22 Assisted Living Communities in Jefferson County, Missouri

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,500 a 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 22 Assisted Living Communities in Jefferson County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Jefferson County, MO

• Assisted Living: $3,500
• Nursing Home Care: $5,293
• In-home Care: $4,290
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,863

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Jefferson County is $3,500, which is $500 cheaper than the national average. However, this area is expensive when compared to Missouri as a whole. In Springfield, the cost is much lower at $2,215 a month, followed by Joplin at $2,650.

Jefferson City has a monthly cost that is just $45 a month higher than Jefferson County, and the most expensive area in the state for assisted living is Kansas City, with a monthly average of $4,050.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Jefferson County, so data for the wider St. Louis area was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Jefferson Co…National Ave…State AverageJefferson CityColumbiaCape Girard…SpringfieldJoplinKansas City$2,000$2,500$3,000$3,500$4,000$4,500

RegionCost of Assisted Living

Jefferson County/St. Louis area$3,500.00

National Average$4,000.00

State Average$2,844.00

Jefferson City$3,545.00

Columbia$3,975.00

Cape Girardeau$4,000.00

Springfield$2,215.00

Joplin$2,650.00

Kansas City$4,050.00

$4,500

The monthly cost in Jefferson County for assisted living is an average of $3,500. This is $500 cheaper than the national average, which makes it quite affordable compared to other levels of care. In-home care services are around $800 more expensive in this area compared to assisted living, which makes the latter even more affordable when considering the regular household bills, such as utilities, maintenance and repair and property taxes, that are included in the cost of assisted living. Care in a nursing facility is much more expensive than all other options, although the level of care is higher, and it’s also easier to receive financial assistance to pay for this type of facility.

MO HealthNet is the Medicaid program for seniors and disabled people in Jefferson County and Missouri as a whole. This program helps low-income residents pay for many of their health care expenses as well as some types of long-term care.

Services covered at low or no cost include nursing home care, in-home care, hospitalization, outpatient services and related lab or X-ray fees, physicians, dental care, drugs and medical equipment.

Eligibility requirements for seniors include:

 

 

• Missouri resident and U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen
• Aged 65+
• Net monthly income below $885; $1,198 for married couples if both apply
• Value of countable assets below $3,000; $6,000 for married couples if both apply

 

Countable assets for the purpose of MO HealthNet include bank accounts, cash and investments. The family home isn’t counted if it’s occupied by the applicant or dependent. Other exempt assets include one vehicle, personal effects, household items and burial trusts.

There are much higher limits allowed for both assets and income for married couples if the applicant is receiving nursing care while their spouse is not.

Missouri does not cover assisted living by default. However, seniors can receive partial coverage from MO HealthNet for assisted living if approved for the Supplemental Nursing Care program explained below.

Seniors can apply online or by mail or call the Family Support Division at (855) 373-4636 for help in the application process. Alternatively, Jefferson County residents can find a local office to apply in person.

Supplemental Nursing Care

MO HealthNet partially covers assisted living if the person also has approval for the Supplemental Nursing Care program. SNC only provides a small monthly payment; however, it’s a cash payment, which means it can be used in facilities that don’t accept Medicaid.

As of 2019, individuals in assisted living facilities receive $292 per month, and those in residential care facilities receive $156. There is also a $50 personal needs allowance for all SNC recipients.

Eligibility requirements include:

 

 

 

 

• Aged 21+
• Financially eligible for MO HealthNet
• Living in a facility licensed by the state
• If in a nursing home, must receive DHSS certification

 

Each client’s case manager or the staff at the facility they’re living in generally handles applications for the SNC.

 

 

Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance

Veterans or their family members should make sure they’re receiving all of the benefits entitled to them from the VA, such as the Aid and Attendance program. Seniors who meet the requirements receive an extra payment each month on top of the pension they’re getting now, and this can be used to help pay for assisted living.

To be eligible for the A&A program, individuals must require help with activities of daily living, be bedridden or in nursing care or have poor eyesight.

Recipients of this program must also have an honorable discharge, a service history with a minimum of 90 days active duty and one day of wartime.

Veterans can apply for the Aid and Attendance program at the St. Louis Regional Office of the VA.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

This type of financing offered by Elderlife is for seniors who can’t qualify for other types of financial assistance and need fast access to cash on a short-term basis. This loan can help pay for relocation, entrance fees and additional initial costs associated with assisted living.

A bridge loan generally comes with a term of one year or less, so it can be a good option for seniors who are waiting on other applications for assistance or the sale of assets such as their home.

Seniors undergo an application process similar to other loans, which means their credit score and additional financial details are the key factors.

Interested persons can read more and apply online at Elderlife Financial Services.

Each part of Missouri is served by its own Area Agency on Aging. In Jefferson County, the AAA is Aging Ahead, which also operates multiple senior centers. Seniors can benefit from regular activities such as light exercise, arts and crafts, guest presentations and general socialization. Specialists also advise seniors and their families on services available locally and can answer questions about Medicaid, the health insurance marketplace and long-term care needs. Aging Ahead – Arnold
1695 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO 63010
(636) 296-0475 Aging Ahead – DeSoto
13227 State Highway E, DeSoto, MO 63020
(636) 337-7578 Aging Ahead – House Springs
6180 Highway MM, House Springs, MO 63051
(636) 677-4578 Aging Ahead – Quad Cities
221 Bailey Road, Crystal City, MO 63019
(636) 937-8333

Veterans in Jefferson County and their dependents should contact a VA benefits office to find out whether they’re eligible for any additional benefits or service, such as the Aid and Attendance program. Staff can assist with the application process for various VA services and help submit an appeal if the application is denied. The VA Hospital in St. Louis provides health care to veterans in the area.

St. Louis Regional VA Benefits Office
9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132
(800) 827-1000

John Cochran Veterans Hospital
915 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106
(314) 652-4100

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