Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Overview of Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 115-bed skilled nursing facility at 4614 NW 84th Street in Urbandale, Iowa. Owned by Cedar View Holdings LLC and administered by Gianni Beer, the center provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and respite stays for Polk County residents. The campus is somewhat walkable with a Walk Score of 43 and maintains a daily census of approximately 85 residents.

Operational Records and ComplianceThe facility is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). CMS data as of early 2026 assigns Royal Oaks a 1-star overall rating, categorized as “Much Below Average”. While the quality measure rating is “Average,” the health inspection rating is 1 star, reflecting 59 total citations over recent years, a rate nearly triple the Iowa average. Federal fines totaling $51,555 have been imposed since 2023, and the facility has faced one payment suspension.

Staffing metrics show a focus on therapy, with physical therapist hours at 4 minutes per resident day, 100% above the state average. However, Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 39% below the Iowa average, and weekend RN coverage is 33% below the state mean. Clinical outcomes show zero short-stay falls with major injury, and rehospitalization rates are 48% better than the state average. Conversely, the long-stay hospitalization rate is 57% higher than the Iowa average, and nursing staff turnover is 61.9%.

The campus provides customized care plans within a 24/7 clinical setting. Resident services include housekeeping, laundry, and chef-prepared meals with dietary oversight. The social calendar features pet visits and personalized activities, and residents are permitted to furnish their own living spaces. However, recent state surveys identified multiple environmental and care deficiencies, including failures in behavioral health services and the absence of an effective pest control program.

Families should evaluate the facility’s recent corrective actions during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the October 2025 staffing and safety citations and to confirm that the infection control and pest management protocols mentioned in 2024 and 2025 reports have been fully addressed.

Overview of Harmony West Des Moines

Harmony West Des Moines is a 113-bed skilled nursing facility at 5010 Grand Ridge Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa. Affiliated with Legacy Healthcare, the center provides specialized post-acute care, including orthopedic rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and advanced wound management. Centrally located in the Des Moines metro, the campus offers proximity to major health systems and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and various state assistance programs.

The facility is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing and is CMS-certified. As of May 2026, the community holds a 1-star overall rating, reflecting performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. While quality measures are rated at 3 stars, the health inspection component carries a 1-star rating based on 14 citations during the most recent standard survey cycle, which is more than double the Iowa average of 6.1. Recent reports include zero deficiencies for infection control inspections over the past three years.

Staffing levels present a mixed clinical picture. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 38 minutes per resident day, which is 14% below the Iowa average of 44 minutes. Conversely, physical therapist hours are notably high at 6 minutes, 200% above the state average of 2 minutes. Clinical outcomes for short-stay residents are generally strong, with zero falls with major injury and a rehospitalization rate 15% better than the state average. The nursing staff turnover rate is 62.9%, which is higher than the state mean of 43.9%.

The campus offers a residential setting focused on recovery and short-term placement. Shared clinical and social amenities include:24-hour nursing support, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and specialized memory care wings. The facility provides respite care for families needing temporary placement and offers social programming to support long-term residents. Located in a car-dependent suburban area, the community coordinates medical transportation for its residents.

Prospective residents and their families should evaluate the current bedside care standards and staffing stability during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the 2025 health inspection citations and to confirm that current RN staffing levels meet the individual clinical needs of the resident.

Harmony Marshalltown is a 72-bed skilled nursing facility located at 910 East Olive Street in Marshalltown, Iowa. Administered by Grace Maitland, the community provides short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term residential services for Marshall County. The campus maintains a current occupancy rate of approximately 71%, which is modestly below the Iowa state average of 75.4%.

The facility is CMS-certified and currently holds a 1-star overall rating, categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2023 and 2026, state inspectors conducted multiple surveys resulting in a high frequency of citations, with a January 2026 health inspection yielding 16 deficiencies, well above the Iowa average of 6.1.

Recent complaint investigations substantiated concerns regarding accident hazards, inadequate resident supervision, and unsafe discharge practices. While a September 2025 revisit found the facility in substantial compliance with zero new deficiencies at that time, recurring citations for staffing and resident rights remain on record.

