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River Valley Place of Ottumwa

173 E Rochester Rd, Ottumwa, IA 52501

For pricing & availability:
(866) 374-4058
8.0
Review score
25 reviews
Add review
8.0
Review score
25 reviews
  • 5 star
    72%
  • 4 star
    20%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    4%
  • 1 star
    4%
See all reviews
8.2
Review score
152 reviews
17 facilities
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River Valley Place of Ottumwa
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River Valley Place of Ottumwa community exterior
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River Valley Place of Ottumwa in google map

Anonymous

Child of resident/client

4.0 out of 5 stars

Our experience

What we like the most about the community is the cleanliness and security are good. Meals could use some help. Yes, we would recommend the River Valley Place of Ottumwa community to other families based on the experience so far.

Read all reviews

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

The tile medallion leads the way into a spacious homey atmosphere at River Valley Place of Ottumwa. Known as The City of Bridges, Ottumwa, offers golf courses, restaurants, and museums less than 10 miles away from the community. Seniors in assisted living or respite care have options of studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartments. Suites are specifically designed for memory care. The pet-friendly apartments welcome dogs, cats, fish, and birds. Veterans on VA Aid may be eligible for benefits.

Ease your mind knowing seniors have round-the-clock support. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are coached in daily skills to help maintain their independence longer. A world class team, provided by US Foods, helps create a delightful menu. Nutritious meals are then chef-prepared and served in the charming restaurant-style dining room. Seniors will never go hungry with snacks available at any time of the day.

The resident-centric community has multiple programs providing access to benefits like music therapy, digital communication, and fitness classes. On sunny days, seniors can stroll around the beautiful landscaped lawns along the walking path or relax on the wooden bench under the pergola. Socialize with friendly neighbors or watch TV in the spacious common room. River Valley...

Senior living options offered

  • Assisted Living
  • Memory Care

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Pricing

Total monthly costs depend on room type, select services, and the level of care needed

Base fees by care type

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*Prices quoted are monthly rental charges and are provided by the communities themselves. Actual prices may differ due to one-time fees, timing and care services required. Speak with your Senior Living Advisor to learn more.

Reviews

for River Valley Place of Ottumwa

8 out of 10
Review Score25 reviewsWrite a review
Overall Experience
4.5
Cleanliness
4.8
Friendliness
4.7
Care Services
4.5
Staff
4.0
Meals & Dining
3.0
Activities
4.7
Value for Cost
4.5

A Place for Mom has scored River Valley Place of Ottumwa with 8 out of 10 using our proprietary review score based on 1 review in the last 2 years. Over all time, River Valley Place of Ottumwa has 25 reviews with an average "overall experience" of 4.5 out of 5.

Filters

1-20 of 25 reviews

Last Updated: 10/14/25

Overall Experience
Date Submitted
Reviewer
Care Received
Verified Review

A Place For Mom has verified the person writing the review and their connection to the community.

Anonymous

Assisted Living

Family/friend

October 14, 2025

4.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
4.0
Care Services
4.0
Activities
4.0
Staff
4.0
Meals & Dining
3.0

Our experience

What we like the most about the community is the cleanliness and security are good. Meals could use some help. Yes, we would recommend the River Valley Place of Ottumwa community to other families based on the experience so far.

Stephanie Dahm/Jean Lane

Memory Care

Family/friend

May 22, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Blessing in a chaotic time

My mom unexpectedly went from mild dementia to moderate and started wandering and eloping. We are private pay while in the Medicaid look back period and have been struggling to find anything in our budget. River valley was our blessing and we are able to cover the majority of her care while knowing she was in a very good and well-staffed place.

Riddle

Assisted Living

Family/friend

September 3, 2023

1.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
1.0
Friendliness
1.0
Value for Cost
1.0
Care Services
1.0
Activities
1.0
Staff
1.0
Meals & Dining
1.0

Terrible

Flew in from out of town to visit my Mother. [name removed] told us she had to go by ambulance to Ottumwa Hospital for psych eval to get her meds changed, then she could return (lies). She was discharged from the hospital later that evening and when we tried to return her to her to river place (in the middle of the night), they would not let her in to return to her room. We called [name removed] , the director, and he said she cannot come back. No advance notice of any kind. So we are sitting in the parking lot in the middle of the night with no place to go. The day before, my sister went to visit her and she was lying outside, and my sister had to bring her back in. I noticed that they waited until the first of the month (after she paid in advance for the month ahead) before they pulled this hateful stunt. Looking at all options.

KH

Assisted Living

Family/friend

February 10, 2023

2.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
2.0
Activities
3.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
1.0

Excellent Care Aides

My loved one was there a short period of time.They did not have a housekeeper, or enough staff. They did not have a maintenance guy, a director or nurse. The food was terrible. It was low quality, and was not fresh. They had activities, such as; exercise, crafts, afternoon outings, and bible study. They did not, make an effort to get all of the residents involved. The care aides were excellent.

