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.

Bickford of Iowa City

Assisted Living in Iowa City

Overview of Bickford of Iowa City

Bickford of Iowa City offers compassionate assisted living services in Iowa City. With a genuine dedication to seniors, their authentic approach shines through in every aspect of care. The community comes alive with a variety of engaging activities, creating an atmosphere that promotes both happiness and well-being. Moreover, their commitment to nursing home quality measures ensures that residents receive the highest standard of care, enhancing their overall experience.

Their homestyle menu offers not only nourishing meals but also a sense of familiarity and comfort. Alongside pet-friendly policies, the community embraces memory care benefits that cater to specific needs. From medication management to dementia programming and registered nurse care coordination, each aspect of care is handled with grace and compassion, creating an environment where residents thrive with dignity and respect.

(319) 600-7211

Managed by Ashley Ballard

Executive Director

Ashley Ballard serves as the Executive Director at Bickford of Iowa City, leading the community with a dedicated team of caregivers committed to providing exceptional care for residents. She plays a key role in ensuring a warm and supportive environment for seniors and their families.

65-bed community

A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.

27 years in operation

A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.

Walk Score: 33 / 100

Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

40%

Lower than the Iowa average: 75.4%

Occupied beds

26 / 65

Average residents 51 per day

StatusActive

IssuanceJanuary 12, 2024

ExpirationJanuary 12, 2026

CountyJohnson

License NumberS0023

Year Opened10/29/1998

Bickford of Iowa City is administrated by Ashley Ballard.

Montessori Memory Care

Email [email protected]

Fax3193516861

Food DescriptionRestaurant-style meals served three times a day.

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Building Type: Two-story

Transportation Services

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Bickford of Iowa City

Assisted Living

Get floorplan photos & videos Schedule a home tour Get detailed pricing Check availability Get brochure

19 visits/inspections triggered by complaints

1 other visits

Breakdown by inspection type

7 renewal/recertification inspections
19 complaint investigations
7 incident investigations
6 follow-up inspections
1 other inspection

Iowa average: 17 visits/inspections

Iowa average: 0 inspections

Show Inspection Reports

Latest inspection

Date October 22, 2025

Inspection history

Yes

112 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Iowa average: 27 deficiencies

Inspection Report Summary for Bickford of Iowa City

The most recent inspection on October 22, 2025, identified deficiencies related to program policies on tenant sexual relationships, discharge notices for tenants with aggressive behaviors, and nursing assessments for pain management. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of regulatory issues involving tenant safety, staffing adequacy, individualized service plans, nurse reviews, and documentation. Several complaint investigations substantiated deficiencies in incident reporting, supervision, and staff training, with some enforcement actions including civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 in past years. No license suspensions or revocations were listed in the available reports. While deficiencies have persisted over time, recent inspections continue to identify similar themes, indicating ongoing challenges in fully meeting regulatory requirements.

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa City

Filter by care type


Legacy Senior Living	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.	Iowa City (Lucas)	136	Yes	23	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	25	52.2%	A+	17	5	3
Bickford of Iowa City	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 (Longfellow)	65	Yes	33	-	27	40.0%	-	40	19	7
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community	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.	Iowa City (Weber)	52	Yes	23	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	24	57.7%	A+	14	7	1
Stirlingshire of Coralville	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. 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.	Coralville (Weber)	40	Yes	4	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	5	50.0%	-	8	4	0
Keystone Place at Forevergreen	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.	North Liberty	40	Yes	8	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	9	52.5%	-	9	2	1

Legacy Senior Living

Type of care: AL IL

Community:Location: Iowa City (Lucas)

Bed Count: 136

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Bickford of Iowa City

Type of care: AL

Community:Location: Iowa City (Longfellow)

Bed Count: 65

Pets Allowed: Yes

Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Type of care: AL IL

Community:Location: Iowa City (Weber)

Bed Count: 52

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Stirlingshire of Coralville

Type of care: AL MC

Community:Location: Coralville (Weber)

Bed Count: 40

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Keystone Place at Forevergreen

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community:Location: North Liberty

Bed Count: 40

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 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

3.4 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Iowa City's city center to Bickford of Iowa City's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 1.48 miles to nearest hospital (Hy-Vee Pharmacy)