12 Assisted Living Communities in Clay County, Missouri

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,050 per month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 12 Assisted Living Communities in Clay County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Clay County, MO

• Assisted Living: $4,050
• Nursing Home Care: $5,582
• In-home Care: $4,004
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,733

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey, Clay County seniors pay $4,050 per month for assisted living. The state median is just $2,844 thanks to low rates in cities, such as Springfield ($2,215), St. Joseph ($2,550) and Joplin ($2,650). In St. Louis ($3,500), seniors pay $550 less each month.

Clay County’s price is similar to Columbia and Cape Girardeau where seniors pay $3,975 and $4,000 per month, respectively. Although assisted living in the local area is significantly more expensive than other parts of Missouri, the monthly rate is just $50 above the $4,000 national average.

Note: Cost information wasn’t available for Clay County, so comparisons are based on data from Kansas City.

Seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living or household tasks have several residential and institutional care options. Adults who wish to live in the community can hire a home health aide or professional homemaker. However, these services cost as much or more than assisted living. They might also choose to attend an adult day health services program, which costs less than half as much but only includes limited daytime services in a group setting. Clay County residents who reside in a nursing home or assisted living facility don’t have to worry about utility bills, property taxes, home repairs or grocery shopping because these expenses and services are included in the monthly fee. Assisted living facilities provide an affordable alternative to nursing homes for active seniors who require occasional help rather than around-the-clock medical care.

Missouri Medicaid provides low- or no-cost health insurance to qualifying residents through MO HealthNet. These programs offer comprehensive medical coverage including primary and specialty care, diagnostic services, medical equipment, prescription medications and nursing home care.

Medicaid covers low-income residents, including children, pregnant women and the disabled and elderly. Those aged 65 or older or blind or disabled may qualify for Aged, Blind and Disabled Medicaid. This is an income-based entitlement program that has strict financial criteria:

• Income is capped at $885 for individuals and $1,198 for couples
• Assets are limited to $4,000 for single applicants and $8,000 for couples applying jointly

Home and Community-based Services Waivers

Seniors and disabled adults who are medically eligible for Medicaid can apply for home and community-based services waivers that cover the cost of personal assistance, respite care and housekeeping in their own homes or community settings, such as assisted living facilities. To qualify, applicants must:

• Earn no more than $1,348 per month
• Have assets of no more than $4,000 per person

When determining eligibility the state counts cash, investments, bank balances and certain insurance policies. Many items are excluded, such as furniture, burial funds, a vehicle and a primary home worth up to $585,000.

Missouri allows couples to divide their income and assets if only one spouse needs Medicaid. In this situation, the non-applicant can retain a monthly needs allowance of up to $3,160.50 and up to $126,420 in jointly owned countable assets.

Spend-Down Allowances

Seniors who exceed the Medicaid income limits may still qualify for coverage if they have substantial medical needs and require a nursing home level of care. Missouri’s spend-down program allows seniors to receive MO HealthNet coverage if they use over-limit funds for health insurance premiums and medical bills. Alternatively, seniors can submit spend-down payments to the MO HealthNet Division similar to paying a health insurance deductible.

Missouri seniors can apply online at myDSS or by calling (800) 392-2161. Paper and in-person applications should be submitted to the Department of Social Services Liberty Resource Center at 7000 Liberty Drive in Liberty.

VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers two benefit programs to veterans and survivors who qualify for a basic VA pension but have extra health-related expenses.

The Aid and Attendance benefit is available to those who need help performing activities of daily living. Seniors qualify if they are bedridden, have a severe vision impairment or live in a nursing home due to physical limitations.

An alternative program called Housebound serves pensioners who are confined to their homes due to one or more permanent disabilities.

Individuals who don’t qualify for a basic pension due to excess income can apply for these benefits.

Eligible Clay County residents may complete VA Form 21-2680 and mail the document and supporting medical records to the regional Pension Management Center. Seniors can also contact the Kansas City Vet Center at (816) 753-1866 to receive assistance with their application.

Supplemental Nursing Care

Supplemental Nursing Care is a state Medicaid grant available to nursing home and assisted living residents who spend the majority of their income on medical care, personal attendants or health insurance premiums.

Missouri provides a monthly cash payment of $156 per person or $292 per couple directly to ALF residents. Additionally, the program provides a $50 monthly personal needs allowance.

To qualify, applicants must meet Missouri Medicaid income and asset limits after any spend-down allowances. The program also has a medical needs component that’s determined by a physical assessment.

To learn more or apply, Clay County residents aged 21 or older can contact the Missouri Division of Family Services at (855) 373-4636.

Bridge Loan

The high cost of long-term care coupled with substantial move-in fees can lead to a short-term funding gap when seniors transition to assisted living. Individuals who have a long-range payment plan in place may apply for a bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services.

Proceeds from the loan can cover upfront expenses and assisted living costs for up to 12 months, and monthly payments can be sent directly to the assisted living facility at the applicant’s request. Elderlife accepts up to six co-applicants and offers loans with a line-of-credit structure and affordable, interest-only payments.

Seniors can apply online or call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500.

Clay County Senior Services provides a wealth of resources and programs that promote residents’ physical and intellectual well-being. The agency offers adult day programs, in-home services, delivered meals, transportation, educational events and wellness seminars. Clay County Senior Services
4444 N. Belleview, Ste. 110, Gladstone, MO 64116
(816) 455-4800

As the designated Area Agency on Aging, the Mid-America Regional Council connects Clay County seniors with local, state and federal resources by providing informational services, insurance counseling and assistance with benefits applications. The agency also offers referrals for care management, legal matters and community-based services. Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway Blvd., Ste. 200, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 421-4980

Government agencies and veterans organizations assist veterans and military families across Clay County. They offer outreach services, counseling and assistance with benefits applications and appeals. Veterans can also access health care services through the VA clinic in Excelsior Springs and the medical centers of the VA Heartland Network. 

Kansas City Vet Center
4800 Main St., Ste. 107, Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 753-1866

Veterans of Foreign Wars
1100 State Hwy. B, Liberty, MO 64068
(816) 781-0184

Excelsior Springs VA Clinic
197 N. McCleary Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
(816) 922-2970

VA Heartland Network
1201 Walnut St., Ste. 800, Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 701-3002

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.