Cottage Grove Place

    2115 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
    • Independent Living
    • Assisted Living
    • Memory Care
    • Skilled Nursing

    Friendly staff, excellent food, activities

    I'm very happy with Cottage Grove Place - the staff are friendly and professional, the food is excellent, and there are abundant activities and social opportunities. Move-in and communication were smooth, the LifeCare/full continuum of services and in-town location with easy transport give great peace of mind, and I'd definitely recommend it.

    Current/former resident
    Jul 2026

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    Amenities

    Healthcare services

    • Activities of daily living assistance
    • Assistance with bathing
    • Assistance with dressing
    • Assistance with transfers
    • Medication management

    Healthcare staffing

    • 24-hour call system
    • 24-hour supervision

    Meals and dining

    • Diabetes diet
    • Meal preparation and service
    • Special dietary restrictions

    Room

    • Air-conditioning
    • Cable
    • Fully furnished
    • Housekeeping and linen services
    • Kitchenettes
    • Private bathrooms
    • Telephone
    • Wifi

    Transportation

    • Community operated transportation
    • Transportation arrangement
    • Transportation arrangement (non-medical)

    Common areas

    • Beauty salon
    • Computer center
    • Fitness room
    • Gaming room
    • Garden
    • Outdoor space
    • Small library
    • Wellness center

    Community services

    • Concierge services
    • Fitness programs
    • Move-in coordination

    Activities

    • Community-sponsored activities
    • Planned day trips
    • Resident-run activities
    • Scheduled daily activities

    Reviews

    4.76·(78)

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      4.6
    • Staff

      4.7
    • Meals

      4.6
    • Amenities

      4.8
    • Value

      3.8

    Pros

    • compassionate, attentive staff
    • LifeCare prepaid long-term-care coverage
    • full continuum of care (independent to skilled nursing)
    • strong skilled-nursing and rehabilitation services
    • well-coordinated move-in and care transitions
    • high-quality dining with meal customization
    • meal allotments and tax-deductible fee components
    • busy social calendar with regular outings and events
    • well-equipped woodshop and craft programming
    • exercise room and fitness amenities
    • underground temperature-controlled parking
    • secure, well-maintained campus and landscaping
    • range of apartment sizes and private/semi-private options
    • housekeeping and maintenance services
    • pet-friendly policies and accessible outdoor areas
    • convenient in-town location with transportation access
    • supportive management and helpful tour staff
    • responsive maintenance department
    • warm, family-like community atmosphere
    • multiple dining venues and casual grill options
    • ample social opportunities and resident-run groups
    • well-appointed apartment kitchens and appliances
    • clean, comfortable rooms with practical furnishings

    Cons

    • high entrance and monthly fees
    • variable staffing levels and occasional understaffing
    • inconsistent staff professionalism and conduct
    • medication-management and administration inconsistencies
    • uneven housekeeping and sanitation practices
    • inconsistent administrative communication and problem-resolution
    • limited privacy in some shared-room configurations
    • ongoing maintenance and weather-related repair disruptions
    • carpeting in many apartments that may affect allergy-sensitive residents
    • uneven amenity availability across buildings and units
    • occasional equipment sanitation concerns

    Summary of reviews

    Cottage Grove Place presents as a full-service LifeCare community with strengths across clinical care, social programming, and facilities maintenance. Reviewers consistently highlight the availability of a full continuum of care—from independent living through skilled nursing and rehab—combined with LifeCare prepaid long-term-care coverage and coordinated transitions between levels. Skilled-nursing and rehabilitation services are frequently described as competent and effective, and many families praised the facility's ability to arrange transports, coordinate external services, and manage complex care handoffs.

    Staff and culture are major selling points: numerous accounts describe compassionate, attentive caregivers, a warm, family-like atmosphere, and long-tenured employees. Move-in processes and ongoing family communication are often characterized as smooth and helpful. That said, there are recurring notes about variability: some reviewers cited inconsistent staff professionalism, and others noted episodic understaffing or uneven responsiveness. These patterns suggest the overall staffing and supervisory structure generally performs well but can produce variable day-to-day experiences for individual residents.

