Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Overview of Better Living of Walcott

Better Living of Walcott is a 67-bed memory care facility located at 510 N. Main Street in Walcott, Iowa. Administered by Christian Jordan, the community serves Scott County under license S0413, which remains active through August 22, 2027. The facility currently reports 34% occupancy with 23 of 67 beds filled, a figure significantly below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. The location holds a Walk Score of 40, indicating that most errands require a vehicle.

Regulatory oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights a history of persistent compliance challenges. Since 2019, the facility has accumulated 27 deficiencies over five inspections, averaging 5.4 violations per review—a rate 200% above the state average. While no recent inspections resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, a January 2022 recertification identified 16 deficiencies involving medication administration errors, insufficient emergency procedures, and failures in incident reporting. The most recent survey in March 2025 cited three deficiencies regarding incomplete resident evaluations and service plans.

Clinical care is provided through assisted living, memory care, and respite services. A 2022 complaint investigation substantiated four violations, including a failure to ensure 24-hour awake staff coverage in the dementia program and the retention of a bed-bound resident whose needs exceeded the facility’s level of care. Professional support includes private resident rooms and dining facilities, though records show a recurring pattern of staff failing to follow medical orders and neglecting to update service plans after significant changes in resident health.

The physical environment includes bright common areas and dedicated activity spaces intended for personalized support. Historical data from 2020 revealed failures in infection control protocols, while 2019 records noted foundational gaps in incident reporting policies. Despite operating for six years, the community continues to face documented difficulties in completing required admission evaluations and maintaining proper documentation for discharged residents.

Prospective residents should exercise caution given the lack of improvement in the facility’s regulatory record and the low occupancy rate. It is necessary to verify current staffing levels and confirm that 24-hour awake coverage is consistently maintained in the memory care unit. Interested individuals may contact the administrator at (563) 284-4113 to discuss recent remediation efforts and to ensure care standards align with 2026 safety expectations.

Overview of The Summit of Bettendorf Mc

The Summit of Bettendorf Mc is a 32-unit memory care assisted living program at 4699 53rd Avenue in Bettendorf, Iowa. Part of the Wellspire Living community and administered by Monica Reyes, the facility is a dementia-specific program serving Scott County residents with cognitive impairments. The campus provides 24-hour medical monitoring and accepts Medicare, featuring a purpose-built environment that has seen steady growth since its 2022 opening.

State and federal records currently assign the facility a 5-star overall rating, placing it in the highest performance tier available. Between 2022 and 2025, regulatory inspections yielded an average of 3.0 deficiencies per year, which is 32% below the Iowa state average. While an October 2024 renewal survey concluded with zero deficiencies, a March 2025 report identified three citations related to pre-admission evaluations and service plan updates. Historical investigations from 2022 noted two elopement-related incidents that were subsequently resolved through security and training upgrades.

Professional care is delivered under a staffing model that provides 4 hours 41 minutes of daily nursing time per resident, performing 23% above the Iowa average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 54 minutes per resident day, which exceeds the state mean by approximately 22%. Clinical outcomes for short-stay residents are notable, with 59.6% successfully returning to the community and a major injury fall rate 30% better than the state average. However, the rehospitalization rate for the facility is 28.5%, which performs below the Iowa average.

The campus environment provides an upscale residential atmosphere with a state-of-the-art wellness center, a golf simulator, and a rooftop bar. Residents benefit from multiple on-campus dining venues, a professional salon and barbershop, and guest rooms for visiting family members. Shared outdoor amenities include walking paths and firepits, while the clinical model incorporates on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current elopement prevention systems and service plan review processes during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details regarding the corrective actions implemented after the 2025 pre-admission evaluation findings to ensure that current clinical protocols meet the resident’s specific memory care needs.

Overview of Edencrest at Kettlestone

Edencrest at Kettlestone is a 120-bed senior living community at 805 SE Tallgrass Lane in Waukee, Iowa. Managed by Miah Baum and operated by Highmark Senior Living, the facility provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care under license S0485. Current data reports an occupancy of approximately 24% with 29 residents, a level typical for a newer program establishing its presence. While the neighborhood is developing, the location earns a Walk Score of 29, meaning residents generally utilize the facility’s scheduled transportation for local medical and retail needs.

