FAQs

We’re proud to offer Cedar Rapids seniors a full continuum of care, all on one campus. Whether you’re looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, or long-term nursing care, Cottage Grove Place is built to support you every step of the way, without needing to relocate as your needs evolve.

At Cottage Grove Place, you have choices. Many of our residents choose our LifeCare program, which requires a one-time entrance fee but locks in predictable monthly costs, priority access to higher levels of care, and long-term financial security. We also offer luxury rental units for those who prefer more flexibility or want to move in without an entrance fee. Rentals allow you to enjoy our welcoming community, services, and amenities with less upfront commitment, while keeping the door open to transition into LifeCare in the future if it’s right for you.

No matter your lifestyle or financial preference, Cottage Grove Place provides living options that adapt to your needs today and your goals for tomorrow.

From weekly farmers’ market runs and Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball games to day trips to Riverside Casino, cultural outings, and seasonal events, there’s always a chance to get out and explore. These excursions make it easy to stay active, social, and connected to the Cedar Rapids community you’ve loved for years.

We’re proud to maintain some of the city’s most beautiful grounds, just steps from the historic Brucemore estate. The landscaped front patio, set beside our iconic clocktower, is perfect for morning coffee or evening conversation. In the courtyard, shaded seating and vibrant gardens—tended by our resident Gardening Club—create a peaceful escape for reading, relaxing, or catching up with friends.

If the weather’s not conducive to getting outside, we also offer a climate-controlled underground concourse that makes it easy to get around without getting wet or cold.

While our community welcomes a range of ages, many of our new residents are in their mid-70s to early 80s. Whether you’re ready for a vibrant lifestyle now or planning ahead, you’ll be in good company.

If you’re seeking an independent lifestyle today with a smart plan for tomorrow, Cottage Grove Place is a great fit. Many residents choose us after feeling overwhelmed at home or uncertain about their future care. They appreciate how much easier life becomes with the right support in place.

We offer two primary dining options for all residents, designed to suit different moods and preferences:

• Commons Dining Room: Our main dining venue with a relaxed, restaurant-style atmosphere. Open Monday–Saturday from 4–6:30 p.m. for dinner service, and hosting a special Sunday brunch buffet from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. It’s a favorite place for gathering and enjoying seasonal menus created by our Executive Chef, Joshua Spalding.
• Cottage Grill: A casual, light-filled space overlooking our beautifully landscaped courtyard. Open Monday–Saturday from 8 a.m.–1 p.m., it’s the go-to for casual breakfasts, lighter lunches, daily specials, and convenient grab-and-go items. Closed on Sundays.

We also have a smaller dining area for residents in assisted living and memory care that offers three meals a day, 7 days a week in our Commons II building. It is open to all residents of Cottage Grove Place.

Our menus are designed to surprise and delight, offering everything from American classics and comfort foods to international dishes full of vibrant flavors and colors. We use farm-sourced ingredients at their peak, fresh herbs, and thoughtful seasonings to create meals that are both healthy and savory. Exceptional desserts and delicacies round out the experience, and every dish can be paired with a selection of fine wines or craft beers to make dining here feel truly special.

Absolutely. Our registered dietician works with residents to tailor meals that respect medical needs, allergies, or personal preferences. From heart-healthy options to substitutions for restricted diets, you can count on thoughtful, customized support.

Each resident receives a monthly dining account of $400 ($800 per couple) that can be used across both dining venues for meals, snacks, beverages, and even guest meals. The flexibility makes it easy to mix and match depending on your preferences—whether that’s a full dinner, a grab-and-go lunch, or treating a friend to brunch. Unused dollars roll over month to month, giving residents the freedom to enjoy meals on their own schedule.

Yes—flexibility is part of our hospitality promise. The Cottage Grill offers a variety of light grab-and-go options, and you can always order carry-out service from the Commons Diing Room. For those who prefer or need to stay in, tray service is available for a small fee, and offered at no charge for the first three days when medically necessary. Whether you’re under the weather or simply want a quiet night in, you can still enjoy the same fresh meals without leaving your home.