    Dining and activities are commonly praised. The community offers multiple dining venues, customizable meals, meal allotments, and active social programming—daily calendars, outings, crafts, woodworking, games, and performance events. Residents report a lively social environment with many resident-run groups and regular special events. Apartment features and campus amenities also score highly: spacious units, fully equipped kitchens, underground parking, attractive landscaping, fitness facilities, and pet-friendly outdoor access are all cited as positives. Maintenance and facilities teams receive regular commendation for responsiveness and quality of work, although reviewers also described weather-related damage and ongoing repairs to portions of the campus following a severe storm.

    Areas for prospective residents to weigh include cost, privacy, and operational consistency. Several reviewers described the community as expensive, and the LifeCare model requires an entrance fee and monthly charges; while many found the financial package worthwhile for peace of mind, affordability is a clear consideration. Privacy can be limited in some shared-room configurations, and amenity availability (for example, pool access or flooring choices) appears to vary by building or unit. Operationally, there are reports of uneven housekeeping and occasional equipment sanitation concerns, as well as isolated medication-management issues and intermittent administrative communication problems. These items do not represent the dominant narrative but are recurring enough to merit attention during a tour and contract review.

    Overall, Cottage Grove Place is portrayed as a high-quality, well-resourced community with strong clinical services, a rich activity program, and an engaged staff culture. Prospective residents and families should balance those strengths against the community's cost, inquire specifically about staffing levels and medication-safety protocols, confirm amenity availability for a chosen unit, and review housekeeping and maintenance practices during an on-site visit.

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    Medicare Ratings

    2·/ 5
    • Overall

    • Health Inspection

    • Staffing

    • Quality Measures

    Ratings from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Care Compare). View on Medicare.gov

    Location

    Map showing location of Cottage Grove Place

    Cottage Grove Place is located at 2115 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402.

    About Cottage Grove Place

    Cottage Grove Place sits in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and people have known it since 1996 as a continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, that gives older adults many living and care choices, so if someone starts in independent living but later needs assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care, they won't have to leave the community to get a higher level of support, and that's what they call LifeCare, which is something only this place in Cedar Rapids offers, so people find it easier to predict costs as care needs change. The community's leaders are a local Board of Trustees who've kept it running smoothly, giving residents priority for on-campus advanced care if their health changes. The website's packed with facts about services, and there's a Care Finder feature that helps people figure out what kind of care fits them best. Cottage Grove Place works with the Iowa Health Care Association and the Iowa Center for Assisted Living, showing they follow the state's standards on care.

    The staff stays committed to giving good, compassionate care, with focus on each resident's comfort. Seniors can pick from different apartments, and the buildings have safe and clean environments, high-speed internet, and pet-friendly options, which means people don't have to leave their pets behind. The community gives a wide range of care, like independent living for adults aged 55 and over, assisted living, and assisted living memory care for those who need extra help with things like dressing, bathing, grooming, and taking medicine, and their memory care areas are designed so seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's can live safely, with rooms and routines that reduce confusion and keep people from wandering.

    Residents needing round-the-clock medical help have the health care center with 24-hour licensed nursing, and those recovering from sickness or injury get physical, speech, and occupational therapies alongside short-term rehabilitation. For people who want to see how the daily life goes, tours are available that show dining rooms with chef-prepared meals, apartments, and activities, which helps families get a sense of what living here looks like, and the review score sits at 9.3 from 14 reviews, so people seem to find good things to say overall.

    Cottage Grove Place pays attention to whole-person wellness, offering programs for physical, emotional, and social health, so people find exercise classes, a walking club, poker, bingo, bowling, billiards, and more to keep active and social. Seniors who want to keep learning have educational programs and even certification opportunities. Residents have several dining spaces and well-kept grounds, and the staff give help matched to the person, with personal care plans. The memory care team runs special programs and activities that fit each person's needs, aiming to help those with memory loss keep as much confidence and dignity as possible. With handy services right on campus and the chance for vibrant independent living, Cottage Grove Place keeps things fairly simple and steady, covering the basics for seniors who wish to age in place with comfort, security, and the right level of care.

