St. Louis is a beautiful city located along the Mississippi river and home to barbeque restaurants, blues music, and the 630-ft Gateway Arch. If you are looking for the perfect nursing home for your loved one, you’re in the right place.
Nursing homes refer to skilled nursing facilities that care for those with specific health conditions or for those who are unable to care for themselves properly. However, it’s also commonly used as a catchall term for senior care facilities that can include assisted living and memory care. Assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with their daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, and meal preparation. Memory care is for seniors with memory-related problems such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with skilling nursing facilities, we do have 18 partner facilities offering a combination of assisted living and memory care all within a 10-mile radius of downtown St. Louis.
As you continue through this guide, you will learn all about assisted living and memory care facilities in St. Louis, including average costs and payment methods, veterans benefits, Medicaid and Medicare information, facility regulations and more. You’ll also learn a little about what makes the Gateway to the West a great city to live in.
10 Best Nursing Homes in St Louis, MO
St. Louis is a beautiful city located along the Mississippi river and home to barbeque restaurants, blues music, and the 630-ft Gateway Arch. If you are looking for the perfect nursing home for your loved one, you’re in the right place.Read more
Nursing homes refer to skilled nursing facilities that care for those with specific health conditions or for those who are unable to care for themselves properly. However, it’s also commonly used as a catchall term for senior care facilities that can include assisted living and memory care. Assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with their daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, and meal preparation. Memory care is for seniors with memory-related problems such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with skilling nursing facilities, we do have 18 partner facilities offering a combination of assisted living and memory care all within a 10-mile radius of downtown St. Louis.
As you continue through this guide, you will learn all about assisted living and memory care facilities in St. Louis, including average costs and payment methods, veterans benefits, Medicaid and Medicare information, facility regulations and more. You’ll also learn a little about what makes the Gateway to the West a great city to live in.
Nursing Homes Facilities near St Louis, MO
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about nursing homes in Saint Louis
- Costs of nursing homes in the St. Louis area
- How people pay for a nursing home in St. Louis
- Understand Missouri laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in St. Louis
- What to expect from nursing homes in St. Louis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for senior
- Health care for seniors in St. Louis
- Transportation for seniors in St. Louis
- Senior activities in St. Louis
What families are saying about nursing homes in Saint Louis
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Saint Louis
Sunrise of Des Peres
Lutheran Senior Services At Breeze Park in St. Charles, MO
Costs of nursing homes in the St. Louis area
Nursing homes are defined as skilled nursing facilities that provide short and long-term round-the-clock medical care. A private room for a nursing home in St. Louis averages around $6,737 per month.[01] In a lot of instances, skilled nursing facilities will include the following services and amenities in their facility:
- Palliative care
- Rehabilitation
- 24/7 medical presence
- On-site health care
- Short-term care for those recovering from surgery or injury
If your loved one is looking for something a little less intensive, assisted living or memory care may be better options. According to proprietary data from A Place for Mom, St. Louis assisted living facilities average around $4,760 a month, and St. Louis memory care facilities average around $4,875 a month.[02] These costs include all service fees and additional payments, but cost may vary when outside services are needed.
With the cost of assisted living and memory care, you can expect housekeeping, laundry, meals, and personal care services included.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Saint Louis, MO vs. nearby cities
Saint Louis, MO
How people pay for a nursing home in St. Louis
Seniors and their families can pay for skilled nursing, memory care, or assisted living costs in many different ways. In this section, you will learn how methods like private pay, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can be used to fund a move into a long-term care community.
In conjunction with other public sources, private pay methods are often used to pay for costs related to assisted living and memory care. Some of the more common income streams are personal savings, pensions, investment returns, and Social Security benefits. For those looking for additional private sources, the following can also be used:
Number of veterans who live in St. Louis
About 33% of St. Louis veterans are 75+
Veterans can tap into VA benefits to help pay for the costs associated with senior care facilities. Because the process of applying for benefits can be complex, working with a veterans services officer is key to getting through the process.
The most common benefit veterans can use for long-term care communities is the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit is added to the veteran’s monthly Pension payment and supports eligible veterans and their spouses if they need assistance. Additionally, for veterans with a service-connected disability, disability compensation through the VA may also be an option.
To better understand eligibility requirements and how benefits can be used for skilled nursing care, assisted living, and memory care, contact a local veterans services organization. St. Louis County Veterans Program also offers case management and advocacy.
Resources for St. Louis veterans
St. Louis County Veterans Program
St. Louis County Government Center NW
715 NW Plaza Drive
St. Ann, MO 63074
Phone: 314-615-7400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
St. Louis Veterans Services Officers
Virgina Mack
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8637
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christy Allison
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd.
