Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Overview of Arlington Place Oelwein

In Oelwein, Fayette County, Iowa, at 1101 3rd Street SW, Arlington Place Oelwein operates a 70-bed assisted living community administered by Jamie Logan. Established in October 2002, the facility holds an active license for Assisted Living Programs for People with Dementia and provides dementia-specialized residential units, independent living quarters, respite care, and rehabilitation services across its 23-year history. The community does not accept Medicaid or Medicare.

The regulatory record reveals persistent and escalating compliance challenges. Across 16 inspections from 2004 through June 2025, the facility accumulated 42 deficiencies; 56% above Iowa’s assisted living average.

Recent inspections underscore the severity of current operational issues.

In November 2024, a complaint investigation substantiated findings that staff engaged in maltreatment and verbal abuse toward tenants. The same investigation cited seven deficiencies including failure to ensure residents were treated with consideration and dignity, violations of food labeling and storage protocols, incomplete evaluations and service plans, and inadequate nurse reviews.

Six months later, in June 2025, another complaint investigation identified four additional deficiencies: failure to report suspected abuse to authorities in a timely fashion, incomplete incident documentation, insufficient staff training in dependent adult abuse reporting, and inadequate food temperature monitoring during meal preparation and service.

Earlier in the facility’s history, a 2009 complaint investigation substantiated widespread systemic failures in tenant evaluation, service plan development, medications, nurse monitoring, and staffing levels, resulting in a conditional certificate and a $4,500 civil penalty.

The facility’s occupancy stands at 24% (17 of 70 beds), far below Iowa’s 75.4% state average, reflecting minimal local demand.

Arlington Place is oriented toward private-pay residents seeking dementia-specialized assisted living in rural Iowa, with the recognition that recent investigation findings document serious compliance and care quality issues requiring family attention.

Overview of Green Hills Retirement Community

Green Hills Retirement Community offers a vibrant lifestyle designed to support those in their golden years. This sprawling 33-acre property, nestled near Iowa State University, provides an exquisite living experience for individuals aged 55 and above. The community boasts beautifully appointed living spaces, ranging from apartments to townhomes, ensuring residents have a variety of comfortable options to choose from.Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Green Hills offers a plethora of wellness opportunities, engaging activities, and delightful restaurant-style dining experiences, creating a fulfilling environment for its residents.

They provide specialized memory care services, catering to individuals with dementia, alongside independent living options. The community is characterized by a compassionate atmosphere, where residents can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Moreover, Green Hills features a Medicare five-star rated health care center, offering both short-term and long-term services, including comprehensive rehabilitation programs. With all these amenities and services under one roof, Green Hills Retirement Community truly becomes a premier choice for residential assisted living.

Overview of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill

Take in the beauty of Pleasant Hill, IA, with the astounding senior living community of Edencrest at Pleasant Hill, which provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Here, residents are well-cared for, with a kind and highly trained team attending to their needs and aspirations 24/7. Promoting a bright and friendly environment, the community strives to provide a haven where residents are comfortable and well-cared for.

Alongside cozy amenities and pet-friendly spaces, a robust calendar of events and activities is also conducted for residents to make the most out of their days. Delight with delectable and healthy meals for the finest dining experience. Residents create unforgettable moments with the community’s warmth and dedication.

Overview of Edencrest at Green Meadows

Surrounded by lush trees in Johnston, Iowa, Edencrest at Green Meadows is a blissful senior living community that provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care. With top-tier care and support from a kind and highly skilled team around the clock, residents have more time to focus on the things they truly enjoy. The community also works hard to understand the needs and preferences of each resident to create care plans for their health and wellness.

A robust calendar of enjoyable activities and fun events accompanies residents as they learn new things. Here, residents eat well and seek comfort with delicious and healthy home-cooked meals. The community is great for those aiming to create unforgettable moments in their golden years.

Ensconced within the charming ambiance of Iowa City, Legacy Senior Living stands as a pinnacle of retirement living on the east side. This vibrant community offers a harmonious blend of residential assisted living with memory care options, ensuring a holistic and dignified lifestyle for its residents. What sets Legacy Pointe apart is its dedication to continuous learning, exemplified by its specialized memory care training, empowering staff to provide compassionate and professional care to seniors.

