Senior Care Costs in Ames, IA (2026)
Compare nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs in Ames.
Nursing Home (Private)
$6,327/mo
State avg: $7,604
Assisted Living
$3,536/mo
State avg: $4,250
Home Health Aide
$20.80/hr
$3,661/mo (8hr/day)
Adult Day Care
$1,442/mo
National avg: $1,692
Cost Comparison
| Care Type | Ames | Iowa Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $6,327/mo | $7,604/mo | $9,514/mo |
| Assisted Living | $3,536/mo | $4,250/mo | $4,612/mo |
| Home Health Aide | $20.80/hr | $25.00/hr | $25.82/hr |
| Adult Day Care | $1,442/mo | $1,733/mo | $1,692/mo |
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Nursing Home (Private Room) in Iowa
Monthly Cost
$7,604
Annual Cost
$91,248
5-Year Projection
$456,240
Total (12mo)
$91,248
vs. National Average
Iowa$7,604/mo
National Avg$9,541/mo
$1,937/mo lower than national average (-20.3%)
Medicare & Medicaid Coverage
- Medicare: Covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay (first 20 days fully covered, days 21-100 with copay).
- Medicaid: May cover nursing home and some home care costs for eligible individuals. Income and asset limits apply and vary by state.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Can cover costs not paid by Medicare or Medicaid. Premiums depend on age and coverage level.
- VA Benefits: Veterans may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits to help cover care costs.
Long-term care insurance quotes
Medicare supplement plans
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Senior living communities
Home health care agencies
Medicaid planning services
* Estimates based on Genworth Cost of Care Survey data. Actual costs may vary by facility, location, and level of care needed. Consult a certified elder care advisor or financial planner specializing in senior care for personalized guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a nursing home cost in Ames, IA?
A private room nursing home in Ames costs approximately $6,327/month ($75,924/year). This is $3,187 below the national average.
What is the cost of assisted living in Ames?
Assisted living in Ames, IA costs approximately $3,536/month ($42,432/year).
How much do home health aides charge in Ames?
Home health aides in Ames charge approximately $20.80/hour. For full-time care (8 hours/day, 22 days/month), that totals about $3,661/month.
Is Ames an affordable place for senior care?
Yes, Ames has nursing home costs that are below the national average, making it a relatively affordable option for senior care.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey