Page 16 of Best Independent Living in Iowa

Overview of Crestview Nursing & Rehab

Crestview Nursing & Rehab is a 70-bed skilled nursing facility located at 2401 South Des Moines Street in Webster City, Iowa. Administered by Stacy Geopfert, the community provides 24-hour nursing, rehabilitation therapy, and memory care for Hamilton County residents. The facility currently maintains an 83% occupancy rate, which significantly exceeds the Iowa state average of 75.4%.

State and federal regulators currently assign the facility a 2-star overall rating, reflecting “Below Average” performance. Regulatory reports show a per-inspection deficiency rate of 1.3, which is 28% lower than the Iowa average of 1.8. While a November 2025 standard survey identified five citations related to resident dignity and tube feeding monitoring, a subsequent follow-up confirmed the facility returned to substantial compliance with zero new deficiencies. No federal fines or payment denials have been issued to this specific facility in the past three years.

Professional support is guided by a staffing model that delivers 4 hours 7 minutes of daily nursing time per resident—performing above the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 38 minutes per day, while Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) hours are 19 minutes. Clinical quality measures carry a 2-star rating, influenced by a high rehospitalization rate of 25.9%, which is above the state mean. Despite these metrics, the nursing staff turnover rate of 31.1% is considerably better than the Iowa average of 44.4%.

The campus environment features a residential atmosphere with independent living apartments also available on-site. Residents have access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with specialized wellness and medication assistance programs. Dining services are designed for flexibility, allowing for family visits and varied mealtime hours.

For local medical needs, the community is situated near Van Diest Medical Center and provides transportation for scheduled appointments.

Prospective residents and their representatives should evaluate the current care planning and infection control protocols during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details regarding the corrective actions implemented following the 2025 dignity and safety citations to ensure that nursing coverage meets the resident’s specific clinical or long-term care goals.

Overview of Azria Health Winterset

Azria Health Winterset is a 70-bed skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation facility in Winterset, Iowa, providing long-term care, short-stay rehabilitation, memory care, and respite stays for residents in Madison County. The facility is privately owned and operated by Kristin Merron and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

CMS rates the facility at 2 stars overall, with all three sub-ratings below the Iowa average — Health Inspection 30% below, Staffing 15% below, and Quality Measures 39% below. Nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 42 minutes per resident per day, roughly 14% below Iowa’s average of 4 hours and 18 minutes, with weekend RN staffing at 17 minutes per day compared with the state’s average of 30. A payment denial was issued in May 2024 and lasted for two days; the facility carries no federal fines, ranking first among 246 Iowa skilled nursing facilities on that measure.

The facility’s on-site therapy — physical, occupational, and speech — supports the rehabilitation program. Lifestyle amenities include chef-prepared menus and a private dining room. The facility’s occupancy rate is 65.8%, below the Iowa average of 75.4%, suggesting current availability.

The facility is structured for residents seeking post-acute rehabilitation or long-term skilled nursing care in Winterset, with current availability and on-site therapy capacity.

Set within the area of Panora, IA, Lakeside Village is an idyllic senior living community, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community guarantees their much needed independence with the benefit of added care and assistance with their daily living activities. In addition to a personal emergency call system, a round the clock team is available to attend to residents’ needs, concerns, and emergencies, giving them peace of mind and comfort.

Free from the hassles of maintaining their living spaces, residents can fully devote their time to enrichment and enjoyment with an array of activities to engage in. Restaurant style meals are also provided each day to give residents the nutrients and energy they need to stay active. An array of beautiful amenities are offered as well to make residents stay within the community more pleasing and enjoyable.

Overview of Amera Senior Living

Beautifully set in the thriving neighborhood of Sioux City, IA, Amera Senior Living is an exceptional community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community has purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety. Residents also enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with maintenance services and plenty of convenient apartment features.

With a variety of exciting events and engaging programs, residents will not run out of things to do for leisure and wellness. Delightful and healthy meals are also available, striving to satisfy residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community is ideal for those looking to downsize in retirement, especially with its warm and welcoming environment.

Overview of Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison offers a continuous care setup covering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing at 1701 41st Street in Fort Madison, Iowa. Mark Holtkamp privately owns the 42-bed campus, which operates under the direction of administrator Brenda Graham. The facility currently sits at a 69 percent occupancy rate and accepts payment via private accounts, Medicare, and state Medicaid. Stays here average about 179 days, which splits the daily routine between short-term physical therapy and permanent clinical housing.

Residents receive a daily average of 4 hours and 14 minutes of direct nursing attention, including 33 minutes from registered nurses. A full-time recreation director designs activities, and the kitchen provides made-to-order menus for all three meals. The building features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, alongside dedicated memory care spaces for people with cognitive decline. The rural neighborhood has a walk score of 29, meaning you will need a car for most errands and family visits.

