Page 9 of Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Forest City

Good Samaritan Society – Forest City is a 43-bed skilled nursing facility at 606 South Seventh Street in Forest City, Iowa. Administered by Holly Brink and operated as a non-profit, church-related corporation, the center serves Winnebago County with a clinical continuum that includes short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and hospice services. The campus currently maintains an occupancy rate of 79%, with an average daily census of 34 residents.

State and federal oversight currently assigns the facility a 4-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Above Average”. Regulatory reports indicate a citations-per-inspection rate of 2.75, with the most recent complaint investigation in October 2025 resulting in zero deficiencies. While the center maintains a solid health inspection tier, the record includes an August 2025 dependent adult abuse finding involving a former staff member and a 2024 fine of $8,824 for care planning and food safety violations.

Professional care is guided by a staffing model that provides 3 hours 29 minutes of daily nursing time per resident. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is a notable metric, as the 48 minutes of daily RN time performs 9% above the Iowa state average. Medical services coordinate physical, occupational, and speech therapy alongside specialized wound care and respiratory support. The facility reports a 45.8% nursing staff turnover rate, which is consistent with the state mean.

The campus environment provides a residential atmosphere featuring an arts room, library, and dedicated garden spaces. Social life is facilitated through organized movie nights, music programs, and 24-hour supervision to support resident safety. Nutritional support includes meal plans tailored to individual dietary needs, and the community is located near essential services like Mercy Family Clinic. For those needing mobility assistance, the facility offers transportation services to explore the surrounding Forest City area.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current bedside care standards and quality improvement initiatives during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details regarding the corrective actions implemented after the 2024 and 2025 citations to ensure that staffing and safety protocols meet the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

Overview of Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center

Located in Monticello, Iowa, Monticello Nursing & Rehab Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. The 75-bed community is in a highly walkable area, so many local services and amenities are within walking distance. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families different options for covering both rehabilitation and long-term care.

The facility has an occupancy rate of 64%, and residents stay an average of 214 days, including those recovering from surgery, illness, and injury, and receiving longer-term care. Rehabilitation services are a major part of daily operations. Skilled nursing care is available alongside structured rehabilitation programs. Daily nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 11 minutes per resident. Nurse aides provide about 2 hours and 31 minutes of care each day.

Pennington Square Assisted Living is affiliated with the facility, so families have another option when care needs change over time. Respite care is also available for those who need to stay temporarily. These services are best during care transitions or when a caregiver needs time away from daily responsibilities.

State inspections have documented findings related to resident supervision and care protocols. The facility was able to address these concerns through follow-up corrections. It also has ongoing improvements to safety and care coordination procedures.

Overview of Kennybrook Village

Kennybrook Village is a senior living campus at 200 SW Brookside Drive in Grimes, Iowa. Managed by Jayce Wilson and operated by Scenic Development LLC, the facility serves Polk County with 40 skilled nursing beds alongside independent and assisted living options. Current reports show 35 occupants in the nursing wing, while the assisted living program reports 32 residents. The facility operates under license 770858, which remains active through January 2026.

Regulatory records show a high overall CMS rating but identify recent challenges in dietary services. A January 2025 inspection resulted in four deficiencies, primarily involving failures to maintain safe food temperatures and follow prescribed menus. Despite these citations, the facility maintains a strong long-term record, with the assisted living component achieving a citations-per-inspection rate of zero during its most recent July 2025 review.

Clinical services are supported by staffing levels that exceed state averages, providing 5 hours and 11 minutes of nursing care per resident daily. Data highlights a significant focus on rehabilitation, with physical therapist staffing 50% higher than the Iowa average. Professional care includes speech language pathology, occupational therapy, and specialized memory care at “Maggie’s Place”. CMS quality measures for long-stay residents are 44.5% better than state benchmarks, reflecting high clinical outcomes in high-risk categories.

The residential environment includes social outings, museum visits, and fitness programming designed for varying activity levels. Shared amenities feature pet-friendly suites, housekeeping, and private dining options. Monthly costs range from $2,950 for independent living to $7,650 for memory care. The community primarily serves private-pay residents but accepts Medicare and Medicaid for those requiring short-term medical rehabilitation.

This campus fits seniors seeking high nurse-to-resident ratios and intensive physical therapy. Families evaluating Kennybrook Village should ask directly about the corrective actions taken regarding the 2025 food service citations and request a recent temperature log for meal services before making a placement decision.

Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village, situated in the delightful West Des Moines, Iowa, provides a diverse range of senior living options, including independent living and assisted living including care for disabled adults. This community effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, with inviting spaces, high ceilings, and carefully chosen furnishings, ensuring an exceptional living experience for residents.

Residents here can engage in a variety of activities, from card games and book clubs to arts and crafts and movie nights. The community also organizes off site excursions, such as concerts, theater outings, museum visits, and more, enriching the lives of its residents. Their spacious apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different care needs, offering tailored, top-tier services in a meticulously maintained environment. Count on Cedar Ridge Village for superior senior living options, whether you’re seeking assisted or independent living near you.

