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Best Nursing Homes in Des Moines, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 18 nursing homes in Des Moines, IA using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
18 homes
Other senior care options in Des Moines:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 2.5/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Des Moines, 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: 3.4/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines (Metro Area)

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

CMS & IA Dept. of Health data

Wesley Acres
NH
ADC
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 406
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #44 / 379
+41%
4.24
Facility 4.24
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #119 / 245
+43%-1%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #19 / 244
1.7
Facility 1.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #17 / 244
-73-
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 45
Rank #89 / 528
Damon Buskohl
$29.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $29.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #1 / 246
$20.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $20.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #1 / 246
71%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 71%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #164 / 246
165487
Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center
NH
MC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 71
Rank #273 / 406
87.0%
Facility 87.0%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #77 / 379
+35%
4.51
Facility 4.51
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #79 / 245
+92%+5%
$44.8k
Facility $44.8k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #211 / 251
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #65 / 244
3.3
Facility 3.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #94 / 244
-40-
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
Beata Mock
$6.7MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $6.7MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #96 / 246
$4.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $4.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #59 / 246
69.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 69.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #55 / 246
165006
Valley View Village
NH
AL
HOS
IL
MC
RC
SNF
Des Moines (Fairmont Park)
79
Facility 79
IA AVG 71
Rank #117 / 406
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #1 / 379
+55%
5.52
Facility 5.52
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #22 / 245
+29%+29%
$9.1k
Facility $9.1k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #159 / 251
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #135 / 244
3.2
Facility 3.2
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #91 / 244
279-
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 45
Rank #305 / 528
Elim Care Inc
$8.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #71 / 246
$6.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #32 / 246
70.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 70.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #13 / 246
165507
Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines
NH
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 71
Rank #136 / 406
97.3%
Facility 97.3%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #9 / 379
+50%
3.59
Facility 3.59
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #205 / 245
-45%-16%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #198 / 244
6.0
Facility 6.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #201 / 244
172-
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
-
$8.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #58 / 246
$4.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #57 / 246
58.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 58.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #152 / 246
165268
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
NH
AL
Des Moines (East Village)
108
Facility 108
IA AVG 71
Rank #57 / 406
66.7%
Facility 66.7%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #204 / 379
+3%
3.61
Facility 3.61
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #205 / 245
-3%-16%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
26
Facility 26
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #171 / 244
5.2
Facility 5.2
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #181 / 244
-72-
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
Scott Berger
$9.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #30 / 246
$5.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #24 / 246
58.7%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 58.7%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #112 / 246
165272
Azria Health Park Place
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Union Park)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 71
Rank #156 / 406
72.9%
Facility 72.9%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #174 / 379
+13%
3.68
Facility 3.68
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #191 / 245
+32%-14%
$22.5k
Facility $22.5k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #180 / 251
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #235 / 244
11.5
Facility 11.5
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #238 / 244
251-
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 45
Rank #213 / 528
Kelsey Anderson
$5.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #154 / 246
$2.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #177 / 246
49%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 49%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #192 / 246
165202
Trinity Center at Luther Park
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
120
Facility 120
IA AVG 71
Rank #37 / 406
90.8%
Facility 90.8%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #48 / 379
+40%
4.56
Facility 4.56
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #71 / 245
-50%+6%
$162.2k
Facility $162.2k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #242 / 251
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #164 / 244
6.0
Facility 6.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #201 / 244
2109-
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 45
Rank #2 / 528
Kelley Blackburn
$14.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $14.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #27 / 246
$8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #15 / 246
62.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 62.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #72 / 246
165612
Genesis Senior Living Center
NH
AL
Des Moines
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 406
90.3%
Facility 90.3%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #50 / 379
+40%
3.21
Facility 3.21
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #239 / 245
-47%-25%
$166.4k
Facility $166.4k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #243 / 251
81
Facility 81
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #241 / 244
5.1
Facility 5.1
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #178 / 244
1072-
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 45
Rank #152 / 528
Dirk Timm
$6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #103 / 246
$3.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #95 / 246
57.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 57.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #98 / 246
165175
Overview of Wesley Acres

A community that strives in exceedingly making its residents comfortable, the Wesley Acres offers the best balance of urban living and assistance with everyday living.  A proud member of the Wesley Senior Living Group, Acres places integrity at the heart of its mission; ensuring that residents can feel inspired in creating a better life with the continuum of care being provided. Wesley Acres is an elegant senior living home that aims to enhance and enrich the lives of its residents. 

