Springfield, Missouri, also known as the Queen City of the Ozarks, is a welcoming city with a rich history and culture. With its abundance of parks and green spaces, affordable cost of living, and easy access to health care, Springfield is an ideal place for seniors to call home.
For those seeking long-term care, nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are available in the area. However, many may search using the term “nursing homes” to find other long-term care options in Springfield, Missouri. If you’re searching for a Springfield nursing home near you, you might be looking for services associated with a senior living community specializing in memory care or assisted living.
Assisted living facilities provide support for seniors who are somewhat active but need help with activities of daily living, and memory care facilities provide specialized care for seniors with memory loss issues such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. A Place for Mom partners with 13 assisted living and memory care facilities within 10 miles of downtown Springfield. These senior care facilities in the Springfield area include three standalone assisted living facilities; one standalone memory care facility; two facilities that combine assisted living, adult day care services, and independent living facilities; and seven combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities.
This guide will provide information on these facilities, including what to expect from their communities, how to pay for care, and what regulations are in place. You’ll also find what makes senior living in Springfield unique and appealing. Whether you’re searching for a nursing home or other long-term care options, this guide will provide the information you need to make an informed decision for yourself or a loved one.
I really can't say enough about Turner's Rock. Initially my parents were in the assisted living section and after my mother passed away my dad had to move to the independent living side. The staff made sure...
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...
My wife and I have owned nice homes for 54 years of married life and never considered a change in our living situation until my wife was diagnose with dementia which quickly advanced to late-stage dementia. ...
We liked The Gardens immediately, layout of asst living area dining area as well as rooms is perfect for mom. Don't like the one time activity fee and admin fee for long term care insurance but she loves...
My loved one is a resident at The Bungalows at Chesterfield Village and has adjusted well. This facility is really a wonderful place. It couldn't be better, all areas are great. I would recommend this...
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...
They have been very helpful in overall care. The facility has beautiful spacious rooms, but there are some rough areas under renovation since moving in. There aren't many activities, but the ones they have...
I have zero complaints. The staff try really hard to have activities that work for everyone! That is the best!! Yes, I sure would recommend this community to other families based on the experience I have...
The township really gets memory care. They met my mom where she was every day in the disease with love and hope. They helped her with her growing needs each day with kindness and allowed her to live with...
Our mother had a medical emergency that ended in her needing an assisted living facility. We were thrilled to find Essex of Ozark was able accommodate us on short notice. They were incredibly helpful,...
They were so welcoming and thoughtful. Beautiful grounds and different level of options for living situation from individual homes, duplexes, apartment living, assisted living if needed, rehab, nursing home....
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...
My sons have been real pleased with everything at Spring Ridge. The resident is a negative person so it is hard to tell if there are real issues or not. As far as I am concerned it is a very nice facility. I...
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...
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...
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...
Mom stayed at James River for 3 weeks in December after falling at home and breaking her hip. Her room at James River was beautiful and private, the population on their rehab unit is much smaller than others...
My mother was at Quail Creek 4 times. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about their "neighborhood concept", wonderful food, professional doctor and kind staff. The place always smells good and is...
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 monthly median cost of nursing home care is $6,099 for a private room in Springfield, Missouri.[01] The average total cost of Springfield’s assisted living is $4,161 per month, while memory care is $5,267, based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[02]
Our proprietary data figure for assisted living and memory care reflects what residents paid at our in-network facilities and includes the cost of a variety of floor plans, amenities and other variables. These costs also include access to in-house care (e.g., ambulatory, diabetic, and incontinence); medication management; prepared meals, wheelchair-accessible bedrooms, bathtubs, and showers.
Paying for skilled nursing care or assisted living and memory care facilities for seniors can be a significant financial burden for many families, especially if they are not prepared for the cost. Fortunately, several options are available to help cover the cost of care, including private payment methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. The following sections will explore each payment option in more detail to help you determine which payment structure is best for your unique situation. Whether you are looking to pay out of pocket, utilize government benefits, or combine multiple sources, you can find the resources to make an informed decision about your loved one’s care.
