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Best Nursing Homes in Urbandale, IA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 3 nursing homes in Urbandale, IA using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in IA
Reviewed by
Jordan Weiss, PhD
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Urbandale, IA our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Urbandale, IA.
3 homes
Other senior care options in Urbandale:
Assisted Living Memory Care Independent Living

Compare Nursing Homes around Urbandale

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. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. 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.
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.
Karen Acres Health Care Center ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Urbandale
35
Facility 35
IA AVG 67
Rank #227 / 241
82.9%
Facility 82.9%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #66 / 234
+6%
3.52
Facility 3.52
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #211 / 231
A+ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ -1%-18%
$0
Facility $0
IA AVG $53.4k
Rank #1 / 239
10
Facility 10
IA AVG 21.7
Rank #67 / 233
2.0
Facility 2.0
IA AVG 4.1
Rank #27 / 233
-29-
71
Facility 71
IA AVG 49
Rank #63 / 260
Pamela Harned
$3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #204 / 224
$1.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $1.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #211 / 224
57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 57.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #122 / 224
165460
Deerfield Health Care Center ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
NH
AL
IL
RESC
Urbandale
30
Facility 30
IA AVG 67
Rank #237 / 241
76.7%
Facility 76.7%
IA AVG 78.3%
Rank #165 / 234
-2%
5.38
Facility 5.38
IA AVG 4.30
Rank #23 / 231
? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ +51%+25%
$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
-23A+
5
Facility 5
IA AVG 49
Rank #252 / 260
Scott Bear
$4.5MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $4.5MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $6.9M
Rank #157 / 224
$3.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $3.4MFiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG $4.2M
Rank #113 / 224
76.7%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 76.7%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
IA AVG 60.3%
Rank #21 / 224
165557

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 3 analyzed for Urbandale. See how we rank facilities

Nursing Home Explorer

Karen Acres Health Care Center

3605 Elm Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322
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Exterior view of Karen Acres Health Care Center with landscaping
Overview of Karen Acres Health Care Center

Karen Acres Health Care Center is a rehabilitation facility and nursing home located in Urbandale, IA, just above Karen Acres Elementary School. The main services they offer are rehabilitation, and long-term care. Their long-term care residents receive 24/7 RN or LPN provided assistance, grooming and feeding assistance, medication management, as well as mobility assistance for those who need it.

This long term nursing home also provides hospice care, as well as respite care with a minimum of 7 day required stay. Karen Acres Health Care Center also offers bespoke care plans that will surely cater to the patient’s needs, in order for them to keep their cognitive and physical health at the highest level.

Phone: (515) 276-4969

Contact Karen Acres Health Care Center

Deerfield Health Care Center

13731 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50323
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Exterior view of the Deerfield Health Care Center
Overview of Deerfield Health Care Center

Deerfield Health Care Center is a skilled nursing facility located in Urbandale, IA, south of Deer Ridge Park. This is a 30-bed Medicare and Medicaid certified facility providing skilled nursing services and rehabilitation, both for their long-term, and short-term patients. Other services they provide to their residents are post acute-care for patients who had recent surgery for accidents, or treatments for a disease or illness.

However small, the residents and patients of this nursing facility are able to enjoy their amenities such as; housekeeping services, medication management, meal preparation and restaurant style dining experience, grooming services, and community sponsored activities designed to help boost the residents’ physical and cognitive health.

Phone: (515) 454-5543

Contact Deerfield Health Care Center

Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

4614 Nw 84Th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322-1089
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Aerial view of Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and surrounding area
Overview of Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
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Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Urbandale, Iowa, offers nursing home care, hospice care, palliative care, respite care, and skilled nursing. Skilled nursing and nursing home care provide ongoing nursing support. Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort for residents with serious or end of life needs.

Respite care provides a short stay when a family caregiver needs temporary support. Short term rehabilitation and rehabilitation services give residents a setting for recovery before returning home or moving into longer term care. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, so families can use the payment source that fits the resident’s coverage or finances. Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center may be a good fit for someone who needs short term rehabilitation, ongoing nursing care, or a temporary respite stay.

Phone: (515) 270-6838

Contact Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.

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

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
Full methodology →
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
Data source Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Urbandale, IA

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 3 nursing homes in Urbandale, IA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Urbandale, IA?

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 Urbandale, IA, 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 Urbandale, IA?

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.

Updated on

Nursing Homes in Urbandale at a glance

Avg Overall CMS Rating: 3.7/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Urbandale, IA. 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: 3.7/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Urbandale, IA. 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: 3.3/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Urbandale, IA. 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