Page 17 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

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
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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.
239 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
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

Compare Nursing Homes around Iowa

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 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.
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.
Trinity Center at Luther Park
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Des Moines (East Village)
120
Facility 120
IA AVG 72
Rank #37 / 403
90.8%
Facility 90.8%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #47 / 362
+36%
4.66
Facility 4.66
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #70 / 231
-50%+8%
$162.2k
Facility $162.2k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #230 / 239
24
Facility 24
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #155 / 232
6.0
Facility 6.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #189 / 232
2109-
91
Facility 91
IA AVG 47
Rank #2 / 504
Kelley Blackburn
$14.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $14.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #8 / 224
$8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #11 / 224
62.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 62.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #82 / 224
165612
Azria Health Longview
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Missouri Valley
100
Facility 100
IA AVG 72
Rank #68 / 403
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #118 / 362
+22%
4.21
Facility 4.21
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #120 / 231
-30%-2%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #199 / 232
5.7
Facility 5.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #180 / 232
381-
53
Facility 53
IA AVG 47
Rank #195 / 504
Douglas Williams
$8.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #62 / 224
$4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #62 / 224
58%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 58%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #113 / 224
165373
Bethany Lutheran Home
NH
AL
MC
SNF
Council Bluffs
112
Facility 112
IA AVG 72
Rank #50 / 403
80.4%
Facility 80.4%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #125 / 362
+20%
4.68
Facility 4.68
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #70 / 231
+28%+9%
$46.9k
Facility $46.9k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #204 / 239
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #207 / 232
5.1
Facility 5.1
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #166 / 232
690-
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 47
Rank #59 / 504
Diana Roberts
$10.6MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $10.6MFiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #29 / 224
$6.4MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $6.4MFiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #31 / 224
60.5%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 60.5%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #96 / 224
165524
Perry Lutheran Home
NH
AL
IL
MC
RC
SNF
Perry
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 72
Rank #156 / 403
80.0%
Facility 80.0%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #127 / 362
+19%
4.67
Facility 4.67
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #70 / 231
+10%+9%
$16.4k
Facility $16.4k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #163 / 239
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #127 / 232
2.7
Facility 2.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #59 / 232
856-
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 47
Rank #82 / 504
Melissa Gannon
$8.4MFiscal year ending 08/2024
Facility $8.4MFiscal year ending 08/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #60 / 224
$5.2MFiscal year ending 08/2024
Facility $5.2MFiscal year ending 08/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #45 / 224
62.1%Fiscal year ending 08/2024
Facility 62.1%Fiscal year ending 08/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #82 / 224
165606
Regency Assisted Living
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Norwalk
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 72
Rank #213 / 403
41.7%
Facility 41.7%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #314 / 362
-38%
3.01
Facility 3.01
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #230 / 231
-48%-30%
$78.5k
Facility $78.5k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #213 / 239
39
Facility 39
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #196 / 232
4.9
Facility 4.9
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #156 / 232
225-
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 47
Rank #98 / 504
Carla Hall
$9.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #34 / 224
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #76 / 224
45.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 45.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #207 / 224
165399
Oskaloosa Care Center
NH
SNF
Oskaloosa
83
Facility 83
IA AVG 72
Rank #98 / 403
98.8%
Facility 98.8%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #4 / 362
+48%
4.37
Facility 4.37
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #100 / 231
-56%+2%
$133.3k
Facility $133.3k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #226 / 239
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #171 / 232
4.1
Facility 4.1
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #135 / 232
482-
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 47
Rank #74 / 504
Revocable Trust Barbara S. Donohue
$8.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #68 / 224
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #78 / 224
55%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 55%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #144 / 224
165589
Lutheran Living Senior Campus
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Muscatine
155
Facility 155
IA AVG 72
Rank #19 / 403
80.0%
Facility 80.0%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #127 / 362
+19%
4.42
Facility 4.42
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #100 / 231
+17%+3%
$253.9k
Facility $253.9k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #236 / 239
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #207 / 232
6.4
Facility 6.4
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #202 / 232
7124-
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 47
Rank #39 / 504
Michael Batenhorst
$16.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $16.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #7 / 224
$8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #12 / 224
51.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 51.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #178 / 224
165432
Good Samaritan Society – Indianola
NH
IL
RC
SNF
Jefferson Indianola
105
Facility 105
IA AVG 72
Rank #63 / 403
78.1%
Facility 78.1%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #140 / 362
+17%
3.89
Facility 3.89
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #153 / 231
-36%-9%
$20.3k
Facility $20.3k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #171 / 239
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #182 / 232
4.7
Facility 4.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #149 / 232
582-
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 47
Rank #74 / 504
Natasha Blackburn
$9.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #48 / 224
$4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #63 / 224
53.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 53.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #155 / 224
165186
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center
NH
AL
IL
SNF
Johnston
150
Facility 150
IA AVG 72
Rank #21 / 403
76.0%
Facility 76.0%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #158 / 362
+14%
3.81
Facility 3.81
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #164 / 231
+41%-11%
$270.8k
Facility $270.8k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #237 / 239
67
Facility 67
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #219 / 232
5.2
Facility 5.2
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #169 / 232
9114-
64
Facility 64
IA AVG 47
Rank #125 / 504
Sylvania Franciscan Health
$11.1MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $11.1MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #24 / 224
$10.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $10.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #9 / 224
90.3%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 90.3%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #7 / 224
165448
Azria Health Prairie Ridge
NH
SNF
Mediapolis
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 72
Rank #201 / 403
96.0%
Facility 96.0%
IA AVG 67%
Rank #12 / 362
+43%
4.22
Facility 4.22
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #120 / 231
-37%-2%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
43
Facility 43
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #202 / 232
8.6
Facility 8.6
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #221 / 232
-60-
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 47
Rank #202 / 504
Pearl Bauder
$6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #110 / 224
$2.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #154 / 224
43.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 43.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #213 / 224
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Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every IA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 239 on this page.