Private pay methods such as personal savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns are common methods of paying for skilled senior 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. The following are some of the most popular private funding possibilities alongside savings and income:
Number of veterans who live in Springfield
Veterans living in the Springfield area may be entitled to VA benefits to help cover senior living costs. The most important benefit to consider is the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly monetary benefits for veterans who require the help of another person for everyday personal care needs, are bedridden, live in a nursing home, are physically or mentally incapacitated, or have visual impairments.
This benefit supplements the VA Pension, a benefit paid to low-income veterans who are 65 and older, totally and permanently disabled, living in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care, receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, or receiving Supplemental Security Income. Learn all the details about VA Pension eligibility here.
However, navigating the complex VA benefits system can be challenging, and that’s why seeking the counseling of veterans services officers is so crucial. Veteran services officers are vetted and recognized by the VA to help veterans understand their eligibility and apply for benefits so they don’t miss out on any money to which they’re entitled. In Springfield, these officers are available at the VA office and through Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs). Recognized VSOs include the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans locations.
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.
The Missouri Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, provides health care coverage to individuals with both low income and limited resources, including seniors who may need long-term care in a senior living facility. Find information for income limits to MO HealthNet eligibility here.
Medicaid can pay for long-term care for low-income seniors who require skilled nursing care for a diagnosed illness or injury. MO HealthNet can cover all of the costs of skilled nursing care in a nursing home setting. It can also pay for some in-home health care services for seniors in assisted living or memory care facilities through Medicaid’s Home & Community-Based Services Waivers. The waivers will only cover medically necessary services and not room and board costs at assisted living or memory care facilities.
Seniors who want to apply for Medicaid through MO HealthNet can start the process online. For help understanding waivers, benefits, and applying, seniors can contact Springfield’s SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging, which provides information and assistance with accessing long-term care services in the state. In case of any concerns or issues related to nursing homes or long-term care facilities, seniors and their families can contact the local long-term care ombudsman.
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, is a government-run health insurance program for people 65 years or older. Generally speaking, Medicare doesn’t cover custodial care costs, such as room and board, for seniors in memory care or assisted living. The insurance program does cover skilled nursing on a limited basis through Medicare Part A.
Part A can cover care in a certified skilled nursing facility (SNF) for a limited time, generally up to 100 days. To be eligible for this benefit, seniors must have a qualifying in-patient hospital stay of at least three days. The senior’s physician must have decided that they need daily skilled care, which a skilled nursing facility must provide, and the patient must go into nursing care 30 days after leaving the hospital. Medicare also helps pay for hospice and home health care through Medicare Part A.
For more information on local Medicare Savings Programs and resources, contact the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which is called CLAIM and offers patient advocacy, insurance counseling, prescription help, and legal assistance free of charge. To apply for Medicare, visit the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or apply online at the official SSA website. If you still have questions or concerns about Medicare, speak with the local long-term care ombudsman, an independent advocate who works to resolve complaints and problems between long-term care facilities and their residents or family members. Or seek counseling through the SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging, which helps connect seniors with local assistance in southwest Missouri.
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.
If you or a loved one is considering moving into a nursing home or senior care facility in Missouri, it’s important to know the laws and regulations that govern these facilities. The Department of Health and Senior Services is responsible for inspecting and licensing these facilities, which include assisted living facilities (this encompasses memory care facilities) and nursing homes. The department also certifies facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Missouri’s licensed long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living and memory care facilities, must post their most recent inspection results in a publicly accessible location. The department inspects all long-term care facilities twice a year and also investigates complaints as needed to ensure residents’ safety. Check out inspection reports here by using the county, city, or ZIP code to search.
There are a slew of regulations in place to ensure nursing homes are safe and provide for the needs of residents. Additionally, here is a comprehensive list of all the state laws that apply to nursing homes in Missouri.
The state of Missouri has put in place specific staffing requirements for skilled nursing facilities to ensure that residents receive adequate care. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are required to have a registered nurse (RN) as the facility’s director of nursing, and if the facility has more than 100 licensed beds, they must also have an assistant director of nursing and a director of in-service education who are also RNs.
