Introduction
Based on extensive research of Kingswood Senior Living Community, located at 10000 Wornall Road in Kansas City, Missouri, I’ve compiled a detailed analysis of their services, amenities, resident experiences, and market position. This report aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what Kingswood offers and how it compares to other senior living options in the Kansas City area.
Facility Overview and Care Options
Kingswood Senior Living Community operates as a Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community), offering multiple levels of care to meet varying needs as residents age :
| Care Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Independent Living | For self-sufficient seniors seeking community living |
| Assisted Living | Personalized support with daily activities |
| Memory Support | Specialized care for cognitive impairments |
| Skilled Nursing | Professional medical care and rehabilitation |
| Respite Care | Short-term care options |
This continuum of care allows residents to transition between levels as their needs change without relocating to a different facility .
Services and Support Features
Kingswood provides comprehensive services designed to support residents’ daily needs :
- 24-hour security patrol
- Twice-monthly housekeeping
- Weekly flat linen service
- Scheduled transportation
- Wellness programs and health screenings
- Full-time nursing staff
- On-site medical specialist visits
The facility operates on an all-inclusive monthly fee structure covering most essential services, allowing for predictable budgeting .
Amenities and Living Experience
Physical Amenities
Kingswood offers resort-style amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life :
| Category | Available Amenities |
|---|---|
| Fitness & Wellness | Aquatic center, Indoor pool, Spa, Fitness center |
| Entertainment | Movie theater, Art gallery, Auditorium |
| Outdoor Spaces | Walking trails, Community gardens, Fenced-in dog park, Putting green |
| Social Spaces | Library, Business center, Bistro, Full-service dining room |
| Personal Care | Full-service salon |
Dining Options
The community provides flexible dining options, including :
- Full-service restaurant with formal dining
- Casual dining options
- Private dining areas for special occasions
- Bistro with bar service
Residents have rated the food quality at 4.3 out of 5, indicating above-average satisfaction with dining services .
Daily Activities and Community Engagement
Kingswood maintains a comprehensive activity calendar focusing on multiple dimensions of wellness :
| Wellness Dimension | Activities Offered |
|---|---|
| Physical | Fitness classes, Aquatic exercises |
| Social | Community events, Group activities |
| Intellectual | Educational workshops, Cultural programs |
| Emotional | Support groups, Counseling services |
| Spiritual | Religious services, Meditation |
| Environmental | Gardening, Outdoor activities |
The activities program has received a strong rating of 4.5 out of 5 from residents and their families , indicating high satisfaction with the variety and quality of engagement opportunities.
Resident Experiences and Testimonials
Resident experiences at Kingswood are mixed, with strong ratings for facilities and activities but lower scores for staff and value :
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Facility | 4.5 |
| Staff | 3.4 |
| Food | 4.3 |
| Activities | 4.5 |
| Value | 2.8 |
Notable Testimonials
Positive Experiences:
“The facilities are old, but they’ve been well kept. The food is very good… There are lots of physical activity. The people seem to be very friendly.” – Resident, October 2021
“My grandma is safe here, they keep her involved with the daily activities” – Family Member, January 2018
Areas of Concern:
“Communication is poor, over billing problems every month” – Family Member, August 2021
“Kingswood doesn’t have ample staff to handle the many needs of an End-of-Life patient” – Family Member, April 2023
These testimonials highlight strengths in facility maintenance and activities but suggest potential issues with communication, billing, and staffing levels, particularly for higher-need residents.
Pricing Information
Cost Structure
Kingswood uses an entrance fee model typical of Life Plan Communities, with monthly fees that vary by care level :
| Living Option | Starting Price | Maximum Price |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,614 | |
| One-Bedroom Units | $2,066 | |
| Two-Bedroom Options | $2,596 | |
| Assisted Living | $1,614 | $6,110 |
| Average Cost | $4,112 |
The local market average for comparable facilities is $4,222, placing Kingswood slightly below average in terms of cost .
Included in Monthly Fee
The all-inclusive fee structure covers :
- Maintenance and housekeeping
- Utilities (excluding phone/internet/cable)
- Access to community amenities
- Wellness programs
- Scheduled transportation
Value Proposition
While monthly fees represent a significant expense, Kingswood offers potential financial benefits :
- Predictable healthcare costs
- Elimination of home maintenance expenses
- Access to continuing care without relocation
- Potential cost savings compared to home ownership
Market Comparison
Kansas City Senior Living Market Overview
The average monthly cost for assisted living in Kansas City is $4,585, which is:
- Higher than Missouri state average ($3,000)
- Slightly higher than national average ($4,500)
Competitive Landscape
| Facility Name | Rating | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|
| McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff | 4.82/5 | Skilled nursing focus |
| Westchester Village of Lenexa | 4.59/5 | Dignity-focused care |
| The Atrium at Overland Park | 4.45/5 | Luxury amenities |
| Anthology of Burlington Creek | 4.48/5 | Shopping center proximity |
| The Forum at Overland Park | 4.29/5 | Multiple care levels |
| Kingswood Senior Living | 4.2/5* | Life Plan Community model |
*Overall average based on available reviews
Value Comparison
| Care Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,585 |
| In-Home Care | $4,957 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $6,464 |
This comparison demonstrates that while assisted living represents a significant expense, it often offers better value than nursing home care and can be comparable to the cost of comprehensive in-home care services .
