Page 23 of Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 319 assisted living communities in IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in IA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Iowa.
319 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Monthly Cost: $5,500The average monthly cost across facilities in Iowa. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 46/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa

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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Colonial Manors of Columbus Community
AL
IL
NH
Columbus Junction
39
Facility 39
IA AVG 71
Rank #284 / 334
No
45
Facility 45
IA AVG 46
Rank #214 / 424
--
76.9%
Facility 76.9%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #106 / 295
13
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
HallMar Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
Cedar Rapids
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 71
Rank #198 / 334
No
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 46
Rank #414 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
80.0%
Facility 80.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #89 / 295
24
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 7
Rank #191 / 299
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #236 / 299
Windsor Manor Nevada
AL
MC
Nevada
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #129 / 334
No
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 46
Rank #330 / 424
-
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 18
Rank #140 / 258
38.6%
Facility 38.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #265 / 295
7
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #175 / 299
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #274 / 299
Bickford of Iowa City
AL
MC
Iowa City (Longfellow)
65
Facility 65
IA AVG 71
Rank #155 / 334
Yes
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 46
Rank #290 / 424
-
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 18
Rank #46 / 258
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #255 / 295
7
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 7
Rank #285 / 299
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #295 / 299
Whispering Creek Senior Living
AL
IL
MC
Sioux City
110
Facility 110
IA AVG 71
Rank #50 / 334
Yes-Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 18
Rank #137 / 258
-7
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 7
Rank #225 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Community Memorial AL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
West Hartley
32
Facility 32
IA AVG 71
Rank #308 / 334
No
43
Facility 43
IA AVG 46
Rank #228 / 424
-
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 18
Rank #77 / 258
-6
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Chautauqua Guest Home #2 (11th St.)
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Charles City
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 71
Rank #229 / 334
No
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 46
Rank #49 / 424
-
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 18
Rank #7 / 258
82.6%
Facility 82.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #72 / 295
14
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Ruthven Community Care Center
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Ruthven
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 71
Rank #318 / 334
Yes
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 46
Rank #290 / 424
-
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 18
Rank #77 / 258
-14
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
The Village of Ackley
AL
ADC
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ackley
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 71
Rank #286 / 334
No
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 46
Rank #221 / 424
--
84.2%
Facility 84.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #65 / 295
21
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 7
Rank #268 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Edencrest at Timberline
AL
IL
MC
RC
Urbandale
120
Facility 120
IA AVG 71
Rank #34 / 334
Yes--
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 18
Rank #247 / 258
54.2%
Facility 54.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #167 / 295
1
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 319 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Colonial Manors of Columbus Community

Three levels of care fit inside 39 beds at Colonial Manors of Columbus Community in Columbus Junction, Iowa. Independent living is private living with community services attached and no daily care. Assisted living here means extra help with the daily things like getting dressed, bathing, and keeping up with medication. Nursing home care adds licensed nursing support at every hour of the day, so when a resident’s needs increase, they move up in care rather than having to move out.

Out of 39 beds, 30 were filled when the figure was taken. That comes to about 77 percent. In a place this small, the staff know the rhythms of the people they care for. They know who likes coffee at six in the morning and who prefers to skip it.

Nursing time averages 4 hours and 50 minutes per resident each day. Payment can be handled in different ways. Medicare covers short‑term skilled care after a hospital stay. Medicaid helps eligible residents whose savings cannot stretch far enough for a long stay. Private pay works too, with families covering costs directly.

The walk score is 45. That rating counts as somewhat walkable, which means most errands still call for a car or a ride. Sarah Hand serves as administrator.

Contact Colonial Manors of Columbus Community

Overview of HallMar Village

HallMar Village is a one-of-a-kind community in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering independent living. In collaboration with Mercy Medical Center, the community also offers assisted living and memory care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Thoughtfully designed and spacious accommodations are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, so residents can feel at ease during their stay.

With a jam-packed calendar of enriching programs and stimulating activities, residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections. Plenty of delectable and healthy dining options are also provided to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community’s comprehensive services and extensive amenities create the ideal setting for residents to enjoy their golden years without hassles.

