Springfield, Missouri, is known for its scenic Ozarks locale, parks and museums, nearby vacation spots, and historic sites. With 16% of Springfield’s population aged 65 and older, the Queen City of the Ozarks is welcoming to seniors who need specialized care, including long-term residential care capable of providing intensive help for people with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Springfield offers a range of memory care options within a 10-mile radius of its downtown. Many offer enhanced security, dementia therapies, tailored spaces to prevent wandering, medication management, personal care assistance, social activities, and more.
This guide will provide all the information you need about the seven memory care facilities in Springfield partnered with A Place for Mom, including all relevant costs, provided services, applicable regulations, and local resources for aiding seniors with benefits. Plus, you’ll find details about potential payment options, including assistance for veterans, and what sets Springfield’s facilities apart.
We picked Turners because of the staff, apartment sizes and options...(balcony, large closets, modern décor, etc.) excellent activities director, nicest restaurant we saw in Springfield, MO with a great...
The staff contacts me for any changes, like meds and moving to a different room and why. The patients are free to roam the facility as they wish (within reason) they make sure anything that can cause harm to...
I love everything about this place. Mostly because my Mom is happy there. They go above and beyond to make it special for their residents.. I love that my Mom can eat when she wants to and order off of a 3...
The main problems is food service, small portions or running out of advertised food. My main problem is getting work orders done. You put in a work order and you don't hear anything for days. When you...
Based on the experience we have had so far, I can honestly give a 5 on everything. The Gardens has been wonderful, and I would recommend this community to other families who may need a place for their loved...
Everyone from the housekeepers to kitchen staff to management are friendly, happy and helpful. The place is beautiful with many amenities, lots of things for residents to do. We are pleased with our choice...
They were recommended by our Orthopedist, which really surprised us. It's old and dingy and has been here forever. They have long term nursing, and assisted living here, and this surprised us. We had no...
I pop in at various times and days therefore I can say with confidence that the care takers there are respectful and provide immediate attention whenever possible. I have never seen or heard anyone be short...
We are comfortable with my mother in law move to this community. We know she is safe, and receiving good care. The community looks good, they do a good job with the cleanliness of the facility. They have a...
When it comes to the activities they haven't really had a chance to get our anywhere because of the weather. However, our loved one likes it there. It makes it much easier to know she is so loved by all the...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Springfield community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The average cost of memory care facilities within our Springfield network of partners is $5,267, according to our proprietary data.{{citation2}} This average includes the cost of housing, meals, and all associated fees and services.
Costs include access to in-house care (e.g., ambulatory, diabetic, and incontinence); medication management; meals, wheelchair-accessible bedrooms, bathtubs, and showers. While keeping in mind the figure above is the average cost, some communities cost more or less depending on their locations, services, or the number of amenities available for seniors.
The costs listed below are baselines for memory care in the area and do not include additional costs and add-on fees.
Families can pay for memory care through different means, including private funds and veterans benefits. Seniors and their families may want or need to choose multiple payment options to meet their needs. Learn about private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid options in this section. Whether you’re looking for financial assistance or exploring ways to cover the costs of memory care, these resources can help.
Private pay methods — including income sources such as personal savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns — are common methods of paying for some or all of memory care services. Other frequently considered methods include selling a house, taking out a reverse mortgage, using a health savings account, cashing in life insurance policies, or using long-term care insurance. Below are additional resources for learning more.
Number of veterans who live in Springfield
Veterans may be entitled to benefits that can help cover the cost of memory care facilities, and many resources are available in Springfield to help vets and their families understand and pursue their options. VA benefits include Pensions and other disability-based benefits for older veterans.
A pair of VA programs entitle certain elderly veterans with additional money if they are eligible for or receive the VA Pension benefit. The Veterans Pension program distributes benefits to vets who meet specific age, disability, and income requirements; find the full breakdown of Pension eligibility on the VA website. VA Pensions can help cover the costs of assisted living, including memory care.
Vets may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which is an allowance given to certain veterans in addition to their regular Pension. To be eligible for Aid and Attendance, veterans must need help completing activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, or eating; or must be bedridden, a nursing home resident, or visually impaired.
The VA disability compensation program can be a valuable resource for seniors who require memory care services. Find more about eligibility here. These payments can cover housing and health-related needs, including memory care facilities. By utilizing this program, seniors can receive financial assistance to help cover the costs of the care they require.
