Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 253 nursing homes in IA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Iowa.
253 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:

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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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
West Ridge Care Center
NH
MC
SNF
Cedar Rapids
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 67
Rank #116 / 241
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #157 / 234
-4%
4.86
Facility 4.86
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #49 / 231
A+ +31%+13%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #1 / 233
1.0
Facility 1.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #1 / 233
-45-
48
Facility 48
IA AVG 49
Rank #137 / 260
Elaine Sample
$6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #89 / 224
$3.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #107 / 224
53.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 53.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #163 / 224
165567
Briarwood Health Care Center
NH
RC
SNF
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 67
Rank #107 / 241
87.1%
Facility 87.1%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #121 / 234
+11%
4.85
Facility 4.85
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #49 / 231
A+ -20%+13%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #47 / 233
4.0
Facility 4.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #125 / 233
-54-
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 49
Rank #184 / 260
Kristin Schmidt-Solberg
$6.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #105 / 224
$3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #122 / 224
52.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 52.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #172 / 224
165172
Mill Valley Care Center
NH
AL
SNF
Bellevue
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 67
Rank #153 / 241
76.1%
Facility 76.1%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #151 / 234
-3%
4.94
Facility 4.94
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #49 / 231
A+ +13%+15%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #55 / 233
3.0
Facility 3.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #84 / 233
-35-
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 49
Rank #80 / 260
Robert Dempewolf
$4.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #166 / 224
$2.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #197 / 224
48.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 48.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #193 / 224
165374
Wilton Retirement Community
NH
AL
MC
SNF
Wilton
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 67
Rank #229 / 241
85.3%
Facility 85.3%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #90 / 234
+9%
6.44
Facility 6.44
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #1 / 231
A+ -36%+50%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #33 / 233
2.3
Facility 2.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #51 / 233
-29-
42
Facility 42
IA AVG 49
Rank #162 / 260
Simpson Memorial Home(Free Standing Nf/Snf) | 700230
$4.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $4.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #152 / 224
$3.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $3.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #134 / 224
64.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 64.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #59 / 224
165611
Clarence Nursing Home
NH
AL
IL
SNF
Clarence
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 67
Rank #153 / 241
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #44 / 234
+17%
4.45
Facility 4.45
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #100 / 231
A +11%+3%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #33 / 233
2.3
Facility 2.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #51 / 233
-42A+
34
Facility 34
IA AVG 49
Rank #183 / 260
Clarence Nursing Home Inc
$5.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #136 / 224
$3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #119 / 224
63.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 63.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #66 / 224
165590
Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
NH
RC
SNF
Winfield
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 67
Rank #153 / 241
78.3%
Facility 78.3%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #135 / 234
0%
4.99
Facility 4.99
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #42 / 231
A+ -1%+16%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #1 / 233
1.0
Facility 1.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #1 / 233
-36-
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 49
Rank #224 / 260
Mathew Anderson
$3.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $3.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #192 / 224
$2.2MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $2.2MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #187 / 224
62.2%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 62.2%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #80 / 224
165327
English Valley Nursing Care Center
NH
AL
SNF
North English
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 67
Rank #185 / 241
79.5%
Facility 79.5%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #128 / 234
+1%
3.87
Facility 3.87
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #153 / 231
A +30%-10%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #1 / 233
1.0
Facility 1.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #1 / 233
135-
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 49
Rank #192 / 260
Valley View Assisted Living(Alp) | S0185
$3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #201 / 224
$2.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #198 / 224
61.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 61.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #88 / 224
165456
Edgewood Convalescent Home
NH
AL
SNF
Edgewood
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 67
Rank #131 / 241
73.2%
Facility 73.2%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #167 / 234
-7%
4.11
Facility 4.11
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #131 / 231
A +67%-4%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #11 / 233
1.0
Facility 1.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #1 / 233
-41-
44
Facility 44
IA AVG 49
Rank #151 / 260
-
$5.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #142 / 224
$2.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #153 / 224
53%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 53%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #166 / 224
165379
Karen Acres Health Care Center
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Urbandale
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 67
Rank #227 / 241
82.9%
Facility 82.9%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #66 / 234
+6%
3.52
Facility 3.52
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #211 / 231
A+ -1%-18%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #67 / 233
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #27 / 233
-29-
71
Facility 71
IA AVG 49
Rank #63 / 260
Pamela Harned
$3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #204 / 224
$1.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $1.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #211 / 224
57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #122 / 224
165460
Sibley Specialty Care
NH
SNF
North Sibley
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 67
Rank #153 / 241
84.8%
Facility 84.8%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #80 / 234
+8%
4.08
Facility 4.08
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #131 / 231
A- -23%-5%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #67 / 233
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #27 / 233
-39-
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 49
Rank #80 / 260
David Bronner
$3.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #176 / 224
$2.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #184 / 224
56.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 56.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #126 / 224
165401