Staffing levels at Harmony Marshalltown present a split clinical profile. Total nursing hours are 4 hours 7 minutes per resident day, which exceeds the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. However, Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 29 minutes per resident day, 34% below the state average, and weekend RN coverage is 57% below the Iowa mean at 13 minutes. Clinical programs coordinate orthopedic recovery and wound care, supported by physical therapy hours that perform in line with state benchmarks.

The facility features a residential atmosphere with specialized wings for memory care and short-term rehabilitation.Shared amenities and services include:24-hour nursing supervision, dietary management with food safety oversight, and organized social activities. Residents have access to respiratory services and immunization programs, though families should note that 2024 and 2025 surveys identified recurring gaps in food sanitation and infection prevention protocols.

The community accepts both Medicare and Medicaid and is not part of a continuing care retirement community.

Individuals should check the current bedside care standards and resident safety protocols during an on-site tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions regarding the January 2026 health citations and to verify that weekend RN staffing levels have been stabilized to meet the individual clinical needs of residents.

Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Carroll is a 46-bed skilled nursing facility located at 500 East Valley Drive in Carroll, Iowa. Administered by James Feauto, the center has served the community since 1999, providing a clinical spectrum that includes IV therapy, wound care, and tracheotomy support. The facility is centrally located with a Walk Score of 80 and accepts both Medicare and Medicaid.

Regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, the community holds a 5-star overall rating from CMS, indicating performance “Much Above Average”. Between 2020 and 2025, 18 inspections yielded 19 total deficiencies, resulting in an average of 1.1 per inspection—39% below the state average. While a November 2025 annual survey found full compliance, an August 2024 investigation cited a high-harm deficiency and an $8,750 fine following a resident death linked to a delayed urinalysis.

Staffing data reveals an LPN-heavy model, with Licensed Practical Nurse hours at 55 minutes per resident day, 62% above the Iowa average. Conversely, Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 31 minutes, which is 30% below the state average. Quality metrics are generally strong, with long-stay hospitalizations 28% better than average and short-stay discharge outcomes 29% better than the state mean. However, the facility reported a short-stay major injury fall rate of 1.5%, which is 97% higher than the Iowa average.

The campus offers a pet-friendly atmosphere with amenities such as family gathering rooms, a beauty salon, and in-room cable TV.Shared services include: Complimentary laundry, professional housekeeping, and Wi-Fi access for residents and guests. The community fosters engagement through social activities and has received Telligen’s B.E.S.T. in Class award for quality excellence. Current occupancy stands at 72%, which is consistent with regional averages.

Prospective representatives 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 measures implemented after the 2024 and 2025 reporting and dignity findings, and to confirm that the current fall prevention protocols for short-term residents meet 2026 safety standards.

Overview of Harmony Cedar Rapids

Harmony Cedar Rapids is a 96-bed skilled nursing facility at 1940 First Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Affiliated with Legacy Healthcare, the center provides short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term residential services for Linn County. The campus is highly accessible with a Walk Score of 79, offering pedestrian proximity to central city errands and community services.

The facility is CMS-certified and holds a 1-star overall rating, categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2023 and 2026, the community incurred federal penalties totaling $61,400, including a recent fine of $15,935 in December 2025. While the facility carries a high Quality Measure rating, its health inspection tier is 1 star. A January 2026 state report cited a Class I violation with a $6,500 fine for failure to provide adequate resident supervision to protect against environmental hazards. Current records show zero infection control deficiencies over the last three fiscal years.

Staffing metrics indicate that Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 35 minutes per resident day, 20% below the Iowa average of 44 minutes. Clinical services coordinate orthopedic rehabilitation, wound care, and specialized memory support. Despite lower RN ratios, the facility reports a 92.6% success rate for residents showing functional improvement, which exceeds the state average of 73.2%. Medicaid, Medicare, and various state assistance programs such as the Elderly Waiver are accepted.

The facility features a residential atmosphere within the Oakhill Jackson neighborhood, designed to support both post-acute recovery and long-term placement.Shared amenities and features include:24-hour nursing and medical oversight, on-site physical and occupational therapy, and nutritional meal planning. The community hosts a resident council to address environmental and care concerns. The 75.8% nursing staff turnover rate is higher than the state mean, though the facility maintains a stable daily occupancy census.

