A western suburb of St. Louis, Ballwin, MO, offers older adults a small community setting without sacrificing easy access to the specialists and hospitals, such as St. Luke's Hospital, typically found within a large metropolitan area. Ballwin's 30,622 residents, of whom 19.6% are aged 65 and over, are served by 396 physicians per capita, which is 88% greater than national norms. Nursing home care costs in Ballwin are also ideal for budgeting seniors, at $5,627 monthly, which is noticeably lower than national figures and only slightly higher than state costs.
Frail seniors whose health requires them to receive constant care may find nursing homes ideal for their situation. Besides skilled nursing, these facilities provide care and therapy from licensed doctors and rehabilitation specialists. In comparison, active older adults may benefit more from the customized personal care and medication management found in assisted living and home care services.
This guide compares senior care types and their costs to help older adults plan their future care. It also highlights local nonprofits and agencies created to assist Ballwin's aging population in finding and affording care.