Best Nursing Homes in Ames, IA

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.

Overview of Northridge Village

Northridge Village is a 68-bed continuing care community at 3300 George Washington Carver Avenue in Ames, Iowa. Managed by Pivotal Healthcare and led by Executive Director Kayla Zellmer, the facility offers a spectrum of care from independent living to a 38-bed skilled nursing unit. Current occupancy for the nursing component is reported at 63%, while the broader campus provides specialized memory care at “Maggie’s Place”. The property is conveniently located in Story County near local medical facilities and retail centers.

Oversight records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate a history of severe regulatory findings and resident harm. While the nursing unit achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero in January 2026, contributing to a high overall CMS rating, the facility has faced over $80,000 in fines for past failures. These violations include three resident deaths between 2021 and 2024 attributed to unaddressed infections, improper transfer protocols, and deactivated safety equipment. In February 2024, the community was fined $6,000 after a resident died following a fall where her emergency pendant had been mistakenly disabled.

Bedside care is currently managed by a staff that provides 4 hours and 27 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, a figure that exceeds the Iowa average. Despite this statistical strength, state investigators previously documented insufficient nursing coverage, noting instances where call-light responses were delayed by up to 34 minutes. Professional services include both long-term medical support and short-term rehabilitation, though past 2-star health inspection ratings suggest foundational gaps in care planning and infection control. Management has historically contested these findings, asserting that evidence of compliance was often overlooked during surveys.

The communal environment features a wellness center, spa, and fitness programs designed for diverse activity levels. Shared social features include on-site church services, card clubs, and movie nights intended to foster resident engagement. However, internal professional reviews from 2026 highlight ongoing concerns regarding management stability and periods of high staff turnover. The facility remains pet-friendly and continues to offer scheduled transportation for off-site appointments and community trips.

This campus fits seniors who want a full range of care levels and many on-site activities. Before deciding, families should ask about the fix for the 2024 emergency equipment failure and request recent records of how fast staff respond to call lights.

Overview of Accura Healthcare of Ames

Accura Healthcare renders exceptional senior care services in the picturesque landscapes of Iowa. Renowned for its meticulous organization and serene environment, this facility offers specialized services catering to a wide range of needs, including orthopedic care, pulmonary care, diabetes management, respite and hospice care, as well as dedicated assistance for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory care patients.

What truly distinguishes Accura Healthcare is its intimate and close-knit community atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort. With a keen attention to detail, this facility provides a peaceful haven where seniors can regain their health, confidence, and independence. It’s a place where residents find the support and compassion they need, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking top-notch memory care living facilities.

Overview of The Lindens at Green Hills

At The Lindens at Green Hills, the vision is to provide premier Assisted Living in Ames, Iowa, ensuring residents can continue doing what they love with just the right amount of support. With a specially trained care team, they prioritize individual choice and assist with daily activities like bathing, grooming, and medication management.

Their mission revolves around offering comprehensive services and amenities that empower residents to maintain their lifestyles, fostering dignified independence and comfort.

Overview of Riverside Manor

Riverside Manor in Ames, Iowa, is a prime choice for seniors with diverse levels of disabilities, offering dedicated nursing care tailored to their needs. Within the heart of Ames, this facility goes above and beyond, aiming to create an exceptional memory care experience within a warm and home-like atmosphere. With a license for 59 beds, Riverside Manor is recognized as a large care community, ensuring a comprehensive range of services.

The facility boasts a vigilant 24-hour awake staff, ensuring residents have access to engaging activities such as entertainment, exercise, and wellness programs. Riverside Manor offers a plethora of enriching experiences, including outdoor excursions, pet therapy, music therapy, and more. Apart from the vibrant social life, residents benefit from essential services like housekeeping, meal preparation, and health-related services, including medication management and various therapies such as radiation therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy.

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.