State monitoring records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate a strong initial compliance record. Since opening in 2024, the facility has undergone two major reviews, resulting in an annual deficiency average 96% lower than the state benchmark. A March 2026 survey for the memory care program resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. Earlier documentation in late 2024 identified two administrative findings regarding staff background check procedures, which were promptly addressed with no documented fines or resident care violations.

Clinical care is delivered by a 24-hour on-site team providing medication management, incontinence care, and high-acuity health monitoring. Professional services include specialized dementia care and on-site nursing oversight. Monthly costs for independent living begin at approximately $3,000, while assisted living starts at $4,700 and memory care at $6,200. These fees cover personalized care plans and wellness coordination through partners like Fox Therapy.

The residential environment features modern apartments with kitchenettes and private bathrooms designed for accessibility. Shared amenities include restaurant-style dining with seasonal menus, a full-service salon, and a fitness center. Social engagement is supported through arts and crafts, book clubs, and devotional activities. The community is pet-friendly and includes landscaped outdoor gardens and walking trails.

Individuals seeking a modern, multi-level care campus with integrated wellness programming may find this setting appropriate. Prospective representatives should ask directly about the most recent staff screening audits and confirm current monthly rates for specific apartment layouts before making a placement decision.

Overview of Copperwood at Prairie Trail

Copperwood at Prairie Trail is a 182-bed senior living community at 2855 Southwest Vintage Parkway in Ankeny, Iowa. Administered by Dylan Dyer, the facility serves Polk County under a license valid through May 2026. Current data reports an occupancy of approximately 19% with 34 residents, a level typical for a large-scale program in its first operational year. The property holds a Walk Score of 36, meaning most errands and medical appointments require the community’s transportation services.

Monitoring records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate early administrative challenges for this newer facility. A February 2025 recertification survey identified nine deficiencies—a count 400% higher than the state average per inspection. Findings centered on documentation gaps, including incomplete incident reporting policies, missing occupancy agreements, and delayed tenant service plans. Despite these initial procedural citations, the facility achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for more severe “immediate jeopardy” categories, and no fines or substantiated complaints have been documented.

Clinical care is provided by 24-hour on-site staffing, including licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants. Professional services include medication management, health monitoring, and specialized support within a secured memory care neighborhood. The care model emphasizes wellness-focused support and personalized daily assistance tailored to residents’ routines and preferences. Monthly estimated costs for assisted living in the area start near $5,200, which covers professional oversight and emergency response.

The residential environment features a variety of floor plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. Shared amenities include common lounges, a fitness area, and dining venues that prioritize nutritional wellness. Social engagement is supported through a variety of daily activities and community outings designed to build connections between residents.

Individuals seeking a modern, newly constructed campus with diverse apartment options may find this community appropriate. Prospective representatives should ask directly about the specific steps taken to remediate the February 2025 documentation deficiencies and request a copy of the most recent nurse review log before making a placement decision.

Homesteaders at Holland Farms is an 80-bed senior living community at 2800 Sunset Drive in Norwalk, Iowa. Administered by Blake Dodd, the facility serves Warren County under an active Iowa Assisted Living Programs for People with Dementia license (S0449) issued May 14, 2021, and valid through May 15, 2027. The campus maintains a Walk Score of 70, reflecting a very walkable area where most errands are accessible on foot.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a history of regulatory challenges. Since 2021, the facility has undergone five inspections resulting in 21 total deficiencies, a rate of 5.3 per year. While a 2023 recertification resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, the most recent survey on September 29, 2025, identified 10 critical deficiencies. These findings included the failure of a newly hired RN to complete delegation training before an abrupt resignation, incomplete tenant cognitive evaluations, and a lack of required 90-day nurse reviews for medications and health status.

Professional care is provided through independent living, assisted living, and memory care programs. Recent data shows a current occupancy of 43%, with 34 of 80 beds filled, which is below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Clinical services are coordinated under a 24-hour model, though recent state reports noted failures to follow healthcare orders and document health status assessments at required frequencies.

