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Other Senior care options in Ames:

Best Nursing Homes in Ames, IA

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Mar 2026
We analyzed 5 homes in Ames, IA

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 Nursing Homes facilities in Ames, Iowa.

Watch this Video to see Ames's Top-rated Senior Communities

Compare Nursing Homes around Ames (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

2 facilities compared · CMS & IA Dept. of Health data

Click column headers to sort
Accura HealthCare of Ames
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).

HC

Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary.

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
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 74
Rank #71 / 228
89.3%
Facility 89.3%
IA AVG 75.4%
Rank #54 / 227
+18%
3.51
Facility 3.51
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #199 / 222
-10%-18%
$40.4k
Facility $40.4k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #184 / 226
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #164 / 222
5.4
Facility 5.4
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #171 / 222
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 1.6
66-
59
Facility 59
IA AVG 50
Rank #84 / 223
Eric Olson
$7.6M
Facility $7.6M
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #97 / 223
$4.1M
Facility $4.1M
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #99 / 223
54.3%
Facility 54.3%
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #121 / 223
165423
Northridge 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.

Ames
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 74
Rank #95 / 228
63.2%
Facility 63.2%
IA AVG 75.4%
Rank #186 / 227
-16%
4.57
Facility 4.57
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #64 / 222
-52%+6%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 226
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #111 / 222
4.0
Facility 4.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #124 / 222
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 1.6
37A
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 50
Rank #214 / 223
Kayla Zellmer
$12.4M
Facility $12.4M
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #37 / 223
$5.2M
Facility $5.2M
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #61 / 223
41.6%
Facility 41.6%
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #190 / 223
165613

Northridge Village

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

Northridge Village provides a vibrant and joyful life for seniors during their golden years, offering a range of services including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The nursing team is highly competent, providing expert care within a safe environment. For those requiring memory care, private rooms, private suites, and enhanced semi-private rooms are available, creating a tranquil atmosphere where families can have complete confidence in the care provided.

Within their close-knit community, residents are treated like family, fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere. The community invests in enhancing the dining experience, providing delicious meals that cater to seniors’ tastes. Engaging activities such as bingo, church services, movie nights, and arts and crafts are organized both on-site and offsite, ensuring every day is filled with excitement and variety.

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building type icon
Building type icon

Building Type: Two-storey

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Contact Northridge Village

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.

Contact Accura HealthCare of Ames

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.

Contact Riverside Manor

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

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

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
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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 5 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.