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8654
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Derrick Russell
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8676
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nathan Ruhnow
Prevedel Federal Building/Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8673
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Malinda Graves-Sampson
Prevedel Federal Building/Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO 63132
Phone: 314-421-8674
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts
Post 3480 Capt. Horace G. Burke Post
5020 State St.
East St. Louis, IL 62205
Phone: 618-271-7004
Post 6137 Newport Heights Memorial Post
5468 Gravois Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-352-6137
Post 8112 Gruhala-Gmeiner Memorial Post
4310 S. 38th St.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-351-8890
Quentin Roosevelt Post 1
St. Louis Altenheim
5408 S. Broadway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63111
Griesedieck-Fournier Post 3
4617 Dahlia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Fred W. Stockham Post 4
405 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63102
The Medicaid program in Missouri is called MO HealthNet and while Medicaid will not cover costs related to room and board in assisted living or memory care communities, seniors can use it for care in nursing homes. In addition to the set income limits seniors need to meet to be eligible for Medicaid, skilled nursing facilities must also meet several requirements[03]:
- Facilities must be licensed and certified by the state.
- Facilities must be residential and assume complete care for those who are admitted.
- Care must include room and board.
For more information on certified Medicaid nursing home providers, click here.
For those who are interested in assisted living or memory care, Medicaid won’t cover room and board, but seniors can use it for medically necessary costs through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program. This program can provide services like:
- Nursing care and supervision
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Medications and medical equipment
- Personal care services
- Respite care
- Hospice care
Medicaid also offers financial aid for those with memory-related issues through the Supplemental Nursing Care program. If eligible, Medicaid will pay up to $292 monthly to help pay for care for those with dementia. You can apply for Medicaid and check eligibility for waiver programs through MO HealthNet.
To best understand what a senior may qualify for under Medicaid, St. Louis’ local Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA) Aging Ahead is an organization that can help navigate available benefits and determine eligibility. For advocacy, support, or grievances, the St. Louis County Ombudsman can assist as well.
St. Louis resident Medicaid resources
Missouri Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division
615 Howerton Court
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-3425
St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA)
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-4800
St. Louis County Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-391-8222
Medicare is America’s health insurance for seniors who are at least 65 years old. Medicare will cover nursing homes on a limited basis. Under Medicare Part A, skilled nursing facility care is covered if the following conditions are met:
- The senior has Part A and days left in their benefit period.
- They’ve had a qualifying inpatient stay.
- A doctor has determined daily skilled care is necessary.
Both assisted living and memory care facilities aren’t covered under Medicare except for short-term in-home medical care needs and health expenses. However, for those who use Medicare and need additional financial assistance, the state of Missouri has a handful of resources available to support seniors:
- Missouri CLAIM (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program) and Circle of Care Counseling both offer free, unbiased financial counseling to help you apply for Medicare.
- The St. Louis Area Agency on Aging will provide financial support for seniors by covering some costs related to premiums, copays, and deductibles through Medicare Savings Programs.
- MORx is the state’s Pharmacy Assistance Program and helps with the cost of prescription medication for those using Medicare Part D.
For those with questions, the Social Security Administration, which runs Medicare, can provide additional support. For those who have grievances or complaints or require advocacy, VOYCE’s St. Louis Ombudsman and the State Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs are on hand to support families and seniors.
St. Louis resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
717 N. 16th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 800-772-1213
St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA)
1520 Market Road
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-612-5918
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Circle of Care Counseling
423 Chez Paree
Hazelwood, MO 63042
Phone: 314-873-3501
St. Louis Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-918-8222
SLAAA Medicare Savings Program
City Hall
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-4800
MORx, Missouri State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
Phone: 800-375-1406
CLAIM: State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone: 800-390-3330
Understand Missouri laws and regulations for nursing homes
Skilled nursing facilities are licensed and governed through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and federally by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). To maintain licensing, skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) are inspected annually and must maintain minimum standards regarding staffing, safety, and quality of care.
Staffing and staff ratios are essential in skilled nursing facilities, with the current Missouri standards requiring:
- A registered nurse is to be appointed as the director of nursing.
- For facilities with more than 100 beds, there must also be an assistant director of nursing.
- A staff ratio of 1:15 for skilled nursing facility staff.
- A staff ratio of 1:5 for direct care providers.
- Staff hired to provide food, housekeeping, or laundry services are not permitted to provide nursing services and aren’t included in the staff ratios.
DHSS also regulates assisted living and memory care facilities. Memory care facilities fall under the umbrella of assisted living. Assisted living facilities are required to provide assistance with activity of daily living, medication management, licensed physicians to direct health care, a licensed administrator in charge of the facility at all times, and resident rooms that are at least 70 square feet. You can find more information on fire safety and emergency preparedness, staffing regulations, and personal care requirements for these facilities among other things here.
All inspection reports for skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities (which include memory care facilities) must be publicly accessible; those that aren’t online can be accessed directly from the nursing home. Otherwise, inspection reports can be found by searching specific facilities here.
