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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
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.

West Des Moines (South 51St Street)
76Yes 63 Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed5 47.4% -731
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)
80No 72 -- 91.3% -2183
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
86Yes 47 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed17 50.0% -1863
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 (East 19Th Street)
78No 11 -12 46.2% A-1031
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 (Sutton Place)
73Yes 28 -26 53.4% -1071
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)
78Yes 38 1 bed / 2 bed1 85.8% -2382
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
93No 58 Studio / 1 bed / 2 bed7 58.1% -960
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)
79Yes 38 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed54 100.0% -2472
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
60No 48 -34 75.0% -1543
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
90No 15 -16 45.6% A+730
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
80No 32 -25 36.3% -1231
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 (Northwest Boulevard)
82Yes 41 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed- 67.1% -2063
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
70No 26 -14 38.6% -1764
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
101Yes 36 1 Bed / 2 Bed24 46.5% -25143
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
116Yes 38 Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms4 38.8% -730
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View all Nearby Homes
Ams Memorial-greene is a senior living and rehabilitation center in Greene, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, and outpatient therapy services. The facility is dedicated to providing compassionate care and a supportive environment for residents.
Overview of Ams Memorial-greene
Ams Memorial-greene is a senior living and rehabilitation center in Greene, Iowa. It offers skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, and outpatient therapy services. The facility is dedicated to providing compassionate care and a supportive environment for residents.

Contact AMS Memorial-Greene

Anamosa Care Center

1209 East Third Street, Anamosa, IA 522051503
Anamosa Care Center provides a full range of services for older adults in a quiet, residential setting in Anamosa, Iowa. The center offers skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, outpatient therapy, and hospice services. It also provides independent and assisted living lifestyle options and apartment homes in adjacent Woodland Park.
Overview of Anamosa Care Center
Anamosa Care Center provides a full range of services for older adults in a quiet, residential setting in Anamosa, Iowa. The center offers skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, outpatient therapy, and hospice services. It also provides independent and assisted living lifestyle options and apartment homes in adjacent Woodland Park.

Contact Anamosa Care Center

Akron Care Center, Inc. is a Skilled Care and Intermediate Care facility which accepts Medicare, Medicaid and approved insurance payments. It provides compassionate and personal 24-hour skilled care and rehabilitation services in a comfortable and homelike environment. The facility offers an exceptional Outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy department for individuals in the community.
Overview of Akron Care Center, INC
Akron Care Center, Inc. is a Skilled Care and Intermediate Care facility which accepts Medicare, Medicaid and approved insurance payments. It provides compassionate and personal 24-hour skilled care and rehabilitation services in a comfortable and homelike environment. The facility offers an exceptional Outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy department for individuals in the community.

Contact Akron Care Center, INC

Accura Healthcare of Carlisle provides a range of services including long-term care, memory care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. The facility focuses on person-centered care, ensuring that each resident receives tailored support. It aims to create a welcoming environment where residents can thrive and feel at home.
Overview of Accura Healthcare of Carlisle
Accura Healthcare of Carlisle provides a range of services including long-term care, memory care, rehabilitation, respite care, and skilled nursing. The facility focuses on person-centered care, ensuring that each resident receives tailored support. It aims to create a welcoming environment where residents can thrive and feel at home.

Contact Accura HealthCare of Carlisle

Prairie Vista Village is a senior living community located in Altoona, Iowa. It offers a variety of living options including independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and fostering a close-knit atmosphere for its residents.
Overview of Prairie Vista Village
Prairie Vista Village is a senior living community located in Altoona, Iowa. It offers a variety of living options including independent living, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and fostering a close-knit atmosphere for its residents.

Contact Prairie Vista Village

Ruthven Community Care Center is community-owned and is located in Ruthven, Iowa. The staff is dedicated to enriching the lives of senior residents and their families. It offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing for long and short-term care.
Overview of Ruthven Community Care Center
Ruthven Community Care Center is community-owned and is located in Ruthven, Iowa. The staff is dedicated to enriching the lives of senior residents and their families. It offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing for long and short-term care.

Contact Ruthven Community Care Center

Regency Assisted Living is a senior living community located in Ooltewah, TN. It offers a range of services including Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, and Short-Term Stays. The community is dedicated to providing compassionate care and a supportive environment for its residents.
Overview of Regency Assisted Living
Regency Assisted Living is a senior living community located in Ooltewah, TN. It offers a range of services including Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living, and Short-Term Stays. The community is dedicated to providing compassionate care and a supportive environment for its residents.

Contact Regency Assisted Living

Heritage House

1200 Brookridge Cir, Atlantic, IA 500222304

Heritage House is an assisted living facility located in Goleta, California. It provides a higher level of service for the elderly, including assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and specialized Alzheimer’s care. The facility features 56 studio and one-bedroom apartments in a home-like environment.

Overview of Heritage House

Heritage House is an assisted living facility located in Goleta, California. It provides a higher level of service for the elderly, including assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and specialized Alzheimer’s care. The facility features 56 studio and one-bedroom apartments in a home-like environment.

Contact Heritage House

Cornerstone AL

302 2nd Street NE, Mason City, IA 504013412

Cornerstone Caregiving provides in-home care services in Mason City, IA. They offer a range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, respite care, and 24-hour care. Their dedicated team focuses on compassionate care to enhance the quality of life for seniors.

Overview of Cornerstone Al

Cornerstone Caregiving provides in-home care services in Mason City, IA. They offer a range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, respite care, and 24-hour care. Their dedicated team focuses on compassionate care to enhance the quality of life for seniors.

Contact Cornerstone AL

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison offers a range of lifestyle choices including independent living, assisted living, memory support, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, ventilator care, and respite care. The community focuses on the physical and emotional well-being of its residents, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities designed to enhance their quality of life.
Overview of Birkwood Village of Fort Madison
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison offers a range of lifestyle choices including independent living, assisted living, memory support, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, ventilator care, and respite care. The community focuses on the physical and emotional well-being of its residents, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities designed to enhance their quality of life.

Contact Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

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