Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Midlands Living Center is a 94-bed skilled nursing facility at 2452 North Broadway in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Locally owned and administered by Jordan Tjaden, the community provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and hospice support for residents in Pottawattamie County. The campus is car-dependent with a Walk Score of 14, though it provides medical appointment transportation for its residents.

The facility is CMS-certified and carries an above average 4-star overall rating as of May 2026. Between 2021 and 2025, state inspections yielded an average of 4.3 deficiencies per year, which is 37% below the Iowa state average. While an April 2025 investigation identified a single deficiency related to infection control during catheter care, a September 2025 follow-up found the facility in substantial compliance with zero deficiencies. No federal fines or payment denials have been issued in the past three years.

Staffing levels exceed state averages in several key categories. Total adjusted nursing hours are 4 hours 31 minutes per resident day, with Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) hours at 48 minutes, 41% above the Iowa average. Weekend nursing coverage is also a strength, performing 5% above the state mean. Quality measures are rated at 4 stars, with long-stay hospitalizations 28% better than average and a 96.4% success rate in managing residents’ physical restraint needs.

The campus offers furnished rooms with in-house laundry and on-site beauty and barber services.Shared clinical amenities include:On-site optometry, podiatry, and dentistry alongside physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The social calendar features recreational and spiritual activities, and the facility maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, with a current occupancy rate of approximately 72%.

Families should evaluate the current bedside care standards during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken after the 2025 catheter care finding and to confirm that the infection prevention protocols remain in full compliance for 2026.

Overview of Meth Wick Health Center

Meth-Wick Health Center is a 69-bed skilled nursing facility at 1625 Brendelwood Drive in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Managed by the non-profit Meth-Wick Community and led by administrator Holly Lear, the center is part of a 65-acre continuing care retirement community (CCRC) serving Linn County. The campus provides a complete continuum of care, including independent and assisted living, with an 88% occupancy rate that significantly exceeds the state average.

The facility is CMS-certified and holds a 5-star overall rating, reflecting performance categorized as “Much Above Average”. Between 2020 and 2025, state inspections yielded a per-inspection average of 0.8 deficiencies, less than half the Iowa average of 1.8. Annual surveys in both 2024 and 2025 resulted in zero deficiencies. While a 2023 investigation identified a single citation regarding the storage of a controlled medication, the facility has no record of fines or immediate jeopardy findings in recent years.

Clinical Profile and StaffingStaffing levels are a primary strength, with total nursing hours at 5 hours 4 minutes per resident day—well above the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are particularly high at 1 hour 9 minutes, 56% above the state average, which ensures robust clinical oversight.

Clinical services coordinate short-term rehabilitation, specialized memory care, and bariatric accommodations, supported by 24-hour medical monitoring and on-site therapy.

The campus offers a mission-driven residential setting with varied apartment layouts and specialized nursing suites in “The Woodlands” wing. Shared services include nutritional meal plans with restaurant-style dining, a dedicated Town Center for social gathering, and comprehensive wellness and recreation programs.

Residents have access to housekeeping, personal laundry, and scheduled transportation for medical and social needs within the Cedar Rapids metro area.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current bedside care standards during an on-site visit to witness the community’s high staffing ratios. It is advisable to ask the administrator about current availability and waitlist procedures, as the facility’s strong 2026 quality ratings and 5-star performance often result in high demand for its skilled nursing and rehabilitation suites.

Overview of Everystep

EveryStep is a nonprofit hospice and home health organization headquartered at 3000 Easton Boulevard in Des Moines, Iowa. Administered by Leann Uhlenhopp and operating since 1992, the organization serves over 30 counties through a network of branches including Centerville, Mount Ayr, and Winterset. Licensed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), EveryStep provides end-of-life care in private homes, nursing facilities, and dedicated hospice houses.

State and federal oversight is conducted through CMS Medicare Conditions of Participation. Between 2010 and 2025, DIAL performed 15 complaint investigations, resulting in a per-inspection average of 2.1 deficiencies, which is 17% above the state average. While a 2019 survey identified 11 deficiencies related to care planning and physician orders, the most recent inspection on June 24, 2025, resulted in zero deficiencies. No fines or immediate jeopardy findings are currently on record.

Professional support includes a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors available 24/7. Beyond hospice and home health, EveryStep operates specialized programs like the Amanda the Panda children’s bereavement program and veteran-specific recognition services. The organization is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) and maintains a 93% family caregiver recommendation rate, which exceeds the Iowa average of 88%.

