Green Hills Retirement Community

Assisted Living in Ames

Green Hills Retirement Community

Assisted Living in Ames

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.

(515) 357-5000

Managed by Erica H.

Administrator

Erica H. serves as the Administrator at Green Hills Retirement Community, providing dedicated leadership to ensure a warm and supportive environment for residents. She works closely with the medical and nursing teams to uphold the community's commitment to quality care and resident well-being.

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 56
Bed community size
56-bed community
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Years in operation
40 years in operation
A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 18 / 100
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
79%
In line with Iowa average
Occupied beds
44 / 56
Average residents 51 per day

License Details

IssuanceJanuary 7, 2025
ExpirationJanuary 7, 2026
CountyStory
License Number850536
CMS Certification Number165577
AwardsGreen Hills has been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2026–2027 by U.S. News & World Report.

Ownership & Operating Entity

Green Hills Retirement Community is administrated by Rachel Ferguson.

Safety & Compliance

Wheelchair Accessible

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

ContactKat Kilbane, Executive Director

Payment & Insurance

1 service
Accept Medicare

Therapy & Rehabilitation

2 services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care

Staffing & Medical

3 services
Nursing Services
Skilled Nursing
24-Hour Staffing

Contact Information

Fax5153575071

Additional Policies & Features

Minimum Age55

Amenities & Lifestyle

5 amenities
Fitness Center
Library
Outdoor Spaces
Salon/Spa Services
Wifi
ActivitiesVarious activities and events available.
Specific ProgramsLife Enrichment, Health & Wellness, Dining, Gallery, Supportive Living, Health Care, Rehabilitation, Events, Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer ProgramsYes
Operating HoursMo 08:00-19:00; Tu 08:00-19:00; We 08:00-19:00; Th 08:00-19:00; Fr 10:00-14:00; Su 08:00-19:00

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionRestaurant-style dining available.
Meals IncludedYes

What does this home offer?

Minimum age icon
Minimum age icon

Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
Room sizes icon

Room Sizes: 536 / 644 / 816 / 1,050 - 1,489 sq. ft

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Mid-rise

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Green Hills Retirement Community

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care

Access & Eligibility

Ways to qualify for care at this community, including accepted programs and payment options.

Medicare Accepted

This facility is certified for eligible Medicare services.

Payment & Funding Options

Medicare

Inspection History

In Iowa, the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducts unannounced health and safety surveys to monitor compliance and protect residents in long-term care settings.

11 visits/inspections Info Inspections are mandatory, regular evaluations conducted by state health departments or regulatory agencies. They ensure the community provides safe, compliant care, covering areas like resident health, staff and management.

2 visits/inspections triggered by complaints

Breakdown by inspection type
  • 6 renewal/recertification inspections
  • 2 complaint investigations
  • 3 incident investigations

Iowa average: 17 visits/inspections

Iowa average: 0 inspections

Latest inspection

Date November 19, 2025

Inspection history

11/19/2025 Complaint
12/05/2024 Recertification Revisit, Incident Revisit
Yes
11/21/2024 Recertification, Incident
11/09/2023 Recertification, Incident
12/19/2022 Recertification Revisit, Complaint Revisit
Yes
11/22/2022 Recertification, Complaint
08/19/2021 Recertification
12/17/2020 FIC
11/21/2020 FIC
09/28/2020 Complaint, FIC
06/25/2020 FIC

8 deficiencies

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

Iowa average: 27 deficiencies

Inspection Report Summary for Green Hills Retirement Community

The most recent inspection on November 19, 2025, found the facility in substantial compliance with no deficiencies cited. Earlier inspections showed a mixed record, including a November 21, 2024 survey that identified deficiencies related to resident dignity during dining, care planning, medication errors resulting in hospitalization, and food handling practices. Complaint investigations were generally unsubstantiated, with the exception of the 2024 incident that led to the cited deficiencies; no fines or enforcement actions were listed in the available reports. Prior complaints were mostly unsubstantiated, and the facility has addressed some issues through performance improvement projects and updated policies. The overall trend suggests improvement since the 2024 deficiencies, with the most recent inspection showing compliance.

Compare Assisted Living around Ames The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Filter by care type
Green Hills 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.

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.

Ames (Hamilton Drive)56Yes 18 1 Bed / 2 Bed40 78.6% -1123
Bickford of Ames
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.

Ames (Somerset)49Yes 45 1 Bed / 2 Bed27 51.0% -28144
Northridge 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.

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).

Ames (Somerset)38Yes 44 1 Bed / 2 Bed10 94.7% A1532
Independence Village of Ames
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.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Ames30No 51 1 Bed / 2 Bed24 100.0% A+21112
Heartwood 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.

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.

Ames-No 36 1 Bed / 2 Bed---000

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Green Hills Retirement Community 1 Bed B
Green Hills Retirement Community 2 Bed B
Green Hills Retirement Community 2 Bed
Green Hills Retirement Community 1 Bed
Green Hills Retirement Community 1 Bed C

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Iowa

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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).
IA

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.
IA

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).
IA

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).
IA

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.
IA

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
IA

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

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.
IA

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

Places of interest near Green Hills Retirement Community

Address 3.1 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Ames's city center to Green Hills Retirement Community's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 2.73 miles to nearest hospital (Mary Greeley Medical Center)

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