How Many Assisted Living Facilities Are in Missouri?

There are 780 assisted living facilities in Missouri, offering extra support for senior residents who wish to maintain their independence. Assisted living involves providing senior residents with an environment that feels like home while offering help with daily activities. Assisted living may be appropriate for seniors who struggle to cope on their own due to ongoing conditions, such as reduced mobility and visual impairment.

Assisted living provides basic support with daily activities, such as taking medication, washing, dressing and eating. Convenient housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are usually available. Facilities provide three meals a day and snacks, with special dietary substitutions. Residents can often enjoy scheduled entertainment and recreational activities, as well as communal areas for socialization.

In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services regulates assisted living facilities, ensuring a high level of care. Its rules require a personalized care plan for each resident, emergency transportation and a mix of private and social spaces, among other requirements.

Services in an assisted living community are quite different from the care offered at a nursing home. Assisted living is for residents who can live somewhat independently but require extra support with basic tasks, such as personal hygiene, walking and taking medication. Facilities also provide many social and recreational activities and may only have trained nursing staff available some of the time.

A nursing home offers more complex, round-the-clock care from trained nurses. This typically suits residents who need skilled medical support with conditions that significantly impact their daily lives, such as severe physical disability or mental health conditions.