Page 24 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
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.
Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm
AL
HOS
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Davenport
112
Facility 112
IA AVG 71
Rank #44 / 334
No---
92.9%
Facility 92.9%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #23 / 295
36
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 7
Rank #290 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Fort Madison
42
Facility 42
IA AVG 71
Rank #257 / 334
No--
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 18
Rank #236 / 258
69.0%
Facility 69.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #138 / 295
2
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #150 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Wellington Place
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Decorah
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #141 / 334
No
84
Facility 84
IA AVG 46
Rank #26 / 424
-
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 18
Rank #119 / 258
57.4%
Facility 57.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #161 / 295
10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #59 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Avoca Lodge Assisted Living
AL
Avoca
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
No-Semi-Private / 1 Bed
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 18
Rank #77 / 258
-3
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #125 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (ALP)
AL
IL
MC
NH
Council Bluffs (Kane Township)
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 71
Rank #293 / 334
No--
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 18
Rank #230 / 258
38.9%
Facility 38.9%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #262 / 295
3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Legacy of the Meadows
AL
MC
Dewitt
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 71
Rank #293 / 334
No
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 46
Rank #41 / 424
-
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 18
Rank #247 / 258
-1
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Oak Park Estates AL & Memory Care
AL
HOS
MC
RC
Cedar Falls
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 71
Rank #303 / 334
No
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 46
Rank #45 / 424
-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 18
Rank #201 / 258
-5
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
AL
NH
RC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
108
Facility 108
IA AVG 71
Rank #51 / 334
No
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 46
Rank #2 / 424
-
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 18
Rank #68 / 258
66.7%
Facility 66.7%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #143 / 295
36
17
Facility 17
IA AVG 7
Rank #280 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Addington Place of Des Moines
AL
MC
Des Moines
54
Facility 54
IA AVG 71
Rank #207 / 334
Yes-Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 18
Rank #147 / 258
31.5%
Facility 31.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #279 / 295
8
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 7
Rank #285 / 299
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #205 / 299
Simpson Memorial Home
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Liberty
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 71
Rank #198 / 334
No
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 46
Rank #238 / 424
--
58.2%
Facility 58.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #156 / 295
18
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #274 / 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 Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm

Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm is a nursing home and skilled nursing community in Davenport, IA that also offers assisted living, hospice care, memory care, and respite care. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident lives in an apartment. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, hospice care supports residents with end of life needs, and respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The range of care levels can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving between care levels may not require leaving the community. Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm has 112 beds and opened in 2012. Accommodations include private rooms, semi-private suites, one bedroom apartments, and studio apartments.

Residents can use two courtyards for walking and socializing, along with a pub, bistro, gift shop, and common living areas. Scheduled outings provide planned opportunities to participate in activities away from the residence, while rehabilitation services support residents who need therapy, and daily mass is available in the chapel. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted; total nurse staffing is 4h 5m per resident/day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated per resident, and Kimberly Hufsey serves as the administrator.

Contact Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm

Overview of Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison offers a continuous care setup covering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing at 1701 41st Street in Fort Madison, Iowa. Mark Holtkamp privately owns the 42-bed campus, which operates under the direction of administrator Brenda Graham. The facility currently sits at a 69 percent occupancy rate and accepts payment via private accounts, Medicare, and state Medicaid. Stays here average about 179 days, which splits the daily routine between short-term physical therapy and permanent clinical housing.

Residents receive a daily average of 4 hours and 14 minutes of direct nursing attention, including 33 minutes from registered nurses. A full-time recreation director designs activities, and the kitchen provides made-to-order menus for all three meals. The building features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, alongside dedicated memory care spaces for people with cognitive decline. The rural neighborhood has a walk score of 29, meaning you will need a car for most errands and family visits.

State inspections over the two years since opening have highlighted a few areas for improvement, specifically noting procedural issues with care plans, staffing levels, infection control, and medication management. The facility’s management reviews these reports to retrain employees and update floor practices.

