Melrose Meadows Retirement Community
Assisted Living & Independent Living · Iowa City, IA

Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Assisted Living & Independent Living · Iowa City, IA

Overview of 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.

Managed by RN Jody Thomas

Executive Director

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.

Bed community size
52-bed community
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Years in operation
24 years in operation
A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 23 / 100
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
BBB Rating
BBB Rating: A+ (Accredited)
An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
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About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
58%
Lower than the Iowa average: 75.4%
Occupied beds
30 / 52
Average residents per home in Iowa 51 per day

License Details

StatusActive
IssuanceOctober 23, 2024
ExpirationOctober 23, 2026
CountyJohnson
License NumberS0159
Year Opened10/23/2002

Ownership & Operating Entity

Melrose Meadows Retirement Community is administrated by Jody Thomas.

Staffing

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

Leadership

ContactJody Thomas, Executive Director

Staffing & Medical

1 service
24-Hour Staffing

Contact Information

Fax3192481183

Amenities & Lifestyle

Maintenance-Free Living
Social Opportunities
Delicious Dining Options
Operating HoursMonday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionDelicious dining options available.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
Room sizes icon

Room Sizes: 385 / 526 / 608 - 627 / 771 / 845 sq. ft

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Care cost icon
Care cost icon

Care Cost

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Assisted Living Independent Living

Contact 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.

Since 2003 · 23 years of data 18 deficiencies 14 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info 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
Latest Inspection June 30, 2025

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

MetricThis FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 1827 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 Info Average deficiencies per year since 2003. 0.81.2 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 Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 1.31.8 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 Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

MetricThis FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations. 1415 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 Info 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

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Melrose Meadows Retirement Community 2 Bed
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community 1 Bed B
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community 1 Bed
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community Studio
Melrose Meadows Retirement Community 2 Bed B

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.

Get Financial aid guidance

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

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 Melrose Meadows Retirement Community

Address 2.9 miles from city center Info 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.

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)136Yes 23 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed25 52.2% A+1753
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)65Yes 33 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed27 40.0% -40197
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)52Yes 23 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed24 57.7% A+1471
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)40Yes 4 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed5 50.0% -84-
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 Liberty40Yes 8 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed9 52.5% -921

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

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

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

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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