Resources for Caregivers

Last updated: 3/30/2026

Caregiver Resources

Access 2 Independence - Disability Services: (Cedar Rapids Satellite Office): (319) 338-3870 

• Address: 601 2nd Ave SE, Suite 4 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 

• Hours: Monday-Thursday; By appointment only 

• Details: Access 2 Independence empowers individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves in order to achieve greater independence and integrated community participation. In addition, Access 2 Independence connects individuals with direct services to help individuals obtain the skills and supports they choose, in order to accomplish their self-determined goals. 

ARC of East Central Iowa - Disability Services: (Cedar Rapids): (319) 365-0487 

• Address: 680 2nd Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 

• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00am – 3:30pm; Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm  

• Details: The Arc of East Central Iowa is a non-profit agency offering multiple programs and services in six counties including Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, Linn, and Northern Johnson, improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by epilepsy, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, ADHD, and brain injury. Programs/services include the Daycare & Adult Enrichment Program, Day Habilitation & Community Inclusion Program, Employment Support, Group Respite Activities, Home & Community Services, and Summer Programs. 

• Additional Information: Referral for Services Form 

• Additional Information: The Arc Brochure  

 ASK (Access for Special Kids) Resource Center - Disability Services: (Johnston): (800) 450-8667 

• Address: 6165 NW 86th Street, Ste. 234, Johnston, IA 50131 

• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:00pm 

• Details: ASK (Access for Special Kids) Resource Center is a parent training, information, and advocacy center for families of children with special needs across the state of Iowa. All services provided to people with disabilities and their family members are FREE. Services to professionals are low to no cost. You can connect with a Family Support Specialist, trained to help with health care and education issues related to disability; choose this option if you have specific questions about health or disability and need information, support, or advocacy. You can also request a mentor, a trained volunteer who has experience caring for an individual with a disability; choose this option if you are looking for a listening ear who has “been there” and can offer support and encouragement. 

• Additional Information: English - Contact Form 

• Adicional Información: Español - Formulario de Contacto 

Darrell E. Davis Adult Day Center (Independence): (319) 334-2401 

• Address: 204 2nd St SW Independence, Iowa 50644 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-3:30 pm 

• Details: We are an adult day center providing activities and socialization for adults 18 years of age on up with mental and/or physical challenges, including the elderly.  We also offer life skills classes to promote education and assist all individuals interested in basic skills to regain or maintain learning to help them living in their own environment for as long as possible.  We provide respite care for those caretakers that need to run errands or go to appointments and know their loved one is taken care of during those times. 

Disability Access Point (DAP) (Grinnell): (515) 513-6870

• Address: 200 4th Ave W Grinnell, IA 50112 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm 

• Details: Disability Access Points, DAPs, are local places that help people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers find the services and support they need—both short-term and long-term. DAPs help by giving information, making plans, making referrals and checking in to make sure people are getting the right support to live healthy, independent lives. Four DAPs in Iowa cover all 99 counties. Benton County’s DAP is located in Grinnell and serves Benton and Poweshiek counties. 

• Additional Information: [email protected]  

• Additional Information: Disability Access Point District 6 Transition Plan

Grant Wood Area Education Agency: (Cedar Rapids): (319) 399-6700

• Address: 4401 Sixth Street SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm 

• Details: Grant Wood is one of nine AEAs in Iowa, which ensure all children have equal educational opportunities. Grant Wood AEA serves Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties, operating two facilities in Cedar Rapids and one in Coralville. Grant Wood helps educations, students and families Iowa AEA’s work as partners to provide services to every Iowa public school district and accredited, nonpublic schools to improve the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth. Special Education services comprise about 80 percent of the AEA budget and include academic and behavior consultants, hearing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology, school social work, speech, and vision.  Education services like literacy, math, professional development, teacher leadership and compensation, and instructional technology are also offered, along with media services like AEA digital resources, lending libraries, and print and production. 

• Additional Information: Grant Wood AEA Mission, Values, and Goals  

Heritage Area Agency on Aging (Cedar Rapids): (319) 398-5559 

• Address: 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm, appointments are encouraged 

• Details: For more than 50 years, Heritage Area Agency on Aging has walked alongside older Iowans and caregivers—helping people age with dignity, independence, and choice. Whether you’re searching for resources or simply have a quick question, we can connect you with experienced case workers, nutrition and wellness programs, in-home care and senior living, transportation services, and community and social activities. Heritage serves Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington counties. 

• Additional Information: Heritage Area Agency Plan on Aging 

Horizons, A Family Service Alliance: (Cedar Rapids): (319) 398-3943 

• Address: 810 5th St SE PO Box 667 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0667 

• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM 

• Details: Horizons offers a variety of human services across Eastern Iowa, including Meals on Wheels, delivering hot, fresh, ready-to-eat meals in addition to frozen meals and breakfast bags to older adults and person with disabilities. In addition, Financial Wellness Center is a program of Horizons and provides financial counseling including budget, credit, and housing to empower independence and raise financial stability. Neighborhood Transportation Service provides safe and affordable rides to work, school and training when public transportation is not available everywhere within the city limits of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha. 