The East Village headquarters features a Walk Score of 91, serving as a hub for community health and grief support. The Kavanagh House in Des Moines offers a home-like inpatient setting with private bedrooms, family kitchens, and landscaped gardens for acute symptom management. Available services encompass music and pet therapy, assistance with daily living activities, and respite care for primary family caregivers.

Prospective residents and their representatives should consider the organization’s established history and its recent clean regulatory trajectory. It is advisable to ask the intake coordinator about the current frequency of interdisciplinary team reviews and how the organization ensures physician orders are integrated into the care plan within the standard 15-day window.

Overview of Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation

Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation is an 80-bed community at 5608 SW Ninth Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Administered by Dirk Timm and operated by Gateway Healthcare LLC, the facility provides skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitative therapy to Polk County residents. The campus maintains a high occupancy rate of 89% and is located in a walkable area near central city services.

State and federal oversight currently assigns the facility a 1-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Historical records indicate a high frequency of citations, with the facility averaging 16.2 deficiencies annually between 2020 and 2025, the highest rate among state benchmarks in this review context. While a November 2025 follow-up survey concluded with zero new citations, earlier reports identified recurring concerns regarding abuse reporting, medication management, and infection control. Since 2024, the facility has also incurred federal penalties totaling over $380,000 for non-compliance with health standards.

Professional care is guided by a staffing model that delivers approximately 3 hours 43 minutes of daily nursing time per resident. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 30 minutes per resident day, a figure that is roughly 32% below the Iowa state average. Despite these staffing gaps, long-stay quality measures hold a 4-star rating, reflecting positive outcomes in pain management and physical function. Conversely, short-stay metrics indicate a rehospitalization rate that is 14% higher than the state mean.

The campus environment provides 24-hour medical oversight alongside specialized wellness initiatives like the “Stay Active” program. Residents have access to in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as private rooms and organized social engagement. While not part of a continuing care retirement community, the facility operates dedicated wings for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. Medicare and Medicaid are both accepted to support varied placement needs.

Older adults and their representatives should evaluate the current bedside care standards and abuse prevention protocols during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions regarding the 2025 citations and to verify that the current nursing coverage is sufficient to meet the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

Overview of Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation

Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 65-bed skilled nursing facility at 200 South Eighth Avenue East in Newton, Iowa. Administered by Mariah Fox, the community provides a full spectrum of post-hospitalization care, including short-term rehabilitation, specialized memory care, and hospice services. Centrally located in Jasper County, the campus is moderately walkable with a Walk Score of 67.

The facility is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). While earlier records indicated certification gaps, recent data confirms Valley Vista is certified for Medicare and Medicaid effective December 18, 2025. As of early 2026, the facility maintains a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for its most recent standard licensure survey. No fines or immediate jeopardy findings appear in available records.

Staffing levels at Valley Vista are generally below Iowa averages. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 36 minutes per resident day—18% below the state average of 44 minutes—and Physical Therapist hours are 50% below average at one minute per day. Despite these staffing levels, long-stay outcomes are strong, with a hospitalization rate of 0.50 per 1,000 resident days, which is 66% better than the Iowa average. However, short-stay residents experience a successful return to home or community at a rate of 42.1%, which is 17% below the state average.

The campus offers a residential atmosphere with diverse amenities including an arts and crafts room, game room, and a library. Shared features include:Landscaped grounds with walking paths and a garden for outdoor access. The social calendar includes community outings, holiday celebrations, and fitness programs. To support resident wellness, the facility provides spa services, pet visits, and chef-planned meals.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current discharge planning support during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the 2026 staffing model and the physical therapy structure to ensure it meets individual rehabilitation goals given the lower community return rate.

Overview of West Bend Health and Rehabilitation

West Bend Health and Rehabilitation is a 45-bed skilled nursing facility at 203 Fourth Street NW in West Bend, Iowa. Affiliated with The Ensign Group, the center serves Kossuth, Palo Alto, and Humboldt counties with 24-hour nursing and rehabilitative services. The campus is centrally located with a Walk Score of 41 and accepts both Medicare and Medicaid.

The facility is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. CMS data as of 2026 shows an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, reflecting an “Average” performance. While the quality measure rating is high at 4 stars, the health inspection rating is lower at 2 stars. A May 2025 standard survey identified six deficiencies, including issues with infection control, resident rights documentation, and care planning coordination. No fines or immediate jeopardy findings are currently on record.

