Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Overview of Independence Village of Ankeny

Independence Village of Ankeny is a senior living community located north of Promenade park. They offer a number of living setups such as independent living, enhanced living, and assisted living with memory care. This senior living community helps residents enjoy their retirement years to the fullest by providing 24 hour care and response services, engagement activities to help stimulate the mind, body, and spirit, as well as round the clock assistance for medication and mobility for residents dealing with memory loss. All of these can be enjoyed in the comfort of their unit of choice, whether it’s studio, one-bedroom, or two bedroom – depending on what would best fit the resident’s needs.

Aside from the usual assisted senior living services, the residents are also encouraged to live as independently as possible, helping them feel more empowered even with age. And if the senior resident would like to keep an animal company, a cat or dog are most welcome to live with them, in the spacious pet-friendly rooms available at Independence Village. Residents are also provided with chef-prepared meals of their choice with consideration to their dietary restrictions, to ensure that they enjoy every meal and still get the nutrition they need. And because a way to keep a youthful energy is to have fun, Independence Village in Ankeny curates activities like movie nights, and manicures and mimosas – ensuring that everyone not only feels young, but also lives a life like one.

Dedicated to providing high-quality senior living, Southern Hills Specialty Care in West Lakes Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, is a reliable senior living community that offers a wide range of care services. These include assisted living, memory care, skilled care, therapy services, wound care management, and hospice. With a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals delivering top-tier care and assistance around the clock, seniors can thrive and live their lives to the fullest.

A variety of planned activities and engaging programs are also provided to ensure residents have fun and meet friends. Special diets are also accommodated to ensure health needs and cravings are met through delicious and nutritious meals. Southern Hills Specialty Care is great for seniors looking to make the most out of their best years.

Overview of The Willows of Marshalltown

The Willows of Marshalltown houses 48 residents across studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units (340–720 square feet) in a two-story building at 2315 Campbell Dr in Marshalltown, Iowa, 4.1 miles from the city center. Administered by Jennifer Stanley and owned by Ben Daniels, the facility has operated since July 2018.

It specializes in assisted living and memory care, serving residents with dementia and cognitive impairment. The community offers on-site transportation, a movie theater, parking, and permits pets.

Occupancy is currently 63 percent (30 beds occupied of 48 licensed), which trails Iowa’s 75.4 percent average.

The neighborhood is car-dependent (Walk Score 1).

The facility’s regulatory record reveals persistent care quality concerns. Eight inspections from December 2018 through May 2025 identified 38 total deficiencies; 41 percent above the state average for assisted living.

The most damaging finding appeared in the May 2025 complaint investigation: a resident suffered a fractured pelvis during a fall because the facility failed to provide adequate care, treatment, and services, including non-functional chair alarms and insufficient staff assistance during the incident.

In September 2024, a complaint-driven recertification inspection documented 11 violations spanning medication administration errors, failure to notify state authorities of major injuries within required timeframes, incomplete tenant evaluations, inability to manage residents who exceeded their care level capacity, and missing nurse documentation and safety protocols.

A December 2022 investigation found service plans were not updated to reflect escalating behavioral medication needs; residents received 57 doses of PRN aggression medication in December alone, up from 5 in August, yet no plan modifications were documented. Only one inspection (July 2020) yielded zero deficiencies.

The overall trajectory shows no sustained improvement.

Overview of Keystone Place at Forevergreen

Located within North Liberty, Iowa, Keystone Place at Forevergreen stands as a haven of passionate care and vibrant living. Offering a comprehensive range of services, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, this community is renowned for its landscape-rich campus and its unwavering commitment to fostering an engaged and socially active lifestyle for its residents. Here, the pursuit of fun and personal growth thrives, allowing seniors to flourish physically and mentally.

The community boasts an elegant clubhouse adorned with a library and theater, serving as a hub for enriching activities. An expansive activity center and a state-of-the-art fitness hub contribute to the dynamic environment. The spacious apartment homes, available in large one and two bedroom floor plans, offer ample storage and comfort. With a 24-hour concierge and a specially trained staff available round the clock, residents experience a secure and supportive atmosphere. The courtyard also beckons with secure access, providing a breathable space for relaxation.

Overview of Floyd Senior Living

Floyd Place is a distinguished assisted living community situated in the heart of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Residents at Floyd Place flourish in an engaging senior living environment, surrounded by an array of invigorating activities and enriching social outings, complemented by compassionate care and top-notch assisted living services. 

From spa days to ball games, seniors of all interests find something to participate in and relish. Whether they are seeking respite care, a short-term stay, or an urgent placement, Floyd Place offers a welcoming space where seniors can fully engage and savor life. 

Overview of Edencrest at Green Meadows

Located on Corporate Drive in Johnston, Iowa, Edencrest at Green Meadows is an assisted living community with 128 beds. The community operates in a two-story building. It offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. With about 10 years in operation, it provides a mid-sized senior living option in the Johnston area.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 20, making it car-dependent. Most daily errands require a vehicle. The setting may appeal to residents and families who prefer a quieter, suburban environment. Nearby services are mainly reached by car.

