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The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Iowa City, IA for 2024

Home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City sits approximately 115 miles from the state capital. Older residents enjoy lower-than-average costs of living and have access to a wide variety of health care services, including specialty care provided by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Iowa City also has comfortable summer temperatures and multiple senior transportation options. As of July 2022, 11% of the city’s 74,373 residents were 65 and older.

Many seniors need help with personal care and activities of daily living, but they don’t necessarily need the skilled nursing services provided by a nursing home. For these seniors, assisted living communities provide just the right level of support. Staff members are available to help with medication administration, grooming and other activities. Seniors in Iowa City pay an average of $4,410 per month for this type of care, which is $43 higher than the state average and $90 less than the U.S. average.

This guide aims to help seniors better understand their options and determine how to pay for assisted living. It also includes a list of free resources to help older adults maintain a high level of well-being.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Iowa City, Iowa

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Iowa City

The Health Facilities Division of the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals regulates assisted living communities and other residential care facilities. To protect Iowa seniors, the agency conducts inspections and verifies that all assisted living facilities comply with state regulations.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Iowa City

  • Seniors in Iowa City have access to multiple transportation options. Iowa City Transit offers discounted rides to seniors and younger adults with disabilities, while Johnson County SEATS provides $2 one-way rides to adults who can’t use public transportation due to a documented disability.
  • Iowa City has 605 physicians per 100,000 residents, nearly triple the U.S. average of 210 per 100,000. It also has an air quality index of 64, which is higher than the national average of 58, giving residents a lower risk of developing cancer and respiratory illnesses.
  • Although Iowa City’s property crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, its violent crime rate is just 18.8 compared to the national average of 22.7.
  • Iowa City’s overall cost of living is about 13% lower than the national average. Transportation and utility costs are especially low compared to the averages for Iowa and the United States.
  • Even though Iowa City is known for harsh winters, it has a summer comfort index of 8.6 out of 10, indicating that it doesn’t have many days outside the comfort temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as the top hospital in the state. As the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Iowa, UIHC provides advanced care for patients with critical injuries. The hospital also offers comprehensive cancer care and other specialized services.

Paying for Assisted Living in Iowa City

Iowa City seniors pay an average of $4,410 per month for assisted living, but actual costs vary based on the number of services and amenities provided.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

The monthly cost of assisted living in Iowa City is slightly higher than the state average of $4,367 and lower than the national average of $4,500. In Des Moines, the state capital, assisted living costs are about $400 per month higher than in Iowa City. Moving north to Cedar Rapids, the monthly cost of care is about $340 per month higher. Seniors in Davenport, part of the Quad Cities along the Iowa-Illinois border, pay $60 per month less than seniors in Iowa City.

Iowa City

$4,410

Iowa

$4,367

United States

$4,500

Des Moines

$4,803

Cedar Rapids

$4,748

Davenport

$4,350

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Compared with other types of senior care, assisted living is one of the most affordable options for seniors in Iowa City. Assisted living costs about $360 per month less than in-home care and home health care. Although adult day health care costs an average of $1,353 per month, it’s a part-time care option, not a residential one. Since nursing homes provide skilled nursing care, they cost nearly $2,700 per month more than assisted living.

In-Home Care

$4,767

Home Health Care

$4,767

Adult Day Health Care

$1,353

Assisted Living Facility

$4,410

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$7,072

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Iowa City

Financial Assistance in Iowa

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits 
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Iowa City

Iowa has several government agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping seniors maintain their quality of life as they age. Older adults should contact these organizations if they have any questions or concerns about their options for senior care.

ResourceContactService
Heritage Area Agency on Aging(319) 398-5559Area Agencies on Aging provide a variety of services to help seniors access health care, nutritional services and other supports. Iowa City's AAA offers transportation services, wellness programs and referrals to other agencies. Staff members also provide care coordination to eligible seniors.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman(319) 541-0318Iowa has a network of long-term care ombudsmen to investigate and resolve complaints about assisted living communities and other residential facilities. Iowa City's ombudsman serves residents of Johnson, Linn, Benton, Iowa and Washington Counties.
Iowa City Senior Center(319) 356-5000Iowa City Senior Center provides opportunities for socialization and support, helping local seniors maintain their independence and avoid isolation. Services are available to residents aged 50 and older. ICSC also operates a fitness facility with group exercise classes available weekly.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Iowa City

Iowa City Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Iowa are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Iowa

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Reviewer#as0803

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Legacy Retirement Community

My mother moved into the Legacy Retirement Community. The facility is very nice, they've been having a problem with COVID but it's ok. They seem to use a lot of salt and we've talked about it, and...

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Assisted Living

Reviewer#JM300822a

I visited this facility

Review of Bickford of Iowa City

Bickford of Iowa City was nice. There were people out being entertained by a singer. They were dancing and enjoying themselves. The place was very clean. Everything was very nice and pleasant. They...

Provider response

Hi, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. While it looks like we were able to meet some of your expectations during your visit, it also looks like we have room for improvement. We are...

Read more

Assisted Living

Carolyn

I am/was a resident of this facility

Review of Legacy Retirement Community

We have moved into Legacy Retirement Community. We are pleased with the facility itself. We were in another assisted living prior to this. This was quite a bit cheaper per month for a larger...

Read more

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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