Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Overview of Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm

Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm is a nonprofit nursing facility in Davenport, Iowa, with 112 beds, operated by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. The community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, and provides long-term care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and respite placements to residents in Scott County.

CMS rates the facility 2 stars overall, mainly due to its Health Inspection record. In the past six years, the facility underwent 32 inspections, more than twice Iowa’s average of 15, pushing total deficiencies to 74% above the state mean. At the individual survey level, though, the facility performs somewhat better: deficiencies per inspection are 17% below the Iowa average.

Substantiated complaints in the record include a medication error that led to hospitalization, a resident elopement, and more recent findings involving pressure ulcer care and unsafe mechanical lift transfers. No fines or license suspensions are available in the reports.

The facility’s Quality Measures are stronger, with a 4-star CMS rating, with long-stay outcomes and short-stay measures above the state’s averages. Hospitalizations and emergency department visits among long-stay residents are well below state norms. Nurse staffing averages 12% below the Iowa average at 3 hours and 52 minutes per resident each day.

The facility’s occupancy rate is 93%, well above Iowa’s average of 75.4%, a consistent signal of strong local demand. Amenities available on-site are a bistro, pub, courtyards, and common living areas. In 2026, the facility received the Locals Love Us award for Best Nursing Home in the Quad Cities for the 13th consecutive year.

Kahl Home for Aged & Infirm serves residents seeking long-term or post-acute care under mission-driven, nonprofit operations in Davenport, particularly those for whom strong quality-measure performance and high occupancy are meaningful indicators alongside an elevated inspection footprint.

Operated by Sheila Baird, Denver Sunset Home is a nonprofit nursing facility in Denver, Iowa. It provides long-term skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation to residents of Bremer County. The 31-bed facility is dually licensed as a Nursing Facility and Skilled Nursing Facility and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

The facility earned a 5-star CMS overall rating, roughly 54% above Iowa averages, with above-average scores across Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality measures. Across inspections from 2020 to 2025, the facility received an average of 4.2 deficiencies per year, close to Iowa’s average of 4.4.

The most recent annual survey in March 2025 identified four administrative deficiencies involving notification timing, bed holds documentation, assessment coding, and care plan completeness. The facility achieved full compliance by April 1, 2025. In 2022, a substantiated complaint involved inadequate supervision and training for standing lift use, resulting in a resident fall. There were no fines, Immediate Jeopardy findings, or license actions recorded.

Nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 30 minutes per resident per day, about 2% above Iowa’s average of 4 hours and 25 minutes. The facility’s occupancy rate is 87%, well above the state’s average of 75.4%, showing consistent demand in a small community.

The facility offers private and semi-private rooms with private half baths, individual thermostat controls in each resident room, emergency generator backup, and Sunday church services. A resident pet cat contributes to the facility’s home-like setting.

Denver Sunset Home is best suited for residents seeking long-term skilled nursing or memory care in a small, community-rooted setting in Bremer County. Its consistent compliance record and nonprofit structure are oriented toward continuity of care.

Overview of Newton Village INC

Located on North 5th Avenue West in Newton, Iowa, Newton Village Inc. is a skilled nursing home owned by Paul Anderson. The community provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care. Staffing is available around the clock, and the facility accepts Medicare and private pay. That gives families some flexibility when arranging coverage.

The 70-bed home has an occupancy rate of 53%. Residents stay an average of 117 days, including those recovering through post-acute rehabilitation and receiving longer-term skilled care. Registered nurses provide about 1 hour and 35 minutes of care per resident each day. Nursing aides average 2 hours and 49 minutes, while total direct nursing care comes to about 5 hours and 9 minutes per resident daily. It’s a staffing model built around both hands-on support and nursing oversight.

Newton Village is in a moderately walkable area with a Walk Score of 67. Some errands and services are within walking distance, but many trips still require transportation. Residents have access to landscaped gardens, walking paths, and patios for outdoor time. There’s also a library, fitness center, beauty salon, and barber shop. Meals are served in a communal setting with chef-inspired dining, and residents can join in lots of activities and events.

Respite care and rehabilitation services are part of the community’s care programs. State inspections have been cleanly documented. Recent certification found no deficiencies or investigated complaints. The facility is in good standing based on those findings. Families considering Newton Village can expect a well-staffed setting that focuses on rehabilitation and skilled care.

Overview of Mill Valley Care Center

Serving the community for more than 50 years, Mill Valley Care Center is a skilled nursing home in Iowa owned by Robert Dempewolf. The 46-bed facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, so families have several options for arranging both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care. The community has 76% occupancy, and residents stay an average of 211 days, including rehabilitation patients and those receiving ongoing nursing care.

Rehabilitation and recovery services are the main focus of the facility. Residents have access to rehabilitation services and outpatient therapy as they work toward greater independence. Daily nurse staffing averages just under 5 hours per resident. Registered nurses provide about 47 minutes of care daily, nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 51 minutes, and LPN/LVN staff provide another 33 minutes. The facility also has 24-hour staffing to support residents.

State inspections have examined resident transfer safety practices, resident dignity and responsiveness to care requests, and the management of specialized care procedures. These areas have been a part of the facility’s quality focus.

Residents receive meals twice each day and have access to rehabilitation and outpatient therapy services on-site. The community has a Walk Score of 64, which is a moderately walkable area. Some nearby services and errands are within walking distance, but most trips require driving.

Serving residents who need skilled nursing care and rehabilitation support, Winslow House Care Center is a community in Marion, Iowa. The 50-bed facility is owned by The Capstone Group Inc. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families several options for arranging coverage.

The community has an occupancy rate of 94%. Residents stay an average of 459 days due to the significant long-term care population, as well as those receiving rehabilitation services.

