living facility. It also provides financial assistance with oral health services, financial management and assistive technology. 

To qualify for this waiver, seniors must be at least 65 years old and require a nursing level of care. They must also meet the financial requirements for KanCare. 

To apply, seniors should contact the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging in Manhattan at (785) 776-9294.

Kansas Optional State Supplement

The Optional State Supplement in Kansas is offered to senior citizens and disabled individuals who require long-term care at home or within a facility. The benefit helps pay for costs that aren’t covered by KanCare, such as room and board. The state determines the benefit amount based on the recipient’s living arrangements. 

To qualify for OSS, applicants must be at least 65 years of age and a beneficiary of the federal SSI payment. For more information or to apply, contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. 

Long Term Care Insurance

These plans help seniors to pay for the cost of long-term care, including assisted living and nursing home care, but seniors typically must purchase a policy before the need for long-term care arises. Premiums, copay amounts and deductibles vary depending on a variety of factors, including the policyholder’s age and health condition at the time of purchase. For more information on long-term care insurance and companies that have partnered with the state of Kansas as providers, seniors should contact the Kansas Insurance Department at (800) 432-2484. 

The North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging serves Pottawatomie County and its surrounding areas by administering programs and resources that preserve the dignity and quality of life of senior citizens who live in the region. The AAA helps seniors access a variety of local resources, including caregiver support and respite care, benefits assistance, credit counseling and transportation services.  North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging
401 Houston St., Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 776-9294

Senior veterans or their surviving spouses can call or visit the Manhattan Vet Center to apply for benefits, including health care, disability, housing and long-term care assistance. Seniors who are eligible for VA health care benefits can access services such as primary care, mental health care and specialty care at the Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz clinic in Junction City. 

Manhattan Vet Center
205 S. 4th St., Suite B, Manhattan, KS 66502
(785) 350-4920

Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
1169 Southwind Dr., Junction City, KS 66441-2644
(800) 574-8387

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.