Assisted Living in Iowa

Nestled between the Missouri River to the west and the Mississippi River to the east, Iowa is the epitome of America’s Heartland. Seniors enjoying assisted living in Iowa are surrounded by clean air and friendly communities.

Residents of Iowa benefit from safe neighborhoods, top-notch medical facilities, a low sales tax and easy access to a wide variety of shopping and entertainment opportunities. It’s no wonder that Iowa consistently receives high marks on surveys determining the best places to live in America, and that CQ Press ranked Iowa as the nation’s second-most livable state in 2010.

Assisted Living in Iowa Defined

Iowa defines assisted living as “the provision of housing with services, which may include, but are not limited to, health-related care, personal care and assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, to three or more tenants in a physical structure, which provides a homelike environment.” Assisted living homes must also employ 24-hour support staff to provide supervision and meet the needs of senior residents “in a manner that promotes maximum dignity and independence.”

The family members of seniors enjoying assisted living in Iowa are encouraged to remain involved in the care of their loved one, and to assist with “tenant self-direction,” a philosophy that emphasizes choice and individuality.

Cost of Assisted Living in Iowa

Iowa ranks within the top 20 most affordable states for assisted living with an average cost of around $3,182 per month. Before a tenant enters an assisted living community in Iowa, the senior must sign a contract called an “Occupancy Agreement.” This contract determines what services are received and at what cost.

Here is a list of the average monthly rates* broken down by city for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy apartment in an Iowa assisted living facility:

*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

Occupancy Agreements are usually individualized, so that seniors have the opportunity to negotiate the frequency of services and the amount of money that will be paid. The Occupancy Agreement will be revised any time there is a change in desired or necessary services, and the monthly fees may fluctuate accordingly.

Many facilities of assisted living in Iowa accept money from Medicaid waiver programs, but the number of residents in a facility using these funds may be limited. State service funds and a state-funded rent supplement program are also available. There is a maximum cap of $1,025 per month for reimbursement on care plans.

Regulation of Assisted Living in Iowa

Facilities of assisted living in Iowa are regulated by the Department of Inspections and Appeals, and must conform to the guidelines set forth in the Iowa Administrative Code Section 321.

Assisted living facilities must keep documentation of training received by staff and assure that all personnel are able to implement the facility’s accident, fire safety and emergency procedures. Written medication plans are required. Registered nurses must monitor administration, and must also document residents’ health status and progress every 90 days.

Each assisted living unit must have 190 square feet of living space. Multiple occupancy quarters must have at least 80 square feet of living space per bed.

Find Assisted Living in Iowa

Browse our comprehensive directory to find assisted living in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Indianola and other parts of Iowa.

Written by senior housing writer Josh Talbot.