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Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Apr 2026
We analyzed 7 homes in Iowa

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos

Video Tour: Top-rated senior communities facilities in Iowa.

Watch this Video to see Iowa's Top-rated Senior Communities

Compare Senior Communities around Iowa The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Click column headers to sort
Woodland Terrace
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Waverly
100No--- 87.0% 2510
Eagle Point Health Care Center
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Clinton
75No--30 70.7% 166
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Fort Dodge
65No--- 93.3% 00
Navigate MC at Featherstone at Hickory Trail
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Iowa City (Lemme)
32No--1-00
Journey Senior Services
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Carroll
36No--7 75.0% 42
Homesteaders at Holland Farms
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Norwalk
80No--4 42.5% 53
Hansen House
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Council Bluffs (Kane Township)
54No--15 53.7% 125
Grand Haven Retirement Community Moments
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Eldridge
36No--18 41.7% 2318
Gardens at Ridgecrest Village
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Davenport (Downtown Davenport)
30No--24 40.0% 3426
Emery Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Robins
106No--11 48.1% 1713
Cottage Grove Place – Connections
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Cedar Rapids
36No--6 38.9% 53
Birdee Cottage AL and MC
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Waterloo
33No--4 51.5% 42
Better Living of Walcott
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Walcott
67No--6 34.3% 51
Apple Valley Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Osage
78No--17 65.4% 135
Addington Place of Burlington
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Burlington
100No--17 46.0% 2619
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Overview of The Lindens at Green Hills

At The Lindens at Green Hills, the vision is to provide premier Assisted Living in Ames, Iowa, ensuring residents can continue doing what they love with just the right amount of support. With a specially trained care team, they prioritize individual choice and assist with daily activities like bathing, grooming, and medication management.

Their mission revolves around offering comprehensive services and amenities that empower residents to maintain their lifestyles, fostering dignified independence and comfort.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 536 / 644 / 816 / 1,489 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Contact The Lindens at Green Hills

Overview of Vintage Cooperative of Iowa City

Enjoy the best of your retirement at Vintage Cooperative of Iowa City, a distinct community in Iowa City, IA, offering cooperative living. Featuring thoughtfully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also have a convenient lifestyle with convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

A variety of engaging activities and communal spaces are available, ensuring residents can interact with their surroundings and live actively. Residents enjoy delectable and healthy dining options with friends in the community room with a kitchen and a cafe. Pets are also welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. The community’s vibrant and welcoming environment, alongside state-of-the-art amenities, creates the ideal setting for residents to thrive in their golden years.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 1,417 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 2 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Exercise Programs

Contact Vintage Cooperative of Iowa City

Overview of Slate at Grays Landing

Live a vibrant lifestyle at Slate at Grays Landing, a welcoming 55+ community in Des Moines, IA, offering independent living. The community has cozy and well-thought-out one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

Promoting social interactions, cozy communal spaces, and wellness opportunities are available to keep residents active and well-engaged. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals based on their dietary needs and preferences. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services help residents downsize in retirement without hassles.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 720 - 961 / 1,339 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Swimming Pool

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Parking Available

Contact Slate at Grays Landing

Overview of Independence Village of Ankeny

Independence Village of Ankeny is a senior living community located north of Promenade park. They offer a number of living setups such as independent living, enhanced living, and assisted living with memory care. This senior living community helps residents enjoy their retirement years to the fullest by providing 24 hour care and response services, engagement activities to help stimulate the mind, body, and spirit, as well as round the clock assistance for medication and mobility for residents dealing with memory loss. All of these can be enjoyed in the comfort of their unit of choice, whether it’s studio, one-bedroom, or two bedroom – depending on what would best fit the resident’s needs.

Aside from the usual assisted senior living services, the residents are also encouraged to live as independently as possible, helping them feel more empowered even with age. And if the senior resident would like to keep an animal company, a cat or dog are most welcome to live with them, in the spacious pet-friendly rooms available at Independence Village. Residents are also provided with chef-prepared meals of their choice with consideration to their dietary restrictions, to ensure that they enjoy every meal and still get the nutrition they need. And because a way to keep a youthful energy is to have fun, Independence Village in Ankeny curates activities like movie nights, and manicures and mimosas – ensuring that everyone not only feels young, but also lives a life like one.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 414 / 495 / 600 - 760 / 772 - 932 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 2-story

Contact Independence Village of Ankeny

Overview of Holiday Illahee Hills

Holiday on Illahee Hills is an exceptional senior living community settling in Colby Parkway, Urbandale, IA, that offers independent living. Featuring a wide range of floor plans including studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments, and two-bedroom apartments, the community provides warm and cozy residences. Holiday Illahee Hills ensures a comfortable and safe residence with its round-the-clock care and assistance from a well-trained and dedicated team.

