Page 19 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Overview of Harvest Acres Nursing & Rehab

Harvest Acres Nursing & Rehab handles community clinical care through a 35-bed medical layout at 204 North Keokuk Washington Road in Keota, Iowa. Under the local ownership of Scott Mow, the building stabilizes its ongoing resident accounts by processing private funding streams alongside formal Medicare and state Medicaid certifications. The overall census hovers near an 80 percent occupancy baseline, with residential stay lengths averaging around 442 days to reflect a slow-paced blend of transitional physical therapy and traditional extended nursing placements.

Floor care schedules balance an average of 3 hours and 53 minutes of hands-on attention for every individual each day. Certified nursing aides provide over two hours of this direct care baseline, while registered nurses contribute 35 minutes and licensed practical nurses deliver 37 minutes to manage routine physical treatment lines and therapeutic recovery tracks.

For off-site errands, the local neighborhood maps out a walkability score of 32 out of 100, which means visiting families and staff members rely on personal vehicles to navigate standard regional trips. Prospective residents can get in touch with the main office to verify current bed layouts, look over the recovery calendar, or plan an afternoon walkthrough of the clinical therapy spaces.

Overview of Northcrest Community

Create unforgettable moments at Northcrest Community, an outstanding community in Ames, IA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With thoughtfully furnished and spacious accommodations, residents can find the accommodation that best matches their preferences. Residents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with plenty of convenient apartment features.

Unique shops and recreational spaces surround the area, ensuring residents can easily access unending leisure and wellness opportunities. With a fully equipped kitchen in each unit, residents can prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. The community is a great option for those looking to live independently in retirement, especially with its vibrant and inviting environment.

Overview of Northridge Village

Northridge Village is a 68-bed continuing care community at 3300 George Washington Carver Avenue in Ames, Iowa. Managed by Pivotal Healthcare and led by Executive Director Kayla Zellmer, the facility offers a spectrum of care from independent living to a 38-bed skilled nursing unit. Current occupancy for the nursing component is reported at 63%, while the broader campus provides specialized memory care at “Maggie’s Place”. The property is conveniently located in Story County near local medical facilities and retail centers.

Oversight records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicate a history of severe regulatory findings and resident harm. While the nursing unit achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero in January 2026, contributing to a high overall CMS rating, the facility has faced over $80,000 in fines for past failures. These violations include three resident deaths between 2021 and 2024 attributed to unaddressed infections, improper transfer protocols, and deactivated safety equipment. In February 2024, the community was fined $6,000 after a resident died following a fall where her emergency pendant had been mistakenly disabled.

Bedside care is currently managed by a staff that provides 4 hours and 27 minutes of nursing time per resident daily, a figure that exceeds the Iowa average. Despite this statistical strength, state investigators previously documented insufficient nursing coverage, noting instances where call-light responses were delayed by up to 34 minutes. Professional services include both long-term medical support and short-term rehabilitation, though past 2-star health inspection ratings suggest foundational gaps in care planning and infection control. Management has historically contested these findings, asserting that evidence of compliance was often overlooked during surveys.

The communal environment features a wellness center, spa, and fitness programs designed for diverse activity levels. Shared social features include on-site church services, card clubs, and movie nights intended to foster resident engagement. However, internal professional reviews from 2026 highlight ongoing concerns regarding management stability and periods of high staff turnover. The facility remains pet-friendly and continues to offer scheduled transportation for off-site appointments and community trips.

This campus fits seniors who want a full range of care levels and many on-site activities. Before deciding, families should ask about the fix for the 2024 emergency equipment failure and request recent records of how fast staff respond to call lights.

Overview of Cottage Grove Place

At Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, residents can expect a top-tier level of care within their reach. The spacious rooms are designed to be bright and open, creating an atmosphere that’s both inviting and comfortable. The community is conveniently located near a variety of amenities, including physicians, hospitals, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. Whether you’re in need of assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, or rehabilitation services, Cottage Grove Place has you covered. 

