Page 14 of Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 319 assisted living communities in IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in IA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Iowa.
319 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Monthly Cost: $5,500The average monthly cost across facilities in Iowa. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 46/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa

Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
The Rose of Ames
AL
Ames
112
Facility 112
IA AVG 71
Rank #44 / 334
Yes
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 46
Rank #175 / 424
1 Bed / 2 Bed
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #103 / 258
36.6%
Facility 36.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #269 / 295
9
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 7
Rank #268 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Trustwell Living at Eagle Pointe Place
AL
IL
RC
Dubuque (West End District)
198
Facility 198
IA AVG 71
Rank #2 / 334
Yes
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 46
Rank #387 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 18
Rank #160 / 258
44.9%
Facility 44.9%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #228 / 295
8
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #206 / 299
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #236 / 299
Forest Plaza AL
AL
Forest City
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #87 / 334
No
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 46
Rank #85 / 424
-
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 18
Rank #77 / 258
-3
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Hammond Center for Assisted Living
AL
HOS
NH
SNF
Grinnell (Grant Township)
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 71
Rank #286 / 334
No
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 46
Rank #31 / 424
-
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 18
Rank #189 / 258
52.6%
Facility 52.6%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #176 / 295
3
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Edencrest at Timberline
AL
IL
MC
RC
Urbandale
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #261 / 334
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 46
Rank #418 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 18
Rank #230 / 258
27.5%
Facility 27.5%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #285 / 295
3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Center Point Heights
AL
IL
RC
Center Point
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #119 / 334
No
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 46
Rank #245 / 424
-
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 18
Rank #236 / 258
47.2%
Facility 47.2%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #213 / 295
3
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #36 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Deerfield Health Care Center
AL
IL
NH
RESC
Urbandale
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 71
Rank #318 / 334
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 46
Rank #408 / 424
-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 18
Rank #103 / 258
73.3%
Facility 73.3%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #123 / 295
21
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 299
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #253 / 299
Scenic Manor
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Iowa Falls
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 71
Rank #103 / 334
No
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 46
Rank #125 / 424
--
84.4%
Facility 84.4%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #64 / 295
18
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #206 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Spencer
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #97 / 334
No
81
Facility 81
IA AVG 46
Rank #37 / 424
--
86.1%
Facility 86.1%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #58 / 295
21
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 7
Rank #206 / 299
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #1 / 299
Edencrest at Riverwoods
AL
IL
MC
RC
Des Moines (Woodside Park)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #87 / 334
Yes
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 46
Rank #278 / 424
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
12
Facility 12
IA AVG 18
Rank #155 / 258
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
IA AVG 63.7%
Rank #255 / 295
9
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 7
Rank #225 / 299
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 0.9
Rank #274 / 299

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 319 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of The Rose of Ames

The Rose of Ames is an assisted living community in Ames, IA, where residents can receive help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while continuing to live in an apartment. One bedroom and two bedroom options may work for someone living alone or for a couple moving together, making the community a possible fit for a loved one who needs daily support in one of those arrangements.

The community has 112 beds and opened in 1995. Jami Kaufman serves as the administrator. Medicare is accepted for covered short term skilled care after a hospital stay, not for long term residence.

On site therapies are part of the wellness program, so a resident can receive therapy without arranging transportation elsewhere. Pets are allowed, which means residents may be able to keep their pets with them at the community.

A Walk Score of 51 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, with some errands possible on foot. A resident who walks independently may be able to manage certain nearby errands without driving, while other errands may require a car or ride.

Contact The Rose of Ames

Overview of Trustwell Living at Eagle Pointe Place

Administered by Brooke Essington, Trustwell Living at Eagle Pointe Place is a senior living community in the West End District of Dubuque, Iowa. It offers assisted living, independent living, and respite care. The three-story community has 198 beds. It has been operating for 11 years, making it one of the larger senior living communities in the area.

Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, providing options for different space and privacy preferences. The community currently has an occupancy rate of about 45%. Availability is generally greater than at communities operating closer to full capacity.

Residents are welcome to bring their pets, allowing them to keep a companion animal after moving in. Transportation services and fitness and recreation programs are part of daily life, so residents can stay active and travel to appointments or errands outside the community. The car-dependent area has a Walk Score of 11 out of 100, so most errands and outings require a vehicle.

State inspections conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing have reviewed medication administration practices and the development of individualized resident care plans over the years. Other inspections found no regulatory concerns. The community has 19 years of inspection history on record.

Contact Trustwell Living at Eagle Pointe Place

Forest Plaza AL

635 Hwy. 9 East, Forest City, IA 50436-1028
Overview of Forest Plaza Al

Forest Plaza Al is an assisted living community offering respite care and short-term rehabilitation in Forest City, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management while a resident lives in their own apartment. Respite care provides a short stay for someone whose usual caregiver needs time to travel or recover, while short-term rehabilitation supports a temporary rehabilitation stay rather than long-term residence.

Forest Plaza Al opened in 2001 and has 80 beds. Joseph Peters serves as the administrator. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs daily support, a temporary caregiving break, or a defined rehabilitation stay.

A salon and spa are available on site for personal grooming. Residents can take part in activities such as Community Coffee, Happy Hour, Music Therapy, exercise, crafts, BINGO, and scheduled worship services.

A Walk Score of 68 places the area in the somewhat walkable category, meaning some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to manage select outings independently.