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Overview of Trinity Center at Luther Park

Operating under the Gardens at Luther Park organization, Trinity Center at Luther Park is a 120-bed nursing home that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled care for residents aged 55 and older. The building maintains a high local volume with a 91% occupancy rate and manages an extended 239-day average length of stay. Financial coverage handles a standard mix of Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay sources. The campus is built in an exceptionally walkable downtown neighborhood, making local errands and shops easily accessible on foot.

Daily care lines supply an average of 4 hours and 34 minutes of direct nursing time per resident each day, with a combination of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides covering the floor alongside on-site physical therapists. On the compliance side, public monitoring files from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate that state inspectors have noted recurring administrative issues centered on care documentation, food handling protocols, and basic infection control.

Beyond the medical operations, daily life on the campus is organized around faith-based Christian values, spiritual support programs, regular activities, and local volunteer networks.

Prospective representatives researching faith-based senior care options or multi-level nursing setups can review these state health filings to assess the property’s operational history. The public records outline a busy, highly occupied facility backed by solid daily direct care hours and a walkable location, balanced against some recurring regulatory points regarding kitchen and documentation maintenance.

Contact Trinity Center at Luther Park

Azria Health Longview

1010 Longview Road, Missouri Valley, IA 51555-1227
Overview of Azria Health Longview

Azria Health Longview runs a dual-care senior community providing skilled nursing and assisted living services at 1010 Longview Road in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The property, operated under owner Douglas Williams, is built to support a 100-bed capacity. Business operations process regular monthly accounts using traditional out-of-pocket payments, standard Medicare plans, and state Medicaid options. Stays average roughly 137 days per individual, pointing to an everyday routine that coordinates short-term therapy recovery with ongoing clinical nursing care.

Floor staff provide an average of 3 hours and 29 minutes of direct, hands-on attention to each resident daily. Certified nursing assistants handle the majority of this bedside timeline at 2 hours and 34 minutes, while licensed practical nurses offer 53 minutes, and registered nurses add 32 minutes of clinical tracking. These shift rotations cover 24-hour treatment monitoring, short-term rehabilitation, and specialized post-acute tracks alongside an on-site physician presence. For local transit, the surrounding neighborhood holds a walkability score of 53 out of 100, showing a moderately accessible layout where visitors can manage a few simple errands on foot.

