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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.