Best Nursing Homes in Iowa

Harmony Marshalltown is a 72-bed skilled nursing facility located at 910 East Olive Street in Marshalltown, Iowa. Administered by Grace Maitland, the community provides short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term residential services for Marshall County. The campus maintains a current occupancy rate of approximately 71%, which is modestly below the Iowa state average of 75.4%.

The facility is CMS-certified and currently holds a 1-star overall rating, categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2023 and 2026, state inspectors conducted multiple surveys resulting in a high frequency of citations, with a January 2026 health inspection yielding 16 deficiencies, well above the Iowa average of 6.1.

Recent complaint investigations substantiated concerns regarding accident hazards, inadequate resident supervision, and unsafe discharge practices. While a September 2025 revisit found the facility in substantial compliance with zero new deficiencies at that time, recurring citations for staffing and resident rights remain on record.

Staffing levels at Harmony Marshalltown present a split clinical profile. Total nursing hours are 4 hours 7 minutes per resident day, which exceeds the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. However, Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 29 minutes per resident day, 34% below the state average, and weekend RN coverage is 57% below the Iowa mean at 13 minutes. Clinical programs coordinate orthopedic recovery and wound care, supported by physical therapy hours that perform in line with state benchmarks.

The facility features a residential atmosphere with specialized wings for memory care and short-term rehabilitation.Shared amenities and services include:24-hour nursing supervision, dietary management with food safety oversight, and organized social activities. Residents have access to respiratory services and immunization programs, though families should note that 2024 and 2025 surveys identified recurring gaps in food sanitation and infection prevention protocols.

The community accepts both Medicare and Medicaid and is not part of a continuing care retirement community.

Individuals should check the current bedside care standards and resident safety protocols during an on-site tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions regarding the January 2026 health citations and to verify that weekend RN staffing levels have been stabilized to meet the individual clinical needs of residents.

Overview of Harmony Cedar Rapids

Harmony Cedar Rapids is a 96-bed skilled nursing facility at 1940 First Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Affiliated with Legacy Healthcare, the center provides short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term residential services for Linn County. The campus is highly accessible with a Walk Score of 79, offering pedestrian proximity to central city errands and community services.

The facility is CMS-certified and holds a 1-star overall rating, categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2023 and 2026, the community incurred federal penalties totaling $61,400, including a recent fine of $15,935 in December 2025. While the facility carries a high Quality Measure rating, its health inspection tier is 1 star. A January 2026 state report cited a Class I violation with a $6,500 fine for failure to provide adequate resident supervision to protect against environmental hazards. Current records show zero infection control deficiencies over the last three fiscal years.

Staffing metrics indicate that Registered Nurse (RN) hours are 35 minutes per resident day, 20% below the Iowa average of 44 minutes. Clinical services coordinate orthopedic rehabilitation, wound care, and specialized memory support. Despite lower RN ratios, the facility reports a 92.6% success rate for residents showing functional improvement, which exceeds the state average of 73.2%. Medicaid, Medicare, and various state assistance programs such as the Elderly Waiver are accepted.

The facility features a residential atmosphere within the Oakhill Jackson neighborhood, designed to support both post-acute recovery and long-term placement.Shared amenities and features include:24-hour nursing and medical oversight, on-site physical and occupational therapy, and nutritional meal planning. The community hosts a resident council to address environmental and care concerns. The 75.8% nursing staff turnover rate is higher than the state mean, though the facility maintains a stable daily occupancy census.

Families should check the current bedside care standards and safety protocols during an on-site tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions following the January 2026 supervision citation and to confirm that current clinical staffing levels are sufficient to meet the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

Happy Siesta Healthcare Center is a 62-bed skilled nursing facility at 423 Roosevelt Street in Remsen, Iowa. Administered by Jennifer Kuiken and operated as a non-profit corporation, the center serves Plymouth County with long-term care, memory care, and outpatient therapy. The facility maintains an occupancy rate of 81%, reflecting steady demand in its rural northwest Iowa community.

State regulators currently assign the facility a 3-star overall rating, which signifies an “Average” performance level according to CMS benchmarks. Historical data shows a citations-per-inspection rate that is consistently below state averages, though a June 2025 standard survey identified four administrative and clinical deficiencies.

While these findings were corrected, the record includes a 2023 elopement risk incident that led to an Immediate Jeopardy tag, which was cleared following physical security upgrades. A more recent October 2025 complaint investigation concluded with zero citations.

Professional care is guided by a staffing model that provides 3 hours 48 minutes of nursing time per resident daily. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is a notable metric, as daily hours exceed state averages, though weekend coverage levels are lower. Medical services coordinate skilled nursing and a 17-bed enclosed Alzheimer’s wing, supplemented by the “Dreams Program” which addresses resident quality of life. Clinical quality measures carry a high 4-star rating, supported by strong outcomes in physical function for long-stay residents.

