Iowa Veterans Home

What is it and who is eligible for services?

The Iowa Veterans Home is a state-operated long-term care facility in Marshalltown, Iowa. Under the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), it provides long-term health care services for Iowa's aged, chronically-ill, or handicapped veterans and dependent/surviving spouses as well as gold star parents. It accepts honorably discharged veterans of all military services who are eligible for admission to an IDVA Medical Center for care and who meet the residency requirements of Iowa. Residents must have disease or wounds, be of advanced age, or otherwise unable to earn a livelihood. Spouses or surviving spouses of qualified veterans are eligible for admission if they have been married to the veteran for one year before the date of application and meet the residency requirements of Iowa.

Referrals for admission to the Iowa Veterans Home are made by the local county veterans service office (VSO). The local VSO must confirm that an applicant from their county lives in Iowa. Applications for admission to the Iowa Veterans Home can be found at the county VSO and at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Find contact information for your county VSO here.

  • For more information about who qualifies for admission to the Iowa Veterans Home and what is required to apply, visit the IDVA website here
  • For information about the application process and for electronic versions of the required forms, visit the IDVA website here.

What services are available?

Three levels of professional health care services are provided:

  • Infirmary care
  • Nursing home care
  • Domiciliary care, or services to allow a person to stay in their home

Services provided include medical, optometry, podiatry, dermatology, respiratory therapy, laboratory/x-ray, pharmacy, dental, nursing, psychology, dietary, rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, recreational and speech therapy, audiology, arts and crafts, ceramics, woodworking, greenhouse, volunteer services, social services, all-faiths religious services, and the necessary support services. 

The Iowa Veterans Home also has a medical clinic where outside providers can meet with residents or residents can participate in virtual appointments. Mental health services are available to residents, their families, and staff though the Mental Health Bureau. The Bureau offers help with medication, counseling, and staff education. 

  • For more information about services provided at the Iowa Veterans Home, visit the IDVA website here

What does it cost to live there?

The cost for care is determined by the individual's needs and the income and assets available to them. The Iowa Veterans Home is a Medicaid facility and must follow Medicaid guidelines to determine the amount, if any, a person must contribute to their care. Residents are required to apply for all benefits they are eligible to receive.

  • For more information about the costs of care visit the IDVA website here

Ask a Law Librarian

Have a veterans benefits question? Reach out to your County Veteran Service Office.

Related Pages

Who Qualifies as a Veteran under Federal Law?

Who Qualifies as a Veteran under Iowa Law?

Recognized Service Agencies and Organizations 

Overview of Veterans Benefits

Assistance for Homeless Veterans

Advanced Directive (Power of Attorney) for Veterans

Expungement of Criminal Convictions

The information in the People's Law Library is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this website is legal advice. The law is complicated and many aspects of the law change regularly. Consider reaching out to a lawyer. More information about how to find a lawyer, including free and low-cost options, is available on the Finding a Lawyer page.