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other IA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 253 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of West Ridge Care Center

West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, provides exceptional long-term care and top-notch short-term rehabilitation services that truly make a difference in the lives of older adults. With their skilled care and goal-oriented treatment programs, they strive to create a safe and fulfilling environment where residents can thrive. Their nursing home facilities are designed to reflect a warm and welcoming home-like atmosphere, with beautifully appointed residence rooms, inviting dining areas, and comfortable gathering spaces where meaningful connections can be formed.

They understand the importance of nursing home activities in promoting engagement and overall well-being. From arts and crafts to group outings and interactive games, there’s always something exciting happening. West Ridge Care Center also recognizes the importance of meeting nursing home requirements to ensure the highest standards of care. They offer occupational, physical, and speech therapy to promote optimal recovery and independence. Their social services team is always there to provide support and assistance, while the dietary services team ensures that every meal is delicious, nutritious, and tailored to individual needs. In collaboration with local hospice programs, they work closely to provide compassionate end-of-life care when needed, ensuring that every resident’s journey is respected and supported.

Contact West Ridge Care Center

Overview of Briarwood Health Care Center

Briarwood Health Care Center of Iowa City offers a haven of reliable and comprehensive services, encompassing rehabilitation, long-term care, and respite care. The center’s serene setting creates an atmosphere akin to heaven, providing a well-maintained and inviting community for its residents. One of the center’s standout features is its specialization in skilled therapy services, tailored to aid individuals transitioning from hospital-based settings to their previous levels of independence. With a patient-centered approach at its core, the center boasts a vibrant and dynamic events calendar, accompanied by a monthly newsletter that keeps residents engaged and informed.

Around-the-clock nursing services ensure that residents receive the support they need, including specialized treatments such as IV medications, wound care, and therapeutic services like occupational, physical, or speech therapy. The center’s commitment to individualized care extends to customized nutrition services, reflecting its dedication to meeting residents’ unique needs. The center’s excellence is further underscored by its high nursing home ratings, a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality care. As a reputable establishment, the Briarwood Health Care Center is fully compliant with nursing home rules and regulations, ensuring a safe and well-regulated environment for residents.

Contact Briarwood Health Care Center

Overview of Mill Valley Care Center

Operating since 1974, Mill Valley Care Center offers assisted living, skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation services in Bellevue, IA. Along with support for daily tasks, nursing services are also provided to ensure residents receive continuous clinical support. 24-hour staffing is also available, providing residents with access to services as needed.

Administered by Leanae Sieverding, the community has a 46-bed capacity. Moreover, 35 beds are currently in use, indicating a 76% occupancy. Rehabilitation services also provide recovery support to help improve residents’ functionality. Its 4 hours and 56 minutes of total nurse staffing per resident per day represents the daily nurse staffing time allocated to each resident.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families options that include public benefits and direct payment. A Walk Score of 64 out of 100 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete certain errands.

Contact Mill Valley Care Center

Overview of Wilton Retirement Community

With over 12 years of care, Wilton Retirement Community provides nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, and memory care in Wilton, IA. Nursing services are also provided to ensure residents receive continuous support. Along with support with daily tasks, the community also provides specialized care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The community has 34 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know one another. Occupancy is at 85.3%, with residents receiving a total of 6 hours and 27 minutes of nursing care daily. A volunteer program is also available. The

Meanwhile, a Walk Score of 42 places the area in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride rather than a resident being able to complete them independently on foot. Administered by Tifany Rickey, the community also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, allowing government-funded programs to help with care costs.

Contact Wilton Retirement Community

Overview of Clarence Nursing Home

Opened in 1988, Clarence Nursing Home offers nursing home, assisted living, independent living, and skilled nursing in Clarence, Iowa. Residents have access to ongoing clinical support with licensed nurses on-site. Moreover, rehabilitation services are provided, so residents receive recovery support to improve mobility.

With 46 beds, the community promotes an environment where staff and residents can get to know each other. Occupancy is at 91.3% occupancy, with an average length of stay of 292 days. Additionally, total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 27 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident.

