The Show Me State offers hundreds of senior living facilities for older adults. However, not all locations are managed equally.
Assisted living balances independence with round-the-clock care. It helps older adults pursue their interests, stay active, and live a safe and happy life.
Finding a quality senior living facility can be an overwhelming process. But it doesn’t have to be.
Consider Your Needs
Missouri offers plenty of options whether your loved one seeks independent living or more intensive long-term care. The state has 300+ senior living communities with affordable rates for seniors who want to live in a lovely apartment and enjoy on-site amenities.
When choosing a community, look for one in a desirable town or neighborhood with plenty of open spaces where your loved one can enjoy the outdoors. Many senior living communities also offer on-site pharmacy services, which can reduce the need for trips outside of the community.
Seniors with specific requirements might receive individualized care from assisted living facilities and residential care homes. These include dementia and memory care, nursing home facilities, and more. The best way to determine if a facility is the right choice for your loved one is to visit and tour the community. Ask the staff questions and pay attention to how friendly everyone is.
Consider Your Budget
Depending on the level of care, senior living facilities Missouri vary in cost. For example, independent living communities are less expensive because they do not provide around-the-clock care. Assisted living offers care and amenities to residents. These features make it more costly than traditional retirement homes.
It would help if you also considered the costs associated with long-term care insurance. This policy may help cover the costs of your loved one’s stay in a senior living community if you have this policy.
Finding a suitable senior living facility is essential for your loved one’s future well-being. To make the best decision, tour multiple facilities to get a feel for how quiet or lively each place is and what activities are available. Also, ask your loved ones about their experience with each facility to learn what they liked and didn’t like. Then, choose the option that best suits your family’s needs and budget.
Look at the Community’s Staff
As you tour facilities, pay special attention to each staff member’s respect for the residents. Do they address each resident by name, remain calm in emergencies, and offer genuine concern for the safety and well-being of each individual?
Assisted living communities help seniors lead active lives with autonomy and socialization without the hassles of home maintenance, cooking, or yard work. Every community offers access to medical professionals who can help with daily duties, medication administration, in-home care, and on-site facilities.
In addition to the services offered by each facility, the state’s area agencies on aging connect seniors with long-term care resources and support groups. They can even advise applying for Medicaid, protecting a spouse’s assets from paying for their loved one’s care. The agency also operates a statewide elder abuse hotline that families can call around the clock.
Schedule a Visit
With stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural attractions, it is an excellent destination for senior living. Whether you are looking for independent living or a community with memory care, there will surely be the perfect place.
Independent living is ideal for relatively healthy seniors who enjoy a community lifestyle but don’t need round-the-clock nursing care. These communities offer apartment-style living, often including workout rooms, game areas, and more. Many senior living facilities provide upscale retirement options, luxury apartments, and high-class services to meet the needs of more capable seniors.
It is more common for assisted living and residential care facilities to offer 24-hour care. These facilities typically require a licensed administrator and large enough staff to provide scheduled and unscheduled assistance with daily activities. They must also provide three meals a day and accommodate physician-prescribed specialty diets. They must also store, distribute, and administer medication.