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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
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 TableAL (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.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative 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.
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.
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: 60.5% 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.
$3.1M*Fiscal year ending 12/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$2.1M*Fiscal year ending 12/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
67.3%*Fiscal year ending 12/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
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
Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein, Iowa, provides 24-hour skilled nursing, memory care, hospice services, and short-term respite stays. Secured memory care accommodations feature continuous monitoring for individuals prone to wandering, while respite stays give family caregivers temporary time away. Patients recovering from physical or joint issues can access dedicated orthopedic treatments and rehabilitation therapies on site.
Director Craig A. oversees the 61-bed facility. Clinical records log 3 hours and 48 minutes of direct daily nursing care per resident. The property features open dining, an outdoor walking trail, and a 77 walk score that gives mobile residents quick foot access to local stores, pharmacies, and coffee shops. Payment structures accommodate Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds.
Individuals looking for comprehensive nursing care, memory support, or short-term relief can contact Oelwein Health Care Center to ask about room openings, review financial plans, or schedule a tour.
Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, Iowa, combines assisted living, memory care, nursing home services, and skilled nursing within a single campus. Assisted living residents receive help with personal routines like bathing, dressing, and managing medication while maintaining private apartments. Dedicated memory care units feature secured environments for individuals prone to wandering, and on-site rehabilitation offers therapy services during recovery stays.
This 62-bed facility operates under administrator Steven Ziller. Daily care records show a total nurse staffing average of 4 hours and 59 minutes per resident. Setting a car-dependent standard, the local neighborhood holds a 43 walk score, meaning trips off campus typically call for arranged transportation. Financial options accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private payment methods.
Interested families can connect with Community Memorial Health Center to check unit availability, tour the grounds, and determine specific service plans.
Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center operates a 75-bed nursing home in Maquoketa, Iowa, delivering skilled nursing, memory care, and short-term respite stays. Structured memory wings offer a secure environment to protect residents prone to wandering, while on-site rehabilitation programs help individuals work toward physical recovery. Accommodations include both private and semi-private room setups, and the dining room serves fresh, home-cooked meals tailored to dietary needs.
Administrative oversight falls under Amanda Carr. Daily nursing coverage averages 3 hours and 51 minutes per resident across the building. Located in a neighborhood with a 76 walk score, the facility sits in a highly walkable area near local spots, though scheduled local transportation is also on hand for medical appointments.
Families and their loved ones can get in touch with Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center to discuss placement, review funding options, or book a guided tour. Payment choices cover Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds.
Offering skilled nursing services, Accura HealthCare of Ames is a nursing home in Ames, Iowa, that has been operating for 26 years. Administered by Eric Olson, the community also offers skilled nursing services as well as hospice, palliative, and respite care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are also accepted.
With a 75-bed capacity, the community has an occupancy rate of 89% and an average stay of 131 days. It also supports both short-term and long-term residents, providing recovery-focused care as well as ongoing nursing needs. Rehabilitation services and respite care are also available.
Approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes of direct care is provided per resident each day. This total includes care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. This also provides a useful measure of the hands-on assistance available throughout the community.
Areas of concern identified through state inspections include recordkeeping, medication administration, food storage, and sanitation practices. However, corrective measures have also been implemented to address these concerns.
Located in a moderately walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 59, the community requires transportation to access most local amenities, though some errands can be reached on foot. Combining a long-standing presence, a consistently occupied setting, and multiple payment options, Accura HealthCare of Ames can be a good consideration for families exploring care options.
The Bridges at Ankeny offers assisted living and nursing home care in Ankeny, IA. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Nursing home care provides residential support for someone who needs ongoing nursing care, so the combination may be a good fit for a resident who needs help with daily tasks now and may later require ongoing nursing care.
The community has 100 beds, and 84% are occupied. Most beds are therefore in use. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 32 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time assigned to each resident.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Medicare applies to short-term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay, and private pay allows direct payment. Mary Woolson serves as the administrator, and the community is in the Centennial Pointe West neighborhood.
Sunrise Hill Care Center is a nursing home in Traer, IA offering nursing care, assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Nursing care supports residents who require ongoing nursing attention, while assisted living provides help with daily tasks. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, and memory care provides a secured setting with supervision.
The combination of care types may be a good fit for a resident whose needs grow over time without requiring a move to another community. Sunrise Hill Care Center has 76 beds. Care and Rehab is a named program, and rehabilitation services are available for residents who need therapy as part of their care.
Total nurse staffing is 3h 56m per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nurse staffing time allocated to each resident. The community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Daniel Larmore serves as administrator.
A Walk Score of 45 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. A resident who no longer drives would need one of those options for errands.
Montezuma Specialty Care operates a 41-bed nursing facility in Montezuma, Iowa, delivering skilled nursing and nursing home services. The program assists individuals who require continuous clinical oversight alongside everyday personal assistance. Therapy services run on-site for residents who need dedicated physical rehabilitation during their stay.
Operational management is handled by administrator Mitchell Huff. Staffing data reflects an average of 3 hours and 48 minutes of total daily nurse staffing per resident. Financial arrangements include Medicare, Medicaid, and private payment options.
Families can reach out to Montezuma Specialty Care to confirm current bed availability, request details on therapy programs, or discuss financial plans.
With a 52-bed capacity, Rehabilitation Center of Belmond offers nursing home, assisted living, hospice care, independent living, and skilled nursing in Belmond, Iowa. Residents have access to care with licensed nurses on-site, as well as 24-hour staffing. The community also provides comfort and symptom management for terminally ill residents.
Occupancy is at 88.3%, with an average length of stay of 130 days. Moreover, residents receive a total of 3 hours and 39 minutes of nursing care daily. Rehabilitation services also provide therapy on-site, so a resident can receive recovery support without arranging transportation elsewhere.
A private family gathering room gives residents and visitors a designated space for family time. The community also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families those payment pathways for covered or privately funded care. Its Walk Score is 60 out of 100, meaning some errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to handle certain outings by themselves.
Atlantic Specialty Care is a nursing home in Atlantic, IA, offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. Promoting a compassionate and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults are well-cared for throughout their stay. With 24-hour care, nutritious meals, and laundry services, residents receive the utmost attention and care to live comfortably in retirement. Individualized care plans tailored to residents’ unique needs and preferences to help them recover and return to their routines with ease.
Baking, painting, and volunteering activities provide residents with more opportunities to learn and gain meaningful experiences. Lively gathering areas and spacious rooms also ensure residents can rest and freely interact with their surroundings. Residents also experience a stress-free retirement, as it is conveniently located in the quiet residential area of Atlantic. Providing exceptional standards of care and a clean setting, this nursing home is an ideal choice for senior living in Iowa.
Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, Iowa, accommodates residents across nursing home care, assisted living, and independent living options. Assisted living plans help residents with routine tasks like dressing, bathing, and managing medications, while independent living offers private residential units paired with shared community amenities.
Administrator Rebecca Miner leads the 30-bed property. Daily nurse staffing records list 4 hours and 2 minutes per resident per day. Payment choices cover Medicare, Medicaid, and direct private pay. The residence allows pets, enabling individuals to keep their companion animals. Location metrics show a walk score of 33, indicating that neighborhood errands require driving or organized transportation.
Individuals exploring multi-level senior living options can reach out to Ruthven Community Care Center to learn about current vacancies, evaluate accepted funding sources, or arrange a property tour.
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.
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
Avg Overall CMS Rating:3.2/ 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:3.7/ 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.
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.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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