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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
Other Senior care options:

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

Click column headers to sort
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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View all Nearby Homes
Westview Care Center focuses on healing, wellness, and enriching lives through compassionate care. It offers skilled nursing, hospice care, and rehabilitation services in a welcoming atmosphere. The facility is designed to promote comfort and quality of life for its residents.
Overview of Westview Care Center
Westview Care Center focuses on healing, wellness, and enriching lives through compassionate care. It offers skilled nursing, hospice care, and rehabilitation services in a welcoming atmosphere. The facility is designed to promote comfort and quality of life for its residents.
Contact Westview Care Center

Vista Woods Care Center

Three Pennsylvania Place, Ottumwa, IA 525012165
Vista Woods Care Center offers exceptional long-term skilled nursing services to the Ottumwa, IA area. The facility provides 24/7 nursing care and skilled therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It is conveniently located next to hospitals and clinics, ensuring a comfortable stay for residents.
Overview of Vista Woods Care Center
Vista Woods Care Center offers exceptional long-term skilled nursing services to the Ottumwa, IA area. The facility provides 24/7 nursing care and skilled therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It is conveniently located next to hospitals and clinics, ensuring a comfortable stay for residents.
Contact Vista Woods Care Center
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, including short-term and long-term care. The facility provides a range of medical services to support residents' health and wellness.
Overview of University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, including short-term and long-term care. The facility provides a range of medical services to support residents' health and wellness.
Contact University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Timely Mission Nursing Home is located in Buffalo Center, Iowa. It provides rehabilitation services and skilled care in a comfortable and friendly environment. The facility offers a variety of services including skilled care, short-term respite care, and long-term care.
Overview of Timely Mission Nursing Home
Timely Mission Nursing Home is located in Buffalo Center, Iowa. It provides rehabilitation services and skilled care in a comfortable and friendly environment. The facility offers a variety of services including skilled care, short-term respite care, and long-term care.
Contact Timely Mission Nursing Home
The Village of Ackley is a senior living community in Ackley, Iowa. It offers a full range of senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. The facility is committed to providing compassionate care and a variety of social activities for residents.
Overview of The Village of Ackley
The Village of Ackley is a senior living community in Ackley, Iowa. It offers a full range of senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. The facility is committed to providing compassionate care and a variety of social activities for residents.
Contact The Village of Ackley
Harmony Utica Ridge is a rehabilitation facility located in Davenport, Iowa. It offers personalized care and a welcoming atmosphere designed to enhance recovery and overall quality of life. The facility provides various healthcare services, including short-term rehabilitation, wound care, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Overview of Harmony Utica Ridge
Harmony Utica Ridge is a rehabilitation facility located in Davenport, Iowa. It offers personalized care and a welcoming atmosphere designed to enhance recovery and overall quality of life. The facility provides various healthcare services, including short-term rehabilitation, wound care, and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Contact Harmony Utica Ridge
Stacyville Community Nursing Home is a community-owned, not-for-profit facility in Stacyville, Iowa. It provides multiple levels of care tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents. The facility has been part of the community since 1965 and accommodates 34 beds for Intermediate/Skilled Care.
Overview of Stacyville Community Nursing Home
Stacyville Community Nursing Home is a community-owned, not-for-profit facility in Stacyville, Iowa. It provides multiple levels of care tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents. The facility has been part of the community since 1965 and accommodates 34 beds for Intermediate/Skilled Care.
Contact Stacyville Community Nursing Home
St. Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is located in Spencer, Iowa. It provides compassionate care and a range of services for seniors. The facility is part of St. Luke Homes & Services, which offers various senior care options.
Overview of St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home
St. Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is located in Spencer, Iowa. It provides compassionate care and a range of services for seniors. The facility is part of St. Luke Homes & Services, which offers various senior care options.
Contact St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

St Francis Manor

2021 Fourth Avenue, Grinnell, IA 501122064
St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, Iowa, is a nonprofit skilled and long-term care nursing facility with a dedicated transitional care unit and Rehabilitation Clinic. It offers a variety of community services, including home healthcare, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and a number of other conveniences. The facility is part of a 31-acre Life Plan Community that includes independent living homes and assisted living apartments.
Overview of St Francis Manor
St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, Iowa, is a nonprofit skilled and long-term care nursing facility with a dedicated transitional care unit and Rehabilitation Clinic. It offers a variety of community services, including home healthcare, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and a number of other conveniences. The facility is part of a 31-acre Life Plan Community that includes independent living homes and assisted living apartments.
Contact St Francis Manor
Solon Nursing Care Center is part of the Solon Retirement Village in Solon, Iowa. It offers personalized nursing care, assisted living, palliative care, independent living, memory care, and outpatient therapy. The center is committed to promoting happy, independent lives for its residents.
Overview of Solon Nursing Care Center
Solon Nursing Care Center is part of the Solon Retirement Village in Solon, Iowa. It offers personalized nursing care, assisted living, palliative care, independent living, memory care, and outpatient therapy. The center is committed to promoting happy, independent lives for its residents.
Contact Solon Nursing Care Center

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