The 10 Best Nursing Homes in Cedar Rapids, IA for 2023
Known as the City of Five Seasons, Cedar Rapids in eastern Iowa is home to approximately 133,000 residents, over 15% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. There are several hospitals serving the city’s population, including UnityPoint Health, which has a broad range of senior programs, and The Mercy Medical Center. Semiprivate rooms in Cedar Rapids’ nursing homes cost $6,540 per month, on average. According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, this is slightly under the state average and $1,216 below the national median.
As the costliest senior care option, nursing homes provide 24/7 supervision and medical and nonmedical care. Services are tailored to each resident but can include help with medical needs, such as wound care, medication management, therapy services as well as assistance with day-to-day activities, such as bathing and dressing. Older adults who don’t need this level of care might consider less expensive options, such as home care services and assisted living facilities.
This guide covers the cost for nursing home care in Cedar Rapids and compares it with other types of senior care. We’ve also listed some free helpful resources for older adults in the city.
Directory of Nursing Homes in Cedar Rapids, IA
Manorcare Health Services
My grandfather was transferred here and only survived less than 72 hours and their care. CNAs that were on the clock at the time of his death sat back and watched him die. Unfortunately he bled to dea
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My grandfather was transferred here and only survived less than 72 hours and their care. CNAs that were on the clock at the time of his death sat back and watched him die. Unfortunately he bled to death because the nurses would not call 911 like they should have. I wouldn’t even give this place one star. Save your family members life and don’t send them here.
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My grandfather was transferred here and only survived less than 72 hours and their care. CNAs that were on the clock at the time of his death sat back and watched him die. Unfortunately he bled to dea
… (read more)
My grandfather was transferred here and only survived less than 72 hours and their care. CNAs that were on the clock at the time of his death sat back and watched him die. Unfortunately he bled to death because the nurses would not call 911 like they should have. I wouldn’t even give this place one star. Save your family members life and don’t send them here.
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Heritage Specialty Care
My husband was transferred to this facility for rehab after a month long stay at the UIHC. He has been there 3 days. He is completely bed ridden at this time so he needs help with everything. It ha
… (read more)
My husband was transferred to this facility for rehab after a month long stay at the UIHC. He has been there 3 days. He is completely bed ridden at this time so he needs help with everything. It has taken up to 1 hour for anyone to answer his call light. When someone comes to his room to see what he needs, they say they will be back and sometimes never come back. He has had to call the front desk and the intake person directly several times to get help. His first night there he asked for a TV remote, for someone to set up his C-Pap machine (they did not plug it in before they left so he had to call them back), he needed to be repositioned in the bed and have all the pads under him flattened out since they were all bunched up, he was cold and asked for a blanket as all they had on him was a sheet. It was after these calls for help that he was told by a staff member that he needed to stop pushing his light for "trivial things". The evening staff is even worse than the daytime staff. He just laid in his own waste for 1.5 hours before someone finally came to help him. I called the social worker at the UIHC to get him moved. This is ridiculous! If you can’t care for a patient properly, don’t accept them into your facility!
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My husband was transferred to this facility for rehab after a month long stay at the UIHC. He has been there 3 days. He is completely bed ridden at this time so he needs help with everything. It ha
… (read more)
My husband was transferred to this facility for rehab after a month long stay at the UIHC. He has been there 3 days. He is completely bed ridden at this time so he needs help with everything. It has taken up to 1 hour for anyone to answer his call light. When someone comes to his room to see what he needs, they say they will be back and sometimes never come back. He has had to call the front desk and the intake person directly several times to get help. His first night there he asked for a TV remote, for someone to set up his C-Pap machine (they did not plug it in before they left so he had to call them back), he needed to be repositioned in the bed and have all the pads under him flattened out since they were all bunched up, he was cold and asked for a blanket as all they had on him was a sheet. It was after these calls for help that he was told by a staff member that he needed to stop pushing his light for "trivial things". The evening staff is even worse than the daytime staff. He just laid in his own waste for 1.5 hours before someone finally came to help him. I called the social worker at the UIHC to get him moved. This is ridiculous! If you can’t care for a patient properly, don’t accept them into your facility!