Moreover, the community provides safety rails and wheelchair-accessible spaces for the seniors’ safety within the grounds. The community promotes a warm and friendly environment, conducting activities that encourage seniors to engage and interact. Moreover, Holiday Illahee Hills provides healthy and delicious meals three times daily that can be enjoyed with wonderful conversations at their patio dining. The community is equipped with a gym, a beauty salon, a library, a lounge area, a community center, an activity room, a game room, a scenic patio, a beautiful garden, and serene walking paths for its residents’ entertainment and wellness.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 310 - 475 / 510 - 686 / 910 / 600 - 910 sq. ft.

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / Cottage

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Building Type: 2-story

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Contact Holiday Illahee Hills

Villas at Stoney Point

1818 Stoney Point Rd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Overview of Villas at Stoney Point

Experience a worry-free retirement at Villas at Stoney Point, an astounding community in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering independent living. Dedicated to the comfort of those 55+, the community features cozy and specially designed one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with plenty of convenient apartment features and maintenance services.

Exciting events and engaging programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Continental breakfast is also served daily, ensuring residents start their days with a delightful meal. The community is equipped with a bistro, a movie theater, an arts studio, a heated indoor pool, a physical therapy room, a fitness studio, pickleball courts, a putting green, a fishing pond, and serene walking paths, creating the perfect setting for residents’ recreation and wellness.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Room Sizes: 672 / 763 / 935 / 960 / 1,171 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Contact Villas at Stoney Point

Overview of Walden Place Senior Living

Elevate living experience with Walden Place Senior Living located in Iowa City, IA, offering independent living services. Spacious and cozy accommodations are available for its residents based on their needs. The community is dedicated to promoting a people-focused lifestyle wherein freedom and convenience are always the top priority for its residents to freely choose any care and services they need throughout their stay.

Committed to providing higher quality service and unparalleled care, residents can enjoy the following amenities and services: daily events and entertainment, housekeeping, maintenance, restaurant dining, transportation, and many more. Meet new companions by visiting its beautifully created shared spaces such as the bistro, lounge, and game room. With Walden Place Senior Living, seniors can truly acquire a glorious retirement.

What does this home offer?

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Building Type: 2-story

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Contact Walden Place Senior Living

Overview of Sunny View Care Center

Sunny View Care Center is a resident-centered rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility located in Ankeny, just beside The Suites of Ankeny, an assisted living community. Together these two form a formidable community that focuses on the care and well being of their seniors, disabled, and hospice residents and patients. This nursing community offers a variety of services to its patients such as; skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice care, respite care, dietary care, and outpatient care. These services are provided by dedicated RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to make sure that each patient receives quality care and assistance.

Part of the activities at Sunny View Care Center are ambulation, eating assistance, grooming, and rehabilitative motion exercises. Their current patient capacity is 94 at maximum. For patients with health plans, this facility accommodates Medicare and Medicaid plan holders.

Contact Sunny View Care Center

Overview of Country House at Cedar Rapids

CountryHouse in Cedar Rapids pride themselves on being one of the finest memory care senior living communities available. Their exceptional care team is dedicated to providing personalized care plans that cater to the unique needs of each individual. With a focus on memory care, they understand the importance of specialized services and engaging activities to enhance the lives of their residents.

In addition to their specialized care, they offer a range of engaging activities and therapies designed to stimulate memory and create a sense of fulfillment. Through fun and interactive events, residents always have opportunities to stay engaged and connected. Furthermore, they provide spacious indoor areas that offer upscale dining rooms for delightful meals and access to well-manicured outdoor courtyards where residents can relax, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of nature. They also welcome respite or short-term stays, providing temporary care for individuals who may need additional support. CountryHouse in Cedar Rapids is where cherished memories are made and lives are enriched as one of the finest memory care communities available.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Country House at Cedar Rapids

Overview of Amera Senior Living

Beautifully set in the thriving neighborhood of Sioux City, IA, Amera Senior Living is an exceptional community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community has purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features.

With a variety of exciting events and engaging programs, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Delightful and healthy meals are also available, striving to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: High-rise

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Contact Amera Senior Living

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How Assisted Living Magazine Evaluates & Scores Nursing Homes

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence.
Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest share of every nursing home’s score — 45% of the total weighting — comes from clinical and regulatory indicators, including:

  • Overall, staffing, and inspection ratings
  • Long-stay and short-stay quality measures
  • Nurse-to-resident and staff-to-resident ratios
  • Health deficiencies and regulatory history
  • Accreditations and positive local news reporting

These factors directly reflect resident safety, care quality, and compliance.

Operational Stability & Resident Support

Another 35% of the score comes from operational and stability signals, such as:

  • Nurse hours per patient per day
  • Occupancy levels and cleanliness citations
  • Administrative stability and ownership quality
  • Readmission rates and registered-nurse turnover
Balancing Additional Factors

The remaining 20% of the score includes contextual elements such as:

  • Year built or renovated
  • Penalties, fines, and preventable readmissions
  • Revenue per bed
  • Administrator tenure

These factors help round out the overall picture but carry less weight because our methodology prioritizes clinical outcomes and regulatory consistency above all else.
The result is a clear, data-driven ranking system that elevates nursing homes delivering exceptional care and long-term resident safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

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