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 nursing homes
There currently aren’t any city-specific COVID-19 mandates in St. Louis. Instead, it’s recommended to follow all best practices advised by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Vaccinations. Vaccinations and boosters for staff, residents, and guests are encouraged.
Masking. Well-fitted masks are encouraged for high-risk people in areas of high transmission.
Staff safety. If a staff member experiences COVID-19 symptoms, they must notify their employer and follow facility guidance regarding quarantine and social distancing.
Quarantining. Self-isolate if diagnosed with COVID-19 and avoid people where possible if experiencing symptoms.
Get to know senior living in St. Louis
What to expect from nursing homes in St. Louis
There are 18 senior care facilities in St. Louis that offer a mixture of assisted living, memory care, and in some cases, independent living. Here’s the breakdown:
- 10 combination assisted living and memory care
- 3 standalone assisted living facilities
- 3 independent living, assisted living, and memory care
- 1 independent living plus assisted living
- 1 standalone memory care facility
The difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities
While they sound similar, skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities provide very different experiences for residents. Assisted living is best suited for people who may need assistance with personal care and daily activities but can still maintain some levels of independence. On the other hand, skilled nursing care provides specialized medical care for seniors who need medical attention 24/7.
A place where everything is at your fingertips
In an assisted living facility, you can expect to live in a community where everything is at your fingertips. The day-to-day chores are taken off your plate. You can enjoy three delicious meals served daily in a community dining room, as well as housekeeping and laundry services.
Attentive care
All assisted living and memory care communities have staff awake and ready to address needs all hours of the day as well as medication management services. A large majority also have a doctor who is ready to attend to needs as they arise as well as visits from a variety of different therapists.
Activities to fill your days
In a city where baseball and Budweiser rule, you can anticipate fun outings to St. Louis sites and plenty of in-house activities. Group events, trivia games, holiday parties, and happy hours are regular occurrences in our partner senior care communities. Socialization is easy with plenty of indoor and outdoor common areas, such as movie rooms, courtyards, game rooms, and even shops.
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Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for senior
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in St. Louis
Median annual income for St. Louis seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in St. Louis
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Barnes-Jewish Hospital has been recognized as one of the leading medical centers in the country according to U.S News & World Report, placed at No. 11 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll with national rankings in nearly a dozen different specialties.
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
This hospital is renowned for its expertise in treating heart conditions such as heart bypass surgery and aortic valve surgery.
Mercy Hospital St. Louis
Mercy Hospital is a dual campus general medical and surgical facility that is rated as high performing across more than a dozen procedures and conditions.
St. Luke’s Hospital – Chesterfield
Also known for its treatment of heart conditions, St. Luke’s Hospital – Chesterfield, is rated as high performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions.
Christian Hospital is ranked regionally as a top-performing facility for lung cancer surgery and COPD treatment.
The VA Medical Center is set up to take care of St. Louis area veterans, offering a wide range of medical services from primary to specialty care.
Transportation for seniors in St. Louis
Complimentary transportation is available in nearly all of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities, making them ideal for seniors unable to drive.
There are also a couple of public transport options for seniors unable to drive or their visiting family members; these options are accessible and allow caregivers or family to ride for free when accompanying a senior.
- Metro’s Call-A-Ride Program offers wheelchair-accessible curb-to-curb transportation for those with physical or cognitive disabilities.
- The City of St. Louis offers free transportation for non-emergency errands.
Senior activities in St. Louis
St. Louis is a city with plenty to see and do; luckily, there are also plenty of accessible and fun activities that cater to a range of people and interests.
For caregivers who want to connect with their loved one while also forming friendships with other caregivers, consider the Caregiver Club. This organization hosts regular Caregiver Companion Outings to local businesses so seniors and their families can connect in a safe and engaging environment.
Interested in the arts? St. Louis has plenty to see. The Big Muddy Dance Company organizes Senior Embrace, a program that performs for those unable to travel to the theater. They also offer a movement workshop, which aims to improve health and quality of life.
Music lovers may take a trip to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra or Sheldon Concert Hall. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra regularly hosts guest artists and travels throughout the city, performing free community events. Meanwhile, jazz, classical, and folk fans will enjoy Sheldon Concerts Hall’s lineup. They even host a regular Coffee Concert series for seniors.
For more mobile folks who enjoy spending time outside, Sophia M. Sach’s Butterfly House is perfect for a day of tranquility. It offers free wheelchair rental for those with low mobility so seniors can truly engross themselves in the conservatory, home to more than a thousand butterflies. For those who want to get up close and personal with animals, Grant’s Farm is an ADA-accessible venue that is ideal for people of all ages. The farm is home to the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and has a beautiful tram ride through Deer Park to their petting zoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near St Louis, MO. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in St Louis is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Medicaid. (n.d.). Institutional Long Term Care.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). St. Luke’s Hospital-Chesterfield.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Christian Hospital.
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