6 Best Independent Living Communities in Paola, KS

Independent Living

Many seniors may be capable of living without assistance, but the burden of home ownership and the upkeep of daily tasks and chores might be a deterrent to enjoying an otherwise independent life. Independent Living Communities offer a good solution. Frequent needs such as housekeeping and meal planning are accounted for, which permits occupants more free time to live active lives as they desire. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups and interests. Within the individual units, residents have access to a private living space and a full kitchen, and can even live with a companion if they choose. While policies differ between communities, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. Nursing and health care services may always be arranged for with independent care providers if desired. There are a variety of expenditures and advantages to keep in mind while selecting an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these amenities are covered in your care plan: internet access, move-in fee, cable TV, wellness program, transportation, private phone, parking, and Waiting list deposit. The benefits associated with independent living include laundry service, game/TV room, healthcare center, concierge services, beauty salon & barber shop, private rental hall, transportation, and fitness center & swimming pool.

Demographics and Values

Out of the total population of Paola, 5.9% do not have health insurance, 11.1% are widows, 12.2% live in poverty, and 15.0% have some form of disability. Of the population of Paola 36.6% have a high-school diploma, 8.9% have a graduate degree, and 21.5% have a college degree. The current population of Paola consists of 5,378 people and in total the Paola metro area has a population of 5,580. Paola has a population density of 420 people per square mile. In Paola, 9.4% of the people are veterans of the United States armed forces. Based on gender, 43.5% are male and 56.5% are female. The median age of Paola is 36 years old. Demographically, Paola is 2.4% black, 94.9% white, 0.4% Asian, 4.9% Hispanic, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.2% Native American, 0.7% other or not specified, and 1.3% mixed race.

Cost of Living

Senior living community price is influenced by the neighborhood in which it is located. The rent burden for Paola is about 16.5% of the average monthly income. Paola has a median home value of around $124,294 and the median cost of rent is around $998 per month.

State Information

An overview of Kansas

The natural beauty of Kansas is ranked 8th in the nation. The state of Kansas has a cost of living index of 89.7 where a score of 100 is the national average, and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The state has a grocery index rating of 91.9 and a housing index rating of 73.8. Overall, Kansas ranks 22nd in quality of life and 33rd in healthcare compared to other US states. The state of Kansas has 144 hospitals and 75 health centers, providing care to a population of 2,912,321. The three highest ranked hospitals in Kansas are University Of Kansas Hospital, Newton Medical Center, and Providence Medical Center.

Social demographics of the state

In terms of diversity, Kansas ranks 25th in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly. In Kansas, 29% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 37. During the latest presidential election, 57% voted for the Republican candidate while 36% voted for the Democratic candidate. Thirty-seven percent of Kansas residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 4,782 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-31%, Mainline Protestant-24%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Kansas there are 279 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

On average, Kansas has an air quality index rating of around 36.0 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of July with a rating of around 46.4 AQI. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Kansas is around 2.55 inches. The most precipitation occurs in May with an average of 6.73 inches of precipitation a month. Kansas experiences an average humidity rating of about 66%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 72% in the month of December. During the summer, the average temperature in Kansas is around 76F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 95F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 54F in the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 32F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 53F during the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 12F during the month of January. While residents of Kansas mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Kansas can include tornadoes, floods, and and earthquakes (high).

Wildlife to be found in Kansas

The state of Kansas has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of bur oak, Siberian elm, Osage orange, and chestnut oak. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the woodchuck, the cottontail, the muskrat, or the skink. The state animal of Kansas is the American buffalo.