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Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Feb 2026
6 homes analyzed

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

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

Home to scenic landscapes and boasting a rich agricultural heritage, Iowa is a Midwestern U.S. state that offers an affordable cost of living and excellent access to healthcare facilities, making it an ideal home to families and retirees. There’s an abundance of recreational activities with relaxing parks and cultural events conducted by the state’s charming and diverse towns. Iowa also helps retirees to thrive in their golden years with numerous senior communities established throughout the state, offering the services, activities, and amenities tailored to their specific needs.

Compare Senior Communities around Iowa

Grand Living At Tower 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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

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).

West Des Moines
76
Yes
-
63
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
Wesley Acres
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.

Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
No
-
72
-
Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids
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
86
Yes
-
47
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Allen Place Senior Living
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.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Atlantic
78
No
A-
11
-
Bickford of Urbandale
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Urbandale
73
Yes
-
28
-
Ramsey Village Continuing 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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

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).

Des Moines (Drake)
78
Yes
-
38
1 bed / 2 bed
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan Creek
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

West Des Moines
93
No
-
58
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed
Valley View Village
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.

Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Yes
-
38
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
West Ridge 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).

Cedar Rapids
60
No
-
48
-
Vintage Hills of Indianola
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Indianola
90
No
A+
15
-
Arlington Place of Grundy Center
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.

Grundy Center
80
No
-
32
-
Ridgecrest Village
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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Davenport
339
Yes
-
41
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Windsor Manor Nevada
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.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

RC

Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.

Ames
70
No
-
26
-
Sunset Park 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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Dubuque
101
Yes
-
36
1 Bed / 2 Bed
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.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Norwalk
116
Yes
-
38
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
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Everystep

3000 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 503173124
EveryStep provides hospice, home health, grief and community care with compassion and dignity, guiding families through life’s most important moments. It offers a range of services including hospice care, home health care, and grief support. The organization is dedicated to supporting families during challenging times.
Overview of Everystep
EveryStep provides hospice, home health, grief and community care with compassion and dignity, guiding families through life’s most important moments. It offers a range of services including hospice care, home health care, and grief support. The organization is dedicated to supporting families during challenging times.
Contact Everystep
Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation is a modern care center located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, in-house therapy, and outpatient therapy services. The facility features 80 beds and provides a variety of activities for residents.
Overview of Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation
Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation is a modern care center located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, in-house therapy, and outpatient therapy services. The facility features 80 beds and provides a variety of activities for residents.
Contact Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation
Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Newton, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of post-hospitalization care, including short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and hospice care. The facility is designed to provide a vibrant and supportive environment for residents.
Overview of Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation
Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Newton, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of post-hospitalization care, including short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and hospice care. The facility is designed to provide a vibrant and supportive environment for residents.
Contact Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation
West Bend Health and Rehabilitation is a modern, state-of-the-art care center located in West Bend, Iowa. It provides care and services throughout the Kossuth, Palo Alto, and Humboldt counties, featuring 45 beds and spacious rooms in private or semi-private settings. The facility offers a diverse activities program, nutritious menus, housekeeping, and laundry services.
Overview of West Bend Health and Rehabilitation
West Bend Health and Rehabilitation is a modern, state-of-the-art care center located in West Bend, Iowa. It provides care and services throughout the Kossuth, Palo Alto, and Humboldt counties, featuring 45 beds and spacious rooms in private or semi-private settings. The facility offers a diverse activities program, nutritious menus, housekeeping, and laundry services.
Contact West Bend Health and Rehabilitation

Crestview Nursing & Rehab

2401 South Des Moines Street, Webster City, IA 505953099
Crestview Nursing & Rehabilitation is located in Webster City, Iowa. It offers quality care and a family-like community for seniors, including independent living apartments. The facility provides various services such as therapy, medication assistance, and memory care.
Overview of Crestview Nursing & Rehab
Crestview Nursing & Rehabilitation is located in Webster City, Iowa. It offers quality care and a family-like community for seniors, including independent living apartments. The facility provides various services such as therapy, medication assistance, and memory care.
Contact Crestview Nursing & Rehab
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center is a senior care facility in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long-term care, and Alzheimer's/memory care services. The center is open to residents of all faiths and focuses on providing compassionate care.
Overview of Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center is a senior care facility in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long-term care, and Alzheimer's/memory care services. The center is open to residents of all faiths and focuses on providing compassionate care.
Contact Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center
Story Medical Senior Care is committed to providing quality care for its residents in a supportive and caring atmosphere. The facility offers a range of services including nutritious meals, daily activities, and transportation for outings. Residents are cared for by licensed or certified staff, ensuring a family-based approach to medical care.
Overview of Story Medical Senior Care
Story Medical Senior Care is committed to providing quality care for its residents in a supportive and caring atmosphere. The facility offers a range of services including nutritious meals, daily activities, and transportation for outings. Residents are cared for by licensed or certified staff, ensuring a family-based approach to medical care.
Contact Story Medical Senior Care
The Summit of Bettendorf is a senior living community in Bettendorf, Iowa. It offers various lifestyle options including independent living, assisted living, memory support, and long-term care. The community focuses on holistic health and provides a vibrant living experience for older adults.
Overview of The Summit of Bettendorf Mc
The Summit of Bettendorf is a senior living community in Bettendorf, Iowa. It offers various lifestyle options including independent living, assisted living, memory support, and long-term care. The community focuses on holistic health and provides a vibrant living experience for older adults.
Contact The Summit of Bettendorf MC
Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located in Urbandale, Iowa. It offers short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and respite stays. The facility is known for its caring, connection, and compassion in healthcare.
Overview of Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located in Urbandale, Iowa. It offers short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and respite stays. The facility is known for its caring, connection, and compassion in healthcare.
Contact Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Harmony West Des Moines

5010 Grand Ridge Drive, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Harmony West Des Moines focuses on healing, wellness, and enriching lives through compassionate care and offering a welcoming atmosphere. The facility provides short-term rehabilitation, wound care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and support for stroke and other neurological conditions. It aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents through personalized treatments and a community-oriented environment.
Overview of Harmony West Des Moines
Harmony West Des Moines focuses on healing, wellness, and enriching lives through compassionate care and offering a welcoming atmosphere. The facility provides short-term rehabilitation, wound care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and support for stroke and other neurological conditions. It aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents through personalized treatments and a community-oriented environment.
Contact Harmony West Des Moines

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