Assisted Living in Ames, Iowa
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Ames, Iowa
Green Hills Retirement Community is a 49 room senior housing community. It is located at 2200 Hamilton Dr in Ames, Iowa. The surrounding area has a dense population, with roughly 29,000 poeple living in the 50014 zip code. ...
Located at 1325 Coconino Rd, The Waterford at Ames is a senior care community serving Ames, Iowa. The surrounding area has a dense population, with around 29,000 poeple living in the zip code of 50014. With a median ...
The Rose of Ames is a senior community located at 1315 Coconino Rd in Ames, Iowa. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with around 29,000 individuals living in the zip code of 50014. It is a largely middle ...
Rose of Ames is a senior community located at 1314 Coconino Rd in Ames, Iowa. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 29,000 individuals residing in the 50014 zip code. With a median per-household income of $40,269, ...
Located at 1325 Coconino Rd Ste 300, Waterford at Ames is a senior housing facility in Ames, Iowa. With a median per-family income of $40,269, the community is in a generally middle class area. It is densely populated, ...
Located at 2418 Kent Ave, Bickford of Ames is a senior community in Ames, Iowa. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with a median household income of $49,179. With approximately 30,000 people residing in the ...
Ballard Creek Assisted Living is a senior care facility located at 908 N US Highway 69 Apt 241 in Huxley, Iowa. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average family income of $65,522. With ...
8 miles away from Ames, IA
Rolling Green Village is a 69 room senior community situated in Nevada, Iowa. The community is in a generally middle class area, with a median family income of $55,812. With about 9,000 individuals residing in the 50201 ...
9 miles away from Ames, IA
Located at 1642 South G Ave, Windsor Manor - Nevada is a senior care community serving Nevada, Iowa. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-family income of $55,812. It has an average ...
9 miles away from Ames, IA
Located at 212 Lafayette St in Story City, Iowa, Bethany Manor is a 180 unit senior housing community. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median family income of $54,288. It has a sparse ...
11 miles away from Ames, IA
Cedar Place is a senior community located at 812 Cedar St Apt 102 in Story City, Iowa. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average per-family income of $54,288. With around 5,000 residents in ...
11 miles away from Ames, IA
Located at 112 West 4th St in Boone, Iowa, Westhaven Community is a 100 bed senior community. With roughly 17,000 individuals residing in the 50036 zip code, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. It is a largely ...
14 miles away from Ames, IA
Madrid Home For The Aged is a 155 room senior community located in Madrid, Iowa. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with a median per-family income of $59,530. With roughly 5,000 residents in the 50156 ...
14 miles away from Ames, IA
Located at 715 West 3rd St in Boone, Iowa, Eastern Star Masonic Home is a 76 bed senior housing community. With roughly 17,000 residents in the 50036 zip code, the neighboring area has a medium-density population. It is ...
15 miles away from Ames, IA
Zearing Health Care Center is located at 404 East Garfield in Zearing, Iowa. It is a 40 unit skilled nursing facility. With a median per-family income of $56,650, the facility is in a largely middle income area. ...
20 miles away from Ames, IA
Ogden Manor is a 46 bed senior care facility located in Ogden, Iowa. The community is in a largely middle income area, with a median family income of $56,959. With approximately 4,000 individuals residing in the zip code ...
21 miles away from Ames, IA
Mill-Pond Retirement Community is a 60 room senior housing facility. It is located at 1201 SE Mill Pond Court in Ankeny, Iowa. The community is in a primarily upscale area, with an average per-family income of $75,452. ...
21 miles away from Ames, IA
Located at 1275 SW State St, Vintage Hills at Prairie Trail is a senior care community serving Ankeny, Iowa. The community is in a mostly upscale area, with a median per-household income of $75,112. With about 29,000 residents ...
21 miles away from Ames, IA
Courtyard Estates at Bondurant is a senior community located at 601 Hawthorne Crossing Drive SE in Bondurant, Iowa. With roughly 6,000 people residing in the zip code of 50035, the surrounding area is sparsely populated. It is a ...
24 miles away from Ames, IA
Bishop Drumm Care Center is located near the Meredith area of Johnston, Iowa. It is a 150 unit senior care community. The community is in a generally middle class area, with an average per-household income of $42,306. ...
