Truman Medical Center Lakewood Care Center is located close to the Little Blue Valley neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. It is a 208 room senior community. The neighboring area has a sparse population, with around 3,000 people residing ...
Nursing Homes in Missouri
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Missouri
- Nursing Care Directory for Missouri
- Nursing Care Costs in Missouri
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Missouri
- Missouri Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Missouri
Missouri routinely makes top 10 lists for retirees, in large part due to the very affordable cost of living available in its most populous cities. While much of the state is rural, Missouri City, St. Louis and Springfield all offer urban living with all of the expected amenities. With better than average air quality and 158 physicians per 100,000 residents, Missouri City provides an exceptional blend of health and wellness to its residents.
Low housing costs are a big part of what makes Missouri such an attractive retirement destination. In the state, housing costs are 31% lower than the national average, making it possible for seniors to find affordable homes for under $100,000 or to locate live-in retirement communities at rates that many can afford. Missouri is home to 520 skilled nursing facilities located in both urban and rural areas. Health care costs are also affordable, falling just 2.4% below the national average.
A mild climate with little snow and plenty of sunny days combines with a low cost of living to make Missouri a surprisingly fun place to plan for retirement and long-term care stays.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Missouri
According to SeniorAdvice, Missouri is a respectable option for seniors during retirement and those no longer safe in an independent living situation. SeniorAdvice scores Missouri two points higher than the national average, with a total SeniorScore of 74. This score uses more than 100 senior-centric data points from public and private databases to determine which states offer the most potential benefits to interested seniors.
Missouri scored lowest in Health & Safety at 62 points, likely due to a relatively high crime rate. The state also boasts a longer than average life expectancy and easy access to Medicare registered physicians and an abundance of hospitals. Recreation & Leisure was another relatively low-scoring category at 64 points, despite an average senior population and 325 golf courses sprinkled throughout the state.
It scored highest in Finances and General Quality of Life. Finances posted a solid 67 points, in part due to the lower property tax rates. One factor that may be of particular interest is that nursing home care is very affordable in Missouri when compared to the national average. General Quality of Life is the state's highest-scoring category with 69 points. Mild weather that rarely drops below freezing and moderate summer temperatures combine to make Missouri a comfortable spot to enjoy the golden years of retirement.
Top Nursing Care in Missouri
Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village is an 89 room senior care community. It is situated near the Boulevard Heights neighborhood of St Louis, Missouri. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 33,000 individuals living in the 63125 zip ...
Delmar Gardens of O'fallon is located at 7068 South Outer 364 in O Fallon, Missouri. It is a 142 bed senior community. The encompassing area is densely populated, with approximately 44,000 poeple living in the 63368 zip code. ...
Brooking Park is a 37 unit senior housing community. It is located at 307 South Woods Mill Rd in Chesterfield, Missouri. The neighboring area is densely populated, with around 42,000 poeple living in the zip code of 63017. ...
Friendship Village Sunset Hills is a 25 room senior housing community situated in St Louis, Missouri. With a median family income of $84,909, the facility is in a mostly well-to-do area. It is sparsely populated, with roughly 6,000 ...
Delmar Gardens On The Green is located at 15197 Clayton Rd in Chesterfield, Missouri. It is a 163 room senior housing facility. The community is in a mostly wealthier area, with an average household income of $96,380. ...
The Quarters at Des Peres is a 147 bed senior care community located in Des Peres, Missouri. The community is in a predominantly well-to-do area, with a median family income of $128,552. It has a medium-density population, with ...
Life Care Center of Bridgeton is located at 12145 Bridgeton Square Dr in Bridgeton, Missouri. It is a 91 unit senior community. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with a median per-family income of $51,940. ...
New Mark Care Center is a 199 room senior care facility. It is located at 11221 North Nashua Dr in Kansas City, Missouri. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 23,000 individuals living in the zip code ...
Located at 850 Highway 60 PO Box 885 in Monett, Missouri, Lacoba Homes is a 72 room senior care community. With a median per-family income of $36,562, the community is in a largely middle class area. It has ...
ManorCare Health Services-Springfield is a 194 unit nursing care facility located in Springfield, Missouri. The neighboring area is densely populated, with roughly 38,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 65804. It is a mostly middle class area, ...
Bentleys Extended Care is a 72 room senior community. It is located at 3060 Ashby Rd in Overland, Missouri. The community is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average household income of $41,273. It is ...
Bridgewood Health Care Center is situated in the Red Ridge South area of Kansas City, Missouri. It is a 162 unit nursing home facility. The facility is in a mostly middle income area, with an average household income ...
