Best Nursing Homes in Des Moines, IA

Updated Mar 2026

We analyzed 13 homes in Des Moines, IA

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Government Data for Nursing Homes in Des Moines, Iowa: Salaries, Revenues, Occupancy Rates, Ownership.

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Video Tour: Top-rated Nursing Homes facilities in Des Moines, Iowa.

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Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living

Compare Nursing Homes around Des Moines

10 facilities compared · CMS & IA Dept. of Health data · Updated Apr 2026

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Life Center		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. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. 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).	Des Moines (Waveland Park)	72	70.5% Facility 70.5% IA AVG 75.4%	-7%	4.51 Facility 4.51 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #82 / 240				-10%	+5%	13 Facility 13 IA AVG 0.8	10 Facility 10 IA AVG 21.7	3.3 Facility 3.3 IA AVG 4.1	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 1.6	43	-	51 Facility 51 IA AVG 33 Rank #16 / 77	Mock, Beata	$7.4M Facility $7.4M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #108 / 241	$4.0M Facility $4.0M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #77 / 241	54.2% Facility 54.2% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #50 / 241	165006
Prairie Vista 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.	Des Moines	-	93.3% Facility 93.3% IA AVG 75.4%	-	4.71 Facility 4.71 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #64 / 240				-	-	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 0.8	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 21.7	0.0 Facility 0.0 IA AVG 4.1	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 1.6	42	-	6 Facility 6 IA AVG 33 Rank #69 / 77	Freeman, John	$10.0M Facility $10.0M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #54 / 241	$3.4M Facility $3.4M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #105 / 241	33.5% Facility 33.5% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #212 / 241	165610
Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines	-	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.	Des Moines	-	- Facility - IA AVG 75.4%	-	- Facility - IA AVG 4.30	-	-	-	-	-	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 0.8	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 21.7	0.0 Facility 0.0 IA AVG 4.1	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 1.6	-	-	52 Facility 52 IA AVG 33	-	- Facility - IA AVG $7.0M	- Facility - IA AVG $3.1M	- Facility - IA AVG 46.3%	-
Azria Health Park Place		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.	Des Moines	-	60.5% Facility 60.5% IA AVG 75.4%	-	3.68 Facility 3.68 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #193 / 240				-	-	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 0.8	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 21.7	0.0 Facility 0.0 IA AVG 4.1	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 1.6	57	-	46 Facility 46 IA AVG 33 Rank #24 / 77	Anderson, Kelsey	$5.9M Facility $5.9M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #148 / 241	$2.5M Facility $2.5M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #157 / 241	42.1% Facility 42.1% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #160 / 241	165202
Genesis Senior Living Center		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.	Des Moines	-	79.1% Facility 79.1% IA AVG 75.4%	-	3.21 Facility 3.21 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #232 / 240				-	-	6 Facility 6 IA AVG 0.8	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 21.7	0.0 Facility 0.0 IA AVG 4.1	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 1.6	71	-	60 Facility 60 IA AVG 33 Rank #12 / 77	Timm, Dirk	$7.7M Facility $7.7M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #100 / 241	$3.4M Facility $3.4M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #104 / 241	44% Facility 44% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #141 / 241	165175
Scottish Rite Park		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.	Des Moines	-	80.6% Facility 80.6% IA AVG 75.4%	-	5.98 Facility 5.98 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #6 / 240				-	-	5 Facility 5 IA AVG 0.8	8 Facility 8 IA AVG 21.7	2.0 Facility 2.0 IA AVG 4.1	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 1.6	31	-	78 Facility 78 IA AVG 33 Rank #3 / 77	Allen, Mark	$10.0M Facility $10.0M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #60 / 241	$4.7M Facility $4.7M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #49 / 241	47.5% Facility 47.5% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #105 / 241	165593
Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center		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.	Des Moines	219	60.8% Facility 60.8% IA AVG 75.4%	-19%	5.98 Facility 5.98 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #6 / 240				+27%	+39%	5 Facility 5 IA AVG 0.8	8 Facility 8 IA AVG 21.7	2.0 Facility 2.0 IA AVG 4.1	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 1.6	31	-	- Facility - IA AVG 33	Allen, Mark	$10.0M Facility $10.0M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #60 / 241	$4.7M Facility $4.7M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #49 / 241	47.5% Facility 47.5% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #105 / 241	165593
Trinity Center at Luther Park		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.	Des Moines	120	90.8% Facility 90.8% IA AVG 75.4%	+20%	4.56 Facility 4.56 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #73 / 240				-50%	+6%	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 0.8	24 Facility 24 IA AVG 21.7	6.0 Facility 6.0 IA AVG 4.1	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 1.6	112	-	- Facility - IA AVG 33	Blackburn, Kelley	$14.4M Facility $14.4M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #22 / 241	$7.7M Facility $7.7M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #15 / 241	53.4% Facility 53.4% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #63 / 241	165612
Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines		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.	Des Moines	74	97.3% Facility 97.3% IA AVG 75.4%	+29%	3.59 Facility 3.59 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #205 / 240				-25%	-16%	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 0.8	36 Facility 36 IA AVG 21.7	6.0 Facility 6.0 IA AVG 4.1	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 1.6	70	-	- Facility - IA AVG 33	-	$10.3M Facility $10.3M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #51 / 241	$4.4M Facility $4.4M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #62 / 241	42.5% Facility 42.5% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #155 / 241	165268
University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center		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.	Des Moines	133	66.7% Facility 66.7% IA AVG 75.4%	-12%	3.61 Facility 3.61 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #205 / 240				-17%	-16%	1 Facility 1 IA AVG 0.8	26 Facility 26 IA AVG 21.7	5.2 Facility 5.2 IA AVG 4.1	0 Facility 0 IA AVG 1.6	76	-	- Facility - IA AVG 33	Berger, Scott	$14.2M Facility $14.2M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #25 / 241	$4.8M Facility $4.8M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #45 / 241	34% Facility 34% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #210 / 241	165272

Nursing Home Explorer

How Assisted Living Magazine Evaluates & Scores Nursing Homes

Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence.
Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest share of every nursing home’s score — 45% of the total weighting — comes from clinical and regulatory indicators, including:

Overall, staffing, and inspection ratings
Long-stay and short-stay quality measures
Nurse-to-resident and staff-to-resident ratios
Health deficiencies and regulatory history
Accreditations and positive local news reporting

These factors directly reflect resident safety, care quality, and compliance.

Operational Stability & Resident Support

Another 35% of the score comes from operational and stability signals, such as:

Nurse hours per patient per day
Occupancy levels and cleanliness citations
Administrative stability and ownership quality
Readmission rates and registered-nurse turnover

Balancing Additional Factors

The remaining 20% of the score includes contextual elements such as:

Year built or renovated
Penalties, fines, and preventable readmissions
Revenue per bed
Administrator tenure

These factors help round out the overall picture but carry less weight because our methodology prioritizes clinical outcomes and regulatory consistency above all else.
The result is a clear, data-driven ranking system that elevates nursing homes delivering exceptional care and long-term resident safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.

How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.

What services do you offer?

Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
Senior-focused concierge medicine
Senior-focused nutritionist
Senior-focused personal training
Memory care specialists
Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
Custom hearing aids
Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.