Page 24 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:

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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
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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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Nursing Home Explorer
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Overview of Solon Assisted Living Village

Solon Assisted Living Village offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home services, including skilled nursing, in Solon, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident maintains a private living space, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering. Independent living includes private condos with community services and no daily care, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock.

The community has 36 beds, placing it in the smaller-community range where staff and residents may get to know each other. Physician services, skilled rehabilitation nursing, and outpatient therapy are available through the community, giving residents access to medical and rehabilitation services through its programs.

Melissa Reed serves as the administrator. A Walk Score of 54 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete certain errands independently. The multiple care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since care can change without leaving the community.

Contact Solon Assisted Living Village

Overview of Cottage Grove Place – Connections

Cottage Grove Place, Connections offers nursing home care, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Cedar Rapids, IA. Nursing home care and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment.

Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision. The range of care levels can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community. The community has 36 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other.

Chef prepared meals are provided, giving residents prepared dining within the community. Short term rehabilitation offers a temporary stay focused on recovery, and respite care provides a short term option when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. A Walk Score of 56 / 100 places the area in the somewhat walkable band, so some errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete certain nearby errands independently. Pets are allowed, so a resident may keep a pet with them. Melissa Holyoake serves as the administrator.

Contact Cottage Grove Place – Connections

Overview of Pleasantview Assisted Living

Pleasantview Assisted Living offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, hospice care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in Kalona, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living adds help with daily tasks. 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. Nursing home care supports long-term residence, while hospice care serves a resident receiving end-of-life care.

With multiple care levels, Pleasantview Assisted Living can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to another community. The community has 56 beds, a smaller size that can allow staff and residents to get to know each other. A Walk Score of 50 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to complete certain nearby errands independently.

Pleasantview Assisted Living opened in 1958 and is administered by Marcille Ward. The community is faith-based, which may suit someone seeking a faith-based setting. Its programs include Skilled Care, Dementia Care, a Dementia Support Group, and Volunteer Opportunities; the support group offers a forum for dementia-related support, while volunteer opportunities allow participation in volunteer work.

Contact Pleasantview Assisted Living

Overview of Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a nursing home in Jefferson, IA, offering memory care, respite care, and skilled nursing. Skilled nursing and nursing care include licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for a resident at risk of wandering. Respite care is available for short stays, which can help when a family caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The combination of ongoing nursing, memory care, and short term services may be a good fit for someone whose needs include nursing support, dementia related supervision, or temporary care. With 46 beds, the community falls within the smaller community range, where staff and residents get to know each other. Rehabilitation services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, allowing residents to receive these therapies through the facility.

IV therapy, ostomy care, wound care, diabetic care, and enteral nutrition are available for residents with those clinical needs. A salon and spa provide access to grooming services, transportation is available for facility arranged trips, and pets are allowed so residents may keep a pet with them. The area has a Walk Score of 75 / 100 and is very walkable, meaning most errands can be done on foot and a resident who no longer drives can still complete many errands independently; Jana Cates serves as the administrator.

Contact Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Overview of Gardens at Ridgecrest Village

Gardens at Ridgecrest Village offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care in Davenport, IA. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. 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.

The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since changing care levels can happen without leaving the community. The community has 30 beds, making it a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Gardens at Ridgecrest Village opened in 1966 and is administered by Lorrie Blumberg. A Walk Score of 90 is classified as a walker’s paradise, meaning daily errands do not require a car and a resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Named programs include Oakwood Place Assisted Living, Oakwood Gardens Memory Care, and Crest Health Care Skilled, identifying the community’s assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing settings. Chef-prepared meals are served daily, so residents have prepared dining without cooking each meal themselves, and rehabilitation services are available for recovery or ongoing therapy needs. Respite care offers a short stay for someone whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover, while the pet policy allows residents to bring pets.

Contact Gardens at Ridgecrest Village

Overview of Iowa City Rehab and Health Care Center

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.

Contact Iowa City Rehab and Health Care Center

Community Memorial AL

233 North 8Th Avenue West, Hartley, IA 51346-1077
Overview of Community Memorial Al

Community Memorial Al provides assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in Hartley, IA. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care around the clock. Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for a resident at risk of wandering.

The community has 32 beds, making it a smaller setting where staff and residents may get to know each other. Its multiple care levels can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community. Community Memorial Al opened in 1994.

On-site rehabilitation services can support recovery without arranging transportation to an outside therapy location, and short-term rehabilitation is available for residents who need rehab for a limited period. A hair salon gives residents access to grooming services on site.

The area has a Walk Score of 43, a car-dependent setting where most errands require a car or a ride, so a resident who no longer drives would need transportation for routine errands. Rosemary Hibbs serves as the administrator, and Kay Wynja is the director.

Contact Community Memorial AL

Overview of Chautauqua Guest Home #3 (9th St.)

Chautauqua Guest Home #3 (9th St.) is a nursing home in Charles City, IA, offering nursing care and skilled nursing. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care around the clock, making the home suitable for residents who need ongoing clinical oversight rather than only intermittent support.

The home has 57 beds, giving families a clear sense of its available capacity. Rehabilitation services are available, so residents can receive therapy as part of their care at the home. Chautauqua Guest Home #3 (9th St.) accepts Medicaid and Medicare, giving families two payment sources to consider for eligible services. Misty Hobert serves as the administrator.

Contact Chautauqua Guest Home #3 (9th St.)

Overview of Story Medical Senior Care

Administered by Melissa Opperman, Story Medical Senior Care provides nursing home care in Nevada, IA, for older adults who need ongoing clinical oversight and help with daily needs. The home has 60 beds with 57 beds currently occupied, indicating a 95% occupancy.

Care is supported around the clock, with 24-hour staffing, including a doctor on staff. Rehabilitation services are also available, providing residents with restorative support during their stay. For those seeking temporary relief, particularly for families whose primary caregivers need time away, respite care is offered.

Residents can take part in outings and day trips with accessible transportation. Moreover, a salon is available on-site, allowing residents to access grooming services.

Contact Story Medical Senior Care

Overview of Silveridge, an Eventide Community

Silveridge, an Eventide Community, offers nursing home care, assisted living, hospice care, independent living, memory care, nursing care, and skilled nursing in Denison, IA. Assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while the resident keeps an apartment. Independent living offers private living with community services and no daily care, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.

Nursing home care, nursing care, and skilled nursing provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Hospice care focuses on comfort at the end of life. The community has 72 beds and opened in 2011, with assisted living apartments available alongside personal and health related services so residents can receive support with routine and health needs as part of their care.

Rehabilitation services support recovery, while short term rehabilitation is designed for a temporary stay rather than ongoing residence. Respite care offers a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. Twenty four hour staffing means staff are present around the clock.

A Walk Score of 33 places the area in the car dependent band, meaning most errands require a car or a ride. A resident who no longer drives would need transportation for those trips. Kara Webb serves as administrator, and the range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time because care can continue within the same community.

Contact Silveridge, An Eventide Community, LLC

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.