10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Springfield, MO

Families in Springfield, Missouri, can pay for assisted living through a variety of options, including personal funds, retirement savings, or investment income, and supplemental sources such as Medicaid and Medicare. While Medicaid and Medicare typically don’t cover assisted living costs, they can be used to cover some associated care expenses. Additionally, veterans may be eligible for VA benefits that can defray assisted living costs.

This guide will explore different ways to pay for assisted living, including private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources for seniors. Below, you’ll find sections dedicated to each of these resources, with information and resources to help you make informed decisions about financing assisted living for yourself or a loved one.

Assisted living facilities (ALF) in Missouri must be licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). State regulations for assisted living are described in Division 30, Chapter 86 of the state code.

In Missouri, assisted living facilities are defined as more home-like versus institutional settings where residents can have access to 24-hour care and services. This care primarily includes help with activities of daily living, such as bathing or dressing assistance or help walking. ALFs must also provide medication management, which includes storing and distribution.

At the time of admission, assisted living facilities must provide information about the services they provide or coordinate, service costs, residents’ rights, policies related to resident conduct and responsibilities, and community-based services available in Missouri. Within five days of receiving approval and moving in, a physical examination of the patient is required to determine whether the assisted living facility can deliver the necessary care.

Facilities may not admit seniors who are bedbound or have behaviors that present a reasonable likelihood of serious harm to themselves and others. They also cannot admit seniors who require physical or chemical restraints or who require more than one person to provide physical assistance. Facilities must discharge residents with needs that cannot be met, no longer need assisted living services, or endanger the health and safety of others.

Assisted living facilities must undergo inspection before being licensed. DHSS is then required to inspect twice per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Additionally, a federal inspection is required every 9 to 15 months for facilities that are Medicare or Medicaid certified by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. This is also done by DHSS. These inspections are unannounced.

The inspections cover a range of areas, including resident care, medication management, staff training, and environmental safety. To find out how an assisted living facility in Missouri performed during its most recent inspection, visit the Department of Health & Senior Services’ Show Me Long Term Care portal and search by county, city, or ZIP code.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109

COVID-19 regulations for Springfield assisted living facilities

Currently, Springfield does not have COVID-19 regulations or mandates that apply across the whole city. However, it’s important to note that local guidelines and regulations can change, so it’s recommended to check with local authorities or trusted sources for the most up-to-date information from time to time.

While Missouri has lifted its statewide mask mandate, assisted living communities may still have specific requirements in place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also guides COVID-19 prevention measures.

Assisted living in Springfield offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. There are 12 A Place for Mom partner facilities within a 10-mile radius of central Springfield, with various combinations of services and amenities. Among the assisted living facilities within A Place for Mom’s partner network, many offer additional services such as memory care.

Of the 12 partner facilities, three are standalone assisted living facilities, while the rest are combined with other types of facilities.

• Three are combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
• Two are joint assisted living and memory care facilities.
• Two are a combination of assisted living, independent living, and adult day care.
• One is considered a combination of senior apartments, assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
• One is a joint assisted living and independent living facility.

A 24-hour awake staff is a standard feature across all facilities, ensuring round-the-clock care and support for residents.

Details of available care

Assisted living facilities in Springfield typically provide services and amenities such as housekeeping, nutritious meals, and snacks, help with personal care, laundry, social activities and outings, and 24-hour emergency response.

Other services may include specialized memory care training for staff or some other aspect of memory care services available. Most communities receive the services of visiting health care professionals such as nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and podiatrists.

Additional services and amenities

Most of the assisted living facilities we partner with have activity directors in-house to make the environment lively and enriching. Live musical performances, stretching classes, yoga and chair yoga, trivia games, BBQs or picnics, birthday and holiday parties, day trips and outings, and TV lounges are also common highlights among these communities. About half of the communities offer low/no-sodium dining and vegetarian dining options.

Transportation options

Most facilities make it easy for seniors to get around and stay connected to their community. Complimentary transportation is available at 75% of facilities, and two-thirds are located in areas convenient to hop on public transit. Half of A Place for Mom’s partner communities in the area offer transportation at cost for residents.

Springfield, Missouri, a regional medical hub and home to two hospitals with Level I Trauma Center status. Though Springfield does not have a VA hospital, it offers state-of-the-art medical facilities and an emphasis on well-being.

Springfield, Missouri, is a relatively car-dependent town for transportation. The citywide bus network is one of Springfield’s primary modes of public transport. The Springfield public transportation system is operated by City Utilities, which offers a service called The Bus, whose website contains additional information about routes, schedules, and other details. Among assisted living communities in the area, half offer transportation at cost for residents, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary research.

Downtown Springfield is slowly becoming more walkable, with urban living options for seniors who prefer to walk or bike. One example is The LINK, a route through Springfield’s core that includes an accessible walking path and a low-stress bicycle route that connects existing and planned greenway trails and activity centers. Ozark Greenways has been creating a public trail network throughout Springfield since 1991 for bicycling, walking, and running.

For active seniors, knowing the city’s Walk Score and most walkable areas might be useful. Walk Scores, Bike Scores, and Transit Scores are numbers between 0 and 100 that measure the traversability of any address.

For rides across Green County, OATS Transit is an option. Some routes are senior-specific. Jane’s Ride and Ability Transportation are two private options for transportation in addition to ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber.

Springfield has plenty of entertainment options for people of all interests and activity levels. Seniors and their families can find plenty of fun surrounded by wildlife at the Dickerson Park Zoo or Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium Nature, accessible options for adventure without leaving the city. Lovers of Springfield’s beautiful woodlands and rolling hills can visit the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, and nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden with its large koi lake, moon bridge, and meditation garden.

Arts, theater, and history fans won’t be disappointed. Find entertainment at theatrical productions at the Gillioz Theatre (find accessibility details here) or the Springfield Little Theatre. Art lovers should visit downtown Springfield every first Friday for a free tour of the galleries and shouldn’t miss the fine art exhibits, classes, and events at the Springfield Art Museum. And history fans can revel in nostalgia at the Route 66 Car Museum, which can accommodate larger tour groups.

Springfield’s food scene has a lot to offer, from sushi to pizza to crepes to Italian delicacies to Southern-style barbecue. Fans of Springfield-style cashew chicken should make a stop at its birthplace, Leong’s Asian Diner. Every person with a sweet tooth should discover Askinosie Chocolate, with its artisanal chocolate and factory tours. Wine lovers looking to wash down their dinners with great wine can visit 7Cs Winery and Meadery for homegrown drinks, paint-and-sip nights, and more.

Sports and game enthusiasts can find so much to love in Springfield. Attend a Springfield Cardinals Baseball game, where food promotions, giveaways, and on-field contests create an exciting atmosphere. Missouri State University Sporting Events, such as football, basketball, soccer, and baseball, will appeal to college sports fans.