Page 19 of Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Overview of The Willows of Marshalltown

The Willows of Marshalltown houses 48 residents across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units (340–720 square feet) in a two-story building at 2315 Campbell Dr in Marshalltown, Iowa, 4.1 miles from the city center. Administered by Jennifer Stanley and owned by Ben Daniels, the facility has operated since July 2018.

It specializes in assisted living and memory care, serving residents with dementia and cognitive impairment. The community offers on-site transportation, a movie theater, parking, and permits pets.

Occupancy is currently 63 percent (30 beds occupied of 48 licensed), which trails Iowa’s 75.4 percent average.

The neighborhood is car-dependent (Walk Score 1).

The facility’s regulatory record reveals persistent care quality concerns. Eight inspections from December 2018 through May 2025 identified 38 total deficiencies; 41 percent above the state average for assisted living.

The most damaging finding appeared in the May 2025 complaint investigation: a resident suffered a fractured pelvis during a fall because the facility failed to provide adequate care, treatment, and services, including non-functional chair alarms and insufficient staff assistance during the incident.

In September 2024, a complaint-driven recertification inspection documented 11 violations spanning medication administration errors, failure to notify state authorities of major injuries within required timeframes, incomplete tenant evaluations, inability to manage residents who exceeded their care level capacity, and missing nurse documentation and safety protocols.

A December 2022 investigation found service plans were not updated to reflect escalating behavioral medication needs; residents received 57 doses of PRN aggression medication in December alone, up from 5 in August, yet no plan modifications were documented. Only one inspection (July 2020) yielded zero deficiencies.

The overall trajectory shows no sustained improvement.

Overview of Bickford of Ames

Bickford of Ames offers a seamless journey through aging. With a deep commitment to assisted living, their caregivers provide personalized and top-notch services. Their unique approach involves an advanced resident monitoring system, ensuring safety through secure building features, pull cords, and wearable call buttons. Alongside this, they serve high-quality, culinary delights prepared within the community, maintaining exceptional culinary standards.

Their activities are far from ordinary, encouraging community engagement, positive values, and memorable family gatherings. They infuse excitement into daily routines with themed days and foster a sense of belonging through various events. The community also provides essential services like transportation and medication management, making it a pet-friendly haven that truly understands the needs of seniors, offering a home that goes beyond typical assisted living, catering to their unique requirements and preferences.

Overview of Independence Village of Ames

Operated by the StoryPoint Group, Independence Village of Ames is a senior living community in Ames, Iowa, offering assisted living and memory care. The community is located within a few miles of Mary Greeley Medical Center, giving residents and visiting family convenient access to nearby hospital care when needed.

The two-story community has 30 beds and has been serving residents for 25 years. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. The community is currently at full occupancy. The combination of a long operating history and full occupancy reflects an established community with consistent demand.

Residents receive 24-hour supervision along with specialized memory care services. Respite care is available for families who need a short-term care option. Daily life includes chef-prepared meals served in a home-style setting, transportation services, and fitness and recreation programs that encourage residents to stay active and engaged. Sydney Petersen serves as the community’s administrator.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 51, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, while most errands and outings require a car. State inspection history has focused on staff training, resident assessments, care plan documentation, and building safety features such as exit door alarms. More recent complaint investigations found no substantiated issues.

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.

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Davenport

Committed to providing compassionate in-home care for senior residents of Davenport, Iowa, Good Samaritan Society Home Health Care empowers individuals to live fulfilling lives within the comfort of their own homes. Serving Scott, Muscatine, Cedar, and Clinton Counties, their reach extends to a broad range of communities.

Good Samaritan offers a helping hand to those in need of additional support with daily living, medical management, recovering from surgery, illness, accidents, or falls. Their duly licensed team provides a variety of services to meet individual needs, including post-surgical rehabilitation, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, medication management, disease management, wound care, and even telehealth consultations. Integrating clinical expertise with compassionate care, Good Samaritan helps clients regain strength, maintain independence, and age gracefully in their preferred environment.

Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Hospice of Siouxland has proudly served as the premier provider of hospice services since 1981. Their services cater to patients of all age groups, ensuring compassionate support during this crucial time. The dedicated care team is wholeheartedly devoted to providing comfort and care and preserving the dignity of each patient.

Hospice of Siouxland specializes in offering comprehensive care to terminally ill patients and their families. With an unwavering focus on symptom management for patients facing serious illnesses, Hospice of Siouxland delivers high-quality services prioritizing the well-being and quality of life for all those under their care. As a locally-owned, not-for-profit organization, their longstanding commitment to the senior community is a testament to their dedication.

Located in Bettendorf, Iowa, The Fountains Senior Living Community is dedicated to meeting the needs of its residents and ensuring they enjoy their golden years to the fullest. This beautiful community offers a variety of activities, including religious services, dance classes, workout sessions, and game nights. Amenities such as a full-service restaurant-style dining room, fitness center, ice cream parlor, lounge, and chapel contribute to a vibrant and engaging lifestyle. 

Their independent living suites feature full kitchens, private bathrooms, and convenient amenities like walk-in closets, Internet access, and in-unit washers and dryers. Assisted living apartments provide additional support with meals and housekeeping. The community also offers specialized memory care and Alzheimer’s care in a secure and pet-friendly environment. At The Fountains, residents can truly feel at home and enjoy an enriching and comfortable lifestyle with access to engaging activities, convenient amenities, and personalized care.

Nestled in the charming city of Bettendorf, Iowa, Holiday Palmer Hills is a vibrant and active independent senior living community. With a focus on creating a welcoming environment, residents at Holiday Palmer Hills have the opportunity to forge new friendships, pursue their interests, and rediscover themselves during their retirement years.

This community offers a range of senior living amenities that are designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. From comfortable and inviting spaces to beautifully landscaped grounds, residents can immerse themselves in a serene and enjoyable environment. Planned events and activities cater to various interests, ensuring that there is always something exciting to engage in. Additionally, residents can indulge in delicious dining options and benefit from supportive senior living services that prioritize their well-being and comfort. At Holiday Palmer Hills, retirement becomes a pleasurable and fulfilling experience.

Overview of Applewood IV Senior Apartments

Make the most of your best years at Applewood IV Senior Apartments, a distinct community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. Residents can ease their worries with beautifully furnished and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, designed for their comfort. The community also helps with maintenance and provides laundry spaces, so residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live an active and vibrant lifestyle. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. Public transportation is also available nearby, providing residents with convenient travel access. Residents can keep their peace of mind amidst the community’s warm and inviting environment.

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.