The campus environment includes an in-house movie theater, a bistro, and walking trails with views of Echo Valley Country Club. Although the facility has received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as Best Assisted Living and Best Memory Care, these honors contrast with recent 2025 regulatory findings regarding staff training and care planning. Apartments are available in various layouts, though specific pricing information is not currently documented in state records.

Prospective residents should prioritize a review of corrective actions taken after the 10 deficiencies identified in late 2025. It is advisable to ask the administrator for direct verification of current nursing staffing levels and the status of dementia-specific staff education. Interested individuals can inquire about remediation progress and admission protocols by contacting the community at (515) 981-1888 for 2026 placement planning.

Overview of Cottage Grove Place – Connections

Cottage Grove Place – Connections is a 36-bed memory care community at 2115 1st Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Administered by Jennifer Snook, the facility serves Linn County under license S0415, which is active through September 10, 2027. The facility currently reports 39% occupancy with 14 of 36 beds filled. Situated in a moderately walkable area, the location holds a Walk Score of 56.

Since 2020, the facility has recorded 21 deficiencies across five inspections, averaging 4.2 violations per review, which is 133% above the per-inspection average. While no recent reviews resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, the September 2025 recertification identified five deficiencies involving medication administration failures, incomplete resident evaluations, and outdated service plans. Additionally, CMS assigns the community a 2-star overall rating, noting health inspection performance 32% below state averages.

Clinical care is delivered through a non-profit model providing independent living, assisted living, and short-term rehabilitation. Although the facility maintains physical therapy levels 150% above the state average, long-stay residents experience pressure ulcers at a rate 102% above average and functional decline 57% worse than state benchmarks. A 2023 investigation substantiated seven violations, including social media confidentiality breaches and failure to meet eight-hour dementia-specific staff training requirements. The census primarily reflects short-term stays, with 40% of new residents utilizing Medicare and 60% paying privately.

The campus environment emphasizes a continuum of care that includes nursing services and chef-prepared meals. Historical records from 2020 and 2021 highlight foundational safety gaps, such as a resident elopement caused by a non-operational door alarm and failures to conduct staff background checks prior to hiring. Despite these challenges, the facility performs well in hospitalization prevention and vaccination compliance, and it has not incurred federal penalties in the past three years. Annual revenue is reported at $20.7 million, with a modest operating deficit of $55.7 thousand.

Prospective representatives should evaluate the community’s recent medication administration accuracy and the functionality of physical safety infrastructure during an on-site visit. It is important to confirm that all personnel have completed mandatory dementia education and to discuss the corrective steps taken regarding the 2025 service plan deficiencies. Families may contact the facility directly to verify current staffing stability and to review specific quality measures as they plan for care in 2026.

Overview of Pennsylvania Place

Pennsylvania Place is a 102-bed senior living community at One Pennsylvania Place in Ottumwa, Iowa. Directed by Brenda Hostetler, the facility serves Wapello County under a license valid through November 2026. The property reports a 32% occupancy rate with 33 residents, which is significantly lower than the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Despite this, the downtown location is highly accessible, earning a Walk Score of 77.

Since 2020, the facility has recorded 11 deficiencies over five inspections, yielding an annual average of 2.2 violations. While the initial certification resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, every subsequent review has cited regulatory issues. A June 2025 investigation identified a two-month delay in updating a service plan for a resident experiencing acute functional decline.

Care delivery at this campus includes a range of options from independent patio homes to specialized memory support. Professional oversight has been repeatedly cited for missing incident reports and a lack of required signatures on service plans across three separate years. In 2022, state monitors also noted unsafe grounds due to deteriorated concrete on the facility premises. Although the community received a “Best of Southern Iowa 2023” award, recent findings suggest persistent challenges in meeting state documentation standards.

The residential environment focuses on an “all-in-one” campus model with 24/7 onsite staff and social programming. Shared amenities include chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, and local transportation to the nearby Ottumwa Regional Health Center. However, the facility’s low census and recent substantiated complaints regarding delayed health evaluations suggest potential strain on operational quality. Management has claimed corrective actions, yet identical documentation failures have persisted into mid-2025.