Their executive chef and culinary team prepare exquisite and healthy meals to satisfy your palette, utilizing a holistic approach to wellness. In addition to great dining, there are also beautiful outdoor spaces available for residents to bask in the sun or enjoy the fresh air. The onsite salon and spa, fitness center, libraries, activity room, card solarium, and billiards room provide endless opportunities for fun and conversation with fellow residents. And, for those who love their furry companions, Cottage Grove Place also welcomes them with open arms.

Overview of Life Center

Offering excellent memory care, long-term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services, The Life Center is a dependable senior living community in Des Moines, IA that helps residents maintain a sense of individuality and freedom while receiving additional support. The community features a reliable nursing team available 24-hours a day and an extensive rehabilitative program, featuring physical, speech, and occupational therapies that help residents maintain their highest level of functionality.

Residents also delight in an array of convenient services that help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle such as housekeeping, laundry, package delivery services, and more. A registered dietician carefully reviews the residents’ therapeutic diets to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and nourishment. With Life Center, residents are guaranteed to lead the lifestyle they deserve surrounded by compassionate support and care.

The Summit at Bettendorf is a well-regarded retirement community in Bettendorf, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The community also features a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans in a nurturing and home-like environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. With chef-prepared meals, 24-hour care, and wellness programs, residents can maintain their independence with ease. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides exceptional care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Lectures, light physical activities, and resident clubs help residents have fun and continue learning. Residents can also interact with friends and lounge, as state-of-the-art amenities, like the rooftop bar, salon, and walking paths, are available. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Bettendorf, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With its exceptional quality of care, this retirement community is a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

The Gardens of Cedar Rapids is a one-story building in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with 40 beds, and it covers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing care together in the same place. Apartments come in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom sizes, and each one has its own climate control. Getting around the neighborhood mostly means driving, since the Walk Score here is just 7 out of 100.

Residents can spend time in the chapel, the library, the beauty salon, or the courtyard, which has paths for walking outside. Meals are served restaurant-style instead of like a cafeteria. A podiatrist and pharmacy services are available right on-site, and staff handle medication management too.

Nurses and nurse aides split up the daily care work. Registered nurses and licensed nurses each play a role, but nurse aides spend the most time directly with residents, about two and a half hours per person every day.

Out of 40 total beds, 35 are currently filled, which works out to 88% occupancy and points to steady interest in the community. The facility takes both Medicare and private pay. Jbrb Investments LLC owns the building, and Chalee Michael serves as the administrator. Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducts the state inspections, and past inspections here have mostly looked at medication management, hazardous materials safety, care documentation, and resident rights.

With multiple care types offered in a single location, added clinical services like podiatry and pharmacy support, and shared spaces like the chapel and courtyard, The Gardens of Cedar Rapids offers residents both medical support and a sense of community in one setting.

Overview of Meth Wick Health Center

Meth-Wick Health Center is a 69-bed skilled nursing facility at 1625 Brendelwood Drive in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Managed by the non-profit Meth-Wick Community and led by administrator Holly Lear, the center is part of a 65-acre continuing care retirement community (CCRC) serving Linn County. The campus provides a complete continuum of care, including independent and assisted living, with an 88% occupancy rate that significantly exceeds the state average.

The facility is CMS-certified and holds a 5-star overall rating, reflecting performance categorized as “Much Above Average”. Between 2020 and 2025, state inspections yielded a per-inspection average of 0.8 deficiencies, less than half the Iowa average of 1.8. Annual surveys in both 2024 and 2025 resulted in zero deficiencies. While a 2023 investigation identified a single citation regarding the storage of a controlled medication, the facility has no record of fines or immediate jeopardy findings in recent years.

Clinical Profile and StaffingStaffing levels are a primary strength, with total nursing hours at 5 hours 4 minutes per resident day—well above the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are particularly high at 1 hour 9 minutes, 56% above the state average, which ensures robust clinical oversight.

Clinical services coordinate short-term rehabilitation, specialized memory care, and bariatric accommodations, supported by 24-hour medical monitoring and on-site therapy.

