Other senior care options in Iowa:

Page 4 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 229 nursing homes in Iowa using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
229 homes
Other senior care options in Iowa:
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

Compare Nursing Homes around Iowa

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

CMS & IA Dept. of Health data

Bethany Home Retirement Center
NH
IL
MC
SNF
Dubuque (Eagle Point District)
66
Facility 66
IA AVG 71
Rank #181 / 406
--
4.19
Facility 4.19
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #119 / 245
0%-2%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #6 / 244
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #22 / 244
-67-
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 45
Rank #103 / 528
Mike Brannon
$9.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #69 / 246
$6.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #39 / 246
68%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 68%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #47 / 246
165584
Sunrise Retirement Community
NH
AL
IL
MC
RC
SNF
Sioux City
74
Facility 74
IA AVG 71
Rank #136 / 406
90.5%
Facility 90.5%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #49 / 379
+40%
6.19
Facility 6.19
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #3 / 245
-23%+44%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
11
Facility 11
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #76 / 244
3.7
Facility 3.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #115 / 244
-67A+
22
Facility 22
IA AVG 45
Rank #411 / 528
Samantha Roth
$13.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $13.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #26 / 246
$8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #19 / 246
62.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 62.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #94 / 246
165473
Green Hills Retirement Community
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Ames (Hamilton Drive)
56
Facility 56
IA AVG 71
Rank #233 / 406
78.6%
Facility 78.6%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #138 / 379
+22%
5.86
Facility 5.86
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #10 / 245
-11%+36%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #48 / 244
4.0
Facility 4.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #132 / 244
-44-
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 45
Rank #430 / 528
Green Hills Residents' Association
$8.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $8.0MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #89 / 246
$5.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $5.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #56 / 246
67.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 67.5%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #61 / 246
165577
Meth Wick Community
NH
AL
IL
MC
RC
SNF
Cedar Rapids (The Meth-Wick Community)
69
Facility 69
IA AVG 71
Rank #167 / 406
81.4%
Facility 81.4%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #115 / 379
+26%
5.96
Facility 5.96
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #6 / 245
+23%+39%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
3
Facility 3
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #8 / 244
1.5
Facility 1.5
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #13 / 244
-56-
23
Facility 23
IA AVG 45
Rank #405 / 528
Meth Wick Community
$18.2MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $18.2MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #8 / 246
$10.3MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $10.3MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #8 / 246
56.4%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility 56.4%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #144 / 246
165542
Mill Pond
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Ankeny
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #213 / 406
98.3%
Facility 98.3%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #6 / 379
+52%
4.91
Facility 4.91
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #51 / 245
-16%+14%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #60 / 244
3.0
Facility 3.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #78 / 244
-59-
16
Facility 16
IA AVG 45
Rank #439 / 528
Phs Management, LLC
$6.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $6.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #32 / 246
$6.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $6.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #34 / 246
96.3%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 96.3%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #182 / 246
165261
Wesley Acres
NH
ADC
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Des Moines (Greenwood)
80
Facility 80
IA AVG 71
Rank #105 / 406
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #44 / 379
+41%
4.24
Facility 4.24
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #119 / 245
+43%-1%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #19 / 244
1.7
Facility 1.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #17 / 244
-73-
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 45
Rank #89 / 528
Damon Buskohl
$29.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $29.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #1 / 246
$20.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $20.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #1 / 246
71%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 71%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #164 / 246
165487
West Ridge Care Center
NH
MC
SNF
Cedar Rapids
60
Facility 60
IA AVG 71
Rank #213 / 406
75.0%
Facility 75.0%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #163 / 379
+16%
4.88
Facility 4.88
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #51 / 245
+31%+14%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #19 / 244
2.5
Facility 2.5
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #55 / 244
-45-
48
Facility 48
IA AVG 45
Rank #241 / 528
Elaine Sample
$6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #78 / 246
$3.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #85 / 246
53.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 53.1%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #161 / 246
165567
Terrace Glen Village
NH
AL
IL
SNF
Marion (Flynn)
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
95.0%
Facility 95.0%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #17 / 379
+47%
4.48
Facility 4.48
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #79 / 245
+20%+4%
$12.2k
