Page 8 of Best Independent Living in Arkansas

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 71 independent living communities in AR using AR Dept. of Human Services (DHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in AR
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Arkansas our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Arkansas.
71 homes
Other senior care options in Arkansas:
Avg Walk Score: 33/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Arkansas. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Arkansas. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90
Overview of Mercy Crest

Mercy Crest is a Christian-affiliated senior living community nestled across 19 acres in Barling, Arkansas, managed as a mission-based ministry by the Sisters of Mercy. The campus provides independent apartments and assisted living spaces tailored for older adults and disabled individuals. A core focus of the organization is economic inclusivity, and the facility accepts Medicaid to ensure low-income families have a reliable pathway to long-term residential care.

Licensed staff remain on-site 24 hours a day to handle medication management, coordinate therapies, and provide daily hands-on personal care. The property features safety infrastructure, including a full-campus backup power generator, building-wide security, and emergency call systems in every apartment. For convenience, residents receive regular housekeeping, laundry assistance, medical shuttle transportation, and heart-healthy meal services.

The rural Sebastian County property carries a walkability score of 11 out of 100, which reflects a car-dependent layout typical of the region. While the quiet, expansive setting prevents residents or visitors from running errands on foot, it offers a scenic, peaceful environment away from heavy traffic.

Prospective residents can speak directly with the administration team to discuss the financial application process for Medicaid waivers, view floor plans, or verify current apartment availability.

Contact Mercy Crest

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Arkansas

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 71 independent living communities in Arkansas. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Arkansas?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Arkansas, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in Arkansas?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.