Families should check the current bedside care standards and safety protocols during an on-site tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions following the January 2026 supervision citation and to confirm that current clinical staffing levels are sufficient to meet the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

Happy Siesta Healthcare Center is a 62-bed skilled nursing facility at 423 Roosevelt Street in Remsen, Iowa. Administered by Jennifer Kuiken and operated as a non-profit corporation, the center serves Plymouth County with long-term care, memory care, and outpatient therapy. The facility maintains an occupancy rate of 81%, reflecting steady demand in its rural northwest Iowa community.

State regulators currently assign the facility a 3-star overall rating, which signifies an “Average” performance level according to CMS benchmarks. Historical data shows a citations-per-inspection rate that is consistently below state averages, though a June 2025 standard survey identified four administrative and clinical deficiencies.

While these findings were corrected, the record includes a 2023 elopement risk incident that led to an Immediate Jeopardy tag, which was cleared following physical security upgrades. A more recent October 2025 complaint investigation concluded with zero citations.

Professional care is guided by a staffing model that provides 3 hours 48 minutes of nursing time per resident daily. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is a notable metric, as daily hours exceed state averages, though weekend coverage levels are lower. Medical services coordinate skilled nursing and a 17-bed enclosed Alzheimer’s wing, supplemented by the “Dreams Program” which addresses resident quality of life. Clinical quality measures carry a high 4-star rating, supported by strong outcomes in physical function for long-stay residents.

The campus provides a residential atmosphere where residents have access to both private suites and specialized common areas. Unique to this facility is the Willoway Pool and Fitness Center, which supports both resident rehabilitation and community exercise. Social life involves 24-hour medical support, nutritional meal plans, and a seasonal “Diners Club” that facilitates outings to local restaurants. For mobility beyond the campus, the facility utilizes a handicapped-accessible bus for regional excursions.

Interested individuals should assess the current safety and training protocols during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the staff training updates implemented following the 2024 transportation incident and to confirm that the door security enhancements for the memory care unit remain in full compliance for 202

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Forest City

Good Samaritan Society – Forest City is a 43-bed skilled nursing facility at 606 South Seventh Street in Forest City, Iowa. Administered by Holly Brink and operated as a non-profit, church-related corporation, the center serves Winnebago County with a clinical continuum that includes short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and hospice services. The campus currently maintains an occupancy rate of 79%, with an average daily census of 34 residents.

State and federal oversight currently assigns the facility a 4-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Above Average”. Regulatory reports indicate a citations-per-inspection rate of 2.75, with the most recent complaint investigation in October 2025 resulting in zero deficiencies. While the center maintains a solid health inspection tier, the record includes an August 2025 dependent adult abuse finding involving a former staff member and a 2024 fine of $8,824 for care planning and food safety violations.

Professional care is guided by a staffing model that provides 3 hours 29 minutes of daily nursing time per resident. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is a notable metric, as the 48 minutes of daily RN time performs 9% above the Iowa state average. Medical services coordinate physical, occupational, and speech therapy alongside specialized wound care and respiratory support. The facility reports a 45.8% nursing staff turnover rate, which is consistent with the state mean.

The campus environment provides a residential atmosphere featuring an arts room, library, and dedicated garden spaces. Social life is facilitated through organized movie nights, music programs, and 24-hour supervision to support resident safety. Nutritional support includes meal plans tailored to individual dietary needs, and the community is located near essential services like Mercy Family Clinic. For those needing mobility assistance, the facility offers transportation services to explore the surrounding Forest City area.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current bedside care standards and quality improvement initiatives during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details regarding the corrective actions implemented after the 2024 and 2025 citations to ensure that staffing and safety protocols meet the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

Overview of Primrose Retirement Community

Primrose Retirement Community is a 64-bed senior living campus at 1801 East Kanesville Boulevard in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Administered by Tiffany Eggett and certified as a dementia-specific assisted living program, the facility serves Pottawattamie County with a clinical continuum ranging from independent townhome villas to specialized memory care. The campus maintains a current occupancy rate of approximately 55%, with private room rates starting near $4,900 per month.

State inspection records show a deficiency rate that is 6% more favorable than the Iowa state average. While a May 2024 recertification audit was completed with zero deficiencies, a November 2024 follow-up cited three concerns regarding service plan accuracy and memory care unit door alarms. Long-term data indicate a per-inspection citation rate that is 17% below the state mean, though the community remains a private-pay facility and does not currently participate in Medicare or Medicaid.

