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.

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Westwood Specialty Care

Westwood Specialty Care is a Nursing Home in Iowa

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Overview of Westwood Specialty Care

Welcome to Westwood Specialty Care, an 85-bed skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long-term care, and hospice care. As a part of Care Initiatives, Iowa’s largest not-for-profit skilled nursing and long-term care provider, Westwood Specialty Care is deeply committed to delivering exceptional care to its residents. Dedicated to providing dignified and customized care for diverse needs, Westwood Specialty Care extends its care to the well-being of families as well.
At Westwood Specialty Care, they welcome Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and are proud to be a contracted provider for the Veterans Affairs Community Nursing Home Program, ensuring that a wide range of seniors can access their compassionate transitional health care services. Their dedication to compassion and excellence has been acknowledged by the American Health Care Association with the 2018 Bronze Award, showcasing their commitment to outstanding care. Experience the warmth and care at Westwood Specialty Care, where they strive to meet the unique needs of every individual they serve.

+1 712-258-0135

What families are saying

The physical and occupational therapy services at the…

The physical and occupational therapy services at the facility are generally well-regarded, with multiple reviews highlighting significant progress and positive outcomes for patients undergoing rehabilitation.

Overall quality of life and resident wellbeing

There is a mixed sentiment regarding staff attitudes and care quality, with some reviews praising the staff's dedication and care, while others criticize improper care and a lack of compassion from certain staff members.

Quality of life Care & staff

Managed by Iden Ramey

Administrator

Iden Ramey serves as the Administrator at Westwood Specialty Care, overseeing the community's operations and ensuring quality care for residents. With a dedicated focus on compassionate leadership, Iden supports the team in delivering personalized services in a warm and professional environment.

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Nurse hours per resident 3.57/day

Overall rating

1/5

Health Inspection

1/5

Staffing

3/5

Quality Measures

2/5

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 85

This home usually has limited availability

Occupancy is moderate, suggesting balanced demand.

92%

TYPE OF STAY

Mix of rehab and long-term care

This home supports both short-term rehab and long-term care, with residents staying for a wide range of durations.

Might be optimal for

Flexible care needs

How we assess these insights Show admissions and discharges

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

44% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 27 days

Private pay

51% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 3 - 4 months

Medicaid

5% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.

Typical stay 4 - 5 years

Finances and operations

Home revenue

$14.0M

Surplus of revenue

$181.5K

Voluntary non-profit home Other

Home revenue

$14,031,304.00

Surplus of revenue

$181,536.00

Payroll costs

$3.7M

26.5% of revenue

Other operating costs

$9.5M

Total costs $13.2M

Comparison Chart

Compare Nursing Homes around Sioux City

Accura HealthCare of Sioux City

SNF

MENNO, TARA

87.3%

$4,792,468.00

$2,562,687.00

53.5%

40.10

4/5

4.9200

4/5

Holy Spirit Retirement Home

SNF

THE DIOCESE OF SIOUX CITY

72.6%

$9,743,485.00

$4,295,086.00

44.1%

62.40

3/5

3.9559

2/5

4/5

5/5

Pioneer Valley Living and Rehab

SNF

HENGGELER, PATRICK

76.3%

$5,611,200.00

$2,215,215.00

39.5%

45.30

1/5

4.2977

1/5

4/5

3/5

Westwood Specialty Care

SNF

JURGENS, MICHAEL

92.0%

$13,986,995.00

$3,720,257.00

26.6%

79.90

1/5

3.5722

1/5

3/5

2/5

Casa de Paz Health Care Center

SNF

Accura HealthCare of Sioux City

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Operator: MENNO, TARA

CCN: 165435

Occupancy: 87.3%

Home Revenue: $4,792,468.00

Payroll Costs: $2,562,687.00

Payroll %: 53.5%

Avg Residents/Day: 40.10

Overall Rating: 4/5

Adj Nurse Hours: 4.9200

Health Insp Rating: 4/5

Staffing Rating: 4/5

QM Rating: 4/5

Holy Spirit Retirement Home

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Operator: THE DIOCESE OF SIOUX CITY

CCN: 165266

Occupancy: 72.6%

Home Revenue: $9,743,485.00

Payroll Costs: $4,295,086.00

Payroll %: 44.1%

Avg Residents/Day: 62.40

Overall Rating: 3/5

Adj Nurse Hours: 3.9559

Health Insp Rating: 2/5

Staffing Rating: 4/5

QM Rating: 5/5

Pioneer Valley Living and Rehab

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Operator: HENGGELER, PATRICK

