Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Overview of Hillcrest Home

Owned by Mission Interests Committee Inc., Hillcrest Home is a 61-bed nursing facility providing short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care. The facility has an occupancy rate of 70%. Residents stay an average of 160 days. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families multiple ways to cover care costs.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 22 minutes per resident each day. Residents are supported by registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses on staff. This level of hands-on support shows the facility’s commitment to daily clinical care/

In recent inspections, Hillcrest has demonstrated substantial compliance with regulatory standards. The facility has worked through earlier challenges with medication administration and grievance handling, and those areas show marked improvement in regulatory findings.

The location has a Walk Score of 38, so some nearby services are within walking distance. However, most visits and errands are more convenient with transportation. Residents and families will find that the neighborhood is a quiet, accessible part of Iowa for daily life and visits.

Overview of Brio of Johnston Assisted Living

Brio of Johnston Assisted Living is a 68-bed nursing home and assisted living community at 6901 Peckham Street in Johnston, Iowa. It opened seven years ago and now operates at 54 percent occupancy. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay give families multiple routes for coverage. The starting monthly price is $2,000.

Short-term rehabilitation is the facility’s core clinical program, anchored by 24-hour staffing totaling 5 hours 18 minutes of nursing care per resident day. Staffing breakdowns include registered nurses providing 58 minutes daily, nurse aides delivering 2 hours 50 minutes, and LPNs or LVNs contributing 48 minutes per day. The average stay length runs 64 days, which reflects the community’s shorter-stay rehabilitation model. Brio of Johnston Assisted Living sits in a car-dependent part of Johnston, so visiting family and residents typically need a vehicle for most errands and outings. It offers a cutting-edge wellness center along with a library, walking trails, and a pet recreation area for those wanting activity and connection. A chapel, salon, general store, and guest room round out the amenities. Occupants can access respite care services, valuable for families needing momentary placement or relief during a care transition.

State inspections have found Brio of Johnston Assisted Living operating with no major compliance issues, with recent inspection activity clearing complaint investigations.

The community’s focus on rehabilitation and respite care naturally fits people healing from an acute hospital stay or injury, or those needing temporary care relief.

Guttenberg Care Center is a 92-bed nursing home in Guttenberg, Iowa, offering memory care in addition to skilled nursing. The facility is operated by ABCM Corporation and is committed to a person-directed care philosophy. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

CMS rates Guttenberg Care Center at 5 out of 5 stars overall — the top rating in Iowa — driven by a 5-star Health Inspection score that sits 75% above the state average. The facility has recorded no federal fines or civil money penalties in the past three years, a clean enforcement record that helps explain the top inspection rating. Quality Measures are rated 2 out of 5 stars, placing the facility below the Iowa average on clinical outcome indicators; families evaluating long-term placement should weigh that alongside the strong compliance record.

Nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 32 minutes per resident per day, roughly 18% below Iowa’s average of 4 hours and 18 minutes — a meaningful gap for residents requiring frequent hands-on care. The facility holds a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program on-site, reflecting a commitment to staff development. Occupancy is around 39%, well below the Iowa average of 75%, suggesting current availability is not a barrier to admission.

Guttenberg Care Center suits families in Clayton County seeking a post-acute or long-term placement where inspection compliance and regulatory standing are primary considerations, and who are prepared to review the Quality Measures data alongside the facility’s strong oversight record.

Overview of Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living

Edgewater, a WesleyLife Community for Healthy Living, graces a 50-acre campus nestled amidst natural beauty, boasting serene water features and picturesque ponds. Within this splendid setting, they offer a spectrum of senior living options, including independent senior living, memory care living, assisted living, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation. mainly, Edgewater prioritizes the overall wellness of their residents, providing not only five-star dining but also a wealth of amenities to enhance their daily lives.

Residents at Edgewater enjoy concierge services, an art studio, and a newly constructed event center. The community further offers indoor heated saltwater pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, salon and spa services, and much more. With spacious areas for various activities, including independent living apartments, a skilled culinary team, and chefs dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences, Edgewater stands as a vibrant, pristine, and ideal place to call home.

Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village, situated in the delightful West Des Moines, Iowa, provides a diverse range of senior living options, including independent living and assisted living including care for disabled adults. This community effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, with inviting spaces, high ceilings, and carefully chosen furnishings, ensuring an exceptional living experience for residents.

Residents here can engage in a variety of activities, from card games and book clubs to arts and crafts and movie nights. The community also organizes off site excursions, such as concerts, theater outings, museum visits, and more, enriching the lives of its residents. Their spacious apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different care needs, offering tailored, top-tier services in a meticulously maintained environment. Count on Cedar Ridge Village for superior senior living options, whether you’re seeking assisted or independent living near you.

Discover the exceptional warmth and care of Bickford of Marshalltown, a vibrant senior living community located in Marshalltown, IA, offering assisted living and memory care services. Built on a foundation of family values, the community provides personalized care rooted in a commitment to dignity and independence. Residents can choose from thoughtfully designed floor plans, ensuring comfort and accessibility while enjoying proactive care under the nationally recognized HigherPath senior health model. Additionally, the community is surrounded by opportunities for serene living and convenient access to essential services.

