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Assisted Living 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.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in Iowa



Good Neighbor Home - Manchester, IA

Good Neighbor Home

105 Mccarren Dr

Manchester, IA 52057

1-855-238-4376

7 Reviews  

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 ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Iowa



The cost of assisted living in Iowa is $4,078 per month, which is only $27 higher than the United States average of $4,051. Iowa's monthly assisted living cost is less expensive than the neighboring states of Wisconsin at $4,350 and Illinois at $4,170. Nebraska's monthly assisted living cost is slightly lower than Iowa's at $3,819, while Missouri's is $2,881.

  • Iowa: $4,078
  • United States: $4,051
  • Wisconsin: $4,350
  • Illinois: $4,170
  • Missouri: $2,881
  • Nebraska: $3,819

The Cost of Assisted Living in Iowa's Top Cities

Assisted living costs are relatively consistent in Iowa's most populated cities. Des Moines has the state's largest population and a monthly assisted living cost of $4,350. Next is Cedar Rapids, which is less expensive at $4,020. The city of Davenport has an assisted living cost that's slightly higher at $4,165, while Sioux City is the least expensive at $3,700. Iowa City's monthly assisted living cost is the highest out of these five cities at $4,500.

  • Des Moines: $4,350
  • Cedar Rapids: $4,020
  • Davenport: $4,165
  • Sioux City: $3,700
  • Iowa City: $4,500

Senior Cost Comparison in Iowa

The cost for the five categories of senior care varies in Iowa. The most affordable of the care types is adult day care at $1,376, while the costliest is nursing home care at $6,342. Despite the differences between these care types, home health care and in-home care services have an identical monthly cost of $4,767. Assisted living costs even less, with a monthly cost of $4,078.

  • Assisted Living: $4,078
  • In-Home Care: $4,767
  • Home Health Care: $4,767
  • Adult Day Care: $1,376
  • Nursing Home Care: $6,342

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Iowa



Iowa Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Elderly Waiver (HCBS Elderly)


Phone Number: (800) 338-8366
Website: https://dhs.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/Comm513.pdf?060620201438

Iowa seniors age 65 and over can receive help paying for assisted living through the Iowa Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Elderly waiver. The purpose of this assistance program is to keep eligible seniors in their assisted living community. Waivers are individualized to meet each recipient's needs and determined by an interdisciplinary team. In addition to assisted living, some of the waiver services include but aren't limited to case management, mental health outreach and nutritional counseling.

Eligibility for the HCBS Elderly waiver depends on multiple factors. Seniors must be 65 years or older and qualify for Medicaid. Applicants can be eligible prior to receiving waiver services or receive their Medicaid eligibility determination during the waiver application process. Seniors must also be determined by the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise to need skilled care. Waiver service costs for assisted living cannot exceed $2,792.65 per month.


Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)


Phone Number: (800) 338-8366
Website: https://dhs.iowa.gov/ime/members/medicaid-a-to-z/hcbs/pace

Iowa seniors age 55 and older who need nursing care in an assisted living facility may qualify for assistance through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. The purpose of this program is to help seniors with medical care, long-term care and prescription costs so they can remain independent community members. PACE includes the same services as Medicare and Medicaid, but the services are provided at a designated PACE facility. Although this program doesn't pay for monthly assisted living costs, it may help seniors better manage those costs by saving them money on medical expenses.

Eligibility for the PACE program is determined by an Iowa Medicaid Enterprise worker after a functional assessment. Eligibility is determined on an annual basis. It's not necessary to have Medicaid or Medicare eligibility to qualify for this program. However, seniors who are Medicare-eligible must apply and enroll for Medicare in order to participate in the PACE program.


Iowa Department on Aging Senior Employment Program


Phone Number: (800) 532-3213
Website: https://www.iowaaging.gov/programs-services/senior-employment

While the Iowa Department on Aging's Senior Employment Program doesn't directly help pay for assisted living costs, the program does help connect seniors with employment opportunities so they can increase their income. The objective of the employment program is to help Iowa's elderly remain financially independent and teach valuable job-related skills such as completing employment applications and writing resumes. For able-bodied seniors who need help paying for assisted living costs, employment may be a viable solution.

There are two components of the Senior Employment Program. The Senior Community Service Employment Program is for low-income seniors age 55 and older. There's also the Older Worker Employment Program, which provides employment-related services to disabled seniors age 55 and older. Seniors can apply through the Iowa Department on Aging.


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 in Iowa



The Iowa Department on Aging


The Iowa Department on Aging has multiple resources for seniors, including those related to assisted living. These programs are designed with senior life quality in mind; some are meant to help seniors receive assisted living program care services individualized to their needs and abilities. The programs are defined by the Older Americans Act and fall into five categories. In addition to supportive services and health and wellness, the Department provides senior employment assistance and elder justice and protective services.

Contact: Seniors can call (800) 532-3213 for more information about programs and services.


Office of the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman


The Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an entity operating within the Iowa Department of Aging. This state office is focused on the health and welfare of senior residents. Assisted living program complaints and senior abuse complaints are directed to and handled by this office. The office also provides education and advocacy related to the rights of Iowa senior citizens.

Contact: Seniors can call (515) 725-3308 or (866) 236-1430 during business hours.


Iowa Agencies


Area Agencies on Aging in Iowa

There are six Area Agencies on Aging in Iowa designated by the Iowa Department of Aging. These agencies exist to provide long-term living support services as well as valuable information and program referrals to seniors, veterans and disabled adults. Examples of services include case management, counseling and transportation services.

Iowa's AAA offices may also provide financial counseling or support to seniors in assisted living facilities. There are also employment programs for seniors who want and are able to work. Seniors can call (800) 532-3213 to find out more about Iowa's Area Agencies on Aging and the services available.


Veterans Affairs Offices in Iowa

There are numerous Veterans Affairs offices located all over Iowa. These offices offer help and support for veterans of all ages, including senior citizens in assisted living. The VA provides pension benefits to veterans that may be used to pay for assisted living costs. Other examples of programs offered by the VA include a variety of educational grants and tax credits. Seniors can find their local Veterans Affairs office on the website, or they can call (515) 252-4698 for more information.


Social Security Offices in Iowa

The Social Security Administration provides Supplemental Security Income to seniors age 65 and older who meet eligibility requirements. Disabled Iowa residents may also be eligible for SSI benefits. Seniors who are deemed eligible for SSI may also qualify for other programs that may help them manage the costs of assisted living. The Social Security Administration has detailed FAQs on its website to help seniors simplify the application process.

Seniors can find their local Social Security office on the website, along with information on how to apply for benefits.

 

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