Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
Located in the heart of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community stands as a welcoming haven for seniors seeking assisted living. Offering a range of private senior apartments, this community provides a sanctuary where residents are free from the burdens of upkeep and monotony. With a reputation that shines brightly over the years, Melrose Meadows prides itself on transparency in its fee structure and offers a blend of independent and assisted living facilities.
Its strategic proximity to the University of Iowa hospitals and clinics ensures seamless access to world-class healthcare, supported by a dedicated on-site staff available around the clock. Amidst the vibrant energy of Iowa City, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community thrives as a place where seniors experience a fulfilling and supportive environment. Thoughtfully designed spaces create a sense of warmth and comfort, encouraging residents to embrace life to the fullest.
Jody Thomas, RN, serves as the Executive Director at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community. Recognized as the 2015 Administrator of the Year by the Iowa Assisted Living Association, Jody brings dedicated leadership and a commitment to wellness and quality care for residents.
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About this community
Occupancy
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community is administrated by Jody Thomas.
Staffing
Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed
Room Sizes: 385 / 526 / 608 - 627 / 771 / 845 sq. ft
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Care Cost
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Types of Care at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
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.
Inspection Scorecard
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Iowa state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Since 2003 vs. Iowa state average
Deficiencies
Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.
| Metric | This Facility | IA Average | vs. IA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
| 18 | 27 | This facility has 33% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (18 vs. IA avg 27). Click this badge to view the full Iowa ranking.↓ 33% better |
|
Deficiencies per year
| 0.8 | 1.2 | This facility has 33% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (0.8 vs. IA avg 1.2). Click this badge to view the full Iowa ranking.↓ 33% better |
|
Deficiencies per inspection
| 1.3 | 1.8 | This facility has 28% fewer deficiencies per inspection than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (1.3 vs. IA avg 1.8). Click this badge to view the full Iowa ranking.↓ 28% better |
Inspections
State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.
| Metric | This Facility | IA Average | vs. IA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total inspections
| 14 | 15 | This facility has 7% fewer total inspections than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (14 vs. IA avg 15). Click this badge to view the full Iowa ranking.↓ 7% better |
Inspection Reports Summary
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
The most recent inspection on June 30, 2025, found no deficiencies during the recertification visit for the Assisted Living Program. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of deficiencies primarily related to incomplete or outdated service plans and staff training, including issues with nurse delegated training and individualized tenant care plans. Complaint investigations substantiated concerns about service plan updates and hand hygiene practices, but no fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions were listed in the available reports. Most complaints were unsubstantiated or involved minor documentation issues, and the facility addressed safety concerns such as tenant elopement with additional measures. The inspection history indicates improvement over time, with recent inspections showing no regulatory insufficiencies.
Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.
Show Inspection Reports
Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Iowa
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community is located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Iowa.
Places of interest near Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
2.9 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Iowa City's city center to Melrose Meadows Retirement Community's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 1.84 miles to nearest hospital (University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital)
Calculate Travel Distance to Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
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Compare Assisted Living around Iowa City
The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
| 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 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | 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 | - |
| 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 |
Guides for Better Senior Living
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Frequently Asked Questions about Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
What neighborhood is Melrose Meadows Retirement Community in?
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community is in the Weber neighborhood of Iowa City.
Is Melrose Meadows Retirement Community in a walkable area?
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community has a walk score of 23. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
What is the license number of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community?
According to IA state health department records, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community's license number is S0159.
When does Melrose Meadows Retirement Community's license expire?
According to IA state health department records, Melrose Meadows Retirement Community's license expires on October 23, 2026.
What is the occupancy rate at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community?
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community's occupancy is 58%.
What is the best email address for Melrose Meadows Retirement Community?
The team at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community can be reached at [email protected].
Who is the administrator of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community?
Jody Thomas is the administrator of Melrose Meadows Retirement Community.
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