• Neighborhood Transportation Service Hours: Weekdays 2 am to 6:30 am, 7:30 pm to 1:00 am; Saturdays 5 am to 9 am, 5 pm to 11:59 pm; Sundays 5 am to 11:59 pm 

• Additional Information: Financial Wellness Client Intake Form 

• Additional Information: Financial Wellness Payee Intake Form 

Iowa COMPASS - Resource Connection (Iowa City): (800) 779-2001 

• Mail: Iowa Compass Center for Disabilities and Development 100 Hawkins Drive Iowa City, IA 52242-1011 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm 

• Details: Iowa Compass, a partner of the Iowa Aging and Disability Resource Center network, connects older adults, people with disabilities and complex health-related needs of all ages, and caregivers to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa. When you contact Iowa Compass, a Community Resource Specialist will talk to you about your needs. The specialist will provide you with information about services and resources to meet those needs, and help you solve problems. They may also ask to connect you with other organizations who may be able to provide services or support. You may contact Iowa Compass by phone, text, chat, e-mail or by mail. 

Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council: (Des Moines): (800) 452-1936 

• Address: 700 2nd Avenue Suite 101 Des Moines, IA 50309 

• Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm  

• Details: Join the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council for free to connect with more than 9,000 Iowans who advocate for Iowans with disabilities so they can live and be part of their community. This includes a 5-year state plan with goals and objectives to improve the lives of Iowans with developmental disabilities, bylaws that govern and guide the DD Council, legislative priorities, and meeting materials. 

• Additional Information: [email protected]  

Newel Post Adult Day Services (Waterloo): (319) 234-1391 

• Address: 1108 Tiffany Place (off Greenhill Road, near Progress Drive) Waterloo, IA 50701 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm 

• Details: Newel Post provides services for adults over the age of 50 who are living with disabilities or deficits associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Services are funded through Medicaid HCBS – BI Waiver, Elderly Waiver, ID Waiver, Health & Disability Waiver, or AIDS/HIV Waiver, Veteran’s Administration, or Private Pay. Consider utilizing Newel Post when someone can no longer structure his or her own activities, is isolated and desires companionship, cannot be safely left home alone, lives with a caregiver who works outside the house, lives with a caregiver who needs time to attend to their own needs or that of other family members, or needs support to continue to live independently at home. Newel Post offers a safe, secure environment to spend the day, with enjoyable education activities, socialization, and peer support. 

North Star Community Services: (Vinton): (319) 472-4246 

• Address: 105 W 5th St, Vinton IA 52349 

• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30am-3:00pm 

• Details: The Day Habilitation program is designed for adults with a wide range of disabilities in need of support services to foster the acquisition of daily living skills and positive social behavior, optimize personal independence, and develop satisfying and rewarding community connections and relationships. Program participants have the opportunity to explore areas of personal interest and choice, become more involved in the community, develop interpersonal skills, and set and achieve personal goals and dreams.  Each day in Day Hab brings new experiences, opportunities for growth, and increased independence and integration. North Star’s Day Habilitation identifies the person’s interests, preferences, skills, strengths, and contributions. Activities include participation in community activities related to hobbies, leisure, personal health, wellness, cultural, civic, and religious interests, volunteering in the community, and assistance with behavior management and self-direction. 

REM Iowa State Office: (Hiawatha): (319) 393-1944 

• Address: 1220 Industrial Ave, Suite C Hiawatha, IA 52233 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm 

• Details: REM Iowa provides Home and Community Based Services, Day Programs, ICF/ID services and Host Homes to people with Intellectual Disabilities, Brain Injury, and/or Mental Health challenges. In Host Homes, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, brain injury, and other needs live in private family homes with dedicated caregivers. In Intermediate Care Facilities, also known as group homes, 24/7 medical, behavioral, and daily living supports are offered. There is also Day Habilitation programs, where social and skill-building activities are offered in a fun community center setting. Lastly, independent living programs through REM Community Services provides behavioral management and therapy services for adults with mental health challenges. 

UnityPointHealth - AbbeHealth Services Milestones Adult Day Health Center - Cedar Rapids: (Cedar Rapids): (319) 398-3647 

• Address: 1725 O Avenue NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm 

• Details: UnityPoint Health – AbbeHealth Services – Aging Services enhances the lives of older adults by providing services and resources to assist them in remaining independent. Our staff is committed to assisting participants experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, vision loss, depression, brain injuries, developmental disabilities, impairments resulting from stroke, and other conditions, achieve maximum levels of independence. Some services include transportation, breakfast, lunch and snacks, health therapies, and access to an open art studio, music programs, culinary classes, and a computer lab. Additionally, the Respite Program is an in-home care option where a respite provider can provide temporary relief by completing minor tasks like meal prep, providing companionship, and light housekeeping that a caregiver would otherwise provide on their own. Call (319) 373-3494 to learn more about respite services. 

• Additional Information: Caregiver Support Group: 2nd Thursday every month @ 3:00pm 

UnityPoint Health - AbbeHealth Services Milestones Adult Day Health Center: (Marion): (319) 373-3494 

• Address: 1080 Cardinal Drive Marion, IA 52302 

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:00pm 

• Details: UnityPoint Health – AbbeHealth Services – Aging Services enhances the lives of older adults by providing services and resources to assist them in remaining independent. Our staff is committed to assisting participants experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, vision loss, depression, brain injuries, developmental disabilities, impairments resulting from stroke, and other conditions, achieve maximum levels of independence. Some services include transportation, breakfast, lunch and snacks, health therapies, and access to an open art studio, music programs, culinary classes, and a computer lab. Additionally, the Respite Program is an in-home care option where a respite provider can provide temporary relief by completing minor tasks like meal prep, providing companionship, and light housekeeping that a caregiver would otherwise provide on their own. Call (319) 373-3494 to learn more about respite services. 

• Additional Information: Caregiver Support Group: 3rd Wednesday every other month @ 2:30pm