Page 22 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Harmony Marshalltown is a 72-bed skilled nursing facility located at 910 East Olive Street in Marshalltown, Iowa. Administered by Grace Maitland, the community provides short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term residential services for Marshall County. The campus maintains a current occupancy rate of approximately 71%, which is modestly below the Iowa state average of 75.4%.

The facility is CMS-certified and currently holds a 1-star overall rating, categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2023 and 2026, state inspectors conducted multiple surveys resulting in a high frequency of citations, with a January 2026 health inspection yielding 16 deficiencies, well above the Iowa average of 6.1.

Recent complaint investigations substantiated concerns regarding accident hazards, inadequate resident supervision, and unsafe discharge practices. While a September 2025 revisit found the facility in substantial compliance with zero new deficiencies at that time, recurring citations for staffing and resident rights remain on record.

Staffing levels at Harmony Marshalltown present a split clinical profile. Total nursing hours are 4 hours 7 minutes per resident day, which exceeds the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. However, Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 29 minutes per resident day, 34% below the state average, and weekend RN coverage is 57% below the Iowa mean at 13 minutes. Clinical programs coordinate orthopedic recovery and wound care, supported by physical therapy hours that perform in line with state benchmarks.

The facility features a residential atmosphere with specialized wings for memory care and short-term rehabilitation.Shared amenities and services include:24-hour nursing supervision, dietary management with food safety oversight, and organized social activities. Residents have access to respiratory services and immunization programs, though families should note that 2024 and 2025 surveys identified recurring gaps in food sanitation and infection prevention protocols.

The community accepts both Medicare and Medicaid and is not part of a continuing care retirement community.

Individuals should check the current bedside care standards and resident safety protocols during an on-site tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions regarding the January 2026 health citations and to verify that weekend RN staffing levels have been stabilized to meet the individual clinical needs of residents.

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.

Overview of Riverside Manor

Located in Ames, IA, Riverside Manor is a nursing home that provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, and extended care programs. The community also provides convenient access to local healthcare resources, particularly Mary Greeley Medical Center.

Core services include rehabilitation and home care support, allowing the community to accommodate older adults’ different needs. To support residents’ recovery and overall health, a wellness program is provided.

Moreover, emergency response systems are installed in every resident room and bathroom to ensure safety.
Housekeeping and linen services are provided, along with home-style meals that are prepared with fresh ingredients. Family and friends are also encouraged to visit, as flexible visiting hours are provided.

Its surrounding area is slightly walkable, as reflected by its Walk Score of 45. This suggests that only a few services are available within walking distance, and transportation is required for most errands. Riverside Manor may appeal to families seeking nursing care in a residential setting with rehabilitation services, wellness support, and proximity to medical care.

Overview of Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation

Valley Vista for Nursing and Rehabilitation is a 65-bed skilled nursing facility at 200 South Eighth Avenue East in Newton, Iowa. Administered by Mariah Fox, the community provides a full spectrum of post-hospitalization care, including short-term rehabilitation, specialized memory care, and hospice services. Centrally located in Jasper County, the campus is moderately walkable with a Walk Score of 67.

The facility is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). While earlier records indicated certification gaps, recent data confirms Valley Vista is certified for Medicare and Medicaid effective December 18, 2025. As of early 2026, the facility maintains a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for its most recent standard licensure survey. No fines or immediate jeopardy findings appear in available records.

Staffing levels at Valley Vista are generally below Iowa averages. Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 36 minutes per resident day—18% below the state average of 44 minutes—and Physical Therapist hours are 50% below average at one minute per day. Despite these staffing levels, long-stay outcomes are strong, with a hospitalization rate of 0.50 per 1,000 resident days, which is 66% better than the Iowa average. However, short-stay residents experience a successful return to home or community at a rate of 42.1%, which is 17% below the state average.

The campus offers a residential atmosphere with diverse amenities including an arts and crafts room, game room, and a library. Shared features include:Landscaped grounds with walking paths and a garden for outdoor access. The social calendar includes community outings, holiday celebrations, and fitness programs. To support resident wellness, the facility provides spa services, pet visits, and chef-planned meals.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current discharge planning support during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the 2026 staffing model and the physical therapy structure to ensure it meets individual rehabilitation goals given the lower community return rate.