Daily residential services focus on scheduled meals, complimentary Wi-Fi access, laundry assistance, and a beauty salon. The campus layout includes open space for pet visits and offers specialized respite care setups to ease short-term family transitions. These combined on-site programs are designed to cover basic healthcare demands and support physical rehabilitation plans without requiring frequent travel away from the facility.

Interested individuals can reach the main desk to check on current bed vacancies, ask about the assisted living apartments, or coordinate a time to look around the grounds. The intake staff can also help review health plan benefits to demonstrate how insurance networks or public aid options coordinate with standard monthly room invoices.

Contact Azria Health Longview

Bethany Lutheran Home

Seven Elliott Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0297
Overview of Bethany Lutheran Home

A 112-bed skilled nursing community owned by Diana Roberts in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is Bethany Lutheran Home. Operating for 51 years, it maintains an 80 percent occupancy rate, reflecting steady census in a mid-sized facility. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted to provide numerous ways for families to arrange care.

The facility’s clinical focus includes rehabilitation services, with a dedicated Rehab to Home program tailored to support occupants transitioning back to independent living after acute illness, surgery, or hospitalization. Total nursing care averages 4 hours 53 minutes per resident day, distributed across registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides. That daily staffing level bolsters 24/7 support for residents. The home is found in a really walkable area of Council Bluffs with a Walk Score of 77, meaning visiting family members and mobile residents can run most errands on foot and have good access to nearby services. For regular visits and outings, the surrounding neighborhood is accessible and convenient. The average stay duration is 152 days, signaling a mix of short-term rehabilitation patients and longer-term residents.

Care planning, medication administration, staffing, safety protocols, and infection control practices have been addressed by state inspections.

It’s encouraged that families considering the home tour it in person and ask about how clinical areas are managed daily.

Contact Bethany Lutheran Home

Overview of Perry Lutheran Home

The Perry Lutheran Home operates a 26-year-old continuing care retirement campus on Willis Avenue in Perry, Iowa, under the management of administrator Melissa Gannon. The building houses 70 residents, runs at about 80 percent occupancy, and handles accounts through private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Lengths of stay average 315 days, indicating that the daily routine integrates short-term therapy patients into an established, long-term residential community.

The hands-on clinical team delivers an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes of direct care to each resident every day. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides balance this 24-hour schedule to coordinate standard therapies, respite care, and independent home health services. The church-affiliated nonprofit property sits in a neighborhood that scores a 74 out of 100 for walkability, allowing visiting families to manage a variety of local trips on foot.

Interested individuals can get in touch with the main desk to ask about the independent or assisted living availability, request details on the home care services, or schedule an afternoon to see the campus. The front office can also explain the admission paperwork and clarify how different insurance options apply to the monthly fees.

Contact Perry Lutheran Home

Overview of Regency Assisted Living

Regency Assisted Living operates a 60-bed skilled nursing property at 815 High Road in Norwalk, Iowa. Owned by Carla Hall and managed under administrator Victoria Lehman, the facility maintains a quiet baseline census, currently holding an occupancy rate around 42 percent with roughly 25 residents. Financial coordinators process transactions through individual out-of-pocket billing channels alongside state Medicaid options and standard federal Medicare programs. Stays here average about 151 days, which reflects an everyday operational design that merges brief physical therapy rehabilitation cases with extended clinical nursing placements.

State safety logs map out historical compliance patterns over the facility’s 20-year operating history. Regular public health evaluations handled by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing highlighted several repeat administrative themes, pointing out explicit procedural gaps in medication management practices, general resident supervision, and health record documentation. Local supervisors use these periodic regulatory summaries to shape employee skill training modules and adjust daily clinical workflows across the floor shifts to meet public healthcare codes.

