When families in Wichita start looking for care, they often search for "assisted living" — but that's not the only option. Depending on your loved one's needs and personality, a Home Plus (adult care home) may be a better fit. This page explains the difference clearly and honestly.
A note: Graceful Living is licensed as a Home Plus (adult care home), not as an assisted living facility. This page is written to inform, not to steer — we want every family to find the right fit, even if that's not us.
A licensed adult care home
In Kansas, a "Home Plus" is a licensed adult care home that operates in a true residential setting — typically a real house with a small number of residents. These homes are licensed and regulated by the state, and are authorized to provide:
- Personal care assistance with daily living activities
- Supervised nursing services under RN oversight
- Medication management
- 24/7 staffing and supervision
Home Plus homes are not nursing homes. They are not licensed to provide skilled nursing procedures like IV therapy or on-site wound care, but they can coordinate closely with home health agencies when those needs arise.
A larger licensed care facility
Assisted living facilities in Kansas are larger licensed settings — purpose-built buildings, typically housing many residents. They are designed to provide personal care assistance and, in many cases, memory care and other specialized programming. Assisted living facilities generally offer:
- Personal care and ADL assistance
- Structured activities and programming calendars
- Dining rooms with more variety of peers
- On-site amenities (salon, chapel, common areas)
- Some include dedicated memory care units
Assisted living facilities are regulated under a different license in Kansas and operate under different standards than Home Plus homes.
How they differ
This table gives a general overview. Individual facilities vary — it's always worth visiting before deciding.
| Feature | Home Plus (Adult Care Home) | Assisted Living Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | A real home — familiar, residential feel | Purpose-built facility, often campus-like |
| Scale | Small number of residents | Typically much larger — dozens to hundreds |
| Staffing consistency | Same caregivers daily — strong relationships | Rotating shifts across larger staff teams |
| Daily routine | Flexible and personalized to the individual | More structured, scheduled programming |
| Meals | Home-cooked meals at a shared table | Dining room, sometimes restaurant-style |
| Activities | Small-group activities, resident-driven | Broader activity calendar with more options |
| Social opportunities | Closer relationships in a small group | More peers and organized social events |
| Cost structure | Single monthly rate (typically all-inclusive) | Varies — sometimes tiered or itemized |
| Kansas licensing | Licensed as adult care home / Home Plus | Licensed as assisted living facility |
There's no universal right answer — it depends on the person, not just the diagnosis or care level. That said, there are patterns we've observed:
Home Plus may be a better fit for:
- Adults who feel anxious or overwhelmed in large, busy settings
- People who value knowing and being known by their caregivers
- Those who do better with a calm, predictable routine
- Families who want close, transparent communication
- Adults with dementia who benefit from a quieter environment
Assisted living may be a better fit for:
- Adults who thrive socially and want a large peer community
- Those who want structured activity programming
- Families who value on-site amenities like salons or chapels
- Those who prefer the autonomy of apartment-style living
The moments that lead families here
We hear a lot of similar stories from families who found us after touring a larger facility and feeling like something was off. Some common themes:
"They felt lost in the building"
For adults with dementia or anxiety, a large facility can feel disorienting. Our home is easy to navigate and always familiar.
"We wanted them to be known"
In a big building with rotating staff, it's easy to become a room number. In our home, staff know each person deeply and personally.
"The pace felt rushed"
Large facilities often run on a tight institutional schedule. We move at a different pace — patient, unhurried, and adjusted to the individual.
"They just wanted something that felt like home"
Sometimes the simplest reason is the most honest. This is a real home — and for many people, that makes all the difference.
The best way to know is to visit
Reading about the differences only goes so far. If you're considering both options, we'd encourage you to tour both — including ours. You'll know quickly whether the feel of our home is what you're looking for.
We're happy to be honest about whether we're the right fit — or point you toward resources if we're not.
Come see our home in Wichita
Tours are available daily by appointment. We'll show you around and answer every question honestly.