Delmar Gardens West is a 321 room senior housing facility. It is located at 13550 South Outer 40 Rd in Town And Country, Missouri. With roughly 42,000 individuals residing in the 63017 zip code, the surrounding area has ...
Barnes-Jewish Extended Care is located nearby the Wydown-Skinker area of St Louis, Missouri. It is a 92 room senior housing community. The encompassing area has an average population density, with roughly 19,000 people residing in the 63105 zip ...
Carmel Hills Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is a 194 bed nursing care facility. It is located at 810 East Walnut in Independence, Missouri. With an average per-family income of $35,244, the community is in a generally middle class ...
St. Luke's Hospital Surrey Place Skilled Nursing and RCF is located at 14701 Olive Blvd in Chesterfield, Missouri. It is a 68 unit skilled nursing facility. The facility is in a predominantly upscale area, with an average household ...
Friendship Village Chesterfield is located at 15201 Olive Blvd in Chesterfield, Missouri. It is a 99 unit senior care facility. The encompassing area is densely populated, with about 42,000 residents in the zip code of 63017. With ...
Located at 550 White Rd in Chesterfield, Missouri, The Westchester House is a 159 unit senior community. The community is in a predominantly well-to-do area, with an average family income of $96,380. With roughly 42,000 individuals residing in ...
Frene Valley Of Owensville is a 131 room senior housing facility situated in Owensville, Missouri. The neighboring area is sparsely populated, with about 8,000 residents in the zip code of 65066. It is a primarily middle income area, ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Missouri
Seniors seeking nursing home placements in Missouri have access to some of the lowest rates for care nationwide. Median monthly rates are $5,080 for in-state residents, which is $2,676 below the national average, or a savings of 34.5%. While Missouri is the most affordable option in the region, Arkansas seniors pay a comparable rate at $5,931 per month, while residents in Iowa, Kansas and Illinois all average at least $1,155 more per month.
- Missouri: $5,080
- United States: $7,756
- Iowa: $6,570
- Kansas: $6,692
- Arkansas: $5,931
- Illinois: $6,235
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Missouri's Top Cities
The Show-Me State is home to numerous cities that charge anywhere from $4,867 per month up to $6,844, depending on location. The fairly expansive range of $1,977 is slightly skewed by Kansas City. In KC, the average cost of $6,844 is an outlier for the state, and neighboring St. Joseph is the most affordable, putting the two extremes of price in close proximity.
- Joplin: $5,566
- Springfield: $5,171
- Kansas City: $6,844
- St. Joseph: $4,867
- Jefferson City: $5,019
- Cape Girardeau: $5,171
- St. Lois: $5,355
- Columbia: $4,940
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Missouri
While skilled nursing care is the most expensive care option in Missouri, it is quite competitive compared to other long-term residency options. A nursing home averages $1,330 more per month than a memory care facility and just $695 more than home health care. Adult day services offer an affordable option at only $1,788 but may not be a safe solution for every senior.
- Memory Care: $3,750
- Assisted Living: $3,000
- In-Home Care: $4,372
- Home Health Care: $4,385
- Adult Day Care: $1,788
- Nursing Home Care: $5,080
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Missouri
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Missouri.
Medicaid in Missouri
Missouri is one of two states that are currently in between adopting a Medicaid expansion and opting out. In 2020, voters passed a ballot measure to expand Medicaid coverage, but actions taken by the state legislature and executive branches of government have, at least temporarily, blocked actual implementation of the expansion. Currently, under the traditional eligibility rules, Missouri has 999,264 residents enrolled in Medicaid.
Medicaid-eligible seniors may qualify for the MO HealthNet Nursing Home Coverage, also known as vendor coverage. There are 694 nursing homes offering beds to seniors who need an institutional level of care, and most of these providers accept Medicaid coverage.
Medicaid Eligibility in Missouri
MO HealthNet is the name of Missouri's Medicaid program. Nursing Home Coverage for seniors and disabled adults is available to eligible applicants. To qualify, seniors must meet both financial and needs-based criteria. Here are some of the requirements for a successful application.
- The applicant is 65 years of age or older
- Current Missouri resident
- An eligible non-citizen or US citizen
- Earns less than $913 per month for a single individual or $1,234 for a married couple
- Owns countable assets valued at $5,000 or less per person applying
- Spend down is an option for those who are applying for vendor coverage. To participate in this program, applicants must spend all of their income, minus a $50/month personal allowance, on nursing home care.
In addition to the financial requirements, seniors must also be assessed for their functional needs to ensure that nursing home placement is the appropriate level of care. A multi-disciplinary team typically handles the assessment and determines the assistance that a senior may need regularly.
