Independent Senior Living Communities in Iowa

Independent living communities in Iowa are fine places for older adults who enjoy the added benefit of receiving care as needed but remain mostly autonomous. By encouraging social enrichment, support, and your overall well-being, seniors can lead unique lifestyles in these communities. Each location varies, yet seniors are sure to find a range of amenities and opportunities for recreation. Whether it's a studio apartment or a small cottage, more and more seniors are choosing independent living communities in Iowa than ever before!

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In IOWA

Find Senior Caring Options by County

Cost Comparison of Iowa Independent Living Communities

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Des Moines $1,749 $2,210 $2,025
Davenport $2,050 $3,175 $2,633
Sioux City $1,813 $2,374 $2,173
Dubuque $2,560 $3,499 $2,900

Iowa has 74 independent living communities with the average cost of $2,247 per month.

With each community offering its own unique amenities and services,  costs will vary based on location, size, and the housing options available. In most every Iowa independent living community, you’ll find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers, all included in your monthly payments. It is likely that your community will provide medical services, however, they often come at an additional cost. Here are a few prices found throughout Iowa.

Recreation & Attractions in Iowa

Iowa has so many wonderful attractions to offer residents considering a move to independent living. Residents can enjoy the Iowa State Fair, Grotto of Redemption, Englert Theatre, the Maquoketa Caves State Park, and much more. The Iowa State Fair is one the largest fairs in the country lasting 11 days in August each year, with animal showings, contests, plenty of food, and activities to keep people busy. 

The Grotto of Redemption is a religious shrine that has scenes illustrating the life of Jesus within the grotto. The Englert Theatre hosts all kinds of events, plays, music, comedy shows, dance, lectures, and film showings. The Maquoketa Caves State Park has beautiful trails, rock formations such as natural bridges, waterfalls, and small rivers. In Iowa, the only thing you won't find is boredom!

Iowa's Climate, Geography & Culture

The weather in Iowa has an average temperature of 51 degrees with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures can reach 61 degrees and lows in the 40s. During the winter, temperatures can be  around 30 degrees, with summers in the 80s. The spring and fall are between the 40s-70s. Typically, Iowa receives 25 to 30 inches of snow and 35.67 inches of rainfall annually.

Although it's not mountainous, Iowa has its share of rolling hills and man-made lakes to break up the landscape. Mostly, Iowa is a rural state full of friendly Midwesterners who've made their lives through hard work and agriculture. With the exception of big cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a state with plenty of opportunities to fish, hunt, boat, and just spend quality time outdoors. 

Iowa's Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Iowa’s independent living communities are overseen by the Department of Inspections and Appeals. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Each year there are annual inspections which provide public reports on the quality and state of independent living communities. Within these reports, you'll be able to view whether there were any violations and the steps that were taken to correct them. 

Crime & Safety in Iowa

According to Sperling’s Best Places, on a scale of 1 to 100 for violent crime, Iowa ranks a 40 for property crime and 37 for violent crime. These crime rates are not in the excessively dangerous range and are near the national average. However, Iowa still has forces to combat crime such as the Iowa Crime Prevention Association and the Iowa Crime Prevention unit. The ICPA has annual training conferences to teach people how to prevent and handle crime. They also have safety tips and try to stop crimes such as cyber crimes, crimes on college campuses, bullying, identity theft, and others.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Bloomfield0.002.25
Grundy Center0.363.31
Marendo1.573.94

Payment Options for Independent Living

Since Medicare considers independent living a long-term condition, the program does not cover independent living community costs. Typically, Medicare will only provide coverage for short-term care for temporary conditions. However, veterans can apply for veteran’s benefits as a payment for the independent living costs. A single veteran could receive $1,644 monthly, $1,949 for couples, and with surviving spouses eligible for up to $1,056 a month. Seniors can purchase long-term care insurance as an option to pay for independent living costs and the senior would receive a daily allowance to pay their care. 

Seniors can purchase long-term care insurance as an option to pay for independent living costs, providing daily funds for just about any care option. The drawback is that this insurance can be very expensive if purchased later in life, so many invest in it before care becomes a necessity. 

Many seniors actually pay for their independent out of their own private funds, however, this is not an option for everyone. Luckily, there are programs like Supplemental Security Income which can provide U.S. citizens over 65 with up to $733 a month. To collect this income, you must have a disability, support a dependent, and be without a steady source of income otherwise. 

Finally, it may be useful to consider opening a senior living line of credit which allows up to $50,000 of unsecured credit. This money is paid directly to your independent living community and you are only required to use what is necessary. With flexible repayment options and little or no collateral required, many seniors are choosing this credit option to pay for their care.  

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Iowa

Seniors in independent living are encouraged to remain autonomous in all matters regarding medical care and finances. It's important to remember that even when someone enters a senior living community, their constitutional rights go with them. If you believe a violation of these rights has been made, contact a lawyer familiar with elder law and review the Iowa Office of Long-Term Care's Ombudsman for more details. 

Iowa Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

State and federal HIPAA laws require that all resident records and medical reports of the services provided on community grounds are recorded, maintained, and available to residents upon request. These documents should be kept confidential with residents notified to authorize their disclosure when applicable. Your medical information is sensitive and personal, so never feel pressure to disclose it without the proper precautions and documentation.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.