For local transit, the surrounding town layout records a walkability score of 70 out of 100, showing a highly accessible neighborhood environment where visiting family members can complete routine errands on foot. On-site shift routines support this setting by providing a daily average of 3 hours and 10 minutes of direct, hands-on care to each individual. Certified nurse aides cover the largest block of this bedside timeline at 2 hours and 17 minutes, working alongside licensed practical nurses who provide 1 hour and registered nurses who add 21 minutes of clinical tracking, respite support, and continuous treatment monitoring.

Prospective residents can call the main office desk to check on current bed layouts, ask about the details of the short-term rehabilitation therapies, or schedule a day to see the grounds.

Contact Regency Assisted Living

Overview of Oskaloosa Care Center

The 83-bed senior living property at Highway 432 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, operates under the ownership of the Revocable Trust Barbara S. Donohue. This church-affiliated nonprofit home is managed by administrator Tina Steffen and functions at a 99 percent occupancy rate, accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Residents stay here for an average of 330 days, creating a very stable living environment where long-term care makes up the core of the daily routine.

Clinical operations on the floor are anchored by 24-hour nursing coverage, with staff delivering an average of 4 hours and 11 minutes of direct care to each resident daily. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides coordinate an array of on-site medical resources, including laboratory work, physical therapies, X-ray services, podiatry, dentistry, and psychiatry, to minimize the need for external appointments. For day-to-day lifestyle, the campus provides tailored meals, specialized oxygen support, and an internal barber shop, while the surrounding neighborhood secures a high walkability score of 75 out of 100, meaning visiting guests can easily manage errands on foot.

State reports indicate that past regulatory inspections surfaced a few operational areas that needed adjustment, primarily centered around standard medical documentation and clinical paperwork practices. The administrative staff uses these formal survey results to audit their internal records and update routine training protocols for the clinical team.

Families can touch base with the front desk to find out how to get placed on the waiting list, ask about the integrated diagnostic services, or plan an afternoon to tour the neighborhood and facility. The billing department is also available to help you look over financial paperwork and explain how Medicare or Medicaid structures apply to the monthly statements.

Contact Oskaloosa Care Center

Overview of Lutheran Living Senior Campus

Founded in 1895, Lutheran Living Senior Campus runs a 155-bed continuing care retirement community on Lutheran Drive in Muscatine, Iowa. This nonprofit facility is managed by executive director Andrew Harris and operates under a church affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Standard billing balances private payment options with Medicare coverage networks, and the overall property runs near an 80 percent occupancy rate. Typical stays average about 166 days, indicating an environment that coordinates transitional physical rehabilitation alongside permanent residential placements.

An average of 4 hours and 21 minutes of hands-on attention is provided to each resident daily by the on-floor medical team. Certified nursing aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses maintain this 24-hour setup to supervise standard physical therapies alongside secure memory care programs. For daily amenities, residents have access to an internal salon, an outdoor courtyard, and spiritual care resources led by a full-time chaplain, while the surrounding town neighborhood provides a walkable layout for visitors running local errands.

Past inspection reports from state oversight departments noted some administrative and clinical areas for improvement, specifically highlighting corrections needed for care planning records, general resident supervision routines, and behavioral health support structures. The administrative leaders use these formal survey findings to modify ongoing training requirements for the floor staff and update internal safety guidelines.

Prospective residents can reach out to the marketing office to check on current apartment availability, verify specific memory care openings, or schedule a morning to tour the therapy spaces. The business desk can also assist with insurance verification and clarify how individual out-of-pocket costs or Medicare benefits align with monthly fees.

Contact Lutheran Living Senior Campus

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Indianola

Good Samaritan Society – Indianola is a 105-bed skilled nursing facility at 708 South Jefferson in Indianola, Iowa. Part of the Sanford Health network and administered by Zach Detweiler, this non-profit community provides a continuum of care including short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and respite services. The campus serves as a localized hub for Warren County residents and currently maintains an occupancy rate of approximately 84%.

