Missouri is known as one of the friendlies states, and has aspects of many different cultural areas in the USA, making it a unique place where a lot of difference people can fit in. The Show Me State has a lot to offer that you may not realize. Their median income is right around the middle, give or take, but the costs associated with assisted living and senior care are somewhat below average, especially in certain areas, making it an affordable option.

From Silver Dollar City and Forest Park, to the Gateway Arch and City Museum, there’s a lot to do and see here, so depending on one’s levels of mobility and interests, one can stay very busy – or just relax, see a show, spend some time in the Missouri Botanical Gardens, or visit the numerous historical sites.

From Kansas City, to Springfield, St. Louis, and the rest of the state, there’s a variety of different places that all have a distinct feel. Missouri combines feelings of the South and the Midwest to create something unique.

This isn’t a tourism guide, however, we’re here to talk specifically about assisted living, memory care, and senior care in Missouri to help you make an informed decision – so let’s get right to it.

Quick Facts about Missouri

• The cost of living in Missouri is below the average in the rest of America, and so is the price of senior care and different types of assisted living. Keep in mind, we’re talking about average prices, so you’ll always find some that are higher and some that are lower.
• When it comes to total land, Missouri is ranked at 21^st in the USA. Their population ranks right around the same area, with 6,093,000 citizens in the state.
• And once again, Missouri ranks in the same range (22^nd) when it comes to median household income with the number coming in at $59,196.

Types of Assisted Living in Missouri

There are different designations for facilities in Missouri, there’s an Assisted Living Facility and a Residential Care Facility. Both types earn their designation by having at least 3 residents living there who aren’t family members with each other, and beyond that it comes down to the levels of care that they need based on the abilities and the mobility of each resident.

There’s a number of requirements if a facility offers treatment to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of memory care. Both types of facilities in Missouri can accommodate memory care, and they’re required to take into consideration things like ensuring the family is involved as much as possible, the types of activities the resident engages in, how much the additional care is going to cost, which steps they’re taking to ensure safety, and a lot more. If your loved one requires this type of care, make sure you seek out a facility that is able to offer it adequately, ideally with a separate section of the facility dedicated to this specific type of care.

Requirements for Moving in or Moving Out

Initial assessment information: Initial assessments along with physicals are required within a matter of days, which can ensure that the resident has their unique needs and requirements met by the facility. A physician needs to examine them to help determine this.

Even after being admitted into a facility, a resident may be required to leave if they are threatening others or if they are a potential risk to other residents or to themselves for a number of reasons. If they’re stuck in bed and lack mobility, they may need a higher level of care than a standard facility is equipped to provide. If they require skilled nursing care, restraints, or physical assistance from more than one single staff member, these are also other facts that could disqualify somebody from this type of facility.

General Information About Care

Bathroom requirements: The state of Missouri only requires one shower or bathtub for every twenty residents, it’s one of the worst ratios in the country. They also require a toilet or sink for every six residents, which is also too low of a ratio in our opinion. Having said that, any facility is free to offer a better ratio than this, and we strongly encourage you to look at the ones that do. One washroom facility for twenty people is simply not good, especially considering that in some states a facility is required to give every single resident their own private bathroom.

Medication handling: If a staff member is going to administer medication, they require a special certification. Medication for every resident must be evaluated on a regular basis, typically within every one to three month.

Fire and Safety information: Both types of facilities have a variety of fire safety regulations that they must adhere to, based on the laws and regulations in Missouri. In addition to having the required equipment installed, such as alarms, smoke detectors, and water sprinklers, the facility must also keep track of their evacuation plans and use fire drills to ensure everyone is properly trained on what to do in an emergency situation.

Staff Training and Requirements

The types of training required will vary based on what role the person is hired for, and which type of facility they’re working in. The orientation includes things like how to handle a resident who needs to be moved, understanding the rights and how to respect the dignity of a resident, how to spot signs of abuse or neglect and what to do in those types of situations, understanding privacy laws and regulations, and a lot more. It’s all very important stuff, because a well-trained staff is one that will ensure residents are as safe as possible.

Medicaid for Assisted Living in Missouri and Additional Information

There is Medicaid assistance available in Missouri, and for more information you can get in touch with the Section for Long Term Care Regulation which is part of the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Research is the best tool when it comes to choosing a facility, and in order to do effective research, it’s important to know what you’re looking for, and what to look out for. Every State has their own unique pros and cons, whether it’s great training for all staff members as a pro, or lax bathroom regulations as a con. In any case, the levels of care from one facility to another can vary greatly, so it’s a good idea to take the necessary time to look around and visit a few different places before making your ultimate decision.