The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Iowa City, IA for 2024

Caring.com offers a free service to help families find senior care and authentic reviews to help you in your decision. On average in Iowa City, IA, residents and their loved ones rate In Home Care agencies 4.2 out of 5 stars across the 12 options below.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Iowa City pay a monthly rate of $4,767 for home care, which is about $760 less than Iowa’s statewide average, and $190 less than the national median. Des Moines also has a higher monthly rate than Iowa City at $5,815, as does Cedar Rapids at $5,529. Home care in Sioux City is about $572 more per month than Iowa City, while seniors in Davenport pay roughly $380 more for care.

Seniors have access to several care options in Iowa City. Adult day health care is the most affordable option at $1,353 per month. Assisted living is a long-term residential care option that costs about $357 less per month than home care. Home health care offers skilled medical care by licensed professionals and shares an equivalent monthly rate with home care at $4,767. Seniors requiring around-the-clock skilled nursing care can access a semiprivate room at a nursing home for a higher price of $7,072 per month.

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
• Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.