Best Nursing Homes in Ankeny, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 3 nursing homes in Ankeny, 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 Ankeny, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Ankeny, IA.
3 homes
Other senior care options in Ankeny:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 3.0/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Ankeny, 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: 3.3/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Ankeny, 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: 2.3/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Ankeny, 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 Ankeny

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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.
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.
Mill Pond
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 403
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #6 / 362
+47%
5.21
Facility 5.21
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #30 / 231
-16%+21%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #56 / 232
3.0
Facility 3.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #73 / 232
-59-
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 47
Rank #437 / 504
Phs Management, LLC
$6.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $6.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #92 / 224
$6.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $6.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #29 / 224
96.3%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 96.3%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #6 / 224
165261
The Bridges at Ankeny
NH
AL
Ankeny (Centennial Pointe West)
100
Facility 100
IA AVG 72
Rank #68 / 403
84.0%
Facility 84.0%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #98 / 362
+25%
3.54
Facility 3.54
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #211 / 231
+35%-18%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
37
Facility 37
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #191 / 232
6.2
Facility 6.2
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #196 / 232
184-
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 47
Rank #486 / 504
Holdco Ankeny, Ia, LLC
$11.8MFiscal year ending 01/2024
Facility $11.8MFiscal year ending 01/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #18 / 224
$7.7MFiscal year ending 01/2024
Facility $7.7MFiscal year ending 01/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #21 / 224
65.2%Fiscal year ending 01/2024
Facility 65.2%Fiscal year ending 01/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #56 / 224
165616
Sunny View Care Center
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Ankeny
94
Facility 94
IA AVG 72
Rank #77 / 403
91.5%
Facility 91.5%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #41 / 362
+37%
3.78
Facility 3.78
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #164 / 231
-3%-12%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #193 / 232
4.8
Facility 4.8
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #154 / 232
-86-
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 47
Rank #202 / 504
Mark Kilian
$8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #50 / 224
$5.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #44 / 224
59.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 59.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #99 / 224
165441

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 3 analyzed for Ankeny.

Mill Pond

1201 Se Mill Pond Ct, Ankeny, IA 50021
Overview of Mill Pond

Situated in Ankeny, Iowa, Mill Pond provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services within a single mid-rise, smoke-free community. Owned by PHS Management, LLC and administered by Jesica Culp, it has supported older adults for more than 20 years. Housing options include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, and the community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents.

The 60-bed setting typically maintains high occupancy and serves both short-term rehabilitation patients and long-term residents. Many Medicare residents stay for a limited recovery period before returning home. Independent living and assisted living apartments feature open layouts, full kitchens, individual climate controls, and pet-friendly accommodations.

Residents have access to daily assistance, housekeeping, laundry, social services, pastoral care, transportation, and organized recreational and fitness opportunities. Dining includes multiple meal selections, while a Presbyterian heritage continues to influence the culture and values of the community. Nursing support is available around the clock, with registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides providing an average of 4 hours and 54 minutes of care per resident each day.

Regulatory reviews conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing have examined areas such as resident rights, care planning, medication records, and food safety practices. Recent complaint investigations found Mill Pond in substantial compliance, and no federal penalties have been reported in recent years.

Contact Mill Pond

Overview of The Bridges at Ankeny

Located in Ankeny’s Centennial Pointe West neighborhood, The Bridges at Ankeny provides nursing home, assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation services about four miles from the city center. Owned by Holdco Ankeny, IA, LLC and administered by Mary Woolson, the community has operated since 2016 and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents. Its 100 licensed beds include both private and semi-private accommodations for short-term rehabilitation and longer-term stays.

A large portion of residents arrive for post-acute recovery, with most admissions covered through Medicare or private pay and an average stay of approximately 75 days. Around-the-clock nursing support is complemented by physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy services, along with dietary care, dental services, nurse practitioner coverage, pharmacy services, and chef-prepared meals. Indoor and outdoor common areas provide additional spaces for relaxation and socialization.

Residents receive an average of 4 hours and 13 minutes of nursing care per day from a team that includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. State inspections have reviewed areas such as care planning, medication administration, infection control, and overall care practices, while recent complaint investigations found the community in substantial compliance with no deficiencies cited. No federal penalties have been reported in recent years.

Contact The Bridges at Ankeny

Overview of Sunny View Care Center

Sunny View Care Center is a resident-centered rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility located in Ankeny, just beside The Suites of Ankeny, an assisted living community. Together these two form a formidable community that focuses on the care and well being of their seniors, disabled, and hospice residents and patients. This nursing community offers a variety of services to its patients such as; skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice care, respite care, dietary care, and outpatient care. These services are provided by dedicated RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to make sure that each patient receives quality care and assistance.

Part of the activities at Sunny View Care Center are ambulation, eating assistance, grooming, and rehabilitative motion exercises. Their current patient capacity is 94 at maximum. For patients with health plans, this facility accommodates Medicare and Medicaid plan holders.

Contact Sunny View Care 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Ankeny, 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 3 nursing homes in Ankeny, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Ankeny, 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 Ankeny, 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 Ankeny, 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.