Daily nurse staffing averages about 4 hours per resident. Residents are supported by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides. This level of staffing helps support both rehabilitation programs and the daily nursing care needs of residents.

The community has a Walk Score of 89, so it’s highly walkable. Family members and visitors can easily access many nearby services and destinations on foot.

State inspections reviewed areas such as resident rights, care assessments, documentation practices, staffing information, and infection prevention procedures. The facility has responded to inspection findings with corrective actions to strengthen these operations.

Overview of Scenic Manor

Owned by the Bearden Family Revocable Trust, Scenic Manor is a skilled nursing home that accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. These payment options give families flexibility when arranging both rehabilitation services and ongoing nursing care. With 77 beds, the community has an occupancy rate of 84%, and residents stay an average of 251 days, including short-term rehabilitation patients and those receiving longer-term care.

Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab programs are central to the facility’s care model. Residents recovering from hospitalization, surgery, and other acute health events will find a place here. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 20 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses provide care around the clock, especially for residents who need hands-on support at all times.

The facility is in a neighborhood with a Walk Score of 60. As a moderately walkable area, some errands can be completed on foot, but most trips require transportation. This setting may appeal to families looking for a quieter residential environment while still having access to nearby services.

Dining is important for residents, with attention given to the dining experience and atmosphere. The facility has inspection compliance within its regulatory framework, which particularly focuses on medication management and infection control protocols.

Families considering Scenic Manor should take a tour to see the care environment, meet staff members, and learn more about how the facility supports rehabilitation and recovery.

Owned by the International Association of Lions, Rockwell Community Nursing Home is a nursing home providing rehabilitation and short-term nursing care. The 40-bed community serves residents recovering from illness, injury, and hospitalization who benefit from skilled nursing oversight and therapy services. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for arranging care.

The facility has an occupancy rate of 55%, which can support a more individualized care environment. Residents stay an average of 127 days because of the home’s role as a rehabilitation and recovery community. However, some residents transition into longer-term care when needed.

Daily nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 34 minutes per resident, so residents receive substantial support for their clinical and personal care needs. The nursing team regularly works with residents at different stages of recovery, from post-hospital rehabilitation to ongoing skilled nursing care.

Clinical services are a major part of the community’s care model. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, outpatient therapy services, restorative nursing, and lymphedema management are available on-site. Individual care plans and discharge planning guide each resident’s recovery goals.

The facility also offers respite care for families seeking temporary skilled nursing support for a loved one. Residents can join in group and individual activities, entertainment programs, and enjoy access to beauty and barber services. Home-cooked meals with a variety of menu options are also part of daily life.

The community is located in an area with a Walk Score of 32, where some nearby destinations may be reached on foot, but most travel requires transportation. State inspections show the home is compliant with health requirements.

Overview of Prestige Care Center of Fairfield

“Owned by Corey Fuchs, Prestige Care Center of Fairfield is a skilled nursing home in Fairfield, Iowa. The 73-bed community has an occupancy rate of 81%, and residents stay an average of 298 days. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families several options for covering the cost of care.

The facility’s location is in a highly walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 87, meaning most errands and nearby destinations are within walking distance. This accessibility can be helpful for residents and visiting family members spending time in the area.

Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 24 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse aides, and licensed vocational nurses work across shifts to provide hands-on support. This staffing structure can support both medical and personal care needs within the community.

State inspections show the home’s efforts to maintain compliance and safety standards. The facility addressed earlier concerns, and a follow-up inspection confirmed substantial compliance. Families considering the home should take a tour of the facility, ask about current operations and programs, and speak with staff about how they meet residents’ medical and personal care needs.”

Owned by Tamid Waterloo LLC, Pillar of Cedar Valley is a skilled nursing facility in Iowa. The 114-bed home specializes in rehabilitation services. It also serves residents with psychiatric care needs and intellectual disabilities through its ICF/PMI programs. Operating for 40 years, the facility has established itself as a long-standing option for post-acute rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care. The community has 100% occupancy rate and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving residents and families several options for covering care.

Daily nurse staffing averages 3 hours and 51 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide about 21 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute 1 hour and 54 minutes. This staffing structure supports skilled nursing oversight and hands-on assistance with daily activities. The facility’s experience in psychiatric care and services for residents with intellectual disabilities provides specialized support that is not available in every nursing home.

State inspections have identified areas of focus about resident safety protocols, abuse response procedures, medication administration practices, and environmental safety management. The facility has submitted corrective action plans addressing these concerns, showing its efforts to improve care delivery in these critical areas.

Amenities on-site include a large community center, fine dining in a glass-roof dining room, regular church services, and day trips that encourage resident engagement. Complimentary transportation, a beauty shop, concierge services, and high-speed Wi-Fi are also available. The surrounding neighborhood has a Walk Score of 83. It’s highly walkable, so visiting family members can run many errands on foot.

Focused on rehabilitation and short-term care, Edgewood Convalescent Home is a nursing facility with 56 beds. The home accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families different ways to arrange coverage. Nursing staff is available around the clock. Residents receive an average of 4 hours and 21 minutes of nursing care each day from registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses.

Residents stay an average of 305 days, including those recovering after acute health events and who require longer-term skilled nursing care. The community has 73% occupancy, with 41 residents living in the facility.

Rehabilitation services are a major part of the home’s care programs. Respite options are also available. It’s a service some families use when a loved one needs short-term support after surgery, hospitalization, or another health setback. Dining includes a varied menu, and residents have separate dinner and supper options, which provide some flexibility around meal times.

The facility has a Walk Score of 44. Some nearby services are within walking distance, but most trips require transportation. For families planning visits, that’s useful to know ahead of time.

State inspections have examined staffing protocols and vaccination practices. The facility was able to address findings through corrective actions. Inspection results show substantial compliance as standards evolve.