Centenarians (Persons 100 years of age and older)

Q1: I have a relative that will be celebrating their 100th birthday this year. What does Iowa do to recognize people 100 years of age (centenarians)?

Q2: How many people in Iowa are 100 years or older?

A: The Department of Elder Affairs works to recognize Iowa centenarians, and maintains a registry of all known Iowa centenarians. Further information on these efforts, and on centenarians in Iowa, is available on the Centenarians Section on our Aging Statistics Page.

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Dental Care

Q: How can I get financial assistance with the cost of dental care?

A: In Iowa, the University of Iowa Dental Clinics offer reduced-fee dental care if services are provided by the undergraduate students. The quality of work is excellent, but extra time and additional appointments are required due to the careful supervision and training aspects of the work. For more information about this service, please contact the University of Iowa Dental Clinic at 319-335-7499.

People aged 60 and older can contact their local Area Agency on Aging. Sometimes the area agency on aging is aware of dentists in the local area that provide reduced-cost dental care toolder people.

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Home Repairs & In-Home Services

Q: I want to stay in my own home, but I need major home repairs that I cannot afford. What do I do?

A: You can obtain information on home repairs from your local Area Agency on Aging. Another possible source of information is the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) website, which has an excellent page on Senior Citizen Housing Resources.

Also, the Division of Community Action Agencies of the Department of Human Rights may have funds available to pay for home repairs. To learn more about this, call or write to the following:

Division of Community Action Agencies
Iowa Department of Human Rights
Lucas Building, First Floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-281-4204

Q: How can I stay in my own home after an illness or hospitalization?

A: After a major illness, it may be difficult for you or your family to arrange for the necessary services. The Department of Elder Affairs, working with the area agencies on aging, developed a program called the Case Management Program for the Frail Elderly (CMPFE) which helps people remain in their home. This program can help with: home delivered meals, adult day services, nursing and homemaker services, companion and respite care, consultations about problems, modifying the home for disability, housing, and finding other resources. For more information, visit the Case Management Program for the Frail Elderly page.

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Housing + Services Options for Seniors

Q: What is assisted living?

A: In Iowa, assisted living is the provision of housing with services that may include, but are not limited to, health related care, personal care, and assistance with dressing, eating, bathing, taking medications, cooking and shopping. For more information, visit our Assisted Living regulation page.

Q: What are elder group homes?

A: The Elder Group Home Program allows the owner or a resident manager to provide room, board and assistance with dressing, eating, bathing, taking medications, cooking and shopping to five non-related elders in a family-type residence. There are Elder Group Homes located in Davenport, Dubuque, Knoxville, Lamoni, Orange City, Osceola, and Rock Rapids. For more information, visit our Elder Group Home regulation section.

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Long Term Care Funding

Q: What funding sources are available to provide in home services for the elderly?

A: The Long Term Care Funding Continua provides information about funding sources that are available to provide in home services for the elderly.

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Money Management

Q: What can I do if I need help paying bills and managing my money?

A: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

Q: What is a representative payee and how can I get a representative payee to assist me with my basic needs?

A: A representative payee is an individual or organization that receives Social Security and/or SSI payments for someone who cannot manage their own money. To arrange for a representative payee, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

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Nursing Facilities

Q: If I have to go to a nursing home, how do I choose the right one?

A: Selecting a nursing home is an important and difficult decision that you may have to make. The Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals, which regulates nursing facilities in Iowa, maintains a Facility Report Card site, which provides updated results of inspections, including any problems that may have been found in a facility in recent annual surveys or complaint investigations. Also included in this database are a wide range of different types of facilities, including Residential Care Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Additional nursing home comparison materials can be found by visiting our Housing Resources for Seniors section on our Related Links page.

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Nursing Facility Complaints

Q: How do I report a nursing home complaint?

A: Call the Long Term Care Complaint Hot-Line at 1-800-532-3213 (in state only) or (515) 725-3327 or e-mail Jeanne.Yordi@iowa.gov All calls or contacts are confidential. The Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints made on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities, represents the interests of residents before governmental entities, and educates the public about issues that adversely affect residents.

Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) toll-free at 877-686-0027. Surveyors from DIA will conduct an on-site visit to determine if the facility meets state and federal regulations. If you are unsure which agency would be best suited to handle your concern, the Long Term Care Ombudsman's Office is available to help you understand your options.

For more information on long-term care complaints and resident rights, make sure to visit the Long-Term Care Ombudsman's page.

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Prescription Drug Assistance

Q: Can I get help with paying for my prescription drugs?

A: For information on Iowa Priority, Iowa's prescription drug discount program, visit our Prescription Drug Assistance section. Several prescription drug companies also offer discount programs, and your local Area Agency on Aging may have information on local discount programs.

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Veteran's Administration Benefits

Q: I (or my spouse) served in the military. Am I eligible for Veteran's Administration (VA) benefits?

A: For more information, contact the Iowa Commission of Veteran's Affairs at 515-242-5331 or visit their web page at: http://www2.state.ia.us/icva/. For qualified veterans and their families, the VA can provide assistance in paying for nursing home care, assisted living care, and medical expenses. The Veteran's Administration website estimates that about a quarter of the nation's population -- approximately 70 million people -- are potentially eligible for VA benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.

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