We love helping residents celebrate life’s moments. Private dining rooms can be reserved for gatherings of up to 10 guests, making them perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Catering services are also available, with customizable menus and staff support to make entertaining easy. For more casual get-togethers, residents can also take advantage of our beautiful outdoor patios, which offer a relaxed setting to share a meal with family and friends.

We’re proud to offer some of the best amenities in the Cedar Rapids senior living market. Residents enjoy access to two libraries, a woodworking shop, an art studio, on-site salon and spa, a billiards room, a fitness center with daily classes for all abilities, and even a movie theatre with weekly screenings.

Community rooms, including the large Sedlacek Hall, allow you to host events, meetings, and celebrations of all sizes, while reservable guest suites make it easy for out-of-town family and friends to visit. Other features our residents appreciate include our multiple dining venues, beautifully landscaped courtyards, and a convenience store. Every detail at Cottage Grove Place is designed for comfort, connection, and everyday ease.

Yes. Whether you’re renting one of our luxury apartment-homes or participating in our LifeCare program, nearly all community amenities are included in your monthly fee. There are nominal fees for salon and barber services, as well as for reserving guest rooms, for example—our team can provide all of the specifics you need.

From our volunteer Residents’ Council to the Gardening Club, creative writing group, billiards, cards, and book clubs, there’s something for everyone. You can also start your own group if you have a special interest to share. Our team can provide a full list of social and group opportunities so you can find the perfect fit.

Yes. Residents can participate in regular group outings ranging from shopping trips and cultural performances to casino nights and Iowa Hawkeye sporting events—all with transportation arranged. Ask our team for a full calendar of upcoming social events.

We offer regular spiritual services, reflection spaces, and volunteer opportunities—providing multiple ways to nurture your faith and sense of purpose. Our campus is also conveniently located near several houses of worship for those seeking a new faith community, with transportation available.

Cottage Grove Place has its own in-house TV channel, Touchtown, which shares announcements, schedules, and community updates each day. Residents also receive a printed community newsletter and can subscribe to local and national newspapers to stay connected with the wider world.

We are proud to offer residents convenient access to one of Cedar Rapids’ top senior health centers. 64-bed Health Center is staffed by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing aides, and provides many of the same services you would find at a doctor’s office, clinic, or skilled nursing facility. It includes a variety of private and semi-private rooms, exam and evaluation rooms, imaging and medical testing equipment, and nutrition services for both short- and long-term stays.

Yes. Our short-term rehab program includes physical, occupational, and speech therapies, supported by Medicare-covered stays of up to 100 days for eligible residents and visitors Our goal is to help you recover quickly and return to the lifestyle you love—whether that’s returning to your home at Cottage Grove Place, or another location in town.

At Cottage Grove Place, assisted living is designed to keep you as independent as possible, while still providing the support you need. At Red Cedars Assisted Living, residents enjoy the privacy of their own apartment-home with access to personalized assistance, whether that’s help with daily tasks like bathing, grooming, or medication management—or wellness consultations, dining, and social activities. Everything is included in one predictable monthly fee, so you can focus on living, not on logistics.

For those who prefer to remain in their independent living apartment but need a little extra support, our Choice-in-Home Services offer flexible add-ons. Both options are built around one goal: preserving your freedom and dignity. By tailoring care to your needs rather than forcing you to adapt to rigid service menus, Cottage Grove Place empowers you to maintain control over your lifestyle and enjoy peace of mind knowing help is always close at hand.

Our independent living residents have access to Choice-in-Home Services, which can offer added support during or after a short-term illness, follow-up after an outpatient procedure, and medication administration for an added fee. The staff includes licensed nurses and certified nursing aides who work with Cottage Grove Place administration to deliver services. The Choice-in-Home Services staff is available onsite daily from 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

At Cottage Grove Place, you’ll never have to scramble for another provider or face the stress of moving in a health crisis. Because we’re a true continuum of care, every service you may need—assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing—is available right here on campus. That means you can transition smoothly to the right level of support without leaving the community you know. It minimizes disruption, keeps your routines intact, and provides peace of mind knowing you’ll always be cared for in familiar surroundings by a team you trust.