25 miles away from Ames, IA
A suburb of Des Moines, Ames is located just 25 miles north of Iowa’s capital. As home to Iowa State University, Ames has plenty of college-town amenities, but it’s also a great choice for seniors. Retirees who settle here can take advantage of the pleasant summers and good air quality, as well as the many healthcare resources for seniors. The city’s proximity to Des Moines makes it easy for seniors to visit the capital’s top attractions, including Blank Park Zoo, the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the Des Moines Art Center.
There are six assisted living facilities located within Ames city limits, plus another 14 in nearby communities. These facilities cost an average of $3,723 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. This is lower than both the state and national averages, making Ames an ideal location for seniors on a budget.
The SeniorScore for Ames, Iowa
The SeniorScore is a livability index that helps seniors compare potential retirement destinations across the country. On this index, which is calculated based on more than 100 data points, Ames earned a score of 71. This is comparable to the national average of 72, but 4 points lower than the Iowa average. Ames performed best in the SeniorScore’s General Quality of Life and Health & Safety categories.
With a score of 70, General Quality of Life was Ames’ best category. The city has above average air quality, which may appeal to seniors who enjoy exercising outdoors. Summers are pleasant in Ames, and while winter temperatures are harsh, seniors who like winter sports can look forward to 30 inches of snow per year. Other factors that boosted the city’s score are its high-quality public schools, very high graduation rate and short daily commutes.
Ames also performed well in Health & Safety, earning a 65 in this category. The city gained points for its abundant healthcare resources, including 69 pharmacies and a high number of doctors who accept Medicare. Ames’ Mary Greeley Medical Center is ranked among Iowa’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, and it’s considered high-performing in knee replacement surgery.
The city’s senior recreation opportunities are limited, which is reflected in its low score of 56 for Recreation & Leisure. Seniors can visit two movie theaters, five shopping centers and nine parks, including the beautiful Reiman Gardens. The city earned its lowest score of 59 in the Finances category, largely because of local household income levels below the U.S. norm paired with Iowa's higher-than-average state income tax rate.
SeniorScore™ for Ames, Iowa
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Ames scores lower than the Iowa average of 75.
- Ames scores lower than the national average of 72.
- There is a high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 4 hospitals within close range of the city, including Mary Greeley Medical Center, Story County Hospital, and Story County Hospital & Ltc.
- There are 18 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Bickford of Ames, Riverside South, and Green Hills Retirement Community.
- There is an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a low number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 79.7, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 69 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a low property crime rate.
- The area has a low violent crime rate.
- The city has a very low percentage of seniors in the population (16% of residents).
- There are 34 golf courses in or around the city, including Veenker Memorial Golf Course, Homewood Golf Course, and Homewood Golf Course.
- There are 9 parks near the city center, including ISU Arboretum, Reiman Gardens, and Gateway Hills Park.
- There are 22 churches in or near the city, including Ames Church of Nazarene, Unity Church of Ames, and First Assembly of God.
- There are 5 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 26 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 2 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 24 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 2.78% of total income, which is lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.33% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 7.00%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- Iowa has an average state income tax of 4.60%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $57,944, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $40,301, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $25,684, which is higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $49,005 per year, which are high compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $66,430 per year, which are very low compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $20,800 per year, which are high compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $51,480 annually, which are very high compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 6.60%, which is low compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is average compared to national averages.
- 0% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Ames receives low levels of rainfall each year.
- Ames has harsh mean temperatures, with cold winters and pleasant summers.
- This city has above average air quality.
- Ames has a very dense population density of 8,822.6 people per square mile.
- Residents of Ames have a very short daily commute time.
- Ames has a high public school quality ranking.
- The city has a low public school safety rating.
- This city has a very high graduation rate of 97.43%.
Assisted Living Costs in Ames, Iowa
Compared to other cities within Iowa, and to the nation as a whole, Ames is a relatively affordable place to receive assisted living care. Seniors in Ames pay an average of $3,723 per month for assisted living, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. This is $350 less than the Iowa average of $4,073, and about $575 less than the national average of $4,300.
Ames is one of Iowa’s most affordable cities for assisted living. Only Davenport, where seniors pay $3,478 per month, has a lower average price. Ames’ assisted living rate is especially favorable compared to nearby Des Moines, where care costs a whopping $5,005 monthly. Waterloo is even pricier than Des Moines at $5,060 per month. Far to the west in Sioux City, assisted living costs about the same as in Ames at $3,750. To the east, costs are higher in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, where seniors’ monthly assisted living bills average $4,106 and $4,450, respectively. With these prices, relocating to Ames may be a smart choice for many of Iowa’s seniors.
