Seniors across the Kansas City area, including those living with disabilities, face a number of barriers that put their health, safety and independence at risk.

Affordable and accessible housing remains out of reach for many older adults. Options for those who need disability accommodations are especially limited, forcing some to live in unsafe conditions or far from support networks.

Nonprofits that serve seniors also struggle under the weight of limited resources and funding. A property tax approved by Jackson County voters in 2024 offered some relief, but demand continues to outpace support with Medicaid and SNAP cuts.

For those relying on Medicaid, looming funding cuts have raised urgent concerns. Seniors with disabilities who depend on in-home care face the threat of losing services that make independent living possible. 

Without policy adjustments, advocates warn, these cuts could drive more people into institutional care, widen health disparities and strain already overburdened systems.

The challenges extend beyond health care and housing. During a 2024 town hall hosted by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), older adults and caregivers said Missouri seniors struggle most with transportation, finding employment, financial strain, rising housing costs and safety concerns. 

Seniors make up a significant portion of the community. In Missouri, the senior population age 65 or older is 16% in Jackson County, 15% in Clay County and 16% in Platte County. Kansas counties for the same age group are 15% of Johnson County and 13% of Wyandotte County.

Senior centers play a vital role in addressing these challenges by providing meals, wellness checks, social connections and a safety net for many who might otherwise go without support.

In honor of National Senior Center Month, we’ve compiled a guide to local area senior centers that offer day services, housing, meals, transportation and independent living services. Call ahead to make sure you are eligible.

Affordable and accessible housing

• Catholic Charities of Kansas City and St. Joseph offers permanent housing for low-income seniors, disabled people and veterans.

Meals and in-home wellness checks

• KC Shepherd’s Center offers volunteer-led in-home visits providing nutritional support, social connection, safety checks and temporary relief for primary caregivers at little to no cost.

• Don Bosco Senior Center provides home delivered and on-site meals through Meals on Wheels, wellness checks and transportation to reduce costs for families.

• Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kansas, is a multicultural nonprofit offering health programs, enrichment, education and home assistance in Wyandotte County.

Day centers, recreation and socialization

• Truman Ridge Adult Day Center is a licensed adult day health facility offering individualized support in English and Spanish.

• Margaret’s Place is a wellness and recreation center with meals, transportation and enrichment activities that support healthier living through First Friday field trips.

• Guadalupe Centers Older Adults Program, a comprehensive senior center designated by MARC, provides various social development activities including nutrition services, health education and screenings, social development opportunities and other services to support seniors living healthy and independent lives.

Other resources for seniors, including those with disabilities

This list includes local organizations that offer financial, medical and advocacy assistance for seniors and those with disabilities across state lines in Missouri and Kansas.

• PACE KC, a program of Swope Health, assists people 55 and older. Its programs provide all-inclusive care covered under Medicare and Medicaid.
• Life Unlimited offers the SeniorLink program, which provides assessment, referral, coordination and follow-up for senior services that help people remain independent in their homes.
• The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services helps older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and family members find resources.
• Missouri Council on Aging is an advocacy organization that engages and educates policymakers, community leaders and key influencers on issues and challenges facing older Missourians.
• Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services is the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for Missouri. It protects the rights of people with disabilities by providing advocacy and legal services.
• KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program, offers medical assistance to help cover health care costs including for seniors and those with disabilities.
• MO HealthNet, the Missouri Medicaid program, may be able to help seniors with certain medical costs. If approved for assistance, seniors can have Medicaid health care coverage and help with benefits not normally covered through Medicaid, like nursing home care and personal care services.