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Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Mar 2026
We analyzed 502 homes in Iowa

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Explore home photos
Watch this Video to see Iowa's Top-rated Senior Communities
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Benefit from a reasonable cost of living while enjoying a good quality of life in Iowa, a vibrant state home to scenic landscapes and well-maintained recreational amenities. Retirees here can enjoy four distinct seasons that bring diverse outdoor activities year-round for a fun living experience. Excellent assisted living communities are also available to support older residents who need extra care and assistance with their everyday activities like personal care and medication management. In Iowa, you can experience the safety of low-crime neighborhoods while enjoying countless conveniences for a comfortable retirement.

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa

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Grand Living At Tower Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

West Des Moines
76
Yes
63
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
5
47.4%
-
3
1
Wesley Acres
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
No
72
-
-
91.3%
-
8
3
Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Cedar Rapids
86
Yes
47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
17
50.0%
-
6
3
Allen Place Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Atlantic
78
No
11
-
11
46.2%
A-
3
1
Bickford of Urbandale
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Urbandale
73
Yes
28
-
26
53.4%
-
7
1
Ramsey Village Continuing Care
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Des Moines (Drake)
78
Yes
38
1 bed / 2 bed
1
85.8%
-
8
2
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

West Des Moines
93
No
58
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
7
58.1%
-
6
0
Valley View Village
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Yes
38
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
54
100.0%
-
7
2
Vintage Hills of Indianola
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Indianola
90
No
15
-
16
45.6%
A+
3
0
Arlington Place of Grundy Center
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Grundy Center
80
No
32
-
24
36.3%
-
3
1
Ridgecrest Village
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Davenport
339
Yes
41
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
67.1%
-
6
3
Windsor Manor Nevada
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Ames
70
No
26
-
14
38.6%
-
6
4
Sunset Park Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Dubuque
101
Yes
36
1 Bed / 2 Bed
24
46.5%
-
14
3
Holland Farms
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Norwalk
116
Yes
38
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
4
38.8%
-
3
0
Amelia Senior Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

Council Bluffs
62
Yes
2
Studio / 1 Bed
31
61.3%
A+
2
1
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Peacefully nestled in the harmonious neighborhood of Avoca, IA, Avoca Lodge Assisted Living is a blissful haven that offers assisted living. A compassionate and well-trained team provides top-tier care tailored to residents’ daily living activities around the clock. Purposely built and secure accommodations are provided, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and have fun with a well-thought-out calendar of engaging activities and fun recreational programs. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options. For convenience and safety, medication management is provided. The community is a good option for those seeking exceptional assistance for the finest retirement experience.

Overview of Avoca Lodge Assisted Living

Peacefully nestled in the harmonious neighborhood of Avoca, IA, Avoca Lodge Assisted Living is a blissful haven that offers assisted living. A compassionate and well-trained team provides top-tier care tailored to residents’ daily living activities around the clock. Purposely built and secure accommodations are provided, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and have fun with a well-thought-out calendar of engaging activities and fun recreational programs. Mealtimes promote social interactions and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and healthy dining options. For convenience and safety, medication management is provided. The community is a good option for those seeking exceptional assistance for the finest retirement experience.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Semi-Private / 1 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Dining Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact Avoca Lodge Assisted Living

Set in Mason City, IA, Homestead of Mason City is an inviting senior living community that specializes in assisted living. The community strives to create a comfortable living environment by offering compassionate assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and other supportive services residents may need. Safe and secure senior apartments come with housekeeping and maintenance services for a maintenance-free living experience.

In addition to round-the-clock care and support, residents are also offered a wide array of fun and engaging activities for their enrichment. Three home-cooked meals are served daily for each resident with accommodations for special dietary needs, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience. Amenities like a salon, on-site therapy room, and other healthcare services are also offered to make residents’ retirement more enjoyable.

Overview of Homestead of Mason City

Set in Mason City, IA, Homestead of Mason City is an inviting senior living community that specializes in assisted living. The community strives to create a comfortable living environment by offering compassionate assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and other supportive services residents may need. Safe and secure senior apartments come with housekeeping and maintenance services for a maintenance-free living experience.

In addition to round-the-clock care and support, residents are also offered a wide array of fun and engaging activities for their enrichment. Three home-cooked meals are served daily for each resident with accommodations for special dietary needs, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience. Amenities like a salon, on-site therapy room, and other healthcare services are also offered to make residents’ retirement more enjoyable.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

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Parking Available

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact Homestead of Mason City

MJ Estates

411 S. Carthage Street, Exira, IA 50076

Enjoy your best years at Mj Estates, a blissful haven in Exira, IA, offering assisted living. With 37 specially designed and cozy accommodations, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety. A compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their personal needs around the clock.

