10 Best Memory Care Facilities in St Louis, MO
The Gateway to the West is a vibrant city with plenty to offer. St. Louis is large enough that it has a diverse range of services and activities but small enough to maintain a community feel. St. Louis has plenty to provide seniors and their families looking to transition loved ones to memory care.
With 14 memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown St. Louis — partnered with A Place for Mom — these communities are often part of assisted living or independent living communities. These facilities provide specialized help for seniors who struggle with memory issues and ensure seniors have access to the amenities and activities that make life a little more fulfilling.
This guide provides a comprehensive look into memory care facilities in St. Louis. You will learn about cost and payment options, regulations that protect seniors’ rights, health care, transportation services available, and activities to participate in with your loved one.
St Louis Memory Care Facilities | 433 Reviews
The outreach fellow is great The flower arranging is fun The Bingo lady makes it exciting The outings on the van were fun The kitchen area on the floors could always use a good cleaning My auntie doesn't...
It's not infrequent that the main elevator has one side that is broken down; older furnishings; worn carpets; minor repairs in family member's room needing repair by family members. The cleaning staff work...
Very nice place to be. The staff is kind and helpful. The food is very good. The facility is clean and laundry is done nicely. My only complaint has been with urine catheter help. The staff empties the...
My mom was only there for 12 days before she passed away but everything that you have listed were excellent. I'll never say a great value for the money because $[removed] a month is a lot but it's ...
Perfect. My Mom was originally skeptical but came to feel safe and comfortable. Very homey. Well designed. Lots of light. Very efficient room layout.
Everything so far has been great. Great overall experience, perfect size place and not too fancy for mom's taste. Everything seems clean as far as I can tell. Staff is friendly to mom and the family. Mom...
The staff and administrators work WITH the family to determine the best plan for the loved one. The medication is given precisely as instructed. They actually do really cool activities. The food and...
We needed a month of assisted living care for my husband. We visited several facilities and decided that Promenade suited our needs best. We made a great choice. The staff was friendly, kind and...
The two areas where the Gables is lacking is the food and the social activities. When we put Mom into the Gables we pretty much needed somewhere to get her right away and the Gables did not have a "" move-in...
My mother was moved to The Grande from an Illinois memory care facility because she required care not available in Illinois. Sadly she was only there 2 months before passing. But in that time we were pleased...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
[Name Removed] goes well beyond serving as a director of memory care; she is an advisor and friend to my mom. Without her guidance and care we would be lost. Previous to her arrival our mom’s care was...
Overall our experience has been good. The physical plant is well maintained. There is a perception of a lot of staff turnover, but that is not unusual. My parents say the menu could have more variety....
So far my experience has been great. It came just when the family needed it and it has been a godsend to me. The Head of Nurse is very informative and keeps communication open with the family. The staff...
Our methodology
How we rank order the St Louis community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders St Louis community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the St. Louis area
- How people pay for memory care in St. Louis
- Understand Missouri laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in St. Louis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in St. Louis
- Transportation for seniors in St. Louis
- Senior activities in St. Louis
Costs of memory care in the St. Louis area
According to data from A Place for Mom, the average total monthly cost of memory care in St. Louis is $4,875.[01] This includes associated fees and service fee add-ons. You can expect the following to be included:
- Personal care services
- Provided meals and dining
- Transportation options
- On-site activities and programs
- Secured courtyards and community spaces
- Therapies specific to memory loss
- The following figures below represent baseline costs a family can expect to pay for memory care facilities without additional fees.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Saint Louis, MO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Saint Louis, MO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Saint Louis vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Saint Louis, MO by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Saint Louis over time
How people pay for memory care in St. Louis
Seniors and their families can pay for memory care in several ways. For example, programs like Medicare and Medicaid can cover some health care costs, while private funding can contribute to custodial expenses like rent.
While some people choose to fund a move to a memory care facility through one financial source, most people will combine income streams to cover costs and use any additional benefits wisely.
In this section, you’ll learn how programs like Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits, private payment, and public assistance can be used to pay for memory care.
Private pay methods are incredibly common when paying for memory care facilities. These income sources include Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Other sources include:
Number of veterans who live in St. Louis
About 33% of St. Louis veterans are 75+
For veterans who need support paying for memory care, there are several benefits, each with different eligibility requirements. Local support groups and veterans services officers are also on hand to help veterans and their families navigate the process of identifying and applying for benefits.
One generous benefit is the Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance is for those who need help performing daily tasks, have limited eyesight, or have an illness that requires bed rest.
To better understand the benefits a veteran may be eligible for, we recommend touching base with a veterans services officer through the veterans services organization (VSOs) who can help you navigate the VA benefits system. Veterans services officers are vetted by the VA and are recognized as the best resource for eligibility and application support.
For additional community support, consider contacting the St. Louis County Veterans Program or one of the 5 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts in St. Louis; each can offer various levels of assistance for case management, advocacy, and referral services. There are also 17 American Legion locations where you can find help. We’ve listed several resources below.