The campus provides a residential atmosphere where residents have access to both private suites and specialized common areas. Unique to this facility is the Willoway Pool and Fitness Center, which supports both resident rehabilitation and community exercise. Social life involves 24-hour medical support, nutritional meal plans, and a seasonal “Diners Club” that facilitates outings to local restaurants. For mobility beyond the campus, the facility utilizes a handicapped-accessible bus for regional excursions.

Interested individuals should assess the current safety and training protocols during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the staff training updates implemented following the 2024 transportation incident and to confirm that the door security enhancements for the memory care unit remain in full compliance for 202

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.

Grandview Healthcare Center is a 72-bed skilled nursing facility at 800 Fifth Street SE in Oelwein, Iowa. Managed by ABCM Corporation and administered by Shelia Lawson, the community provides 24-hour nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care for residents in Fayette County. The campus maintains a tranquil residential setting and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

State and federal regulators currently assign the facility a 4-star overall rating, reflecting performance categorized as “Above Average”. Regulatory inspections show a citations-per-inspection rate of 2.0, which is significantly lower than the Iowa state average of 6.1. While an April 2025 standard survey identified four deficiencies related to infection control and pharmacy practices, a subsequent December 2025 follow-up confirmed the facility returned to substantial compliance with zero new citations. No critical or high-harm violations have been issued during the current review cycle.

Professional support is guided by a staffing model that delivers 4 hours 3 minutes of daily nursing time per resident—higher than the Iowa average of 3 hours 48 minutes. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is a notable metric, as the 35 minutes of daily RN time exceeds the state mean. Clinical programs coordinate physical, occupational, and speech therapy alongside specialized ventilator and respiratory care. The facility reports a 31.9% nursing staff turnover rate, which is considerably lower than the Iowa average of 44.4%.

The campus environment features varied room layouts, including private suites and semi-private companion rooms. Residents have access to unique amenities such as raised garden beds, an outdoor walking trail, and a beauty and barber salon. Dining options include restaurant-style service and 24-hour snack availability, while social programs provide spiritual services and community outings. For medical appointments, the facility provides dedicated transportation to nearby MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center.

Interested individuals should evaluate the current bedside care standards and clinical coverage during a facility tour. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions regarding the 2025 infection control findings and to confirm that current staffing levels meet the resident’s individual recovery or long-term care goals.

Overview of Country Lane Manor

Country Lane Manor is a 60-bed skilled nursing facility located at 819 Country Lane Road in Keosauqua, Iowa. Administered by Ashley Ames and operated by Campbell Street Services, the center provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, and memory care for Van Buren County residents. The campus serves as a localized clinical hub for southeast Iowa, offering 24-hour medical monitoring and a resident council for community engagement.

State and federal oversight currently assigns the facility a 1-star overall rating, which signifies performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Between 2024 and 2026, the community has undergone several inspections, with the August 2025 standard report identifying 11 deficiencies, nearly double the Iowa state average of 6.1. While recent complaint investigations in early 2025 resulted in single citations regarding nutrition and dietary temperatures, the facility has recorded zero infection control deficiencies over the last three years. To date, the center has incurred $59,150 in federal fines and one payment suspension.

Daily nursing time is guided by a staffing model that delivers approximately 3 hours 18 minutes per resident, performing 13% below the state average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is currently 15 minutes per resident day, which is half of the Iowa mean, while weekend RN coverage drops further to a lower tier. Despite these staffing gaps, the center reports that 83% of its rehabilitation residents successfully return home, and long-stay quality measures hold a 4-star rating for outcomes in pain management and physical function.

The campus environment provides a residential setting focused on “Senior Life Solutions” that coordinate clinical care with social wellness. On-site amenities include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as specialized programs for cardiac care and respiratory support. The facility provides respite care for family caregivers and facilitates community activities to promote a social lifestyle for long-term residents. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted to support varied financial needs.

Families should check the current bedside care standards and staffing levels during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for documented proof of corrective actions following the 2024 and 2025 citations regarding dietary safety and nursing staff levels to ensure that clinical coverage meets the resident’s specific recovery or long-term care goals.

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Indianola

Good Samaritan Society – Indianola is a 105-bed skilled nursing facility at 708 South Jefferson in Indianola, Iowa. Part of the Sanford Health network and administered by Zach Detweiler, this non-profit community provides a continuum of care including short-term rehabilitation, memory care, and respite services. The campus serves as a localized hub for Warren County residents and currently maintains an occupancy rate of approximately 84%.

