The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Topeka, KS for 2024

 

A significant increase in Alzheimer's-related deaths has been observed among Topeka's senior population, representing 18% of its estimated 126,000 residents, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite a slight decrease in population between 2016 and 2020, deaths attributed to the disease increased by 47%. These figures are high compared to the estimated 30% increase in all deaths.

Memory care communities provide similar services to assisted living, including assistance with daily activities such as showering and bathing, as well as medication assistance. However, memory care offers a more specialized form of assisted living to meet the needs of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. Its specialized programs, activities and events are geared toward those affected by memory impairment. The ratio of staff to residents in memory care communities is often higher than in assisted living facilities, thus ensuring a better understanding of each resident's specific needs.

This guide includes information on care costs in the city and surrounding areas, as well as where people living with dementia can obtain helpful resources.

Topeka is the capital city of Kansas, where a projected 53,000 people are living with dementia. This sprawling city has nearly 127,000 residents with a sizable senior community of about 16 percent of the total population. To support local seniors and families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, the city offers a variety of resources through the public library. Topeka also has four memory care facilities, and there are an additional four nearby.

The state of Kansas does not license or certify memory care facilities, including those that are in Topeka. However, facilities are permitted to serve seniors with "special needs," including dementia, if they have an admissions procedure in place to identify a resident's diagnosis, behavior and specific clinical needs. They must also provide specialized training for staff members and have secured exits.

 

• The property crime rate in Topeka is high, which may be a consideration for families who are helping their senior loved ones relocate to this city. On a scale of one to 100, with 100 representing the highest crime, Topeka's property crime is rated 67.8, compared to the state average of 43.1 and the national average of 38.1. Violent crime is rated 46.2, compared to the state average of 31.5 and the national average of 31.1.
• According to the Sperling's Comfort Index, Topeka has a relatively low score of 44 out of 100, versus the annual national average of 54. Summers in Topeka are hot and humid, with highs around 90 with uncomfortably muggy conditions at least 17 percent of the time. Winters are cold and windy, with lows in the 20s. The area receives 16 inches of snow annually, compared to the national average of 26 inches, which may make local traveling convenient for those visiting friends or family members in memory care.
• The Topeka area is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care such as University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
• Kansas seniors whose adjusted gross income is less than $75,000 do not pay taxes on their Social Security income, and public pensions are not taxed. Other forms of retirement income are taxed, however, which may affect how much money can be put in a senior's memory care budget.

 

Memory Care costs in Topeka start around $6,456 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Topeka and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Kansas page.