Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Reviewed by

Last updated

Jun 2026

We analyzed

222 homes in Iowa

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Iowa Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

Government Data for Nursing Homes in Iowa: Salaries, Revenues, Occupancy Rates, Ownership.

Other senior care options in Iowa:

Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living

Ames Ankeny Atlantic Burlington Cedar Falls Cedar Rapids Clinton Council Bluffs Davenport Des Moines Fort Dodge Harlan Iowa City Marion Marshalltown Sioux City Urbandale West Des Moines

Compare Nursing Homes around Iowa

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

180 facilities compared · CMS & IA Dept. of Health data


Valley View Village		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. HC Home Care Professional care delivered in the person's own home — from companionship and errands to skilled nursing and therapy. Allows seniors to age in place. Medicare covers skilled home health when medically necessary. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Des Moines (Fairmont Park)	79 Facility 79 IA AVG 71 Rank #117 / 407	100.0% Facility 100.0% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #1 / 401	+33%	5.52 Facility 5.52 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #22 / 241				+29%	+29%	$9.1k Facility $9.1k IA AVG $53.4k Rank #170 / 246	19 Facility 19 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #139 / 241	3.2 Facility 3.2 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #94 / 241	2	75	-	38 Facility 38 IA AVG 45 Rank #305 / 528	Elim Care Inc	$9.7M Facility $9.7M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #70 / 242	$7.0M Facility $7.0M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #32 / 242	71.8% Facility 71.8% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #13 / 242	165507
Ramsey Village Continuing Care		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Des Moines (Drake)	78 Facility 78 IA AVG 71 Rank #119 / 407	85.8% Facility 85.8% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #93 / 401	+14%	4.04 Facility 4.04 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #148 / 241				-46%	-6%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	31 Facility 31 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #188 / 241	4.4 Facility 4.4 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #156 / 241	1	70	-	38 Facility 38 IA AVG 45 Rank #305 / 528	Claremont House Inc.	$12.4M Facility $12.4M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #43 / 242	$8.5M Facility $8.5M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #20 / 242	68.5% Facility 68.5% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #29 / 242	165514
West Ridge Care Center		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Cedar Rapids	60 Facility 60 IA AVG 71 Rank #214 / 407	75.0% Facility 75.0% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #158 / 401	-1%	4.88 Facility 4.88 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #52 / 241				+31%	+14%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	5 Facility 5 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #20 / 241	2.5 Facility 2.5 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #58 / 241	-	52	-	48 Facility 48 IA AVG 45 Rank #241 / 528	Elaine Sample	$9.4M Facility $9.4M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #77 / 242	$4.8M Facility $4.8M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #83 / 242	51.1% Facility 51.1% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #156 / 242	165567
Ridgecrest Village		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Davenport (Northwest Boulevard)	82 Facility 82 IA AVG 71 Rank #100 / 407	67.1% Facility 67.1% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #202 / 401	-11%	3.98 Facility 3.98 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #148 / 241				+31%	-7%	$118.9k Facility $118.9k IA AVG $53.4k Rank #223 / 246	43 Facility 43 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #213 / 241	7.2 Facility 7.2 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #220 / 241	3	55	-	41 Facility 41 IA AVG 45 Rank #287 / 528	Michael Beaderstadt	$15.8M Facility $15.8M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #20 / 242	$8.1M Facility $8.1M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #23 / 242	51.1% Facility 51.1% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #156 / 242	165049
Terrace Glen Village		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Marion (Flynn)	40 Facility 40 IA AVG 71 Rank #325 / 407	95.0% Facility 95.0% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #24 / 401	+26%	4.48 Facility 4.48 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #80 / 241				+20%	+4%	$12.2k Facility $12.2k IA AVG $53.4k Rank #162 / 246	14 Facility 14 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #105 / 241	4.7 Facility 4.7 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #162 / 241	4	38	A	14 Facility 14 IA AVG 45 Rank #444 / 528	Abernathy Family Farms LLC	$9.5M Facility $9.5M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #75 / 242	$4.5M Facility $4.5M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #90 / 242	47.9% Facility 47.9% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #183 / 242	165625
Mill Pond		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Ankeny	60 Facility 60 IA AVG 71 Rank #214 / 407	98.3% Facility 98.3% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #14 / 401	+30%	4.91 Facility 4.91 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #52 / 241				-16%	+14%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	9 Facility 9 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #62 / 241	3.0 Facility 3.0 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #81 / 241	-	57	-	16 Facility 16 IA AVG 45 Rank #439 / 528	Phs Management, LLC	$13.9M Facility $13.9M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #32 / 242	$6.9M Facility $6.9M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #34 / 242	49.4% Facility 49.4% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #177 / 242	165261
Bethany Home Retirement Center		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. NC Nursing Care	Dubuque (Eagle Point District)	66 Facility 66 IA AVG 71 Rank #182 / 407	100.0% Facility 100.0% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #1 / 401	+33%	4.19 Facility 4.19 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #120 / 241				0%	-2%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	2 Facility 2 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #6 / 241	2.0 Facility 2.0 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #23 / 241	-	65	-	69 Facility 69 IA AVG 45 Rank #103 / 528	Mike Brannon	$9.8M Facility $9.8M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #68 / 242	$6.3M Facility $6.3M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #38 / 242	64.6% Facility 64.6% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #47 / 242	165584