    About Life Care Services

    Cottage Grove Place is managed by Life Care Services.

    Life Care Services (LCS), established in 1971 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, stands as the nation's leading manager of full-service senior living communities and the largest not-for-profit senior living operator in the United States. With over five decades of experience, LCS manages more than 130 communities serving over 40,000 residents nationwide, specializing in Life Plan Communities (formerly known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs), as well as stand-alone assisted living, memory care, and rental communities.

    The company's comprehensive approach encompasses operations management, marketing and sales support, health services, compliance, finance, human resources, risk management, strategic planning, and technology development. Through the LCS Family of Companies, they provide end-to-end solutions including development services, real estate private equity enterprises, insurance, national purchasing consulting, and in-home care services. Their innovative development projects feature amenity-forward designs, including cutting-edge elements like rooftop restaurants and microbreweries, demonstrating their commitment to evolving senior living experiences.

    LCS's philosophy centers on purposeful living, where aging means adding experiences rather than giving up on them. Their hospitality-driven approach combines data-driven services with personalized care to strengthen teams, streamline workflows, and enhance resident experiences. Signature programs include Extraordinary Impressions, their employee culture initiative; Heartfelt Connections®, a nationally recognized memory care approach; Eversafe 360 senior safety protocols; and the Health & Wellness Navigation Program™ that provides personalized care plans addressing all aspects of well-being. The LCS Signature Experiences program infuses hospitality into every aspect of community life, creating rich, engaging experiences for residents and employees alike.

    The company's excellence has earned unprecedented recognition, including being ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Independent Living Senior Living Communities by J.D. Power for six consecutive years (2019-2024), winning more independent living awards than any other brand in the J.D. Power U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Studies. Additionally, LCS received three awards from Top Workplace USA in 2023, reflecting their commitment to both resident care and employee satisfaction. As the fourth-largest operator of life plan and rental senior living communities nationwide, LCS continues to shape the future of senior living through innovation, excellence, and a deep commitment to empowering seniors to live their best lives.

    People often ask...

    Cottage Grove Place offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, continuing care retirement community, and skilled nursing.

    There are 54 photos of Cottage Grove Place on Mirador.

    Yes, Cottage Grove Place allows residents to age in place and adjust their level of care as needed.

    The full address for this community is 2115 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

    No, Cottage Grove Place does not offer respite care. Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.

    Safety & Compliance

    In Iowa, the Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing licenses assisted living and long-term care programs, conducting recertification visits and complaint investigations.

    License number3153
    StatusActive
    Facility typeAssisted Living Programs for People with Dementia
    Capacity36 residents
    EffectiveSeptember 10th, 2025
    ExpiresSeptember 10th, 2027
    View the official license record

