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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.

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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
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Overview of Apria Healthcare

Apria Healthcare is a prominent figure for home respiratory services and essential medical equipment provision across the nation. Over 325 locations sprawled throughout the United States, Apria dedicates itself to aiding and supporting more than 1.8 million patients annually. 
With a vast reach, Apria offers crucial services such as oxygen therapy, inhalation therapies, sleep apnea treatment, enteral nutrition, and negative pressure wound therapy. Apria Healthcare is committed to ensuring that patients receive the essential care and support they need in the comfort of their homes, fostering improved well-being and quality of life.

Contact Apria Healthcare

Overview of Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center

Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center is an upscale nursing home that aims to change the meaning of skilled nursing and rehabilitation for seniors. The community understands that aging can be daunting, much more with a disability or condition. The exceptional level of care delivered by their patient-friendly staff is an approach to offering the best care possible for their residents. Pine Acres is a trusted community that cares for every senior’s needs.
The person-centered community strives to enhance the quality of life for its residents by ensuring that seniors can satisfy their overall wellness. They house licensed medical professionals and staff and offer a list of social and stimulating activities, holistic therapy, and specialized residency training for an enriching experience.

Contact Pine Acres Rehabilitation & Care Center

Overview of Friendship Village

Conveniently located near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, Friendship Village is an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. The community also features beautifully furnished and spacious floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with the community helping with housekeeping and chores.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced meals to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are welcome to stay to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

What does this home offer?

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Room Sizes: 940 - 1,826 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 2 Bed / 3 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Overview of Eiler Senior Living

Specially designed to ease the challenges of senior living, Eiler Senior Living is a reliable senior living community in West Garfield Street, Clarinda, IA, offering assisted living. The community also offers respite care to provide temporary residence for seniors in need and families who require assistance. Committed to improving seniors’ welfare, the community ensures they receive unrivaled care and comfort in their daily living activities.

Celebrate milestones with various events that highlight residents’ interests and special events in their lives. Have a delightful dining experience with friends with delicious and nutritious meals catering to dietary needs and food preferences. Eiler Senior Living is a good place for seniors to spend their golden years without worries in its peaceful and inviting environment.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

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Fitness and Recreation

Contact Eiler Senior Living

Overview of Silver Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation LLC

Silver Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a senior care facility located in Marion, IA. It offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and dementia support services. The center is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care in a safe and welcoming environment.

Contact Silver Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation LLC

Overview of Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation

Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation is Webster County’s premier location for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The facility offers skilled nursing services and in-house therapy tailored to individual needs. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities designed to help them stay active.

Contact Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation

Overview of Martina Place

Age without worries at Martina Place, a blissful retreat in Johnston, IA, offering assisted living. Residents do not have to worry about their daily living activities and personal needs with a compassionate and well-trained team available around the clock. Housekeeping and laundry services are also provided, ensuring residents have a worry-free lifestyle.

With fun recreational activities and enriching programs, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Mealtimes promote social connections with delicious and healthy dining options, striving to provide the finest dining experience. Medication management is also provided for convenience and safety. Residents enjoy a blissful retirement accompanied by the community’s nurturing and inviting environment.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: Private / Studio / 1 Bed

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Dining Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

Contact Martina Place

Overview of Mount Carmel Bluffs

Enjoy the best of your golden years at Mount Carmel Bluffs, an outstanding community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. The community also offers enriched living, memory care, and long-term care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with housekeeping and other maintenance services.

Plenty of local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents can also prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences with a fully furnished kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services create the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: 2-story

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Parking Available

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Swimming Pool

Contact Mount Carmel Bluffs

Overview of Maple Heights

Live your best years at Maple Heights, a distinguished community in Sioux City, IA, offering independent living. Those 62+ can keep their peace of mind with beautifully designed accommodations and round-the-clock emergency maintenance. The community also strives to maintain affordability with income-based rents to ease financial burdens.

A jam-packed calendar of fun recreational activities and engaging programs is conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. A continental breakfast is provided, alongside fully furnished kitchens, ensuring residents have a hassle-free dining experience that caters to their dietary needs and preferences. Transportation services are also provided for residents’ convenience. With its wide range of amenities and exceptional services, residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 62 Years Old

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Parking Available

Contact Maple Heights

Overview of Prairie Wind Independent Living at Western Home Communities

Situated in tranquil neighborhood of Cedar Falls, IA, Prairie Wind Independent Living at Western Home Communities is an esteemed senior living community that provides a comprehensive range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing care, and skilled care. The community features spacious and convenient accommodations with two-floor plan options that cater to its residents’ preferences. In terms of memory care, a well-trained and compassionate team offers the utmost care and support needed by those with cognitive conditions.

Offering top-tier amenities and services, residents can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that satisfy cravings and provide dietary needs. A lively calendar of social activities and life enrichment programs is also available carefully crafted and coordinated by a professional team. Here, life is celebrated in comfort and joy, making it a perfect place for seniors seeking an active lifestyle.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Transportation Services

Contact Prairie Wind Independent Living at Western Home Communities

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.

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