The application and acceptance process for many VA benefits can be long and bureaucratic, which is why seeking the assistance of veterans services officers is so helpful to veterans and their families. These veteran service officers are accessible at local VA offices, veterans clinic, and Veterans Services Organizations. In Springfield, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and American Legion posts specialize in connecting veterans with the resources they need.
Resources for Springfield, Missouri, veterans
Missouri Veterans Commission
2040 W. Woodland St.
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: 417-891-4300
Gene Taylor Veterans’ Outpatient Clinic
1850 W. Republic St.
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: 417-891-4800
Hours: Monday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Springfield VFW Post 3404
1136 E. Atlantic St.
Springfield, MO 65803
Phone: 417-865-6929
American Legion Post 639
2660 S. Scenic Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: 417-882-8639
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.
American Legion Post 69
149 Memorial Plaza
Springfield, MO 65806
Phone: 417-862-6641
Missouri Disabled American Veterans Regional Office
2525 E Division St.
Springfield, MO 65803
Phone: 417-862-3910
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Medicaid coverage in Springfield, Missouri, can be obtained through the state’s Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet. Seniors and their families can find all the information they need about applying for MO HealthNet at the state Department of Social Services website. Eligibility for MO HealthNet Medicaid coverage is based on an individual’s income and assets, and seniors must meet certain criteria to be eligible for Medicaid assistance in Missouri. Click here to review the program’s full eligibility requirements.
Applications can be sent in through the state’s online portal, by calling 855-373-9994, or by submitting a paper application form to the Family Support Division. Those who need to request health coverage for anyone through the aged, blind, disabled, or long-term care programs must also complete a supplemental form. After these applications are submitted, the state will check on their senior’s eligibility for both MO HealthNet or any other programs that might be a fit.
Keep in mind that Medicaid will not cover rent or room and board costs (sometimes referred to as custodial costs), but may be used to help with necessary health care costs a senior might have while in a memory care facility if you qualify for a waiver. Missouri administers several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers through its state Medicaid agency, the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division (MHD).
Seniors in Springfield can find additional resources and assistance through multiple avenues. The local SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging is a group of advocates who help seniors access long-term care services offered by the state and city. Seniors who require assistance with Medicaid applications can contact the Area Agency on Aging for free advice and help related to diverse topics, including Medicaid. The local long-term care ombudsman also helps seniors with questions, concerns, or complaints about their care services; their names and contact information can be found below.
Springfield resident Medicaid resources
Ombudsman in Springfield
Connie Payne and Jan Badgett
Council of Churches of the Ozarks
3055 E. Division St.
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-862-3598
Email: ombudsman@CCOzarks.org
SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging
1735 S. Fort Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: 417-862-0762
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare, a government health insurance program typically available to those 65 or older who receive Social Security retirement benefits, will cover some, but not all, of the cost of care for an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient. Medicare may pay for costs related to inpatient hospital care, a portion of doctor’s fees, medical supplies for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and short-term skilling nursing care. Medicare Part D drug coverage also covers several prescription medications that seniors often need.
That said, coverage of specific services and treatments may vary by individual and their Medicare eligibility. In Missouri, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), called CLAIM, provides unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries free of charge through certified Medicare counselors to help you and your loved one navigate the field.
Missouri’s Medicare Savings Program also offers three programs to offer help paying for Medicare premiums. Seniors or their representatives can apply for these online at the Missouri Department of Social Services website, where applicants can upload documents, check on their application status, and more.
For seniors who need help covering their drug costs, MORx, the Missouri State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program, offers prescription drug assistance by coordinating benefits with Medicare’s (Part D) Prescription Drug Program. MORx coverage is automatic for Medicare and MO HealthNet (Medicaid) recipients.
To access Medicare benefits and resources, seniors can visit their local Social Security Administration (SSA) office for help applying for Medicare Savings Programs and other assistance programs. Seniors can also contact their local long-term care ombudsman programs for help accessing Medicare benefits and resources. The as well as the SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging also provided assistance.
