The 5 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Lawrence, KS for 2024

Lawrence, Kansas, has a rich history preserved in its museums, historic sites and beautiful downtown. With a population of about 95,000 residents, 11.4% of which are seniors, this city offers plenty of entertainment, sporting events and culture. The cost of living in Lawrence falls below the national average. LMH Health provides Lawrence residents with emergency care, primary care and many specialty services, including cancer care, orthopedics and cardiac care. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, senior citizens in Lawrence will pay an average of $4,767 a month for home care, a figure below the national average. Home care provides services like help with personal care activities and housekeeping. It does not, however, include medical assistance. Home health care is required for that.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Lawrence– complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

Lawrence’s home care prices come in at $4,767 per month as calculated by the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. The Kansas state average is lower than costs in Lawrence by almost $200, but the national average runs higher by almost $200. Kansas City, Missouri, just to the east, shows a higher home care cost, but other Kansas locations provide a mixed bag. Prices in Topeka are significantly higher than those in Lawrence. Wichita’s rates are equivalent, but Manhattan actually offers a cost savings of nearly $200.

Home care costs in Lawrence stand at the middle of the care cost spectrum. Skilled nursing home care is at the top price-wise with an increase of $2,472 over home care. Some seniors may, however, need to consider this option if they have complex medical needs. Assisted living is lower in cost than home care by $229, but it does require a move. Home health care rates are equivalent, but home health care’s scope is different as it provides medical services such as medication management and vital signs monitoring.

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
• Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.