10 Best Memory Care Facilities in St Louis, MO

Seniors and their families can pay for memory care in several ways. For example, programs like Medicare and Medicaid can cover some health care costs, while private funding can contribute to custodial expenses like rent.

While some people choose to fund a move to a memory care facility through one financial source, most people will combine income streams to cover costs and use any additional benefits wisely.

In this section, you’ll learn how programs like Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits, private payment, and public assistance can be used to pay for memory care.

The Department of Health and Senior Services requires all memory care facilities to be licensed; after that, the state must inspect them annually. They are licensed as assisted living facilities (ALF) by the state (and sometimes referred to as long-term care facilities more generally). By definition, ALFs must provide:

• 24-hour supervision and access to care and services
• Room and board
• Help with activities of daily living
• Medication storage and administration
• Health care that is under the supervision of a licensed doctor

Because of the unique needs of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, staff training is a priority, and memory care facilities are required to additionally train staff in the following areas:

• Communication with people with dementia
• Managing behaviors
• MO-6 techniques for creating a safe environment
• Creating a routine for residents based on individual needs

Inspections are done annually for all long-term care facilities in St. Louis. You can see the latest inspection reports by searching here. Keep in mind that if you’re looking for memory care, it will be listed under its licensed category: assisted living facility.

Missouri Department of Health contact information

St. Louis Department of Health
1520 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-657-1528
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for St. Louis memory care facilities

St. Louis doesn’t have any statewide COVID-19 mandates in place. Instead, the city recommends following general best practices as laid out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

For residents in memory care, expect around-the-clock care with everything on-site designed to improve quality of life and protect your loved one. Our partner memory care communities offer a range of activities and on-site therapies. Staff is on hand to assist residents with activities that become difficult as dementia progresses, like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.

Engaging activities to support memory

The stage of dementia or Alzheimer’s will primarily guide the types of safe and engaging activities for seniors. Our partner memory care facilities cater to this by providing a range of individual and group activities to meet residents where they’re at. For example, art classes, live music, and pet-focused programs are popular activities for seniors. In contrast, brain fitness and trivia games, reminiscence programs, and more active exercises like a walking club and chair yoga will ensure people in the earlier stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s stay as healthy and engaged as possible.

An environment where security is a top priority

The nature of memory care means security is a priority. Our partner memory care communities in St. Louis take care of complete medication management and are trained to support seniors with disorientation and those who are restless or wander. All memory care communities have staff onsite and awake 24/7, while nearly half have a wander guard or similar system available.

Almost all of our partner memory care facilities in St. Louis (93% to be exact) provide complimentary transportation for seniors. However, because memory care residents typically can’t drive, families or friends need to check with the care communities they’re interested in to identify what kind of transportation is available and where seniors can be taken by the facility.

For people who want to travel with a senior loved one and are unable to drive or use on-site transport, consider the following senior-specific options that allow caregivers to ride along, too:

• Metro’s Call-A-Ride Program offers wheelchair-accessible curb-to-curb transportation for those with physical or cognitive disabilities in St. Louis.
• The City of St. Louis offers free transportation for non-emergency errands and St. Louis Area Agency on Agency-sponsored senior centers.

Finding activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can feel challenging, but when you land on an activity they enjoy, you’ll improve social connections and reduce anxiety for your loved ones.

There are several groups designed for seniors and their family members to connect over social activities and with other seniors in the community. For example, the Caregiver Club hosts caregiver companion outings in collaboration with local St. Louis businesses such as Grant’s Farm. These small group outings allow seniors with memory loss and their families to spend time together in a safe, fun environment while also providing the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations.

The Big Muddy Dance Company hosts Senior Embrace, a program that brings dance to people who cannot travel to theaters. For more mobile people, they also offer a movement workshop to help improve overall health, happiness, and quality of life.

Spending time with animals can be beneficial for many seniors in memory care, so consider visiting Grant’s Farm. Home to the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, Grant Farm is ADA accessible (including the tram rides through Deer Park) and features a petting zoo for those who want to get up close and personal with some furry friends. Sophia M. Sach’s Butterfly House is an excellent option for a more tranquil day out. With more than a thousand butterflies living in the conservatory, there’s always something to see, and free wheelchair rental is available for those with low mobility.

For music lovers, consider taking in a show at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra or Sheldon Concert Hall. The Sheldon Concert Hall regularly hosts jazz, folk, and classical musicians, as well as a Coffee Concert Series specifically for seniors. The Grammy-award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Stéphane Denève, has a number of series with guest artists and offers free events throughout the city regularly.