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Communities in Columbia, MO
Surrounded by forested areas and prairies, Columbia sits in central Missouri close to the...
Missouri River Valley. For those seeking assisted living in this region, 2024 cost data suggests that the average monthly cost comes to around $4,411, tracking nearly $1,000 below the nationwide median. There are facilities within the area to choose from, along with options in neighboring cities.
Our guide includes 137 reviews reviews and finds an average satisfaction rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars stars, giving you a closer look at the quality of assisted living in Columbia.
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Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
Barbara
5.0
Review of The Westbury
I went to The Westbury assisted living, and it was very nice. That was my favorite. I loved everything there. I don't think I could afford that, but it was lovely. It was just homey; they had...
Assisted Living
Krista
4.0
Review of Hillcrest Assisted Living
We visited Hillcrest Assisted Living. The staff was really friendly, especially the cook. He was nice. He gave me the tour for the first time and he was very friendly. As far as why we chose that...
Assisted Living
Linda
5.0
Review of Cedarhurst of Columbia
Cedarhurst of Columbia is a very nice place. They have activities. They have a very caring staff. The people that are there seem to be engaged and I have a friend who has been there since that...
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The Cost of Assisted Living in Columbia, MO and Nearby Cities
Seniors in Columbia pay around $4,411 per month for assisted living, according to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. This cost offers savings of about $440 below Missouri’s median and tracks well below rates in nearby cities. For example, in St. Louis, monthly fees run about $700 higher, and seniors in Kansas City pay over $1,000 more. Similarly, in Jefferson City, rates are near $5,779.
Columbia
$4,411
Missouri
$4,851
United States
$5,350
Jefferson City
$5,779
St. Louis
$5,100
Cape Girardeau
$4,420
Kansas City
$5,475
Paying for Assisted Living in Columbia, MO
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Columbia
Eligible seniors seeking financial aid for assisted living costs have access to Missouri’s Medicaid plan. Seniors can also take advantage of non-Medicaid programs for financial aid. Missouri’s Pharmacy Assistance program, MORx and the Older Americans Act offer assistance to seniors.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Missouri page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Missouri page.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living in Columbia, MO
Assisted living communities in the Columbia region charge around $4,411 per month. This option costs notably less than nursing home care, which comes in near $5,369, highlighting it as a budget-friendly option for those with limited medical needs. It also offers savings compared to in-home care and home health care, which have higher respective monthly rates of $6,483 and $6,673.
In-Home Care
$6,483
Home Health Care
$6,673
Assisted Living Facility
$4,411
Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)
$5,369
Free Assisted Living Resources in Columbia
Seniors in Columbia have access to many resources, including support if something is wrong in an assisted living community. These examples also show some of what’s available to help make assisted living an affordable choice for seniors and their families.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| VA Aid and Attendance Benefits | (816) 246-1411 | U.S. military veterans currently residing in senior living facilities are entitled to apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help them cover a portion of their care costs. The spouses of vets can also apply for the monthly payment, which can be up to $1,881 for an individual veteran, $1,209 for a surviving spouse or $2,230 for a couple. There’s no requirement to repay the benefit. Vets who are unsure if they qualify can check by using the free tool on the VeteranAid.org website. |
| Medicaid – Supplemental Nursing Care Program | (855) 373-4636 | The Supplemental Nursing Care Program can help low-income seniors in assisted living communities meet some of their costs. As it’s a Medicaid program, it can’t cover room and board costs. However, if the senior can satisfy the income, citizenship and health restrictions, the program can provide some financial assistance. As of 2021, the program makes monthly payments of $50 to the senior for their personal needs and $292 to the assisted living facility to cover personal care services. |
| CLAIM – Medicare Counseling | (800) 390-3330 | CLAIM is a nonprofit organization that has taken on the role of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Missouri. It serves Medicare beneficiaries and seniors who need help with enrolling in a plan. The organization’s services are free and unbiased, including times when the counselors may suggest private health care insurance. Counselors do not sell health insurance, their role is to help seniors make informed decisions that ensure they have the right coverage for their needs. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (573) 443-5823 | Seniors residing in residential care communities, their families and third parties can register complaints about facilities to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman will investigate the complaints and seek resolutions with the owners and managers of the facilities. Also, families can request access to the data held about assisted living communities in Columbia. The ombudsman does not charge for this service. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Columbia
Columbia-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Missouri are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Missouri page for more information about these laws.
