Talk to a local advisor for free
Ames is a bustling city in the heart of Iowa that’s perfectly positioned to provide a balance between urban and suburban living. There are plenty of amenities and places to visit, including art museums, a large mall and the picturesque Reiman Gardens and South East Intramural Fields. In addition to there being plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants to visit, there’s a small-town sense of neighborly familiarity. Around 9% of the population is over age 65 and the winters get very cold, with average temperatures of 17 degrees Fahrenheit in January. Summers are pleasantly mild, with average temperatures of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Senior citizens who need a bit of assistance to get through the day have several options in Ames for assisted living. Residential assisted living facilities offer personalized care depending on each senior’s needs, social and recreational activities and daily meals. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Ames pay $4,655 per month for services — more than both the national average and the average in Iowa.
This guide offers information on local care cost data, as well as an overview of resources that can help seniors decide the best options for them.
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.
Seniors in Ames pay $4,655 monthly for assisted living.
Seniors in Ames can expect to pay around $4,655 per month for assisted living services. This is slightly above the statewide average of $4,367, and $155 more expensive than the national average of $4,500 per month.
In Des Moines, monthly care costs are slightly more expensive, as assisted living facilities charge around $4,803 per month, the highest recorded cost in Iowa. In Cedar Rapids, costs are higher than in Ames. Seniors there pay around $4,748 per month. Iowa’s other college town of Iowa City offers cheaper rates, charging $4,410 per month. Costs in Davenport and the Quad Cities are just below the state average, as seniors there pay around $4,350 per month for services, while Waterloo facilities are closer to Ames’ costs and charge around $4,567. In the northwestern part of the state, Sioux City offers the cheapest recorded rates in Iowa, as residents there pay $4,148 per month.
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.
| Contact | Description | |
| Aging Resources of Central Iowa | (515) 255-1310 | Aging Resources of Central Iowa is the local Area Agency on Aging. It helps seniors over the age of 60 gain access to resources and live independently in their own homes or as part of the community. It also provides services to adults with disabilities and family caregivers. Seniors can call to ask questions, provide information, listen to troubles and connect to services. |
| Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging | This nonprofit organization offers support to its members and gives out information to the public concerning the services available for seniors in Iowa. It offers advocacy for older adults as well as their caregivers and any adult with a disability. It’s partnered with the Dementia Friends Iowa association to provide specialty care for people struggling with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. | |
| Iowa Department on Aging | 800-532-3213 | The Iowa Department on Aging is an excellent resource for seniors aged over 60. It helps to connect people with a range of essential services, such as veteran-directed HCBS and case management. The team can also help to connect seniors with nutrition, fall prevention, mental health and oral health services. Additional services include family caregiver support, senior employment and adult protective services. |
| Iowa Compass | 800-779-2001 | Iowa Compass helps Iowans with disabilities and their families. It’s particularly useful for seniors who struggle with complex health needs who require additional assistance within the community. People can call its helpline for help with technology, education, employment, financial guidance, recreation and transportation. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Ames 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.