CCN: 165615

Occupancy: 76.3%

Home Revenue: $5,611,200.00

Payroll Costs: $2,215,215.00

Payroll %: 39.5%

Avg Residents/Day: 45.30

Overall Rating: 1/5

Adj Nurse Hours: 4.2977

Health Insp Rating: 1/5

Staffing Rating: 4/5

QM Rating: 3/5

Number of Fines: 1

Westwood Specialty Care

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Operator: JURGENS, MICHAEL

CCN: 165271

Occupancy: 92.0%

Home Revenue: $13,986,995.00

Payroll Costs: $3,720,257.00

Payroll %: 26.6%

Avg Residents/Day: 79.90

Overall Rating: 1/5

Adj Nurse Hours: 3.5722

Health Insp Rating: 1/5

Staffing Rating: 3/5

QM Rating: 2/5

Number of Fines: 2

Casa de Paz Health Care Center

Type of care: SNF AL

Pets Allowed: No

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

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

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

Claim What’s Yours: Financial Aid for Iowa Seniors

Program

State Program Name

Eligibility

Benefits

Elderly Waiver

Iowa Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Official government program page

General: Age 65+, 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 Specifics: Rural focus; waitlists possible.

Services: 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

General: Caregiver of someone 60+, Iowa resident.
Income Limits: No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits: Not applicable.
IA Specifics: Limited slots; rural emphasis.

Services: 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

Official government program page

General: Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics: Three tiers; no waitlist.

Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Iowa PACE

Official government program page

General: Age 55+, 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 Specifics: Limited to western Iowa (e.g., Council Bluffs); expanding slowly.

Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), medical care, meals, transportation, therapy, respite.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Iowa SCSEP

Official government program page

General: Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, Iowa resident.
Income Limits (2025): ~$1,983/month (125% FPL).
Asset Limits: Not specified; income-focused.
IA Specifics: Priority for veterans, rural residents.

Services: 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

General: Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, 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 Specifics: High veteran demand in rural areas.

Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living).

Able Up Iowa

Official government program page

General: Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics: Loans up to $25,000; statewide via Easterseals partnership.

Services: Loans for wheelchairs, ramps, walk-in tubs (~$500-$10,000 avg.), reducing reliance on paid care.

Claim What’s Yours Financial Aid for Iowa Seniors

Iowa Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Elderly Waiver

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+, 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 Specifics:
Rural focus; waitlists possible.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: In-home care (5-7 hours/day), meals ($6/meal), respite (240 hours/year), adult day care ($60/day).

Official Program Page

IA NFCSP

Iowa Family Caregiver Support

Requirements:

General:
Caregiver of someone 60+, Iowa resident.
Income Limits:
No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits:
Not applicable.
IA Specifics:
Limited slots; rural emphasis.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: In-home respite (4-6 hours/day), adult day care (~$60/day), short-term facility care (up to 5 days).

Iowa Medicare Savings Program

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics:
Three tiers; no waitlist.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month), deductibles ($240/year), copays (~20%).

Official Program Page

Iowa PACE

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Requirements:

General:
Age 55+, 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 Specifics:
Limited to western Iowa (e.g., Council Bluffs); expanding slowly.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Personal care (5-7 hours/day), medical care, meals, transportation, therapy, respite.

Official Program Page

Iowa SCSEP

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Requirements:

General:
Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, Iowa resident.
Income Limits (2025):
~$1,983/month (125% FPL).
Asset Limits:
Not specified; income-focused.
IA Specifics:
Priority for veterans, rural residents.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour), job placement.

Official Program Page

Iowa VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, 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 Specifics:
High veteran demand in rural areas.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living).

Able Up Iowa

Requirements:

General:
Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics:
Loans up to $25,000; statewide via Easterseals partnership.

Benefits without Contact:

Services: Loans for wheelchairs, ramps, walk-in tubs (~$500-$10,000 avg.), reducing reliance on paid care.

Official Program Page

Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Westwood Specialty Care

Westwood Specialty Care is a Nursing Home in Iowa

Westwood Specialty Care is a Nursing Home in Iowa

Westwood Specialty Care

Westwood Specialty Care is a Nursing Home in Iowa

Westwood Specialty Care is a Nursing Home in Iowa

What families are saying

The physical and occupational therapy services at the…

Overall quality of life and resident wellbeing

Managed by Iden Ramey

Quality ratings

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

This home usually has limited availability

Who this home usually serves

Mix of rehab and long-term care

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

Private pay

Medicaid

Finances and operations

Comparison Chart

Guides for Better Senior Living

Eldertainment

Claim What’s Yours: Financial Aid for Iowa Seniors

Claim What’s Yours Financial Aid for Iowa Seniors

Elderly Waiver

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Iowa Family Caregiver Support

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Able Up Iowa

Requirements:

Benefits without Contact:

Contact Us

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

Touring Checklist for Senior Living

Location

Community Spaces and Overall Environment

Services

Staffing

Accommodations

Finances

Other Notes

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