The 3 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Great Bend, KS for 2023
Located on the Santa Fe Trail in Central Kansas, Great Bend is the seat of Barton County and home to nearly 14,600 residents, including over 2,400 seniors aged 65 or older. Great Bend earned its name for being located on the big bend of the Arkansas River. Besides its stunning scenery, the city boasts numerous attractions, amenities and events to keep active seniors entertained and exploring but still retains its small-town atmosphere.
Assisted living facilities offer a residential setting for older adults needing a higher level of care than independent living facilities offer but less care than nursing homes provide. Residents receive their own living space and retain their independence but receive personalized supportive services as needed. The average cost of assisted living in Great Bend is $5,425, higher than the state and national averages.
This guide offers an overview of assisted living in Great Bend to help older adults interested in learning more about this senior living option. It covers average costs in other Kansas cities and for different types of senior care for comparison. Readers also have access to information on the benefits and drawbacks of living in Great Bend and a list of local senior services.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Great Bend, KS
Brookdale Great Bend
1206 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS, 67530
Aster Estates – a Home Plus Facility
155 NW 10th Ave, Great Bend, KS, 67530
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is a Caring Star Community
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COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Great Bend
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Kansas. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Great Bend
The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) licenses residential services delivered through adult care homes, including assisted living and residential health care facilities. Both facilities provide the same services. It oversees ALFs and RHCFs in Great Bend and throughout Kansas to ensure these facilities follow set rules and provide residents with the highest quality care.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Great Bend
- It’s less expensive to live in Great Bend, which is a significant benefit to seniors on fixed incomes. Compared to the national average, Great Bend’s overall cost of living is lower by more than 26%. Transportation costs are significantly less than the national average, and groceries are lower by about 8%.
- Seniors enjoy 237 sunny days on average, higher than the national average, and a below-average amount of annual rainfall and snowfall. Although the city does see below-freezing temperatures in the heart of the winter, it only averages two nights a year when temperatures fall below zero.
- Outdoorsy seniors also benefit from better than average air quality. The Air Quality Index for Great Bend is 72, with 100 being the best. However, the national average is only 58. Air quality includes measurements of hazardous air pollutants from the EPA and analyses of respiratory illnesses and cancer risks.
- Aging adults contemplating a move to assisted living find a fair number of facilities in and around the city, providing several senior housing options. A total of 14 assisted living facilities serve Great Bend, including three within city limits and 11 more nearby.
- Seniors benefit from having a general medical and surgical hospital in town to meet their ongoing or acute health care needs. The Great Bend Campus of the University of Kansas Health System, formerly the Great Bend Regional Hospital, remains committed to delivering quality care to all its patients. St. Rose Medical Pavilion also joined the University of Kansas Health System and now acts as a convenient care walk-in clinic and family medicine and specialty services provider.
Paying for Assisted Living in Great Bend
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Great Bend is $5,425. However, the final price varies based on location, amenities, services and housing options.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Despite its low overall cost of living, the average of assisted living in Great Bend is $845 higher per month than the state average of $4,590 and $925 more than the national average of $4,500. Genworth’s survey includes four cities in Kansas, and Great Bend has the highest average. It’s above Topeka’s average of $4,495 and Lawrence’s $4,538. However, it’s much closer in cost to Manhattan’s $5,398, at only $27 more per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Assisted living is just one of many senior care options available in Great Bend. Aging adults may remain in their homes and opt for day-time support through an adult day health care program for only $1,706 per month. They may receive in-home services, including non-medical in-home care or home health care services with limited medical services, at $4,767 for either. Older adults with complex medical needs requiring around-the-clock nursing care can expect to pay around $6,524 for a nursing home facility.
Note: Data for Great Bend was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Wichita, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Great Bend
KanCare offers a waiver for eligible seniors, called the Frail Elderly Waiver Program, which pays for personal care services in an assisted living facility. Families of seniors receiving the waiver can supplement services that the waiver does not cover, such as room and board.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Kansas page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Kansas page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Great Bend
Local and statewide entities provide free senior services to residents of assisted living facilities in Great Bend. These government or nonprofit organizations offer various types of assistance to older adults, including estate planning, elder law assistance, wellness programs and other eldercare services.
Resource
Contact
Services
(800) 742-9531
SWKAAA serves 28 counties, including Barton County. It offers various services to older adults to help them live safer, more independent lives. Services include case management, information and assistance, options counseling, legal services and health insurance assistance for seniors aged 55 or older. It also acts as the Aging and Disability Resource Center for the area.
(800) 432-3535
The Kansas A&D CSP Commission manages community-based supports and services for elderly persons or persons with disabilities. It coordinates services through Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and administers programs for the aging population through state and federal contracts and grants. The Commission is responsible for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). It also works with nursing facilities to identify residents wanting to return to living in a community setting, such as in a private home, assisted living or other adult care residence.
(877) 662-8362
The Kansas LTC Ombudsman advocates for residents' rights in long-term facilities like assisted living and nursing homes. Trained ombudsmen protect residents’ quality of life and care while helping them resolve any issues they have with their care at the assisted living facility. They also provide information and support and educate residents on their rights.
(888) 353-5337
Older Kansas residents aged 60 and above may call the Elder Law Hotline for free legal assistance with civil matters through Kansas Legal Services. These services are available statewide and intended for residents of low or moderate incomes. Elder law issues include estate planning, living wills and guardianships, among others.
(620) 792-3906
The Great Bend Senior Center provides numerous senior services, including congregate meals, public transportation services and educational programs. It also provides a place to socialize with peers and remain active and engaged.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Great Bend
Great Bend Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Kansas are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Kansas page for more information about these laws.