MO HealthNet applications for nursing home coverage are administered by the Department of Social Services. Qualified applicants may also have nursing home alternative options such as home health aide services or private duty nursing offered in the home when a senior doesn't require round-the-clock care. To apply, seniors can visit the MyDSS website or call 855-373-4636.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Missouri Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
In Missouri, Medicaid-certified nursing homes are licensed and inspected by the Department of Health and Senior Services. DHSS is also the management agency for a variety of assistance programs ranging from the Long-Term Care Ombudsman to employment services aimed at the elderly. Below are some of the regulations that all nursing homes must follow.
Scope of Care | Nursing homes offer access to skilled nursing care 24-hours a day. These facilities employ a variety of health care specialists to meet the needs of senior residents, including nurse aides, pharmacists, rehab therapists and other staff members. Prior to admission, every patient must be examined by a physician or other qualified health care professional to ensure that a nursing home level of care is needed and that the patient's care needs can be adequately met at the specific facility. |
Care Planning | Nursing homes must complete a pre-admission needs assessment to determine eligibility and create a comprehensive care plan within five days of admission. A general review of the care plan should occur monthly and include any changes to the patient's physical, mental or emotional status. If the patient's condition changes, the care plan should be immediately updated to reflect the new levels of care required. |
Pharmacy Services | In Missouri, Medicaid-certified nursing homes offer emergency and routine access to medications prescribed to residents. Facilities may maintain an in-house pharmacy or obtain medications through a contracted third-party provider. Monthly reviews should include a look at medications and an assessment to determine if any changes are needed or recommended. |
Staff Screening | Prior to making an offer of employment, nursing homes must complete a criminal background check and perform a search on the employee disqualification list maintained by the Department of Health and Senior Services. |
Staff Training | All health care professionals must meet any continuing education requirements for maintaining their licensing. In addition, all staff must complete at least one hour of annual fire safety training. Direct care staff that works with dementia patients must also complete a 3-hour orientation that includes training on handling confused and upset patients. |
Medicaid Coverage | Missouri offers several options for seniors seeking Medicaid coverage for skilled nursing care. In addition to home and community-based waivers for in-home health care or assisted living communities, it also offers vendor coverage which pays the difference between what a senior earns per month and the actual cost of nursing home care, minus a small $50 personal monthly allowance. |
Reporting Abuse | Seniors, family, friends, loved ones or anyone witnessing suspected abuse or neglect can make a report regarding a long-term care facility with the Department of Health and Senior Services or through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman's Office. To start a report, seniors can call 1-800-392-0210 or file a report online. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Missouri
Nursing Home Help, sponsored by the Sinclair School of Nursing and funded by the Department of Health and Senior Services, brings together all stakeholders in nursing home care, including patients and loved ones, along with facility administrators. The goal of the program is to improve the quality of care and reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions. This organization also works with Medicaid to develop indicators of good nursing homes to improve patient access to exceptional levels of care.
Missouri Agencies
Department of Health and Senior Services
Address: 912 Wildwood, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone Number: (573) 751-6400
Website: health.mo.gov
Public assistance programs offered to seniors and disabled adults are typically administered through the Department of Health and Senior Services. It directly handles licensing and registration for long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, and offers assistance to seniors applying for Medicaid health coverage. Seniors with limited financial flexibility may also apply for nutritional assistance or other programs to help with out-of-pocket costs.
Area Agencies on Aging in Missouri
Missouri operates 11 Area Agencies on Aging serving districts throughout the state. Each agency provides information and assistance through a variety of public programs designed to help in five categories, including nutrition, legal services, in-home supports, health and wellness programs and accessibility services such as free or low-cost transportation. To locate the closest Area Agency on Aging, seniors can call DHSS or click here.
Veteran Affairs Office in Missouri
Senior veterans and their immediate family members can contact the Missouri Veterans Commission to determine eligibility for various benefits. In addition to the aid and attendant benefit, the VA may offer direct health care services or other cash benefits specific to each veteran's service record. Contact a local office to apply for existing benefits or to appeal a decision. The Missouri Veterans Commission staff can assist with both new applications and appeals.
Social Security Offices in Missouri
The Social Security Administration is a federal government department that administers programs that may interest many seniors or disabled adults in Missouri. It disburses all Social Security payments, both after retirement and for those on disability. The SSA is also the clearinghouse for information about Medicare benefits and enrollment along with survivorship benefits that may be available for a spouse or child. For more information about benefits that may be available, seniors can contact a local Social Security office.
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