10 Best Nursing Homes in Springfield, MO

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.

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.

Nursing Home laws and regulations in Missouri

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.

Missouri laws and regulations for assisted living and memory care facilities

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.

Department of Health contact information

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

COVID-19 regulations for Springfield nursing homes

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:

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.

Assisted living facilities

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.

Memory care facilities

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.

Health services in Springfield

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.

Fun and enrichment

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.

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.