- Davenport: $3,478
- Ames: $3,723
- Sioux City: $3,750
- Iowa City: $4,106
- Cedar Rapids: $4,450
- Des Moines: $5,005
- Waterloo: $5,060
Free Assisted Living Resources in Ames, Iowa
Aging Resources of Central Iowa As the Area Agency on Aging for Story County, Aging Resources of Central Iowa helps seniors access local resources. Its staff is trained to answer seniors’ questions and suggest programs and services that may meet their needs. Seniors can contact the AAA to learn about transportation services, support groups, elder rights agencies, sources of financial assistance and other resources in Ames. 5835 Grand Avenue, Suite 106, Des Moines, IA 50312 (515) 255-1310 https://www.agingresources.com/ |
Heartland Senior Services Heartland Senior Services offers many fun programs and activities for people 60 years of age and older. Ames residents can stop by its senior center to play bingo, watch movies or join group outings. There are also many opportunities for learning, from lunch and learn sessions to computer classes. Through its Outreach Program, the nonprofit organization connects seniors with resources in the community. 205 S. Walnut Avenue, Ames, IA 50010 (515) 233-2906 https://www.heartlandseniorservices.com/ |
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO) The OSLTCO advocates for Iowans who live in assisted living facilities and other long-term care settings. It investigates and resolves complaints about staffing, cleanliness, personal care, menu quality and other issues reported by residents. The OSLTCO also educates assisted living residents about their rights and encourages them to form resident councils. 510 E. 12th Street, Suite 2, Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 725-3308 https://iowaaging.gov/state-long-term-care-ombudsman |
Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program The Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) helps older adults navigate health insurance coverage. Its trained volunteers provide free, one-on-one counseling about Medicare, TRICARE and retiree employer group health insurance plans. They can also help seniors understand and compare long-term care insurance plans. 1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50315 (800) 351-4664 https://shiip.iowa.gov/ |
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Iowa State University OLLI at ISU is a membership organization that offers affordable learning opportunities for people aged 50 and older. An annual membership costs just $25 and allows seniors to sign up for a wide variety of low-cost courses. These courses cover subjects as varied as creative writing, American history and current events and cost between $16 and $63 each. With no tests or grades, seniors learn in a fun, low-pressure environment. 429 Alumni Lane, Ames, IA 50011 (515) 294-6525 http://olli.iastate.edu/s/565/17/interior.aspx |
Story County Veterans Affairs Ames seniors who’ve served in the U.S. military can visit the Story County Veterans Affairs office for help accessing county, state and federal benefits. These benefits may include compensation, medical care and financial assistance. The office can also help seniors access the pension benefits they’re eligible to receive, such as the Aid and Attendance benefit that can help pay for assisted living costs. 126 S. Kellogg Avenue, Suite 001, Ames, IA (515) 956-2626 https://www.storycountyiowa.gov/114/Veterans-Affairs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much do assisted living communities cost in the state of Iowa?
Answer
Assisted living in Iowa costs about $114 daily (ranging from $31 to $287), $3,418 per month (ranging from $930 to $8,620), and $41,016 per year (ranging from $11,160 to $103,440). By comparison, the US averages are $117 daily, $3,500 per month, and $42,000 per year.
Question
How much does assisted living cost in Ames?
Answer
The minimum per-month cost for assisted living in Ames, Iowa is estimated at about $3,100 and may be as high as $5,140. The median cost is approximately $4,084 per-month, with a yearly cost of about $49,005.
Question
What services are offered with assisted living?
Answer
Assisted living typically includes 24-hour supervision, help with bathing, exercise activities, regular medical care, and incontinence care. Care is provided in a private or shared room.
Question
Does Medicaid cover assisted living in Ames?
Answer
There are several assisted living facilities in Ames that accept Medicaid, which include Zearing Health Care Center, Rolling Green Village , and Bethany Manor.
Question
Are there a lot of seniors in Ames?
Answer
The city has a total population of 62,905, with 80,116 inhabitants in the encompassing metro area. Those who are over 55 represent 16% of the community.