Interested individuals can call the main office to find out about room openings, ask about the made-to-order dining options, or set up a time to see the apartments. The front desk can also cross-reference insurance details to outline how public programs or personal funding cover the monthly rates.

Contact Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Overview of Wellington Place

Wellington Place offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing in Decorah, IA. Independent living means a resident has a private living space with community services but no daily care, while assisted living provides help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Memory care is a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Multiple care levels on one campus may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving between levels does not require leaving the community. The campus also provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, including short term rehabilitation for someone recovering after an illness, injury, or hospital stay. Wellington Place has 68 beds, and Mary Miller serves as the administrator.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families payment routes for covered or privately funded care. Total nurse staffing is 4h 38m per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. With a Walk Score of 84, the area is very walkable, so most errands can be completed on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact Wellington Place

Overview of Avoca Lodge Assisted Living

Peacefully nestled in the harmonious neighborhood of Avoca, IA, Avoca Lodge Assisted Living is a blissful haven that offers assisted living. A compassionate and well-trained team provides top-tier care tailored to residents’ daily living activities around the clock. Purposely built and secure accommodations are provided, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and have fun with a well-thought-out calendar of engaging activities and fun recreational programs. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options. For convenience and safety, medication management is provided. The community is a good option for those seeking exceptional assistance for the finest retirement experience.

Contact Avoca Lodge Assisted Living

Overview of Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (alp)

Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (alp) offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing care in Council Bluffs, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and nursing care provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. With several care levels in one community, Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (alp) may be a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time without requiring a move to another community.

The community has 36 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Chef prepared meals are provided, and the beauty salon and barber shop let residents take care of grooming within the community. Residents can join exercise classes, Bible studies, music, crafts, and game nights, while rehabilitation services are also available. Mike Steinkruger serves as the administrator, and the community is in the Kane Township neighborhood.

Contact Chapters Living of Council Bluffs (ALP)

Overview of Legacy of the Meadows

Legacy of the Meadows is a 36-bed senior living community at 119 East 2nd Street in DeWitt, Iowa. Administered by Gayle Holquist, the facility serves Clinton County under license S0501, which was issued in August 2025 and remains active through August 2027. The property specializes in both general assisted living and personalized memory care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Its downtown location features a Walk Score of 79, providing residents with foot access to local banking, dining, and community services.

Monitoring data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing reflects the community’s status as a newly established provider. To date, the facility has a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, as it has not yet undergone its initial routine state review. This lack of historical data is typical for new licenses, requiring a reliance on direct observation and internal protocols to evaluate current care standards.

Clinical care is delivered through an all-inclusive pricing model that covers medication management and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. Professional support includes licensed nursing and CNA staff who focus on maintaining resident independence while providing health monitoring. The memory care program is designed to offer a secured environment that emphasizes dignity and purpose for those with cognitive impairment.

The residential environment focuses on a small-town, family-like atmosphere with a variety of engaging social activities and wellness programs. Shared amenities include housekeeping, laundry services, and scheduled transportation for physician visits. The community is a certified member of the Iowa Assisted Living Association and accepts both private pay and Medicaid Elderly Waiver arrangements.

Families evaluating Legacy of the Meadows should ask directly about the specific credentials of the memory care leadership team and request a copy of the current staff training curriculum for dementia support before making a placement decision.

Contact Legacy of the Meadows

Overview of Oak Park Estates Al & Memory Care

Oak Park Estates AL & Memory Care is an intimate 16-bedroom assisted living community at 3212 Greenhill Circle in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Co-founded and administered by Michelle Rasbeck, RN, the facility is certified as a dementia-specific program serving Black Hawk County with a focus on personalized, small-scale memory care. The campus emphasizes a home-like environment where residents step directly from private rooms into shared social spaces to encourage interaction and reduce confusion.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing confirms the facility holds an active dementia-specific license through July 2026. While public databases currently show limited historical inspection data, the community reports maintaining a fully secured building with keypad access controlled exclusively by staff to prevent wandering. The 24-hour care model operates with approximately three staff members per shift and a full-time nurse on-site during business hours to oversee clinical needs. All-inclusive monthly rent is reported to start near $4,710, though specific care levels may impact final pricing.

