Best Nursing Homes in Ames, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 7 nursing homes in Ames, IA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
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We analyzed These are the facilities in Ames, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Ames, IA.
7 homes
Other senior care options in Ames:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 4.3/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Ames, IA. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 4.3/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Ames, IA. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 3.7/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Ames, IA. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5

Compare Nursing Homes around Ames (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & 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.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
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. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment. CCRC( (Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)):
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Iowa average is: 60.3% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Green Hills Retirement Community
NH
AL
CCRC(
IL
MC
SNF
Ames
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 67
Rank #131 / 241
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 77.9%
Rank #128 / 229
+1%
5.47
Facility 5.47
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #17 / 231
-11%+27%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #44 / 232
4.0
Facility 4.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #123 / 232
-44-
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 49
Rank #224 / 260
Green Hills Residents' Association
$8.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $8.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #67 / 224
$5.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $5.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #41 / 224
67.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 67.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #46 / 224
165577
Northridge Village
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Ames
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 67
Rank #89 / 241
63.2%
Facility 63.2%
IA AVG 77.9%
Rank #194 / 229
-19%
5.06
Facility 5.06
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #37 / 231
-56%+18%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #111 / 232
4.0
Facility 4.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #123 / 232
343A
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 49
Rank #252 / 260
Kayla Zellmer
$11.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $11.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #22 / 224
$4.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #66 / 224
41.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 41.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #219 / 224
165613
Accura HealthCare of Ames
NH
HOS
PC
RC
SNF
Ames
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 67
Rank #63 / 241
89.3%
Facility 89.3%
IA AVG 77.9%
Rank #51 / 229
+15%
3.62
Facility 3.62
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #197 / 231
+12%-16%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #165 / 232
5.4
Facility 5.4
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #176 / 232
367-
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 49
Rank #96 / 260
Eric Olson
$6.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #103 / 224
$3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #124 / 224
51.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 51.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #174 / 224
165423

Rank badges are statewide: each nursing home is ranked against every IA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 7 analyzed for Ames. See how we rank facilities

Overview of Green Hills Retirement Community

Green Hills Retirement Community offers a vibrant lifestyle designed to support those in their golden years. This sprawling 33-acre property, nestled near Iowa State University, provides an exquisite living experience for individuals aged 55 and above. The community boasts beautifully appointed living spaces, ranging from apartments to townhomes, ensuring residents have a variety of comfortable options to choose from.Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Green Hills offers a plethora of wellness opportunities, engaging activities, and delightful restaurant-style dining experiences, creating a fulfilling environment for its residents.

They provide specialized memory care services, catering to individuals with dementia, alongside independent living options. The community is characterized by a compassionate atmosphere, where residents can enjoy their lives to the fullest. Moreover, Green Hills features a Medicare five-star rated health care center, offering both short-term and long-term services, including comprehensive rehabilitation programs. With all these amenities and services under one roof, Green Hills Retirement Community truly becomes a premier choice for residential assisted living.

Contact Green Hills Retirement Community

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Overview of Northridge Village
Northridge Village is a senior living community located in Ames, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and a close-knit environment for its residents.

Contact Northridge Village

Overview of Accura HealthCare of Ames

Offering skilled nursing services, Accura HealthCare of Ames is a nursing home in Ames, Iowa, that has been operating for 26 years. Administered by Eric Olson, the community also offers skilled nursing services as well as hospice, palliative, and respite care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are also accepted.

With a 75-bed capacity, the community has an occupancy rate of 89% and an average stay of 131 days. It also supports both short-term and long-term residents, providing recovery-focused care as well as ongoing nursing needs. Rehabilitation services and respite care are also available.

Approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes of direct care is provided per resident each day. This total includes care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. This also provides a useful measure of the hands-on assistance available throughout the community.

Areas of concern identified through state inspections include recordkeeping, medication administration, food storage, and sanitation practices. However, corrective measures have also been implemented to address these concerns.

Located in a moderately walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 59, the community requires transportation to access most local amenities, though some errands can be reached on foot. Combining a long-standing presence, a consistently occupied setting, and multiple payment options, Accura HealthCare of Ames can be a good consideration for families exploring care options.

Contact Accura HealthCare of Ames

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Overview of Northridge Village

Northridge Village offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing care in Ames, Iowa. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Several care levels are available in one community. If a resident’s needs grow, they may be able to move within Northridge Village instead of leaving the setting, which may suit someone who could need more support over time. With 38 beds, the community is a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.

One bedroom and two bedroom layouts are available. A two bedroom option can suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion. Short term rehabilitation supports recovery from an illness, injury, or procedure, while long term nursing care supports ongoing medical needs, and Kayla Zellmer serves as the administrator.

Starting monthly prices are $3,590 for independent living, $6,140 for assisted living, and $8,860 for memory care, with the different rates tied to the listed living and care levels. Northridge Village accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Pets are allowed, so a resident can bring a pet to the community.

The community is in the Somerset neighborhood of Ames, Iowa. A Walk Score of 44 out of 100 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. Transportation and off site outings can support trips to grocery stores and restaurants, while the courtyard and garden provide outdoor spaces for residents to use.

Contact Northridge Village

Overview of Northcrest Community

Create unforgettable moments at Northcrest Community, an outstanding community in Ames, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features.

Unique shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents can easily access unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.

Contact Northcrest Community

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.

Contact The Lindens at Green Hills

Overview of Mary Greeley Medical Center

Mary Greeley Medical Center provides unparalleled 24/7 nursing care. This remarkable 220-bed hospital excels in delivering top-notch and cost-effective medical services. Their commitment to senior health is unwavering, offering rigorous screening options and a range of programs that truly elevate lives.

For individuals aged 60 and above, Mary Greeley Medical Center provides a safe haven with its reliable services. From orthopedics and cancer care to cardiac care and beyond, they cover a comprehensive spectrum of medical needs. Additionally, they extend their expertise to services like foot care, blood pressure screenings, and invaluable health education. In essence, they stand as a testament to the best care nursing homes, ensuring seniors receive exceptional and compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility.

Contact Mary Greeley Medical Center

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Ames, IA

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Iowa Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 7 nursing homes in Ames, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Ames, IA?

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 Ames, IA, 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 nursing homes in Ames, IA?

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.