Federal and state regulators currently assign the facility a 1-star overall rating, which reflects performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Regulatory data through early 2026 indicates a high frequency of citations, including an average of 8.8 deficiencies per year, double the state average. While a January 2026 complaint investigation resulted in two citations regarding nursing staff levels and administration, the facility has recorded zero citations for infection control across multiple recent surveys. To date, federal penalties totaling $20,316 have been issued for non-compliance with health standards. C

Nursing hours per resident day currently stand at 2 hours 55 minutes, which is approximately 23% below the Iowa state average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is reported at 29 minutes per day, and weekend RN coverage is 18 minutes—both falling below state means for similar facilities.

Despite these staffing gaps, the center coordinates specialized clinical programs including dialysis support, occupational therapy, and restorative nursing. Quality metrics show that 83.3% of short-stay residents successfully return to the community, performing in line with state benchmarks.

The campus environment provides a residential setting featuring a community room, library, and on-site salon. Shared services encompass 24-hour medical monitoring, housekeeping, and pet-friendly policies to support a home-like atmosphere. Nutritional support is provided through scheduled meal programs, and residents have access to a wellness center and an emergency call system in all living spaces. For socialization, the facility maintains a resident council and offers diverse recreational activities.

Prospective residents and their representatives should evaluate the current bedside care standards and call light response protocols during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the 2025 and 2026 staffing citations and to verify that the clinical coverage is sufficient to meet the individual’s recovery or long-term care goals.

Contact Good Samaritan Society – Indianola

Overview of Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center coordinates continuous senior services within a 150-bed campus at 5837 Winwood Drive in Johnston, Iowa. Operated by Sylvania Franciscan Health under administrator Adam Braden, the community maintains an average occupancy level near 76 percent, meaning openings are typically available for new intake. The business office accepts private funding streams, Medicare credits for brief rehabilitation, and standard state Medicaid options. Individual resident stays average of roughly 172 days, establishing a local population structure that balances transitional post-hospital physical therapy with permanent clinical residential housing.

On-site health routines ensure that each individual receives an average of 3 hours and 58 minutes of direct care from the nursing team daily. Certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses split these floor hours to provide speech-language pathology and physical therapy alongside routine treatment protocols. These practitioners work within a wider aging-in-place campus that features independent and assisted living settings alongside adult day programs, while the surrounding town neighborhood records a walkability score of 64 out of 100, letting visitors complete a few basic tasks nearby without relying solely on a car.

Earlier evaluations by state inspectors noted procedural gaps regarding staffing distribution, pressure ulcer prevention tracking, and standard infection control lines. The administrative team updated floor patterns and corrected these points, leading to a late 2025 re-inspection to certify that the entire building had returned to substantial compliance with baseline public healthcare guidelines.

Prospective representatives can contact the main registration desk to confirm immediate room availability, ask about the details of the adult day schedule, or plan a morning to see the therapy common rooms. The intake office can also assist with medical coverage, cross-referencing to outline how personal funds or public assistance networks apply to standard monthly billing statements.

Contact Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

Overview of Azria Health Prairie Ridge

Located in a moderately walkable area, Azria Health Prairie Ridge is a nursing home owned by Pearl Bauder. Some nearby errands and services are within walking distance. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, so families can stay flexible when arranging coverage.

The home focuses on post-acute rehabilitation and specialized care. Residents stay an average of 123 days, which includes those recovering from hospital stays and receiving short-term skilled nursing care. Rehabilitation services are available, and the facility also offers respite care. There’s a doctor on staff, and staffing is available 24 hours a day.

Daily nursing care averages 4 hours and 5 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide 31 minutes of that care, while nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 18 minutes. LPN/LVN staff add another 27 minutes each day. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and LPN/LVN staff work together to provide the hands-on support residents receive throughout the day.

Residents are served chef-prepared meals, and a private dining room is available for those who prefer a quieter setting. The home also includes a beauty salon, spa services, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry services, and interpreter support. Pet visitation is available, too. It’s a mix of services and amenities that support both residents and visiting family members.

Contact Azria Health Prairie Ridge

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.

  • 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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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.