Senior Care in Iowa
We list 1,253 senior care providers in 297 Iowa cities and towns. Pick a city to compare them, or send one request and let local senior care providers come to you.
Cities in Iowa
Smaller towns (181)
How to choose a senior care provider
Check the state license first
Assisted living communities, nursing homes, home health agencies and hospices are licensed by the state, usually through the department of health or social services. Look the provider up on the state agency's website and read any recent inspection reports. Nursing homes, home health agencies and hospices that accept Medicare can also be looked up on Medicare's Care Compare tool.
Match the care to the need
Assisted living helps with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and medication reminders, while a nursing home provides around-the-clock skilled nursing. Home health care is medical care ordered by a doctor, and in-home care covers non-medical help like meals and companionship. Ask your loved one's doctor which level of care fits before you start touring.
Get every fee in writing
Ask for the full price list, including the base rate, extra charges for higher levels of care, any community or move-in fee, and what triggers a price increase. For in-home care, ask about minimum hours per visit and rates for nights, weekends and holidays. A good provider will give you a written agreement you can take home and read before signing.
Ask how caregivers are staffed
Ask how many staff are on duty during the day and overnight, and how caregivers are screened, trained and supervised. For in-home care, ask whether caregivers are employees of the agency or independent contractors, since that affects who handles taxes, insurance and backup coverage. Be wary of any provider that will not answer these questions directly.
Visit more than once
Tour in person, and if you can, come back at a different time of day, such as a mealtime or the evening. Notice whether residents seem engaged, whether calls for help are answered promptly, and whether the building is clean and free of odors. Pressure to sign or pay a deposit the same day is a red flag.
What it typically costs
These are typical US price ranges for planning only, and actual costs vary a lot by state, city and the level of care needed.
Location, apartment size and the amount of daily help needed move the monthly rate the most.
Memory care usually costs more than standard assisted living because of extra staffing and secure building features.
Rates rise for nights, weekends, holidays and specialized help such as dementia care, and many agencies require a minimum number of hours per visit.
A private room costs more than a shared one, and prices vary widely from state to state.
Common questions
What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living is for people who need help with daily tasks but do not need constant medical care, while a nursing home provides around-the-clock skilled nursing. Assisted living residents usually have their own apartment and more independence. Nursing homes suit people with serious medical needs or who need help with most daily activities.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
Generally, no. Medicare does not pay for room and board or ongoing personal care in assisted living, though it may cover some medical services a resident receives. Some state Medicaid programs help with assisted living costs for people who qualify, so check with your state Medicaid office.
How do I find senior care near me in your area?
Start with the providers listed on this page for your area, then narrow the list by the type of care your loved one needs. Call two or three providers to ask about availability and pricing, and check each one's license with the state. Visiting in person is the best way to get a feel for a community or agency.
What does hospice care include?
Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for someone with a terminal illness, rather than on curing the illness. It usually includes visits from nurses, aides, social workers and chaplains, along with medications and equipment related to the illness. Most hospice care happens at home, though it can also be provided in a nursing home or assisted living community.
What is the difference between home health care and in-home care?
Home health care is skilled medical care, such as nursing or physical therapy, ordered by a doctor, while in-home care is non-medical help with daily life. In-home care covers things like bathing, meals, light housekeeping and companionship. Medicare may cover home health care for people who qualify, but it generally does not pay for ongoing non-medical in-home care.
How do I check a senior care provider's license?
Look the provider up on your state licensing agency's website, which is usually the department of health or the department of social services. Many states post inspection reports and complaints online. For nursing homes, home health agencies and hospices, you can also search Medicare's Care Compare tool.