Other senior care options in Iowa:

Best Assisted Living in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 333 assisted living communities in Iowa using Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
333 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
Avg Monthly Cost: $5,500The average monthly cost across facilities in Iowa. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 45/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 71The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around Iowa

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Oaknoll Retirement Residence
AL
IL
NH
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 407
No
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #344 / 528
Private Rooms
49
Facility 49
IA AVG 19
Rank #13 / 282
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #111 / 379
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Mill Pond
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
Yes
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 19
Rank #107 / 282
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #14 / 379
-16
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 7
Rank #158 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Green Hills Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #234 / 407
Yes
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #430 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 19
Rank #24 / 282
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #130 / 379
-11
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Friendship Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 407
No
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #202 / 528
2 Bed / 3 Bed
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 19
Rank #8 / 282
91.7%
Facility 91.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #50 / 379
-17
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 7
Rank #1 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Maple Ridge Assisted Living
AL
NH
Mt Ayr (Mount Ayr)
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 71
Rank #398 / 407
No
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 45
Rank #452 / 528
Private / Shared Rooms
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 19
Rank #98 / 282
--7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Cedar Ridge Village
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 45
Rank #488 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 19
Rank #202 / 282
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #24 / 379
A+15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
The Views of Marion
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Marion
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #214 / 407
No
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 45
Rank #315 / 528
Private Rooms
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 19
Rank #211 / 282
48.3%
Facility 48.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #282 / 379
-4
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Calvin Community
AL
NH
IL
MC
Des Moines (Beaverdale)
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 71
Rank #226 / 407
No
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 45
Rank #145 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
93.2%
Facility 93.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #42 / 379
-17
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Independence Village of Waukee
AL
NH
IL
MC
SNF
Waukee
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 71
Rank #373 / 407
Yes
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
15
Facility 15
IA AVG 19
Rank #164 / 282
41.2%
Facility 41.2%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #332 / 379
-12
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #298 / 348
Corridor Crossing Place
AL
MC
RESC
RC
Cedar Rapids (Southwest Area)
61
Facility 61
IA AVG 71
Rank #210 / 407
No
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #269 / 528
Private Rooms
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 282
--9
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 7
Rank #187 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Amelia Senior Living
AL
Council Bluffs (Ferndale)
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 71
Rank #202 / 407
Yes
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 45
Rank #500 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 19
Rank #42 / 282
61.3%
Facility 61.3%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #218 / 379
A+10
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 7
Rank #57 / 348
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #250 / 348
Edencrest at The Tuscany
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #325 / 407
Yes
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 19
Rank #232 / 282
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #44 / 379
-7
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 7
Rank #131 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Independence Village of Ames
AL
MC
RC
Ames
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 71
Rank #390 / 407
No
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
25
Facility 25
IA AVG 19
Rank #87 / 282
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #1 / 379
A+21
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 7
Rank #279 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
Thornton Heights Assisted Living
AL
NH
Lansing (Main Street)
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 71
Rank #397 / 407
No
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 19
Rank #120 / 282
--7
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 7
Rank #31 / 348
0
Facility 0
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #1 / 348
Northridge Village
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Ames (Somerset)
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 71
Rank #352 / 407
Yes
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 45
Rank #269 / 528
1 Bed / 2 Bed
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 19
Rank #189 / 282
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #28 / 379
A15
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 7
Rank #93 / 348
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 0.8
Rank #281 / 348
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Overview of Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care

Designed for residents with memory care needs, Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care is a small assisted living community in Sioux Center, Iowa. The 32-bed community operates under Sioux Center Health and is located on 7th Avenue Southeast. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 72, so many nearby services and errands are within walking distance.

The home opened 3 years ago and currently operates at full occupancy. Residents tend to remain in the community for an extended period. The average length of stay is 896 days, which includes people living with dementia who need ongoing support, security, and specialized care.

Staffing is a major part of the community’s care model. The facility has 24-hour staffing, and residents receive an average of 5 hours and 49 minutes of nursing care daily. Registered nurses provide 47 minutes of care per resident daily. Nurse aides contribute 3 hours and 32 minutes, while licensed practical nurses provide another 28 minutes. That’s a consistent level of support throughout the day and night. Residents have access to skilled care as well as direct personal assistance.

State inspections found that the community is in good standing. Inspection findings identified no regulatory insufficiencies or deficiencies. A complaint investigation was also completed with no insufficiencies identified. The facility doesn’t have any citations.

Families looking for memory care in the Sioux Center area may find the community’s smaller size appealing. It’s fully occupied, has a long average length of stay, and focuses specifically on caring for people living with dementia. The walkable location can also make visits more convenient for family members.

