Page 18 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

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

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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The Iowa average is: 60.3% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
AMS Memorial-Greene
NH
AL
RC
SNF
Greene
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 67
Rank #235 / 241
---B- ---
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #112 / 233
5.3
Facility 5.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #173 / 233
-5-
43
Facility 43
IA AVG 49
Rank #156 / 260
Michael Steinkruger
$860.6kFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $860.6kFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #224 / 224
$492.2kFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $492.2kFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #224 / 224
57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #122 / 224
165356
Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
NH
RC
SNF
Sw Altoona
106
Facility 106
IA AVG 67
Rank #22 / 241
92.5%
Facility 92.5%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #42 / 234
+18%-C+ +1%-
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
48
Facility 48
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #206 / 233
6.0
Facility 6.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #196 / 233
-98A+
48
Facility 48
IA AVG 49
Rank #137 / 260
Holdco Goldfinch, LLC
$9.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #35 / 224
$5.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #38 / 224
59.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 59.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #100 / 224
165162
Klein Center
NH
West Burlington
160
Facility 160
IA AVG 67
Rank #3 / 241
89.6%
Facility 89.6%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #54 / 234
+14%
5.85
Facility 5.85
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #9 / 231
? +38%+36%
$65.1k
Facility $65.1k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #214 / 239
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #97 / 233
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #27 / 233
2143-
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 49
Rank #252 / 260
----165110
Harmony Waterloo
NH
AL
RESC
RC
SNF
Waterloo
88
Facility 88
IA AVG 67
Rank #38 / 241
84.7%
Facility 84.7%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #93 / 234
+8%
3.32
Facility 3.32
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #221 / 231
C- -20%-23%
$95.4k
Facility $95.4k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #220 / 239
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #147 / 233
2.6
Facility 2.6
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #67 / 233
175-
83
Facility 83
IA AVG 49
Rank #24 / 260
Justin Knapp$6.7M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$4.0M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.60%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.165034
Genesis Senior Living Center
NH
Des Moines
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 67
Rank #48 / 241
85.6%
Facility 85.6%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #88 / 234
+9%
3.57
Facility 3.57
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #197 / 231
C -47%-17%
$166.4k
Facility $166.4k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #232 / 239
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #220 / 233
4.1
Facility 4.1
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #136 / 233
869-
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 49
Rank #92 / 260
Dirk Timm
$6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #96 / 224
$3.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #93 / 224
57.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 57.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #118 / 224
165175
Ivy At Davenport
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Davenport
75
Facility 75
IA AVG 67
Rank #63 / 241
78.7%
Facility 78.7%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #72 / 234
0%
3.79
Facility 3.79
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #164 / 231
F -29%-12%
$141.0k
Facility $141.0k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #228 / 239
58
Facility 58
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #211 / 233
5.8
Facility 5.8
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #190 / 233
559-
90
Facility 90
IA AVG 49
Rank #9 / 260
Accordius Health At St Mary, LLC
$6.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #113 / 224
$3.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #95 / 224
63.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 63.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #72 / 224
165436
HallMar Village
NH
AL
IL
MC
Cedar Rapids
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 67
Rank #135 / 241
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #125 / 234
+28%
5.30
Facility 5.30
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #27 / 231
? +7%+23%
$12.0k
Facility $12.0k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #161 / 239
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #147 / 233
2.3
Facility 2.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #51 / 233
355-
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 49
Rank #257 / 260
----165798
Kingsley Specialty Care
NH
HOS
SNF
Kingsley
43
Facility 43
IA AVG 67
Rank #189 / 241
86.0%
Facility 86.0%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #173 / 234
+10%
4.19
Facility 4.19
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #120 / 231
C- +67%-3%
$27.4k
Facility $27.4k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #186 / 239
38
Facility 38
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #193 / 233
7.6
Facility 7.6
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #218 / 233
137-
21
Facility 21
IA AVG 49
Rank #218 / 260
Jackie Loghry Pirner
$3.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #196 / 224
$1.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $1.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #202 / 224
55.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 55.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #138 / 224
165329
Azria Health Park Place
NH
SNF
Des Moines (Union Park)
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 67
Rank #81 / 241
72.9%
Facility 72.9%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #170 / 234
-7%
3.58
Facility 3.58
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #197 / 231
C- +32%-17%
$36.9k
Facility $36.9k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #196 / 239
70
Facility 70
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #224 / 233
10.0
Facility 10.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #225 / 233
351-
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 49
Rank #121 / 260
Kelsey Anderson
$5.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #120 / 224
$2.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #140 / 224
49%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 49%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #187 / 224
165202
Northgate Care Center
NH
AL
HOS
SNF
Nw Waukon
50
Facility 50
IA AVG 67
Rank #147 / 241
82.4%
Facility 82.4%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #109 / 234
+5%
3.58
Facility 3.58
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #197 / 231
C- -46%-17%
$71.1k
Facility $71.1k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #215 / 239
20
Facility 20
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #140 / 233
5.0
Facility 5.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #165 / 233
241-
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 49
Rank #70 / 260
-
$4.3MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $4.3MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #162 / 224
$2.2MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $2.2MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #183 / 224
51.7%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 51.7%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #176 / 224
165338