The community prides itself on a welcoming atmosphere, featuring amenities such as the Bread Basket Scratch Kitchen, where residents can enjoy freshly prepared meals, and a pet-friendly environment that supports beloved companions. With a robust activities calendar and dedicated spiritual care, Bickford of Marshalltown fosters meaningful connections and joyful experiences every day.

Overview of The Views of Marion

The Views of Marion offers round-the-clock support in a truly picturesque environment. Amidst stunning surroundings, this community provides a serene haven that brings peace of mind to its residents. Alongside their exceptional assisted living services, The Views of Marlon also provides a specialized memory care unit, dedicated to meeting the unique needs of individuals requiring memory care assistance.

The community’s certified staff is available 24 hours a day, ensuring that residents receive the attention and care they deserve. Additionally, the presence of personal emergency response systems and panic buttons provides added reassurance to both residents and their loved ones. Step into the community’s well-curated common areas, where both the great outdoors and intimate interior spaces beckon residents to relax and enjoy their surroundings. The Views of Cedar Rapids create an ambiance that feels like home, with cozy nooks and inviting corners where residents can unwind and savor moments of tranquility.

Overview of Kennybrook Village

Kennybrook Village is a senior living campus at 200 SW Brookside Drive in Grimes, Iowa. Managed by Jayce Wilson and operated by Scenic Development LLC, the facility serves Polk County with 40 skilled nursing beds alongside independent and assisted living options. Current reports show 35 occupants in the nursing wing, while the assisted living program reports 32 residents. The facility operates under license 770858, which remains active through January 2026.

Regulatory records show a high overall CMS rating but identify recent challenges in dietary services. A January 2025 inspection resulted in four deficiencies, primarily involving failures to maintain safe food temperatures and follow prescribed menus. Despite these citations, the facility maintains a strong long-term record, with the assisted living component achieving a citations-per-inspection rate of zero during its most recent July 2025 review.

Clinical services are supported by staffing levels that exceed state averages, providing 5 hours and 11 minutes of nursing care per resident daily. Data highlights a significant focus on rehabilitation, with physical therapist staffing 50% higher than the Iowa average. Professional care includes speech language pathology, occupational therapy, and specialized memory care at “Maggie’s Place”. CMS quality measures for long-stay residents are 44.5% better than state benchmarks, reflecting high clinical outcomes in high-risk categories.

The residential environment includes social outings, museum visits, and fitness programming designed for varying activity levels. Shared amenities feature pet-friendly suites, housekeeping, and private dining options. Monthly costs range from $2,950 for independent living to $7,650 for memory care. The community primarily serves private-pay residents but accepts Medicare and Medicaid for those requiring short-term medical rehabilitation.

This campus fits seniors seeking high nurse-to-resident ratios and intensive physical therapy. Families evaluating Kennybrook Village should ask directly about the corrective actions taken regarding the 2025 food service citations and request a recent temperature log for meal services before making a placement decision.

Tucked away in Waukee, IA Independence Village of Waukee is a one-of-a-kind senior living community that offers an array of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community offers a wide range of apartment floor plans, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments, and shared suites for memory care residents. A dedicated care team is available 24-hours a day to provide licensed support and various assistance, from daily living activities to medication reminders, and mobility assistance.

Committed to offering a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters social interaction and vibrant living, the community offers a wide array of activities and events inspired by residents’ interests and skills. Residents also enjoy a personalized dining experience, consisting of tastefully prepared meals tailored to their dietary needs and tastes. Here, residents are given access to the necessities they need to live a fulfilling golden years.

Overview of Calvin Community

Calvin Community is a 59-bed healthcare campus located at 4210 Hickman Road in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. Operated as a faith-based voluntary nonprofit, the facility provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. The community currently maintains a high occupancy rate of 93% with 55 residents, exceeding the Iowa state average of 75.4%. With a Walk Score of 61, the location is ranked among the more accessible facilities in the state, situated approximately 0.3 miles from the nearest hospital.

State and federal monitoring data show the facility holds a 5-star overall CMS rating, performing 53.8% above the Iowa average. A January 2026 recertification survey for the assisted living program resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. While the broader campus has recorded 24 deficiencies since 2020—primarily involving care planning and food safety—it maintains an annual deficiency average 11% below the state benchmark and has no “immediate jeopardy” citations on record. Two historical fines totaling $26,000 were documented, which is 45% lower than the state average for total penalties.

Professional care is supported by 5 hours and 44 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, a level that is 30% higher than the Iowa average. Clinical staffing is particularly strong in rehabilitation, with physical therapy hours 200% above state benchmarks. Quality measures show high performance in safety, with major injury falls 83% better and antipsychotic medication use 58% better than state averages. However, long-stay data indicate a trend where residents’ need for assistance with daily activities and mobility has increased at a higher rate than state peers.

Residential options include one- and two-bedroom apartments and private townhomes featuring garages. The facility offers three nutritionally balanced meals daily and provides scheduled transportation for medical appointments and community outings. Shared amenities include an active resident council, diverse social programming, and communal spaces for card games and Bible studies. The payer mix is diverse, with 50% of residents using private pay, alongside Medicare and Medicaid participants.

Older adults seeking a nonprofit, faith-based environment with high staffing ratios and a strong local reputation may find this community appropriate. Prospective representatives should evaluate the facility’s success in fall prevention while discussing specific plans to support residents experiencing declines in physical mobility before making a final decision.