Cost of Iowa Assisted Living Facilities

The average cost of assisted living in Iowa is $2,200 per month

The range of costs is from $1,300 to $3,600 per month

This data is based on 15 of the larger facilities within the state and may not represent all facilities within the state. Additional fees may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Iowa Assisted Living Information

Iowa defines an assisted living facility as a residential facility that provides 24 hour staff services to three or more residents in a homelike environment. Those services may include IADL’s (instrumental activities of daily living), health-related care and personal care. Additional values include family involvement, tenant self-direction and tenant participation in decisions that focus on choice, privacy and dignity.

Iowa Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

Staff in an assisted living facility may provide assistance with no more than four ADL’s or IADLs and health related care by an LPN or RN cannot exceed 28 hours per week. A home health agency may be used, but the facility is required to meet minimum standards of care.

Iowa Assisted Living Admission Requirements

A resident cannot be admitted if he or she is under 18, requires two or more people to transfer them, is in an acute stage of mental illness, drug addiction, or alcoholism, and needs more than part-time or intermittent care. An exception may be made if the condition needing additional care is self-limiting within 21 days. An introductory assessment must be completed.

Iowa Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

Individual service plans must be developed for each resident at specific intervals.

Iowa Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Tenants may either self-administer their medication, or staff may administer. Under the supervision of an RN, unlicensed staff may administer medication. Every three months, a nurse must evaluate the resident’s medications for adverse affects and confirm the medications are being given in compliance with medication orders.

Iowa Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Single units (minimum of 240 square feet for newer units, 190 for old) may have one resident, and doubles (340 square feet minimum for new buildings, 290 for old) can have no more than two residents. Each unit must have a private bathroom.

Iowa Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

There must be adequate staff available at all times to meet the needs of residents. Assisted living facilities must be overseen by an RN. Administrators and delegating nurses must complete special training related to Iowa laws regarding assisted living facilities. All staff must complete two hours of continuing education a year.

Iowa Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Direct care in an assisted living facility may be covered under the Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) for up to $1117 per month. The State Supplementary Assistance In-Home Health may provide additional funding as needed.

Iowa’s Disclosure Requirements

Iowa law requires that a number of pieces of information be disclosed in writing in the occupancy agreement, including a description of all rates and fees, the procedure for non-payment of fees, appeals process and more.

Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Adult Services Bureau