Wesley offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. Their engaging activities and programs to name a few are the recreational activities, fitness activities, and entertainment programs available for residents to take part in at the library, media room, or outdoor social areas.

Contact Wesley Acres

Contact Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center

Overview of Valley View Village

Valley View Village 2571 is a high-standard nursing home in Des Moines, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, from independent living to rehabilitation. Promoting a welcoming environment, the community strives to maintain connections for older adults’ happiness and wellness. Delicious dining, recreational activities, and pet-friendly spaces are among the community’s unique features that make it an ideal retirement destination. With its dedication to residents’ welfare, personalized care plans are crafted to meet their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.

Hobby groups, fun excursions, and spiritual activities are just some of the activities that residents can join for leisure and wellness. The community also features a variety of amenities, including a library, well-maintained gardens, and walking paths, dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. As a community of its own, Valley View Village has all the local amenities needed for residents’ needs and leisure. This retirement community is one of Iowa’s finest choices for senior living, especially for its wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

Contact Valley View Village

Overview of Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines
The Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines is Iowa’s premier location for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The center offers skilled nursing and in-house therapy services tailored to individual needs. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities designed to help them stay active.

Contact Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

Overview of University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Owned by Scott Berger, University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a nursing home in Des Moines, Iowa, that has served residents for 25 years. The 108-bed facility currently houses 72 residents, with an occupancy rate of 67%. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for covering rehabilitation services and ongoing nursing care.

The center focuses on short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. Residents have access to specialized programs for diabetes management, enteral nutrition support, ostomy care, pain management, IV therapy, and tracheotomy care. These services can benefit individuals recovering from surgery, hospitalization, and other health conditions that require ongoing clinical support.

Residents stay an average of 157 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term care. Respite care is also available for families seeking temporary placement options.

Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 37 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide approximately 43 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute about 2 hours and 36 minutes. This level of hands-on support is for residents with significant medical and personal care needs.

The community has a Walk Score of 91. It’s in a highly walkable area of Des Moines, which is convenient for family members and residents. State inspections have tracked the facility’s focus on care quality and compliance for several years. Responses to earlier findings demonstrate the facility’s ongoing commitment to maintaining care standards.

Contact University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overview of Azria Health Park Place

Azria Health Park Place is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Des Moines. It is proud to be one of the few communities in the city that delivers exceptional individualized care for its unique residents. They aim to change the meaning of recovery for seniors through the outstanding level of care delivered by their patient-friendly staff to offer the best care possible for their residents. Azria strives to have all its residents experience the comprehensive and exemplary care offered.

Expect nothing but quality regarding their service: an advanced level of recovery found in long-term and post-acute rehabilitative services. They also proudly offer specialized care programs such as neurological and stroke services, orthopedic care, prosthetic training, pulmonary rehabilitation, post-cardiac care, and wound care– all created to have the right provision of multidisciplinary healthcare services such as therapy, enriching activities, and discharge planning.

Contact Azria Health Park Place

Overview of Trinity Center at Luther Park

Operating under the Gardens at Luther Park organization, Trinity Center at Luther Park is a 120-bed nursing home that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled care for residents aged 55 and older. The building maintains a high local volume with a 91% occupancy rate and manages an extended 239-day average length of stay. Financial coverage handles a standard mix of Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay sources. The campus is built in an exceptionally walkable downtown neighborhood, making local errands and shops easily accessible on foot.