Federal and state regulators currently assign the facility a 1-star overall rating, which reflects performance categorized as “Much Below Average”. Regulatory data through early 2026 indicates a high frequency of citations, including an average of 8.8 deficiencies per year, double the state average. While a January 2026 complaint investigation resulted in two citations regarding nursing staff levels and administration, the facility has recorded zero citations for infection control across multiple recent surveys. To date, federal penalties totaling $20,316 have been issued for non-compliance with health standards. C

Nursing hours per resident day currently stand at 2 hours 55 minutes, which is approximately 23% below the Iowa state average. Registered Nurse (RN) presence is reported at 29 minutes per day, and weekend RN coverage is 18 minutes—both falling below state means for similar facilities.

Despite these staffing gaps, the center coordinates specialized clinical programs including dialysis support, occupational therapy, and restorative nursing. Quality metrics show that 83.3% of short-stay residents successfully return to the community, performing in line with state benchmarks.

The campus environment provides a residential setting featuring a community room, library, and on-site salon. Shared services encompass 24-hour medical monitoring, housekeeping, and pet-friendly policies to support a home-like atmosphere. Nutritional support is provided through scheduled meal programs, and residents have access to a wellness center and an emergency call system in all living spaces. For socialization, the facility maintains a resident council and offers diverse recreational activities.

Prospective residents and their representatives should evaluate the current bedside care standards and call light response protocols during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions taken following the 2025 and 2026 staffing citations and to verify that the clinical coverage is sufficient to meet the individual’s recovery or long-term care goals.

Overview of Cedar Ridge Village

Cedar Ridge Village is a 68-bed healthcare campus at 8950 Coachlight Drive in West Des Moines, Iowa. Managed by Kathy Dehaven and operated by Central Iowa Hospital Corporation, the facility provides a continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Current data indicates a census of 35 residents in the nursing wing, representing a 51% occupancy rate, which is below the Iowa average of 75.4%. The location earns a Walk Score of 51, providing residents with moderate foot access to local amenities in Dallas County.

While the campus maintains high marks in several categories, an August 2025 health inspection identified seven deficiencies. These findings included issues with infection control protocols and resident rights regarding service notifications, though the facility achieved a citations-per-inspection rate of zero for the most severe “immediate jeopardy” classifications. Nurse staffing metrics remain a primary strength, with the facility providing 4 hours and 10 minutes of total nursing time per resident daily.

This level of support includes registered nurse (RN) hours that are approximately 56% higher than the state average. Professional services focus heavily on recovery, with nearly 73% of short-stay residents reaching expected self-care abilities by discharge—a figure significantly higher than the national average. Quality measures for long-term residents also perform at a 5-star level, particularly in areas like pressure ulcer prevention.

Residential options include private apartments with kitchenettes and access to various communal social spaces. The facility provides three nutritional meals daily plus snacks, alongside amenities such as a hair salon, library, and landscaped courtyards. Wellness programming is supported by scheduled transportation for medical appointments and community outings. The community is pet-friendly and maintains a 2.58:1 staff-to-resident ratio, which is 29% better than the regional benchmark.

Prospective representatives evaluating a high-staffed rehabilitation setting with recognized quality standards may find this campus appropriate. Families are encouraged to ask directly about the corrective steps taken regarding 2025 infection control findings and request current nurse-to-resident ratios for the skilled nursing wing before making a placement decision.

Overview of Hammond Center for Assisted Living

The Hammond Center for Assisted Living is a 38-bed facility located at 907 Orchard Drive in Grinnell, Iowa. Operating as part of the St. Francis Manor Life Plan Community, the facility serves a multi-county region under a license active through July 2026. Current reports indicate a census of 20 residents, representing a 53% occupancy rate. The location is highly accessible, with a Walk Score of 82, allowing residents to reach Grinnell’s downtown amenities and medical offices on foot.

State monitoring records from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing show an unblemished regulatory history. Since its establishment in 2019, the community has maintained a citations-per-inspection rate of zero. The most recent survey in October 2025 resulted in no deficiencies, a result consistent with its previous major reviews in 2019 and 2023. No fines, enforcement actions, or substantiated complaints have been documented during the facility’s seven years of operation.

Clinical care is provided by 24-hour on-site nursing and personal care staff. Services include medication management and customized assistance with daily activities, with residents having priority access to the broader campus’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation units. The care model emphasizes integrated health monitoring within its 20 spacious apartments, supported by professional management and RN oversight.

The residential environment features diverse common areas, including a fitness center, a theater, a pool table, and an indoor walking track. All-inclusive monthly costs cover three meals a day, housekeeping, and local transportation services. Social programming is designed to foster community engagement, taking advantage of the facility’s location in an active college town.

Interested individuals seeking a small-scale community with a perfect regulatory record and high walkability may find this setting appropriate. Families should verify the current availability of specific apartment layouts and confirm the coordination process for transitioning to higher levels of care on the St. Francis Manor campus before making a final decision.