Contact Crown Pointe Estates AL Memory Care

Wheatland Manor

316 East Lincolnway, Wheatland, Ia 527770368
Overview of Wheatland Manor

Owned by Janyce Buchannan, Wheatland Manor is a nursing home in Iowa that has served residents for 42 years. With 44 beds, the facility operates at full occupancy. Residents stay an average of 241 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term nursing care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for covering care expenses.

The facility’s nursing support is substantial. Daily nurse staffing averages nearly 4 hours per resident. The care team is composed of registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed vocational nurses. Rehabilitation services are a central part of the community’s care model.

Residents can also participate in structured daily activities such as exercise classes, gardening programs, and book clubs for physical activity and social engagement. Dining is offered in a restaurant-style setting with wholesome ingredients and shared mealtime experiences.

The facility’s location has a Walk Score of 28. A few nearby destinations may be accessible on foot, but most trips require transportation. On-site amenities include a salon and barbershop, fitness equipment, housekeeping services, and flexible all-day dining options that support day-to-day comfort and convenience.

State inspections in recent years highlighted the importance of resident transfer procedures and ongoing supervision practices. Families considering the facility should take a tour and ask how staff work on these areas.

Contact Wheatland Manor

Overview of Great River Care Center

Owned by Edgewood Convalescent Home Inc., Great River Care Center is a skilled nursing home with four decades of experience serving residents in Iowa. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, providing ways for families to arrange care. The 39-bed facility has an occupancy rate of 79% and operates with the expectation of longer-term stays. Residents stay an average of around 291 days.

The facility provides rehabilitation services and maintains nursing care at 4 hours and 22 minutes per resident daily. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses are distributed throughout the day. This level of staffing supports residents working toward recovery and those requiring ongoing skilled nursing support.

The location has a score of 43 for walkability. Some errands can be handled on foot, while most trips will need transportation. The surrounding area is typical of Iowa nursing homes, with a combination of residential character and accessibility to regional services.

Inspections over the past six years focused on operational and care-procedure matters. The facility has worked through findings and maintained compliance certifications. Families touring the home should ask how the care team manages daily clinical processes and staff routines.

Contact Great River Care Center

Overview of Nora Springs Care Center

Nora Springs Care Center operates a 50-bed skilled nursing and assisted living facility at 907 West Congress Street in Nora Springs, Iowa. The building runs with an occupancy rate near 90 percent and maintains federal certifications to process resident billing through private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Lengths of stay average about 134 days, establishing a daily residential census that combines temporary post-hospital therapy patients with long-term nursing placements.

Therapy schedules are structured around an internal Rehab-to-Home setup that provides physical, occupational, and speech exercises alongside outpatient options. The on-floor staffing plan provides an average of 4 hours and 9 minutes of direct daily care per resident, with licensed practical nurses contributing 52 minutes of that total.

For daily activities, the community features therapeutic recreation programs and dedicated rooms for private family gatherings, while the surrounding town neighborhood offers modest walkability, where a car is necessary for most distant errands.

Prospective families can reach out to the intake coordinator to check on current bed layouts, look over the therapy calendar, or plan an afternoon to tour the rehabilitation spaces. The business desk is also available to verify individual insurance parameters and explain how public aid programs cover short-term recovery expenses.

Contact Nora Springs Care Center

Hallmark Care Center

215 Highway 30 Sw, Mount Vernon, Ia 523140000
Overview of Hallmark Care Center

A 55-bed medical property located at 215 10th Avenue South in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Hallmark Care Center focuses on short-term convalescence through its structured Rehab-to-Home program. The facility maintains flexible financial processing, balancing traditional private-pay accounts with state Medicaid and federal Medicare network authorizations. Admissions track to a stable average length of stay of 140 days, meaning the daily floor operations prioritize transitional physical therapy and functional recovery over permanent extended residential care.

The daily floor program supplies an average of 4 hours and 16 minutes of direct, hands-on nursing attention to every resident. Certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses distribute this round-the-clock shift schedule to manage clinical medication tracking, physical treatments, and daily mobility routines. For families checking on loved ones, the surrounding town layout records a walkability score of 73 out of 100, which provides a highly accessible neighborhood environment where visitors can complete standard grocery stops or errands completely on foot.

Prospective representatives can call the billing desk to verify current room availability, request an intake guide for the physical therapy department, or set up a day to tour the rehabilitation spaces. The administrative coordinators can also cross-reference active health insurance policies to clarify how public benefits or personal assets apply to individual recovery statements.

