Explore Open Rooms
1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.

Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Apr 2026
We analyzed 7 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

Video Tour: Top-rated senior communities facilities in Iowa.

Watch this Video to see Iowa's Top-rated Senior Communities

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

Click column headers to sort
Woodland Terrace
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.

Waverly
100No--- 87.0% 2510
Eagle Point Health Care Center
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.

Clinton
75No--30 70.7% 166
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
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.

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).

Fort Dodge
65No--- 93.3% 00
Navigate MC at Featherstone at Hickory Trail
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.

Iowa City (Lemme)
32No--1-00
Journey Senior Services
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.

Carroll
36No--7 75.0% 42
Homesteaders at 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.

Norwalk
80No--4 42.5% 53
Hansen House
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.

Council Bluffs (Kane Township)
54No--15 53.7% 125
Grand Haven Retirement Community Moments
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.

Eldridge
36No--18 41.7% 2318
Gardens at Ridgecrest Village
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.

Davenport (Downtown Davenport)
30No--24 40.0% 3426
Emery 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.

Robins
106No--11 48.1% 1713
Cottage Grove Place – Connections
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.

Cedar Rapids
36No--6 38.9% 53
Birdee Cottage AL and MC
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.

Waterloo
33No--4 51.5% 42
Better Living of Walcott
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.

Walcott
67No--6 34.3% 51
Apple Valley 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.

Osage
78No--17 65.4% 135
Addington Place of Burlington
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.

Burlington
100No--17 46.0% 2619
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
Overview of Independence Village of Waukee

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.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: 3-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Contact Independence Village of Waukee

Overview of Grand Living at Indian Creek

Grand Living at Indian Creek is a luxury senior independent living home in Cedar Rapids. The vibrant environment screams elegance and comfort built at every corner of the retirement home. Its residents are guaranteed to enjoy their stay because of the compassionate care staff. Its future residents will find endless possibilities in a warm and welcoming atmosphere that leads to a “grand” aging experience. 

The residential lifestyle at Grand Living is built on luxury, comfort, and flexibility– which are all vital in cultivating a purposeful and holistic experience for each individual. Also offering assisted and memory care living, its premier accommodations include recreational activities, calendar-filled enriching programs, healthy and delicious meal plans, a bistro, a grand dining room, a private dining room, a pet park, a fire pit, and a billiards room.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Mid-rise

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Contact Grand Living at Indian Creek

Overview of Brown Deer Place

Nestled in Coralville, Iowa, Brown Deer Place exudes a vibrant charm that embraces seniors seeking memory care, respite care, or individual living services. The stately architecture of this classical building lends an air of sophistication and elegance, providing a comforting haven for those in need of specialized care. Veterans with VA eligibility may find benefits that further enhance their experience at Brown Deer Place, with dedicated caregivers who undergo rigorous memory care training to ensure the highest level of support and understanding.

Step into the cozy embrace of Brown Deer Place’s restaurant-style dining area, where nutritious and delectable meals are served with care, and where residents can share nourishing moments. The community thrives with a diverse array of engaging activities, fostering a vibrant atmosphere where residents can truly flourish. The pet-friendly environment extends a warm welcome to furry companions, enhancing the sense of home. Residents can indulge in various amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, a theater room for entertainment, a game room for friendly competition, and an arts and crafts center that sparks creativity. Brown Deer Place takes pride in its secure design, thoughtfully crafted to cater specifically to memory loss, ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident.

What does this home offer?

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: 2-story

Dining services icon
Dining services icon

Dining Services

Social and recreational activities icon
Social and recreational activities icon

Social and Recreational Activities

Contact Brown Deer Place

Overview of Courtyard Terrace Assisted

Spend a worry-free retirement at Courtyard Terrace Assisted, an idyllic haven in Boone, IA, offering assisted living. Residents can keep their peace of mind with a compassionate and well-trained team attending to their needs around the clock. With purposely built and secure accommodations, residents are guaranteed the utmost comfort and safety.

A jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs is conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. Delicious and well-balanced meals are served to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. For convenience and safety, medication management is also provided. The community’s nurturing and welcoming environment makes it an ideal retirement option.

What does this home offer?

Accepts Medicaid icon
Accepts Medicaid icon

Accept Medicaid: Yes

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: 2-story

Beauty services icon
Beauty services icon

Beauty Services

Social and recreational activities icon
Social and recreational activities icon

Social and Recreational Activities

Exercise program icon
Exercise program icon

Exercise Programs

Contact Courtyard Terrace Assisted

Overview of Southern Hills Specialty Care

Dedicated to providing high-quality senior living, Southern Hills Specialty Care in West Lakes Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, is a reliable senior living community that offers a wide range of care services. These include assisted living, memory care, skilled care, therapy services, wound care management, and hospice. With a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals delivering top-tier care and assistance around the clock, seniors can thrive and live their lives to the fullest.

A variety of planned activities and engaging programs are also provided to ensure residents have fun and meet friends. Special diets are also accommodated to ensure health needs and cravings are met through delicious and nutritious meals. Southern Hills Specialty Care is great for seniors looking to make the most out of their best years.

What does this home offer?

