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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.
HC (Home Care):
Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing.
HOS (Hospice Care):
Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
ADC (Adult Day Care):
Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home.
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.
Conveniently located near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, Friendship Village is an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. The community also features beautifully furnished and spacious floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with the community helping with housekeeping and chores.
Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced meals to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are welcome to stay to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.
Located in a highly walkable neighborhood, St Francis Manor is a skilled nursing home with a strong focus on rehabilitation services. The 78-bed facility has been serving the community for 49 years. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay give families several options for arranging care.
Rehabilitation is a central part of the facility’s care model. St Francis Manor operates an on-site Rehabilitation Clinic and provides hospital-to-home skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Residents recovering from surgery, illness, and other acute health events can transition directly into structured care within the community. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy support a wide range of rehabilitation needs. Residents who require ongoing support are provided with long-term nursing care and restorative services.
Daily nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 19 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of care each day. They are supported by nurse aides and licensed nurses. This level of staffing provides consistent clinical oversight and hands-on assistance throughout the day.
Wellness and activity are important parts of residents’ daily lives. There’s an on-site S.H.A.P.E. Fitness program, along with a walking track, exercise equipment, and fitness classes for residents who want to maintain strength and mobility. St Francis Manor also has a home healthcare service, so residents can continue receiving care in a setting they are familiar with.
The facility currently has 54 residents living in 78 beds, resulting in an occupancy rate of 69%. State inspections show that the facility has been working to maintain compliance. The most recent review found no health deficiencies. Families considering St Francis Manor should take a tour and explore the therapy areas, fitness amenities, and daily care environment.
The Mayflower Home operates a 40-bed skilled nursing wing at its Broad Street campus in Grinnell, Iowa, under the management of administrator Kellie McGriff. This community accommodates residents aged 55 and older, coordinating patient accounts through private pay, Medicare, and Medicaid. Stays here average roughly 331 days, indicating a residential population where long-term care plans are integrated with temporary post-hospital rehabilitation.
Daily care routines are supported by an on-floor nursing team providing an average of 5 hours and 2 minutes of direct attention per resident. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides distribute this 24-hour schedule to manage wound protocols, medication delivery, and active physical therapies. Residents have access to recreational programs organized by the internal residents’ association, while the surrounding Grinnell neighborhood scores a high 82 out of 100 for walkability, allowing visiting families to manage most local trips on foot.
Past inspections by state regulators identified some necessary updates in care documentation and quality procedures, which the administration resolved; the most recent complaint investigation confirmed the home remains in substantial compliance. Current occupancy levels hover around 78 percent, giving the management room to accommodate incoming admissions.
Families can reach out to the admissions office to check on current bed availability, request details on the residents’ association events, or set up a time to view the campus.
Spurgeon Manor is a 55-bed nonprofit skilled nursing and memory care community in Dallas Center, Dallas County, Iowa, offering skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory care, and assisted living services to residents across the greater Des Moines area. It is administered by Crystal Scroggin.
Spurgeon Manor holds a 5-star CMS overall rating — the highest possible — with every sub-rating performing above Iowa averages. Staffing is the standout: nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 36 minutes per resident per day, roughly 27% above the Iowa average of 4 hours and 25 minutes, ranking the facility 18th among 241 Iowa skilled nursing facilities.
Across 21 inspections since 2020 — 40% more visits than the Iowa average of 15 — the facility averaged 1.4 deficiencies per inspection, 22% below the Iowa mean of 1.8. The most recent inspection on December 10, 2025, accepted the facility’s plan of correction. Two substantiated complaints appear in the record: one involving timely abuse reporting (February 2023) and one involving the posting of required information (August 2024). No fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions have been issued.
The facility’s occupancy rate is 89%, well above the Iowa average of 75.4%, reflecting consistent local demand. The facility accepts both Medicare and Medicaid and maintains 24-hour staffing. On-site services include physician services, laboratory, pharmacy, podiatry, and optometry. Amenities include a chapel, private dining rooms, and an exercise room. The facility received a 2021 Silver Achievement in Quality Award.
Spurgeon Manor is best suited for residents seeking long-term skilled nursing or memory care in a small nonprofit community with strong staffing ratios and a consistent compliance record in Dallas Center, Iowa.
Prairie Vista Village provides independent housing, assisted living care, and short-term post-acute therapy at 2785 1st Avenue South in Altoona, Iowa. Under the leadership of owner and administrator John Freeman, the campus features a 68-bed nursing wing that frequently maintains a 50 percent occupancy level. Regular monthly accounts are handled through private funding avenues or standard federal Medicare network benefits. Stays here average about 285 days, meaning the daily scheduling balances temporary convalescent therapy cases with extended clinical residential placements.
On-site health routines center around a structured dining setup and a daily therapy calendar. To manage individual clinical needs, the floor staff coordinates an average of 4 hours and 42 minutes of direct hands-on nursing care per resident every day. Registered nurses cover 54 minutes of this daily schedule, working with licensed practical nurses who provide 24 minutes and certified nursing assistants who handle 3 hours and 5 minutes of bedside assistance. Outside the campus grounds, the surrounding neighborhood records a walkability score of 29 out of 100, which means visiting guests and families rely on a vehicle to handle standard errands around the town.
Regular evaluation surveys have logged clean findings across multiple checkup cycles, with past citations restricted to standard, corrected operational items involving localized nutrition and basic care procedures. Internal supervisors analyze these public safety reports to keep floor rules updated and coordinate mandatory ongoing training metrics for the clinical teams.
