10 Best Independent Living Communities in Ames, IA

Independent Living

An Independent Living Community allows residents the chance to continue to live their active lives while assuring their care requirements are fulfilled. Basic chores such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is provided, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they see fit, free from daily responsibilities. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to be among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Residents’ quarters consist of private living spaces, each with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering an opportunity to socialize with guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies vary between locations, numerous residences allow pets as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private caregivers. There are a number of benefits and expenses to keep in mind when deciding on an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are included in the plan: parking, cable TV, private phone, Waiting list deposit, housekeeping, internet access, move-in fee, and meals. The benefits that pertain to independent living include game/TV room, laundry service, beauty salon & barber shop, fitness center & swimming pool, transportation, security guards, community activities, and golf course.

Demographics and Values

Of the population of Ames 31.4% have a graduate degree, 62.7% have a college degree, and 13.3% have a high-school diploma. In Ames, 4.0% of the people are veterans. Out of the total city population, 53.3% are male and 46.7% are female. The median age of Ames is 23 years old. Racially, the population of Ames is 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.5% Hispanic, 83.0% white, 0.5% other or not specified, 0.2% Native American, 10.2% Asian, 2.7% black, and 3.3% mixed race. In Ames, 29.3% live in poverty, 4.5% do not have health insurance, 64.2% participate in the labor force, and 2.1% are widows. Ames has a population density of 935 people per square mile.

Cost of Living

The location in which a senior care community is based can have a large effect on the cost of care. The overall cost of living can be a motivating factor when selecting which location works for your loved one. The median home value in Ames is around $185,653 and the median price for rent is about $1,079 per month a month. The rent burden for Ames is about 13.8% of the average person’s monthly income.

State Information

An overview of Iowa

In terms of resources, Iowa has a cost of living index of 91.8, a grocery index rating of 95.9, and a housing index rating of 79.6. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. There are 120 general hospitals and 75 health centers that provide care for 3,168,703 Iowa residents. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Mercy Hospital, St. Lukes Hospital, and And Mercy Medical Center – Cedar Rapids. Overall, Iowa ranks 14th in quality of life and 20th in healthcare compared to other US states. Residents of Iowa enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 32nd in the United States.

Social demographics of the state

In terms of religious values, 36% of Iowa’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 5,107 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-28%, Mainline Protestant-30%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Iowa there are 289 masonic lodges. In the last presidential election 42% of Iowa residents voted Democrat and 51% voted Republican. In terms of diversity, Iowa ranks 43rd in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly. The state has a median age of 38 and 30% of its population being over the age of 55.

State-wide weather information

The most precipitation occurs in July with an average of 6.46 inches of precipitation a month. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Iowa is around 2.93 inches. On average, the humidity rating for Iowa is around 72%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of December at around 78%. On average, Iowa has an air quality index rating of around 41.2 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 53.8 AQI. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 22F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 40F during the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 4F during the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 72F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 88F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 55F in the month of June. While residents of Iowa mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Iowa can include floods and earthquakes (high).

Wildlife to be found in Iowa

The state of Iowa has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of twinleaf, western beard-tongue, bearberry, and prickly pear cactus. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the bear, the mountain lion, the lynx, or the gray wolf. The state animal of Iowa is the eastern goldfinch.