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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 239 nursing homes in IA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
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.
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 to lowest based on our ranking 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.
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: 60.3% 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.
Sunny View Care Center is a resident-centered rehabilitation and skillednursing facility located in Ankeny, just beside The Suites of Ankeny, an assisted living community. Together these two form a formidable community that focuses on the care and well being of their seniors, disabled, and hospice residents and patients. This nursing community offers a variety of services to its patients such as; skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice care, respite care, dietary care, and outpatient care. These services are provided by dedicated RNs, LPNs, and CNAs to make sure that each patient receives quality care and assistance.
Part of the activities at Sunny View Care Center are ambulation, eating assistance, grooming, and rehabilitative motion exercises. Their current patient capacity is 94 at maximum. For patients with health plans, this facility accommodates Medicare and Medicaid plan holders.
Nestled in Coralville, Iowa, Windmill Manor shines as a beacon of exceptional skilled nursing services. Their extensive medical offerings range from long-term care to outpatient services, respite care, and hospice care, with a team of dedicated professionals providing 24-hour nursing support. Residents benefit from the expertise of a registered dietitian and regular physician visits, ensuring comprehensive well-being. This secure community is further enhanced by its picturesque gardens, offering a haven for seniors seeking a serene yet engaging lifestyle.
Here, residents enjoy both security and freedom in a thoughtfully designed environment, where airy surroundings blend seamlessly with safety measures. With the option of private or companion suites, and a range of social and recreational activities, including a remarkable geriatric nutritional program, Windmill Manor creates a holistic living experience. This exceptional community doesn’t just promise excellence – it’s backed by the positive reviews and strong reputation that reflect its commitment to top-tier care and support.
Ridgecrest Village opened recently in a three-story building on Northwest Boulevard in Davenport, Iowa, and is still filling out its 82-bed capacity. At 67% occupancy, with 55 of 82 beds filled, it is in the early stages of establishing its census. The average resident stay is 174 days, which puts it squarely in the territory of both post-acute rehab and longer-term skilled nursing.
Total nursing care runs close to four hours per resident per day, with registered nurses contributing 59 minutes of that directly. Nurse aides account for another 2 hours and 26 minutes. For families evaluating nursing coverage as a primary criterion, that’s a concrete number to work with.
The care model centers on rehabilitation and skilled nursing: short-term rehab, respite care, and 24-hour staffing are all confirmed services. Chef-prepared meals are served daily, and the activity calendar addresses varying resident interests. A spa, cafe, and garden round out the on-site amenities. The neighborhood is only somewhat walkable (Walk Score 41), so most outside trips will require transportation.
State inspections have focused primarily on medication management, infection control, dietary practices, and resident rights. The payment picture is straightforward: Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted.
For a facility still building its census, Ridgecrest Village offers a credible staffing foundation and a flexible payment base. It is most directly suited to residents seeking short-term post-acute rehabilitation or structured skilled nursing care in a newer building with a modest amenity set.
Urbandale Health Care Center is a rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility located in Urbandale, IA, northwest of Meredith Park. Aside from rehabilitation and long-term care, they also provide specialized services like respite care, and hospice care. Their current facility can house 106 patients, with access to a full nursing assistance 24 hours daily. Aside from this, the patients also receive medication administration done by licensed professionals, meal provisions, grooming services, housekeeping, and various therapy depending on patient needs.
Urbandale Health Care Center admission inquiries are open 24/7 including holidays. They also provide tours for those who would like to learn more about this long-term care nursing home. However, due to their capacity limit, admissions to the facility will be based on bed availability.
Kingsley Specialty Care sits at 305 W 3rd St in Kingsley, Iowa, part of Plymouth County, where getting around still mostly means driving. Walk Score puts the neighborhood at 21, car-dependent territory, so this isn’t a place built around strolling to nearby errands. The 43-bed nursing home is run by Care Initiatives, with Evangelina Klein administering day-to-day operations.
Right now the building is at 72% occupancy, 31 of its 43 beds filled. That’s not packed, but it’s not empty either. What stands out more is how long people tend to stay: 270 days on average.
On staffing, registered nurses put in about 51 minutes per resident each day, and when you add up all nursing staff types together, residents get roughly 3 hours and 18 minutes of nursing care daily. Kingsley also holds a contract with the VA Community Nursing Home Program, so veterans in the area have a direct path into care here alongside everyone else. Coverage-wise, the facility takes Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, so families aren’t boxed into one payment route. Iowa’s routine inspections for nursing homes like this one tend to circle the same territory: medication management, infection control, staffing credentials, how care plans get documented, and how dietary and food service are handled.
Kingsley Specialty Care is set up for residents who need real, ongoing nursing support, not a brief stay, backed by a staffing structure that shows up daily and payment options that don’t force families into a single lane.
