Mercy Hospital is located at 500 East Market St in Iowa City, Iowa. It is a 16 unit skilled nursing facility. With about 33,000 individuals living in the zip code of 52240, the encompassing area is heavily populated. ...
Assisted Living in Iowa
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Iowa
- Assisted Living Costs in Iowa
- Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Iowa?
- Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Iowa?
- Additional Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Iowa
- Iowa Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
- Free Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Iowa
- Iowa COVID-19 Rules & Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities
- Top Assisted Living Facilities in Iowa
Iowa has an estimated population of 3,155,070. This figure represents a 3.6% increase since 2010. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.1% of Iowa's residents are 65 and older. Iowa has resources for its senior population, including an AARP office in Des Moines. The state has a declining overall crime rate since 2016 and a violent crime rate that's 26.81% lower than the national average. Iowa is home to multiple state parks and cultural destinations, making it an appealing place for seniors to retire.
According to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities in Iowa cost $4,078 per month. This figure is slightly higher than the national average cost of $4,051 per month.
This guide provides information about assisted living costs in Iowa and comparisons with other states and care types. Also covered are state regulations regarding assisted living facilities, along with financial assistance programs and related resources for senior residents.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Iowa
Iowa has a SeniorScore of 74%, which is higher than the national average of 72%. SeniorScore data is determined through the analysis of multiple data points from private and governmental resources. SeniorScore information can be used to help seniors determine the advantages and disadvantages of living in different cities and states.
SeniorScore™ for 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.
74
SeniorScore™ Overview
- Iowa's SeniorScore™ of 74 is higher than the national average of 72.
65
Health & Safety
- Iowa has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Iowa has an average number of hospitals within the state.
- Iowa has an average number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Iowa has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Iowa is 79.7, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Iowa has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Iowa has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
64
Recreation & Leisure
- 30% of the population in Iowa are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Iowa has 387 golf courses in the state.
- Iowa has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Iowa has 1,349 churches in the state.
69
Finances
- The property taxes average 2.69% of total income in Iowa, which is lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.35% of property value in Iowa, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Iowa is 6.99%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Iowa is 4.60%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Iowa is $64,003, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- Iowa's median household income is $51,846, which is higher than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Iowa is $26,128, which is higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Iowa average $39,252 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Iowa average $67,522 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Iowa average $15,699 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Iowa average $50,593 per year, which are higher than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 5.57% in Iowa, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Iowa is low compared to national averages.
- 0.51% of the senior population in Iowa are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
64
General Quality of Life
- Iowa receives an average of 33.5 inches of rain per year.
- Iowa has an average annual temperature of 48.1 degrees fahrenheit.
- Iowa has an average low temperature of 37.0 degrees fahrenheit.
- Iowa has an average high temperature of 58.3 degrees fahrenheit.
- Iowa has an average population density of 199 people per square mile.
- Iowa has a high public school quality ranking.
- Iowa has a low public school safety ranking.
- Iowa has a high graduation rate of 90.33%.
Iowa's general quality of life score is 64%, ranking higher than the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Illinois. The state has an average annual temperature of 48.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which may appeal to seniors who prefer cooler weather. Iowa has a high public school ranking and graduation rate, both of which also factor into the general quality of life score.
Although Iowa does have a sales tax of 6.99%, property taxes in the state are lower than the national average. The cost of living in Iowa is also lower than the national average, making the state an attractive place to live for seniors on a budget.
Other factors that affect Iowa's general quality of life score include senior population, recreation and leisure. Iowa's senior population is larger than the national average, and the state has hundreds of golf courses and parks for seniors to enjoy.
Assisted Living Costs in Iowa
Assisted living communities in Iowa cost seniors on average $4,367 per month, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This is $133 less than the national average. Missouri and Nebraska have lower costs at $3,000 and $4,076 per month. Illinois and Minnesota have assisted living costs that are slightly more than Iowa at $4,488 and $4,508 per month.
- Iowa: $4,367
- United States: $4,500
- Illinois: $4,488
- Missouri: $3,000
- Nebraska: $4,076
- Minnesota: $4,508
The Cost of Assisted Living in Iowa’s Top Cities
Iowa’s top cities have varying costs for assisted living. Iowa City is close to the state average, at $4,410 per month. The price in Sioux City is less than the state average at $4,148 per month. Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have some of the highest costs for care at $4,803 and $4,748 per month, while Dubuque and Ames are priced around $4,525 and $4,655 per month, respectively.