Professional care is guided by a leadership team with 17 years of healthcare experience, focusing on high-acuity memory support and hospice coordination. The facility maintains a staffing model that includes personal care assistants and nurses who utilize a monitoring system to track resident movement within the short, easy-to-navigate hallways. Residents have access to specialized dementia training for all caregivers, alongside medication management and pharmacy services coordinated on-location. Clinical partnerships with Sartori Memorial Hospital and UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital facilitate medical transfers when advanced care becomes necessary.

The campus environment features a professional kitchen led by a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu, focusing on nutritious, home-cooked meals tailored to resident preferences. Common areas are equipped with cable TV and Wi-Fi, while outdoor amenities include fenced walking paths and a backyard designed for residents and their pets. Resident life includes two daily organized activities ranging from music performances to crafting, and the kitchen accommodates various dietary needs such as diabetic, kosher, and low-sodium plans. Scheduled transportation is provided for medical appointments and group outings, while on-site salon services and companion care assist with daily living tasks.

Families and prospective individuals should evaluate the current staff-to-resident ratios and nighttime safety protocols during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the director for specific details on the transition process for new residents and to verify that the all-inclusive fee structure covers the resident’s specific 2026 clinical requirements.

Contact Oak Park Estates AL & Memory Care

Overview of University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Owned by Scott Berger, University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a nursing home in Des Moines, Iowa, that has served residents for 25 years. The 108-bed facility currently houses 72 residents, with an occupancy rate of 67%. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for covering rehabilitation services and ongoing nursing care.

The center focuses on short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. Residents have access to specialized programs for diabetes management, enteral nutrition support, ostomy care, pain management, IV therapy, and tracheotomy care. These services can benefit individuals recovering from surgery, hospitalization, and other health conditions that require ongoing clinical support.

Residents stay an average of 157 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term care. Respite care is also available for families seeking temporary placement options.

Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 37 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide approximately 43 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute about 2 hours and 36 minutes. This level of hands-on support is for residents with significant medical and personal care needs.

The community has a Walk Score of 91. It’s in a highly walkable area of Des Moines, which is convenient for family members and residents. State inspections have tracked the facility’s focus on care quality and compliance for several years. Responses to earlier findings demonstrate the facility’s ongoing commitment to maintaining care standards.

Contact University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overview of Addington Place of Des Moines

Treat yourself to a luxurious retirement with the prestigious senior living community of Addington Place of Des Moines in South East 27th Street, Des Moines, IA, offering assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Featuring cozy and sophisticated studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, the community ensures seniors enjoy a comfortable and secure retirement. Moreover, 24-hour care and assistance allow seniors to flourish and live to their potential.

With mind-stimulating programs and enriching activities, Addington Place of Des Moines ensures residents enhance their cognition and live an active lifestyle. Delight in healthy and delicious meals that satisfy cravings and dietary needs. Addington Place of Des Moines is a pet-friendly community that strives to create a safe place for seniors to spend their golden years doing the things they love.

Contact Addington Place of Des Moines

Overview of Simpson Memorial Home

With a proud history dating back to 1975, Simpson Memorial Home has established itself as a trusted provider of high-quality senior care. It has been a remarkable non-profit residence situated in Wilton, Iowa, offering a diverse range of exceptional care services, including independent living, assisted living places, nursing home facilities, and a specialized dementia unit. Their unwavering commitment to providing a nurturing environment where seniors feel valued and supported sets them apart.
The home goes above and beyond to ensure that disabled adults can enjoy comfortable living, providing accessible spaces and round-the-clock emergency call capabilities. The shared spaces at Simpson Memorial Home are also tastefully decorated, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere for socialization and relaxation. For those seeking independent living, the townhomes offer an unparalleled sense of homeliness, featuring spacious porches and convenient car garages. Additionally, the home provides essential services such as housekeeping, transportation, and delectable dining options.

Contact Simpson Memorial Home

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.