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Paola is a small city in Kansas with a population of 5,719, of whom just over one-fifth (21.1%) are seniors. The city has a thriving economy and a low cost of living, making it an appealing location for both young professionals and retirees. Paola sees hot, muggy summers and cold winters, but offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities between the months of May and September. Violent crime rates in Paola are below average, and the city offers easy access to medical services. The Miami County Medical Center is located in the city, and the nationally ranked University of Kansas Hospital is just an hour away in Kansas City. Seniors can enjoy boating, swimming and fishing at Miola Lake Park and visit Paola’s historic downtown with its charming Park Square and variety of shops and eateries.
The average cost of assisted living in Paola is $5,280 per month. Exact costs vary depending on the size of the facility, its location and the services and amenities offered.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living facilities in Paola charge an average of $5,280 per month, according to the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey. This is about $200 more than the Kansas statewide average of $5,090, and over 20% above the national median of $4,300. Of the states surrounding Kansas, Missouri is the most affordable for assisted living, with an average cost of $3,000. Costs are also lower in Oklahoma ($3,750) and Nebraska ($4,188). In Colorado, the average is $4,575 per month.
Assisted living rates vary between cities in Kansas. Fees in Manhattan are higher than those in Paola, at $5,738. Facilities in Wichita charge slightly less, at $5,168 per month, while the average cost in Topeka is even lower at just $4,025. Across the Missouri border, rates vary similarly between Kansas City ($4,460) and Joplin ($2,500).
Note: Data for Paola was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Lawrence, was used instead.
KanCare, the Kansas Medicaid program, offers a Home and Community Based Services Frail Elderly Waiver for low-income seniors. This program aims to help seniors avoid early nursing home placement and can be used for personal emergency response devices, financial management services, assistive technology and some elements of assisted living care.
Learn more about the KanCare Frail Elderly Waiver, its eligibility requirements and the application process at our Assisted Living in Kansas page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Miami County Council on Aging | (913) 755-2411 | The Council on Aging for Miami County is responsible for the provision of services at the three senior centers in Paola. The council has 15 elected members who serve three-year terms. Seniors can contact the council to request information about local services or offer feedback about their needs. |
| Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs | (785) 843-5233 | The Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office works with veterans and their immediate family members, offering advocacy, information and support with VA-related issues, including pensions and benefits, health care and other programs. The commission’s veteran service representatives can help with applications and appeals for benefits that could be used to cover part or all of the cost of assisted living. Seniors can contact the KCVA field office in Lawrence to schedule an in-person appointment or receive assistance by phone. |
| Paola Senior Center Senior Transportation | (913) 294-4630 | The Paola Senior Center operates a transportation service using accessible vehicles for area senior citizens. Trips can be scheduled for any reason, including medical appointments, shopping, recreation or attending a senior nutrition site. Rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and seniors are asked to book trips in advance. |
| East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging | (785) 242-7200 | The East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging runs a variety of programs for older adults, including congregate nutrition, transportation and options counseling. Many services are offered free of charge to local seniors. The AAA also offers assistance with Medicare and Medicaid claims and can help seniors access financial support that could be used toward the cost of assisted living services. |
| Kansas Legal Services | (800) 723-6953 | Kansas Legal Services offers legal aid to low-income individuals in Paola, including senior citizens. It offers advice and support regarding civil legal issues, and can help seniors with matters relating to benefits appeals, Medicare, Medicaid, elder abuse, family law and estate planning. To receive legal advice or assistance, seniors must have a completed application on file. Applications can be completed online or by calling the statewide intake line. |
Assisted living facilities in Paola must follow the rules and regulations set by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. These rules relate to health and safety, staffing, care services and medication administration. Learn more about these laws and regulations by visiting our Assisted Living in Kansas page.
