More than 218,000 veterans live in the Sunflower State, in the center of America’s heartland. There are many benefits and helpful resources for Kansas residents and their families, from housing options, to health care, to discounted recreation. If you are just beginning to access your state and national benefits or have questions about a claim, a great place to start is the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs.

If you are a senior veteran, or the loved one of a senior veteran, you may already be researching senior housing communities in Kansas. It’s helpful to note that the state actually offers several veteran-focused communities that not only provide quality care and dignity, but allow veterans to live in a community with others who have served.

For example, the Kansas Veterans' Home in Winfield offers 73 long-term care beds, a 43 bed domiciliary unit, and an 18 bed special care unit for Alzheimer's and related dementia. The facility works in close cooperation with the VA to provide services and eligible medications, and also offers recreational activities, transportation to health care appointments, nutritious meals, and a 24-hour grounds patrol. A second option is the Kansas Soldiers' Home in Fort Dodge, which offers three domiciliary residence halls, a special care unit for dementia, and 60 senior cottages, as well as a library, a recreation center, and museum.

A third option offers Kansas veterans or all ages more of an apartment-like setting, with the St. Michael’s Veterans Center in Kansas City.  As an income-restricted community, these one-bedroom, one-bath apartments offer an affordable and attractive option, with a fully equipped kitchen, granite countertops, and a walk-in shower in each apartment. Community amenities include a computer center and library, onsite laundry facility, and exercise room.

Healthcare is always a key topic for veterans and their families, and Kansas is home to three VA Medical Centers, serving thousands for veterans and their families. All three offer primary and secondary care services, as well as VA benefits case workers and special services for returning servicemembers, female veterans, and homeless veterans. You can check your eligibility and make appointments online at the website for the clinic nearest you. The VA also supports 14 community-based outpatient clinics and two vet centers (find the one closest to you).

• Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center (located at 4101 4th Street Trafficway, Leavenworth)
• Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center ( located at 2200 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka)
• Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (located at 5500 East Kellogg Ave, Wichita)

If you are looking to get out and enjoy the many outdoor activities or state and national parks located in Kansas, your service to the country may qualify you for additional discounts. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks offers active members of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, as well as veterans with a 30% or greater service-related disability, free hunting and fishing licenses, as well as discounted admission to state parks. Active duty military personnel stationed in Kansas can purchase all annual state licenses, permits, and stamps at the resident rate and military permits for elk draw are available for active duty military personnel stationed at Fort Riley.

The state of Kansas has four state veterans' cemeteries, one each in Ft. Dodge, Ft. Riley, Wakeeney, and Winfield. All veterans who received anything other than a dishonorable discharge are eligible for burial, as well as their spouses and dependents. There is no fee for veterans or their dependents, and there is no Kansas residency requirement. A veteran or dependent can actually preregister for free at any of these locations to help reduce potential confusion and delay at the time of passing (note that preregistration does not obligate the veteran or dependent for being interred there). Every person buried in these cemeteries is buried with full honors, and never alone.

To find out what veterans benefits exist in other states in the U.S. please visit our complete Veterans Benefits by State guide here.

Kansas Veterans Benefit for Assisted Living

The Aid and Attendance pension benefit is available to Kansas senior veterans and their spouses to help pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care. Here is more information on how the Aid and Attendance benefit helps Kansas veterans.

Written By Megan Hammons