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.
Cottage Grove Place is an 82-bed healthcare facility at 2115 First Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Administered by Jennifer Snook and operated as a voluntary non-profit by Life Care Services LLC, the campus serves Linn County with a license valid through February 2027. Current data shows a census of 37 residents, representing a 45% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa average of 75.4%. The location earns a high Walk Score of 79, placing it near city center amenities and pharmacies.
Monitoring data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows a history of lower-than-average citations. Over two decades, the facility has recorded an annual deficiency rate 31% lower than state benchmarks, averaging 0.9 violations per year. While the January 2026 inspection concluded with four health citations—focusing on medication administration and service plan documentation, the assisted living program achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero in its most recent certification. There are no documented fines or severe penalties in the past three years.
Clinical care is delivered by a team providing 4 hours and 22 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, exceeding the Iowa average by approximately 15%. Professional services emphasize short-term recovery, with physical therapy staffing levels 150% above state averages. While short-stay outcomes are strong, quality measures for long-term residents show historical challenges in functional mobility and pressure ulcer prevention, which occur at rates above the state benchmark. The facility accepts a combination of private pay and Medicare, which accounts for 40% of new admissions.
The residential environment is part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, featuring private suites and a full therapy gym. Shared amenities include a woodworking shop, a private movie theater, a library, and landscaped courtyards. Social programming is provided through a Life Enrichment department, offering cultural workshops and educational events. The community is pet-friendly and includes emergency response systems in all apartments.
Prospective representatives seeking specialized physical therapy and short-term rehabilitation may find this campus appropriate. Families should ask directly about the specific interventions implemented to address long-term functional decline and request current data on nurse aide turnover rates before making a placement decision.
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.
Overview of Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 106-bed skilled nursing facility at 200 Seventh Avenue SW in Altoona, Iowa. Managed by Campbell Street Services and led by administrator Malori Fisher, the community provides a broad clinical spectrum for medically complex residents, including tracheostomy care, enteral nutrition, and infusion therapy. The campus maintains a high occupancy rate of 92%, reflecting consistent demand within the Polk County area.
Federal and state oversight currently assigns the facility a 1-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Historical data through early 2026 indicate a deficiency rate significantly higher than the Iowa state average, with recurring citations related to resident dignity, medication errors, and safety protocols. While a November 2025 follow-up survey concluded with zero new deficiencies at that time, previous investigations substantiated concerns regarding resident-to-resident abuse and elopement risks. To date, no federal fines or payment denials have been issued against this facility in the past three years.
Direct care is provided through a staffing model that delivers approximately 3 hours 39 minutes of total nursing time per resident day. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 23 minutes per resident day, roughly 23% below the Iowa average of 30 minutes. Despite these gaps, the center coordinates specialized memory care and respiratory support, and its quality measures for long-stay residents are rated at 3 stars for pain management and physical function outcomes.
The facility environment includes specialized wellness programming and a resident council to address quality-of-life concerns. Residents have access to private rooms, on-site beauty and barber services, and family gathering spaces designed to support social engagement. Amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, and pet-friendly accommodations are provided to maintain a residential atmosphere. As a non-CCRC facility, the community focuses on providing 24-hour skilled nursing and respite care for those transitioning from acute hospital settings.
Prospective residents and their representatives should evaluate the current bedside care standards and safety protocols during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions regarding the 2025 dignity and elopement findings and to confirm that the clinical staffing levels for 2026 are sufficient to meet the resident’s specific medical or recovery goals.
Operating for 25 years, North Crest Living Center is a nursing home owned by Steven Chamley. The 62-bed community has built a stable resident population and currently operates at 92% occupancy. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Families have several options for covering both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term skilled nursing care.
The average length of stay is about 173 days, which includes both post-acute rehabilitation residents and those receiving ongoing care. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 11 minutes per resident. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses provide care around the clock. This level of staffing provides the hands-on clinical support expected in a skilled nursing setting.
Rehabilitation and short-term recovery services are central to the home’s care model. Residents have access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy. There’s also a restorative exercise program for residents who want to maintain and rebuild function during recovery.
Residents get monthly visits from podiatrists, optometrists, and dentists. They also have access to in-house laundry services, a beauty and barber shop, room furnishings, and transportation for appointments when needed. Recreational and spiritual activities, along with regular meals and snacks, are available daily. The facility has an in-house trust account for residents as well.
The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 77 and is considered highly walkable. Many nearby services and essential errands are within walking distance for visiting family members. Inspection findings over time focused on infection control, physician communication, and medication management practices. Families touring the facility should ask how these areas are managed in daily operations.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.
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
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 239 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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