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Nursing Homes in Iowa
Total Facilities:855
Avg Nursing Home Score:49.2
High-Performing NHs:6.9%
Quick Answer
Iowa has 390 nursing homes, 265 assisted living communities, and 130 home health agencies in our database. Its nursing homes average a SunsetWell Score of 5.4/10, with 6.9% scoring 75 or higher. Average monthly cost: $7,200-$10,200.
Finding Care in Iowa
Finding nursing home care in Iowa—whether in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, or rural communities—is one of life's most difficult transitions. You might be feeling guilty about not providing care at home, overwhelmed by choices, or worried about costs. Please be kind to yourself. Seeking professional nursing care when your loved one needs 24/7 medical support is responsible and compassionate.
Iowa has approximately 440 skilled nursing facilities, regulated by the Department of Inspections and Appeals. Iowa is known for having many community-based, locally-owned nursing homes with strong ties to their communities. Many facilities specialize in memory care, post-acute rehabilitation, or complex medical needs.
Costs in Iowa are below the national average, which can provide financial breathing room during a stressful time. Iowa Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible individuals, and the vast majority of Iowa facilities accept Medicaid. Iowa has a strong ombudsman program to advocate for residents and families who need support.
Iowa at a Glance
Facility Breakdown
Skilled Nursing Facilities:390
Assisted Living Communities:265
Home Health Agencies:130
Other provider types:70
The total includes every provider type in the database; the categories above explain the largest groups and show the remainder separately.
Quality Metrics
Avg Nursing Home Score:49.2
Median Nursing Home Score:50.5
Nursing Homes Scoring 75+:27 (6.9%)
Staffing Reliability Context
State averages can hide whether staffing is steady day to day. Our Weekend Effect report uses CMS daily payroll data to compare weekend staffing drops, volatility, and contract labor reliance at individual nursing homes.
Request help from SunsetWell
You can store a research request with SunsetWell. Individual review and a response are not guaranteed, so contact facilities directly for current details.
The sponsored advisor link uses affiliate measurement and is available only with optional marketing consent. You can use the SunsetWell request form without changing your privacy choice.
Compare Nursing Homes in Iowa
#1
Good Samaritan - Saint Ansgar
Saint Ansgar • 701 East Fourth Street
Health: 5 stars
Staffing: 4 stars
Quality: 5 stars
89
Excellent · 100th percentile in IA
#2
Traditions Memory Care of Newton
Newton • 2130 West 18th Street South
Health: 4 stars
Staffing: 4 stars
Quality: 5 stars
88
Excellent · 100th percentile in IA
#3
Southeast Iowa Healthcare Center
Keokuk • 3140 Plank Road
Health: 4 stars
Staffing: 5 stars
Quality: 5 stars
85
Excellent · 99th percentile in IA
#4
Manor House Care Center
Sigourney • 1212 South Stuart Street
Health: 2 stars
Staffing: 2 stars
Quality: 4 stars
84
Excellent · 99th percentile in IA
#5
Ruthven Community Care Center
Ruthven • 2701 Mitchell Street Box 0
Health: 4 stars
Staffing: 4 stars
Quality: 4 stars
84
Excellent · 99th percentile in IA
84
Excellent · 99th percentile in IA
#7
Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Winfield • 706 West Central Avenue
Health: 4 stars
Staffing: 5 stars
Quality: 5 stars
83
Excellent · 98th percentile in IA
#8
Oelwein Health Care Center
Oelwein • 600 Seventh Street SE
Health: 3 stars
Staffing: 3 stars
Quality: 4 stars
82
Excellent · 98th percentile in IA
Browse by City
Des Moines19 facilitiesCedar Rapids18 facilitiesCEDAR RAPIDS12 facilitiesDubuque12 facilitiesDavenport11 facilitiesWest Des Moines10 facilitiesSioux City10 facilitiesCouncil Bluffs9 facilitiesWEST DES MOINES9 facilitiesCedar Falls9 facilitiesAmes8 facilitiesMarion8 facilitiesDES MOINES7 facilitiesNewton7 facilitiesAnkeny7 facilities
Medicaid Coverage in Iowa
Many families need help paying for nursing home care. Medicaid is a vital resource, but the rules vary by state. Here's what you need to know about Medicaid nursing home coverage in Iowa.
Eligibility Requirements
Monthly Income Limit:
$2,982 (2026); Iowa uses an income cap, but those above can qualify with a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)
$2,982 (2026); Iowa uses an income cap, but those above can qualify with a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)
Asset Limit:
$2,000 for individuals, with home and one vehicle typically exempt. Spousal protections available.
$2,000 for individuals, with home and one vehicle typically exempt. Spousal protections available.
Processing Time:
30-45 days for initial determination
30-45 days for initial determination
How to Apply
Apply through the Iowa Department of Human Services at dhs.iowa.gov or at your local DHS office. You'll need financial documents, medical assessments, and citizenship proof.
Important Tips for Iowa Families
- •Iowa does NOT require a private-pay period—you can apply for Medicaid immediately upon nursing home admission.
- •Work with an Iowa elder law attorney to understand spousal asset protections.
- •Iowa has Medicaid estate recovery, but exemptions exist for surviving spouses and disabled children.
- •Veterans in Iowa should apply for VA Aid & Attendance benefits, providing up to $2,424/month.
- •If your loved one owns a home and intends to return, it's generally exempt from Medicaid asset limits.
Nursing Home Costs in Iowa
$240-$340/day average
Monthly Range: $7,200-$10,200
Iowa nursing home costs are below the national average. Urban areas (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City) are slightly more expensive than rural counties. Medicare covers skilled nursing for up to 100 days post-hospitalization. Iowa Medicaid covers long-term care for eligible residents.
Medicare Coverage: Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days). Days 1-20 are fully covered; days 21-100 require a copay ($217/day in 2026).
Iowa Resources & Advocacy
Oversight & Complaints
Iowa Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1-866-236-1430Visit website →
The ombudsman helps resolve complaints and advocates for nursing home residents' rights.
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals - Health Facilities Division
View inspection reports →Support & Guidance
Iowa Department on Aging
1-800-532-3213Visit website →
Area agencies on aging provide care planning, caregiver support, and benefit counseling.
Medicare Nursing Home Compare
medicare.gov/care-compare →Ready to Find the Right Facility?
Use our personalized navigator to find facilities that match your loved one's needs, insurance, and location in Iowa.
Start Navigator Tool →Disclaimer: This guide is educational only. SunsetWell scores are based on CMS data and peer-group analysis. Medicaid eligibility rules change frequently—always verify current requirements with your state Medicaid office. Always tour facilities personally, speak with staff, review current state inspection reports, and consult healthcare professionals before making placement decisions.
Last updated: June 2026 | Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals - Health Facilities Division, SunsetWell Analysis