Page 3 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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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:

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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. ADC (Adult Day Care): Daytime supervision, health monitoring, and social activities for seniors who live at home. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Carroll
NH
RC
SNF
Carroll
46
Facility 46
IA AVG 67
Rank #153 / 241
71.7%
Facility 71.7%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #175 / 234
-8%
4.00
Facility 4.00
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #142 / 231
A+ -3%-7%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #55 / 233
1.8
Facility 1.8
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #20 / 233
133-
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 49
Rank #33 / 260
James Feauto
$3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #207 / 224
$2.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #199 / 224
64.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 64.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #63 / 224
165231
On With Life Long Term Care
NH
IL
SNF
Polk City
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 67
Rank #197 / 241
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #21 / 234
+21%-A+ - -1%-
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
7
Facility 7
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #33 / 233
2.3
Facility 2.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #51 / 233
-38-
43
Facility 43
IA AVG 49
Rank #156 / 260
On With Life(Free Standing Nf/Snf) | 770700 On With Life Residential Neuro Rehabilitation(Rcf 3-5 Bed Id/Mi/Dd/Bi) | 775879$3.8M*Fiscal year ending 2013These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$2.7M*Fiscal year ending 2013These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.72.8%*Fiscal year ending 2013These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.165281
Sunrise Retirement Community
NH
AL
IL
MC
RC
SNF
Sioux City
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 67
Rank #69 / 241
90.5%
Facility 90.5%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #50 / 234
+16%
5.70
Facility 5.70
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #13 / 231
? -23%+33%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #74 / 233
3.7
Facility 3.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #118 / 233
-67A+
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 49
Rank #215 / 260
Samantha Roth
$13.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $13.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #11 / 224
$8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #14 / 224
62.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 62.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #80 / 224
165473
Friendship Village
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 67
Rank #72 / 241
83.3%
Facility 83.3%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #41 / 234
+6%
5.78
Facility 5.78
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #9 / 231
? +5%+34%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #47 / 233
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #27 / 233
160-
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 49
Rank #112 / 260
Friends Of Faith Retirement Homes, Inc
$14.2MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $14.2MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #10 / 224
$11.6MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $11.6MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #6 / 224
81.4%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility 81.4%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #14 / 224
165081
St Francis Manor
NH
AL
HOS
SNF
Grinnell
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 67
Rank #56 / 241
69.2%
Facility 69.2%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #187 / 234
-12%
5.66
Facility 5.66
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #13 / 231
? +34%+32%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #7 / 233
1.0
Facility 1.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #1 / 233
-54-
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 49
Rank #27 / 260
St Francis Manor Inc
$7.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #82 / 224
$5.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #50 / 224
69.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 69.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #38 / 224
165480
Bethany Home Retirement Center
NH
IL
MC
SNF
Dubuque (Eagle Point District)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 67
Rank #97 / 241
95.5%
Facility 95.5%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #1 / 234
+22%
5.47
Facility 5.47
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #17 / 231
? 0%+27%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #7 / 233
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #27 / 233
-63-
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 49
Rank #69 / 260
Mike Brannon
$9.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #42 / 224
$6.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #32 / 224
68%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 68%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #43 / 224
165584
Midlands Living Center LLC
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Council Bluffs
94
Facility 94
IA AVG 67
Rank #30 / 241
70.2%
Facility 70.2%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #171 / 234
-10%
4.30
Facility 4.30
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #116 / 231
A- -23%0%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #112 / 233
3.2
Facility 3.2
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #97 / 233
-66A+
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 49
Rank #37 / 260
North Crest Living Center(Free Standing Nf/Snf) | 780853
$7.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #69 / 224
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #79 / 224
55.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 55.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #142 / 224
165447
Clearview Home
NH
ADC
AL
HOS
MC
RC
SNF
Mount Ayr
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 67
Rank #44 / 241
89.0%
Facility 89.0%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #61 / 234
+14%
3.83
Facility 3.83
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #164 / 231
A- +23%-11%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #11 / 233
1.5
Facility 1.5
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #15 / 233
-73-
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 49
Rank #112 / 260
Gary Routh
$6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #87 / 224
$3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #118 / 224
47.7%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 47.7%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #198 / 224
165269
Wesley Acres
NH
ADC
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 67
Rank #48 / 241
73.8%
Facility 73.8%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #44 / 234
-6%
4.16
Facility 4.16
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #120 / 231
? +43%-3%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
4
Facility 4
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #17 / 233
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #27 / 233
-59-
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 49
Rank #58 / 260
Damon Buskohl
$29.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $29.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #1 / 224
$20.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $20.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #1 / 224
71%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 71%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #31 / 224
165487
Denver Sunset Home
NH
SNF
Denver
31
Facility 31
IA AVG 67
Rank #235 / 241
77.4%
Facility 77.4%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #79 / 234
-1%
4.43
Facility 4.43
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #100 / 231
A+ -20%+3%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #55 / 233
3.0
Facility 3.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #84 / 233
-24-
51
Facility 51
IA AVG 49
Rank #121 / 260
Sheila Baird
$2.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #218 / 224
$1.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $1.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #218 / 224
58%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 58%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #113 / 224
165603

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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Overview of Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Carroll

Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Carroll offers nursing home care, skilled nursing, and respite care in Carroll, IA. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing nursing services. Respite care provides short stays for a family caregiver who needs temporary coverage while traveling or recovering.

