The state of Iowa’s getting one-hundred-56 million dollars from the feds — a special initiative to change the “lifestyle” options for Iowa’s oldest citizens. The money will be used to convert unused nursing home space into assisted living apartments and expand in-the-home care services. Governor Tom Vilsack says it’ll give people options rather than force the elderly into nursing Iowa Department of Human Services director Jesse Rasmussen says there are an estimated eight-thousand un-used nursing home beds in homes.Iowa. Fifteen other states are getting money from this special, federal “long-term care” program, but some are using the money for roadwork or ballparks. Vilsack says federal officials threaten a crack-down which could reduce the amount of money Iowa will get in the future. Legislators endorsed the initiative in February.