- Sioux City: $4,148
- Des Moines: $4,803
- Ames: $4,655
- Iowa City: $4,410
- Cedar Rapids: $4,748
- Dubuque: $4,525
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Iowa
Long-term care ranges in costs in Iowa from $1,353 for adult day health care to $6,874 for a semiprivate room in a nursing home. Assisted living is a mid-range service, while seniors who prefer to receive care in their homes can choose home care at $5,529 or home health care at $5,577 per month.
- Assisted Living: $4,367
- In-Home Care: $5,529
- Home Health Care: $5,577
- Adult Day Care: $1,353
- Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room): $6,874
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Iowa?
Iowa Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of room and board and care directly, but there is one Home and Community-Based Assisted Living Waiver that can help pay for some medically necessary services. Medicaid in Iowa isn’t an entitlement program, which means even if you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be placed on a waiting list to receive services.
What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Iowa
Assisted living services covered by the Elderly Services Waiver are limited and include:
- Physician services
- Speech, occupational and physical therapy
- Hospice care
- Transportation
- Hearing services
Assisted Living Waiver Programs in Iowa
Elderly Services Waiver
Also referred to as the Home and Community-Based Services Elderly Waiver, HCBS Elderly helps seniors receive services in their homes or within the community, including assisted living communities. The waiver helps limit the out-of-pocket costs for seniors for services like behavioral health, skilled nursing, dental, vision and personal care.
To receive the elderly waiver, seniors must meet all requirements of Iowa Medicaid and choose to receive services at home or in residential care. To learn more, contact the program directly at (800) 338-8366.
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Iowa
To be approved for Iowa Medicaid, you must meet the yearly income and asset limits. For a single applicant, the maximum income you can have from all sources is capped at $10,092 per year, with assets of no more than $2,000. In a two-person household, the maximum yearly income must not exceed $15,132 per year, with assets below $3,000. The remaining spouse may also receive a monthly needs allowance to help ensure bills are paid and to reduce the likelihood of poverty under the spousal impoverishment rule.
2022 Medicaid income Limits for Seniors in Iowa
Income Limits* | Asset Limits | |
Single Applicant | $10,092 | $2,000 |
Two-Person Household (Only One Person Applying) | $15,132 | $3,000 |
Two-Person Household (Both People Applying) | $15,132 | $3,000 |
*Per year
In addition to income and asset limits, Medicaid requires seniors to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- 65 years old or older or with a permanent disability
- Resident of Iowa and U.S. citizen
- Require a nursing home level of care
How to Apply for Medicaid in Iowa
You may apply for Iowa Medicaid online through the Iowa Department of Human Services portal. You may also apply in person at any local DHS office or local Area Agency on Aging or by contacting Iowa Medicaid by phone at (855) 889-7985. To submit a paper application, download the application and submit it by mail to Imaging Center 4, PO Box 2027, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406.
What Information You Will Need
Before applying for Iowa Medicaid, gather the following information:
- Copy of birth certificate or immigration status
- Social Security numbers
- Government-issued ID
- Copies of income, including retirement benefits and veterans benefits for the past 90 days
- Numbers and copies of insurance plans
- Bank statements for the past 90 days
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
If you think you might be eligible for Iowa Medicaid, there are programs that can help you in filling out the application. These programs also can answer any questions concerning service you might have.
Resource | Contact | Description |
(800) 433-4636 | Benefits.gov is a federal website that offers information on available benefit programs within the state. Aside from information on Medicaid, the site discusses eligibility, how to apply and contact information. | |
(855) 889-7985 | Iowa Medicaid is the first place to go for information about the program and services. The site offers eligibility information, details about coverage and contact information. | |
(563) 326-8680 | The Iowa Department of Human Services provides an information portal with eligibility information, case management and contact information. |
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Iowa?
Medicare does not typically cover the cost of assisted living in Iowa, since assisted living facilities are not considered to be healthcare facilities, but "residential settings". So while Medicare doesn't cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in nursing homes, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Home Care in Iowa.
Additional Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Iowa
For Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, there are still ways to make assisted living affordable. See below for some of the most common strategies used by seniors who can't afford to pay for assisted living out of pocket.
| How to Apply | How It Works |
Aid and Attendance | Learn more and | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living. |
Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov. | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Iowa Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Assisted living facilities in Iowa are regulated and licensed by The Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division. These facilities are called Assisted Living Programs and are defined as those that provide care for three or more residents in a homelike environment. Licensing information can be found in Section 2: Iowa Code 231C & Administrative Rules at the Department of Inspections and Appeals' website.