Administered by Jason Tjaden, the community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several listed ways to cover care. A Walk Score of 34 places the area in a car-dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a transportation service.

Contact Clarence Nursing Home

Overview of Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers nursing home care, respite care and skilled nursing in Winfield, Iowa. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing long term care. Respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time away, and short term rehabilitation serves temporary recovery needs.

Established in 1975, the community has 46 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know one another. Private and semi private rooms allow for either an individual room or a shared room. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 59 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily hands on nursing time assigned to each resident.

Physical, speech and occupational therapy are available through the rehabilitation services. Restaurant style dining includes hot food choices and a salad bar, while two flower garden areas, a walking path and a gazebo give residents designated outdoor spaces. Transportation is available for appointments and social events, so residents can attend activities and essential outings without arranging each trip themselves.

Lindsay Remick administers the community, which accepts Medicaid, Medicare and private pay. Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center may be a good fit for someone needing short term rehabilitation or a family caregiver seeking a temporary respite stay.

Contact Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

English Valley Nursing Care Center

150 West Washington Street, North English, IA 52316-0430
Overview of English Valley Nursing Care Center

English Valley Nursing Care Center offers nursing home, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in North English, Iowa. Nursing home care provides a residential setting for ongoing care and supervision, while skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. The combination may be a good fit for a resident whose care needs may grow over time, since the available care levels can support a move without leaving the community.

The community opened in 1973 and has 44 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Valley View Assisted Living (ALP) | S0185 operates English Valley Nursing Care Center, and Jalissa Winn serves as the administrator.

Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 52 minutes per resident per day. That represents the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay: Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid can help when savings do not cover a long stay, and private pay means paying directly.

A backyard picnic area gives residents an outdoor place to sit, while gardening provides an activity involving plant care. With a Walk Score of 31, the area is car dependent, so most errands require a car or a ride, making it a quieter residential setting where residents who no longer drive generally need transportation for errands.

Contact English Valley Nursing Care Center

Overview of Edgewood Convalescent Home

Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa, provides nursing home care, assisted living support, and skilled nursing services. Assisted living programs assist residents with daily routines such as bathing, dressing, and medication administration. Temporary respite admissions give primary caregivers scheduled relief, while short-term rehabilitation services support individuals recovering from medical events.

Established in 1961 under the management of administrator Gisele Kruger, the 56-bed facility logs an average of 4 hours and 7 minutes of daily nursing care per resident. Accepted financial options include Medicare for short-term post-hospital care, Medicaid for long-term residential coverage, and direct private payment.

Located in a neighborhood with a 44 walk score, the setting relies mainly on personal or arranged transportation for off-site errands.

Prospective families exploring regional options can contact Edgewood Convalescent Home to check current availability, discuss payment methods, or schedule a visit.

Contact Edgewood Convalescent Home

Overview of Karen Acres Health Care Center

Karen Acres Health Care Center is a rehabilitation facility and nursing home located in Urbandale, IA, just above Karen Acres Elementary School. The main services they offer are rehabilitation, and long-term care. Their long-term care residents receive 24/7 RN or LPN provided assistance, grooming and feeding assistance, medication management, as well as mobility assistance for those who need it.

This long term nursing home also provides hospice care, as well as respite care with a minimum of 7 day required stay. Karen Acres Health Care Center also offers bespoke care plans that will surely cater to the patient’s needs, in order for them to keep their cognitive and physical health at the highest level.

Contact Karen Acres Health Care Center

Overview of Sibley Specialty Care

Sibley Specialty Care runs a 46-bed nursing facility in Sibley, Iowa, offering skilled nursing care alongside short-term rehabilitation services. Therapy options allow individuals to participate in physical recovery programs right on site. Staffing records show an average of 4 hours and 5 minutes of daily nursing time per resident.

Administrator David Bronner manages operations across the location. Payment arrangements cover multiple standard avenues, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds.

Prospective families can get in touch with Sibley Specialty Care to ask about current room availability, discuss personal care plans, and set up a visit.

Contact Sibley Specialty Care

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. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.

  • 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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Nursing Homes in Iowa at a glance

Avg Overall CMS Rating: 3.1/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Iowa. 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: 3.5/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Iowa. 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: 2.9/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Iowa. 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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Iowa

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 253 nursing homes in Iowa. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Iowa?

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 Iowa, 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 Iowa?

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.