Residents are encouraged to make new friends and have fun with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Delicious and well-balanced meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Medication management is also provided to ensure residents will not miss taking their medicines. The community is ideal for those seeking a blissful retirement, especially with its warm and nurturing environment.

Overview of Mj Estates

Enjoy your best years at Mj Estates, a blissful haven in Exira, IA, offering assisted living. With 37 specially designed and cozy accommodations, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety. A compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their personal needs around the clock.

Residents are encouraged to make new friends and have fun with a jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs that highlight their interests and capabilities. Delicious and well-balanced meals are also served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Medication management is also provided to ensure residents will not miss taking their medicines. The community is ideal for those seeking a blissful retirement, especially with its warm and nurturing environment.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 375 / 425 / 460 sq. ft

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact MJ Estates

Make every moment count at Thornton Heights Assisted Living, a distinguished community in Lansing, IA, offering assisted living. Featuring beautifully furnished and secure one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also receive exceptional care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and well-balanced meals are also served three times daily to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Emergency pendants are also provided for convenience and safety. The community is ideal for those looking to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its nurturing and welcoming environment.

Overview of Thornton Heights Assisted Living

Make every moment count at Thornton Heights Assisted Living, a distinguished community in Lansing, IA, offering assisted living. Featuring beautifully furnished and secure one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Residents also receive exceptional care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock.

A jam-packed calendar of engaging activities and enriching programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and well-balanced meals are also served three times daily to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Emergency pendants are also provided for convenience and safety. The community is ideal for those looking to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its nurturing and welcoming environment.

What does this home offer?

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Accept Medicaid: Yes

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Room Sizes: 670 / 960 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Dining Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Parking Available

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact Thornton Heights Assisted Living

Make the most of your best years at Keystone Senior Suites, a distinguished community in Keystone, IA, offering assisted living. Residents can keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team that provides top-notch care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. With housekeeping and laundry services, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

Dedicated to enhancing residents’ living experience, a thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs is conducted. Mealtimes are something to look forward to, with delicious and healthy dining options served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is a good option for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its quality services and well-maintained amenities.

Overview of Keystone Senior Suites

Make the most of your best years at Keystone Senior Suites, a distinguished community in Keystone, IA, offering assisted living. Residents can keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team that provides top-notch care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. With housekeeping and laundry services, residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle.

Dedicated to enhancing residents’ living experience, a thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs is conducted. Mealtimes are something to look forward to, with delicious and healthy dining options served to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is a good option for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with its quality services and well-maintained amenities.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 1 Bed

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Dining Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact Keystone Senior Suites

Beautifully located in the serene setting of Mount Ayr, IA, Maple Ridge is a blissful haven that offers assisted living. With its commitment to improving residents’ welfare, a compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. Residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety with beautifully furnished and secure accommodations.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delicious and healthy dining options are served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with a nurturing and welcoming environment.

Overview of Maple Ridge Assisted Living

Beautifully located in the serene setting of Mount Ayr, IA, Maple Ridge is a blissful haven that offers assisted living. With its commitment to improving residents’ welfare, a compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs around the clock. Residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety with beautifully furnished and secure accommodations.

A thoughtfully curated calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Delicious and healthy dining options are served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those needing assistance to live comfortably in retirement, especially with a nurturing and welcoming environment.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private / Shared Rooms

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Dining Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living
Contact Maple Ridge Assisted Living

Experience the charm and warmth of Iowa Veterans Home in Johnston, IA, a high-quality community where vibrant living is paired with exceptional care. Providing assisted living and skilled nursing options, this community ensures that each resident receives personalized support tailored to their individual needs. Residents can enjoy comfortable, well-designed apartments that blend style with coziness. Conveniently located near shopping and dining, the community offers a perfect balance of peace and accessibility.

Iowa Veterans Home features a variety of enriching amenities, including indoor common areas for social gatherings. Residents can take part in numerous activities that align with their interests and promote a strong sense of community. Here, each day crafted with joy, comfort, and a dedication to exceptional living.