On-site nursing, personal aid, and therapy are managed through a 24-hour staffing framework. This model emphasizes individualized cognitive support, addressing various stages of memory loss within a secure environment. Though residents utilize regular wellness monitoring and restorative programs, the rural-style location is car-dependent with a Walk Score of zero. Notably, the facility has maintained its license without any suspensions since it began operations in 2008.

A home-like residential setting is supported by three daily meals and specialized social spaces like a 1950s-style ice cream parlor. Common areas available to residents include a chapel, wellness center, billiard room, and library. The service package also features weekly housekeeping, laundry, and local transportation, alongside pet-friendly housing options that offer quiet views. For convenience, basic cable and Wi-Fi access are fully integrated into the monthly residency costs.

Interested individuals should examine the current protocols for service plan updates and perimeter security during a tour of the grounds. It is recommended to consult with the administrator regarding the specific remedies applied to the 2024 citation findings and to ensure current staffing ratios are sufficient for the resident’s 2026 care requirements.

Grandview Healthcare Center is a 72-bed skilled nursing facility at 800 Fifth Street SE in Oelwein, Iowa. Managed by ABCM Corporation and administered by Shelia Lawson, the community provides 24-hour nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care for residents in Fayette County. The campus maintains a tranquil residential setting and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

State and federal regulators currently assign the facility a 4-star overall rating, reflecting performance categorized as “Above Average”. Regulatory inspections show a citations-per-inspection rate of 2.0, which is significantly lower than the Iowa state average of 6.1. While an April 2025 standard survey identified four deficiencies related to infection control and pharmacy practices, a subsequent December 2025 follow-up confirmed the facility returned to substantial compliance with zero new citations. No critical or high-harm violations have been issued during the current review cycle.

Professional support is guided by a staffing model that delivers 4 hours 3 minutes of daily nursing time per resident—higher than the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is a notable metric, as the 35 minutes of daily RN time exceeds the state mean. Clinical programs coordinate physical, occupational, and speech therapy alongside specialized ventilator and respiratory care. The facility reports a 31.9% nursing staff turnover rate, which is considerably lower than the Iowa average of 44.4%.

The campus environment features varied room layouts, including private suites and semi-private companion rooms. Residents have access to unique amenities such as raised garden beds, an outdoor walking trail, and a beauty and barber salon. Dining options include restaurant-style service and 24-hour snack availability, while social programs provide spiritual services and community outings. For medical appointments, the facility provides dedicated transportation to nearby MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current bedside care standards and clinical coverage during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions regarding the 2025 infection control findings and to confirm that current staffing levels meet the resident’s individual recovery or long-term care goals.

Overview of Country Lane Manor

Country Lane Manor is a 60-bed skilled nursing facility located at 819 Country Lane Road in Keosauqua, Iowa. Administered by Ashley Ames and operated by Campbell Street Services, the center provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and memory care for Van Buren County residents. The campus serves as a localized clinical hub for southeast Iowa, offering 24-hour medical monitoring and a resident council for community engagement.

State and federal oversight currently assigns the facility a 1-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2024 and 2026, the community has undergone several inspections, with the August 2025 standard report identifying 11 deficiencies, nearly double the Iowa state average of 6.1. While recent complaint investigations in early 2025 resulted in single citations regarding nutrition and dietary temperatures, the facility has recorded zero infection control deficiencies over the last three years. To date, the center has incurred $59,150 in federal fines and one payment suspension.

Daily nursing time is guided by a staffing model that delivers approximately 3 hours 18 minutes per resident, performing 13% below the state average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 15 minutes per resident day, which is half of the Iowa mean, while weekend RN coverage drops further to a lower tier. Despite these staffing gaps, the center reports that 83% of its rehabilitation residents successfully return home, and long-stay quality measures hold a 4-star rating for outcomes in pain management and physical function.

The campus environment provides a residential setting focused on “Senior Life Solutions” that coordinate clinical care with social wellness. On-site amenities include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as specialized programs for cardiac care and respiratory support. The facility provides respite care for family caregivers and facilitates community activities to promote a social lifestyle for long-term residents. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted to support varied financial needs.

Families should check the current bedside care standards and staffing levels during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions following the 2024 and 2025 citations regarding dietary safety and nursing staff levels to ensure that clinical coverage meets the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.