Scope of Care | Assisted living programs in Iowa are required to assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and grooming. The facility must provide each resident with access to a 24-hour emergency response system. Dementia-specific assisted living programs have additional requirements and may serve between 5 and 55 residents with Alzheimer's or dementia. |
Care Plan Requirements | Residents are assessed upon admission to determine their level of functioning, health and cognitive ability. Assessments are repeated at specified intervals. Service planning for assisted living program residents in Iowa is done by a team that must include a medical professional and a human services professional. |
Medication Management Requirements | Nurses at Iowa assisted living programs are permitted to delegate the task of administering medicine to unlicensed staff members, as specified in the Iowa Nurse Practice Act. Residents can choose to self-administer medication. Any patient given medication by program staff must be monitored no less than every 90 days or upon health condition change. |
Staff Requirements | There is no required staff ratio for Iowa assisted living programs. However, programs that provide health services and medication administration must employ a registered nurse for health-related care tasks. There must be sufficient staff on-site 24 hours a day to respond to resident needs. Staff members must successfully pass a background check before hire. |
Staff Training Requirements | All assisted living program staff in Iowa must be trained on emergency procedures, including fire safety and what to do if an accident occurs. Program managers are required to complete an assisted living course within six months, while nurses must complete a nursing course. |
Medicaid Coverage | Iowa Medicaid covers assisted living costs up to $2,792.65 per month through the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Elderly waiver program. Waiver services are individualized to meet each eligible senior's needs. |
Reporting Abuse | If resident abuse is suspected, staff must report the information to the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division at (877) 686-0027 or the local police. Another option is The Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness State Clearinghouse, which provides ample information regarding senior abuse. |
Free Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Iowa
Free resources are available in Iowa to help seniors improve their overall quality of life. These programs and services address a wide variety of needs.
Resource | Contact | Description |
(515) 725-3308 | The Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for seniors in long-term care, including assisted living communities. The ombudsman investigates complaints and can help you resolve these issues. They also provide education on aging in the community and ensure residential care communities provide the best care to their residents. | |
(800) 432-9209 | The Connections Area Agency on Aging provides programs and services to 20 counties throughout southwestern and western Iowa. These programs include insurance counseling, companionship, nutrition, transportation and elder abuse prevention. | |
(515) 289-1933 | Easterseals Senior Services is for seniors aged 65 and older in Iowa. This nonprofit provides services to help you with daily activities that are unmanageable due to an acute or chronic condition. Through Easterseals, seniors can participate in adult service programming, employment services and case management. | |
(800) 532-1503 | Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to seniors with limited incomes who might not be able to afford help on their own. Services covered include consumer and finance issues, eldercare and individual rights. | |
(319) 335-2123 | The University of Iowa Center on Aging focuses on research, education, policy and services for older adults in the community. The Center provides educational programs for professionals on aging and helps address age-related issues. |
Iowa COVID-19 Rules & Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities
Date Updated: 2/8/2022
Sources: idph.iowa.gov
All of the information below is based on research from a variety of sources, including those listed above. Among other types of senior living facilities, these rules apply to assisted living facilities. It's important to note that since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, you should contact your local assisted living community or Area Agency on Aging for the latest information.
Visitation & Group Activities
Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in-person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Are residents to quarantine after being visited by loved ones? | No |
Are visitors required to mask when visiting loved ones? | Yes |
Are third-party contractors allowed in senior living facilities? | Yes |
Are temperature checks required for visitors coming into the senior living facility. | Yes |
Can residents leave the facility for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
If residents leave, are they required to quarantine when they return? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Does the state require senior living facilities to cancel all group outings? | No |
Does the state allow senior living facilities to host group activities? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Safety Measures for Staff and Residents
Does the state require senior living facilities to regularly check staff members for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Does the state require senior living facilities to regularly test staff members for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Does the state require senior living facilities to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Does the state require senior living facilities to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Does the state require senior living facilities to regularly test residents for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Iowa
Located at 3800 Commerce Blvd in Davenport, Iowa, Manorcare Health Services-Utica Ridge is a 120 room nursing facility. The surrounding area has an average population density, with about 14,000 people residing in the 52807 zip code. It is ...
Good Neighbor Home is a 133 room senior care community situated in Manchester, Iowa. The community is in a generally middle income area, with an average family income of $46,013. It has a medium-density population, with about 9,000 ...
Norwalk Nursing and Rehab is a 51 bed nursing care facility located in Norwalk, Iowa. The surrounding area has an average population density, with about 12,000 residents in the 50211 zip code. With an average household income of ...
Located at 1600 Summit St in Red Oak, Iowa, Red Oak Healthcare Community is a 58 room nursing care facility. With a median household income of $37,059, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It has ...