Resources for St. Louis veterans
St. Louis County Veterans Program
St. Louis County Government Center NW
715 NW Plaza Drive
St. Ann, MO 63074
Phone: 314-615-7400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
St. Louis Veterans Services Officers
Virgina Mack
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8637
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christy Allison
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd.
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8654
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Derrick Russell
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8676
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nathan Ruhnow
Prevedel Federal Building/Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8673
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Malinda Graves-Sampson
Prevedel Federal Building/Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO 63132
Phone: 314-421-8674
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts
Post 3480 Capt. Horace G. Burke Post
5020 State St.
East St. Louis, IL 62205
Phone: 618-271-7004
Post 6137 Newport Heights Memorial Post
5468 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-352-6137
Post 8112 Gruhala-Gmeiner Memorial Post
4310 S. 38th St.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-351-8890
Quentin Roosevelt Post 1
5408 S. Broadway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63111
Griesedieck-Fournier Post 3
4617 Dahlia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Fred W. Stockham Post 4
405 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63102
In some cases, Medicaid (called MO HealthNet in Missouri) can cover the costs of memory care and can also be used for in-home health services deemed medically necessary for residents.
Through the Supplemental Nursing Care program, Medicaid will pay up to $292 monthly to fund care in assisted living facilities that admit people with dementia. Medicaid resources can also be accessed through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program to cover care and nursing services received in the memory care facility. You can help your loved one apply online for Medicaid.
St. Louis’ local Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA) is another helpful resource to help families and loved ones understand the benefits available to seniors and eligibility requirements. In addition, the St. Louis County Ombudsman is on hand to assist with advocacy, support, or grievances.
St. Louis resident Medicaid resources
Missouri Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division
615 Howerton Court
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-3425
St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA)
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-4800
St. Louis County Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-918-8222
While Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs, such as room and board, it can be used to pay for some of the medical expenses associated with memory care. This includes short-term medically necessary health care, in-home care, and health expenses. For seniors admitted to an Alzheimer’s special care unit (memory care facility), Medicare may pay some of the costs for eligible individuals.
Medicare also offers the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model for people with chronic conditions (like dementia), which provides additional benefits and reduced cost sharing.[02]
Missouri CLAIM, a part of Missouri’s official State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), provides financial counseling, as does Circle of Care Counseling. All of these programs offer free and unbiased services to help answer questions about coverage for your loved one’s care.
Meanwhile, St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA) can help support seniors needing financial assistance. This organization provides funding to support premiums, deductibles, and copays. For assistance paying for medication, MORx, the state’s Pharmacy Assistance Program, will help pay for prescription medication covered under Medicare Part D.
Applying for Medicare can be complicated and stressful. In addition to the above resources, St. Louis’ local Social Security Administration is on hand to support. For grievances and advocacy, the State Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and the St. Louis Ombudsman Program can support families and seniors who need help.
St. Louis resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
717 N. 16th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 800-772-1213
St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA)
1520 Market Road
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-612-5918
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Circle of Care Counseling
423 Chez Paree
Hazelwood, MO 63042
Phone: 314-873-3501
State Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Phone: 800-309-3282
St. Louis Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-918-8222
Medicare Savings Program
City Hall
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-4800
MORx, Missouri State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
Phone: 800-375-1406
CLAIM: State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone: 800-390-3330
Understand Missouri laws and regulations for memory care facilities
The Department of Health and Senior Services requires all memory care facilities to be licensed; after that, the state must inspect them annually. They are licensed as assisted living facilities (ALF) by the state (and sometimes referred to as long-term care facilities more generally). By definition, ALFs must provide:
- 24-hour supervision and access to care and services
- Room and board
- Help with activities of daily living
- Medication storage and administration
- Health care that is under the supervision of a licensed doctor
Because of the unique needs of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, staff training is a priority, and memory care facilities are required to additionally train staff in the following areas:
- Communication with people with dementia
- Managing behaviors
- MO-6 techniques for creating a safe environment
- Creating a routine for residents based on individual needs
Inspections are done annually for all long-term care facilities in St. Louis. You can see the latest inspection reports by searching here. Keep in mind that if you’re looking for memory care, it will be listed under its licensed category: assisted living facility.
Missouri Department of Health contact information
St. Louis Department of Health
1520 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-657-1528
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for St. Louis memory care facilities
St. Louis doesn’t have any statewide COVID-19 mandates in place. Instead, the city recommends following general best practices as laid out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Vaccinations. Vaccinations in staff and residents are encouraged.
Masking. The Department of Health encourages people to wear masks if they are considered high-risk or if transmission rates are high.
Staff safety. Staff must notify their employer when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and follow the facility’s guidance regarding social distancing.
Quarantining. Avoid people with COVID-19 symptoms and self-isolate if you have COVID-19.