The community has 46 beds, a smaller size that may suit someone who prefers a setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours per resident per day, representing the daily hands on nursing time allocated to each resident. Rehabilitation and therapy services support short term rehabilitation needs, and the community also provides IV therapy, ostomy care, wound care, diabetic care, enteral nutrition, tracheotomy care, and pain management.

An on site beauty and barber salon gives residents access to grooming services without leaving the community, and pets are allowed. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families those payment methods for covered or privately funded care. James Feauto serves as the administrator. The home may be a good fit for someone who needs ongoing nursing services, skilled nursing, short term rehabilitation, or respite care.

Contact Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Carroll

Overview of On with Life Long Term Care

On with Life Long Term Care provides nursing home care, skilled nursing, and independent living in Polk City, IA. Nursing home and skilled nursing care include licensed nursing on site around the clock, while independent living offers private living without daily care. With 40 beds, the community is small enough for staff and residents to get to know each other.

Neuro rehabilitation includes inpatient post acute care, outpatient care, residential neuro rehabilitation, day services, and neuropsychological services. These programs support people recovering from brain injury, stroke, concussion, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injury, with care available through inpatient, outpatient, residential, and day based services. Short term rehabilitation and respite care are also available, offering recovery stays or temporary care when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

Staffing is available around the clock. The 95% occupancy rate means most beds are occupied at a given time, so availability may matter when considering a move. A Walk Score of 43 places the area in a car dependent setting, meaning most errands require a car or a ride; someone who no longer drives would generally need transportation for those trips.

Jeni Lewis serves as the administrator. The combination of neuro rehabilitation, short term rehabilitation, respite care, and long term skilled care may suit someone whose recovery or care needs require different lengths of stay.

Contact On With Life Long Term Care

Overview of Sunrise Retirement Community

Welcome to Sunrise Retirement Community, a distinguished assisted living community nestled in Sioux City, Iowa. Sunrise takes great pride in its resident-centered care philosophy, focusing on individual needs and promoting the “freedom of choice” for the beloved residents. The community’s approach aims to create an inviting and less institutionalized environment, allowing residents to experience increased independence, privacy, and flexibility in their daily lives. At Sunrise, the team tailors services to cater to each resident’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring they receive the best possible care that suits them best.

As part of Sunrise Retirement Community’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the residents, the community has embraced the Eden approach, fostering meaningful connections with children, pets, and green spaces, further enriching their daily experiences. The funding sources for Sunrise include Medicare, Medicaid, third-party arrangements, and private payment options, ensuring that compassionate care is provided while addressing residents’ financial considerations. At Sunrise Retirement Community, the staff deeply cares for the residents, establishes meaningful connections every day, leads with boldness, and serves faithfully, creating a nurturing and fulfilling environment for all. 

Contact Sunrise Retirement Community

Overview of Friendship Village

Conveniently located near MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center in Waterloo, IA, Friendship Village is an astounding community that offers independent living, assisted living, and long-term care. The community also features beautifully furnished and spacious floor plans, ensuring residents are comfortable and safe. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with the community helping with housekeeping and chores.

Fun recreational activities and enriching programs are conducted, encouraging residents to live actively and maintain social connections. Residents also enjoy a delightful dining experience with delicious and well-balanced meals to meet their dietary needs and preferences. Pets are welcome to stay to ease residents’ loneliness. The community is ideal for those seeking independence in retirement, especially with its vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Friendship Village

St Francis Manor

2021 Fourth Avenue, Grinnell, IA 50112-2064
Overview of St Francis Manor

St Francis Manor provides nursing home care, assisted living, hospice care, and skilled nursing in Grinnell, Iowa. Nursing home care supports residents who need ongoing assistance, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication while a resident keeps a private living space. Hospice care focuses on comfort and end of life needs.

The Rehabilitation Clinic offers inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy, so residents can receive rehabilitation during a stay or through scheduled visits. Home Healthcare, along with hospital to home skilled nursing and rehabilitation services, supports care after a resident returns home. S.H.A.P.E. Fitness includes fitness classes, exercise equipment, and a walking track for structured movement activities.

St Francis Manor has 78 beds, with total nurse staffing of 5 hours and 39 minutes per resident each day. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, and Dion Schrack serves as the administrator. A Walk Score of 82 out of 100 places the area in the very walkable band, meaning most errands can be done on foot; a resident who no longer drives can still reach nearby shops, a pharmacy, or cafes independently.