Contact Forest Plaza AL

Overview of Hammond Center for Assisted Living

Hammond Center for Assisted Living provides assisted living, nursing care, skilled nursing, and hospice care in Grinnell, Iowa. Assisted living helps with daily tasks while residents live in apartments. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, and hospice care supports residents receiving end of life care.

Several care services share one community here. That may suit a resident whose needs change over time and who may be able to remain at Hammond Center as care needs grow. The community has 20 assisted living apartments, giving residents in that setting apartment style living, and 38 beds overall, making it a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other. Staff are on site 24 hours, including overnight.

There are places to stay active. A fitness center and walking track provide on site spaces for exercise, while a pool table and theater area offer additional recreation. In Grant Township, the Walk Score is 82, meaning the area is very walkable: most errands can be done on foot, and a resident who no longer drives can still reach shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently. Dion Schrack serves as the administrator.

Contact Hammond Center for Assisted Living

Edencrest at Timberline

14001 Douglas Pkwy, Urbandale, IA 50323
Overview of Edencrest at Timberline

Step into a nurturing environment with Edencrest at Timberline, a blissful senior living community in Urbandale, IA, designed to help residents achieve their highest potential. Offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care, the community makes sure its residents successfully age in place. Residents thrive and feel secure in their well-designed accommodations with access to gorgeous outdoor spaces and indoor conveniences.

Dedicated to its residents’ holistic wellness, the community provides various wellness programs and fitness classes. Access to a range of therapy services is available through Fox Rehabilitation, helping residents maintain their overall functions. Fresh, healthy meals are served daily alongside housekeeping and laundry services for a chore-free retirement experience.

Contact Edencrest at Timberline

Overview of Center Point Heights

Center Point Heights offers assisted living, independent living, and respite care in Center Point, Iowa. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Independent living is for residents who live privately with community services and no daily care. Respite care provides a short term stay when a usual caregiver needs time to travel, recover, or manage other responsibilities.

Several care options are available here. With independent living and assisted living in the same community, Center Point Heights may suit a resident whose daily care needs could grow over time and who wants to remain in one community. The home has 72 beds, and Sabrina Tippey serves as its administrator. The starting price is $68,000, but the confirmed facts do not specify a care level or billing period for that amount.

Most errands require a car or a ride. A Walk Score of 40 places the community in a car dependent setting, so residents should not expect to complete most errands on foot.

Contact Center Point Heights

Overview of Deerfield Health Care Center

Deerfield Health Care Center is a skilled nursing facility located in Urbandale, IA, south of Deer Ridge Park. This is a 30-bed Medicare and Medicaid certified facility providing skilled nursing services and rehabilitation, both for their long-term, and short-term patients. Other services they provide to their residents are post acute-care for patients who had recent surgery for accidents, or treatments for a disease or illness.

However small, the residents and patients of this nursing facility are able to enjoy their amenities such as; housekeeping services, medication management, meal preparation and restaurant style dining experience, grooming services, and community sponsored activities designed to help boost the residents’ physical and cognitive health.

Contact Deerfield Health Care Center

Scenic Manor

1409 N. Fremont, Iowa Falls, IA 50126-1319
Overview of Scenic Manor

Owned by the Bearden Family Revocable Trust, Scenic Manor is a skilled nursing home that accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. These payment options give families flexibility when arranging both rehabilitation services and ongoing nursing care. With 77 beds, the community has an occupancy rate of 84%, and residents stay an average of 251 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term care.

Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab programs are central to the facility’s care model. Residents recovering from hospitalization, surgery, and other acute health events will find a place here. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 20 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses provide care around the clock, especially for residents who need hands-on support at all times.

The facility is in a neighborhood with a Walk Score of 60. As a moderately walkable area, some errands can be completed on foot, but most trips require transportation. This setting may appeal to families looking for a quieter residential environment while still having access to nearby services.

Dining is important for residents, with attention given to the dining experience and atmosphere. The facility has inspection compliance within its regulatory framework, which particularly focuses on medication management and infection control protocols.

Families considering Scenic Manor should take a tour to see the care environment, meet staff members, and learn more about how the facility supports rehabilitation and recovery.

Contact Scenic Manor

Overview of St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Owned by St Luke Homes, St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is a facility that provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation care. The 79-bed home is well integrated into its neighborhood, with a Walk Score of 81, so most errands and services are within walking distance. Its occupancy rate of 86% shows that there is strong community trust in the setting.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families flexibility in their coverage arrangements. Residents stay an average of 182 days, including post-acute rehabilitation residents and those receiving longer-term nursing care.

Clinically, the home offers structured rehabilitation services and nursing care. It’s a practical choice for residents recovering from surgery or hospitalization. Total nurse staffing averages roughly 4 hours and 54 minutes per resident each day, with registered nurses available 54 minutes per day per resident, nursing aides providing 2 hours and 28 minutes of hands-on care, and licensed practical nurses contributing an additional 30 minutes.

Dining is traditional in the facility. There are continental and hot breakfast choices alongside lunch and dinner served in the main dining room. Residents have a variety and opportunity for structured meals.

State inspections identified areas where the home has worked to improve procedures, including response times to resident requests and the integrity of care protocols. A re-inspection in fall 2025 documented that prior concerns had been corrected. The facility has been operating in substantial compliance.

Contact St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Edencrest at Riverwoods

2210 E Park Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Contact Edencrest at Riverwoods

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Iowa

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover assisted living?

Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including Iowa) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 319 assisted living facilities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Iowa?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Iowa, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Iowa?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.