What to expect from memory care living in St. Louis
For residents in memory care, expect around-the-clock care with everything on-site designed to improve quality of life and protect your loved one. Our partner memory care communities offer a range of activities and on-site therapies. Staff is on hand to assist residents with activities that become difficult as dementia progresses, like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
Engaging activities to support memory
The stage of dementia or Alzheimer’s will primarily guide the types of safe and engaging activities for seniors. Our partner memory care facilities cater to this by providing a range of individual and group activities to meet residents where they’re at. For example, art classes, live music, and pet-focused programs are popular activities for seniors. In contrast, brain fitness and trivia games, reminiscence programs, and more active exercises like a walking club and chair yoga will ensure people in the earlier stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s stay as healthy and engaged as possible.
An environment where security is a top priority
The nature of memory care means security is a priority. Our partner memory care communities in St. Louis take care of complete medication management and are trained to support seniors with disorientation and those who are restless or wander. All memory care communities have staff onsite and awake 24/7, while nearly half have a wander guard or similar system available.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in St. Louis
Median annual income for St. Louis seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in St. Louis
Placed on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll by U.S News and World Report, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is nationally ranked in numerous specialties.
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
This general medical and surgical facility is well known for treating heart conditions like heart bypass surgery and aortic valve surgery. U.S. News and World Report rated it as high performing in three adult specialties and 15 procedures and conditions.
Mercy Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility spread across two campuses. It’s ranked high performing across 13 procedures and conditions and three adult specialties.
St. Luke’s Hospital – Chesterfield
Another hospital known for its treatment of heart conditions, St. Luke’s Hospital – Chesterfield, is rated as high performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions.
A regionally ranked medical and surgical facility, Christian Hospital is highly rated for lung cancer surgery and its treatment of COPD.
The VA medical center is designed specifically for veterans and provides primary and specialty care. It also offers treatment for substance abuse, recreation therapy, and rehabilitation.
Transportation for seniors in St. Louis
Almost all of our partner memory care facilities in St. Louis (93% to be exact) provide complimentary transportation for seniors. However, because memory care residents typically can’t drive, families or friends need to check with the care communities they’re interested in to identify what kind of transportation is available and where seniors can be taken by the facility.
For people who want to travel with a senior loved one and are unable to drive or use on-site transport, consider the following senior-specific options that allow caregivers to ride along, too:
- Metro’s Call-A-Ride Program offers wheelchair-accessible curb-to-curb transportation for those with physical or cognitive disabilities in St. Louis.
- The City of St. Louis offers free transportation for non-emergency errands and St. Louis Area Agency on Agency-sponsored senior centers.
Senior activities in St. Louis
Finding activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can feel challenging, but when you land on an activity they enjoy, you’ll improve social connections and reduce anxiety for your loved ones.
There are several groups designed for seniors and their family members to connect over social activities and with other seniors in the community. For example, the Caregiver Club hosts caregiver companion outings in collaboration with local St. Louis businesses such as Grant’s Farm. These small group outings allow seniors with memory loss and their families to spend time together in a safe, fun environment while also providing the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations.
The Big Muddy Dance Company hosts Senior Embrace, a program that brings dance to people who cannot travel to theaters. For more mobile people, they also offer a movement workshop to help improve overall health, happiness, and quality of life.
Spending time with animals can be beneficial for many seniors in memory care, so consider visiting Grant’s Farm. Home to the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, Grant Farm is ADA accessible (including the tram rides through Deer Park) and features a petting zoo for those who want to get up close and personal with some furry friends. Sophia M. Sach’s Butterfly House is an excellent option for a more tranquil day out. With more than a thousand butterflies living in the conservatory, there’s always something to see, and free wheelchair rental is available for those with low mobility.
For music lovers, consider taking in a show at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra or Sheldon Concert Hall. The Sheldon Concert Hall regularly hosts jazz, folk, and classical musicians, as well as a Coffee Concert Series specifically for seniors. The Grammy-award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Stéphane Denève, has a number of series with guest artists and offers free events throughout the city regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clarendale of St. Peters, The Boulevard of St. Charles Senior Living and Allegro Richmond Heights are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near St Louis, MO. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in St Louis is $5,487 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2023). Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model. CMS Innovation Center.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). St. Luke’s Hospital-Chesterfield.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Christian Hospital.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- St. Charles, Missouri
- Belleville, Illinois
- Edwardsville, Illinois
- St. Peters, Missouri
- Chesterfield, Missouri
- O'Fallon, Illinois
- Florissant, Missouri
- Manchester, Missouri
- Alton, Illinois
- Ballwin, Missouri
- Bethalto, Illinois
- Creve Coeur, Missouri
- Maryland Heights, Missouri
- Fenton, Missouri
- Kirkwood, Missouri
- Clayton, Missouri
- Collinsville, Illinois
- Eureka, Missouri
- Godfrey, Illinois
- Richmond Heights, Missouri