Facility $12.2k
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #165 / 251
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #101 / 244
4.7
Facility 4.7
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #160 / 244
438A
14
Facility 14
IA AVG 45
Rank #444 / 528
Abernathy Family Farms LLC
$8.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #76 / 246
$4.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #92 / 246
48.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 48.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #189 / 246
165625
Briarwood Health Care Center
NH
RC
SNF
Iowa City (Roosevelt)
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 71
Rank #201 / 406
80.6%
Facility 80.6%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #122 / 379
+25%
4.36
Facility 4.36
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #96 / 245
-20%+1%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #60 / 244
3.0
Facility 3.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #78 / 244
-50-
33
Facility 33
IA AVG 45
Rank #344 / 528
Kristin Schmidt-Solberg
$6.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #113 / 246
$3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #133 / 246
52.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 52.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #172 / 246
165172
Karen Acres Health Care Center
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Urbandale (Elm Drive)
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 71
Rank #370 / 406
88.6%
Facility 88.6%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #67 / 379
+37%
3.41
Facility 3.41
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #224 / 245
-1%-21%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
9
Facility 9
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #60 / 244
2.3
Facility 2.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #44 / 244
-31-
71
Facility 71
IA AVG 45
Rank #94 / 528
Pamela Harned
$3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #222 / 246
$1.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $1.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #232 / 246
57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #143 / 246
165460
Simpson Memorial Home
NH
AL
IL
SNF
West Liberty (North Miller Street)
55
Facility 55
IA AVG 71
Rank #239 / 406
58.2%
Facility 58.2%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #220 / 379
-10%
4.55
Facility 4.55
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #79 / 245
+9%+6%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
13
Facility 13
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #91 / 244
4.3
Facility 4.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #150 / 244
332-
41
Facility 41
IA AVG 45
Rank #287 / 528
Fredrick Grunder
$4.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $4.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #177 / 246
$2.8MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $2.8MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #155 / 246
61.1%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 61.1%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #73 / 246
165418
Friendship Village
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Waterloo
72
Facility 72
IA AVG 71
Rank #143 / 406
91.7%
Facility 91.7%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #41 / 379
+42%
6.17
Facility 6.17
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #3 / 245
+5%+44%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
8
Facility 8
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #48 / 244
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #22 / 244
166-
52
Facility 52
IA AVG 45
Rank #202 / 528
Friends Of Faith Retirement Homes, Inc
$14.2MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $14.2MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #12 / 246
$11.6MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $11.6MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #7 / 246
81.4%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility 81.4%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #117 / 246
165081
Prairie Vista Village
NH
AL
IL
SNF
South Altoona
68
Facility 68
IA AVG 71
Rank #170 / 406
50.0%
Facility 50.0%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #255 / 379
-23%
4.71
Facility 4.71
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #64 / 245
-20%+10%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #19 / 244
1.3
Facility 1.3
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #9 / 244
-34A
29
Facility 29
IA AVG 45
Rank #372 / 528
John Freeman
$9.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $9.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #62 / 246
$3.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.7MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #72 / 246
40.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 40.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #175 / 246
165610
St Francis Manor
NH
AL
HOS
SNF
Grinnell
78
Facility 78
IA AVG 71
Rank #119 / 406
69.2%
Facility 69.2%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #193 / 379
+7%
5.32
Facility 5.32
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #24 / 245
+34%+24%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #1 / 244
1.0
Facility 1.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #1 / 244
-54-
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 45
Rank #39 / 528
St Francis Manor Inc
$7.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #74 / 246
$5.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #42 / 246
69.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 69.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #63 / 246
165480
Mayflower Home
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Grinnell
40
Facility 40
IA AVG 71
Rank #324 / 406
77.5%
Facility 77.5%
IA AVG 64.7
Rank #145 / 379
+20%
5.04
Facility 5.04
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #46 / 245
+40%+17%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 251
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #19 / 244
2.5
Facility 2.5
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #55 / 244
-31-
82
Facility 82
IA AVG 45
Rank #39 / 528
Mayflower Homes Inc
$6.6MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $7.0M
Rank #98 / 246
$5.0MFiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility $5.0MFiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG $3.1M
Rank #77 / 246
74.9%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
Facility 74.9%Fiscal year ending 03/2024
IA AVG 46.3%
Rank #88 / 246
165481
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Nursing Home Explorer