    Inspection Reports

    23

    Reports

    8

    Type A Citations

    0

    Type B Citations

    13

    Complaints

    21

    Years

    17 Sept 2025Renewal
    Investigated found deficiencies in incident documentation, medication management, and service planning, with policies and plans not updated as required and records incomplete.
    • 481-67.2(1d)Program Policies and Procedures
    • 481-67.5(2)f(4)Medications
    • 481-69.22(2)Evaluation of Tenant
    • 481-69.26(3)Service Plans
    17 Sept 2025Renewal
    Investigative findings identified deficiencies in policies and procedures, medication administration, tenant evaluations, and service plans, with documented safety incidents and incomplete documentation.
    • Policies & Procedures
    • Medication
    • Evaluation of Tenant
    • Service Plans
    03 May 2023Complaint
    Found multiple deficiencies in occupancy agreements, tenant documentation, service plans, food safety training, and the emergency pendant system.
    • 231C.5Occupancy Agreement
    • 69.25(1)iTenant Documents
    • 69.26(1)Service Plans
    • 69.28(5)Food Service
    • 69.29(1)Staffing
    03 May 2023Complaint
    Investigations identified multiple deficiencies in dementia-specific services, including policy adherence, occupancy documentation, tenant records, service planning, and staff training.
    • 481-67.2(3)Program Policies and Procedures
    • 231C.5Occupancy Agreement
    • 69.25(1)Tenant Documents
    • 69.26(1)Service Plans
    • 69.30(1)Dementia Specific Education for Personnel
    • 69.30(3)bDementia-Specific Education for Personnel
    • 69.30(5)Dementia Specific Education for Personnel
    25 Mar 2021Complaint
    Found deficiencies in how tenants are evaluated and in life-safety practices for a dementia-specific program.
    • 69.22(2)Evaluation of Tenant
    • 69.32(2)Life Safety - Emergency Policies / Structure
    22 Mar 2021Renewal
    Found that tenants' service plans were not updated to reflect identified service needs for two tenants.
    • 481-69.26(1) Service PlansService Plans
    15 Oct 2020Complaint
    Identified several deficiencies in record-keeping, service planning, and staff training, including failure to update tenant service plans and incomplete background checks.
    • Type A481-67.2(1)dProgram Policies and Procedures
    • Type A481-69.22(2)Tenant Evaluation
    • Type AStaff Training and Background Checks
    • Type ATenant Behavior and Service Plan Updates
    • Type AFood Service Training
    • Type ABackground Checks
    • Type ATenant Care Planning
    • Type AService Plan Updates and Tenant Records
    15 Oct 2020Complaint
    Identified deficiencies in tenant documentation and health-related care records, including missing nurses' notes by exception for two tenants.
    • 69.25(1)Documentation for each tenant shall be maintained by the program
    30 Jul 2020FIC
    Found no deficiencies identified during the infection control survey.
    30 Jul 2020FIC
    Found no deficiencies identified during the infection control review.
    28 Oct 2019Complaint
    Investigated a complaint; found no deficiencies.
    25 Mar 2019Renewal
    Found no deficiencies cited during the recertification process.
    10 Jan 2019Complaint
    Investigated a complaint and found no regulatory insufficiencies.
    08 Mar 2018Complaint
    Investigated complaint and found no deficiencies.
    23 Mar 2017Renewal
    Identified issues with service plan updates and signing, and gaps in monitoring tenant needs, with corrective actions outlined and a target completion date.
    • Service plans signed by tenant or legal representative when significant changes occur
    • Elements detailing how the Program will correct the regulatory insufficiency
    08 Mar 2016Complaint
    Investigated a complaint alleging that copies of admission/discharge documents were not released; found no regulatory insufficiencies.
    18 Mar 2015Renewal
    Identified deficiencies in initial comments and census data related to population definitions.
    • 481-67Initial Comments
    13 Dec 2012Renewal
    Found no regulatory insufficiencies during the recertification monitoring evaluation.
    26 Apr 2011Complaint
    Determined that no regulatory insufficiencies were found during the recertification monitoring evaluation.
    01 Apr 2010Incident
    Investigated an allegation of medication tampering and related management concerns; no regulatory insufficiencies were noted.
    13 Jan 2009Complaint
    Identified no regulatory insufficiencies during the on-site monitoring evaluation; noted a prior substantiated insufficiency from the last certification period.
    29 Apr 2008Complaint
    Investigated a complaint about health monitoring and documentation; identified regulatory insufficiency in nurse reviews and tenant health status documentation.
    • 321 IAC 25.30Nurse Review
    06 Jan 2005Complaint
    Identified deficiencies in service planning outcomes and staff training practices.
    • 321 IAC 25.28Service plans address tenant outcomes
    • 321 IAC 25.33Staffing and training; medication administration

    Disclaimer

    Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Cottage Grove Place. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Cottage Grove Place directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.

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