WAUKEE, Iowa —

Families are scrambling to find new homes for loved ones after Independence Village announced it will eliminate its long-term care facility, prompting concerns about a tight market and a fast-approaching deadline to move.

“I went into panic mode knowing that there were 30 other people also looking for homes in a market that’s already limited,” said Monica Stutzman, who at one point had three relatives at Independence Village, including her sister.

“We invested into finding a place for her that she could progress into all levels of care as she needed it.”

Her mother died there last year, and her father still lives on the campus.

Stutzman said the decision has left families reeling.

“I have felt lack of compassion, lack of caring, and a lack of understanding of how many

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