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Iowa City is designated one of UNESCO’s Cities of Literature due to its vibrant literary history. The city has a higher population of seniors than nationwide averages and is rated one of the most comfortable places to live in the state, thanks to its hot summers and mild winters. Seniors can visit historical sites, such as Plum Grove Historic House and the Old Capitol, which has been turned into a museum. The city has a wide variety of poetry and book festivals and also hosts the Iowa City Jazz Festival and the Iowa Arts Festival.
Assisted living in Iowa City costs an average of $4,106 per month, which is lower than the national average. Retirees can take advantage of a few tax incentives that can help increase affordability.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living in Iowa City costs an average of $4,106 per month, which is higher than the state average of $4,073 and lower than the national average of $4,300. Assisted living prices in nearby states can vary widely, with Missouri averaging $3,000 and Minnesota averaging $4,283. Nebraska has a median monthly assisted living price of $4,188, and neighboring South Dakota averages $3,638.
Assisted living prices in the state can vary, and costs in Iowa City fall close to the average. Nearby Cedar Rapids is more expensive, at $4,450 per month, and Dubuque averages a similar $4,568. The Davenport area is significantly more affordable at $3,478. In the center of the state, Ames has a median assisted living price of $3,723, and capital city Des Moines averages $5,005.
Iowa’s Medicaid program offers an Elderly Waiver that can help cover the cost of care in an assisted living community. Although it cannot be used to pay for room and board. It can be used for services, such as case management, transportation, assistive devices and mental health care. To learn more about this waiver and who is eligible, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Heritage Area Agency on Aging | (319) 398-5559 | This nonprofit provides an array of services to promote the wellness of local seniors, including nutrition counseling, care needs assessments, chronic disease management classes and fall prevention courses. An elder abuse prevention program offers advocacy services, and a door-to-door transportation program helps seniors remain active. |
| Iowa City Senior Center | (319) 356-5220 | Operated by Iowa City, this senior center offers social and educational activities geared toward adults aged 50 and older. Low-impact exercise classes, such as dance and tai chi promote fitness, and volunteer opportunities help older adults stay engaged in the community. Members can also access a health insurance information program and a senior resource center. |
| Cedar Rapids Vet Center | (319) 378-0016 | This federal organization supports service members by providing medical and mental health care. Veterans can access employment training and placement programs and counseling services. Financial aid is available to help cover the costs of housing, health care and education. |
| Iowa Department on Aging | (515) 725-3333 | Older adults can access wellness resources, such as oral health programs, nutrition and fall prevention education and mental health care. Social workers are on-site to provide case management and care options counseling. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman protects seniors in assisted living environments from abuse and neglect. This nonprofit also operates a senior employment program that helps elders and disabled adults find work. |
| Iowa Legal Aid | (319) 351-6570 | This organization provides free assistance with cases related to public benefits, tax issues, disability rights, debt collection and consumer rights. An elder law project offers support for wills and estate planning, and a veterans’ initiative offers specialized help with medical and financial aid issues. Assistance with other civil matters and small claims is also available. |
Assisted living communities in Iowa are overseen by the Department of Inspections and Appeals and must adhere to its standards of care. To learn more about these laws, visit our Assisted Living in Iowa page.
