Page 32 of Best Senior Communities in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 512 senior communities in IA using IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank senior communities in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every senior community provider in Iowa.
512 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:

Compare Senior Communities around Iowa

Info below is compiled from the IA Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving. SC (Senior Communities):
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Inspection events categorized as complaint-related by the state regulator.
Lamoni Specialty Care
SC
NH
SNF
Lamoni
43A+No 60 -- 72.1% 188
Savannah Heights
SC
NH
PC
RC
SNF
Mount Pleasant
46A-No 58 -- 73.9% 176
Fonda Specialty Care
SC
NH
SNF
Fonda
46ANo 19 -- 89.1% 258
Good Samaritan Society – Forest City
SC
NH
SNF
Forest City
43B-No 68 -- 79.1% 156
Crystal Heights Care Center
SC
HOS
NH
PC
RC
SNF
West Oskaloosa
72C+No 75 -33 94.4% 143
Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Perry
77-No 74 -24 40.3% 2-
Klein Center
SC
NH
West Burlington
160?No 5 Private Rooms- 89.6% --
The Villages at Marion
SC
IL
Marion
--No 63 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms28---
Whispering Willow AL
SC
AL
MC
RC
Fredericksburg
52-No 47 -18 46.2% 31
Friendship Haven
SC
AL
CCRC
HOS
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Fort Dodge
155?No 17 Private Rooms- 76.1% --
Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
1...313233...52
Overview of Lamoni Specialty Care

Lamoni Specialty Care is a nursing home and skilled nursing community in Lamoni, IA. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, making the community potentially suitable for someone who needs ongoing clinical support. Rehabilitation Services are available, giving residents support as they work to regain or maintain function during care.

Total nurse staffing is 4h 15m per resident/day, representing the daily hands-on nurse time allocated per resident. The community has 43 beds, placing it among smaller communities where staff and residents can get to know each other. Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay; Medicare generally applies to short-term skilled care after a hospital stay, while Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay. Sarah Carr serves as the administrator.

Contact Lamoni Specialty Care

Savannah Heights

601 S Prairie Street, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641-1609
Overview of Savannah Heights

Situated in Mount Pleasant, IA, Savannah Heights is a 46-bed nursing home that offers nursing care, skilled nursing, palliative care, and respite care. The community provides comfort through palliative care, as well as continuous clinical support with licensed nurses on-site. Respite services are also available for those seeking short-term stays, particularly older adults whose usual caregiver needs time away.

The home has 30 private rooms and 12 semi-private rooms, with 73.9% occupancy. Furthermore, every room includes a private bathroom and shower, so bathing facilities are within the resident’s room. A salon and spa also provide a dedicated space for personal care, while the theater room and activities center offer places for entertainment and activities.

Physical, occupational, and restorative therapy are available for rehabilitation on-site. Residents also receive a total of 4 hours and 39 minutes of nursing care daily. Additionally, Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment routes for eligible care and services. Stacie Byerly serves as the administrator.

Contact Savannah Heights

Overview of Fonda Specialty Care

Fonda Specialty Care operates a 46-bed nursing home and skilled nursing center in Fonda, Iowa. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs are available on site to support rehabilitation needs alongside residential nursing support.

Administrative operations run under the direction of Faith Epperson. Daily nurse staffing across the facility averages 4 hours and 44 minutes per resident. Payment choices accepted by the center include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay options.

Prospective residents and their loved ones can get in touch with Fonda Specialty Care to review current openings, tour the building, or discuss financial arrangements.

Contact Fonda Specialty Care

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Forest City

Good Samaritan Society, Forest City is a nursing home and skilled nursing community in Forest City, IA. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while rehabilitation therapy supports recovery and functional improvement as part of a resident’s care. The community may be a good fit for someone who needs ongoing nursing support or rehabilitation in a residential setting.

With 43 beds, Good Samaritan Society, Forest City is a smaller community where residents and staff can get to know one another. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 46 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. Transportation is available for residents who need help getting to destinations outside the community.

Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are accepted, giving families several ways to cover care. Holly Brink serves as administrator, and The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society operates the community.

Contact Good Samaritan Society – Forest City

Overview of Crystal Heights Care Center

Crystal Heights Care Center, in Oskaloosa, IA, provides respite care, palliative care, skilled nursing, hospice care, and nursing home care, across 72 beds. Licensed nurses deliver the skilled nursing on site. Comfort and symptom relief, not cure, are what the hospice and palliative care sides aim for.

Time away for a family caregiver is what respite care is for. Rehabilitation services handle recovery after an illness, an injury, or a spell in hospital.