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Living Center West
When I go to visit my family member my time is spent dealing with administrative issues, this is very frustrating. When we completed the tour we were told there were phones in the room, upon admittan
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When I go to visit my family member my time is spent dealing with administrative issues, this is very frustrating. When we completed the tour we were told there were phones in the room, upon admittance, there was no phone. When I asked, I was told I needed to provide, did that, no line. When I asked, I was told that I had to set it up with the phone company at an additional expense. Constant issues with the laundry. Family does the laundry, yet they have sent it down and have lost several clothing items. Resident is ignored when stating comments about needed meds, laundry issues, PT and other items. Staff is often very helpful, but I have had issues with follow through to actually tackle the problem. My family member is very glad her stay is only short term.
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When I go to visit my family member my time is spent dealing with administrative issues, this is very frustrating. When we completed the tour we were told there were phones in the room, upon admittan
… (read more)
When I go to visit my family member my time is spent dealing with administrative issues, this is very frustrating. When we completed the tour we were told there were phones in the room, upon admittance, there was no phone. When I asked, I was told I needed to provide, did that, no line. When I asked, I was told that I had to set it up with the phone company at an additional expense. Constant issues with the laundry. Family does the laundry, yet they have sent it down and have lost several clothing items. Resident is ignored when stating comments about needed meds, laundry issues, PT and other items. Staff is often very helpful, but I have had issues with follow through to actually tackle the problem. My family member is very glad her stay is only short term.
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Northbrook Manor Care Center
Under staffed. Not able to handle someone that can’t walk by themselves. Doesn’t respond in a timely manner to a fall alarm (took them 20 minutes). Fell out of bed 3 times. Was told I couldn’t ge
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Under staffed. Not able to handle someone that can’t walk by themselves. Doesn’t respond in a timely manner to a fall alarm (took them 20 minutes). Fell out of bed 3 times. Was told I couldn’t get a refund till Medicare paid for their portion. They didn’t fill out the Medicare forms correctly and was denied. After I hired a lawyer, all of a sudden they re-submitted the medicare claim and was paid and I received the refund. I wouldn’t recommend this place for people that need more care. Furniture is way outdated. Plus they charge you to use it. 5.00 a day! Had a couple good aides that helped alot, but the rest had bad attitudes.
It is sad that our family members have to put up with this kind of care. I could go on and on with all the things that happen there, but hopefully you get the picture.
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Under staffed. Not able to handle someone that can’t walk by themselves. Doesn’t respond in a timely manner to a fall alarm (took them 20 minutes). Fell out of bed 3 times. Was told I couldn’t ge
… (read more)
Under staffed. Not able to handle someone that can’t walk by themselves. Doesn’t respond in a timely manner to a fall alarm (took them 20 minutes). Fell out of bed 3 times. Was told I couldn’t get a refund till Medicare paid for their portion. They didn’t fill out the Medicare forms correctly and was denied. After I hired a lawyer, all of a sudden they re-submitted the medicare claim and was paid and I received the refund. I wouldn’t recommend this place for people that need more care. Furniture is way outdated. Plus they charge you to use it. 5.00 a day! Had a couple good aides that helped alot, but the rest had bad attitudes.
It is sad that our family members have to put up with this kind of care. I could go on and on with all the things that happen there, but hopefully you get the picture.
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Living Center East
The care staff are good
But the administration less so. The social workers don’t know what they are talking about and sometimes give conflicting information. She couldn’t even bother to be the
… (read more)
The care staff are good
But the administration less so. The social workers don’t know what they are talking about and sometimes give conflicting information. She couldn’t even bother to be there for the point of care meeting last week to discuss discharge plans. So she wasn’t there when discussing further care that the facility couldn’t provide.
They basically didn’t tell my grandma the truth and led her to believe staying there would be best. She was convinced to sign a contract paying them money to stay there per day/up front, while not receiving the therapy she should have to continue her care. They didn’t even consult with her next of kin or give us the chance to discuss options with her and determine what we feel is best for her
Last week a plan was out in place to move her to a different facility. She was on board with it, both grandkids, her medical proxy, and her close friends all were on board with the plan. We had the other facility lined up. In one day, the social worker came in and talked her out of going there, so now she’s paying them for a room and no care. They even had her sign it when nobody was around to discuss it or look over the document with her. She’s competent, but she’s fuzzy because she’s also having chemo side effects. So they talked an 89 year old in to signing something without anyone to be her advocate.
