Located along the Cedar River, the city of Waterloo is the seat of Black Hawk County in Iowa. Of the 66,941 people who call the city home, 16.1% are seniors aged 65 and above. Seniors in Waterloo can stretch their retirement budget further than in other parts of the state due to the area’s affordable cost of living.
Assisted living offers accommodations and personal care services for seniors who don’t require constant supervision in nursing homes but can’t live independently. These communities provide care in a homelike setting, where seniors can get as much or as little help with daily activities as needed. Assisted living accommodation options range from private rooms to two-bedroom apartments with built-in kitchens. Additionally, most assisted living communities provide residents with a calendar full of recreational activities, such as trips to local amenities and movie nights. In Waterloo, the average assisted living resident pays $4,567 for their care, which is slightly higher than the Iowa average of $4,367.
On this page, we compare the median costs for assisted living in Waterloo with other parts of Iowa and list many helpful resources you can use to get the assistance and care you need.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Iowa. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
As a Waterloo resident, you can expect to budget around $4,567 each month for your care in an assisted living facility. Actual costs will differ from one residential unit to another based on location and amenities.
Older adults in Waterloo spend slightly more for their assisted living care than the average American, who pays $4,500. The city is a couple of hundred dollars more expensive than the state’s average of $4,367.
Assisted living costs in Waterloo are lower than in other Iowa cities, such as Cedar Rapids ($4,748), Des Moines ($4,803) and Ames ($4,655). Facilities in eastern Dubuque charge in a similar price range with Waterloo, albeit slightly lower. The average rate in Davenport of $4,350 is below that of Waterloo, while the lowest price for this type of care is found in Sioux City, at $4,148.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Iowa.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging | (800) 779-8707 | The regional Area Agency on Aging provides older adults with a range of helpful services. Seniors can contact the AAA to help identify local services and plan for their long-term care, including applying for financial benefits. Other services include care management, well-being classes and lifelong learning. |
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (515) 725-3308 or (866) 236-1430 | The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent advocacy service that safeguards assisted living residents. Volunteer ombudsmen can investigate complaints from residents and visit facilities to check that seniors are enjoying care standards in line with state regulations. |
Legal Hotline for Older Iowans | (800) 992-8161 | Created in accordance with the Older Americans Act, the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans is staffed by lawyers and paralegals who can help seniors get the legal aid they need. If you need advice on a civil matter you’re facing, you can call this helpline for pertinent advice, referral and services. |
AmeriCorps Seniors Program | (319) 296-4274 | Hawkeye Community College operates this volunteering program for Waterloo residents aged 55 and above. Senior volunteers are matched with opportunities in the community based on their interests and experience. To participate, older adults need to commit to at least 15 hours each week and meet the income requirements. Benefits of taking part in this program include mileage compensation, meals and a tax-free monthly stipend. |
The Commission of Veteran Affairs and Office | (319) 291-2512 | The county’s Veteran Affairs office provides a range of services to senior veterans and their dependents. Older veterans can get assistance with claiming VA benefits. Additionally, the office can offer emergency financial assistance and information and referral to other helpful resources. |
Waterloo Public Library Services for Seniors | (319) 291-4476 | Senior residents of assisted living facilities can get books from the local library for the community’s book club. The Waterloo Public Library can also assist older residents who need special accommodations such as books with larger fonts for easier reading. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Waterloo area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.