Compare Assisted Living around Fort Madison
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.
| The Kensington in Fort Madison | AL MC RC | Fort Madison | 91
Facility
91
IA AVG
71
Rank
#81 / 406 | No |
61
Facility
61
IA AVG
45
Rank
#145 / 528 | Studio / 1 Bed | 7
Facility
7
IA AVG
19
Rank
#212 / 286 | 44.0% | 6 | 2
Facility
2
IA AVG
7
Rank
#55 / 294 | 1
Facility
1
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#200 / 294 |
| River Valley Place of Fort Madison | AL MC RC | Fort Madison | 70
Facility
70
IA AVG
71
Rank
#156 / 406 | Yes |
0
Facility
0
IA AVG
45
Rank
#514 / 528 | - | 17
Facility
17
IA AVG
19
Rank
#153 / 286 | 37.1% | 20 | 13
Facility
13
IA AVG
7
Rank
#256 / 294 | 0
Facility
0
IA AVG
0.9
Rank
#1 / 294 |
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.
Overview of River Valley Place of Fort Madison
Lisa Elmore administers the daily operations at River Valley Place of Fort Madison, a 70-bed senior living community located at 5025 River Valley Road in Fort Madison, Iowa. Drawing on 17 years of service in Lee County, this facility operates at approximately 37 percent occupancy, housing 26 residents across a care spectrum that covers standard assisted living, short-term respite stays, and specialized dementia care.
The facility structures its long-term enrollment into separate service models, specifically anchoring its cognitive care around the specialized “Better Days” memory care program to manage progressive dementia. The surrounding physical environment is entirely car-dependent, carrying a walkability score of 0 out of 100, which requires staff and visiting relatives to use vehicles for all off-site travel.
Reports managed by Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate an ongoing administrative focus on stabilizing staff levels, executing physician care plans, monitoring resident safety, and standardizing exit-door alarm protocols.
Interested individuals and family caregivers evaluating local senior housing can visit the campus during scheduled weekday touring hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these assisted living communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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
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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.
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.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.
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