Prospective representatives should weigh the facility’s excellent walkability against its history of delayed responses to resident health changes. It is recommended to request a review of the current service plan audit procedures and to verify that all required signatures are being obtained on schedule. Individuals can contact the administrative office to discuss specific care coordination protocols and ensure that 2026 safety standards align with their long-term wellness goals.

Overview of Oakwood Place at Ridgecrest Village

Oakwood Place at Ridgecrest Village is a faith-based assisted living facility at 4130 Northwest Boulevard in Davenport, Iowa. Managed by Ridgecrest Village, the community serves Scott County under license S0139, which covers both assisted living and specialized memory care. The broader campus reports a 66% occupancy rate with 91 of 137 units filled, a figure slightly below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. The location includes a full range of continuing care options, including independent living and skilled nursing services.

State monitoring reports for the parent organization indicate a history of significant regulatory challenges. Ridgecrest Village has recorded multiple enforcement actions and a 1-star CMS health inspection rating, with $5,428 in recently imposed fines. While some evaluations have resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, a March 2025 report identified recurring issues with care delivery, including a failure to notify physicians of elevated heart rates and delays in background checks for new staff.

Clinical care at this campus is provided through a multi-level model supported by 24-hour nursing and CNA staff. Recent surveys documented safety concerns, such as the installation of delayed egress doors without fire marshal approval and a two-month delay in treating reported bed bug activity. Additionally, records show that the facility provides approximately 1.2 licensed staff hours per resident per day, which falls below state averages and is reflected in the 1-star staffing rating.

The residential environment features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments equipped with kitchenettes and modern finishes. Common amenities include a chapel with a full-time chaplain, an activity theatre, and a library. Despite receiving local “Best Retirement Community” awards in 2020 and 2021, state monitors have cited the program for unmaintained equipment, including leaking air conditioning units that caused carpet damage in resident rooms.

Prospective representatives should weigh the facility’s extensive campus amenities against the parent organization’s regulatory history. It is advisable to request a direct review of recent assisted living inspection reports and to confirm current nurse-to-resident ratios during an on-site tour. Families may contact the administration to discuss specific corrective actions regarding medication management and to verify that 2026 safety standards meet their long-term expectations.

Overview of Solon Assisted Living Village

Solon Assisted Living Village is a 36-bed retirement community at 623 E. 5th Street in Solon, Iowa. Administered by Melissa Reed, the facility serves Johnson County and operates as part of a campus that has served the local area since 1973. Current occupancy is reported at 47%, with 17 of 36 beds filled. The location is moderately walkable, holding a Walk Score of 54.

Recent oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights a return to high compliance standards. Over the last 16 years, the facility has recorded an annual average of 0.9 deficiencies, which is 47% better than the state average. Most recently, the March 2025 recertification resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. This performance marks a notable correction from 2022, when a survey identified nine deficiencies involving medication administration and resident privacy.

Daily clinical services utilize a multi-level care model that includes independent condos, assisted living, and skilled nursing. While current evaluations are clean, a December 2023 complaint investigation substantiated a violation of tenant rights regarding unauthorized restrictions on visitor access. Professional support is provided by licensed nurses and CNAs, who facilitate transitions between care levels as resident needs change. The campus also provides outpatient therapy and long-term nursing care.

The residential environment is community-owned and provides a setting for seniors to age in place without a corporate parent entity. Shared features include nutrition support, wellness programs, and social activities tailored to a small-town retirement setting. Although the facility has faced a declining occupancy trend in recent years, its long-term operational history in Solon provides a stable foundation for the continuing care model.

Prospective representatives should note the facility’s success in achieving zero deficiencies in its most recent 2025 state review. It is recommended to discuss current visitor policies and medication oversight protocols with the administrator to ensure that previous documentation gaps remain resolved. Interested individuals can contact the administrative office to verify current staffing ratios and to confirm that the community’s personalized care standards meet their 2026 residential goals.