Comparison Chart
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
Nursing Home 24/7 care needed
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
Respite Care
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Nursing Home 24/7 care needed
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Respite Care
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Nursing Home 24/7 care needed
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Respite Care
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
LifeChoices at Bethany
LifeChoices at Bethany’s innovative membership model encompasses nursing home and assisted living care, wellness education, coaching, environmental services, and in-home assistance, shaping an unparalleled approach to senior care. As a nonprofit organization, they take pride in elevating seniors’ lives, offering an arrangement where members pay an entrance fee and a monthly membership fee, securing a lifetime of care. Their transparency and compassion shine through in discussions about each member’s unique care needs, creating an environment where older adults can thrive.
From medical services like medication management, home health aides, registered nurses, dietitians, and therapists to non-medical offerings such as engaging social activities, chaplain services, massage therapy, and more, every aspect of seniors’ well-being is meticulously addressed. The inclusion of medical transportation and personal emergency response systems further exemplifies their commitment to holistic care. In this nurturing environment, seniors find not just a community but a dedicated support system.
Type of Care Available
Mary Greeley Medical Center
Mary Greeley Medical Center provides unparalleled 24/7 nursing care. This remarkable 220-bed hospital excels in delivering top-notch and cost-effective medical services. Their commitment to senior health is unwavering, offering rigorous screening options and a range of programs that truly elevate lives.
For individuals aged 60 and above, Mary Greeley Medical Center provides a safe haven with its reliable services. From orthopedics and cancer care to cardiac care and beyond, they cover a comprehensive spectrum of medical needs. Additionally, they extend their expertise to services like foot care, blood pressure screenings, and invaluable health education. In essence, they stand as a testament to the best care nursing homes, ensuring seniors receive exceptional and compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility.
Type of Care Available
Heartwood House
Heartwood House is a cherished haven for seniors in Ames, Iowa. This beloved community provides round-the-clock support to seniors, ensuring their well-being 24 hours a day. Specializing in memory care, Heartwood House offers a range of services including diabetic care, medication management, wheelchair-accessible showers, and respite care. The facility boasts both indoor and outdoor common areas, all meticulously secured for residents’ safety. Convenient resident parking is available, enhancing accessibility.
Beyond its comprehensive care services, Heartwood House is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. Seniors here enjoy a plethora of engaging activities, ensuring their days are filled with joy and companionship. It’s a tastefully designed community where residents find comfort, camaraderie, and a fulfilling lifestyle. Heartwood House is especially well-regarded for its Alzheimer’s care, providing residents with a warm, inviting, and secure environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking top-tier memory care living.
Type of Care Available
Care Initiatives
Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.
Type of Care Available
Patty Elwood Center
Find the care you need at Patty Elwood Center, an esteemed community in Cresco, IA, offering nursing care. Committed to residents’ well-being, a compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their healthcare needs around the clock. Purposely built and secure accommodations are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring residents can feel at ease during their stay.
Residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections with a well-thought-out calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs. Healthy meals are important for residents’ wellness, so delicious and well-balanced dining options are served to meet their dietary needs and preferences. This pet-friendly community is ideal for those needing top-tier care for a blissful retirement.
What does this home offer?
Building Type: 2-story
Dining Services
Social and Recreational Activities
On-site Medical Care and Health Services
Type of Care Available
Touchstone Living Center
Introducing Touchstone Living Center, a prominent senior living provider located in Sioux City, Iowa. They offer an array of nursing home services for their valued residents.
Discover a compassionate and supportive community where seniors can thrive and receive the care they deserve.
What does this home offer?
Building Type: Single-story
Types of Care Available
The Views of Cedar Rapids | MeadowView Memory Care
The Views of Cedar Rapids – MeadowView Memory Care is a premier destination for exceptional memory care and assisted living services in your area. Here, residents experience a true sense of safety and comfort, surrounded by highly trained staff and state-of-the-art facilities. The dedicated team is passionate about supporting residents with memory impairments and ensuring their well-being and quality of life.
One of the key aspects of the community is the commitment to engagement and enrichment. The focus is on creating a stimulating environment where residents can thrive. Through dynamic activities and outings programs, there are daily opportunities for socialization, cognitive stimulation, and enjoyable experiences. From group activities to outings, the aim is to make every day meaningful and engaging.
Type of Care Available
Independence Village of Pella
Situated in Pella, IA, Independence Village of Pella is a reliable senior living community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The community features an array of beautifully designed accommodations, ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, providing a comfortable living space to residents. Care needs are fully met with personalized care plans and professionally trained employees available 24/7 to provide care and assistance.
There’s no shortage of enriching things to do with a vibrant calendar of activities, events, and programs offered by the community. Dining experience is improved with chef-prepared meals that are carefully curated to satisfy unique dietary needs and food preferences. Residents never have to worry about chores with housekeeping, laundry services, and other supportive services provided by a dedicated team. Here, residents have what they need to live a carefree and fulfilling lifestyle.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 3-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Type of Care Available
River Living Center
Experience a blissful retirement at River Living Center, an astounding community in Guttenberg, IA, offering assisted living. Committed to residents’ welfare, a kind and highly skilled team provides top-notch care tailored to their unique needs around the clock. Residents can also feel a sense of belonging, especially with the community’s nurturing and welcoming environment.
Residents are encouraged to live actively and make new friends with a jam-packed calendar of enriching activities and engaging programs. Mealtimes foster comfort and satisfy dietary needs with delicious and nutritious dining options. With its nurturing and vibrant environment, the community ensures residents make the most of their golden years without worries.
What does this home offer?
Accept Medicaid: Yes
Housing Options: Private / Shared Rooms
Building Type: Single-story
Dining Services
Beauty Services
Social and Recreational Activities
Exercise Programs
Type of Care Available
Hotel President Senior Apartments
Live the retirement of your dreams at Hotel President Senior Apartments, an esteemed 55+ community in Waterloo, IA, offering independent living. With cozy and specially designed studio and one-bedroom floor plans, residents can keep their peace of mind and find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Laundry spaces and on-site management are also provided for residents’ convenience.
Residents have easy access to leisure opportunities and necessities with convenient highways and thriving local amenities. The community also offers paid utilities to ease financial burdens. Pets are welcome to accompany residents to ease their loneliness. With its warm and welcoming environment, residents make the most of their golden years.
What does this home offer?
Minimum Age: 55 Years Old
Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed
Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed
Building Type: Mid-rise
Social and Recreational Activities
Type of Care Available
Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology
View Full Ranking MethodologyHow 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 MostThe 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 SupportAnother 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Check out our resident interviews
Check out our cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Check out our cost guide.
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.
- 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.
Check out our resident interviews
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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