I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Overland Park, KS
With a population of 195,494, including 29,129 seniors, Overland Park is the state’s second-most populous city, and residents are just 12 miles from the bustling metropolis of Kansas City, Missouri. Thanks to the community’s abundant amenities and pleasant suburban neighborhoods, Overland Park claimed one of the top 10 spots on Livability’s list of the 100 Best Places to Live for 2020.
The downtown area offers an impressive array of shopping opportunities, and residents have access to more than 80 municipal parks and a number of cultural attractions. Popular destinations include the Johnson County Museum, the Museum at Prairiefire, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and the 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
If you’re a retiree, you may appreciate the area’s moderate cost of living, which is just 11% higher than the national average. The climate is pleasant with just 14 inches of snow and an above-average number of sunny days, which makes it more comfortable than most places in Kansas. Plus, the city is a short distance from a number of medical centers, including the Menorah Medical Center and Saint Luke’s Community Hospital – Shawnee, making it easier to manage your health.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Overland Park, KS
As an Overland Park resident, you can expect to pay $4,576 per month for in-home care, which is very close to the U.S. average. Expected rates are the same whether you’re interested in hiring someone to handle chores and errands or want a home health aide who can help with bathing, toileting and medications.
Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that home health care agencies typically charge $24 per hour, which is comparable to the national average. Monthly price estimates assume that clients require 44 hours of weekly care, but most companies offer flexible schedules that allow you to book services in four-hour blocks, which is ideal if you’re on a budget or only need occasional assistance.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care prices in Overland Park are very close to the national average of $4,481 for homemaker services and $4,576 for home health care. Due to the community’s proximity to Kansas City, rates are comparatively high for the region. If you want to stretch your retirement dollars further, you can save $286 per month in Manhattan. Prices in Topeka are $477 lower at $4,099, and seniors in Lawrence save $572 per month with an average of $4,004.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care in Overland Park costs just $116 more than assisted living, which averages around $4,460 per month, including room and board. Adult day health care is a budget-friendly alternative that can save you almost $3,000 per month if you’re willing to travel to a community center to participate in group activities. Seniors who have complex medical needs can receive skilled care at home or in a local nursing home. These facilities charge $6,844 per month, which is $912 lower than the national average.
III. How to Find Home Care in Overland Park, KS
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Overland Park, KS.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Overland Park, KS
Johnson County Area Agency on Aging
What You Should Know
This comprehensive resource can give you a complete picture of services available in the local area. Thanks to federal funding administered through the Older Americans Act, the AAA can direct you to legal services, volunteer opportunities and counselors who offer unbiased Medicare plan comparisons. It connects residents to in-home care, meal deliveries and caregiver supports. You may also qualify for low-cost home care and case management services through the agency’s Private Care Management program.
Who Is Eligible?
The AAA assists seniors aged 60 and older, disabled adults and other medically needy populations. A comprehensive assessment is required for in-home care to determine how much assistance you need.
How to Get Started
To request assistance or to learn more about these programs, call the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging at (913) 715-8861 to speak with an Aging Information Specialist.
Jewish Family Services Older Adult Services
What You Should Know
Every year, this faith-based charity serves more than 8,800 clients in Overland Park and the surrounding area, and more than half of these individuals are non-Jewish. It provides a full continuum of care to assist with physical needs and emotional challenges. Help@Home provides sliding-scale home repairs and technology assistance. Care Managers can help you develop a personalized plan for aging in place, and JET Express provides low-cost rides for medical appointments and errands. The organization offers spiritual care, grief support and social services and referrals to other community partners.
Who Is Eligible?
JFS’ Older Adult Services are geared toward Overland Park and Kansas City residents aged 60 and older, including those who want to live independently in their own homes.
How to Get Started
You can learn more about these programs online or by calling (913) 981-8880. Application packages are available on the JFS website, and requests are typically processed in one to two weeks.
Kansas Commission on Veteran’s Affairs
What You Should Know
KCVA’s Overland Park Field Office serves veterans and military families in Johnson and Wyandotte counties and communities within the Kansas City metropolitan area. It also offers outreach events at Overland Park’s American Legion Post. The KVCA’s goal is to connect veterans to state and federal benefits. Officers assist with VA claims and appeals for pensions, disability benefits, survivor’s compensation and health care. If you or your spouse served in the military and you need help accessing long-term care, you can contact this local office to learn more about financial assistance programs for individuals who are housebound or require help from personal care attendants.
Who Is Eligible?
Free, confidential services, including help with benefits applications, are available to veterans, spouses, survivors and dependents. Access to some services, such as those provided by the state’s veterans homes, are based on medical and personal need.
How to Get Started
For help accessing the government benefits that you’re entitled to receive, contact the Overland Park Field Office at (913) 371-5968.
Overland Park Senior Centers
What You Should Know
Local senior centers are a lifeline for older adults who want to maintain their health, mobility and social connections. Overland Park residents are served by the Matt Ross Community Center on Marty Street. Named after one of the city’s leaders, the center features a professionally staffed fitness center, indoor pool and rental spaces. Seniors are welcome to help with meals, social services and educational events as volunteers. You may also join the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, which serves residents of all faiths. Its nationally accredited Heritage Center offers art classes, recreational activities, fitness courses, book clubs and healthy aging programs for adults aged 65 and older. The center provides kosher meals, and transportation is available for $2 each way.
Who Is Eligible?
The Matt Ross Community Center caters to residents of all ages although some programs, such as $3 congregate meals, are reserved for older adults and their spouses. Discounted memberships are available to residents aged 60 and older.
How to Get Started
To learn more about 50 Plus Programs available at the Matt Ross Community Center, call (913) 826-2830. For more information about the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City or to apply for membership, dial (913) 327-8000.
Johnson County Catch-a-Ride
What You Should Know
Sponsored by the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services, Catch-a-Ride is a government-funded, volunteer-operated program that provides low-cost transportation to seniors, disabled adults and other Overland Park residents who don’t have transportation. Rides are available to doctor’s offices, stores and government offices in Johnson County and several outside medical facilities. Trips must be scheduled at least five days in advance. A $5 donation each way is suggested.
Who Is Eligible?
Catch-a-Ride serves residents aged 60 and older as well as adults who are unable to drive and don’t have access to transportation. Riders must be mobile and able to enter and exit the vehicle with elbow assistance. You can bring a cane, walker or medical equipment. However, vehicles aren’t wheelchair accessible.
How to Get Started
You can get started by calling the coordinator at (913) 715-8900 to request a preapplication screening. Application packets are available online, or they can be mailed to your home.