Yet somehow, they expect her to get better. The social worker even suggested moving up her orthopedic appt about her hip fracture, as if that would somehow miraculously heal her hip.
They only seem interested in easy money, not what is best for the patients. Comes across like nothing more than preying in a vulnerable old lady.
It is also extremely telling when the social worker can not answer questions about the different levels of care facilities offer, and when pressed, none of the other administrators will even answer the question as to whether there are other facilities in the area that would be more appropriate.
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The care staff are good
But the administration less so. The social workers don’t know what they are talking about and sometimes give conflicting information. She couldn’t even bother to be the
… (read more)
The care staff are good
But the administration less so. The social workers don’t know what they are talking about and sometimes give conflicting information. She couldn’t even bother to be there for the point of care meeting last week to discuss discharge plans. So she wasn’t there when discussing further care that the facility couldn’t provide.
They basically didn’t tell my grandma the truth and led her to believe staying there would be best. She was convinced to sign a contract paying them money to stay there per day/up front, while not receiving the therapy she should have to continue her care. They didn’t even consult with her next of kin or give us the chance to discuss options with her and determine what we feel is best for her
Last week a plan was out in place to move her to a different facility. She was on board with it, both grandkids, her medical proxy, and her close friends all were on board with the plan. We had the other facility lined up. In one day, the social worker came in and talked her out of going there, so now she’s paying them for a room and no care. They even had her sign it when nobody was around to discuss it or look over the document with her. She’s competent, but she’s fuzzy because she’s also having chemo side effects. So they talked an 89 year old in to signing something without anyone to be her advocate.
Yet somehow, they expect her to get better. The social worker even suggested moving up her orthopedic appt about her hip fracture, as if that would somehow miraculously heal her hip.
They only seem interested in easy money, not what is best for the patients. Comes across like nothing more than preying in a vulnerable old lady.
It is also extremely telling when the social worker can not answer questions about the different levels of care facilities offer, and when pressed, none of the other administrators will even answer the question as to whether there are other facilities in the area that would be more appropriate.
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Hiawatha Care Center
Our sister was bedridden when we moved her to Hiawatha Care Center. The staff and employees were awesome and caring. We can’t say enough about the care she received while there. The staff always ke
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Our sister was bedridden when we moved her to Hiawatha Care Center. The staff and employees were awesome and caring. We can’t say enough about the care she received while there. The staff always kept us informed about Nancy’s care.
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Our sister was bedridden when we moved her to Hiawatha Care Center. The staff and employees were awesome and caring. We can’t say enough about the care she received while there. The staff always ke
… (read more)
Our sister was bedridden when we moved her to Hiawatha Care Center. The staff and employees were awesome and caring. We can’t say enough about the care she received while there. The staff always kept us informed about Nancy’s care.
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Silver Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Staff is kind to my friend, and has been keeping his spirits up ever since visits got limited for COVID. The food is good and the people who work there are nice. The rooms are bright, with big windows
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Staff is kind to my friend, and has been keeping his spirits up ever since visits got limited for COVID. The food is good and the people who work there are nice. The rooms are bright, with big windows. Activities are always going on, mostly games and music. Nell the social worker has been great at helping me navigate applying for medicaid, to keep this affordable.
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Staff is kind to my friend, and has been keeping his spirits up ever since visits got limited for COVID. The food is good and the people who work there are nice. The rooms are bright, with big windows
… (read more)
Staff is kind to my friend, and has been keeping his spirits up ever since visits got limited for COVID. The food is good and the people who work there are nice. The rooms are bright, with big windows. Activities are always going on, mostly games and music. Nell the social worker has been great at helping me navigate applying for medicaid, to keep this affordable.
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Wheatland Manor
Wheatland Manor seems nice. The staff seems very competent and cheerful, and are taking good care of people. We were able to visit my father just through a screen. They opened up a window in the dinin
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Wheatland Manor seems nice. The staff seems very competent and cheerful, and are taking good care of people. We were able to visit my father just through a screen. They opened up a window in the dining room, and we sat outside that window and talked to him. Everybody had a mask on. I have not been able to visit him inside. The communication is very good. He said the food is not always his taste.