The campus offers a mission-driven residential setting with varied apartment layouts and specialized nursing suites in “The Woodlands” wing. Shared services include nutritional meal plans with restaurant-style dining, a dedicated Town Center for social gathering, and comprehensive wellness and recreation programs.

Residents have access to housekeeping, personal laundry, and scheduled transportation for medical and social needs within the Cedar Rapids metro area.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current bedside care standards during an on-site visit to witness the community’s high staffing ratios. It is advisable to ask the administrator about current availability and waitlist procedures, as the facility’s strong 2026 quality ratings and 5-star performance often result in high demand for its skilled nursing and rehabilitation suites.

Overview of Story Medical Senior Care

Story Medical Senior Care is a 60-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation community located at 710 South 19th Street in Nevada, Iowa. Operated by Story Medical and led by administrator Melissa Opperman, the facility serves Story County with 24-hour nursing and medical oversight. The campus is highly accessible, featuring a Walk Score of 71, and was recently recognized on Newsweek’s “America’s Best Nursing Homes 2026” list.

The community is CMS-certified and holds a 5-star overall rating, reflecting “Much Above Average” performance. Between 2020 and 2025, state inspections yielded 15 deficiencies, resulting in an average of 1.3 per inspection, 28% below the Iowa state average. While a December 2025 survey resulted in zero deficiencies, a November 2025 investigation identified two citations related to delayed abuse reporting and safety documentation. No fines or payment denials have been issued in the past three years.

Staffing levels are a primary strength, with total nursing hours at 5 hours 33 minutes per resident day—26% above the state average. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are particularly high at 1 hour 22 minutes, which is 86% above the Iowa average, providing robust clinical coverage on both weekdays and weekends. Services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, alongside specialized care such as in-house podiatry and restorative exercises.

The facility features a modern, purpose-built design with private rooms, in-room showers, and abundant natural light. Shared amenities and programs include:Nutritious meals with flexible anytime dining, intergenerational activities with local students, and organized day trips. The campus also provides on-site dental and podiatry services to minimize off-site travel. The community currently maintains a high occupancy rate of 95%, significantly exceeding the state average.

Individuals should evaluate the current staffing model and safety protocols during an on-site tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the November 2025 reporting deficiency to ensure continued compliance with state safety and reporting standards.

Overview of Community Memorial Al

Community Memorial Assisted Living is a 32-bed senior living community at 233 North 8th Avenue West in Hartley, Iowa. Managed by Kay Wynja and part of the Community Memorial Health Center campus, the facility provides assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care under a license valid through July 2026. Current data indicates a census of five residents, representing a 16% occupancy rate, which is below the state average of 75.4%. The location holds a Walk Score of 43, suggesting that most errands require transportation provided by the facility.

Regulatory records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing reflect a strong compliance history over the last 14 years. The most recent recertification in July 2025 resulted in a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. While a 2015 review noted a citation regarding the timeliness of tenant evaluations, the facility has recorded no deficiencies in its last five major surveys. During this period, there have been no documented fines, license suspensions, or enforcement actions.

Clinical care is supported by 24-hour on-site staffing and an integrated medical clinic with X-ray services. Professional services include medication management, health monitoring, and specialized physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Residents benefit from priority admission to the adjacent skilled nursing and rehabilitation wing if health needs change. Staffing metrics for the health center show nurse hours exceeding state averages, providing four hours and two minutes of care per resident daily.

The residential environment includes private apartments with kitchenettes, emergency call pendants, and access to a whirlpool bathing suite. Shared amenities feature a beauty salon, garden patio, and communal dining areas where three meals are served daily. Housekeeping, laundry, and all utilities except telephone service are included in the monthly fees. Social engagement is facilitated through a rotation of planned recreational activities and 24-hour visiting availability.

Prospective residents seeking a small-scale community with an on-site medical clinic and a long-term record of regulatory excellence may find this campus suitable. Families should ask directly about the specific staffing ratios for the memory care neighborhood and confirm current availability for private suites before making a placement decision.