Springfield resident Medicare resources
Springfield Social Security Administration
1570 W. Battlefield Road, Suite 100
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CLAIM State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Phone: 800-390-3330
Ombudsman in Springfield
Connie Payne and Jan Badgett
Council of Churches of the Ozarks
3055 E. Division St.
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-862-3598
Email: ombudsman@CCOzarks.org
SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging
1735 S. Fort Ave.
Springfield, MO 65807
Phone: 417-862-0762
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Licensure of memory care facilities in Missouri falls under the state Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) Section for Long-Term Care Regulation. Its Licensure and Certification Unit is responsible for licensing long-term care facilities and for certifying facilities that participate in Medicare or Medicaid programs. Each care facility must be inspected before receiving a state license. Memory care facilities are licensed in Missouri as Assisted Living Facilities (ALF).
Missouri memory care centers also must meet certain standards for licensure, including specific training requirements. They must provide orientation to all staff, including three hours of training for direct care providers covering a range of topics such as communicating with residents, behavior management, and promoting independence. Dementia-specific training must also be incorporated into ongoing in-service curricula. A qualified individual should conduct the orientation and training, according to state regulations.
Facilities in Missouri that provide services to residents with a physical, cognitive, or other impairment that prevents them from safely evacuating the facility with minimal assistance must meet the following minimum staff-to-resident ratios: 1:15 during the day and evening shifts, and 1:20 during the night shift. This would apply to memory care.
Memory care facilities must also perform a comprehensive screening before accepting a new resident to make sure the institution can handle the person’s needs. Facilities must, within five days of resident admission, conduct an assessment to document the patient’s medical status and to identify any procedures that may be required. Whenever the resident suffers a major change in ability or cognitive function, this assessment must be repeated every six months.
Missouri DHSS inspects state-licensed residential care facilities with an eye toward assessing resident care, medication management, staff training, and environmental safety. To find out how a memory care facility fared during its latest inspection, check the Missouri Show Me Long Term Care portal and search for a facility by putting in the county, city, or ZIP.
Missouri Department of Health
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: 573-751-6400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Springfield-Greene County Health Department
227 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-864-1658
In Springfield, Missouri, COVID-19 regulations are primarily based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and recommendations from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). In Springfield, testing and vaccination for COVID-19 is available through the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.
Some memory care facilities may have their own guidelines, so seniors and their families should refer to their specific facility for further information. The state’s most up-to-date COVID regulations can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
Vaccinations: Vaccines are encouraged for seniors in Springfield but aren’t mandatory.
Masking: People may choose to wear a mask, but it isn’t required in Springfield. Masking and isolation are still advised by the CDC for those who are not fully vaccinated.
Staff safety: Staff members at memory care facilities are told to use their judgment to determine whether a resident has symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether they should be tested. Testing for COVID-19 is available through the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) and commercial clinical laboratories.
Social distancing: Local health officials recommend avoiding contact with others who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Quarantining: Health officials advise that those with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 follow the CDC recommendations for isolation.
CDC guidelines: Local health officials take their cues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention around managing novel coronavirus safety.
Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Springfield, there are seven memory care facilities partnered with A Place for Mom. These facilities offer specialized memory care for those with memory impairment in dedicated communities or specialized wings of assisted living facilities.
One of the Springfield centers is a standalone memory care facility, while other communities combine elements of assisted living, senior apartment living, and independent living alongside memory care services. Three of the seven are combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities, which offer progressive care to meet seniors’ evolving needs.
At these facilities, seniors can participate in memory-enhancing activities and enjoy 24-hour care and supervision. Social activities are also a key highlight of memory care communities in the area, some have opportunities for music therapy, art classes, sensory stimulation, and supervised group outings. Below will cover what services and amenities can frequently be found in these communities.
Specialized memory care amenities refer to the features and services specifically designed to support individuals with memory impairments such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This includes daily mental stimulation and physical exercise programs, as well as therapeutic activities such as art therapy, music therapy, and pet therapy.
Some memory care communities may feature specially designed living spaces and common areas, such as color-coded hallways, visual cues, and memory boxes, to help residents with orientation and memory recall. These amenities are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment that supports the unique needs of individuals with memory impairments and helps them maintain their quality of life.
Springfield’s memory care facilities provide seniors with the comfort and security they need to thrive in their later years. With secure communities, families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and protected. Additionally, the available transportation services that these facilities offer make it easy for seniors to safely get around with help.
Of our partner memory care facilities, more than half provide a wandering prevention system, and all have secure and monitored entrances and exits.
Moreover, these facilities offer a range of activities and amenities designed to meet the unique needs of seniors with memory loss. Most have enclosed courtyards for secure outdoor activities and exercise.