The community’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its welcoming of respite stays and its efforts to cater to various dietary needs. The scenic campus boasts a pet-friendly environment, accompanied by splendid common areas, a beauty salon, a cutting-edge computer and media center, and a dynamic fitness hub. Engaging activities in the game room further enhance the sense of camaraderie and fulfillment.

Overview of Hansen House Harlan

Enjoy the finest retirement with the esteemed senior living community of Hansen House Senior Living in Dye Street, Harlan, IA, providing independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community features snug and sophisticated residences with various floor plans, ensuring seniors live comfortably and safely. With a cheerful and reliable team, seniors can rest assured of having fun companions and genuine care in their golden years.

Explore new interests and meet people with diverse backgrounds through carefully planned activities and programs. Here, residents enjoy mealtimes that satisfy dietary needs and tastes with healthy and delicious meals. Hansen House Senior Living is ideal for seniors in need of assistance to live every day without trouble.

Overview of The Kindred House

Peacefully settled in the tranquil area of Ottumwa, IA, The Kindred House is a tight-knit senior living community that offers assisted living and adult day care services. The community is intentionally designed to accommodate only a select number of residents and guests, ensuring focused and attentive care. Residents can choose among beautifully designed studios and one-bedroom apartments with a kitchenette and walk-in shower and easy access to main services and amenities.

The community handles the laundry and housekeeping combined with the convenience of concierge services, ensuring residents are free of tedious chores and worries and have more time for enjoyment and relaxation. Chef-prepared meals that can be enjoyed in the vibrant dining area or delivered to the room are provided to ensure residents never miss out on their daily nourishment. Residents also enjoy access to a heated pool, on-site salon services, and a robust calendar of activities curated to the interests and strengths of the residents. At The Kindred House, they deeply understand the needs and goals of their residents and provide them with the support and services that help them achieve the experiences they desire.

Overview of Sunrise Retirement Community

Welcome to Sunrise Retirement Community, a distinguished assisted living community nestled in Sioux City, Iowa. Sunrise takes great pride in its resident-centered care philosophy, focusing on individual needs and promoting the “freedom of choice” for the beloved residents. The community’s approach aims to create an inviting and less institutionalized environment, allowing residents to experience increased independence, privacy, and flexibility in their daily lives. At Sunrise, the team tailors services to cater to each resident’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring they receive the best possible care that suits them best.

As part of Sunrise Retirement Community’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the residents, the community has embraced the Eden approach, fostering meaningful connections with children, pets, and green spaces, further enriching their daily experiences. The funding sources for Sunrise include Medicare, Medicaid, third-party arrangements, and private payment options, ensuring that compassionate care is provided while addressing residents’ financial considerations. At Sunrise Retirement Community, the staff deeply cares for the residents, establishes meaningful connections every day, leads with boldness, and serves faithfully, creating a nurturing and fulfilling environment for all. 

Overview of Bickford of Davenport

A beautiful senior living community that offers exquisite living options such as for residents of assisted living and memory care. Regardless of what kind of living option you are in, management and staff are guaranteed to provide resort-like accommodations with exceptional hospitality. The cozy home offers an environment where the holistic wellness of seniors is met. Bickford of Davenport strives to provide a comfortable lifestyle of everyday living for its assisted living seniors, making it an ideal place to call a new home. 

An assisted living with memory care community, expect that Bickford’s management promotes independence for its residents while receiving full daily support, housekeeping, transportation, and medication management.

Overview of Maple Crest Manor

Maple Crest Manor, located in scenic Fayette, IA, is a premier provider of skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care services. At this community, a dedicated and skilled team offers a variety of services to meet the needs of their residents, acknowledging that each resident has their individual needs and unique care requirements. The goal at Maple Crest Manor is to provide quality care and an active lifestyle in a home-like environment. This community goes beyond just basic care. Residents can enjoy engaging in a variety of activities like pet therapy, beauty services, and transportation services to make sure residents can attend all needed appointments. This focus on well-being ensures a fulfilling experience for all. Their ultimate goal is to create a comfortable and enriching environment where residents can truly feel at home. At Maple Crest Manor, a true community is built between residents and the devoted staff.