Overview of Country Lane Manor

Country Lane Manor is a 60-bed skilled nursing facility located at 819 Country Lane Road in Keosauqua, Iowa. Administered by Ashley Ames and operated by Campbell Street Services, the center provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and memory care for Van Buren County residents. The campus serves as a localized clinical hub for southeast Iowa, offering 24-hour medical monitoring and a resident council for community engagement.

State and federal oversight currently assigns the facility a 1-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2024 and 2026, the community has undergone several inspections, with the August 2025 standard report identifying 11 deficiencies, nearly double the Iowa state average of 6.1. While recent complaint investigations in early 2025 resulted in single citations regarding nutrition and dietary temperatures, the facility has recorded zero infection control deficiencies over the last three years. To date, the center has incurred $59,150 in federal fines and one payment suspension.

Daily nursing time is guided by a staffing model that delivers approximately 3 hours 18 minutes per resident, performing 13% below the state average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 15 minutes per resident day, which is half of the Iowa mean, while weekend RN coverage drops further to a lower tier. Despite these staffing gaps, the center reports that 83% of its rehabilitation residents successfully return home, and long-stay quality measures hold a 4-star rating for outcomes in pain management and physical function.

The campus environment provides a residential setting focused on “Senior Life Solutions” that coordinate clinical care with social wellness. On-site amenities include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as specialized programs for cardiac care and respiratory support. The facility provides respite care for family caregivers and facilitates community activities to promote a social lifestyle for long-term residents. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted to support varied financial needs.

Families should check the current bedside care standards and staffing levels during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions following the 2024 and 2025 citations regarding dietary safety and nursing staff levels to ensure that clinical coverage meets the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

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.

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 Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation

Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation is an 80-bed community at 5608 SW Ninth Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Administered by Dirk Timm and operated by Gateway Healthcare LLC, the facility provides skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitative therapy to Polk County residents. The campus maintains a high occupancy rate of 89% and is located in a walkable area near central city services.

State and federal oversight currently assigns the facility a 1-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Historical records indicate a high frequency of citations, with the facility averaging 16.2 deficiencies annually between 2020 and 2025, the highest rate among state benchmarks in this review context. While a November 2025 follow-up survey concluded with zero new citations, earlier reports identified recurring concerns regarding abuse reporting, medication management, and infection control. Since 2024, the facility has also incurred federal penalties totaling over $380,000 for non-compliance with health standards.

Professional care is guided by a staffing model that delivers approximately 3 hours 43 minutes of daily nursing time per resident. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 30 minutes per resident day, a figure that is roughly 32% below the Iowa state average. Despite these staffing gaps, long-stay quality measures hold a 4-star rating, reflecting positive outcomes in pain management and physical function. Conversely, short-stay metrics indicate a rehospitalization rate that is 14% higher than the state mean.

The campus environment provides 24-hour medical oversight alongside specialized wellness initiatives like the “Stay Active” program. Residents have access to in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as private rooms and organized social engagement. While not part of a continuing care retirement community, the facility operates dedicated wings for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. Medicare and Medicaid are both accepted to support varied placement needs.

Older adults and their representatives should evaluate the current bedside care standards and abuse prevention protocols during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions regarding the 2025 citations and to verify that the current nursing coverage is sufficient to meet the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

Nestled in Iowa City, Mercy Hospital exudes a sense of grace as it navigates the intricate landscape of the aging process. With a keen understanding of seniors’ needs, the hospital provides an array of services that go beyond the ordinary. From offering specialized nursing home care to addressing a diverse range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more, Mercy Hospital is a trusted haven for seniors seeking comprehensive and attentive medical support.

As an institution attuned to the highest nursing home requirements, Mercy Hospital offers a holistic approach to seniors’ well-being. From osteoporosis to osteoarthritis, their comprehensive services encompass a spectrum of conditions that come with aging. The hospital’s commitment to monitoring and addressing potential complications showcases its dedication to delivering care that goes above and beyond. Backed by a team of compassionate and skilled professionals, Mercy Hospital ensures seniors receive the tailored support they deserve during their golden years.

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.