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Page 26 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
Reviewed by
Jordan Weiss, PhD
Last updated
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:
Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living

Where in Iowa are you looking?

Browse communities by city and county.

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

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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Patty Elwood Center

21668 80Th St, Cresco, IA 52136
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Patty Elwood Center
Overview of Patty Elwood Center

Find the care you need at Patty Elwood Center, an esteemed community in Cresco, IA, offering nursing care. Committed to residents’ well-being, a compassionate and well-trained team provides top-notch care tailored to their healthcare needs around the clock. Purposely built and secure accommodations are provided in a nurturing and welcoming environment, ensuring residents can feel at ease during their stay.

Residents are encouraged to live actively and maintain social connections with a well-thought-out calendar of enriching activities and stimulating programs. Healthy meals are important for residents’ wellness, so delicious and well-balanced dining options are served to meet their dietary needs and preferences. This pet-friendly community is ideal for those needing top-tier care for a blissful retirement.

Phone: (563) 547-4393

Contact Patty Elwood Center

OakView Nursing & Rehabilitation

1212 Indian Hills Dr, Burlington, IA 52601
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Private resident room with a bed and chair
Overview of OakView Nursing & Rehabilitation
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OakView Nursing & Rehabilitation in Burlington, IA, is a nursing home that offers long-term care and rehabilitation. The community’s nurturing and welcoming environment ensures older adults can ease their worries throughout their stay. With 24-hour care, well-balanced meals, and recreational activities, residents experience a maintenance-free lifestyle. Through personalized care plans, the community strives to meet residents’ unique needs and preferences.

Games, social events, and light exercises encourage residents to stay active and make friends. Cozy sitting areas and thoughtfully furnished rooms also ensure residents’ relaxation and wellness. Residents also experience the utmost comfort during their stay, as it is situated in the tree-lined neighborhood of Burlington. This nursing home is a good option for senior living in Iowa, especially with high-quality services.

Phone: (319) 752-1200

Contact OakView Nursing & Rehabilitation

Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus

501 12Th Street, Perry, IA 50220-1913
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Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus
Overview of Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus
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Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, skilled nursing care and respite care in Perry, IA. Independent living provides community services without daily care, while assisted living helps with tasks such as bathing, dressing and medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Respite care supports short stays when a family caregiver needs time away or is recovering.

As a continuing care retirement community with multiple care levels, the campus may suit a resident whose needs change over time and who may need a different level of care within the same community. The home has 77 beds, and Tanya Swank serves as its administrator. Rehabilitative therapy is available through the campus, giving residents access to therapy services without leaving the community. Meals on Wheels is also a specific program here.

A Walk Score of 74 means the area is very walkable, with most errands possible on foot. A resident who no longer drives can still get out independently.

Phone: (515) 465-7500

Contact Perry Lutheran Homes Spring Valley Campus

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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
Full methodology →
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
Data source Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
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.

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