Overview of Valley View Village

Valley View Village 2571 is a high-standard nursing home in Des Moines, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, from independent living to rehabilitation. Promoting a welcoming environment, the community strives to maintain connections for older adults’ happiness and wellness. Delicious dining, recreational activities, and pet-friendly spaces are among the community’s unique features that make it an ideal retirement destination. With its dedication to residents’ welfare, personalized care plans are crafted to meet their healthcare needs and lifestyle preferences.

Hobby groups, fun excursions, and spiritual activities are just some of the activities that residents can join for leisure and wellness. The community also features a variety of amenities, including a library, well-maintained gardens, and walking paths, dedicated to enriching residents’ living experiences. As a community of its own, Valley View Village has all the local amenities needed for residents’ needs and leisure. This retirement community is one of Iowa’s finest choices for senior living, especially for its wide range of care options and extensive amenities.

The Summit at Bettendorf is a well-regarded retirement community in Bettendorf, IA, that offers a wide range of care options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. The community also features a variety of thoughtfully furnished floor plans in a nurturing and home-like environment, ensuring older adults can feel at home during their stay. With chef-prepared meals, 24-hour care, and wellness programs, residents can maintain their independence with ease. Dedicated to improving residents’ quality of life, the community provides exceptional care tailored to their needs and preferences.

Lectures, light physical activities, and resident clubs help residents have fun and continue learning. Residents can also interact with friends and lounge, as state-of-the-art amenities, like the rooftop bar, salon, and walking paths, are available. Set in the quiet neighborhood of Bettendorf, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With its exceptional quality of care, this retirement community is a great choice for senior living in Iowa.

Dedicated to providing high-quality senior living, Southern Hills Specialty Care in West Lakes Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, is a reliable senior living community that offers a wide range of care services. These include assisted living, memory care, skilled care, therapy services, wound care management, and hospice. With a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals delivering top-tier care and assistance around the clock, seniors can thrive and live their lives to the fullest.

A variety of planned activities and engaging programs are also provided to ensure residents have fun and meet friends. Special diets are also accommodated to ensure health needs and cravings are met through delicious and nutritious meals. Southern Hills Specialty Care is great for seniors looking to make the most out of their best years.

Located in Ankeny’s Centennial Pointe West neighborhood, The Bridges at Ankeny provides nursing home, assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation services about four miles from the city center. Owned by Holdco Ankeny, IA, LLC and administered by Mary Woolson, the community has operated since 2016 and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents. Its 100 licensed beds include both private and semi-private accommodations for short-term rehabilitation and longer-term stays.

A large portion of residents arrive for post-acute recovery, with most admissions covered through Medicare or private pay and an average stay of approximately 75 days. Around-the-clock nursing support is complemented by physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy services, along with dietary care, dental services, nurse practitioner coverage, pharmacy services, and chef-prepared meals. Indoor and outdoor common areas provide additional spaces for relaxation and socialization.

Residents receive an average of 4 hours and 13 minutes of nursing care per day from a team that includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. State inspections have reviewed areas such as care planning, medication administration, infection control, and overall care practices, while recent complaint investigations found the community in substantial compliance with no deficiencies cited. No federal penalties have been reported in recent years.

Overview of Elm Crest Senior Living Community

Committed to enhancing seniors’ quality of life, Elm Crest Senior Living Community is a distinct senior living community set in the harmonious city of Harlan, IA, providing a wide array of living options such as assisted living, independent living, memory care, health center, and rehabilitation therapy services. The community doubles its efforts to foster a warm and welcoming environment for seniors to make the most out of their days in beautifully designed and cozy one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Receive top-notch care and support from a reliable and highly qualified team and live a glorious retirement without worries with Elm Crest.

With over 65 years of experience in helping seniors, Elm Crest continuously provides the finest experience to create wonderful moments. Moreover, the community meticulously crafts care plans that best fit residents’ unique needs and preferences to ensure they are well-cared for. Surrounded by refreshing spaces and placed near hospitals, Elm Crest provides easy access to medical needs and the utmost comfort that seniors deserve.

Overview of Accura HealthCare of Ames

Offering skilled nursing services, Accura HealthCare of Ames is a nursing home in Ames, Iowa, that has been operating for 26 years. Administered by Eric Olson, the community also offers skilled nursing services as well as hospice, palliative, and respite care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are also accepted.

With a 75-bed capacity, the community has an occupancy rate of 89% and an average stay of 131 days. It also supports both short-term and long-term residents, providing recovery-focused care as well as ongoing nursing needs. Rehabilitation services and respite care are also available.

Approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes of direct care is provided per resident each day. This total includes care provided by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. This also provides a useful measure of the hands-on assistance available throughout the community.

Areas of concern identified through state inspections include recordkeeping, medication administration, food storage, and sanitation practices. However, corrective measures have also been implemented to address these concerns.

Located in a moderately walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 59, the community requires transportation to access most local amenities, though some errands can be reached on foot. Combining a long-standing presence, a consistently occupied setting, and multiple payment options, Accura HealthCare of Ames can be a good consideration for families exploring care options.