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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.

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
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Overview of Azria Health Prairie Ridge
Azria Health Prairie Ridge provides excellence at every level, delivering exceptional service to each individual. The facility offers post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care, with a focus on compassionate care and personalized services. Residents benefit from state-of-the-art programs and a supportive environment.

Contact Azria Health Prairie Ridge

Overview of Westview Care Center
Westview Care Center focuses on healing, wellness, and enriching lives through compassionate care. It offers skilled nursing, hospice care, and rehabilitation services in a welcoming atmosphere. The facility is designed to promote comfort and quality of life for its residents.

Contact Westview Care Center

Vista Woods Care Center

Three Pennsylvania Place, Ottumwa, IA 525012165
Overview of Vista Woods Care Center
Vista Woods Care Center offers exceptional long-term skilled nursing services to the Ottumwa, IA area. The facility provides 24/7 nursing care and skilled therapy services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It is conveniently located next to hospitals and clinics, ensuring a comfortable stay for residents.

Contact Vista Woods Care Center

Overview of University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, including short-term and long-term care. The facility provides a range of medical services to support residents' health and wellness.

Contact University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overview of Timely Mission Nursing Home
Timely Mission Nursing Home is located in Buffalo Center, Iowa. It provides rehabilitation services and skilled care in a comfortable and friendly environment. The facility offers a variety of services including skilled care, short-term respite care, and long-term care.

Contact Timely Mission Nursing Home

Overview of The Village of Ackley
The Village of Ackley is a senior living community in Ackley, Iowa. It offers a full range of senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. The facility is committed to providing compassionate care and a variety of social activities for residents.

Contact The Village of Ackley

Overview of Harmony Utica Ridge
Harmony Utica Ridge is a rehabilitation facility located in Davenport, Iowa. It offers personalized care and a welcoming atmosphere designed to enhance recovery and overall quality of life. The facility provides various healthcare services, including short-term rehabilitation, wound care, and orthopedic rehabilitation.

Contact Harmony Utica Ridge

Overview of Stacyville Community Nursing Home
Stacyville Community Nursing Home is a community-owned, not-for-profit facility in Stacyville, Iowa. It provides multiple levels of care tailored to meet the diverse needs of residents. The facility has been part of the community since 1965 and accommodates 34 beds for Intermediate/Skilled Care.

Contact Stacyville Community Nursing Home

Overview of St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home
St. Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is located in Spencer, Iowa. It provides compassionate care and a range of services for seniors. The facility is part of St. Luke Homes & Services, which offers various senior care options.

Contact St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

St Francis Manor

2021 Fourth Avenue, Grinnell, IA 501122064
Overview of St Francis Manor
St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, Iowa, is a nonprofit skilled and long-term care nursing facility with a dedicated transitional care unit and Rehabilitation Clinic. It offers a variety of community services, including home healthcare, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and a number of other conveniences. The facility is part of a 31-acre Life Plan Community that includes independent living homes and assisted living apartments.

Contact St Francis Manor

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.
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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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