Wellness at Cottage Grove Place goes far beyond fitness—it’s about supporting the whole person. Residents can take part in group fitness classes, educational lectures, peer groups, and one-on-one counseling opportunities that nurture body, mind, and spirit. What truly sets us apart is our dedicated Health & Wellness Navigator. This professional helps you connect with the right programs, services, and resources to stay active, engaged, and independent longer. Whether you’re looking to maintain mobility, find emotional support, or explore new ways to live vibrantly, we’ll help you design a wellness path that keeps you thriving.

The Cottage Grove Place campus is made up of three main buildings. Commons I is home to 135 independent living apartments. Commons II offers 31 independent living residences, 19 assisted living apartments, and our Health Center. Commons III includes 18 memory care apartments, 22 assisted living residences, and 24 independent living apartments—all connected to ensure every level of care is just steps away. 

Almost anything is possible, depending on your budget and vision. Our team can help with small updates, or you can work with outside contractors and designers for a full transformation—making your space uniquely yours from day one. We offer some of the most extensive apartment-home customization capabilities in Cedar Rapids’ senior living market. 

LifeCare guarantees your access to every level of care on our campus at a predictable monthly rate, so you’ll never face a forced move or an unexpected bill as your needs change. Learn more at our dedicated LifeCare page.

Absolutely. If one partner needs more support, they can transition into assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing while the other remains in your apartment—keeping you close while ensuring each of you gets the right level of care.

Because all four care levels are on one campus, transitions are smooth and familiar. You’ll already know the people, the surroundings, and the routines—making changes less stressful for you and your family.

Yes! We welcome furry companions in many of our apartment homes, subject to certain rules and guidelines, and even have amenities to support pet-friendly living. Our community understands how important pets are to your well-being and routine, so we do everything we can to keep your family together.

Independent living means you’ll have your own private apartment-home, with access to dining, amenities, and social opportunities, and all without the upkeep of a traditional home. At Cottage Grove Place, it’s also your entry point to LifeCare, which gives you guaranteed access to higher levels of care if you ever need it, without unpredictable costs or having to leave home.

We offer a variety of one- and two-bedroom floor plans, with layouts ranging up to 1,500 square feet. Each residence can be customized to reflect your personal style and preferences, so you can truly create your next dream home. From new finishes and fixtures to unique built-in features, you have complete control over your apartment-home’s design. See our layouts and openings ›

Most of our residents move in during their late 60s to early 80s, but you can join us as early as age 62. There are some medical and financial qualification steps to ensure our LifeCare plan is the right fit, and that you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits it offers for the long term.

Your monthly service fee covers your apartment-home, weekly housekeeping and linen service, a $450 monthly dining credit, access to our fitness center, library, courtyards and common areas, woodworking shop, and more. It does not cover optional services, such as our beauty shop, extra meals/tray service, guest rooms for overnight visitors, charges from our convenience store, etc.

Making a move to senior living can feel overwhelming, but our dedicated transition experts are here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you plan, organize, and simplify the process—from downsizing and deciding what to bring, to arranging movers and setting up your new home. Our goal is to make the transition smooth, stress-free, and tailored to your needs, so you can start enjoying your new lifestyle right away.

There’s always something to do here. Residents enjoy a variety of clubs—like gardening, book discussions, and creative writing groups—along with frequent community events such as educational seminars and themed dances. Our calendar also includes regular outings to favorite local spots, from the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market to Kernels baseball games. Learn more about our programming and amenities ›

Assisted living supports daily living, like bathing, dressing, grooming and medication management, so you can stay active and engaged in your own apartment-home. Nursing homes provide around-the-clock skilled nursing for those with chronic medical needs. 

