Senior Living Apartments in Springfield, MO

When it comes to paying for senior apartments in Springfield, various options are available. Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance may help seniors pay for their medically necessary in-home care services at the senior’s place of residence. However, it is essential to remember that senior apartment communities are typically not covered by these programs, as senior apartments are not technically considered senior care communities.

Here, you can find tabs dedicated to private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicaid and Medicare resources for seniors. Explore all available options and resources to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Senior apartments in Missouri are not required to be licensed, but they are still subject to state, federal, city, and county housing laws.

The federal Fair Housing Act and the Missouri Human Rights Act both protect people from being discriminated against when trying to rent a place to live for anything from race to disability to age. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also affords discrimination protection specifically for people with disabilities.

Missouri’s landlord-tenant laws outline expectations for both renters and landlords. To comply, renters must pay on time, not damage the property, not allow additional people to move in, and get rid of trash properly. While landlords must make general repairs related to normal wear and tear, avoid turning off electricity or gas, and let tenants know in writing if they sell the property to a different landlord.

If the property accepts HUD vouchers, it is subject to inspections every one to three years, depending on the age of the property. Inspection scores can be found in downloadable reports here.

COVID-19 regulations for Springfield senior apartments communities

In Springfield, Missouri, several precautions are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, depending on the community impact level at the time. Up-to-date regional COVID-19 community levels can be found on the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services’ website.

Senior apartments in Springfield vary in terms of amenities and price range. As far as size, everything from a studio apartment to a 3-bedroom apartment is available for seniors who are at least 55 years old. All are in close proximity to shopping and parks.

Budget-friendly apartments

Some budget-friendly senior apartments in Springfield offer one- and two-bedroom apartments that afford you between 700 and 825 square feet. While on the lower end of the price spectrum, these options still give you access to a clubhouse, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. The apartments themselves include all major kitchen appliances, have air conditioning, and are cable ready.

Luxury options

Some senior apartments offer more luxury options with higher rent costs. Depending on what you choose, you can get up to 1,200+ square feet of living space and enjoy large bedrooms and private balconies. Fun extras include things like a 9-hole putting green, a fitness center featuring high-end equipment, a swimming pool, a yoga room, a pickleball court, and trail access. Conveniences like a shuttle service, covered parking, and a pet play area are also available.

Overall, seniors can expect to find a range of options for senior apartments in Springfield, with varying amenities and price points. Researching and visiting communities in person is essential to determine the best fit for individual needs and preferences.

Springfield has a strong health care system, with a variety of hospitals available to meet the needs of seniors.

In Springfield, Missouri, the most common mode of transportation is by car. The city is not considered to be very walkable, with a Walk Score of 36 out of 100, meaning that most errands require a car. However, there are still options for seniors who may not have access to personal vehicles.

The city has a public transportation system called The Bus run by the City Utilities Transit Service. The system operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. The buses have wheelchair lifts and can accommodate seniors and individuals with disabilities. The fare for a one-way trip is $1.25, and discounts are available for seniors and individuals with disabilities. They operate every day but Sunday from 6 a.m. to 11:10 p.m. Sunday hours are from 7:10 a.m. to 11:10 p.m.

In addition to the public transportation system, OATS Transit operates a fleet in Greene County. The website outlines which routes are available to the general public, which are for seniors 60+, and which are just for veterans. The fare starts at just a dollar.

Jane’s Ride offers non-emergency medical transportation. Ability Transportation offers the same and personal transportation, too.

For seniors who cannot drive, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available in Springfield. These services allow seniors to easily schedule and pay for rides from their smartphones or computers.

If you like to bike, The Link is a Springfield initiative to provide bikeable paths on low-traffic streets to connect you to various parts of town.

Seniors and their families in Springfield, Missouri, can enjoy a wide variety of fun and interesting activities centering on nature, art, history, sports, or just enjoying scenic views. Plus, the city’s walkable downtown area and public transportation services make it easy to get around and enjoy everything Springfield has to offer.

One of the unique features of the city is its abundance of natural beauty. Springfield is home to over 100 parks and green spaces, making it easy for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors. From walking trails to picnic areas, there’s something for everyone. Seniors may enjoy exploring the Springfield Botanical Gardens, which features a 7.5-acre traditional Japanese garden and other themed gardens, an arboretum, and a butterfly house. The botanical gardens are part of the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, where families can also enjoy a picnic or stroll alongside Lake Drummond.

Seniors and their families may also enjoy the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, an 80-acre slice of the Ozark Mountains with three miles of walking trails. And to pick up some fresh local produce, families may enjoy a stop at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks, open Saturday mornings year-round.

Animal lovers can also find plentiful attractions in Springfield. At the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium, touted as the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world, seniors and their families can spend hours learning about wildlife and conservation. The wildlife museum is adjacent to the enormous Bass Pro Shop, which is something of a destination in itself. Also a destination for animal lovers is the Dickerson Park Zoo, which features more than 160 species and which offers senior discounts and wheelchair rentals.

Art lovers can find plenty to keep them enthralled as well. Many families enjoy visiting the Springfield Art Museum, known as the city’s oldest cultural institution. Located in Phelps Grove Park, the museum features exhibits, events, adult classes and workshops, and family learning and fun activities on top of its permanent collection of more than 10,000 works of art.

History buffs shouldn’t miss several museums and historical landmarks that showcase the city’s unique history. The Pythian Castle was built as an orphanage and retirement home before the U.S. military commandeered it during World War II to house German and Italian POWs; now, it offers history and ghost tours. Fans of presidential history who are up for a day trip should not miss the Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar, Missouri, about an hour from Springfield. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, inspires learning about the American pioneer experience as shown through Wilder’s life and literature. The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield near Republic (about 20 minutes from Springfield) gives visitors a glimpse into the first major American Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. And back in Springfield proper, history lovers can find the Birthplace of Route 66 and historical tidbits at the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center.

Seniors in Springfield also enjoy the activities and social time hosted by the area’s senior centers, which offer leisure, wellness, and educational opportunities and which provide a social outlet for seniors. The Northview Center, affiliated with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Northview Center, offers activities, discussions, and fun activities like dance and bingo for seniors 55 and up. The Southside Senior Center offers friendship, fun, and ways to enjoy healthy living activities; it’s known for its country and Western line dancing.