What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview: Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement. Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program. State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options. Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.

How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.

What services do you offer?

Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities Finding and ranking the best nursing homes Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research Senior-focused concierge medicine Senior-focused nutritionist Senior-focused personal training Memory care specialists Custom wheelchairs at all price points. Custom hearing aids Cosmetic skincare + dermatology Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat. Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.

Bickford of Ames | Photos, Reviews, Prices

Overview of Bickford of Ames

Bickford of Ames offers a seamless journey through aging. With a deep commitment to assisted living, their caregivers provide personalized and top-notch services. Their unique approach involves an advanced resident monitoring system, ensuring safety through secure building features, pull cords, and wearable call buttons. Alongside this, they serve high-quality, culinary delights prepared within the community, maintaining exceptional culinary standards.

Their activities are far from ordinary, encouraging community engagement, positive values, and memorable family gatherings. They infuse excitement into daily routines with themed days and foster a sense of belonging through various events. The community also provides essential services like transportation and medication management, making it a pet-friendly haven that truly understands the needs of seniors, offering a home that goes beyond typical assisted living, catering to their unique requirements and preferences.

(515) 686-6915

Managed by Annessa Pruismann

Executive Director

Annessa Pruismann serves as the Executive Director at Bickford of Ames, leading the community with a dedicated team of caregivers committed to exceptional senior care. She plays a key role in ensuring a supportive and compassionate environment for residents and their families.

49-bed community

A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.

27 years in operation

A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.

Walk Score: 45 / 100

Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

51%

Lower than the Iowa average: 75.4%

Occupied beds

25 / 49

Average residents 51 per day

StatusActive

IssuanceMay 3, 2025

ExpirationMay 3, 2027

CountyStory

License NumberS0024

Year Opened03/05/1999

Bickford of Ames is administrated by Annessa Pruismann.

24-Hour Staffing

Email [email protected]

Fax5152689817

Salon Services

Bistro

Outdoor Spaces

Specific ProgramsMontessori Memory Care

Food DescriptionDining room serves restaurant-style meals three times a day.

Meals IncludedYes

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing Options: Studio

Building Type: Single-story

Transportation Services

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Bickford of Ames

Assisted Living

Breakdown by inspection type

9 renewal/recertification inspections
14 complaint investigations
4 incident investigations
1 follow-up inspection

Iowa average: 17 visits/inspections

Iowa average: 0 inspections

Show Inspection Reports

Latest inspection

Date October 23, 2025

Inspection history

Yes

41 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Iowa average: 27 deficiencies

Inspection Report Summary for Bickford of Ames

The most recent inspection on October 23, 2025, found deficiencies related to medication administration, incident reporting, tenant care, staff training, and service plan documentation. Earlier inspections showed a recurring pattern of issues with medication management, nurse delegation and training, incident reporting, and meeting tenants’ individualized care needs. Complaint investigations frequently cited deficiencies involving medication errors, incomplete or untimely service plans, and failure to consistently follow policies and procedures. Enforcement actions included a $1,000 civil penalty in 2012 for retaining a tenant who exceeded the assisted living level of care, and a $500 civil penalty in 2009 for incomplete employee record checks; no fines or license actions were listed in the most recent reports. The inspection history indicates ongoing challenges in medication administration and staff training, with some fluctuations but no clear sustained improvement over time.

Elderly Waiver

Iowa Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Age 65+

General Iowa resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Rural focus; waitlists possible.

Benefits

In-home care (5-7 hours/day) Meals ($6/meal) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($60/day)

Iowa Family Caregiver Support

IA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+

General Iowa resident.

Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Asset Limits Not applicable.

Limited slots; rural emphasis.

Benefits

In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$60/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Iowa Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled

General Iowa resident, Medicare Part A/B.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

Three tiers; no waitlist.

Benefits

Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

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

Iowa PACE

Age 55+

General Iowa resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, Medicaid-eligible

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Limited to western Iowa (e.g., Council Bluffs); expanding slowly.

Benefits

Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy Respite

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Iowa SCSEP

Age 55+

General unemployed, low-income, Iowa resident.

Income Limits (2025) ~$1,983/month 125% FPL

Asset Limits Not specified; income-focused.

Priority for veterans, rural residents.

Benefits

Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour) Job placement

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Iowa VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse

General Iowa resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit

High veteran demand in rural areas.

Benefits

Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Able Up Iowa

Age 65+ or disabled

General Iowa resident, ability to repay loan, need for assistive tech or mods.

Income Limits (2025) No strict limit; must demonstrate repayment capacity.

Asset Limits Not specified; credit-based.

Loans up to $25,000; statewide via Easterseals partnership.

Benefits

Loans for wheelchairs Ramps Walk-in tubs (~$500-$10,000 avg.) Reducing reliance on paid care

2.7 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Ames's city center to Bickford of Ames's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 1.64 miles to nearest hospital (Hy-Vee Clinic Pharmacy)

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Penalty History

Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.

No penalties in the past 3 years

No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.

Compare Assisted Living around Ames

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Bickford of Ames	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.	Ames (Somerset)	49	Yes	45	Studio	27	51.0%	-	28	14	4
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