Contact HallMar Village

Overview of Windsor Manor Nevada

Located in the heart of Nevada, Iowa, Windsor Manor is a charming senior community offering an array of living options. With 30 thoughtfully designed assisted-living apartments, ranging from one to two bedrooms, residents find comfort in their private spaces equipped with convenient kitchenettes. The community takes pride in its exceptional housekeeping and personal laundry services, ensuring residents can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle. They go the extra mile by providing personalized emergency wireless pendants and round-the-clock assistance, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents.

In addition to its comprehensive services, Windsor Manor boasts a secure memory care area comprising 10 studio apartments, specially designed for individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Families appreciate the peace of mind offered by this secure environment. With scheduled transportation and easy access to highways, the community ensures convenient visits for families. What truly sets Windsor Manor apart is its commitment to offering reasonable assisted living costs, making it an affordable choice for seniors to embrace life to the fullest.

Contact Windsor Manor Nevada

Bickford of Iowa City

3500 Lower West Branch Rd, Iowa City, IA 52245
Overview of Bickford of Iowa City

Bickford of Iowa City provides assisted living and memory care in Iowa City, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily activities such as grooming and medication management, while memory care provides a supervised setting for someone who may be at risk of wandering. The combination may suit a resident whose needs could grow from help with daily tasks to memory-focused care without leaving the community.

The community has 65 beds and is located in the Longfellow neighborhood. Its Montessori Memory Care program gives residents in the memory care setting a named program designed for that level of care. Restaurant-style meals are served three times a day, allowing residents to eat prepared meals on site, and transportation is available for resident travel.

Pets are allowed, so a resident may bring a pet when moving in. A Walk Score of 33 places the area in a car-dependent setting, where most errands require a car or a ride, so residents who no longer drive will need one of those options for most errands. Paige Enlow serves as the administrator, and Ashley Ballard is the director.

Contact Bickford of Iowa City

Overview of Whispering Creek Senior Living

Whispering Creek is a premier senior living community in Sioux City, Iowa, offering a variety of living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, all set in an elegant environment. The dedicated staff at Whispering Creek assists residents with daily living activities, allowing them to focus on their personal lives. With specialized knowledge in memory care services and therapies, the staff ensures residents’ needs are well met. 

Round-the-clock care is available to provide comfort and assistance, and the community boasts comfortable living spaces and a range of amenities. From a fitness center and outdoor courtyard to a spacious, naturally lit sitting area and dining room, there are plenty of convenient and recreational areas for residents to enjoy. Beyond physical well-being, the staff also takes care of intellectual, social, and emotional needs by organizing engaging group activities, fostering an active and vibrant community. Located conveniently close to neighborhood businesses and attractions, residents can easily run errands and attend personal appointments. Their thoughtfully designed campus provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring residents feel right at home.

Contact Whispering Creek Senior Living

Community Memorial AL

233 North 8Th Avenue West, Hartley, IA 51346-1077
Overview of Community Memorial Al

Community Memorial Al provides assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in Hartley, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care around the clock. Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for a resident at risk of wandering.

The community has 32 beds, making it a smaller setting where staff and residents may get to know each other. Its multiple care levels can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community. Community Memorial Al opened in 1994.

On-site rehabilitation services can support recovery without arranging transportation to an outside therapy location, and short-term rehabilitation is available for residents who need rehab for a limited period. A hair salon gives residents access to grooming services on site.

The area has a Walk Score of 43, a car-dependent setting where most errands require a car or a ride, so a resident who no longer drives would need transportation for routine errands. Rosemary Hibbs serves as the administrator, and Kay Wynja is the director.

Contact Community Memorial AL

Overview of Chautauqua Guest Home #2 (11th St.)

Chautauqua Guest Home #2 provides skilled nursing care from its 53-bed property at 602 Eleventh Street in Charles City, Iowa. Managed by administrator Misty Hobert under owner David Ayers, the facility usually runs at about 83 percent occupancy. Families can handle regular bills through private out-of-pocket payments, standard Medicare, or state Medicaid programs. Stays here average around 409 days, which shows the building blends short-term physical rehabilitation for people coming out of the hospital with traditional, extended nursing care.