The community currently has 51 residents, with a moderate occupancy. Families considering Edencrest at Green Meadows should visit the community in person to view the available floor plans, learn about daily programs, and understand which services and amenities are included.

Overview of Story Medical Senior Care

Story Medical Senior Care is a 60-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation community located at 710 South 19th Street in Nevada, Iowa. Operated by Story Medical and led by administrator Melissa Opperman, the facility serves Story County with 24-hour nursing and medical oversight. The campus is highly accessible, featuring a Walk Score of 71, and was recently recognized on Newsweek’s “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026” list.

The community is CMS-certified and holds a 5-star overall rating, reflecting “Much Above Average” performance. Between 2020 and 2025, state inspections yielded 15 deficiencies, resulting in an average of 1.3 per inspection, 28% below the Iowa state average. While a December 2025 survey resulted in zero deficiencies, a November 2025 investigation identified two citations related to delayed abuse reporting and safety documentation. No fines or payment denials have been issued in the past three years.

Staffing levels are a primary strength, with total nursing hours at 5 hours 33 minutes per resident day—26% above the state average. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are particularly high at 1 hour 22 minutes, which is 86% above the Iowa average, providing robust clinical coverage on both weekdays and weekends. Services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, alongside specialized care such as in-house podiatry and restorative exercises.

The facility features a modern, purpose-built design with private rooms, in-room showers, and abundant natural light. Shared amenities and programs include:Nutritious meals with flexible anytime dining, intergenerational activities with local students, and organized day trips. The campus also provides on-site dental and podiatry services to minimize off-site travel. The community currently maintains a high occupancy rate of 95%, significantly exceeding the state average.

Individuals should evaluate the current staffing model and safety protocols during an on-site tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the November 2025 reporting deficiency to ensure continued compliance with state safety and reporting standards.

Experience a worry-free retirement at Tower Living Center, an idyllic retreat in Garnavillo, IA, offering assisted living. Residents do not have to worry about their daily living activities and personal needs with a kind and highly trained team available 24/7. With its nurturing and welcoming environment, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety.

Residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs. Mealtimes are also something to look forward to, with delicious and well-balanced dining options that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in their golden years, especially with its dedicated services and well-maintained amenities.

Overview of Suites of Ankeny

The Suites of Ankeny is an assisted living community known to offer luxury experiences to its residents, as well as their visiting families. Situated in the heart of Ankeny, this community offers services such as affordable assisted living, senior apartments, nursing care, and even short term stays. The community takes pride in the care they provide to their residents; from 24/7 nursing care access, to quality food prepared by excellent chefs, to regular community activities –  to ensure that each resident is fully supported from body, spirit, and mind.

The Suites of Ankeny’s assisted living apartments feature spacious one-to-two bedroom units that are pet friendly, with private kitchen and microwave, as well as in-apartment laundry. They also make sure that rooms are kept neat and tidy with their housekeeping service that comes in bi-weekly. Aside from the amenities their senior residents can enjoy, the community also offers its services to guests, and an option for a family member to live with their elderly loved one for an extra monthly fee. So if a senior wants to live a life of freedom, fun, and luxury – there’s no better place than The Suites of Ankeny!

The Gardens of Cedar Rapids is a 40-bed healthcare campus at 5710 Dean Road SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Privately owned by Jbrb Investments LLC and led by Chalee Michael, the facility provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Current records show an 88% occupancy rate with 35 residents, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 75.4%. The location is car-dependent with a Walk Score of 7, making the facility’s transportation services necessary for most errands.

Monitoring data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a mix of historical challenges and recent progress. While the facility averaged 8.2 deficiencies per year since 2020, a rate 81% higher than the state average—the most recent inspection in October 2025 resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. Previous findings centered on medication administration and abuse prevention policies, but recent evaluations indicate these areas have been addressed. Currently, the campus maintains a 3-star overall CMS rating, with clinical quality measures performing 44.5% above state benchmarks.

Clinical services are supported by RN staffing levels that are 18% higher than the Iowa average, though nurse aide hours are 10% lower. The facility shows a significant focus on recovery, with physical therapy staffing 100% above state averages. Professional care includes on-site podiatry, pharmacy services, and medication management. Data for short-stay residents indicates a need for continued focus on fall prevention, as injury rates in this category have historically exceeded state averages.

The residential environment is faith-based and features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with individual climate control. Shared amenities include a chapel, library, beauty salon, and a central courtyard with walking paths. Residents have access to restaurant-style dining and a variety of furnished unit options. The facility accepts a combination of private pay and Medicare, with the latter accounting for 74% of admissions.

Older adults seeking a campus with strong rehabilitation outcomes and recent regulatory improvements may find this community appropriate. Families should ask directly about the specific fall prevention protocols implemented for short-term residents and request the most recent internal audits regarding medication documentation before making a placement decision.