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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 Community Memorial Health Center
Community Memorial Health Center is a premier skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Hartley, Iowa. It provides a full range of care services designed to support both health and independence, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care. The facility emphasizes a holistic plan of care for each resident, ensuring their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs are met.

Contact Community Memorial Health Center

Clearview Home

406 West Washington, Mount Ayr, IA 508540552
Overview of Clearview Home
Clearview Home is located in Mount Ayr, Iowa, and is committed to providing compassionate and quality care to its residents. The facility offers a range of services including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care. Clearview Home emphasizes personal choice and strives to create a home-like environment for its residents.

Contact Clearview Home

Overview of Clarence Nursing Home
Clarence Nursing Home is part of the Clarence Senior Living Campus, which started in 1968. It offers skilled nursing services and long-term care in a home-like environment. The facility has 46 beds and provides various amenities to support a healthy lifestyle.

Contact Clarence Nursing Home

Overview of Chautauqua Guest Home #2 (11th St.)
Chautauqua Guest Homes is a senior living community located in Charles City, Iowa. It provides comprehensive and high-quality long-term care services. The organization focuses on building relationships and has been recognized for its quality care.

Contact Chautauqua Guest Home #2 (11th St.)

Overview of Belle Plaine Specialty Care
Belle Plaine Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community located in Belle Plaine, IA. It provides compassionate, individualized care for residents and promotes their family's wellbeing. The facility is licensed to care for up to 46 residents, offering services 24/7.

Contact Belle Plaine Specialty Care

Centerville Specialty Care

1208 East Cross Street, Centerville, IA 525443599
Overview of Centerville Specialty Care
Centerville Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community located in Centerville, Iowa. It provides compassionate, individualized care for residents and promotes their well-being through various programs and activities. The facility is licensed to care for up to 46 residents, offering services 24/7.

Contact Centerville Specialty Care

Overview of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center is a senior living community located in Johnston, Iowa. It offers a variety of residential options including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. The center is dedicated to providing high-quality care with a Christian approach, ensuring residents can age in place with the support they need.

Contact Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

Bethany Life

212 Lafayette Avenue, Story City, IA 502481451
Overview of Bethany Life
Bethany Life offers a variety of care options for older adults including assisted living, independent living, and long-term care. Located in Story City, Iowa, Bethany Life has been a part of the community since 1914. The facility provides a continuum of care serving Story, Hamilton, Hardin, Boone, and Marshall Counties.

Contact Bethany Life

Azria Health Longview

1010 Longview Road, Missouri Valley, IA 515551227
Overview of Azria Health Longview
Azria Health Longview provides excellence at every level, delivering exceptional service to each individual. The facility offers a range of services including post-acute rehabilitation, long-term care, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The team is dedicated to ensuring a high level of personal attention and fostering health and well-being.

Contact Azria Health Longview

Arbor Court

701 East Mapleleaf Drive, Mount Pleasant, IA 526411402
Overview of Arbor Court
Arbor Court is a senior living community located in Mt Pleasant, IA. It offers various services and amenities to support the needs of its residents. For more information, visit their website.

Contact Arbor Court

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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