Common support includes personalized help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management; consultations with registered nurses and dietitians; social work services; weekly housekeeping and linen service; personal laundry; and scheduled transportation. While some communities include caps on hours or limits on the number of tasks residents can request each week, our Red Cedars team works with residents to create a holistic, balanced support plan that ensures their true well-being.

We offer a variety of one- and two-bedroom floor plans, with layouts ranging up to 1,500 square feet. All are built with assisted living residents in mind, with features such as easily navigable kitchenettes, oversized bathrooms with ADA fixtures, and generous closets. Each residence can be customized to reflect your personal style and preferences, so you can truly create your next dream home. See our layouts and openings.

We know caring for a loved one can be some of life’s most demanding work, which is why we offer a respite care option for those interested in trialing a move to Cottage Grove Place. We provide caregivers with a short but much-needed break, while allowing future residents to experience our hospitality difference for themselves.  

If you’re a member of LifeCare at Cottage Grove Place, you’re covered with guaranteed access to assisted living and a predictable, stable monthly fee. Families moving to assisted living from outside our community often combine resources like long-term care insurance, proceeds from a home sale, life insurance, a reverse mortgage, bridge loans, or annuities. Talk with our team and your financial advisor to explore your options.

Making a move to assisted living can feel overwhelming, but our dedicated transition experts are here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you plan, organize, and simplify the process—from downsizing and deciding what to bring, to arranging movers and setting up your new home.

While both assisted living and memory care provide assistance with the activities of daily living, such as help with bathing; dressing and grooming; medication management; and personal maintenance, memory care at Cottage Grove Place offers a specific type of compassionate care designed for those with memory impairment. All members of our memory care team are trained to provide this kind of care.

Memory care at Cottage Grove Place provides a specially designed, whole-person approach to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Residents live in a warm, family-like community with the safety of 24-hour onsite security and the care of highly trained personnel who implement proven memory care programs that encourage and celebrate their remaining abilities. It would be virtually impossible to duplicate this level of round-the-clock safety, sense of community and socialization, and specific expertise in Alzheimer’s care by using an in-home care service. 

Heartfelt Connections – A Memory Care Program® is Life Care Services’ nationally recognized, resident-centered, abilities-focused approach to dementia care. It begins with each person’s life story—relationships, routines, hobbies, likes and dislikes—and uses those insights to shape individualized daily activities. By focusing on what remains strong, the program supports physical and emotional well-being, prolongs daily functioning, and helps residents maintain purpose, dignity, and quality of life.

Some communities may promise memory care-level services in an assisted living apartment, but be cautious: It can be a “bolt-on” list of tasks rather than holistic dementia support, and it may lack safeguards (e.g., secure, alarmed doors and controlled entries) designed to prevent unsafe wandering. Ask specifically about security features and dedicated memory care staffing when evaluating facilities.

Dementia needs can change suddenly after an illness or hospitalization. In a true continuum (IL, AL, memory care, skilled nursing, rehab), your loved one can receive higher support on the same campus, minimizing disruptive moves and keeping routines intact.

Our Memory Care neighborhood is part of our connected campus, in our Commons III building. It offers private one-bedroom suites with private baths, emergency call systems, and a variety of familiar comforts.

Shortterm rehabilitation (often called skilled rehab) is a focused, temporary stay, typically post-hospitalization, designed to help residents recover through physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days per benefit period for eligible individuals—and our team helps guide the process. 

While each place that provides this type of care may have its own definition of long-term care, the most common type of long-term care is senior personal care. This helps with what’s referred to as the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, using the toilet, and transitioning from seated to standing, or getting in and out of bed. People often need long-term care when they have a debilitating or progressive medical condition that prevents them from living safely at home, yet they don’t need to be in a hospital that provides acute care. A person in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease or someone who has experienced a severe stroke are examples of people who might require long-term care.

Comprehensive medical care is available around the clock at Cottage Grove Place for those receiving long-term care. The duration of long-term care is indefinite; the goal is to help people live as independently and safely as possible.  

Not at all. While we offer advanced medical services, our environment feels more like home than hospital. From our well-appointed rooms to our warm and inviting corridor, we balance expert nursing with community, comfort, and familiar routines. 

