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Cape Girardeau is a scenic city situated on the banks of the Mississippi River with nearly 40,000 residents, about 16% of whom are seniors. The cultural attractions, outstanding cuisine and shopping amenities that make it a popular vacation destination also appeal to older adults seeking residential care services. Despite its range of amenities, the city has a low cost of living and affordable senior care, which may enable older adults with fixed incomes to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement. The city also offers easy access to high-quality health care services at St. Francis Healthcare System–Cape Girardeau, which is rated as high-performing in numerous adult specialties.
Older adults in Cape Girardeau have approximately 17 assisted living facilities to choose from, which range in size and amenities to accommodate various lifestyles and budgets. On average, seniors in this city pay $3,374 per month for care, which is slightly higher than the state average but nearly $1,000 below the national rate.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that assisted living residents in Cape Girardeau pay $3,374 per month. While this is $374 above the statewide average of $3,000, it’s very affordable compared to the nationwide rate of $4,300. It’s also economical compared to the average rates in nearby states. In Illinois and Kansas, assisted living fees exceed the national median at $4,575 and $5,090, respectively. Costs in Iowa ($4,073) and Arkansas ($3,500) are more affordable but still higher than Cape Girardeau’s rate.
Assisted living fees in Missouri vary considerably, ranging from $2,500 in Joplin to $4,460 in Kansas City. In Springfield and Jefferson City, monthly fees are consistent with the state median at $3,100 and $3,150, respectively. In Cape Girardeau, fees are a little higher at $3,374, and in St. Louis, local facilities charge $3,750.
The Missouri Care Options program covers assisted living services for qualifying individuals in Cape Girardeau. To be eligible, individuals must be unable to obtain the care they need in their own homes and meet income and asset guidelines. The program covers various services, such as help with daily living activities, housekeeping and laundry services, nursing care and adult day programs.
To learn more about this program and other options for paying for assisted living services, see our Assisted Living in Missouri page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Cape Senior Center | (573) 335-1352 | Cape Senior Center provides social and recreational programming for older adults in the community. It’s open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and has daily congregate meals along with games and informative sessions. |
| Aging Matters | (573) 335-3331 | Aging Matters is a local nonprofit organization that administers a range of programs to those aged 60 and over. Services include information and assistance, congregate meals, transportation and advocacy for those in assisted living. |
| Missouri Veterans Commission | (314) 253-4455 | Two veterans service officers working with the Missouri Veterans Commission are available to help Cape Girardeau senior veterans access community-based services and VA benefits. The officers can screen veterans and their qualifying family members for eligibility for veterans’ home placement, which may be an affordable alternative to assisted living. VSOs can also help veterans apply for financial benefits, such as VA pensions and Aid and Attendance, which can be used to cover care costs. |
| Legal Services of Southern Missouri | (573) 651-4806 | Legal Services of Southern Missouri is a local nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services to those aged 60 and over. It has licensed legal professionals who specialize in helping older adults obtain public benefits that may help cover assisted living expenses, including Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. |
| Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (800) 309-3282 | The long-term care ombudsman helps older adults in assisted living obtain the quality of care they deserve. The ombudsman can help seniors compare local facilities, determine their best options for paying for services and understand their rights as residents. The ombudsman can also advocate for assisted living residents to resolve issues related to billing errors and substandard care. |
| Retired Senior Volunteer Program | (573) 335-7555 | RSVP provides volunteer opportunities to those aged 55 and over. Opportunities vary throughout the year but may include tutoring or mentoring children, providing friendly phone calls to area seniors, assisting with youth and adult programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and providing administrative support to local nonprofit organizations, such as the Adult Learning Center. |
| Missouri CLAIM | (800) 390-3330 | Missouri CLAIM is a statewide program that offers free health insurance options counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals. Older adults in Cape Girardeau can call the helpline to speak with a trained volunteer who can help them understand their Medicare benefits and options and determine whether they qualify for Medicare savings plans or Medicaid. Volunteers can also help older adults compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and long-term care insurance policies. |
Assisted living facilities in Cape Girardeau comply with regulations set by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services. This department provides up-to-date information on financial assistance programs, choosing a facility and reporting abuse and substandard care.
More information on these regulations is available on our Assisted Living in Missouri page.
