4210 HICKMAN ROAD, DES MOINES, IA 50310
Phone: (515)277-6141
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 59 | Est. Occupancy: 83% (~10 available)
NonprofitCMS Rating: 5/5 Stars
Last Updated: November 2025
12
Nursing Homes
2.8
Average Rating
4
4+ Star Facilities
Top 10 Nursing Homes in DES MOINES
See our expert rankings of the highest-quality facilities in DES MOINES based on comprehensive CMS data analysis.
Browse by Quality Rating
Jump directly to facilities by their CMS star rating:
About Nursing Homes in DES MOINES
DES MOINES stands out with 3 five-star nursing homes (25% of facilities)—significantly above the national average of 18.9%. With an average rating of 2.8 stars across 12 facilities, DES MOINES offers strong options for quality senior care.
DES MOINES Quick Facts:
- •25% five-star rate (32% above the national average)
- •50% chain-owned facilities (national average: 76%)
- •7 nonprofit facilities (58.3% of market)
- •100% of facilities have abuse violations
Nursing Home Costs in DES MOINES
Nursing home costs in DES MOINES, Iowa average $294-$318 per day ($8,820-$9,540/month) for skilled nursing care, which is 7% below the national median according to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Most facilities accept Medicare for short-term rehabilitation (up to 100 days), private insurance, and Medicaid for eligible residents. Some facilities also participate in Veterans Aid & Attendance programs for qualifying veterans and spouses.
Market Overview
DES MOINES's nursing homes include 41.7% for-profit, 58.3% nonprofit facilities.
Choosing a Nursing Home in DES MOINES
Start by touring the 3 five-star facilities in DES MOINES, which represent the top 25% by CMS quality metrics. Consider the 7 nonprofit facilities—research shows nonprofits earn five-star ratings at twice the rate of for-profits nationwide. Note that 12 facilities (100%) have documented abuse violations—review inspection reports carefully before deciding.
All nursing homes in DES MOINES are licensed and inspected by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Iowa Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible Iowa residents. For advocacy and complaints, contact the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-532-3213. Iowa law requires nursing homes to maintain minimum staffing ratios, conduct quarterly inspections, and report all incidents to state authorities. Families can file complaints with the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which investigates concerns about quality of care, resident rights, and facility conditions.
All Nursing Homes in DES MOINES
Filter and sort facilities below. Default ranking uses our composite quality score, which combines CMS ratings, staffing quality, safety records, and compliance history.
Showing 12 of 12 facilities in DES MOINES
3520 GRAND AVENUE, DES MOINES, IA 50312
Phone: (515)271-6500
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 80 | Est. Occupancy: 90% (~8 available)
NonprofitCMS Rating: 5/5 Stars
900 POLK BOULEVARD, DES MOINES, IA 50312
Phone: (515)255-5433
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 46 | Est. Occupancy: 85% (~7 available)
NonprofitCMS Rating: 4/5 Stars
2909 WOODLAND AVENUE, DES MOINES, IA 50312
Phone: (515)274-4614
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 51
NonprofitCMS Rating: 5/5 Stars
1611 27TH STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50310
Phone: (515)274-3612
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 78 | Est. Occupancy: 75% (~19 available)
NonprofitCMS Rating: 3/5 Stars
2571 GUTHRIE AVENUE, DES MOINES, IA 50317
Phone: (515)265-2571
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 79 | Est. Occupancy: 100% (~0 available)
NonprofitCMS Rating: 3/5 Stars
233 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, DES MOINES, IA 50314
Phone: (515)284-1280
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 108 | Est. Occupancy: 71% (~31 available)
For-ProfitCMS Rating: 2/5 Stars
1555 HULL AVENUE, DES MOINES, IA 50316
Phone: (515)262-5639
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 120
NonprofitCMS Rating: 2/5 Stars
701 RIVERVIEW, DES MOINES, IA 50316
Phone: (515)266-1106
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 74 | Est. Occupancy: 95% (~4 available)
For-ProfitCMS Rating: 2/5 Stars
2401 EAST EIGHTH STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50316
Phone: (515)262-9303
Distance: 0 miles | Beds: 70 | Est. Occupancy: 83% (~12 available)
For-ProfitCMS Rating: 1/5 Stars
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Expert Guides to Evaluating Nursing Homes
Learn how to interpret quality ratings and staffing metrics with our data-driven guides based on 14,751 facilities nationwide.
The Truth About Star Ratings
Only 18.9% of facilities earn 5 stars. Learn what ratings really mean and how to use them effectively.
Read Guide →Understanding Staffing Levels
National average is just 0.64 RN hours/day. Learn what staffing metrics reveal about care quality.
Read Guide →Facility Tour Checklist
Essential questions to ask and red flags to watch for when visiting DES MOINES facilities.
Read Guide →Warning Signs of Neglect
Critical red flags that indicate neglect, abuse, or substandard care at any facility.
Read Guide →Decoding CMS Data
Learn how to read health inspections, quality measures, and compliance reports.
Read Guide →All Expert Guides
Browse our complete library of nursing home evaluation resources.
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