Senior Living in Kansas City: What You Actually Get for the Cost
When you finally pay off your mortgage, it’s a tremendous financial relief. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean your home-related expenses are behind you. Not only do you still have ongoing homeowners insurance and property taxes, but in many cases, routine monthly home maintenance costs are higher than people expect.
When you factor in the unexpected expenses every homeowner faces — especially as a home ages — the cost of maintaining a house can rise even further. If you’re comparing the senior living in Kansas City cost with the expense of staying in your current home, it’s important to consider all the expenses involved. Be sure to also compare the services and amenities you’ll have access to at a senior living community — such as fitness centers, pools, art and fitness classes, transportation, and more — which can make senior living a better overall value than remaining at home.
Why Many Choose to Move Earlier
“I wish I’d moved here sooner” is a common sentiment you’ll hear in Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCs) throughout the Kansas City area. Once residents begin enjoying the services, amenities, and freedom community living provides, many wonder why they waited so long.
If you’re wondering when to move into a senior living community, the answer is different for everybody. You will want to fully enjoy everything community life offers, which means moving in before you have serious health conditions or need assistance with activities of daily living. Independent living can help you maintain and even improve your physical and mental well-being, helping you maximize your quality of life before you may need to transfer into a higher level of care.
Before deciding, it’s important to compare the cost of aging in place at home to senior living cost in KC.
Lifestyle Comparison Worksheet
Compare the cost of living in your current home with living in a Life Plan Community like John Knox Village. You can also explore your options using our Financial Fit Calculator.
| Services and Monthly Expenses | Your Home | John Knox Village |
| Mortgage/Rent | $ | INCLUDED |
| HOA Fees | $ | INCLUDED |
| Property Tax | $ | INCLUDED |
| Property Insurance1 | $ | INCLUDED1 |
| Utilities — Electricity, Gas, Water, Sewer | $ | INCLUDED |
| Cable TV and Telephone | $ | INCLUDED |
| Exterior Maintenance | $ | INCLUDED |
| Pest Control | $ | INCLUDED |
| Emergency Response System | $ | INCLUDED |
| Lawn Care/Landscaping/Snow Removal | $ | INCLUDED |
| Weekly Housekeeping2 | $ | INCLUDED2 |
| Weekly Laundering of Flat Sheet Bedding2 | $ | INCLUDED2 |
| Plumbing Maintenance | $ | INCLUDED |
| Electrical Maintenance | $ | INCLUDED |
| Heating and Air Conditioning Maintenance | $ | INCLUDED |
| Trash/Recyclables Collection | $ | INCLUDED |
| Appliance Maintenance | $ | INCLUDED |
| Schedule Transportation3 — Vehicle, Gas, Insurance | $ | INCLUDED3 |
| Fitness Center Membership and Wellness Programs | $ | INCLUDED |
| Planned Social Activities | $ | INCLUDED |
| $240 per month Dining Credit | $ | INCLUDED |
| Total Monthly Expenses: | $ |
- The Village carries property and general liability insurance on the buildings it owns, including residences. Residents should carry personal property insurance to cover loss or damage to personal belongings. Pet owners are required to carry at least $100,000 liability insurance.
- Housekeeping service is included bi-weekly for apartment homes. Flat laundry service is included weekly for apartment homes.
- On campus transportation and scheduled trips for shopping are provided by the Village.
In a Life Plan Community like John Knox Village, one predictable monthly service fee can replace a never-ending stack of bills, ongoing chores and errands, and the constant demands on your time and energy.
Signs It’s Time to Consider a Move
Here are a few signs that a move may be in your best interest:
- You’re tired of home maintenance.
- You want more social opportunities.
- You’re not using much of the space in your home.
- You’re ready to focus on new passions and interests.
- You want to maintain your independence.
- You want a place where you can age in place.
About John Knox Village
John Knox Village is a leader in senior living services in Lee’s Summit and the greater Kansas City region. The community boasts a diverse range of living options from freestanding homes and apartment homes to villas. With more than 700,000 square feet of common space across the beautiful campus, you’ll find more opportunities and experiences right outside your door.
If you’re exploring Life Plan Communities in Lee’s Summit or the Kansas City, we’d love to show you all that John Knox Village has to offer. Contact us today, call (816) 251-8000 to schedule a visit, or register to attend one of our upcoming events.
