Page 23 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 253 nursing homes in IA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
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We analyzed These are the facilities in Iowa our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Iowa.
253 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:

Compare Nursing Homes around Iowa

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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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 Table AL (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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
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.
Prairie Gate-
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Council Bluffs
36
Facility 36
IA AVG 67
Rank #223 / 241
94.4%
Facility 94.4%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #27 / 234
+20%----------34-
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 49
Rank #250 / 260
Natasha Urinko$1.9M*Fiscal year ending 05/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$3.1M*Fiscal year ending 05/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.160%*Fiscal year ending 05/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.165789
Countryside Health Care Center-
NH
Sioux City
101
Facility 101
IA AVG 67
Rank #25 / 241
--------------
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 49
Rank #241 / 260
$4.2M*Fiscal year ending 07/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$3.5M*Fiscal year ending 07/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.83.5%*Fiscal year ending 07/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.165540
Country Lane Manor-
NH
HOS
MC
PC
RC
SNF
Keosauqua
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 67
Rank #153 / 241
--------------
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 49
Rank #112 / 260
Interstate Power And Light
$2.8MFiscal year ending 10/2023
Facility $2.8MFiscal year ending 10/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #216 / 224
$1.9MFiscal year ending 10/2023
Facility $1.9MFiscal year ending 10/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #206 / 224
67.2%Fiscal year ending 10/2023
Facility 67.2%Fiscal year ending 10/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #49 / 224
165554

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other IA nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 253 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Prairie Gate

16 Valley View Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Overview of Prairie Gate

Prairie Gate is a nursing home offering assisted living, independent living, memory care, nursing care, and skilled nursing in Council Bluffs, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps a private apartment, while independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

Prairie Gate has 36 beds, making it a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other. Housing options include studios, one-bedroom layouts, two-bedroom layouts, private accommodations, and companion suites; a two-bedroom or companion suite can suit a couple or someone moving with a companion. Several care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time and who can remain in the community as care needs change.

Payment options are Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families those three ways to cover care. Benjamin Eddy serves as the administrator.

Contact Prairie Gate

Overview of Countryside Health Care Center

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.

Contact Countryside Health Care Center

Country Lane Manor

819 Country Lane Road, Keosauqua, IA 52565-1001
Overview of Country Lane Manor

Country Lane Manor is a nursing home in Keosauqua, IA, offering skilled nursing, memory care, hospice care, palliative care, and respite care. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site, while memory care offers supervision for a resident who may be at risk of wandering. Hospice and palliative care address end of life needs and comfort. Respite care provides a short stay when a family caregiver needs time away.

The community also offers short term rehabilitation and long term care. Short term rehabilitation gives a resident a time limited stay focused on recovery, while long term care supports someone who needs ongoing nursing services. Country Lane Manor may be a good fit for a resident whose needs include nursing care, memory support, rehabilitation, or a short stay for caregiver relief.

Country Lane Manor has 46 beds, making it a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other. The area has a Walk Score of 52 and is somewhat walkable, so some errands can be done on foot, and a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach selected destinations independently. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Programs include Senior Life Solutions, and rehabilitation services are available.

Contact Country Lane Manor

Overview of Mercy Hospital

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.

Contact Mercy Hospital

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.

Contact Northcrest Community

Overview of Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation

Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation provides nursing home, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice care, palliative care, and respite care in Marion, IA. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Hospice and palliative care center on comfort and symptom management. Respite care offers a short stay when a family caregiver needs time away.

With 40 beds, Oakview is a smaller community where residents and staff have the opportunity to know one another. Short term rehabilitation supports recovery after an illness, injury, or procedure, with joint replacement therapy, respiratory and tracheostomy care, advanced wound care, IV therapy, and specialized dementia care among the available programs. The range of care may suit someone whose needs change from rehabilitation or respite to longer term skilled, memory, hospice, or palliative care.

Transportation is available for physician appointments and outpatient therapy, so residents can reach those services without arranging separate rides. An on site salon supports routine hair and grooming appointments, while religious services are held within the community. Pets are allowed, enabling a resident to keep a pet with them under the community’s policy.

The area has a Walk Score of 89, meaning it is very walkable and most errands can be done on foot. A resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted payment sources, and Dallas Urbain serves as the administrator.

Contact Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation

Overview of Happy Siesta Healthcare Center

Happy Siesta Healthcare Center in Remsen, IA, offers assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and respite care. With assisted living, residents receive help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. It is administered by Jennifer Kuiken.

Respite care allows a short-term stay when a family’s usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. This 62-bed home has 50 beds currently occupied, indicating an 81% occupancy. Activities are available for residents’ social and emotional well-being.

The area has a Walk Score of 49 and is car-dependent, so most errands require a car or ride.

Contact Happy Siesta Healthcare Center

Meth Wick Health Center

1625 Brendelwood Drive, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-2499
Overview of Meth Wick Health Center

Meth Wick Health Center offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing in Cedar Rapids’s Oakhill Jackson neighborhood. Independent living means having a private living space with community services but no daily care, while assisted living adds help with everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication.

Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Respite care offers a short stay when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover.

Several care levels are available within one community. That may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, because moving to another level does not require leaving the community. The community has 69 beds, and Nicholas Jedlicka serves as administrator.

Rehabilitation services are available for residents who need therapy, while Transportation Services provide transportation through the community. A Walk Score of 79 out of 100 places the area in the very walkable band, where most errands can be done on foot, so a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently. Meth Wick Health Center may be a good fit for someone who wants private independent living, needs increasing daily support, requires secured memory care, or may benefit from skilled nursing or a short respite stay.

Contact Meth Wick Health Center

Overview of Hammond Center for Assisted Living

Hammond Center for Assisted Living provides assisted living, nursing care, skilled nursing, and hospice care in Grinnell, Iowa. Assisted living helps with daily tasks while residents live in apartments. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, and hospice care supports residents receiving end of life care.

Several care services share one community here. That may suit a resident whose needs change over time and who may be able to remain at Hammond Center as care needs grow. The community has 20 assisted living apartments, giving residents in that setting apartment style living, and 38 beds overall, making it a smaller community where staff and residents can get to know each other. Staff are on site 24 hours, including overnight.

There are places to stay active. A fitness center and walking track provide on site spaces for exercise, while a pool table and theater area offer additional recreation. In Grant Township, the Walk Score is 82, meaning the area is very walkable: most errands can be done on foot, and a resident who no longer drives can still reach shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently. Dion Schrack serves as the administrator.

Contact Hammond Center for Assisted Living

Overview of Oakwood Place at Ridgecrest Village

Oakwood Place at Ridgecrest Village in Davenport, Iowa, offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. Independent living provides a private residence without daily care, while assisted living supports everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, and taking medication; memory care offers a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

The community has 90 beds and opened in 1966, with Trudy Whittington serving as administrator. Its range of care levels may be a good fit for a resident whose needs grow over time, because the resident can move to another level of care without leaving the community; named programs include Oakwood Place Assisted Living, Oakwood Gardens Memory Care, Crest Health Care Skilled, and 24 Hour Care, while rehabilitation services support residents recovering from illness or injury and pets are allowed for residents who want to live with one.

Contact Oakwood Place at Ridgecrest Village

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. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

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
02

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
03

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
04

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
05

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
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
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
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Nursing Homes in Iowa at a glance

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.
National Average: 3.0/ 5
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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 253 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.