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.

Aura Independent Living | Senior Living in Cedar Rapids, IA

Overview of Aura Independent Living

Live your best years at Aura Independent Living, a blissful retreat in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering independent living. The community has beautifully furnished and cozy one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also enjoy a maintenance-free living with dedicated services that aim to help with their chores.

Encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections, a variety of engaging activities and enriching programs are conducted. Here, residents enjoy delicious and healthy dining options with a restaurant available from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. daily. The community is ideal for those aiming to downsize in retirement, especially with its wide range of amenities and a welcoming environment.

(888) 927-9409

Managed by Christine Cross

Executive Director

Christine Cross serves as the Executive Director at Aura Independent Living, leading the community with a commitment to excellence and resident well-being. She is part of the Aura Team dedicated to providing a warm and supportive environment for all residents.

Walk Score: 61 / 100

Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

About this community

Specific ProgramsLifestyle, Events & Entertainment, Services & Amenities, Pets, Wellness, Restaurant, Community, About, Our Team, Contact, Careers, News

Independent Living - One Bedroom$3,395 per month

Independent Living - Two Bedroom$3,995 per month

Meals IncludedYes

What does this home offer?

Room Sizes: 668 / 826 / 963 sq. ft

Housing Options: 1 Bed

Building Type: Mid-rise

Dining Services

Transportation Services

Housekeeping Services

Social and Recreational Activities

Exercise Programs

Types of Care at Aura Independent Living

Independent Living

Compare Senior Living around Cedar Rapids

Filter by care type


HallMar 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. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Cedar Rapids	55	No	4	1 Bed	80.0%	-	21	7	2
Aura Independent Living	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Cedar Rapids (Noelridge Park)	-	No	61	1 Bed	-	-	0	0	0
Commonwealth Senior Apartments	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Cedar Rapids (Wellington Heights)	-	No	83	1 Bed	-	-	0	0	0
Villas at Stoney Point	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Cedar Rapids	-	No	21	1 Bed	-	-	0	0	0
Vive Senior Apartments	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Cedar Rapids	-	No	1	1 Bed	-	-	0	0	0

HallMar Village

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: Cedar Rapids

Bed Count: 55

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Aura Independent Living

Type of care: IL

Community: Cedar Rapids (Noelridge Park)

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: 1 Bed

Commonwealth Senior Apartments

Type of care: IL

Community: Cedar Rapids (Wellington Heights)

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Villas at Stoney Point

Type of care: IL

Community: Cedar Rapids

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Vive Senior Apartments

Type of care: IL

Community: Cedar Rapids

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

View all Nearby Homes

Elderly Waiver

Iowa Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Age 65+

General Iowa resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Rural focus; waitlists possible.

Benefits

In-home care (5-7 hours/day) Meals ($6/meal) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($60/day)

Iowa Family Caregiver Support

IA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+

General Iowa resident.

Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Asset Limits Not applicable.

Limited slots; rural emphasis.

Benefits

In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$60/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Iowa Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled

General Iowa resident, Medicare Part A/B.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

Three tiers; no waitlist.

Benefits

Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Iowa PACE

Age 55+

General Iowa resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.

Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, Medicaid-eligible

Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

Limited to western Iowa (e.g., Council Bluffs); expanding slowly.

Benefits

Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy Respite

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Iowa SCSEP

Age 55+

General unemployed, low-income, Iowa resident.

Income Limits (2025) ~$1,983/month 125% FPL

Asset Limits Not specified; income-focused.

Priority for veterans, rural residents.

Benefits

Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour) Job placement

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Iowa VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse

General Iowa resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit

High veteran demand in rural areas.

Benefits

Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Able Up Iowa

Age 65+ or disabled

General Iowa resident, ability to repay loan, need for assistive tech or mods.

Income Limits (2025) No strict limit; must demonstrate repayment capacity.

Asset Limits Not specified; credit-based.

Loans up to $25,000; statewide via Easterseals partnership.

Benefits

Loans for wheelchairs Ramps Walk-in tubs (~$500-$10,000 avg.) Reducing reliance on paid care

3.6 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Cedar Rapids's city center to Aura Independent Living's address, calculated via Google Maps.

Quick search

Calculate Travel Distance to Aura Independent Living

Add your location

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Aura Independent Living

Senior Living in Cedar Rapids

Senior Living in Cedar Rapids