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Independent Living in Missouri

The Show-Me State is an appealing retirement destination with its comfortable four-season climate and reasonable cost of living. Essentials like groceries, health care, utilities and transportation cost less than the national average, and housing is particularly affordable. With nine metropolitan areas and 19 regional hubs, residents have access to quality medical care and innovative research opportunities at top-rated facilities, such as the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. The state also has a significant number of independent living facilities and continuing care retirement communities.

Seniors who want to take advantage of maintenance-free accommodations, gourmet dining and fun recreational activities typically pay $1,950 per month for independent living without personal care in Missouri. Older adults who need day-to-day assistance or access to on-call staff members may be better candidates for assisted living. If you want to learn more about your options, this guide includes information about average prices, possible payment methods and local agencies that can help you maintain your independence.

The Cost of Independent Living in Missouri

Note: Seniors who don’t need the added layer of care provided in Assisted Living but still want to live among their peers may find the ideal setting in an Independent Living community. To compare costs of Independent Living in the states and cities below, we decreased the average cost of Assisted Living reported in the 2021 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey by 35% because Independent Living is usually cheaper by 30-40%.

At an average cost of $1,950, Independent Living in Missouri is almost $1,000 less than the national average of $2,925. Compared to adjacent states, Missouri is lower than all of them. The biggest difference is in Kansas where the average cost of $2,977 is higher than the national average. Illinois’ cost of $2,917 is slightly less than the national average but still nearly $1,000 higher than Missouri’s. Oklahoma is closer in cost but still higher by $556, and Arkansas is closer still with a difference of $494. 

The most populous city in Missouri also has one of the highest average costs of Independent Living. Kansas City averages $2,980 per month, higher than the national average. St. Louis’ average cost is lower than the national average but still higher than the state average at $2,665 per month. Cities with lower costs than the state average include Joplin at $127 and Jefferson City at $601 less. 

Kansas City

$2980

St. Louis

$2665

Springfield

$2113

Joplin

$1823

Jefferson City

$1349

Nursing Home Care is the most expensive type of senior care and averages $5,262 for semiprivate rooms or $5,931 for private rooms in Missouri. Seniors wanting care in their homes can expect to pay an average of $4,767 for either In-Home Care or Home Health Care, with the latter offering more hands-on care. Assisted Living averages $3,000 and Adult Day Health Care runs $1,907, which is only $43 less than Independent Living.

Independent Living

$1950

Assisted Living

$3000

Adult Day Health Care

$1907

In-Home Care

$4767

Home Health Care

$4767

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$5262

Nursing Home Care (private room)

$5931

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Missouri?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Missouri.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Missouri

If you’re considering independent living, you’ll most likely have to pay for these services out-of-pocket using retirement benefits or investment income. Programs like Medicaid and Medicare will pay for in-home medical services and personal care typically offered in assisted living facilities, but they don’t cover room and board. The same is true for long-term care insurance, which may pay for personal care attendants and home health aides who help with errands, shopping, driving or meal preparation if you have this coverage. Additionally, rates vary depending on the type of accommodations that you select, so there are apartments and cottages for most budgets. You can learn more about possible payment options in our guide to independent living.

Independent Living Resources in Missouri

If you’re ready to plan for the future, the following state agencies can help you assess your needs and identify appropriate services. Additional resources designed to promote healthy aging may be available through senior centers, county offices, the municipal government and local nonprofits. 

ResourceContactService
Missouri Division of Senior and Disability Services(573) 526-3626Part of the Department of Health & Senior Services, the Division of Senior and Disability Services manages several programs that benefit older adults. It protects seniors from abuse and exploitation and encourages independent living by supporting residents who want to remain in the least restrictive setting. Seniors can learn more about transportation programs, home health aides and long-term care benefits through this state agency.
Missouri Area Agencies on Aging & Services(573) 526-4542Missouri has 10 Area Agencies on Aging & Services that were established in the 1970s as part of the Older Americans Act. These nonprofit, government-affiliated organizations help older adults access in-home care, community-based services, low-cost meals and other supports. They offer information, referrals, and direct assistance. Disabled adults and family caregivers also qualify for many programs.
Missouri CLAIM(800) 390-3330Medicare and Medicaid can help pay for some forms of long-term care provided in a residential setting, such as an independent living facility. If you have questions about your benefits or need help comparing plans or applying for Medicare financial assistance, this agency can help. Consultations are free to new and current Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Counselors can even help with long-term care insurance.
State Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program(800) 309-3282Missouri’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is made possible by a network of regional volunteers who visit licensed health care facilities, interact with residents and help seniors take proactive steps toward protecting and exercising their rights. They provide informational services to individuals considering assisted or independent living, and they have the authority to accept and investigate complaints.
Missouri Senior Legal Helpline(800) 235-5503The Missouri Senior Legal Helpline is a free service sponsored by the Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Senior and Disability Service. It’s open to adults aged 60 and older who have questions about civil legal issues, such as wills, advance directives, powers of attorney, government benefits, health care decision-making or consumer rights.
Missouri State Senior Games(573) 882-2101This annual Olympic-style event is designed to encourage health, wellness and competition among older adults. Amateur athletes, sports fans and administrative volunteers aged 50 and older are invited to participate. Tournaments are available for a variety of popular sports, including golf, tennis, pickleball, softball, archery, swimming and bowling.

Directory of Independent Living Facilities in Missouri

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Independent Living in Missouri

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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