Page 5 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
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We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every senior community provider in Iowa.
512 homes
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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. 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.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
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.
Count of incident-based investigations (e.g. reported events) in the regulatory record for the reporting period.
Elkader Care Center
SC
AL
NH
SNF
Sw Elkader
40A+No 59 -39 70.0% -146-
Westbrook Acres
SC
HOS
MC
NH
SNF
Gladbrook
46ANo 31 -27 95.7% -154-
Crown Pointe Estates AL Memory Care
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Sioux Center
32?No 72 -3 100.0% -12-
Community Memorial Health Center
SC
AL
MC
NH
SNF
West Hartley
62C+No 43 -34 75.8% -268-
Cedar Ridge Village
SC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)
40?Yes 5 1 Bed / 2 Bed5 95.0% A+1631
The Summit at Bettendorf
SC
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Bettendorf
40?Yes 11 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed5 87.5% -122-
The Rose of East Des Moines
SC
AL
Des Moines
128A+No 70 1 bed / 2 bed18 40.6% A+9213
The Kensington in Fort Madison
SC
AL
MC
RC
Fort Madison
91A+No 61 Studio / 1 Bed8 51.6% -621
Vintage Hills of Indianola
SC
AL
MC
RC
Indianola
90A-Yes 15 -7 53.3% A+83-
Edencrest at The Tuscany
SC
AL
IL
MC
RC
Altoona
40B+Yes 14 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed5 92.5% -74-
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Elkader Care Center

116 Reimer Street Sw, Elkader, IA 52043-9558
Overview of Elkader Care Center

In Elkader, IA, Elkader Care Center offers assisted living, skilled nursing, and nursing home care. Long-term care is handled by the nursing home part. Assisted living handles everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and managing medication. Skilled nursing keeps licensed nurses available at any hour, which is all about activity and not necessarily activity, so they’re still there even on the quiet nights.

That covers a resident needing ongoing support, and one working through recovery. Elkader Care Center is a 40-bed community, and its rehabilitation services are available to residents needing therapy.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are the three ways a nursing home bill can get settled, and this center takes all three. Kaitlin Landon runs the building day-to-day.

Take one resident on one day, and 4 hours and 44 minutes of nursing time is what you’ll find on average. A Walk Score of 59 makes for a somewhat walkable area, so a resident who has given up driving but can still walk around on their own will still be able to manage some errands on foot.

Contact Elkader Care Center

Westbrook Acres

605 Garfield Street, Gladbrook, IA 50635-0000
Overview of Westbrook Acres

Westbrook Acres offers skilled nursing, hospice care, and memory care in Gladbrook, IA. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Hospice care supports residents receiving end-of-life care, and the range of services may be a good fit for someone whose clinical needs change over time.

Opened in 1995, Westbrook Acres has 46 beds, placing it in the smaller-community range where residents and staff can get to know one another. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 26 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time assigned to each resident. The facility also offers rehabilitation services and respite care, with respite providing a short-term stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment paths for eligible care. Elizabeth Brubaker serves as the administrator. A Walk Score of 31 places the area in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride, which means a resident who no longer drives generally needs transportation for errands.

Contact Westbrook Acres

Overview of Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care

Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care in Sioux Center, IA offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home and skilled nursing care. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Having several care levels in one community can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving to a different level of care may not require leaving the community. The community has 32 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Crown Pointe Estates Al Memory Care may be a good fit for someone who prefers a smaller community with multiple care levels.

Total nurse staffing is 5 hours and 51 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily hands-on nursing time assigned to each resident. Private pay is accepted, so families use their own funds to pay for care. A Walk Score of 72 out of 100 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot, allowing a resident who no longer drives to get out independently. Karen Bentsen serves as the administrator.

Contact Crown Pointe Estates AL Memory Care

Overview of Community Memorial Health Center

Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, Iowa, combines assisted living, memory care, nursing home services, and skilled nursing within a single campus. Assisted living residents receive help with personal routines like bathing, dressing, and managing medication while maintaining private apartments. Dedicated memory care units feature secured environments for individuals prone to wandering, and on-site rehabilitation offers therapy services during recovery stays.

This 62-bed facility operates under administrator Steven Ziller. Daily care records show a total nurse staffing average of 4 hours and 59 minutes per resident. Setting a car-dependent standard, the local neighborhood holds a 43 walk score, meaning trips off campus typically call for arranged transportation. Financial options accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private payment methods.

