Central Gardens

    302 N Elm St, Dexter, MO 63841
    • Assisted Living

    Caring staff, beautiful, engaging community

    I placed my mother here and I'm very pleased - the staff are amazingly caring and accommodating, the home-cooked meals are wonderful, and the facility is clean, attractive and full of a joyful spirit. She loves the arts & crafts, choir, family fun nights, puzzle rooms and the strong PT/OT programs; residents are friendly and engaged. The red-brick building, courtyard, patio and garden under the glorious Missouri sky and fall colors make it a beautiful, welcoming place. Overall a near-excellent, comfortable home.

    Loved one of resident
    Jul 2026

    Pricing

    Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.

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    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Medication management
    • Mental wellness program

    Healthcare staffing

    • 12-16 hour nursing
    • 24-hour call system
    • 24-hour supervision

    Meals and dining

    • Diabetes diet
    • Meal preparation and service
    • Restaurant-style dining
    • Special dietary restrictions

    Room

    • Air-conditioning
    • Cable
    • Fully furnished
    • Housekeeping and linen services
    • Kitchenettes
    • Private bathrooms
    • Telephone
    • Wifi

    Transportation

    • Community operated transportation
    • Transportation arrangement
    • Transportation arrangement (non-medical)

    Common areas

    • Beauty salon
    • Computer center
    • Dining room
    • Fitness room
    • Gaming room
    • Garden
    • Outdoor space
    • Small library
    • Wellness center

    Community services

    • Concierge services
    • Fitness programs
    • Move-in coordination

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities
    • Planned day trips
    • Resident-run activities
    • Scheduled daily activities

    Reviews

    3.86·(7)

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      5.0
    • Staff

      3.4
    • Meals

      5.0
    • Amenities

      5.0
    • Value

      3.9

    Pros

    • Accommodating, compassionate staff
    • High-quality home-cooked dining
    • Diverse activities program (arts, choir, puzzles, family events)
    • On-site physical and occupational therapy
    • Well-maintained, clean common areas
    • Attractive outdoor spaces and large open courtyard
    • Comfortable common-area seating
    • Welcoming, social atmosphere
    • Studio apartment option

    Cons

    • Limited in-unit kitchen facilities
    • Small private apartment size
    • Inconsistent staff professionalism and communication

    Summary of reviews

    Overall impression Central Gardens is described predominantly as a well-kept, welcoming senior living community with a strong emphasis on hospitality, social programming, and supportive clinical services. Many comments highlight a joyful resident atmosphere, friendly staff, and aesthetically pleasing indoor and outdoor spaces. The property’s landscaping and courtyard areas are repeatedly noted as attractive features that contribute to a pleasant living environment.

    Care quality and clinical services Clinical and daily-care services are characterized positively: reviewers mention attentive care and accessible rehabilitation resources, including on-site physical and occupational therapy. Descriptions such as “excellent care” and family satisfaction with a loved one’s placement indicate generally consistent clinical performance and responsiveness to basic care needs.

    Staff and management Staff are most often described as accommodating, friendly, and engaging, which supports a welcoming culture and active communal life. However, there is at least one account raising concerns about staff conduct; this suggests occasional inconsistency in professionalism or communication. That inconsistency appears isolated relative to the broader positive sentiment but is notable for prospective families to consider when assessing fit and oversight practices.

    Dining and activities Dining receives strong praise: meals are described as home-cooked and appealing, and food quality appears to be a distinctive strength of the community. The activities program is broad and active, with arts and crafts, choir, puzzle-focused spaces, family nights, and other social events that support cognitive engagement and social interaction. These offerings combine with therapy services to create both social and functional programming for residents.

    Facilities and living units Common areas are described as clean and well-maintained, with comfortable seating and pleasant scents; the building’s brick exterior and scenic seasonal views are also mentioned positively. Outdoor amenities such as a patio, garden, and large courtyard are notable assets. At the apartment level, there are small studio units available; some prospective residents may find these compact and lacking in in-unit kitchen facilities. Those who prioritize private kitchenettes or larger living spaces should verify available floor plans and unit amenities.

    Notable patterns and considerations The dominant pattern in the feedback is positive: strong interpersonal staff qualities, good food, varied activities, and attractive grounds. Prospective residents and families should balance these strengths against operational considerations such as unit size and in-unit amenities, and should follow up with the community about staff training, supervision, and communication practices to address the occasional professionalism concern. A tour focused on unit layouts, meal sampling, and staff interaction will help confirm whether the facility’s strengths align with an individual resident’s priorities.

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    Location

    Map showing location of Central Gardens

    Central Gardens is located at 302 N Elm St, Dexter, MO, 63841.

    About Central Gardens

    Central Gardens is a care home that offers a comprehensive range of benefits and services for both its residents and its employees. Known for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, Central Gardens provides medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans to staff members, ensuring that their well-being is a top priority. The facility also recognizes the importance of work-life balance by granting employees vacation time, holidays, personal days, and sick leave, allowing staff to manage personal matters while maintaining a fulfilling career.

    Employment opportunities at Central Gardens are flexible, with both full-time and part-time positions available to suit different needs and schedules. The facility is committed to supporting the professional development of its team, offering L1MA training to ensure all employees are equipped with the necessary skills and certifications to deliver high-quality care. Competitive pay, complemented by bonus eligibility, reflects the value Central Gardens places on attracting and retaining dedicated professionals.

    Central Gardens is dedicated to creating a comfortable and respectful home environment for its residents. Team members work collaboratively to foster a sense of community and wellbeing within the facility. The mission at Central Gardens revolves around promoting quality of life, safety, and individualized care, ensuring residents feel supported every day. Through its comprehensive benefits, focus on education and teamwork, and commitment to excellence, Central Gardens stands out as a trusted place for both living and working.

    People often ask...

    Central Gardens offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $3,432 per month.

    Central Gardens offers assisted living.

    There are 1 photos of Central Gardens on Mirador.

    The full address for this community is 302 N Elm St, Dexter, MO 63841.

    No, Central Gardens does not offer respite care. Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.

    Safety & Compliance

    In Missouri, the Department of Health & Senior Services licenses assisted living and long-term care facilities through state licensure surveys, complaint investigations, and fire-safety reviews.

    License numberstoddard-dexter-central-gardens-inc
    Facility typeResidential Care Facility Ii
    Capacity83 residents
    LicenseeCENTRAL GARDENS, INC.

    Inspection Reports

    12

    Reports

    3

    Citations

    1

    Complaints

    7

    Years

    29 Oct 2025Licensure
    Concluded that no deficiencies were cited in the fire safety review.
    05 Aug 2025Licensure
    Found no state licensure deficiencies.
    30 Jul 2024Licensure
    Verified no state licensure deficiencies were cited.
    18 Jul 2024Licensure
    Found no deficiencies.
    02 Aug 2023Licensure
    Found no deficiencies.
    17 Apr 2023Licensure
    Found no deficiencies in fire safety during the fire safety review by the State Fire Marshal's office.
    02 Mar 2023Licensure
    Found no state licensure deficiencies.
    11 Apr 2022Licensure
    Found deficiencies in fire safety partitions, waste disposal, and electrical wiring compliance.
    18 Aug 2021Licensure
    Found no state licensure deficiencies were cited.
    26 Jun 2019Complaint
    Determined no deficiencies were cited.
    18 Jun 2019Licensure
    Found no deficiencies.
    17 Apr 2019Licensure
    Found no deficiencies.

    Disclaimer

    Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Central Gardens. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Central Gardens directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.

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