The range of nursing, assisted living, hospice, and rehabilitation services may suit a resident whose care needs change over time. That breadth can allow related services to remain available as needs shift, from daily assistance and rehabilitation to around the clock nursing or hospice support.

Contact St Francis Manor

Overview of Bethany Home Retirement Center

Surrounded by thriving local amenities in Dubuque, IA, Bethany Home Retirement Center is an outstanding community that offers independent living, memory care, and rehabilitation. Featuring purposely built and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans, the community ensures residents are comfortable and safe. Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance are taken care of, providing residents more time to do the things they love.

A variety of recreational activities and engaging programs are conducted to keep residents active and socially connected. With a food service program, residents enjoy delightful and healthy meals that cater to their dietary needs and preferences. The community also offers wellness services to improve residents’ living experiences. Residents are guaranteed the finest retirement experience amidst the community’s vibrant and welcoming environment.

Contact Bethany Home Retirement Center

Midlands Living Center LLC

2452 North Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0434
Overview of Midlands Living Center

Midlands Living Center is a nursing home in Council Bluffs, Iowa, offering skilled nursing, hospice care, and respite care. Short and long term care support residents who need either a temporary stay or ongoing nursing support, while skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Hospice care focuses on comfort for someone nearing the end of life, and respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The community has 94 beds and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare can cover short term skilled care after a hospital stay, rather than a long term residence, while Medicaid may help families whose savings do not cover an extended stay. Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 18 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nurse time available for resident care.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are available for residents working on rehabilitation. Medical appointment transportation helps residents travel to those appointments. A salon and spa provide grooming services within the community, while recreational, spiritual, and restorative exercise programs offer structured activities. Jordan Tjaden serves as the administrator. Midlands Living Center may be a good fit for someone who needs short term rehabilitation, ongoing nursing care, or respite while a primary caregiver travels or recovers.

Contact Midlands Living Center LLC

Clearview Home

406 West Washington, Mount Ayr, IA 50854-0552
Overview of Clearview Home

Hospice care, adult day care, memory care, respite care, assisted living, nursing home, and skilled nursing are what Clearview Home delivers in Mount Ayr, IA. The nursing home and skilled nursing sides are the ones described by the clock, with licensed nursing on-site at every hour.

Assisted living is the lighter arrangement, defined by tasks rather than by illness. Dressing, medication help, and bathing assistance are the tasks involved. Memory care answers something narrower, offering a building nobody can walk out of and staff who are watching.

The other end of the same list is hospice care, and adult day care is an average day, with people arriving in the morning and leaving at night. One building, therefore, covers both. Respite care is the brief one, still a full admission, taken up while the usual caregiver is away or recovering.

Seven care levels in one place suit someone whose needs may grow while requiring they stay at the same address. The license covers 82 beds. Nursing time per resident, per day, is 3 hours and 50 minutes of hands-on care.

Rehabilitation services are handled on-site, so therapy joins the week without a trip outside booked for it. Barber and beautician services are named, with nutrition counseling, pharmacy, specialized dietary services, and mobile meals. That same list includes a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care Unit.

A Walk Score of 52 rates the surrounding streets somewhat walkable, so some errands are on foot, and the rest are not. For somebody who has given up driving, that independence is partial. Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are the payment routes, and Gary Routh is the administrator.

Contact Clearview Home

Overview of Wesley Acres

A community that strives in exceedingly making its residents comfortable, the Wesley Acres offers the best balance of urban living and assistance with everyday living.  A proud member of the Wesley Senior Living Group, Acres places integrity at the heart of its mission; ensuring that residents can feel inspired in creating a better life with the continuum of care being provided. Wesley Acres is an elegant senior living home that aims to enhance and enrich the lives of its residents. 

Wesley offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care. Their engaging activities and programs to name a few are the recreational activities, fitness activities, and entertainment programs available for residents to take part in at the library, media room, or outdoor social areas.

Contact Wesley Acres

Denver Sunset Home

235 North Mill Street, Denver, IA 50622-0383
Overview of Denver Sunset Home

Denver Sunset Home is a nursing home and skilled nursing facility in Denver, IA. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, so residents who need ongoing clinical support can receive it within the community. The home opened in 1965 and has 31 beds, creating a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know one another.

Starting rates are $9,750 for a semi-private room, $10,200 for a private room, and $10,650 for a super-single room, giving families clear accommodation costs to compare. Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are accepted. Medicaid can help support a longer stay when savings may not cover it, while Medicare applies to short-term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long-term residence, and private pay allows care to be funded directly.

Total nurse staffing is 4 hours 26 minutes per resident per day, representing the nursing time allocated to each resident across a day. Rehabilitation services are available, so residents can receive therapy within the community rather than arranging care elsewhere. Sunday church services provide access to religious worship, and pets are allowed for residents who want to keep a pet with them. Blair Boynton serves as administrator, and Denver Sunset Home may be a good fit for someone who prefers a smaller skilled nursing community.

Contact Denver Sunset Home

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.