Interested families can connect with Community Memorial Health Center to check unit availability, tour the grounds, and determine specific service plans.

Contact Community Memorial Health Center

Cedar Ridge Village

8950 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village, situated in the delightful West Des Moines, Iowa, provides a diverse range of senior living options, including independent living and assisted living including care for disabled adults. This community effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, with inviting spaces, high ceilings, and carefully chosen furnishings, ensuring an exceptional living experience for residents.

Residents here can engage in a variety of activities, from card games and book clubs to arts and crafts and movie nights. The community also organizes off site excursions, such as concerts, theater outings, museum visits, and more, enriching the lives of its residents. Their spacious apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different care needs, offering tailored, top-tier services in a meticulously maintained environment. Count on Cedar Ridge Village for superior senior living options, whether you’re seeking assisted or independent living near you.

Contact Cedar Ridge Village

Overview of The Summit at Bettendorf

The Summit at Bettendorf is a well-regarded retirement community in Bettendorf, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The community also features a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans in a nurturing and home-like environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. With chef-prepared meals, 24-hour care, and wellness programs, residents can maintain their independence with ease. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides exceptional care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Lectures, light physical activities, and resident clubs help residents have fun and continue learning. Residents can also interact with friends and lounge, as state-of-the-art amenities, like the rooftop bar, salon, and walking paths, are available. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Bettendorf, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With its exceptional quality of care, this retirement community is a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Contact The Summit at Bettendorf

Overview of The Rose of East Des Moines

The Rose of East Des Moines is an assisted living community in Des Moines, Iowa, with 128 beds. Assisted living here includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while allowing a resident to maintain a private living space, making the community a possible fit for someone who needs regular support without skilled nursing care.

Residents can choose between one bed and two bed housing options. A two bed option may suit someone moving with a companion, while a one bed option is intended for a single resident. The area has a Walk Score of 70, meaning most errands can be handled on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may still reach nearby shops or services independently. Alexis Morrison serves as the administrator.

Contact The Rose of East Des Moines

Overview of The Kensington in Fort Madison

Nestled in the vibrant community of Fort Madison, IA, The Kensington in Fort Madison is an esteemed senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. A wide array of spacious and cozy accommodations ranging from studio to deluxe studio, one-bedroom, large one-bedroom, deluxe suite, and deluxe one-bedroom are available for its residents. The community is committed to providing a warm an supportive atmosphere for its residents to live a more fulfilling life. In terms of memory care, the community thoughtfully created a memory care neighborhood called Primrose Path catering to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Known for its top-notch amenities and services, residents can enjoy 3 delectable and healthy home-cooked meals, housekeeping and laundry services, and complimentary health care services. Meet new companions in recreational trips and scenic tours with transportation provided. Further self-care efforts by going to an on-site salon. Equipped with the right tools and people, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement with The Kensington in Fort Madison.

Contact The Kensington in Fort Madison

Overview of Vintage Hills of Indianola

Administered by Jeremy Prior, Vintage Hills of Indianola is an assisted living community in Indianola, Iowa. The home about 1.6 miles from the city center serves residents seeking assisted living, memory care, or respite care. Operating for 16 years, the mid-sized, 90-bed community currently has a 46 percent occupancy rate.

The neighborhood surrounding Vintage Hills is car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 15, so a car is required for most errands. This setting fits occupants and families who prefer a more tranquil and residential part of town instead of a walkable urban area. Pets are welcome here, which can be a crucial consideration for residents wanting to bring their companions with them.

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing’s state inspections have documented isolated concerns involving staff documentation and medication administration practices over the facility’s operating history. The latest inspection found no regulatory insufficiencies, reflecting the home’s compliance with state safety standards.

Contact Vintage Hills of Indianola

Edencrest at The Tuscany

1600 8Th St Se, Altoona, IA 50009
Overview of Edencrest at the Tuscany

Have a peaceful retirement with Edencrest at the Tuscany, an outstanding senior living community in Altoona, IA, that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. With its commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life, a reliable and highly skilled team cares for their personal needs and other responsibilities 24/7. A resident-centered approach is also utilized for residents to live their lives to the fullest.

Fostering a nurturing and inviting environment, enriching social programs, and fun activities are orchestrated for residents’ happiness and wellness. Here, delectable and nutritious meals are served to meet dietary needs and tastes. Filled with beautiful scenery and tranquil walking trails, residents live a serene lifestyle while receiving the utmost care they deserve.

$4,750/Month

Contact Edencrest at The Tuscany

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
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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