How to Find Affordable Senior Living Communities in Iowa

Iowa is an aging state with over a million adults over the age of 50.

This means that in 15 years, the population will be even older, making the need for senior living communities clear. If you've got an older loved one who is dealing with life changes, finding quality senior housing in Iowa can feel tricky.

There are plenty of factors you must consider when making this decision, but budget is among the most challenging. In today's post, we'll help you find affordable elderly care in Iowa that still provides everything your loved one will need.

The transition into senior care can be overwhelming for everybody. Keep reading and make sure the cost doesn't add any stress to the process.

Choosing from Different Senior Living Communities

The first thing you need to look at with senior living is the type of care your loved one needs. Not only is this integral for giving them the right type of service, but it's also the biggest determining factor in cost. On a base level, the more assistance your loved one needs, the more costly care will be.

There are a few main types of senior living services available, including:

Independent Living

Independent living communities, or retirement homes, are simple communities that accommodate healthy seniors. Residents get to enjoy a simpler life surrounded by people their age. When you choose independent living, you're not worried about staff helping your loved one with daily life.

The communities provide various amenities, depending on which one you choose. Most communities will offer in-house dining and activity programming to boost socialization between residents. If you think your loved one would benefit from a downsized life among their peers, choose independent living.

Assisted Living

Assisted living is better for those seniors who are beginning to struggle with age-related health effects. The ethos of assisted living is similar to independent living communities, but there's staff around to help residents with whatever they need.

Some seniors have mobility issues that make it difficult to bathe and get dressed. Staff are available 24/7 to help with unique resident needs, as well as administering medication and performing various housekeeping duties.

Residents still get to enjoy meal plans, activities, and amenities. Because the services are more prevalent, the cost of assisted living is generally higher.

Memory Care

66,000 Iowans suffer from Alzheimer's and other memory-related health issues. If your loved one is among them, they'll need assisted living with memory care. This involves specialized programming to help residents deal with their ever-changing symptoms.

Staff are highly trained to provide the best possible cognitive care. Things like therapy, memory games, and storytelling groups can help residents deal with their issues. Every resident's needs are treated with unique care each day.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Senior Living

Once you understand the type of care your loved one needs, you can begin looking at other cost factors in senior living. Picking and choosing what matters most to you and your loved one will help you nail down a budget while getting them the care they need.

Location

Senior living communities are affected by location, just like any other type of real estate. If you want a community surrounded by amazing local amenities, you'll pay more for it.

Location is important for a few reasons. An active senior who wants to enjoy a life outside their community will want to be nearby shopping, restaurants, and cafes. It's also important to consider the transition into senior living when looking at location.

This is a big move for most seniors. The transition can be made easier if they have lots of visits from loved ones. A community that's centrally located to maximize the number of visitors will be a crucial part of your decision.

Amenities

The amenities a community offers certainly affect the price. When you choose a community that has state-of-the-art amenities, the cost will go up. If your loved one only requires modest amenities, you can save plenty of money.

At Prairie Hills Independence, our community is thoughtfully designed to maximize the comfort of our residents. We've got an extensive array of amenities for your loved one to enjoy. Find out more about them here.

Dining

In-house dining is a great perk of senior living and a necessary one for some. If your loved one prefers to cook for themselves, they'll be able to do so in their kitchenette.

Some communities will allow for flexible spending with their in-house restaurant. This can save a great deal of money when you're on a budget.

At the same time, nutrition is absolutely essential for seniors. Your loved one should get a balanced diet to stave off various illnesses and diseases that become more prevalent as they age. In-house dining services ensure residents get healthy and tasty meals each day.

Activities and Events

Activity programming is another important factor in the cost of senior communities. The daily activity calendar should be full of things that boost senior physical health and socialization. These are both essential for maintaining the overall health of residents.

Some communities go out of their way to bring in trainers and promote events/performances. These can bring a lot to a community, but it's the residents who have to pay for it. If your loved one just wants simple activities to keep them active and social, you can save money by choosing a simpler community.

Floor Plans

The apartment floor plan your loved one chooses is among the biggest determining factors in cost. Our community offers several different floor plans, from smaller suites to two-bedroom apartments.

If your loved one can get by on less space and fewer in-suite amenities, you can lower the cost of their care. You can save even more money by choosing a shared room, but they must have a positive attitude toward having a roommate.

Budgeting for Senior Living Communities

Budgeting for senior living communities can be tricky. These are the biggest factors determining how much your loved one's care will cost. It is possible to find low-cost retirement homes in Iowa when you pay careful attention to everything mentioned here.

At Prairie Hills Independence, we pride ourselves on offering inexpensive senior housing options for Iowans. If you'd like to take a tour of our Independence senior living community, contact us today.