The Views of Marion		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Marion	60 Facility 60 IA AVG 71 Rank #214 / 407	48.3% Facility 48.3% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #290 / 401	-36%	4.15 Facility 4.15 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #139 / 241				-35%	-3%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	12 Facility 12 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #86 / 241	3.0 Facility 3.0 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #81 / 241	-	29	-	37 Facility 37 IA AVG 45 Rank #315 / 528	Dallas Urbain	$10.5M Facility $10.5M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #57 / 242	$4.6M Facility $4.6M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #88 / 242	44.1% Facility 44.1% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #201 / 242	165626
Green Hills Retirement Community		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. NC Nursing Care	Ames (Hamilton Drive)	56 Facility 56 IA AVG 71 Rank #234 / 407	78.6% Facility 78.6% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #134 / 401	+4%	5.86 Facility 5.86 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #10 / 241				-11%	+36%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	8 Facility 8 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #50 / 241	4.0 Facility 4.0 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #135 / 241	-	45	-	18 Facility 18 IA AVG 45 Rank #430 / 528	Green Hills Residents' Association	$8.6M Facility $8.6M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #86 / 242	$5.4M Facility $5.4M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #56 / 242	62.6% Facility 62.6% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #61 / 242	165577
Sunrise Retirement Community		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. NC Nursing Care RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision.	Sioux City	74 Facility 74 IA AVG 71 Rank #136 / 407	90.5% Facility 90.5% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #59 / 401	+20%	6.19 Facility 6.19 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #3 / 241				-23%	+44%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	11 Facility 11 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #78 / 241	3.7 Facility 3.7 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #118 / 241	-	68	A+	22 Facility 22 IA AVG 45 Rank #411 / 528	Samantha Roth	$14.6M Facility $14.6M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #25 / 242	$8.5M Facility $8.5M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #19 / 242	58.2% Facility 58.2% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #93 / 242	165473
Cedar Ridge Village		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	West Des Moines (Heritage Bend)	40 Facility 40 IA AVG 71 Rank #325 / 407	95.0% Facility 95.0% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #24 / 401	+26%	5.14 Facility 5.14 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #40 / 241				+11%	+20%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	20 Facility 20 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #148 / 241	5.0 Facility 5.0 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #171 / 241	-	39	A+	5 Facility 5 IA AVG 45 Rank #488 / 528	Central Iowa Hospital Corporation	$8.5M Facility $8.5M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #87 / 242	$4.3M Facility $4.3M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #98 / 242	50.6% Facility 50.6% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #160 / 242	165790
Rotary Senior Living		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Eagle Grove	40 Facility 40 IA AVG 71 Rank #325 / 407	77.5% Facility 77.5% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #143 / 401	+3%	3.73 Facility 3.73 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #190 / 241				+45%	-13%	$100.1k Facility $100.1k IA AVG $53.4k Rank #218 / 246	22 Facility 22 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #160 / 241	4.4 Facility 4.4 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #156 / 241	2	33	-	24 Facility 24 IA AVG 45 Rank #403 / 528	James Christ	$5.6M Facility $5.6M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #157 / 242	$3.6M Facility $3.6M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #132 / 242	64% Facility 64% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #51 / 242	165500
Prairie Gate	-	NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Council Bluffs	36 Facility 36 IA AVG 71 Rank #361 / 407	94.4% Facility 94.4% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #31 / 401	+25%	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	34	-	6 Facility 6 IA AVG 45 Rank #486 / 528	Natasha Urinko	$5.6M Facility $5.6M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #153 / 242	$2.0M Facility $2.0M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #222 / 242	36% Facility 36% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #229 / 242	165789
The Summit at Bettendorf		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Bettendorf	40 Facility 40 IA AVG 71 Rank #325 / 407	87.5% Facility 87.5% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #76 / 401	+16%	4.75 Facility 4.75 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #62 / 241				+23%	+11%	$26.4k Facility $26.4k IA AVG $53.4k Rank #182 / 246	13 Facility 13 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #95 / 241	4.3 Facility 4.3 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #152 / 241	1	37	-	11 Facility 11 IA AVG 45 Rank #463 / 528	-	$12.0M Facility $12.0M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #45 / 242	$5.9M Facility $5.9M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #43 / 242	49.1% Facility 49.1% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #179 / 242	165793
Friendship Village		NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care). AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Waterloo	72 Facility 72 IA AVG 71 Rank #143 / 407	91.7% Facility 91.7% IA AVG 75.4% Rank #50 / 401	+22%	6.17 Facility 6.17 IA AVG 4.30 Rank #3 / 241				+5%	+44%	$0 Facility $0 IA AVG $53.4k Rank #1 / 246	8 Facility 8 IA AVG 21.7 Rank #50 / 241	2.0 Facility 2.0 IA AVG 4.1 Rank #23 / 241	1	69	-	52 Facility 52 IA AVG 45 Rank #202 / 528	Friends Of Faith Retirement Homes, Inc	$20.7M Facility $20.7M IA AVG $7.0M Rank #12 / 242	$11.6M Facility $11.6M IA AVG $3.1M Rank #7 / 242	56% Facility 56% IA AVG 46.3% Rank #114 / 242	165081

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Nursing Home Explorer

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.

CMS data
5 weighted categories
Updated quarterly

Full methodology

Weighting overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nursing Homes in Ames, IA

Nursing Homes in Ankeny, IA

Nursing Homes in Atlantic, IA

Nursing Homes in Burlington, IA

Nursing Homes in Cedar Falls, IA

Nursing Homes in Cedar Rapids, IA

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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 222 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.

Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

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Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

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Alverno Senior Care Community

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