3 Assisted Living Communities in Burlington, Iowa

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,175 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 3 Assisted Living Communities in Burlington and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Burlington, IA

• Assisted Living: $4,175
• Nursing Home Care: $6,159
• In-home Care: $4,385
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,310

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Burlington’s average monthly cost for assisted living is slightly higher than the national average of $4,000 and moderately higher than the state average of $3,847. Burlington is the most expensive city in the state for assisted living, though Cedar Rapids ($3,925), Waterloo Area ($3,975) and Des Moines ($3,950) are all only slightly less than Burlington.  

Note: Since senior care cost data was unavailable for Burlington, data for Iowa City, the closest city, was used.

While a number of variables influence the cost of senior care, the level of care offered is the largest contributing factor. At $6,159 a month, nursing home care is the costliest form of care in Burlington, costing over 50% more than either assisted living or in-home care. Yet nursing care is also the most comprehensive level of care offered. By contrast, at $4,175, assisted living costs less than a home health aide ($4,576), yet it typically includes rent, meals, utilities and home upkeep that are not part of the cost of in-home care.   

 

Federally and state funded, Medicaid is the national health coverage for low-income, low-asset Americans of all ages. In Iowa, Iowa Medicaid Enterprise, a division of the Iowa Department of Human Services, administers Medicaid. Seniors covered by Medicaid are offered a wide range of health care services, including physician care, prescriptions and physical or occupational therapy. However, long-term care options, including assisted living, are covered primarily through the Home and Community-Based Services Elderly waiver, described in more detail below.  

To qualify for Medicaid in Iowa, seniors must be 65 or older, be U.S. citizens and maintain Iowa residency. Single applicants must earn no more than $16,612 yearly (for couples, $22,491) and have no more than $2,000 in assets (for couple, $3,000). Income from any source is counted. This includes, but is not limited to, pension payments, IRA withdrawals, Social Security and Social Security Disability Income, veterans benefits and employment wages.

Countable assets include all cash, stock, bonds, investments, bank accounts and real estate other than the primary residence. Some assets are exempt, however, and these include a primary residence valued at $585,000 or less provided the applicant, applicant’s spouse or both reside there, one vehicle, funeral contract, burial space and personal belongings, such as clothing or jewelry.

In Iowa, if senior applicants are over the income limits, they may qualify for the Medically Needy Pathway. This spend-down program allows income in excess of the income limit to be spent on medically necessary costs. Once the income limit is reached, coverage begins. Applicants must retain no more than $10,000 in assets. To learn more about either the MNP or Medicaid in Iowa, visit the Iowa Department of Human Services or call (855) 889-7985. To apply for Iowa Medicaid, visit the DHS benefits portal.

The Home and Community-Based Services Elderly waiver provides long-term supports to seniors who qualify for Medicaid but wish to remain within their homes and communities. Applicants must also require a nursing or skilled level of care as determined by the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise. Services are individualized to meet the needs of each enrollee, and an interdisciplinary team consisting of the member, case manager, service providers and other persons chosen by the member coordinate care. A plan is developed and reviewed annually to determine its efficacy. A wide variety of services are included:

• Adult day care
• Assistive devices
• Home-delivered meals
• Home health aide/homemaker services
• Nursing care
• Nutritional counseling
• Respite care
• Senior companions
• Transportation

Members also have the opportunity to have more control over who delivers their services with the Consumer Choices Option. This allows members to directly hire help, goods or services as part of their overall plan of care. For questions about the Elderly waiver or CCO, contact the DHS Contact Center at (855) 889-7985.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans
Bridge loans are available for seniors who need to move to assisted living right away but need more time to sell their home or are waiting for benefits to start. Applications can be done over the phone, and funds are typically available within 24 hours. Loans have 12-month repayment terms, and funds can be distributed in either a lump sum payment or taken as a line of credit to be withdrawn over time. To learn more about assisted living bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
Senior veterans who are pension-eligible and housebound or require the aid of another person for activities of daily living may be eligible for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These benefits, which are not available concurrently, are paid in addition to regular pension payments. To qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

• Limited eyesight of 5/200 vision or less in both eyes

• Nursing home patient due to physical or mental impairment

• Disability requiring complete bed rest

• Aid of another person for ADLs, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, elimination or mobility

Seniors who are significantly confined to their own immediate premises due to a permanent disability may be eligible for the Housebound top-up benefit. To learn more about Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, contact the Des Moines Regional Office at (800) 827-1000 or write to the St. Paul VA Regional Office, which serves Iowa veterans.

Burlington is home to Milestones, the AAA chapter serving seniors in the area. One of six AAA locations in Iowa, Milestones brings resources, services and supports to seniors. For those 60 and older who need long-term care services, Milestones offers at-home care to supplement the efforts of caregivers. This includes homemaker and chore services, home-delivered meals and home modifications. For those seeking a hot meal and social time, congregant meals are available Monday through Friday at the Senior Nutrition Center. Milestones also offers wellness and safety courses and an Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness program. Milestones Area Agency on Aging
509 Jefferson St, Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-5433

For senior veterans living in Burlington, the Des Moines County Veterans Affairs office is available to help. The office offers information regarding education, benefits, area nursing homes and veteran records. Those needing assistance traveling to the Veterans Memorial Hospital can receive transportation as well. Indigent veterans who qualify may also apply for help paying rent, utilities and other living expenses. Veterans seeking medical attention have access to the Memorial Hospital, a tertiary health care center offering a wide range of specialized medical programs.

Des Moines County Veterans Affairs
910 Cottonwood St., Suite 1001, Burlington, IA 52601
(319) 752-7171

Veterans Memorial Hospital  
601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246
(319) 338-0581

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.