Iowa Nursing Homes
Iowa's many nursing homes and long-term care facilities are located throughout the state, from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids to Iowa City and everywhere in between. These facilities are designed to help residents who need constant medical care and personal care, beyond that which a family member would be able to give. The average cost of residence in an Iowa nursing home is typically around the national average, ranging from $4000 to $6000 per month.
What Are Some Nursing Home Options?
Iowa's nursing homes and long-term care centers differ not only in the types of services and programs they offer but in their communities. Iowa is home to traditional nursing homes, which offer the constant medical and personal care its residents need, and skilled nursing facilities, which offer care from professionals trained in specific medical fields like memory loss or physical therapy. Many nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities offer similar services and look similar in their quality of care, emphasizing the need for individuals to tour nursing facilities before making the decision with their loved ones.
Medicare and Medicaid Services
Before selecting a nursing home, Iowa residents should be aware that Medicare does not typically cover the costs of residence in a long-term care facility, only short-term restorative care. Medicaid may cover some of the costs of a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. Both Medicare and Medicaid may help to cover additional costs like medication or external specialist visits, but this varies on a case-by-case basis. There may be changes in the extent of Medicare and Medicaid coverage during an individual's residence at a long-term care facility. Individuals and families considering the transition to a nursing facility should check with the staff at that location for assistance understanding which services Medicare or Medicaid would cover.