To maintain appropriate staffing levels, all SNFs must adhere to certain staff-to-resident ratios. They must have one staff person for every 15 residents during morning shifts, one staff member for every 25 residents during the evening, and one staff member for every 35 residents at night. In addition to these, SNFs must have one direct care provider for every five residents in the mornings, one provider per 10 residents in the evening, and one direct care provider for every 15 residents at night.
Note that these nursing staff members are not allowed to provide residents food, housekeeping, laundry, or maintenance services, and employees hired to provide such services may not provide nursing care and cannot be counted in the staff-to-resident ratios. The Division of Aging has the authority to develop rules to impose penalties on facilities that fail to meet the staffing requirements. These regulations are put in place to ensure that residents receive the best care possible and are treated with dignity and respect.
Assisted living facilities (ALF), which include memory care facilities, have their own set of regulations to follow, as well as state laws around Dementia-Specific Training Requirements.
ALFs must provide help with medication management, three meals a day, as well as care and supervision 24-hours a day. Within the first five days of a resident’s arrival, an assessment must be completed and an individual care plan created to outline the services that will be provided to meet the resident’s needs.
The regulations outline the type of staff, such as a licensed administrator, and the staff ratios expected. All staff and volunteers must pass criminal background checks. The type of training staff must receive is also covered. All staff must be trained in fire safety, how to work with residents with mental health issues, and how to care for seniors while upholding their privacy and dignity. Additional training is required for people working directly with Alzheimer’s or dementia patients.
While facilities do not have to offer apartment-style housing, regulations do state that the facility has to be home-like versus an institutional setting. A long list of sanitation regulations must also be followed in these facilities, which also cover food service expectations.
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, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recommends following CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Nursing homes and assisted living and memory care facilities in Greene County are asked to consider the following precautions:
Vaccinations: Springfield-Greene County Health Department encourages everyone to consider vaccinating against COVID-19, but it is not mandatory at this time.
Masking: People may choose to mask at any time. However, individuals with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a high-quality mask or respirator when indoors in public, according to the county health department.
Facility cleanliness: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces is strongly encouraged.
Staff safety: Staff should use their judgment to determine if a resident has symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether they should be tested. COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic individuals is not recommended.
Quarantining: Seniors and staff should follow CDC recommendations for isolation if they have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Springfield offers a range of senior care options, including assisted living and memory care facilities. Each option provides different levels of care and services tailored to seniors’ needs.
Twelve of the 13 senior living facilities in A Place for Mom’s network are assisted living facilities or have some assisted living services.{{citation2}} Assisted living facilities provide a more independent lifestyle for seniors who need help with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and medication management. Most of these facilities may offer amenities such as on-site beauty salons and barbershops, a TV lounge, a library or reading room, and an enclosed courtyard. Additionally, Springfield’s assisted living facilities provide health care services such as medication management, visiting nurses, and activities such as group trips to local events, art classes, and stretching classes.
One of Springfield’s 13 in-network senior living facilities is a memory care facility, and six more have memory care services within centers that offer other forms of care, such as assisted living. That means most (69%) offer some aspect of memory care on premises.
Memory care facilities provide specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, offering an environment designed to minimize confusion and agitation. A Place for Mom proprietary data shows that a majority of these facilities offer a secured community, specialized memory care training for staff, and visiting occupational therapists and physical therapists.
Our partner assisted living and memory care facilities provide a range of health services to meet the diverse needs of their residents. According to A Place for Mom proprietary research, 92% offer residents full medication management and have some staff members awake at all times. The staff members are licensed professionals who are trained to assist with personal care, rehabilitation care, mobility assistance, and palliative and hospice care.
Many of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities provide a range of amenities and social activities that promote well-being. A majority of senior skilled care facilities in A Place for Mom’s partner network organize day trips and outings, coordinate live musical performances, and offer a chance to participate in trivia games. Additionally, most facilities in our network offer BBQs or picnics, celebrate birthdays and holiday parties, and provide comfortable TV lounges for viewing movies and shows. More than half of our partner facilities provide an arts and crafts center and a game room as well.