Anamosa Care Center

1209 East Third Street, Anamosa, Ia 522051503
Overview of Anamosa Care Center

Anamosa Care Center is a 64-bed home at 1209 East Third Street in Anamosa, Iowa. Run by Sheri Sigler, the facility has been a staple in the community for over 40 years, providing everything from long-term medical care and hospice to short-term rehab for people recovering from surgery. Payment structures adapt to diverse situations, accepting public health coverage lines via traditional Medicare and state Medicaid alongside standard private funding options. Individual stays average roughly 345 days, meaning the daily scheduling balances temporary post-hospital rehabilitation with extended medical placements.

Residents get a little over four hours of direct care each day. A team of nurses aides and stays on top of medications, monitors everyone’s health, and leads the physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions. The neighborhood is also really easy to get around, scoring a 72 out of 100 for walkability, which makes it simple for visiting families to walk to nearby spots or run quick errands.

Official evaluations by state health inspectors routinely track floor workflows, focusing on themes such as resident care standards and daily dignity practices to verify compliance with public codes. Administrative supervisors review these inspection results to guide continuing education programs and adjust internal protocols across the nursing shifts.

Families looking into care can call the main office to see if there are any open rooms, ask how outpatient therapy is scheduled, or set up a time to come take a look around.

Contact Anamosa Care Center

Overview of Sibley Specialty Care

Sibley Specialty Care is a 46-bed rehabilitation and skilled nursing community in Sibley, Iowa. Owned and operated by David Bronner under the Care Initiatives nonprofit network, the facility keeps about 87 percent of its beds filled. They take Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, and with stays averaging 239 days, the daily mix balances short-term recovery patients with individuals who live there for long-term care.

The nursing team delivers about 4 hours and 3 minutes of direct, hands-on attention to each resident daily. This round-the-clock clinical schedule is split down into 53 minutes from registered nurses, 2 hours and 10 minutes from nurse aides, and 19 minutes from licensed practical nurses to handle rehabilitation needs after injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. Outside the facility, the local neighborhood has a walkability score of 64 out of 100, meaning you can check off a reasonable number of basic daily errands on foot.

State inspectors noted a few operational areas that need attention during recent facility surveys. The review outlined documentation gaps regarding infection control, kitchen food service setups, nursing supervision routines, and general resident safety rules, which the management uses to adjust staff workflows and guidelines.

Representatives can call the main office to verify current bed availability, ask about the tailored physical therapy options, or schedule a tour of the building. The business staff is also ready to discuss payment choices and explain how insurance plans or state aid programs fit into the monthly billing.

Contact Sibley Specialty Care

Overview of Lamoni Specialty Care

Lamoni Specialty Care operates a 43-bed senior living campus under the direction of administrator Sarah Carr at 215 South Oak Street in Lamoni, Iowa. As part of the statewide Care Initiatives nonprofit network, this local building maintains a standard census of 31 occupied beds, reflecting a 72 percent occupancy baseline. Resident programs are funded through a combination of private payments, Medicare credits, and state Medicaid allocations. Typical residential placements average roughly 341 days, creating a setting that regularly handles complex physical recovery stays alongside standard long-term nursing assistance.

An average of 3 hours and 51 minutes of direct clinical care is delivered to each resident during the daily routine. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides distribute this 24-hour floor schedule to manage physical therapies, basic assisted living services, and dedicated memory care tasks. The property is located in a residential area that holds a walkability score of 60 out of 100, which means out-of-town guests and visiting family members can easily complete standard errands on foot without needing a vehicle for every trip.

