Best Nursing Homes in St. Louis, MO

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 8 nursing homes in St Louis, MO using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in MO
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in St Louis, MO our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in St Louis, MO.
8 homes
Other senior care options in St Louis:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 2.6/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in St Louis, MO. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 2.6/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in St Louis, MO. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in St Louis, MO. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5

Compare Nursing Homes around St Louis

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the MO Dept. of Health & Senior Services (DHSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Missouri average is: 54.9% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Laclede Groves
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
St. Louis
251
Facility 251
MO AVG 96
Rank #3 / 450
40.9%
Facility 40.9%
MO AVG 66.5%
Rank #365 / 407
-39%
5.27
Facility 5.27
MO AVG 3.74
Rank #20 / 268
+48%+41%
$0
Facility $0
MO AVG $76.9k
Rank #1 / 276
9
Facility 9
MO AVG 36.5
Rank #10 / 274
4.5
Facility 4.5
MO AVG 5.7
Rank #99 / 274
-103-
35
Facility 35
MO AVG 46
Rank #353 / 545
John Komlos
$24.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $24.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG $7.4M
Rank #3 / 251
$27.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $27.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG $3.9M
Rank #2 / 251
109.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 109.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG 54.9%
Rank #1 / 251
265600
Cottages of Lake St. Louis
NH
SNF
Lake St Louis (Lake Saint Louis)
60
Facility 60
MO AVG 96
Rank #340 / 450
81.7%
Facility 81.7%
MO AVG 66.5%
Rank #91 / 407
+23%
6.35
Facility 6.35
MO AVG 3.74
Rank #3 / 268
-32%+70%
$17.7k
Facility $17.7k
MO AVG $76.9k
Rank #190 / 276
11
Facility 11
MO AVG 36.5
Rank #23 / 274
2.8
Facility 2.8
MO AVG 5.7
Rank #22 / 274
249-
13
Facility 13
MO AVG 46
Rank #483 / 545
Cottages Master LLC
$8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG $7.4M
Rank #60 / 251
$4.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG $3.9M
Rank #59 / 251
55.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 55.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG 54.9%
Rank #106 / 251
265860
River Crossing Rehab and Healthcare Center
NH
HOS
MC
PC
SNF
St. Louis (Dunn Loring)
120
Facility 120
MO AVG 96
Rank #87 / 450
73.7%
Facility 73.7%
MO AVG 66.5%
Rank #157 / 407
+11%
3.18
Facility 3.18
MO AVG 3.74
Rank #191 / 268
-45%-15%
$0
Facility $0
MO AVG $76.9k
Rank #1 / 276
36
Facility 36
MO AVG 36.5
Rank #170 / 274
5.1
Facility 5.1
MO AVG 5.7
Rank #133 / 274
188--River Crossing Holdco LLC$6.7M*Fiscal year ending 11/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$4.3M*Fiscal year ending 11/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.64.8%*Fiscal year ending 11/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.265457
Creve Coeur Manor
NH
St. Louis
149
Facility 149
MO AVG 96
Rank #54 / 450
52.2%
Facility 52.2%
MO AVG 66.5%
Rank #321 / 407
-22%
2.29
Facility 2.29
MO AVG 3.74
Rank #246 / 268
-34%-39%
$9.4k
Facility $9.4k
MO AVG $76.9k
Rank #163 / 276
67
Facility 67
MO AVG 36.5
Rank #253 / 274
8.4
Facility 8.4
MO AVG 5.7
Rank #247 / 274
278-
30
Facility 30
MO AVG 46
Rank #384 / 545
Jeanne Dirschuweit
$5.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG $7.4M
Rank #131 / 251
$4.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG $3.9M
Rank #83 / 251
72.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 72.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
MO AVG 54.9%
Rank #16 / 251
265720
St Louis Altenheim
NH
AL
IL
MC
RC
SNF
St. Louis (Carondelet)
48
Facility 48
MO AVG 96
Rank #395 / 450
89.6%
Facility 89.6%
MO AVG 66.5%
Rank #36 / 407
+35%
3.97
Facility 3.97
MO AVG 3.74
Rank #88 / 268
-+6%
$0
Facility $0
MO AVG $76.9k
Rank #1 / 276
---43A+
39
Facility 39
MO AVG 46
Rank #326 / 545
Malik St Louis LLC---26A484

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every MO community we track that reports that metric, not just the 8 analyzed for St Louis.