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Wheatland Manor seems nice. The staff seems very competent and cheerful, and are taking good care of people. We were able to visit my father just through a screen. They opened up a window in the dinin
… (read more)
Wheatland Manor seems nice. The staff seems very competent and cheerful, and are taking good care of people. We were able to visit my father just through a screen. They opened up a window in the dining room, and we sat outside that window and talked to him. Everybody had a mask on. I have not been able to visit him inside. The communication is very good. He said the food is not always his taste.
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Linn Manor Care Center
My dad was in Linn Manor Care Center for rehab. I thought they were good. They worked with Dad really well. Dad said that he liked it there. I could not go inside the building for a visit because of t
… (read more)
My dad was in Linn Manor Care Center for rehab. I thought they were good. They worked with Dad really well. Dad said that he liked it there. I could not go inside the building for a visit because of the COVID, but they did call me with updates on Dad, and how he was doing. I could visit but only at his window, and that was for the first 14 days that he was there. Once he was out of quarantine, we could visit outside on the front patio, but we have to do the distance, and wear a mask. I believe his room was a shared room, but he was the only one in that room at that time. They did have other activities for the residents there. The staff were good; they were great with Dad.
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My dad was in Linn Manor Care Center for rehab. I thought they were good. They worked with Dad really well. Dad said that he liked it there. I could not go inside the building for a visit because of t
… (read more)
My dad was in Linn Manor Care Center for rehab. I thought they were good. They worked with Dad really well. Dad said that he liked it there. I could not go inside the building for a visit because of the COVID, but they did call me with updates on Dad, and how he was doing. I could visit but only at his window, and that was for the first 14 days that he was there. Once he was out of quarantine, we could visit outside on the front patio, but we have to do the distance, and wear a mask. I believe his room was a shared room, but he was the only one in that room at that time. They did have other activities for the residents there. The staff were good; they were great with Dad.
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is a Caring Star Community
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Nursing Home Costs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nursing homes offer both private and semiprivate rooms. In Cedar Rapids, a private room costs $7,467 per month, while a shared room costs $6,540.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities
Cedar Rapids is among the most affordable cities in Iowa for nursing home care. The average price of $6,540 for a semiprivate room is slightly under Iowa’s median cost of $6,570. Seniors in cities such as Waterloo ($7,118), Ames ($7,080) and Des Moines ($7,148) pay $540-$600 more each month for a semiprivate room than they would in Cedar Rapids. In Iowa City, skilled nursing facility care costs less at $6,859 per month, but this is still a few hundred dollars above the corresponding cost in Cedar Rapids.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Moving a senior loved one to a nursing home can be a difficult choice, so it’s worth considering other types of senior care available in Cedar Rapids. At an average monthly price of $1,353, adult day health care is the most affordable option. Families might also consider hiring either a home care or home health care provider, which costs $5,148 per month, on average. Assisted living communities provide less restrictive residential care at an average monthly cost of $4,450, which is about $2,100-$3,000 less than nursing home care.
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
- Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
- Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.
If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.
Free Resources for Seniors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The resources below may allow older adults to delay transitioning to a nursing home, offer advice on financial assistance available in Cedar Rapids and aid seniors and their family members in making the right decisions about long-term care needs.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Senior Health Insurance Information Program | (319) 369-7475 | SHIIP is a statewide program that provides older adults with free, unbiased information about Medicare. Fully trained counselors can help seniors understand their coverage options with Original Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans so they can make informed choices that meet their health care needs. They can also provide assistance with enrollment and understanding Medicare statements. |
| Heritage Area Agency on Aging | (800) 332-5934 | Seniors and their caregivers in Linn County can contact the Heritage Area Agency on Aging for an array of helpful services. Programs managed by Heritage include home-delivered meals for homebound seniors, caregiver support, options counseling and transportation services. |
| Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (866) 236-1430 | This independent state-funded program provides advocacy and support for older adults who either live in or are considering moving to a long-term care facility. Ombudsmen can advise seniors and their caregivers about nursing homes and other care options in their area. They also investigate and help resolve complaints, advise residents about their rights and advocate to ensure that care is provided in accordance with state and national laws. |
| Iowa Legal Aid – Cedar Rapids | (800) 532-1275 | Staff at Iowa Legal Aid’s Cedar Rapids office provides free advice and representation in civil matters to residents aged 60 and over. The nonprofit organization also provides an online resource with information on an array of legal topics relevant to seniors, including public benefits, health and long-term care, credit concerns and consumer rights. |