Recent inspection surveys from state oversight agencies focused on standard medication distribution records and inventory management protocols, verifying that clinical administrative tasks meet current safety codes. The management uses these routine state logs to refine internal clinical guidelines and maintain baseline training protocols across the nursing shifts.

Interested individuals can reach out to the intake office to verify current apartment availability, request a breakdown of the recovery therapies, or arrange an afternoon to walk through the common rooms.

Contact Lamoni Specialty Care

Overview of United Presbyterian Home

The United Presbyterian Home operates a 55-bed skilled nursing unit as part of its 35-acre continuing care retirement campus in Washington, Iowa. The facility coordinates billing through Medicare and Medicaid, offering options for people recovering from short-term hospital stays as well as those needing long-term residential placements. Stays here average about 171 days, and visitors will find the local neighborhood highly walkable, scoring an 81 out of 100 for foot travel.

Residents get around 4 hours and 52 minutes of direct daily care from the on-floor nursing staff and nurse aides. To minimize travel for medical checkups, the team partners with specialized therapists to offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy right on campus. The property also runs an independent home health service for residents transitioning back to apartments, cottages, or studios, and features a wellness center equipped with an indoor walking track and a warm water therapy pool.

Reviews by state inspectors over the last 16 years have consistently monitored environmental management, staff supervision, and clinical documentation to ensure regulatory safety guidelines are met.

Prospective families can reach out to the admissions office to check on current bed availability, learn about the campus home health services, or schedule a tour of the grounds. The main desk can also explain the entry paperwork and outline how Medicaid or Medicare applies to the community’s different care programs.

Contact United Presbyterian Home

Overview of Hillcrest Home

Owned by Mission Interests Committee Inc., Hillcrest Home is a 61-bed nursing facility providing short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care. The facility has an occupancy rate of 70%. Residents stay an average of 160 days. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families multiple ways to cover care costs.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 22 minutes per resident each day. Residents are supported by registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses on staff. This level of hands-on support shows the facility’s commitment to daily clinical care/

In recent inspections, Hillcrest has demonstrated substantial compliance with regulatory standards. The facility has worked through earlier challenges with medication administration and grievance handling, and those areas show marked improvement in regulatory findings.

The location has a Walk Score of 38, so some nearby services are within walking distance. However, most visits and errands are more convenient with transportation. Residents and families will find that the neighborhood is a quiet, accessible part of Iowa for daily life and visits.

Contact Hillcrest Home, INC

Overview of Westview of Indianola Care Center

Westview of Indianola Care Center is an 83-bed VA-approved facility that provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, and respite care. The property registers a 105-day average length of stay and functions at a 66% occupancy rate, with daily resident funding coming from Medicaid (54%), private-pay (37%), and Medicare (9%). Financial reports show a substantial commercial turnaround, moving from a loss in 2023 to a $1.4 million net profit with a 16.2% margin in 2024. Management budgets 52% of general revenue for the employee payroll within a highly walkable town setting.

Deep staffing hours and solid long-term clinical metrics stand out in state health logs, though short-term recovery charts display a few specific discharge gaps. On average, the staff delivers 4 hours and 25 minutes of direct care per resident each day, with front-line aide hours running 11% ahead of the standard Iowa baseline. This consistent daily presence matches high-performing permanent resident charts, which show zero cases of documented depression alongside low hospitalization frequencies and below-average rates for weight loss and pressure ulcers.

The facility also holds a clean regulatory record with zero federal fines or financial penalties over the past three years. However, the short-stay rehabilitation files show some room for improvement; post-acute self-care independence marks trail state standards, and short-term flu vaccination rates drop off sharply, even though the building logs zero serious rehab falls.

Families looking into area senior placements or VA-contracted care can use these public health logs to evaluate how the building functions day to day. The state’s documentation describes a quiet, stable facility backed by heavy daily caregiver hours and excellent preventative care for its permanent residents, balanced against lower short-term therapy independence scores.

