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.

LifeChoices at Bethany | Nursing Home in Ames, IA

Overview of Lifechoices at Bethany

Lifechoices at Bethany’s innovative membership model encompasses nursing home and assisted living care, wellness education, coaching, environmental services, and in-home assistance, shaping an unparalleled approach to senior care. As a nonprofit organization, they take pride in elevating seniors’ lives, offering an arrangement where members pay an entrance fee and a monthly membership fee, securing a lifetime of care. Their transparency and compassion shine through in discussions about each member’s unique care needs, creating an environment where older adults can thrive.

From medical services like medication management, home health aides, registered nurses, dietitians, and therapists to non-medical offerings such as engaging social activities, chaplain services, massage therapy, and more, every aspect of seniors’ well-being is meticulously addressed. The inclusion of medical transportation and personal emergency response systems further exemplifies their commitment to holistic care. In this nurturing environment, seniors find not just a community but a dedicated support system.

(515) 460-4161

Walk Score: 82 / 100

Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

Specific ProgramsWellness Education & Coaching, 100% nursing home and assisted living care if needed, Environmental services, In home services

Types of Care at LifeChoices at Bethany

Assisted Living Skilled Nursing Home Care

Compare Nursing Homes around Ames

4 facilities compared · CMS & IA Dept. of Health data · Updated Apr 2026

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Riverside Manor		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 (Iowa Department Of Transportation)	59	74.0%	-2%	4.08				-	-5%	0	0	0.0	0	69	-	45	Mortine, Mark	$6.9M	$3.4M	49.5%	365429
Accura HealthCare of Ames		HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary. 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). 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.	Ames	80	75.1%	0%	3.51				-10%	-18%	1	27	5.4	3	66	-	59	Olson, Eric	$7.5M	$2.9M	38%	165423
LifeChoices at Bethany	-	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. HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary. 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 (Grand Avenue)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0.0	0	-	-	82	-	-	-	-	-
Mary Greeley Medical 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).	Ames (Duff Avenue)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	0	0	0.0	0	-	-	64	-	-	-	-	-

Riverside Manor

Overall Rating:

Type of care: NH

Community: Ames (Iowa Department Of Transportation)

Bed Count: 59

Occupancy: 74.0%

Occupancy vs State Avg: -2%

Nurse hrs per resident/day: 4.1

Health Insp Rating:

Staffing Rating:

QM Rating:

Staffing vs State Avg: -5%

Citations per Inspection: 0.0

Avg Residents/Day: 68.50

Operator: Mortine, Mark

Home Revenue: $6,931,939.00

Payroll Costs: $3,434,175.00

Payroll %: 49.5%

CCN: 365429

Accura HealthCare of Ames

Overall Rating:

Type of care: HC NH RC

Community: Ames

Bed Count: 80

Occupancy: 75.1%

Occupancy vs State Avg: 0%

Nurse hrs per resident/day: 3.5

Health Insp Rating:

Staffing Rating:

QM Rating:

-10%

Staffing vs State Avg: -18%

Number of Fines: 1

Citations: 27

Citations per Inspection: 5.4

Severe Citations: 3

Avg Residents/Day: 66

Operator: Olson, Eric

Home Revenue: $7,530,371.00

Payroll Costs: $2,858,136.00

Payroll %: 38%

CCN: 165423

LifeChoices at Bethany

Type of care: AL HC NH

Community: Ames (Grand Avenue)

Citations per Inspection: 0.0

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Type of care: NH

Community: Ames (Duff Avenue)

Citations per Inspection: 0.0

Nursing Home Explorer

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

1.1 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Ames's city center to LifeChoices at Bethany's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 0.62 miles to nearest hospital (Mary Greeley Medical Center)

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LifeChoices at Bethany

Nursing Home in Ames

Nursing Home in Ames