Daily care lines supply an average of 4 hours and 34 minutes of direct nursing time per resident each day, with a combination of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides covering the floor alongside on-site physical therapists. On the compliance side, public monitoring files from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate that state inspectors have noted recurring administrative issues centered on care documentation, food handling protocols, and basic infection control.

Beyond the medical operations, daily life on the campus is organized around faith-based Christian values, spiritual support programs, regular activities, and local volunteer networks.

Prospective representatives researching faith-based senior care options or multi-level nursing setups can review these state health filings to assess the property’s operational history. The public records outline a busy, highly occupied facility backed by solid daily direct care hours and a walkable location, balanced against some recurring regulatory points regarding kitchen and documentation maintenance.

Contact Trinity Center at Luther Park

Overview of Genesis Senior Living Center

Genesis Senior Living Center in Des Moines serves as a long-term skilled nursing facility, predominantly accommodating Medicaid residents (84.4% of the 77-person census) with stays averaging 141 days. Dirk Timm operates the 80-bed facility, which offers memory care for dementia and Alzheimer’s, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and catheter management. Respite care and rehabilitation services round out the program. An 18-year partnership with Aegis Therapies supports clinical therapy delivery.

Performance data is concerning across multiple dimensions. The facility holds a 1-star CMS overall rating, with 1-star designations for health inspections and staffing. Five federal penalties in three years, totaling $378K, have resulted in two payment denials that blocked Medicare and Medicaid admissions. This enforcement history ranks Genesis last among Iowa’s 246 nursing homes for cumulative penalties, at 687% above the state average.

Total nursing care measures 3h 13m per resident daily, a 25% shortfall versus the Iowa average and ranking the facility 236th of 241 state facilities. Staff-to-resident ratio stands at 1.26:1, 38% worse than the state average of 2.05:1.

The staffing profile coincides with alarming quality metrics: short-stay residents experience falls with major injury at 3.7%, more than three times the 0.8% state rate. Pressure ulcers in high-risk long-stay residents reach 7.7% versus a 4.4% state average. Re-hospitalization of short-stay residents runs 30.8% against a 21.4% state average. Vaccination compliance trails: pneumococcal at 71.0% and influenza at 87.1% both fall materially below state standards.

Financial strain is evident: 2023 operating loss of $1.1M on $7.8M revenue continues a pattern of historical unprofitability. The facility received Best of Assisted Living (2016) and Best Senior Living (2021) designations prior to recent performance deterioration.

Genesis Senior Living’s regulatory enforcement record, staffing constraints, and outcome data indicate a facility under substantial operational stress.

Long-term Medicaid residents should carefully weigh the documented compliance and quality pattern before placement.

Contact Genesis Senior Living Center

Overview of Life Center

Offering excellent memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, The Life Center is a dependable senior living community in Des Moines, IA that helps residents maintain a sense of individuality and freedom while receiving additional support. The community features a reliable nursing team available 24-hours a day and an extensive rehabilitative program, featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapies that help residents maintain their highest level of functionality.

Residents also delight in an array of convenient services that help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle such as housekeeping, laundry, package delivery services, and more. A registered dietician carefully reviews the residents’ therapeutic diets to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and nourishment. With Life Center, residents are guaranteed to lead the lifestyle they deserve surrounded by compassionate support and care.

Contact Life Center

Overview of Independence Village of Waukee

Tucked away in Waukee, IA Independence Village of Waukee is a one-of-a-kind senior living community that offers an array of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community offers a wide range of apartment floor plans, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments, and shared suites for memory care residents. A dedicated care team is available 24-hours a day to provide licensed support and various assistance, from daily living activities to medication reminders, and mobility assistance.

Committed to offering a nurturing and engaging environment that fosters social interaction and vibrant living, the community offers a wide array of activities and events inspired by residents’ interests and skills. Residents also enjoy a personalized dining experience, consisting of tastefully prepared meals tailored to their dietary needs and tastes. Here, residents are given access to the necessities they need to live a fulfilling golden years.

Contact Independence Village of Waukee

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 Des Moines, 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 18 nursing homes in Des Moines, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, 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.