West Bridge Care and Rehabilitation is located at 1015 West Summit in Winterset, Iowa. It is a 70 bed nursing care facility. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with roughly 9,000 people residing in the 50273 zip ...
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. ...
Avoca Specialty Care is located at 610 East York St in Avoca, Iowa. It is a 46 bed senior care community. The encompassing area has a sparse population, with about 3,000 people residing in the 51521 zip code. ...
Cottage Grove Place is located at 2115 1st Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is a 52 bed senior care community. The community is in a largely middle income area, with an average per-family income of $59,067. ...
Manorcare Health Services is a 99 room nursing home facility situated in Dubuque, Iowa. With around 44,000 residents in the 52001 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. It is a largely middle class area, with a ...
Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation is an 84 unit nursing facility located in Webster City, Iowa. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average household income of $41,091. With about 10,000 individuals living in the ...
Clarksville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 42 bed nursing home facility located in Clarksville, Iowa. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with a median family income of $54,048. With approximately 3,000 individuals residing ...
Westridge Quality Care and Rehabilitation is a 70 unit nursing care facility. It is located at 600 Manor Dr in Clarinda, Iowa. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with roughly 8,000 residents in the zip code of ...
Tripoli Nursing and Rehab is a 32 bed skilled nursing facility located in Tripoli, Iowa. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, with approximately 3,000 individuals living in the 50676 zip code. With a median per-family income of $56,802, ...
Located at 420 East 11th St in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Elizabeth E. Martin Health Center is a 100 bed nursing home facility. With around 43,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 50613, the surrounding area is heavily ...
Linn Manor Care Center is a 38 bed senior housing community located in Marion, Iowa. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average household income of $63,425. With approximately 38,000 individuals residing in the ...
Located at 3131 Hillcrest Rd in Dubuque, Iowa, Luther Manor Communities is a 103 unit senior care community. The surrounding area has a dense population, with approximately 44,000 individuals living in the 52001 zip code. With an average ...
Located at 5010 Grand Ridge Dr in West Des Moines, Iowa, ManorCare Health Services-West Des Moines is a 120 bed nursing care facility. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with a median per-household income of $68,925. ...
Kennybrook Village is a 34 bed senior housing community located in Grimes, Iowa. The surrounding area has an average population density, with approximately 10,000 residents in the zip code of 50111. With an average household income of $82,079, ...
Prairie Vista Village is located near by the Brooks Run neighborhood of Altoona, Iowa. It is a 38 bed senior housing facility. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with a median per-family income of $64,213. ...
Other Cities in Iowa
- Ackley
- Adel
- Albia
- Algona
- Allison
- Alta
- Altoona
- Anamosa
- Ankeny
- Armstrong
- Atlantic
- Audubon
- Avoca
- Bancroft
- Battle Creek
- Belmond
- Bettendorf
- Bondurant
- Boone
- Burlington
- Carlisle
- Carroll
- Cascade
- Chariton
- Clarence
- Clarion
- Clarksville
- Clear Lake
- Clive
- Conrad
- Coon Rapids
- Coralville
- Corning
- Correctionville
- Corydon
- Cresco
- De Witt
- Decorah
- Dumont
- Dunlap
- Eagle Grove
- Edgewood
- Elk Horn
- Elkader
- Elma
- Emmetsburg
- Estherville
- Fairbank
- Fairfield
- Fayette
- Forest City
- Fort Madison
- Fredericksburg
- Garnavillo
- Greene
- Greenfield
- Grimes
- Grinnell
- Guthrie Center
- Guttenberg
- Hampton
- Hartley
- Hawarden
- Hiawatha
- Holstein
- Humboldt
- Huxley
- Independence
- Iowa Falls
- Jefferson
- Keokuk
- Keystone
- Kingsley
- Knoxville
- Leon
- Manchester
- Maquoketa
- Marion
- Mason City
- McGregor
- Mediapolis
- Milford
- Mitchellville
- Monona
- Monticello
- Montrose
- Mount Pleasant
- Nora Springs
- North English
- Norwalk
- Odebolt
- Ogden
- Onawa
- Orange City
- Osceola
- Oskaloosa
- Pella
- Pocahontas
- Pomeroy
- Primghar
- Remsen
- Sergeant Bluff
- Sheffield
- Sheldon
- Shenandoah
- Sibley
- Sioux Center
- Spencer
- St Olaf
- Story City
- Strawberry Point
- Tipton
- Tripoli
- Walcott
- Washington
- Waukee
- Waverly
- Webster City
- Wellman
- Wheatland
- Williamsburg
- Winterset
- Worthington
- Zearing
Your Information is Processing