Local senior living peers in Cedar Rapids regularly send residents to Cottage Grove Place for rehabilitation services because our offering is more comprehensive, with deeper staffing, broader therapy, and consistently better outcomes. That local trust speaks volumes about our reputation.

Pack comfortable clothing, personal items (like photos, books), your medications, and essentials like glasses or hearing aids. Visitors are encouraged, and we let residents personalize their space to stay connected and comfortable. 

Yes. LifeCare requires a one-time entrance fee, which gives you guaranteed access to every level of care on our campus, including long-term skilled nursing care, at a predictable monthly rate. It is an investment in financial predictability and peace of mind that rental communities simply cannot match. This fee is based on your age and preferred apartment-home in our community, which is why starting the planning process early is so important.

You’ll never be asked to leave. LifeCare ensures you continue receiving the same level of care in your same community, even if your financial situation changes. That’s a promise you won’t receive from any other senior living community in Cedar Rapids.

Yes. A portion of both your entrance fee and your monthly fees may be tax-deductible as prepaid medical expenses. Many residents deduct up to 40%. Talk with your financial advisor to understand what this could mean for you.

Yes. Because of the extensive guarantees LifeCare offers, it requires both medical and financial prequalification. If you wait until you’re in crisis, you may no longer be eligible—that’s why planning ahead is so important.

In most cases, yes. Benefits from your long-term care policy may be paid directly to you while you’re receiving higher levels of care, such as assisted living or skilled nursing. Your insurance provider can provide specific guidance on these cases.

Absolutely. Many of our residents share that goal. LifeCare actually helps preserve more of your savings over time by keeping your monthly payments more predictable. Your financial advisor can show you how LifeCare’s guarantees can support your legacy tomorrow.

That’s the best case scenario, and it happens for some, but we know 7 out of 10 people over age 65 will need some form of long-term care. Even if you never do, you and your family have still gained the peace of mind, simplicity, and financial protection that LifeCare provides.

Gifts may support resident programming, wellness and cultural activities, campus enhancements, staff scholarships, or other needs identified by leadership and the Foundation Board.

The Foundation offers several dedicated funds that allow donors to choose where their gift makes the most impact. These include the Greatest Needs Fund (for unexpected opportunities or expenses), the Woodshop Fund, the Garden Fund, the Flower Fund, the Memory Care Fund, and the Friends Fund (supporting residents who have outlived their resources or experienced unforeseen financial loss). Each fund directly enhances the lives of Cottage Grove Place residents in unique ways. 

Yes. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, gifts to the Foundation are generally tax-deductible. We encourage donors to consult with their financial advisor. 

Not at all. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Many residents choose to give smaller monthly amounts as part of their residence fees, while others arrange for a gift to be made after their lifetime through estate planning. Whether it’s a one-time donation, a recurring contribution, or a planned legacy gift, your generosity directly supports our community.

The Foundation offers a variety of ways to give, so you can choose the option that best fits your financial goals and legacy plans. Common methods include: 

• Cash or Securities – Gifts that are immediately available to support programs and residents. 

• Wills & Living Trusts – Planned gifts that ensure your generosity continues after your lifetime. 

• Entrance Fee Designation – Donating a portion (50%–80%) of your return-of-capital entrance fee agreement, paid after death. 

• Charitable Gift Annuities & Charitable Remainder Trusts – Options that provide income during your lifetime while benefiting Cottage Grove Place in the future. 

• Life Insurance – Naming the Foundation as a beneficiary to receive all or part of a policy’s payout. 

• Charitable Lead Trusts – “Lending” assets to the Foundation for a specific period of time. 

• Life Estate – Retaining use of your home during your lifetime while gifting the property to the Foundation in the future. 

No matter the method, each contribution helps ensure Cottage Grove Place remains a place of peace, stability, and enrichment for generations to come. 

Our Foundation team can work with you and your financial advisor to design a legacy gift that aligns with your goals and ensures long-term impact.