According to a Genworth Financial commissioned study, nationally, the 2005 average annual cost for a private room (single occupant) in a nursing facility was $69.400 ($190 a day).  This reflects a 6% increase over 2004 rates.

In Kansas, the annual rate for a private nursing home room is substantially lower and averages $44,000.  This is due to the fact that Kansas, Arkansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Missouri's non-urban areas have the lowest average annual costs in the nation.

Costs for a private room in Wichita averaged $52,000 a year ($142 a day) while an informal survey conducted by our office, which focused upon a dozen premier facilities in Wichita, revealed the cost of the basic level to be $58,000 per year ($160 a day).

Assisted living facilities were surveyed to determine the rates for private one-bedroom units.  According to the Genworth study, across the country the rates averaged an annual cost of $30,300 while, in Kansas, the rates were closer to $28,000 annually.  Many of these facilities also charge a one-time entrance fee which was not included in the above numbers.

Home health provider costs were fairly uniform across the country.  The average hourly rate for Home Health Aides was $18.58 and Homemaker services had hourly rates averaging $16.82.