The medical model emphasizes in-house therapy with professional oversight for short-term recovery and long-term care. Staffing data reveals a strong focus on rehabilitation, with physical therapist hours per resident day at 6 minutes—200% above the Iowa state average. Registered nurse (RN) hours also exceed the state average, though licensed practical nurse (LPN) and nurse aide hours are lower than typically seen in Iowa facilities. Quality metrics show that short-stay residents experience major injury falls at a rate of 2.9%, which is significantly higher than the state average of 0.8%.

The facility provides a residential setting with landscaped grounds and a calendar of social and recreational activities.Services include:Housekeeping, laundry, and chef-prepared meals tailored to nutritional needs. The community fosters a home-like environment, though the 53.3% nursing staff turnover rate is higher than the state average of 43.9%, which may impact the consistency of care relationships.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current staffing model and therapy outcomes during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on current fall prevention protocols for short-stay residents and to verify how nighttime and weekend nursing coverage is managed following the 2025 health inspection results.

Overview of Crestview Nursing & Rehab

Crestview Nursing & Rehab is a 70-bed skilled nursing facility located at 2401 South Des Moines Street in Webster City, Iowa. Administered by Stacy Geopfert, the community provides 24-hour nursing, rehabilitation therapy, and memory care for Hamilton County residents. The facility currently maintains an 83% occupancy rate, which significantly exceeds the Iowa state average of 75.4%.

State and federal regulators currently assign the facility a 2-star overall rating, reflecting “Below Average” performance. Regulatory reports show a per-inspection deficiency rate of 1.3, which is 28% lower than the Iowa average of 1.8. While a November 2025 standard survey identified five citations related to resident dignity and tube feeding monitoring, a subsequent follow-up confirmed the facility returned to substantial compliance with zero new deficiencies. No federal fines or payment denials have been issued to this specific facility in the past three years.

Professional support is guided by a staffing model that delivers 4 hours 7 minutes of daily nursing time per resident—performing above the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 38 minutes per day, while Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) hours are 19 minutes. Clinical quality measures carry a 2-star rating, influenced by a high rehospitalization rate of 25.9%, which is above the state mean. Despite these metrics, the nursing staff turnover rate of 31.1% is considerably better than the Iowa average of 44.4%.

The campus environment features a residential atmosphere with independent living apartments also available on-site. Residents have access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with specialized wellness and medication assistance programs. Dining services are designed for flexibility, allowing for family visits and varied mealtime hours.

For local medical needs, the community is situated near Van Diest Medical Center and provides transportation for scheduled appointments.

Prospective residents and their representatives should evaluate the current care planning and infection control protocols during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details regarding the corrective actions implemented following the 2025 dignity and safety citations to ensure that nursing coverage meets the resident’s specific clinical or long-term care goals.

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.

Overview of The Summit of Bettendorf Mc

The Summit of Bettendorf Mc is a 32-unit memory care assisted living program at 4699 53rd Avenue in Bettendorf, Iowa. Part of the Wellspire Living community and administered by Monica Reyes, the facility is a dementia-specific program serving Scott County residents with cognitive impairments. The campus provides 24-hour medical monitoring and accepts Medicare, featuring a purpose-built environment that has seen steady growth since its 2022 opening.

State and federal records currently assign the facility a 5-star overall rating, placing it in the highest performance tier available. Between 2022 and 2025, regulatory inspections yielded an average of 3.0 deficiencies per year, which is 32% below the Iowa state average. While an October 2024 renewal survey concluded with zero deficiencies, a March 2025 report identified three citations related to pre-admission evaluations and service plan updates. Historical investigations from 2022 noted two elopement-related incidents that were subsequently resolved through security and training upgrades.

Professional care is delivered under a staffing model that provides 4 hours 41 minutes of daily nursing time per resident, performing 23% above the Iowa average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 54 minutes per resident day, which exceeds the state mean by approximately 22%. Clinical outcomes for short-stay residents are notable, with 59.6% successfully returning to the community and a major injury fall rate 30% better than the state average. However, the rehospitalization rate for the facility is 28.5%, which performs below the Iowa average.

The campus environment provides an upscale residential atmosphere with a state-of-the-art wellness center, a golf simulator, and a rooftop bar. Residents benefit from multiple on-campus dining venues, a professional salon and barbershop, and guest rooms for visiting family members. Shared outdoor amenities include walking paths and firepits, while the clinical model incorporates on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current elopement prevention systems and service plan review processes during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details regarding the corrective actions implemented after the 2025 pre-admission evaluation findings to ensure that current clinical protocols meet the resident’s specific memory care needs.