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Number of seniors over age 65 currently living in Springfield
Median annual income of Springfield seniors 65 and older
Mercy Hospital Springfield is a leading medical facility that provides exceptional care to patients of all ages. With a focus on personalized care and innovative treatment options, Mercy Hospital has been rated as high performing by U.S. News & World Report in 12 adult procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery, heart bypass surgery, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The hospital’s experienced medical team is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of seniors.
CoxHealth Springfield
CoxHealth Springfield is a top-rated medical facility in Springfield, Missouri, that offers exceptional care to patients of all ages. With a focus on providing high-quality medical services, CoxHealth Springfield has been rated by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in 10 adult procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery, heart attack, and diabetes.
Safe and reliable transportation is paramount for seniors, and 69% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities in Springfield offer complimentary transportation services.[02] Another 46% offer at-cost transportation for residents.[02] This means that seniors in assisted living and memory care facilities have easy access to safe and reliable transportation options that fit their individual needs and budgets.
Many seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care should not use public transit without a caregiver, as it may not be safe or appropriate for them. However, for seniors and their families who are able to use public transportation, Springfield has ADA-compliant city buses, as well as specialized OATS Transit in Greene County for riders with more severe disabilities or dementia.
For those who prefer private transportation options, several shuttle services are available, including Jane’s Rides and Ability Transportation.
Springfield, Missouri, has a wide range of activities for seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care to enjoy with their visiting family and friends. From indoor to outdoor, interactive to passive, Springfield has something for everyone regardless of their cognitive and physical abilities. Let’s look at some of the top senior-friendly activities in the area.
Springfield has two senior centers, Northview Center and Southside Senior Center. Both offer activities, discussions, and just plain fun for seniors aged 55 and up who want to socialize with their peers and make new friends. The centers also offer various programs that promote healthy living and well-being.
Seniors who enjoy history can visit the Harry S Truman Birthplace and Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum. These sites offer an educational and enriching experience for seniors and their families, and they’re accessible for seniors with mobility challenges.
The historic district of Downtown Springfield is full of restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, festivals, and parades that seniors and their families or caregiver can explore. The Downtown Springfield Association’s mission is to cultivate and sustain a vibrant business community represented by a balance of retail, professional, service, dining, and entertainment entrepreneurs. Seniors can enjoy strolling through the streets of downtown Springfield and take in the lively atmosphere.
Seniors who love caves can visit Fantastic Caverns and America’s Ride-Thru Cave in Springfield, beneath the rolling Ozarks hills just north of Springfield. This North American cavern offers a completely ride-through cave experience, with no walking necessary and with accessible options. Seniors can enjoy the cave’s natural beauty without the physical strain of walking.
A great outdoor option is the Sensory Garden, designed to be an enabling, working, and teaching garden for all to enjoy and experience through sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. The barrier-free features make this botanical garden accessible to all seniors. Seniors can enjoy the beauty of nature in a peaceful and calming environment.
Attending a Springfield Cardinals Baseball game or Missouri State University Sporting Events is an excellent option for seniors who enjoy sports. Seniors can enjoy the thrill of the game and cheer on their favorite team. The stadium offers accessible options for seniors with mobility challenges. Alternately, Springfield has a variety of events throughout the year, from small to large. Seniors can enjoy music festivals, food fairs, and art shows. These events offer seniors an opportunity to get out and enjoy the community and the company of their loved ones.
Finally, seniors should know that many of these activities offer senior discounts and accessibility options. Springfield is working to become more accessible throughout the city in stores, restaurants, and experiences. Seniors with memory care or other health care needs should participate in these activities with their family and friends to ensure their safety and enjoyment.
Turners Rock Senior Living Community, Cedarhurst of Springfield and Mission Ridge are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Springfield, 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 Springfield is $4,043 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Missouri.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Missouri.