Nursing Homes near Kansas City, MO

Nursing Homes in Kansas City, Missouri

Living in a nursing home may not be the ideal scenario for most seniors, but sometimes it makes the most sense for everyone involved. If your loved ones have reached the point where they need more care than you or they can reasonably provide, then a nursing home is a good option. Once families make the decision, the only thing that remains is finding the best nursing home to suit their loved one's needs. For those in the Kansas City area, there are plenty to choose from, and each offers something a little different.

Living in Kansas City

Kansas City spans the Kansas-Missouri border, and was originally founded in the 1830's as the Missouri River port named Kansas. Once the state of Kansas was founded in 1854, this became confusing, so officials renamed the land belonging to Missouri as Kansas City. The city has over 200 fountains, second only to Rome, and is officially nicknamed the City of Fountains. It also has more boulevards than any other city in the world, except for Paris, so it has been likened to the city of love, as well. Other attractions in the area include the arts and sports, particularly soccer. The popularity of soccer spans from children all the way to professional adults, and the World Cup is a big event in the city. Kansas City is also well-known for its steaks and barbecue. Golden agers who retire and live in Kansas City have a wide range of activities and cuisine to enjoy, and it's a great place for families to grow together, as well.

Choosing the Right Facility

You always want to keep your loved one's personal preferences in mind, but nursing homes that offer city outings and tours can be of interest to many seniors. Visit several homes, and talk to the program director about the facility's policies, including staff training. Also, determine what level of care your loved one will receive, and how often you receive updates. Finally, ensure the facility you choose has plenty of amenities and activities to keep your loved one active.

Amenities and Activities

The amenities and activities available to residents of a nursing home are important. They keep the residents engaged in life by building a community for them. Many residents come to think of the other residents as a second family. A good nursing home offers a wide selection of options including restaurant-style dining, social and recreational activities, landscaped grounds, a beauty salon/barber shop, game room, wireless internet, library, laundry, and housekeeping. For those homes located in Kansas City, there are also shopping areas, theaters, and sports venue options. Another consideration you should keep in mind is rooming preference. Many nursing homes require residents to double up in a roommate situation. Find out what your loved one's preference is, and look for homes that can accommodate that preference.

Nursing Home Payment Options

Paying for nursing home care can be expensive and stressful if families haven't planned ahead. The best way to pay for nursing home care is through proper insurance. Many policies have a time limit in place before they will pay out claims, so families should look into those details. Medicare and Medicaid are also an option, but each state has different rules for qualifying. As a last resort, families should have money in savings to help pay for nursing home costs. The average family burns through their savings for nursing home care in six months. Industry experts recommend that seniors and their families not rely solely on savings to pay for nursing home care. The good news is that Kansas City is a relatively cheap place to live. The housing costs and medical care are cheaper than the national average, so nursing home care should be lower than the average, as well. With proper insurance and/or Medicare, families may be able to easily afford nursing home care for their loved one.

Aging seniors already have enough to worry about. They don't need to worry about the level of care they will receive from a nursing home, too. It is important to choose a home that makes both you and your loved one comfortable, but at the same time offers the best care available. Nursing homes should be an accepting, supportive community with compassionate staff and managers. Residents should be happy and relatively healthy, depending on their individual circumstances. There shouldn't be signs of neglect or abuse. The best way to discover what type of nursing home you're dealing with is to visit the facility and speak to the staff and residents.