Page 25 of Best Assisted Living in Iowa

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identified five deficiencies involving medication administration failures, incomplete resident evaluations, and outdated service plans.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 Gardens at Ridgecrest Village

Gardens at Ridgecrest Village is a 30-bed memory care community located at 4126 Northwest Boulevard in Downtown Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. Administered by Krystal Bolser and licensed under Iowa’s Assisted Living Programs for People with Dementia, the facility has operated for 24 years. Walk Score of 90 indicates a walker’s paradise with daily errands achievable on foot. Current occupancy is 40% (12 of 30 beds), significantly below the Iowa state average of 75.4%.

Gardens at Ridgecrest Village provides 24-hour nursing and certified nursing aide staffing with licensed nurses on-site. Services include dementia-specialized care, rehabilitation services, respite care, and chef-prepared daily meals with enrichment activities. The facility’s long operational history and downtown location provide established market presence and neighborhood accessibility.

Over 21 years of inspections (2004–2025), Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing documented 70 total deficiencies, averaging 3.2 per year, 167% above the Iowa state average of 1.2 per year. The facility’s compliance record reflects chronic systemic challenges. Early history (2004–2014) included medication administration errors, missing narcotics (92 unaccounted Tramadol tablets in one incident; 26 in another), elopement incidents from the dementia unit despite electronic monitoring, inadequate staffing and supervision, incomplete background checks revealing a criminal conviction, missing commercial vent hood in the dementia kitchen, and non-functional exit alarms. Multiple civil penalties totaling over $10,000 were assessed across this period ($500 to $4,000 per citation).

Complaint investigations documented unsafe medication practices (staff not sanitizing hands before medication passes), insufficient trained staff, and repeated failures to report dependent adult abuse allegations. A 2015–2020 period showed improvement with zero deficiencies. The May 2023 annual survey cited seven critical deficiencies: medication administration errors and non-prescribed eye drops, inadequate nurse delegation training, incomplete dependent adult abuse training, non-individualized service plans, missing food safety training, and staff lacking dementia-specific education within 30 days of hire. These violations mirror earlier failures in medication management and staff training. The most recent March 2025 recertification found zero deficiencies.

Gardens at Ridgecrest Village presents substantial long-term compliance challenges. The 24-year record shows episodic correction followed by recurrence of medication management, staffing, and training failures. Current low occupancy (40%, well below state average) suggests market awareness of quality concerns. The March 2025 clean inspection provides a recent positive point, but the pattern of improvement-relapse warrants careful evaluation.

Overview of Emery Place

Emery Place is a 106-bed dementia-specific assisted living facility at 901 South Mentzer Road in Robins, Iowa. Administered by Sara Etter, the community serves Linn County under license S0351, which remains active through April 24, 2027. The facility currently operates at 48% occupancy with 51 residents, falling below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Due to a Walk Score of 15, the location is considered car-dependent for daily errands.

Regulatory oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing reveals a history of significant non-compliance. Since 2015, the facility has recorded 53 deficiencies across 17 inspections, averaging 4.8 per year—a rate 96% higher than the Iowa state average. An August 2025 investigation substantiated serious findings, including a resident pelvic fracture resulting from staff failing to use a required gait belt and failures in food safety temperature logging. These incidents follow a 2024 inspection where 10 deficiencies were cited for medication administration errors and insufficient staffing levels.

Care delivery at this 11-year-old operation includes residential housing, medication management, and daily living support. While some historical complaint investigations resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, the broader record indicates recurring themes of inadequate staff training and failure to update resident service plans. A 2023 evaluation identified 18 violations, including reports of staff sleeping on duty and failures to notify authorities of major injuries within required timeframes. Financial assistance options such as the Elderly Waiver, PACE, and VA Aid and Attendance benefits are available for qualifying residents.

The community environment features common areas and a spa room, focusing on both general and memory care populations. Historical data from 2015 highlights foundational security and administrative gaps, such as a tenant elopement and failures to conduct criminal background checks prior to hiring staff. Despite offering specialized dementia programming and respite care, the facility has struggled with consistent emergency response protocols and internal incident documentation over the past decade.

Interested individuals should conduct a meticulous review of the facility’s recent safety records and medication handling practices. It is necessary to confirm that all current staff have completed specialized dementia training and to verify the status of corrective actions regarding the 2025 injury and food safety citations. Prospective residents may contact the administrative office to discuss remediation progress and to ensure the community can meet specific clinical safety standards for 2026.

Beautifully located in the serene setting of Mount Ayr, IA, Maple Ridge is a blissful haven that offers assisted living. With its commitment to improving residents’ welfare, a compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. Residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety with beautifully furnished and secure accommodations.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delicious and healthy dining options are served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with a nurturing and welcoming environment.

Overview of Edencrest at Timberline

Step into a nurturing environment with Edencrest at Timberline, a blissful senior living community in Urbandale, IA, designed to help residents achieve their highest potential. Offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care, the community makes sure its residents successfully age in place. Residents thrive and feel secure in their well-designed accommodations with access to gorgeous outdoor spaces and indoor conveniences.

Dedicated to its residents’ holistic wellness, the community provides various wellness programs and fitness classes. Access to a range of therapy services is available through Fox Rehabilitation, helping residents maintain their overall functions. Fresh, healthy meals are served daily alongside housekeeping and laundry services for a chore-free retirement experience.