Residents get an average of 4 hours and 9 minutes of hands-on attention from the floor nursing staff every day. Certified nursing assistants cover the largest share of this time at 2 hours and 58 minutes, while registered nurses add 53 minutes and licensed practical nurses provide 25 minutes of clinical oversight. This team handles daily treatments and medication schedules, while the surrounding neighborhood scores a 77 out of 100 for walkability, making it easy for visiting family members to take care of local errands on foot.

Recent state surveys noted a few areas that needed improvement, specifically regarding food safety protocols and pain medication administration lines, which the management team corrected. Local supervisors use these state reports to update floor routines and keep continuing education programs current for the staff.

Families looking into local care options can call the front desk to check on open room availability, ask about the rehabilitation setup, or schedule a time to look around the facility.

Contact Chautauqua Guest Home #2 (11th St.)

Overview of Ruthven Community Care Center

Ruthven Community Care Center runs a 30-bed nursing and rehabilitation property at 2701 Mitchell Street in Ruthven, Iowa. Operating with a 23-year history in the local region, the facility stands out by running at a 100 percent occupancy level. The business office processes regular statements using private payment options, traditional federal Medicare, and standard state Medicaid paths. Individual stays average roughly 136 days, creating a daily population profile that shifts between short-term physical therapy and permanent skilled nursing placements.

The clinical floor structure delivers an average of 3 hours and 54 minutes of total hands-on nursing attention to each resident daily. Registered nurses cover 28 minutes of this bedside schedule to handle specialized medical oversight, working in tandem with the broader nursing staff to coordinate functional maintenance programs, speech therapy, and post-hospital recovery tracks. This medical team serves a wider community-owned campus that integrates independent living apartments and assisted living services alongside the primary skilled nursing wing, allowing individuals to access multiple care tiers within a single rural property.

Interested individuals can get in touch with the admissions office to double-check waiting list timelines, ask about the independent villa apartments, or schedule an afternoon walkthrough of the campus.

Contact Ruthven Community Care Center

Overview of The Village of Ackley

Owned by Korey Deberg, The Village of Ackley is a nursing home in Iowa. With 38 beds, the smaller community serves residents who need skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. The area has a Walk Score of 44, so the facility is somewhat walkable. Some nearby services are accessible on foot, while most trips require transportation.

The facility focuses on short-term rehabilitation and respite care and also provides ongoing nursing support. Residents stay an average of 360 days, including those recovering from acute health events and those transitioning into longer-term care. The community has an occupancy rate of 84%, with 32 residents living in its 38 beds.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 11 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide 1 hour and 7 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 30 minutes of direct support. This level of staffing provides substantial hands-on assistance for residents. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for arranging care.

Home-cooked meals are an important part of daily life within the community. Residents receive three hearty meals each day because of the facility’s personal approach to care. This style of dining may appeal to residents and families who value a more home-like atmosphere.

Recent state inspections reviewed areas such as abuse and neglect prevention, timely reporting of resident concerns, communication with families regarding health changes, staffing levels, and clinical documentation. Families touring the community should ask about these core operational areas before making a placement decision.

Contact The Village of Ackley

Overview of Edencrest at Timberline

Edencrest at Timberline offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Urbandale, IA. The community has 120 beds. Independent living provides private living without daily care, while assisted living adds help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision, and respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

With several care levels in one community, Edencrest at Timberline may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time and who may be able to move to a different level of care without leaving the community. Starting prices are $2,900 for independent living, $2,900 for assisted living, and $5,600 for memory care, giving families a separate entry point for each care level.

Transportation options and outings give residents ways to participate in activities beyond their apartment, while outdoor gardens and patios provide outdoor areas on the property. A fitness center, health classes, salon, and spa room support exercise, learning, grooming, and spa services without requiring residents to leave for those activities. Pets are allowed, so a resident may bring a pet when moving in.

Geoff Counasse serves as the administrator.

Contact Edencrest at Timberline

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
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Iowa

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.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 319 assisted living facilities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Iowa?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Iowa, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Iowa?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.