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

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AMS Memorial-Greene

108 South High Street, Greene, IA 50636-0617
Overview of Ams Memorial-Greene

Ams Memorial-Greene, in Greena, IA, carries respite care, skilled nursing, nursing home care, and assisted living. Nursing home care is for the long-term, meant for someone who’s not expected to be leaving. Skilled nursing keeps a licensed nurse on the floor whatever the hour, unlike help that only arrives when asked.

Assisted living assists with dressing and bathing, and taking medication, and stops there. Respite is temporary in both directions; the stay is short because the need behind it is short. Several of these under one roof suit a changing set of needs, or a caregiver looking for cover.

Thirty-one beds fill out the building, a smaller home. Fewer beds mean the same staff cover the same people, so recognition is built into the rota. Skilled rehabilitation supports a short-term stay, while outpatient therapy needs no admission.

Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all taken, and they differ mostly in who decides. Medicare’s cover for short-term skilled care after a hospital stay turns on the record and the clinical need. Medicaid eligibility is a state office’s determination, usually raised once a long stay outruns savings, while private pay needs none.

A Walk Score of 43 makes this car-dependent; routine errands need a ride. Dianne Poole administer the home.

Contact AMS Memorial-Greene

Overview of Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provides nursing home care, skilled nursing, and respite care in Altoona, IA. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time away or time to recover.

Rehabilitation services, along with nursing rehabilitation and therapy services, can support recovery and help a resident work toward regaining daily abilities. The center has 106 beds and private rooms, so each resident can have a single room rather than sharing a space. Pets are allowed, and salon and barber services provide grooming on site.

Several family gathering rooms give residents and visitors designated places to spend time together. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, allowing families to consider public coverage or direct payment when arranging care. Carla Hall serves as the administrator.

Respite care can suit a family that needs short term nursing support while a primary caregiver travels or recovers.

Contact Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Klein Center

1307 S Gear Ave, West Burlington, IA 52655
Overview of Klein Center

Klein Center is an award-winning nursing home in West Burlington, IA, offering long-term care and rehabilitation. Fostering comfort and healing, the community ensures older adults are well-cared for in its supportive and welcoming environment. Residents also receive high-quality services, including round-the-clock care, nutritious meals, and recreational activities, ensuring a maintenance-free lifestyle. The community also strives to get to know residents’ needs and habits to help them recover and return to their routines with ease.

Social events, light exercises, and recreational opportunities encourage residents to explore interests and gain meaningful experiences. Well-maintained therapy gyms and spacious living areas also ensure residents’ relaxation and wellness. Residents also have quick access to necessities and leisure with the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center and public transportation in the area. As one of the best options for senior living in Iowa, this nursing home goes above and beyond in helping residents live to their potential in retirement.

Contact Klein Center

Harmony Waterloo

201 West Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50701-4235
Overview of Harmony Waterloo

Harmony Waterloo provides nursing home, assisted living, residential care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Waterloo, Iowa. Assisted living includes help with everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, and respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs change over time. Rehabilitation includes orthopedic care and treatment for stroke and other neurological conditions, with structured support during recovery from those health events. Temporary rehabilitation stays are available, while the 88 bed community also offers ongoing residential care.

Michelle B. serves as director. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 19 minutes per resident each day, representing the total daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay: Medicare covers short term skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicaid supports eligible long term care, and private pay means paying directly.