Recognition and Community Involvement
Awards and Recognition
Kingswood has received recognition in the senior living industry:
- Nominee in 2017 Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards (Renovation/Repositioning category)
- Named in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nursing Homes
Community Support Initiatives
The Kingswood Foundation, established in 2004, demonstrates commitment to resident welfare:
- Wesley Assistance Fund (est. 1983) has provided over $2 million in resident assistance
- Supports residents who have outlived their resources
- Ensures continuity of care regardless of financial circumstances
Recent Investments
Kingswood has invested $34.7 million in facility improvements including :
- Additional assisted living residences
- New rooftop dining venue
- Updated bistro and library
- Conversion of independent living units to assisted living and memory care
Recommendations for Prospective Residents and Families
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Site Visit
Implementation Guide:
Use this structured observation checklist during your visit to evaluate key aspects of the facility:
Observation Checklist:
- Staffing Interactions
- Observe staff-to-resident ratio during different times of day
- Note staff attentiveness and response time to resident requests
- Evaluate staff communication style and friendliness
- Ask about staff turnover rates and training programs
- Facility Condition
- Check overall maintenance and cleanliness
- Evaluate safety features (handrails, call systems, accessibility)
- Observe odors and general atmosphere
- Test noise levels in different areas
- Dining Experience
- Sample a meal if possible
- Observe food presentation and variety
- Note resident satisfaction during mealtime
- Ask about accommodation for dietary preferences/restrictions
- Resident Engagement
- Observe resident participation in activities
- Note social interactions between residents
- Evaluate diversity of available activities
- Speak with residents about activity satisfaction
2. Develop a Personalized Care Needs Assessment
Care Level Decision Guide:
Kingswood’s tiered care system requires careful assessment of current and future needs. Use this self-assessment tool to determine the most appropriate level:
Independent Living is appropriate if you:
- Can manage personal care and medications independently
- Are able to prepare simple meals and manage household tasks
- Can respond appropriately to emergency situations
- Are seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with social opportunities
Assisted Living is appropriate if you:
- Need regular assistance with bathing, dressing, or grooming
- Require medication management or reminders
- Have mobility challenges but can still get around with minimal assistance
- Need meal preparation and household maintenance
- Benefit from structured activities and socialization
Memory Support is appropriate if you:
- Have been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or another cognitive impairment
- Experience confusion or disorientation that affects daily functioning
- Need a secure environment to prevent wandering
- Require specialized programming for cognitive stimulation
Skilled Nursing is appropriate if you:
- Need 24-hour nursing supervision
- Require professional medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Have complex medical needs requiring regular monitoring
- Need assistance with all aspects of daily living
3. Prepare a Comprehensive Financial Analysis
Monthly Cost Estimation Worksheet:
Use this worksheet to calculate expected monthly expenses at Kingswood:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Fee | $_______ | Depends on apartment size and care level |
| Entrance Fee Amortized | $_______ | Total entrance fee ÷ expected length of stay |
| Additional Care Services | $_______ | Based on assessed care needs |
| Phone/Internet/Cable | $_______ | Not included in base fee |
| Personal Expenses | $_______ | Salon services, extra activities, etc. |
| TOTAL MONTHLY COST | $_______ |
Long-term Financial Planning Considerations:
- How long will resources last at different care levels?
- What financial safety net exists if care needs increase?
- Are there assets that could be liquidated if necessary?
- How does the Wesley Assistance Fund factor into long-term planning?
4. Evaluate Communication and Management
Given the mixed reviews regarding staff responsiveness (3.4/5) and some concerns about communication , it’s important to thoroughly assess these aspects:
Management Assessment Questions:
- What is the management team’s experience in senior living?
- What is the staff turnover rate compared to industry average?
- How are resident concerns documented and addressed?
- What is the facility’s policy for keeping families informed?
- How quickly are maintenance issues typically resolved?
- What is the protocol for handling medical emergencies?
- How are billing issues or disputes handled?
- What family council or resident governance structures exist?
Conclusion
Kingswood Senior Living Community offers a comprehensive Life Plan Community model with multiple care levels and extensive amenities. The facility has received strong ratings for its physical environment (4.5/5), dining (4.3/5), and activities (4.5/5), but lower scores for staff responsiveness (3.4/5) and perceived value (2.8/5) .
With a recent $34.7 million investment in facility improvements and recognition from industry organizations, Kingswood demonstrates commitment to quality and continuous improvement. The Kingswood Foundation’s resident assistance program further illustrates the community’s dedication to resident welfare .
For prospective residents and families, Kingswood represents a competitive option in the Kansas City senior living market, with pricing slightly below the local average . However, careful evaluation of the facility, particularly regarding staffing and communication, is recommended before making a commitment.
By using the assessment tools and recommendations provided in this review, you can determine whether Kingswood Senior Living Community aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and financial resources.