Laclede Groves

723 S Laclede Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119
Overview of Laclede Groves

At Laclede Groves, the premier life plan and assisted living community nestled within Webster Groves, Missouri, residents experience purpose, joy, and choice. In a close-knit and caring environment, the community prioritizes seniors’ well-being, fostering meaningful connections and worry-free living. Laclede Groves’ mission is to empower older adults in Webster Groves and beyond, promoting a lifestyle that enhances the mind, body, and spirit.

Residents discover a comprehensive continuum of quality senior and assisted living facilities and care conveniently located all in one place. Laclede Groves offers independent living, assisted living, memory care assisted living, skilled nursing, and long-term care options. The community features multiple dining venues, indoor pools, fitness centers, a movie theater, an ice cream parlor, an art studio, a historic chapel, a health clinic, and more. Situated near Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Shrewsbury, and St. Louis attractions, Laclede Groves ensures a harmonious and fulfilling senior living experience.

Contact Laclede Groves

Overview of Cottages of Lake St. Louis

Experience unparalleled care and assistance with the outstanding senior living community of Cottages of Lake St. Louis in Technology Drive, Lake St. Lous, MO, focusing on skilled nursing. The community features a variety of cozy and welcoming residences that can accommodate up to 60 residents, ensuring their safety and comfort. With a compassionate and highly qualified team lending extra hands around the clock, seniors let go of their woes and live to their potential.

The community fosters a bright and friendly environment, providing opportunities for seniors to meet new friends and create lasting moments. Therapy services are also provided to ensure residents perform their daily routines smoothly. Cottages of Lake St. Louis is ideal for seniors who require extra care and support while aiming to keep their independence.

Contact Cottages of Lake St. Louis

Overview of River Crossing Rehab and Healthcare Center

River Crossing Rehab and Healthcare Center is a nursing home in Saint Louis, MO, offering rehabilitation and skilled nursing. The community has a supportive and welcoming environment, ensuring older adults have a comfortable stay. With 24-hour care, therapies, and nutritious meals, residents receive exceptional services. To meet residents’ unique needs and preferences, the community provides personalized care plans that aim to help with their recovery.

Light exercises and social events ensure residents can freely interact with friends and have fun. Spacious rooms and accessible amenities are also available for residents’ relaxation and wellness. With its ideal setting in the peaceful residential area of Saint Louis, the community guarantees a laid-back retirement. This nursing home has exceptional services dedicated to older adults’ welfare, making it one of the best choices for senior living in Missouri.

Contact River Crossing Rehab and Healthcare Center

Overview of Creve Coeur Manor

Creve Coeur Manor is an assisted living community in Saint Louis, MO, offering personal care. With its warm, home-like environment, the community ensures older adults can ease their worries in retirement. Weekly housekeeping, laundry, healthy meals, and scheduled transportation are among the exceptional services provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Along with 24-hour care, individualized care plans are also available to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences.

Exercise programs, book clubs, and gardening encourage residents to live actively and make friends. Thoughtfully curated amenities and spacious rooms ensure residents can rest and freely interact with their surroundings. Residents also have easy access to their necessities and leisure, with restaurants, shops, a pharmacy, and bus stops. This assisted living community is a good option for senior living in Missouri, especially with its dedicated services.

Contact Creve Coeur Manor

Overview of St Louis Altenheim

St. Louis Altenheim sits at 5408 S Broadway in St. Louis’s Carondelet neighborhood, a few miles south of the city center along the Mississippi. The 48-bed community has operated for over a century and today carries five care designations: nursing home, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care. Administrator Jean Bardwell leads the operation under Malik St. Louis LLC. The neighborhood scores a 39 on walkability, so transportation is a practical consideration for families and visitors.

Ninety percent of beds are currently filled, 43 of 48, which is a meaningful occupancy figure for a community this size and care mix.

