Explore Open Rooms
1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.

Best Assisted Living in Fort Madison, IA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Mar 2026

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos

Video Tour: Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Watch this Video to see Fort Madison's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg. Monthly cost: $4,300
National average: $5,600
Monthly cost range: $3,800–$6,400
National average: $3,400 – $8,200
Avg. Staff-to-Resident ratio: 1:6 to 1:15
National average: 1:6

Compare Assisted Living around Fort Madison

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Click column headers to sort
The Kensington in Fort Madison
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Fort Madison
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 74
Rank #91 / 418
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 48
Rank #145 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed
7
Facility 7
IA AVG
Rank #209 / 280
44.0% 621
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

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.

Fort Madison
42
Facility 42
IA AVG 74
Rank #330 / 418
No
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 48
Rank #514 / 528
-
2
Facility 2
IA AVG
Rank #257 / 280
69.0% 25-
River Valley Place of Fort Madison
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.

Fort Madison
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 74
Rank #168 / 418
No
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 48
Rank #514 / 528
-
17
Facility 17
IA AVG
Rank #150 / 280
37.1% 2013-
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison Memory Care
MC
AL
Fort Madison
243
Primrose Path at the Kensington
MC
AL
Fort Madison
2526
Overview of The Kensington in Fort Madison

Nestled in the vibrant community of Fort Madison, IA, the Kensington in Fort Madison is an esteemed senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. A wide array of spacious and cozy accommodations ranging from studio to deluxe studio, one-bedroom, large one-bedroom, deluxe suite, and deluxe one-bedroom are available for its residents. The community is committed to providing a warm an supportive atmosphere for its residents to live a more fulfilling life. In terms of memory care, the community thoughtfully created a memory care neighborhood called Primrose Path catering to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Known for its top-notch amenities and services, residents can enjoy 3 delectable and healthy home-cooked meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and complimentary health care services. Meet new companions in recreational trips and scenic tours with transportation provided. Further self-care efforts by going to an on-site salon. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement with the Kensington in Fort Madison.

What does this home offer?

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Mid-rise

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Contact The Kensington in Fort Madison

Overview of River Valley Place of Fort Madison
River Valley Place of Fort Madison offers assisted living and memory care services. The facility provides compassionate support and personalized living spaces for seniors. Respite care services are also available to support families.

Contact River Valley Place of Fort Madison

Overview of Birkwood Village of Fort Madison
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison offers a range of lifestyle choices including independent living, assisted living, memory support, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, ventilator care, and respite care. The community focuses on the physical and emotional well-being of its residents, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities designed to enhance their quality of life.

Contact Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Fort Madison, IA

What is the average cost of assisted living in Fort Madison, IA?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Fort Madison, IA is approximately $4,300. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for assisted living in Fort Madison, IA?

Assisted living in Fort Madison, IA typically ranges from $3,800–$6,400 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at assisted living facilities in Fort Madison, IA?

Assisted living facilities in Fort Madison, IA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:6 to 1:15.

How many licensed assisted living facilities are there in Fort Madison, IA?

According to state licensing records, there are approximately ~5–7 licensed assisted living facilities in Fort Madison, IA.

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover assisted living?

Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including Iowa) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.