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How Many Assisted Living Facilities Are in Iowa?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Iowa is home to approximately 420 assisted living facilities. While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number of assisted living communities at any given time, this number reflects a wide range of assisted living options for seniors who need some help with their personal care but wish to maintain their independence and an active lifestyle.
Services in Assisted Living Communities
Most assisted living communities offer a set of basic services and various levels of care according to residents’ needs. The lowest level of care packages usually includes help with daily living activities (such as personal hygiene) and medication. From there, higher levels may add mobility aid, more time for personal care, assistance with incontinence and management of chronic conditions. Most communities include housekeeping, linen service and personal laundry in the package as well as three meals per day.
Service plans are usually customized to fit residents’ individual circumstances. An assessment upon move-in determines the initial level of care, and periodic reassessments take changes into consideration and make the necessary adjustments.
Amenities in Assisted Living Communities
Along with helpful services, assisted living communities also provide abundant amenities. Most of the time, residents can choose from various apartment sizes and styles. These often feature kitchenettes for added convenience as well as personal emergency response systems. Seniors are not limited to their private spaces, however. Most communities offer common areas indoors and out for activities and socialization. These include lounges and libraries, game rooms and movie theaters. Some places also provide walking paths and garden beds.
As for activities, residents of assisted living communities can usually have a full calendar if they want it. Most communities have an activities director and team in charge of planning and leading everything from games to social hours and classes to clubs. Some facilities also have resident councils to allow seniors to get involved with activity planning, and of course, there is often a level of fun spontaneity among seniors who no longer have to worry about housekeeping and cooking. They have more time for fun.