Overview of Maple Grove Senior Living

Maple Grove Senior Living is a 30-bed assisted living facility at 1917 South 18th Street in Centerville, Iowa. Administered by Sarah Casper, the community serves Appanoose County under license S0148, which is valid through July 2026. The facility currently reports a census of 17 residents, representing 57% occupancy, which is below the Iowa state average of 75.4%. The location is situated in a central area with a Walk Score of 66, indicating moderate proximity to local services.

Data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlights a record of high regulatory performance. Since 2004, the facility has recorded an annual average of 0.4 deficiencies, a rate 67% lower than the state benchmark. Most recently, the November 2023 recertification resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. This outcome is consistent with a 22-year trajectory of steady improvement, with no fines or formal enforcement actions documented in the community’s history.

Daily clinical services at this 23-year-old campus include medication management, respite care, and skilled nursing rehabilitation supported by 24-hour staffing. Professional support is provided for activities of daily living, including bathing and dressing, with a focus on promoting tenant autonomy and dignity. While historical records from 2011 noted a deficiency related to mental health assessment procedures, more recent state reviews indicate that these foundational documentation and care planning gaps have been resolved.

The residential environment offers apartment layouts including one-bedroom and two-bedroom options, each equipped with a kitchenette and private bathroom. Shared social features include a library, beauty salon, and outdoor spaces for resident engagement. Meals are served family-style and prepared on-site, with accommodations available for residents with specific dietary needs like diabetes.

The community operates alongside the Golden Age Care Center, allowing for shared resources and a broad range of clinical consultations.

Families evaluating Maple Grove Senior Living should ask directly about the transition process for new residents and confirm current staffing levels for specialized nursing needs before making a placement decision.

Overview of Meadowview of Johnston

Meadowview of Johnston is a 106-unit senior living community at 5555 Pioneer Parkway in Johnston, Iowa. Administered under license S0459, the facility serves Polk County and features a unified licensing model that allows residents to transition between independent and assisted living without moving apartments. The five-acre campus is situated near Merle Hay Road and provides specialized memory care alongside general residential services.

Regulatory records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate that this newer facility maintains active certification. In recent evaluations, the community has demonstrated a commitment to state standards, achieving a citations-per-inspection rate of zero during its most recent primary reviews. This performance aligns with its high third-party ratings, including a 9.2/10 score from resident and family satisfaction platforms.

Clinical care is delivered through a continuum model designed to promote resident comfort as health needs change. Staff members are described in family reviews as dedicated advocates who provide compassionate support for both introverted and extroverted residents. The facility features state-of-the-art air filtration in common areas and provides 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living.

The residential environment includes one- and two-bedroom floor plans with generous closet space and in-unit laundry. Common amenities feature a firepit courtyard, restaurant-style dining with chef-inspired meals, and direct access to local walking trails. As a newer construction in a Des Moines suburb, the community focuses on inclusive events and diverse activity programming without a large upfront buy-in requirement.

This campus fits seniors seeking a modern continuum of care where they can age in place within the same apartment. Families evaluating Meadowview of Johnston should ask directly about current occupancy and pricing for the unified licensing model, specifically regarding how care costs adjust as residents transition from independent to assisted living, before making a placement decision.

Set within the area of Panora, IA, Lakeside Village is an idyllic senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community guarantees their much needed independence with the benefit of added care and assistance with their daily living activities. In addition to a personal emergency call system, a round the clock team is available to attend to residents’ needs, concerns, and emergencies, giving them peace of mind and comfort.

Free from the hassles of maintaining their living spaces, residents can fully devote their time to enrichment and enjoyment with an array of activities to engage in. Restaurant style meals are also provided each day to give residents the nutrients and energy they need to stay active. An array of beautiful amenities are offered as well to make residents stay within the community more pleasing and enjoyable.

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.

Overview of Grand Haven Retirement Community Moments

Grand Haven Retirement Community Moments is a 36-bed memory care facility at 201 East Franklin Street in Eldridge, Iowa. Administered by Daniel Collins, the community serves Scott County under an active Iowa Assisted Living Programs for People with Dementia license issued July 27, 2007, and valid through July 28, 2027. The facility is located in a moderately walkable area with a Walk Score of 58, allowing some errands to be completed on foot.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a history of strong regulatory compliance over 18 years of operation. Since 2009, the facility has undergone 23 inspections resulting in eight total deficiencies, a rate of 0.5 per year. This performance is 69% below the Iowa state average. While the December 2024 recertification and the April 2025 complaint investigation both resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero, a July 28, 2025, incident investigation identified one deficiency involving unauthorized access to narcotics by an employee in training.

Professional care is provided in a secure environment designed for dementia support, featuring a 24-hour staffing model and structured dining times. Recent data indicates an occupancy rate of 42%, with 15 of 36 beds filled, which is significantly lower than the Iowa state average of 75.4%. Clinical services focus on promoting resident independence, though historical records from 2013 and 2019 noted past requirements for improvement in individualizing service plans for fall management and updating elopement prevention policies.

The campus environment is established with a long-term operational track record in the Eldridge community. Shared features include dining services provided during set morning, midday, and evening hours. While the facility has corrected foundational policy gaps regarding incident reporting and vehicle safety identified in earlier years, current records do not disclose specific pricing, payment options, or Medicaid participation details.

Prospective representatives should consider the facility’s overall compliance trajectory, noting that the majority of recent inspections have found zero deficiencies. It is recommended to ask the administrator for details on updated medication security protocols following the July 2025 finding and to verify current staffing stability. Individuals can contact the community at (563) 285-4900 or via email to confirm availability and admission requirements for 2026.