Page 22 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Countryside Health Care Center is a 101-bed nursing home on Morningside Ave in Sioux City, Iowa, single-story, private rooms throughout. Walk Score’s a 9, which is about as car-dependent as it gets, so nobody’s strolling to get coffee.

Reliant Rehab therapy plus short-term and long-term skilled nursing, plus respite care for families who need a bridge, not a permanent placement. Average stay clocks in at 81 days, which is short in nursing-home terms, more rehab timeline than settle-in timeline. Occupancy sits at 49.3% right now. Staffing breaks down to 32 minutes of RN time per resident per day, 1 hour 21 minutes of LPN time, and 2 hours 32 minutes from nurse aides, so the bulk of hands-on care comes from that aide layer, with LPNs doing the routine clinical work and RNs stepping in for oversight.

The payer mix backs up the two-track read: 35% of new residents come in on Medicare, and they’re mostly out again within about a month, which is textbook post-acute rehab. Private pay is the biggest group at 56%, staying 6 to 7 months on average, somewhere between short-stay and long-term. Medicaid residents, just 9% of new admissions, stick around 3 to 4 months. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted here, so the coverage door is open regardless of which track a family’s on.

Put it all next to each other and Countryside reads like two overlapping ones sharing a building: a rehab stopover for people recovering from something acute, and a slower-paced nursing option for people whose stay is going to run longer. Which one fits depends entirely on why someone’s walking through the door in the first place.

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.

Situated on Rochester Avenue, Iowa City Rehab and Health Care Center is a nursing home in Iowa City, Iowa, that provides long-term care and short-term services. Operating for over 42 years, the community is licensed with 76 beds. Furthermore, its current occupancy is 57%, with 43 older adults in residence.

An average of 1 hour and 56 minutes of daily support from Nurse Aides is provided, along with approximately 40 minutes of Registered Nurse care and 25 minutes of LPN/LVN services. Additionally, this staffing structure supports individuals who require skilled nursing care, including those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.

With a Walk Score of 36, the community’s area is relatively walkable with few amenities accessible on foot. Moreover, most errands and visits require a car for accessibility.

Medication administration practices, staffing levels, infection prevention, and resident safety protocols were also identified as areas of concern on the most recent state inspection. A discussion with the leadership or a tour of Iowa City Rehab and Health Care Center would also benefit interested families who are exploring care options.

Overview of The Lindens at Green Hills

Operated by the Green Hills Residents’ Association, The Lindens at Green Hills is a senior living community in the Green Hills neighborhood of Ames, Iowa. It offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. The community is housed in a mid-rise building about 2.7 miles from Mary Greeley Medical Center, providing residents and families with convenient access to nearby hospital care.

The care team helps residents with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, and medication management while emphasizing personal choice and maintaining independence. Residents can choose from one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences ranging from about 536 to 1,489 square feet. Residents can access transportation services, fitness and recreation programs, and a pet-friendly environment.

The Lindens at Green Hills has 56 beds, with an occupancy rate of 79%, with an average daily census of approximately 44 residents. Nursing staff provides nearly 6 hours of direct nursing care per resident each day, giving families a useful measure of the hands-on support available within the community.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 18, which is car-dependent. Most errands and outings require a vehicle rather than a walk. Families considering The Lindens at Green Hills should ask about current apartment availability, especially for the one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.

Mary Greeley Medical Center provides unparalleled 24/7 nursing care. This remarkable 220-bed hospital excels in delivering top-notch and cost-effective medical services. Their commitment to senior health is unwavering, offering rigorous screening options and a range of programs that truly elevate lives.

For individuals aged 60 and above, Mary Greeley Medical Center provides a safe haven with its reliable services. From orthopedics and cancer care to cardiac care and beyond, they cover a comprehensive spectrum of medical needs. Additionally, they extend their expertise to services like foot care, blood pressure screenings, and invaluable health education. In essence, they stand as a testament to the best care nursing homes, ensuring seniors receive exceptional and compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility.

Overview of Luther Park Community

Luther Park Community is a senior living community in Des Moines. It serves occupants across a full spectrum of care needs, from independent living to skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care. Set in a quiet residential neighborhood about 2.4 miles from downtown, the three-story community offers floor plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Unit sizes span 517 to 1,050 square feet, so residents can find a layout that fits their space needs.

The home highlights care and independence. Daily life includes a hair salon, outdoor living spaces, an exercise room, and a library, with nutritious meals and transportation to outings integrated into the schedule. Pets are allowed, which matters to many occupants wanting their animal companions around. Central to the daily experience are fitness and recreational activities, alongside the attentive support each resident receives following their care level. The facility’s location scores 45 on the walkability scale, meaning some walkable nearby services, and most errands and appointments require a drive. For visiting families and friends, the residential setting offers a quieter pace than busier commercial areas, with easy access to local parks, shopping, dining, and hospitals nearby.

When considering the facility, families may want to tour the floor plans, observe daily activities and meal service, and discuss the care tier and housing option that best match their family member’s needs and preferences.

Overview of West Ridge Care Center – Nursing Home

West Ridge Care Center, located in Cedar Rapids, IA, is a care facility operating since 1992 and offering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. As part of their care services, they provide their residents with 24 hour nursing care by their RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Additionally they house an interdisciplinary wound care team, and rehabilitation aides that assists residents in recovering their health and strength after surgery or an illness.
This care facility also offers non-medical related services that are necessary to ensure the residents’ maximum level of comfort, as well as amenities that promote physical and mental wellbeing. This includes social services for needs analysis to ensure proper care is provided, dietary services for nutritious meals and snacks provisions, and environmental services like housekeeping and laundry to keep the living quarters and common spaces clean and sanitized.

Overview of Care Initiatives

Care Initiatives, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a care facility offering a spectrum of services that offer skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice care. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those they serve is evident in their approach. Every interaction with residents is valued, and they prioritize personal growth for each individual. Care Initiatives boasts a team of dedicated professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants, who provide various services, spanning dietary support, social services, and engaging activities.
In terms of skilled nursing services, Care Initiatives excels in providing specialized care such as tube feedings, wound care management, and access to beauty and barbershop services. They also offer bariatric accommodations and cater to the unique needs of veterans. Additionally, their rehabilitation services are top-notch, featuring accelerated care, state-of-the-art therapy equipment, and expert care in occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Care Initiatives is renowned for its expertise, making it a trusted community where seniors can be assured of safe and high-quality care.

Countryside Health Care Center is an esteemed facility in Sioux City, Iowa. This privately-owned center offers a diverse range of care options, including Reliant Rehab therapy, short-term and long-term skilled nursing, and respite care, ensuring specialized attention for each resident. Their holistic approach caters to residents’ physical, mental, and social needs, creating a fulfilling experience for each individual. Conveniently located near Highway 20 in Sioux City, this senior care facility serves families across the Siouxland areas, fostering a supportive community. 

At Countryside Health Care Center, a dedicated team with extensive knowledge and experience ensures personalized and compassionate care for every resident. This assisted living community’s unwavering commitment to residents’ well-being creates a welcoming environment where seniors can thrive and achieve optimal health and happiness. 

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.