The Groves is located in historic Independence, Missouri and is the 4th largest retirement community in the greater Kansas City Area. We serve people from Jackson, Ray, Clay and Lafayette counties including the cities of Kansas City, Independence, Raytown, Blue Springs, and others in both Kansas and Missouri.

Two homes on a 7-acre tract of land were purchased in January 1945 located on Winner Road in Independence, Missouri.  Initially established as homes for elderly ladies, they were the forerunners of The Groves as we know it today.  

In 1954, construction of the new Resthaven began on a site donated by Mrs. Mark White.  The building was completed in 1956.  Additions to Resthaven took place in 1966 and again in 1981.  Resthaven was the first nursing home built west of the Mississippi for the specific use of caring for the elderly.  It obtained its professional nursing home status in 1967.  

In 1970, planning began for an independent retirement center.  Three retirement apartment buildings were built in 1975, 1978 and 1979.  These buildings together made up the Elbert A. Smith Retirement Center.  

In May, 1993, a decision was made to expand by building a new 300 bed nursing facility.  In December, 1993, a Continuum of Care Task Force was formed to develop expansion plans, a new mission statement for the campus and to develop the possibility of opening to all faiths.  From this committee, a letter of intent was submitted on June 3, 1994, for the renovation of the existing nursing home building into a residential care facility.

The new 300 bed skilled nursing center opened in January 1996.  This facility includes a 100 bed secure care Alzheimer’s Unit and Onsite rehabilitation services for all residents.  

The campus officially changed its name on April 6, 1996 to The Groves.  Each level of care was renamed: Elbert A. Smith Independent Living became Forest View Retirement Center; the former Resthaven Nursing Home became White Oak Living Center, licensed as a residential care facility; and the new skilled nursing facility became Rosewood Health Center.  

White Oak Living Center officially opened September 1996 as a residential care facility with 74 apartments.  It was expanded in 1997 to 82 apartments.

The Groves continues to strategically plan for the needs of the elderly in our community. We have added a Case Management Program, a Post-Hospitalization Skilled Nursing Medicare Unit, a Spirituality and Aging Minister, and Groves Community Hospice.  Change is constant in our business and we are here to make sure our residents receive the quality care they need and deserve.