Contact Hallmark Care Center

Golden Age Care Center

1915 South 18Th Street, Centerville, Ia 525443199
Overview of Golden Age Care Center

Golden Age Care Center operates a 46-bed skilled nursing community at 1915 South 18th Street in Centerville, Iowa. The location works at an 87 percent occupancy rate, using traditional out-of-pocket billing alongside conventional Medicare and state Medicaid network authorizations. Resident intervals average roughly 160 days, establishing a standard operational balance between long-term residential oversight and quick-paced, post-hospital physical recoveries.

Floor staff schedules ensure an average of 4 hours and 12 minutes of direct care for each day. Registered nurses and certified nursing aides cover this 24-hour medical timeline, running a dedicated Rehab to Home track alongside specialized physical services like wound care, IV therapies, and dialysis treatments.

For everyday comfort, the property features a beauty salon, basic laundry programs, and communal activities, while the surrounding neighborhood scores a 66 out of 100 for walkability, placing multiple local hospitals and basic services within a short drive.

Families can contact the main office to check on open room configurations, request information about the clinical therapy options, or schedule a convenient afternoon to look around the facility. The administrative desk can also assist with insurance cross-referencing to detail how personal funds or public benefit programs apply to monthly care fees.

Contact Golden Age Care Center

Overview of Concord Care Center

Concord Care Center occupies a 46-bed property at 490 West Lyon Street in Garner, Iowa. The facility maintains an average occupancy level of approximately 59 percent, which allows for regular room availability and intake processing. Administrative staff accepts diversified coverage options, including standard out-of-pocket payments, federal Medicare reimbursements, and state Medicaid. Individual stays average about 108 days, meaning the daily schedule is built to support a moving census of transitional physical therapy cases alongside residents requiring ongoing medical monitoring.

On-site health routines ensure that each individual receives an average of 4 hours and 5 minutes of direct attention from the nursing team daily. Certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses split these floor hours to deliver medication, administer general treatments, and run outpatient therapy services. These practitioners utilize a dedicated Rehab-to-Home track to help individuals recover physical strength after injuries or hospitalizations, while the surrounding neighborhood features a walkability score of 46 out of 100, making a car necessary for most regional errands.

The property maintains a 4-star overall performance rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and has accrued zero federal monetary fines or state enforcement penalties over the last three years. Long-term health metrics indicate stable functional outcomes with minimal decline in day-to-day physical capabilities among the permanent population. For everyday comfort, the layout includes personal television setups, dedicated family meeting lounges, and a barber shop.

Interested families can get in touch with the main office to double-check bed availability, learn about the outpatient therapy schedules, or arrange an afternoon to view the communal spaces. The business desk is also available to help verify health coverage networks and clarify how public assistance programs apply to monthly room invoices.

Contact Concord Care Center

Overview of Ruthven Community Care Center

Ruthven Community Care Center runs a 30-bed nursing and rehabilitation property at 2701 Mitchell Street in Ruthven, Iowa. Operating with a 23-year history in the local region, the facility stands out by running at a 100 percent occupancy level. The business office processes regular statements using private payment options, traditional federal Medicare, and standard state Medicaid paths. Individual stays average roughly 136 days, creating a daily population profile that shifts between short-term physical therapy and permanent skilled nursing placements.

The clinical floor structure delivers an average of 3 hours and 54 minutes of total hands-on nursing attention to each resident daily. Registered nurses cover 28 minutes of this bedside schedule to handle specialized medical oversight, working in tandem with the broader nursing staff to coordinate functional maintenance programs, speech therapy, and post-hospital recovery tracks. This medical team serves a wider community-owned campus that integrates independent living apartments and assisted living services alongside the primary skilled nursing wing, allowing individuals to access multiple care tiers within a single rural property.

Interested individuals can get in touch with the admissions office to double-check waiting list timelines, ask about the independent villa apartments, or schedule an afternoon walkthrough of the campus.

Contact Ruthven Community Care Center

Overview of Northcrest Community

Create unforgettable moments at Northcrest Community, an outstanding community in Ames, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features.

Unique shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents can easily access unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.

Contact Northcrest Community

Overview of Home Instead – Cedar Rapids

Serving Cedar Rapids and nearby areas, Home Instead offers senior home care assistance that prioritizes enhancing quality of life and independence for retirees, from the comfort of their family home. Personalizing each elderly care plan to meet the specific needs of every individual, Home Instead brings the full-range of daily living support and medical management from retirement homes, to your doorstep.

Family members and seniors alike can rest easy knowing that Home Instead’s brand of dependable personal care and companionship are handled with the utmost respect and compassion, by a duly licensed team. Light housekeeping, meal preparations, errands, and medication reminders, are conducted warmly and professionally. For those struggling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s, Home Instead has got you covered as well.

Contact Home Instead – Cedar Rapids

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Iowa

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover assisted living?

Iowa Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including Iowa) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 333 assisted living facilities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Iowa?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Iowa, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Iowa?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.