Prospective residents can call the main admissions line to double-check open room layouts, ask about the independent living floor plans, or set up a morning walkthrough of the common dining areas.
Enjoy the best of your golden years at Mount Carmel Bluffs, an outstanding community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. The community also offers enriched living, memory care, and long-term care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with housekeeping and other maintenance services.
Plenty of local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents can also prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences with a fully furnished kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services create the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.
Heritage House provides assisted living and memory care from its 68-room, two-story building at 5200 Hollister Avenue in the Goleta area of Santa Barbara, California. Run by administrator Alejandra Nunez under the Heritage House Group, this home has been open for 23 years and usually runs at about 85 percent occupancy. Families cover the costs here through private, out-of-pocket payments. The building blends standard assisted living with specialized support for people navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia.
An in-house kitchen team makes home-style meals served across an on-site pub, café, and main dining room. On the floor, the care team provides a weekend average of 3 hours and 41 minutes of nursing attention per resident, with nurse aides covering 2 hours and 48 minutes of daily hands-on help alongside scheduled registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. The private rooms are set up with kitchenettes and wheelchair-accessible showers. Outside, the neighborhood scores a 67 out of 100 for walkability, so visiting family can easily handle a few quick errands on foot.
State inspectors haven’t found a single problem here lately, locking in a track record of zero deficiencies over recent evaluation cycles. The management team uses these clean reports to back up their current safety routines, local transportation services, and daily social programs. Residents also have access to open shared spaces around the property, including a fitness center, billiards lounge, media room, and ballroom.
Families checking out local care options can call the front desk to check on current room openings, ask how the memory care program is set up, or book a time to walk through the building.
Clarence Nursing Home provides independent living, assisted living, nursing home, skilled nursing and long term care in Clarence, Iowa. Independent living offers private housing with community services but no daily personal care, while assisted living adds help with bathing, dressing, medication and other routine tasks. Nursing home and skilled nursing care include licensed nursing support around the clock, including ongoing care for residents with long term medical needs.
These care levels may be a good fit for someone whose support needs could increase over time, since the community can accommodate different levels of care without requiring a move to another campus. The community has 46 beds, creating a smaller setting where residents and staff can become familiar with one another. Occupancy is 91 percent, so most beds are in use and families should ask about current openings and admission timing.
Rehabilitation is available on site. A resident can receive rehabilitative care at the facility instead of arranging transportation to an outside provider. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 2 minutes per resident each day, representing the combined nursing staff time allocated across resident care.
Of that total, registered nurse and licensed practical nurse staffing accounts for 55 minutes per resident per day, rather than a continuously assigned licensed nurse for each person. Clarence Nursing Home accepts Medicare, Medicaid and private pay, allowing eligible residents to use Medicare for qualifying short term skilled care, Medicaid for covered long term care or personal funds to pay directly.
Clarence Nursing Home opened in 1968. It is part of the Clarence Senior Living Campus and is administered by Jason Tjaden. Its Walk Score is 34 out of 100, a Car Dependent rating that means most errands require a car or a ride, particularly for a resident who no longer drives.
The United Presbyterian Home operates a 55-bed skilled nursing unit as part of its 35-acre continuing care retirement campus in Washington, Iowa. The facility coordinates billing through Medicare and Medicaid, offering options for people recovering from short-term hospital stays as well as those needing long-term residential placements. Stays here average about 171 days, and visitors will find the local neighborhood highly walkable, scoring an 81 out of 100 for foot travel.
Residents get around 4 hours and 52 minutes of direct daily care from the on-floor nursing staff and nurse aides. To minimize travel for medical checkups, the team partners with specialized therapists to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy right on campus. The property also runs an independent home health service for residents transitioning back to apartments, cottages, or studios, and features a wellness center equipped with an indoor walking track and a warm water therapy pool.
Reviews by state inspectors over the last 16 years have consistently monitored environmental management, staff supervision, and clinical documentation to ensure regulatory safety guidelines are met.
Prospective families can reach out to the admissions office to check on current bed availability, learn about the campus home health services, or schedule a tour of the grounds. The main desk can also explain the entry paperwork and outline how Medicaid or Medicare applies to the community’s different care programs.
Marian Home is a 90-bed nonprofit nursing home in Fort Dodge, Iowa, offering skilled nursing, independent living, memory care, and rehabilitation services to residents in Webster County. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay and is managed by a nonprofit.
Across 16 inspections since 2019, Marian Home recorded 11 total deficiencies — 59% below the Iowa average of 27. The most recent standard inspection, completed in April 2025, found no deficiencies. One substantiated incident in 2024 involved a resident fall resulting in a fracture, attributed to staff not using a gait belt during a transfer; staff education was implemented afterward. No fines or enforcement actions appear in the record.
The facility’s staffing stands out as a genuine differentiator. Nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 16 minutes per resident per day compared with Iowa’s average of 4 hours and 25 minutes, placing Marian Home 24th out of 241 Iowa SNFs on adjusted nursing hours — a meaningful gap for residents with higher care needs. The facility also provides therapy services, along with community living areas, social programs, and group activities in Halverson Hall, and offers 24-hour staffing. The occupancy rate is 78%, close to the Iowa average, indicating moderate availability.
The combination of a clean recent inspection record, well-above-average nurse staffing, and a continuum that spans independent living, skilled nursing, and memory care makes it best suited for residents seeking a long-term residential setting where care intensity can increase without requiring relocation.
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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