Overview of Iowa Veterans Home

Experience the charm and warmth of Iowa Veterans Home in Johnston, IA, a high-quality community where vibrant living is paired with exceptional care. Providing assisted living and skilled nursing options, this community ensures that each resident receives personalized support tailored to their individual needs. Residents can enjoy comfortable, well-designed apartments that blend style with coziness. Conveniently located near shopping and dining, the community offers a perfect balance of peace and accessibility.

Iowa Veterans Home features a variety of enriching amenities, including indoor common areas for social gatherings. Residents can take part in numerous activities that align with their interests and promote a strong sense of community. Here, each day crafted with joy, comfort, and a dedication to exceptional living.

What does this home offer?

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Accept Medicaid: Yes, Accept

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Total Residents: 702 Residents

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Housing Options: Private / Semi-Private Rooms

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Building Type: Single-story

Types of Care Available

Nursing Home
Contact Iowa Veterans Home

Lifechoices at Bethany’s innovative membership model encompasses nursing home and assisted living care, wellness education, coaching, environmental services, and in-home assistance, shaping an unparalleled approach to senior care. As a nonprofit organization, they take pride in elevating seniors’ lives, offering an arrangement where members pay an entrance fee and a monthly membership fee, securing a lifetime of care. Their transparency and compassion shine through in discussions about each member’s unique care needs, creating an environment where older adults can thrive.

From medical services like medication management, home health aides, registered nurses, dietitians, and therapists to non-medical offerings such as engaging social activities, chaplain services, massage therapy, and more, every aspect of seniors’ well-being is meticulously addressed. The inclusion of medical transportation and personal emergency response systems further exemplifies their commitment to holistic care. In this nurturing environment, seniors find not just a community but a dedicated support system.

Overview of Lifechoices at Bethany

Lifechoices at Bethany’s innovative membership model encompasses nursing home and assisted living care, wellness education, coaching, environmental services, and in-home assistance, shaping an unparalleled approach to senior care. As a nonprofit organization, they take pride in elevating seniors’ lives, offering an arrangement where members pay an entrance fee and a monthly membership fee, securing a lifetime of care. Their transparency and compassion shine through in discussions about each member’s unique care needs, creating an environment where older adults can thrive.

From medical services like medication management, home health aides, registered nurses, dietitians, and therapists to non-medical offerings such as engaging social activities, chaplain services, massage therapy, and more, every aspect of seniors’ well-being is meticulously addressed. The inclusion of medical transportation and personal emergency response systems further exemplifies their commitment to holistic care. In this nurturing environment, seniors find not just a community but a dedicated support system.

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living Skilled Nursing Home Care
Contact LifeChoices at Bethany

Heartwood House is a cherished haven for seniors in Ames, Iowa. This beloved community provides round-the-clock support to seniors, ensuring their well-being 24 hours a day. Specializing in memory care, Heartwood House offers a range of services including diabetic care, medication management, wheelchair-accessible showers, and respite care. The facility boasts both indoor and outdoor common areas, all meticulously secured for residents’ safety. Convenient resident parking is available, enhancing accessibility.

Beyond its comprehensive care services, Heartwood House is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. Seniors here enjoy a plethora of engaging activities, ensuring their days are filled with joy and companionship. It’s a tastefully designed community where residents find comfort, camaraderie, and a fulfilling lifestyle. Heartwood House is especially well-regarded for its Alzheimer’s care, providing residents with a warm, inviting, and secure environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking top-tier memory care living.

Overview of Heartwood House

Heartwood House is a cherished haven for seniors in Ames, Iowa. This beloved community provides round-the-clock support to seniors, ensuring their well-being 24 hours a day. Specializing in memory care, Heartwood House offers a range of services including diabetic care, medication management, wheelchair-accessible showers, and respite care. The facility boasts both indoor and outdoor common areas, all meticulously secured for residents’ safety. Convenient resident parking is available, enhancing accessibility.

Beyond its comprehensive care services, Heartwood House is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. Seniors here enjoy a plethora of engaging activities, ensuring their days are filled with joy and companionship. It’s a tastefully designed community where residents find comfort, camaraderie, and a fulfilling lifestyle. Heartwood House is especially well-regarded for its Alzheimer’s care, providing residents with a warm, inviting, and secure environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking top-tier memory care living.

Type of Care Available

Assisted Living Memory Care
Contact Heartwood House

Care Initiatives

1611 W Lakes Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.

Overview of Care Initiatives

Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.

Type of Care Available

Memory Care Nursing Home Hospice Care
Contact Care Initiatives

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence. Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.

An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including: walkability and local accessibility, estimated property value, and pricing information.

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.

The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today