The community has a Walk Score of 83, meaning the area is very walkable. Most errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Contact Harmony Waterloo

Overview of Genesis Senior Living Center

Genesis Senior Living Center provides nursing home care in Des Moines, IA, with nursing support on site around the clock. Residents with ongoing medical needs can receive that care within the community. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available for rehabilitation, so therapy services can be part of a resident’s care rather than arranged separately.

The center has 80 beds, with private and semi private rooms. A private room is intended for one resident, while a semi private room accommodates shared living. Respite care is available for short stays, which can give a family caregiver temporary coverage while traveling or recovering.

Memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is provided in a supervised setting. Incontinence care, catheter care, and hospice care are also available for specific personal, medical, and end of life needs. Genesis Senior Living Center may be a good fit for someone who needs nursing care alongside rehabilitation or specialized support.

Home cooked meals and snacks are served in the dining room, with special diet preparation and feeding assistance for residents who need modified meals or help eating. A garden and yard provide outdoor space on the property, while the wellness program offers access to a designated wellness service. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted: Medicare may apply to short term skilled care after a hospital stay, while Medicaid and private pay provide other listed payment routes. Total nurse staffing is 3h 34m per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated per resident.

Contact Genesis Senior Living Center

Overview of Ivy at Davenport

Ivy at Davenport is a nursing home in Davenport, IA offering skilled nursing, hospice care, and respite care. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, hospice care supports residents receiving end of life care, and respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time away for travel or recovery. The community has 75 beds, giving families its stated capacity when considering placement.

Total nurse staffing is 3h 47m per resident per day. That represents the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. The combination of skilled nursing, hospice, and respite services may suit a resident who needs ongoing nursing oversight or a family arranging temporary care.

Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are accepted. Medicaid may help when a resident’s savings do not cover a long stay, while Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence; private pay means paying directly. A therapy gym supports rehabilitation services, dementia support and care address residents living with dementia, and restaurant style chef prepared meals are tailored to individual health needs and preferences. The community also has a salon, chapel, outdoor spaces, and family gathering areas; the chapel provides a setting for religious services, while family gathering areas give residents and visitors a designated place to spend time together. Tymia Threatt serves as the administrator.

Contact Ivy At Davenport

Overview of HallMar Village

HallMar Village is a one-of-a-kind community in Cedar Rapids, IA, offering independent living. In collaboration with Mercy Medical Center, the community also offers assisted living and memory care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Thoughtfully designed and spacious accommodations are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, so residents can feel at ease during their stay.

With a jam-packed calendar of enriching programs and stimulating activities, residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections. Plenty of delectable and healthy dining options are also provided to meet residents’ dietary needs and preferences. The community’s comprehensive services and extensive amenities create the ideal setting for residents to enjoy their golden years without hassles.

Contact HallMar Village

Overview of Kingsley Specialty Care

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.

Contact Kingsley Specialty Care

Overview of Azria Health Park Place

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.

Contact Azria Health Park Place

Overview of Northgate Care Center

In Waukon, IA, Northgate Care Center works under a license naming assisted living, nursing home care, hospice care and skilled nursing. Help with daily tasks is the assisted living side, while the nursing sides carry the ongoing clinical work. Hospice is the comfort level, for end-of-life needs, and it is where nothing further is being planned. Four levels here answer needs that shift over time.

Fifty beds keep the community small, which means the same people recur rather than rotate. Nursing assigned across a resident’s care is 3h 35m daily. Medicare, Medicaid and private pay all work here, whether a family uses public coverage or pays directly.

Outpatient therapy is a named program, so therapy can happen without an inpatient rehabilitation stay. A private family gathering space gives visits a room of their own.

The area rates 68 for walking, inside the somewhat walkable range. A few errands are manageable on foot, which leaves some local trips within reach after driving stops.

Contact Northgate Care Center

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Nursing Homes in Iowa at a glance

Avg Overall CMS Rating: 3.1/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Iowa. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 3.5/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Iowa. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 2.9/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Iowa. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Iowa

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in Iowa?

Assisted living in Iowa is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — Iowa Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

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

How do I choose the right nursing home in Iowa?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Iowa, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in Iowa?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.