Accepts Medicaid icon
Accepts Medicaid icon

Accept Medicaid: Yes

Total residents icon
Total residents icon

Total Residents: 90

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

Contact Southern Hills Specialty Care

Overview of Accura Healthcare of Ames

Accura Healthcare renders exceptional senior care services in the picturesque landscapes of Iowa. Renowned for its meticulous organization and serene environment, this facility offers specialized services catering to a wide range of needs, including orthopedic care, pulmonary care, diabetes management, respite and hospice care, as well as dedicated assistance for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory care patients.

What truly distinguishes Accura Healthcare is its intimate and close-knit community atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort. With a keen attention to detail, this facility provides a peaceful haven where seniors can regain their health, confidence, and independence. It’s a place where residents find the support and compassion they need, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking top-notch memory care living facilities.

Contact Accura HealthCare of Ames

Overview of Assisi Village by Stonehill

Assisi Village, located in Dubuque, Iowa, aims to create a supportive and independent community for seniors, offering Assisted Living as the perfect choice for those seeking a balance between autonomy and assistance. The mission is to provide a welcoming environment where residents feel comfortable and content. A full-time Registered Nurse customizes programs, ensuring safety and independence. The community values individual needs, offering a continuum of care services and priority access to higher levels of assisted living care. 

Assisi Village boasts a range of amenities to enrich residents’ lives. With a compassionate staff available 24/7, personalized services include assistance with daily activities. Amenities include restaurant-style dining, daily mass, and wellness programs. The community provides social, educational, and cultural spaces, ensuring a vibrant and engaging environment. Residents enjoy access to a fully equipped Wellness Center, while the outdoor areas, including patio and gardens, contribute to a pleasant living experience at Assisi Village.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
Room sizes icon

Room Sizes: 588 - 720 / 882 - 1,510 sq. ft

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: 3-story

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Contact Assisi Village by Stonehill

Overview of The Summit at Bettendorf

The Summit at Bettendorf is a well-regarded retirement community in Bettendorf, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The community also features a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans in a nurturing and home-like environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. With chef-prepared meals, 24-hour care, and wellness programs, residents can maintain their independence with ease. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides exceptional care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Lectures, light physical activities, and resident clubs help residents have fun and continue learning. Residents can also interact with friends and lounge, as state-of-the-art amenities, like the rooftop bar, salon, and walking paths, are available. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Bettendorf, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With its exceptional quality of care, this retirement community is a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

What does this home offer?

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Mid-rise

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Contact The Summit at Bettendorf

Overview of Life Center

Offering excellent memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, The Life Center is a dependable senior living community in Des Moines, IA that helps residents maintain a sense of individuality and freedom while receiving additional support. The community features a reliable nursing team available 24-hours a day and an extensive rehabilitative program, featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapies that help residents maintain their highest level of functionality.

Residents also delight in an array of convenient services that help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle such as housekeeping, laundry, package delivery services, and more. A registered dietician carefully reviews the residents’ therapeutic diets to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and nourishment. With Life Center, residents are guaranteed to lead the lifestyle they deserve surrounded by compassionate support and care.

What does this home offer?

Accepts Medicaid icon
Accepts Medicaid icon

Accept Medicaid: Yes

Total residents icon
Total residents icon

Total Residents: 72

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Two-story

Phone: Not Found

Contact Life Center

Overview of Oakland Heights

Ideally situated in the thriving setting of Oakland, IA, Oakland Heights is an outstanding community that offers assisted living. With a compassionate and well-trained team available around the clock, residents receive exceptional care tailored to their daily living activities and personal needs. Purposely built and secure accommodations are also provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring residents feel at ease during their stay.

Dedicated to residents’ happiness and well-being, a jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and fun recreational programs is conducted. Mealtimes promote social interactions and meet nutritional needs with delicious and well-balanced dining options. For convenience and safety, medication management is also available. The community is a great option for those looking to maintain their independence without hassles, especially with its top-notch services and state-of-the-art amenities.

What does this home offer?

Accepts Medicaid icon
Accepts Medicaid icon

Accept Medicaid: Yes

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Apartments

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Single-story

Dining services icon
Dining services icon

Dining Services

Social and recreational activities icon
Social and recreational activities icon

Social and Recreational Activities

Contact Oakland Heights

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How Assisted Living Magazine Evaluates & Scores Nursing Homes

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 share of every nursing home’s score — 45% of the total weighting — comes from clinical and regulatory indicators, including:

  • Overall, staffing, and inspection ratings
  • Long-stay and short-stay quality measures
  • Nurse-to-resident and staff-to-resident ratios
  • Health deficiencies and regulatory history
  • Accreditations and positive local news reporting

These factors directly reflect resident safety, care quality, and compliance.

Operational Stability & Resident Support

Another 35% of the score comes from operational and stability signals, such as:

  • Nurse hours per patient per day
  • Occupancy levels and cleanliness citations
  • Administrative stability and ownership quality
  • Readmission rates and registered-nurse turnover
Balancing Additional Factors

The remaining 20% of the score includes contextual elements such as:

  • Year built or renovated
  • Penalties, fines, and preventable readmissions
  • Revenue per bed
  • Administrator tenure

These factors help round out the overall picture but carry less weight because our methodology prioritizes clinical outcomes and regulatory consistency above all else.
The result is a clear, data-driven ranking system that elevates nursing homes delivering exceptional care and long-term resident safety.

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