Bickford of Iowa City
Assisted Living & Memory Care · Iowa City, IA

Bickford of Iowa City

Assisted Living & Memory Care · Iowa City, IA

Overview of Bickford of Iowa City

Bickford of Iowa City offers compassionate assisted living services in Iowa City. With a genuine dedication to seniors, their authentic approach shines through in every aspect of care. The community comes alive with a variety of engaging activities, creating an atmosphere that promotes both happiness and well-being. Moreover, their commitment to nursing home quality measures ensures that residents receive the highest standard of care, enhancing their overall experience.

Their homestyle menu offers not only nourishing meals but also a sense of familiarity and comfort. Alongside pet-friendly policies, the community embraces memory care benefits that cater to specific needs. From medication management to dementia programming and registered nurse care coordination, each aspect of care is handled with grace and compassion, creating an environment where residents thrive with dignity and respect.

Bed community size
65-bed community Rank #186 / 406Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 186th out of 406 homes in Iowa for bed count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Iowa facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Years in operation
27 years in operation Rank #61 / 286Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 61st out of 286 homes in Iowa for years in operation. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other Iowa facilities. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 33 / 100 Rank #344 / 528Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 344th out of 528 homes in Iowa for walk score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average walk score across Iowa facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
40%
Rank #323 / 379Occupancy rate — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 323rd out of 379 homes in Iowa for occupancy. Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the Iowa average, with its Statewide rank out of 379. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in Iowa that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Lower than the Iowa average: 75.4%
Occupied beds
26 / 65
Average occupied beds in Iowa homes 51 beds

License Details

Facility TypeAssisted Living Programs For People With Dementia
StatusActive
IssuanceOctober 29, 1998
ExpirationDecember 1, 2026
CountyJohnson
License NumberS0023
Year Opened10/29/1998

Ownership & Operating Entity

Bickford of Iowa City is administered by Ashley Ballard.

Additional Services

1 service
Montessori Memory Care

Contact Information

Contact Bickford of Iowa City

Inspection History

In Iowa, the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducts unannounced health and safety surveys to monitor compliance and protect residents in long-term care settings.

Since 2004 · 22 years of data 112 deficiencies 40 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Iowa state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2004 vs. Iowa state average
Overall vs. IA average 2 Worse Metrics worse than Iowa average:
• Total deficiencies (315% above)
• Deficiencies per inspection (56% above)
0 Better No metrics in this bucket.

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 11227 This facility has 315% more total deficiencies than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (112 vs. IA avg 27).↑ 315% worse
Deficiencies per inspection Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 2.81.8 This facility has 56% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (2.8 vs. IA avg 1.8).↑ 56% worse

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all inspections conducted at this facility. 4015 This facility has had 167% more total inspections than the Iowa average (40 vs. IA avg 15). More inspections can mean more regulatory scrutiny rather than worse care.↑ 167% more

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • October 22, 2025 routine inspection cited 3 deficiencies involving tenant sexual relationship policies, discharge notice for aggressive behavior, and nursing pain assessments.
  • July 21, 2025 complaint investigation found failures in incident reporting, staff response, and door alarm policy related to a tenant elopement.
  • Recent inspections show recurring issues with staff training, documentation, tenant supervision, and individualized service plans over multiple years.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Two-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Managed by Ashley Ballard

Executive Director

Places of interest near Bickford of Iowa City

Address 3.4 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Iowa City's city center to Bickford of Iowa City's address, calculated via Google Maps.

Calculate Travel Distance to Bickford of Iowa City

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Address

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa City

Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

FeatherStone at Hickory Hill
AL
MC
Iowa City (Hoover)
170
Facility 170
IA AVG 71
Rank #10 / 406
Yes
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 45
Rank #452 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 286
29.4% -2
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 294
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 294
Legacy Senior Living
AL
IL
Iowa City (Lucas)
136
Facility 136
IA AVG 71
Rank #26 / 406
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #405 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #86 / 286
52.2% A+17
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #146 / 294
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #248 / 294
Oaknoll Retirement Residence
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 406
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #344 / 528
Private Rooms
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 19
Rank #14 / 286
81.4% -12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #55 / 294
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #200 / 294
Bickford of Iowa City
AL
MC
Iowa City (Longfellow)
65
Facility 65
IA AVG 71
Rank #186 / 406
Yes
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #344 / 528
-
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 19
Rank #61 / 286
40.0% -40
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 7
Rank #280 / 294
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #290 / 294
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
AL
IL
Iowa City (Weber)
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 71
Rank #251 / 406
Yes
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #405 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #106 / 286
57.7% A+14
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #186 / 294
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #200 / 294

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Iowa

Bickford of Iowa City is located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Iowa.

Get Financial aid guidance

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).
IA

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.
IA

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).
IA

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).
IA

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

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

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
IA

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

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.
IA

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Bickford of Iowa City

What neighborhood is Bickford of Iowa City in?

Bickford of Iowa City is in the Longfellow neighborhood of Iowa City.

Is Bickford of Iowa City in a walkable area?

Bickford of Iowa City has a walk score of 33. Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

What is the license number of Bickford of Iowa City?

According to IA state health department records, Bickford of Iowa City's license number is S0023.

When does Bickford of Iowa City's license expire?

According to IA state health department records, Bickford of Iowa City's license expires on December 1, 2026.

What is the occupancy rate at Bickford of Iowa City?

Bickford of Iowa City's occupancy is 40%.

How long has Bickford of Iowa City been in business?

Bickford of Iowa City has been operating for approximately 27 years, based on available licensing and registration records.

Are pets allowed at Bickford of Iowa City?

Yes, Bickford of Iowa City allows residents to bring their pets.

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