Anonymous

Assisted Living

Family/friend

April 7, 2022

4.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review

expectations didn't line up with reality

the atmosphere is beautiful. the rooms are really clean, they try really hard to plan activities for the residents. the food is decent and the director was really easy to work with. we just felt like it wasn't a good placement for my loved one due to a combination of things. they seemed short staffed, which I'm sure played a part in different areas. my loved ones needs were maybe a little more than what could be adequately served in an assisted living community. it wasn't a good match for us, there were issues here and there that didn't work - but we did witness other seniors really thriving in that community and living their best lives! it was a short stay, as they didn't get to stay as long as we had originally planned.

anonymous

Assisted Living

Family/friend

March 24, 2021

5.0 out of 5 stars
Verified Review
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
4.0
Care Services
3.0
Activities
5.0
Staff
5.0
Meals & Dining
5.0

Best in the area for Assisted Care In My Opinion

They're not quite as good as before Covid, but it's still a very friendly community. You'd better stay healthy or you won't be able to stay here. If you're on a special diet or anything ,forget about it. The staff was very good. It's just not great if your loved one gets sick and requires more care.

Don Teninty

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Loss & Independence

Moved in with my wife in 2016 and I dont think I would have been able to handle her unexpected passing without the help of the staff here and the support of my neighbors. Since my wife has been gone, I have still been able to be cared for and yet maintain my independence. I like that I can jump in my car in and go visit family or have them over to my apartment.

Bob Francis

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Couples

Its a nice place to live. I enjoy staying busy and living here with my wife.

Jim Ash

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Giving Back

Good neighbors, I also enjoy the events held here. Not only can I attend events within the building but we also travel outside of the community. I particularly enjoy going on our monthly Casino trips. One thing that I most value is that I believe in giving back, and I am able to do that here with monthly fundraisers that are hosted here. Not only do I think this is a great community for myself, but also my son. He needs Memory Care and I had him moved from Dubuque Iowa to Prairie Hills at Ottumwa so that he could receive proper care and attention. I really like that I can visit him any time or day of the week.

Evy Harris

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

3.5 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
3.5
Care Services
3.5
Activities
5.0

Just Like Home

The people here are so friendly. I think the thing I like most is that I can come and go just like my own home! [name removed] is always keeping me involved in activities and I like that I can give back to Ottumwa while living here.

Jerry Landtiser

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

You Can't Beat It!

I don't think you can beat it! I couldn't ask for a better place to have been for the past 12 years. If you need help, they're right there to help ya. I like having my own private apartment but I don't have to go far to be apart of a busy community.

Myrintha Dailey

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Active Mind

Being here keeps my hands and my mind active. I really like how I am greeted and taken care of here.

Millie Haag

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Staying busy

I heard great things about Prairie Hills before I even moved here. When I moved here and got settled I was happy with how friendly all of my neighbors were and how welcoming the staff are! I often wonder how I got myself to try so many new things, but am glad that I am always presented with new activities. ITs easy to be busy! I was most surprised at how clean the community is at all times. I thought upon touring that maybe it was staged, but it really is this nice day to day. The staff really care about the building and the overall cleanliness.

Don Teninty

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Loss & Independence

I moved into Prairie Hills with my wife in 2016. I don't think I would have been able to handle her passing without the help of the staff here and the support of my neighbors. Since her passing I have still been able I enjoy being able to have my independence here. My family visits me and I can still hop in my vehicle and visit them. Keeping my independence has been important to me.

Delmar Stevens

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Food & Community

All of the staff know who you are here and genuinely care about how you feel. I was worried I wouldn't like talking to anyone here but I have made friends with my neighbors quickly because of all the activities the community offers. Also, the food couldn't be any better!

Isabel Millard

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Pandemic Perspective

Everyone is good and kind here. The staff are good at helping us navigate this pandemic and keeping us safe. I also appreciate that they have helped me order my toiletries and food items online so I do not have to go out to stores.

Deloris VanDenBerg

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

3.5 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
3.5
Value for Cost
3.5
Care Services
3.5
Activities
5.0

Honesty Opinion

Staff have a fast response time and step out of their roles often to help me. There are some staff that I cannot relate to but they all care about the people they take care of here.

Phil Traul

Memory Care

Resident/client

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Veteran Perspective

The staff here are friendly and good to you. The food is superb and delicious, I enjoy being able to have biscuits and gravy every morning. It is very clean here and I have the support of trained staff. I also enjoy visiting with fellow Veterans.

Angie WickenKamp

Memory Care

Industry reviewer

October 23, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Team

This team is a phenomenal example of what an attitude of serving looks like. Every resident is valued and respected and staff look for ways to make their days better.

Anonymous

Memory Care

Family/friend

October 14, 2020

5.0 out of 5 stars
Cleanliness
5.0
Friendliness
5.0
Value for Cost
5.0
Care Services
5.0
Activities
5.0

Independence & Wellness

Prairie Hills at Ottumwa is the only choice when it comes to senior living in Wapello County Iowa. The staff are well trained, med managed and take pride in their Community. Prairie Hills has both staff and residents who have been there for 10+ years. They are located on the Northside of Ottumwa, quietly tucked back off Rochester Road. Residents have access to a gym, spa, salon, activities, and bussing services. There is also an onsite memory care neighborhood. The memory care neighborhood is most impressive with their Montessori style approach to care and helping residents maintain independence. I really love watching their partnerships with music and pet therapy groups in the greater Ottumwa area. Nothing compares to the service and care at Prairie Hills.

River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Neighborhoods

See what the neighborhood has to offer and what’s nearby:
Map of the neighborhood around River Valley Place of Ottumwa

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The features and amenities that are displayed on this page contain marketing information provided by the community. A Place for Mom has not confirmed the completeness of the provided information, and cannot guarantee its accuracy. If you become aware of any information that should be updated or noted, please contact A Place for Mom. A Place for Mom uses the term “assisted living” to indicate that the community provides some level of assistance with daily living activities. It does not indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care.

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