Contact Westview of Indianola Care Center

Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Overview of Northridge Village
Northridge Village is a senior living community located in Ames, Iowa. It offers a comprehensive range of senior living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The community focuses on providing personalized care and a close-knit environment for its residents.

Contact Northridge Village

Overview of Friendship Home Association

Operating for 43 years, Friendship Home Association is a skilled nursing home in Iowa owned by Jessica Andersen. The 46-bed facility provides long-term and post-acute care. It has an occupancy rate of 91%, and residents stay an average of 594 days. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, so families have several options for covering both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care.

Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 26 minutes per resident. Registered nurses provide 39 minutes of care each day, while nurse aides contribute 2 hours and 33 minutes. LPN and LVN staff provide an additional 32 minutes of daily support. That’s a steady nursing presence throughout the day, especially for residents who need hands-on assistance with daily activities.

Friendship Home is in a moderately walkable area where some errands and services are within walking distance. Most trips still require transportation. It’s a setting that offers a community feel for residents and visiting family members.

State inspections have documented areas where the home strengthens operational and care protocols. The facility continues to work through these areas as part of its quality oversight efforts. Families considering the home should take an in-person tour and ask how daily operations and care practices are managed.

Contact Friendship Home Association

Mechanicsville Specialty Care

104 East Fourth Street, Mechanicsville, Ia 523060430
Overview of Mechanicsville Specialty Care

Owned by Thai Nguyen and led by administrator Tina Wendt, Mechanicsville Specialty Care operates a 39-bed nursing home that has served the Cedar County area for 36 years. The property utilizes public funding pathways, including Medicare and Medicaid, alongside standard private pay options. Stays at the building average nearly nine months, establishing a stable residential population that balances short-term, post-hospital recovery therapies with conventional extended care.

An average of 4 hours and 11 minutes of direct daily care is delivered to each resident by the on-site clinical team. Certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses divide this round-the-clock schedule to manage everyday physical assistance and medical monitoring. The community is situated in a rural area that requires a vehicle for travel, meaning out-of-town visitors and families rely on personal transportation due to limited neighborhood walkability.

Recent inspection records from state oversight departments noted a few administrative and procedural adjustments, which the team resolved without discovering direct resident-care issues.

Prospective representatives can contact the main business office to check on current bed availability, request details about the rehabilitation schedules, or plan a convenient time to tour the building. The administration can also help you review individual insurance paperwork and explain how public aid or private payment networks apply to standard monthly billing.

Contact Mechanicsville Specialty Care

Overview of Accura HealthCare of Carlisle

Accura HealthCare of Carlisle operates an 80-bed multi-tier care campus at 680 Cole Street in Carlisle, Iowa. Managed by American HealthCare Associates Inc., the facility typically runs at an 88 percent occupancy rate. The admissions desk processes incoming balances through individual private accounts, federal Medicare coverage, and standard state Medicaid plans. Stays average roughly 178 days per resident, maintaining a routine population mix that blends short-term post-hospital rehabilitation with extended nursing home care.

The campus is structured as a full continuum community, grouping independent housing, assisted living units, and a dedicated memory care program alongside the main skilled medical wing. To deliver daily physical treatments, speech-language therapy, and regular respite sessions, floor schedules organize 24-hour shifts that supply a daily average of 5 hours and 51 minutes of direct hands-on nursing care per resident.

Certified nursing assistants manage 3 hours and 11 minutes of this bedside time, while registered nurses cover 45 minutes, and licensed practical nurses provide 42 minutes of clinical tracking. Outside the property, the surrounding neighborhood sits near regional Des Moines medical hubs and records a walkability score of 50 out of 100, which means visitors can manage a few common tasks on foot while broader regional trips require a short drive.

Prospective families can call the front office to check on independent apartment openings, request details about the specialized memory care units, or coordinate an afternoon walkthrough of the campus grounds.

Contact Accura HealthCare of Carlisle

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

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

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
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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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 229 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.