Memory care facilities in Springfield are geared toward offering high-quality health services. Most of the communities have a doctor on call, so seniors can rest assured that their medical needs will be met promptly. Full medication management is also available at 86% of our partner facilities to ensure that seniors receive the proper medications at the right times, which is especially critical for memory care patients.
Visiting occupational therapists, physical therapists, and podiatrists are available at all facilities, and visiting speech therapists are available at most of them. More than half have nurses who visit as well. This comprehensive approach to health care ensures that seniors in Springfield memory care receive the care they need to maintain their health and well-being.
In addition to health care services, these facilities also provide care for exit-seeking behaviors, redirection, curing, disorientation, restlessness, pacing, and wandering. Specialized memory care training for staff members to prepare them to care for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients. All of the facilities in our partner network have staff members awake around the clock to attend to patients’ needs.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Springfield
Springfield, Missouri, offers a range of health care services for seniors, including primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Many health care providers in Springfield specialize in geriatric care, ensuring that seniors receive the best care for their unique health care needs. Seniors can receive preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive specialized care for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. With a commitment to high-quality health care services, Springfield is an excellent place for seniors to receive the care they need to live happy and healthy lives.
Mercy Hospital, located in Springfield, Missouri, is an award-winning health care facility that offers a range of medical services. The hospital’s dedication to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of the top health care providers in the region.
According to U.S. News & World Report, CoxHealth Springfield is a highly rated general medical and surgical facility that has received high marks for its performance in 10 adult procedures and conditions.
The safety way to get around for seniors with memory issues is the transportation provided by the memory care facility itself. Nearly all of the memory care facilities we partner with provide transportation for free. More than half offer it at-cost.
In terms of public transportation, Springfield offers American With Disabilities Act-compliant city buses that seniors can ride when accompanied by caregivers or family members. In addition to the city buses, Springfield’s City Utilities Transit Services provides Access Express paratransit as an origin-to-destination transportation service for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route buses due to a disability or health condition. This service is available for seniors with dementia who have been pre-approved. Apply for approval using this form. Once approved, call 417-831-8711 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays to make a reservation. Note that MO HealthNet recipients who are eligible for transportation services can receive non-emergency medical trips free of charge through Access Express; reservation makers should inform the dispatcher when making the reservation.
Additionally, OATS Transit buses are available for riders who find city buses difficult to use.
Engaging in activities can benefit seniors with memory care needs, as it can help stimulate their minds, improve their mood, and help maintain their cognitive abilities. If you’re looking for activities to enjoy with a senior loved one with memory care needs in Springfield, you’ll have plenty of options across categories such as arts, culture, history, sports, nature, dining, and more.
Stroll the pathways of the serene Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, explore art exhibits at the Springfield Art Museum, or take in some wild sights at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium. You and your loved one can also visit the Dickerson Park Zoo to see a variety of animals and take advantage of discounted admission rates for seniors and children.
The Double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals play all summer long at Hammonds Field in downtown Springfield as well, which allows fans a chance to see future stars of the game in a cozy, affordable setting.
If you’re looking for indoor activities, check out the plays and events at the Springfield Little Theatre or the interactive exhibits at the Discovery Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, spend a relaxing afternoon at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, with attractions including the Roston Butterfly House.
Seniors may enjoy visits to the Happy Lemon Memory Cafe at the South Side Senior Center. On the first and third Fridays of the month, the memory cafe offers a spot for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia to go and hear live music, participate in fun activities, and eat a hot lunch together.
When it comes to dining out, Springfield is home to many senior-friendly options, such as the farm-to-table Aviary Cafe and the cozy Italian Bambinos Cafe. For classic American cuisine, check out The Wheelhouse’s delicious fusion food or Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes.
Whatever your interests, Springfield, Missouri, has plenty of activities and dining options to enjoy with your loved one, and many offer senior discounts and accessibility options.
Turners Rock Senior Living Community, Cedarhurst of Springfield and Castlewood Senior Living are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Springfield, MO. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Springfield is $4,904 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 14 memory care facilities near you in Springfield, Missouri typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Springfield, Missouri, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Springfield, Missouri, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Springfield, Missouri ranges from $649 to $8525. The average Memory Care cost in Springfield, Missouri is $4,904. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Springfield, Missouri typically starts at $649. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Missouri.
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A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Missouri.