Total nursing hours run at 3 hours and 58 minutes per resident per day. Registered nurses account for 26 minutes of that, nurse aides for 2 hours and 11 minutes. Twenty-four-hour staffing is confirmed.

Named programs include Bavaria Memory Care and Supported Living, which signals a structured approach to both dementia care and residents with broader support needs. Rehabilitation services and respite care round out the clinical options. Religious services are available on site.

The dining room has a view of the Mississippi River, and meals are restaurant-style with dietary accommodation. Small pets including cats are permitted. Amenities include private bathrooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, fresh flowers throughout, reserved parking, manicured grounds, and a smoke-free building with a fire suppression system. Utilities, housekeeping, and linen service are all included.

St. Louis Altenheim is a full-service, century-old nursing community in south St. Louis with a broad care range, named memory and support programs, and a physically detailed residential environment; suited to older adults who need nursing-level oversight in a long-established setting.

Contact St Louis Altenheim

Overview of McKnight Place

McKnight Place in St. Louis, Missouri is a wonderful place for seniors to call home. In this community, you can experience a life free of worries about daily upkeep and maintenance. The community offers a variety of on-site care services including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. Moreover, the community has a team of compassionate and skilled physical therapists, occupational therapists, and wellness coordinators who work closely with residents to enhance mobility, boost independence, and promote a fulfilling and joyful lifestyle.         
With weekly housekeeping, laundry services, and transportation, residents can enjoy their golden years with ease. The community’s outdoor courtyard and garden provide a peaceful space to relax, and the on-site salon and barbershop help residents look and feel their best. At McKnight Place, seniors can enjoy independence and a strong sense of community, knowing that their well-being is a top priority. It’s the perfect place for seniors to thrive and make the most of every day. In this home, residents can achieve a vibrant quality of life and enjoy the freedom to pursue their passions and interests without any hindrance.

Contact McKnight Place

Overview of Garden Villas South

Garden Villas South sits at 13457 Tesson Ferry Rd in South St. Louis County, about 14 miles from the city center and less than 2 miles from Mercy Hospital South. Administrator Michelle Miller leads the operation under Garden Villas of South County, Inc. The 83-bed community spans four care levels: nursing home, assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With a Walk Score of 5, the location is essentially car-dependent where outings require a vehicle or arranged transportation.

Current occupancy is 49 of 83 beds, a 59% fill rate. Families should weigh that figure when assessing the community’s trajectory.

The residential setup leans toward the full-service end of the spectrum. Apartments come with fully equipped kitchens. An Executive Chef prepares three meals a day, and there’s a 24-hour concierge on hand. Valet parking and grocery delivery are available. Included services cover weekly maid service, personal laundry, flat linen service, scheduled transportation, personal grooming assistance, medication reminders, and an in-house escort service.

Recreation spans social, educational, and cultural programs and outings. The indoor swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center, and wellness program fill out the amenity picture.

Memory care is available on-site within the broader care mix.

Garden Villas South is a full-service, amenity-dense community in suburban St. Louis suited to older adults across a wide care range who prioritize residential comfort and on-site services over walkability or urban proximity.

Contact Garden Villas South

Overview of The Gatesworth

Recognized as the US News and World Report’s Best Independent Living in 2024, The Gatesworth is a trusted senior living community located at One McKnight Pl, St. Louis, MO, offering independent living. The community features a wide range of elegant and spacious floor plans including one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Providing care for over 35 years, Gatesworth commits to enhancing the seniors’ quality of life.

The Gatesworth promotes a bright and friendly environment, orchestrating a spectrum of activities that enhances its residents’ quality of life. Learning is a lifelong journey and the community ensures that seniors continue to learn with regular lectures from experts in various fields. Enjoy luxurious amenities for fitness, beauty, and wellness. Residents delight with exquisite meals prepared by an award-winning chef in multiple dining venues. Live retirement at its finest with wonderful amenities and community at The Gatesworth.

Contact The Gatesworth

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home 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 Nursing Homes in St. Louis, MO

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Missouri?

Assisted living in Missouri is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Missouri Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Missouri Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 8 nursing homes in St. Louis, MO. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in St. Louis, MO?

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 St. Louis, MO, 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 nursing homes in St. Louis, MO?

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.