Ongoing residential nursing and recovery work are both here. A resident can be nursed through a recovery, or kept on afterward when the medical needs turn out to be permanent.

Occupancy is 97.2 percent, which leaves almost every bed spoken for. Three hours and 40 minutes of nursing go with each resident’s day.

Medicare covers skilled care that qualifies. Medicaid meets eligible long-term needs. Private pay comes out of personal funds. Danielle Grove is the administrator. Skilled nursing, rehabilitation, comfort-focused support, or a short respite booking are all reasons this center fits.

Contact Crystal Heights Care Center

Overview of Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus

Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, skilled nursing care and respite care in Perry, IA. Independent living provides community services without daily care, while assisted living helps with tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Respite care supports short stays when a family caregiver needs time away or is recovering.

As a continuing care retirement community with multiple care levels, the campus may suit a resident whose needs change over time and who may need a different level of care within the same community. The home has 77 beds, and Tanya Swank serves as its administrator. Rehabilitative therapy is available through the campus, giving residents access to therapy services without leaving the community. Meals on Wheels is also a specific program here.

A Walk Score of 74 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus

Klein Center

1307 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, IA 52655
Overview of Klein Center

Klein Center is an award-winning nursing home in West Burlington, IA, offering long-term care and rehabilitation. Fostering comfort and healing, the community ensures older adults are well-cared for in its supportive and welcoming environment. Residents also receive high-quality services, including round-the-clock care, nutritious meals, and recreational activities, ensuring a maintenance-free lifestyle. The community also strives to get to know residents’ needs and habits to help them recover and return to their routines with ease.

Social events, light exercises, and recreational opportunities encourage residents to explore interests and gain meaningful experiences. Well-maintained therapy gyms and spacious living areas also ensure residents’ relaxation and wellness. Residents also have quick access to necessities and leisure with the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center and public transportation in the area. As one of the best options for senior living in Iowa, this nursing home goes above and beyond in helping residents live to their potential in retirement.

Contact Klein Center

Overview of The Villages at Marion

The Villages at Marion offers independent living in Marion, IA. Residents have private living space along with community services, without daily care, so it suits people who manage their everyday personal needs without hands-on assistance.

Housing includes private and semi-private rooms. A private room gives one resident an individual living space, while a semi-private room supports shared living. The home may suit someone seeking independent living with either arrangement. With a Walk Score of 63 out of 100, the area falls in the somewhat walkable range, so some errands can be done on foot. A resident who no longer drives may still be able to handle certain nearby errands independently.

Contact The Villages at Marion

Whispering Willow AL

601 Dawn Avenue, Fredericksburg, IA 50630-1033
Overview of Whispering Willow Al

Whispering Willow Al offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care in Fredericksburg, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The combination of care types can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since the community offers multiple care settings without requiring a move elsewhere. With 52 beds, it is a smaller community where staff and residents have the opportunity to get to know one another. Storm Freese serves as the administrator.

Residents have access to table service dining, a salon and spa, secure private outdoor space, and a gated patio, so meals, personal care, and time outside can all take place within the community. Group games, fitness classes, and the Live2B Healthy wellness program provide scheduled activities, and rehabilitation services are available as well. The area has a Walk Score of 47, making it car dependent, with most errands requiring a car or a ride; a resident who no longer drives would generally need transportation for errands.

Contact Whispering Willow AL

Overview of Friendship Haven

Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge, IA, is a non-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that offers independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. With a nurturing, home-like environment, the community ensures older adults can live comfortably during their stay. Light housekeeping, nutritious meals, and medication management are among the excellent services provided to improve residents’ living experiences. Residents also receive the utmost attention and care to recover and return to their routines with ease through personalized care plans.

Strength exercises, social events, and various recreational activities ensure residents can make friends and have fun. Safe trails, accessible common areas, and a garden also provide residents with more opportunities for recreation and wellness. Located near the Fort Museum and Frontier Village and bus stops along Kenyon Road, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. This CCRC has a wide range of care options and a clean setting, making it a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact Friendship Haven

Weighting overview

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

Resident & Family Experience 35%

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

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

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

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

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

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

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

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

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

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

Community Stability 10%

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

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

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

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
Submit a correction
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

Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Communities in Iowa

What is senior living?

Senior communities are residential settings designed for adults aged 55 or older, with options ranging from active independent living to assisted living and memory care.

How many senior communities are listed on this page?

This page features 512 senior communities in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right senior community in Iowa?

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

What should I look for when visiting senior communities in Iowa?

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

Senior Communities in Iowa at a glance

Avg Walk Score: 45/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Iowa. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 73The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Iowa. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90