State inspections over the two years since opening have highlighted a few areas for improvement, specifically noting procedural issues with care plans, staffing levels, infection control, and medication management. The facility’s management reviews these reports to retrain employees and update floor practices.

Interested individuals can call the main office to find out about room openings, ask about the made-to-order dining options, or set up a time to see the apartments. The front desk can also cross-reference insurance details to outline how public programs or personal funding cover the monthly rates.

Overview of The Village of Ackley

Owned by Korey Deberg, The Village of Ackley is a nursing home in Iowa. With 38 beds, the smaller community serves residents who need skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. The area has a Walk Score of 44, so the facility is somewhat walkable. Some nearby services are accessible on foot, while most trips require transportation.

The facility focuses on short-term rehabilitation and respite care and also provides ongoing nursing support. Residents stay an average of 360 days, including those recovering from acute health events and those transitioning into longer-term care. The community has an occupancy rate of 84%, with 32 residents living in its 38 beds.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 11 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide 1 hour and 7 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 30 minutes of direct support. This level of staffing provides substantial hands-on assistance for residents. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for arranging care.

Home-cooked meals are an important part of daily life within the community. Residents receive three hearty meals each day because of the facility’s personal approach to care. This style of dining may appeal to residents and families who value a more home-like atmosphere.

Recent state inspections reviewed areas such as abuse and neglect prevention, timely reporting of resident concerns, communication with families regarding health changes, staffing levels, and clinical documentation. Families touring the community should ask about these core operational areas before making a placement decision.

Overview of Edencrest at Riverwoods

Ideally set in the tranquil neighborhood of East Park Avenue, Des Moines, IA, is the reliable senior living community of Edencrest at Riverwoods that provides assisted living and memory care. Experience the highest quality of care and support with a compassionate and responsible team caring for residents’ needs and preferences around the clock. Featuring different levels of care for individuals with dementia and other memory-related needs, the community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment where residents thrive.

Elevate your retirement with fun recreation and wellness programs, highlighting your interests and strengths. Delightful and healthy meals are also provided to foster comfort and meet dietary needs. With beautiful courtyards and pet-friendly spaces, residents enjoy a peaceful and happy retirement.

Overview of The Lindens at Green Hills

Operated by the Green Hills Residents’ Association, The Lindens at Green Hills is a senior living community in the Green Hills neighborhood of Ames, Iowa. It offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. The community is housed in a mid-rise building about 2.7 miles from Mary Greeley Medical Center, providing residents and families with convenient access to nearby hospital care.

The care team helps residents with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, and medication management while emphasizing personal choice and maintaining independence. Residents can choose from one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences ranging from about 536 to 1,489 square feet. Residents can access transportation services, fitness and recreation programs, and a pet-friendly environment.

The Lindens at Green Hills has 56 beds, with an occupancy rate of 79%, with an average daily census of approximately 44 residents. Nursing staff provides nearly 6 hours of direct nursing care per resident each day, giving families a useful measure of the hands-on support available within the community.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 18, which is car-dependent. Most errands and outings require a vehicle rather than a walk. Families considering The Lindens at Green Hills should ask about current apartment availability, especially for the one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.

Overview of Attivo Trail – Ankeny

Cherish every moment of your golden years at Attivo Trail – Ankeny, an esteemed community in Ankeny, IA, offering independent living. The community has thoughtfully furnished and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, ensuring that those 55+ can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. With on-site management and plenty of apartment features, residents can ease their worries during their stay.

Residents have easy access to plenty of recreational opportunities and necessities, with unique shops and leisure spaces. A BBQ station, alongside kitchen features, allows residents to enjoy mealtimes with friends. The community is equipped with a fitness center, a lounge, a bocce ball court, a fire pit, a library, and serene walking trails, creating the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

Overview of Risen Son Christian Village

Located just outside Ohama, Risen Son Christian Village is a community deeply rooted in faith, offering a holistic approach to senior living. Within its welcoming embrace, residents have access to a range of exceptional services, including assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term healthcare support. Embracing a philosophy of spaciousness and tranquility, the home offers comfortable and thoughtfully designed apartments. These living spaces become sanctuaries where residents can find solace and contentment, surrounded by an atmosphere of faith and love. With compassionate caregivers available around the clock, residents can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their needs are attended to with utmost care and dedication.
The community exudes a distinct small-town charm, creating an intimate and close-knit environment that fosters genuine connections among residents and staff. It’s a place where neighbors become friends, and a true sense of community thrives. Residents can bid farewell to the burdens of household chores and upkeep, allowing them to focus on embracing the fullness of their lives. With meticulous attention to cleanliness and aesthetics, Risen Son Christian Village emanates a sense of professionalism and elegance, creating an ambiance that enhances the overall living experience.