What is the average nursing home staffing level in Des Moines?

Des Moines nursing homes in this CMS data sample average 3.99 total nursing hours per resident per day (HPRD), with 0.69 RN HPRD. The Iowa state average is 3.85 HPRD and the U.S. national average is 3.89 HPRD.

How do I choose a nursing home in Des Moines?

Start with the CMS staffing star rating (target 4–5 stars) and total HPRD above 3.89. Check RN HPRD (target ≥ 1.0), weekend staffing levels, staff turnover (below 30% is excellent), and penalty/fine history. Request a tour and ask about staff-to-resident ratios on evenings and weekends specifically.

Does Medicaid cover nursing homes in Des Moines?

Yes — Iowa Medicaid covers skilled nursing facility care for eligible residents. You must meet income and asset limits and receive a level-of-care determination. Check our Medicaid eligibility tool for Iowa-specific limits and the look-back period.

CMS PBJ Data · 2026

Des Moines, IA Nursing Home Staffing

12 facilities · City avg 3.99 HPRD · 2 rated 5 stars

Facilities

3.99

Avg Total HPRD

0.69

Avg RN HPRD

2/12

5-Star Rated

Benchmarks: Iowa avg 3.85 total HPRD / 0.68 RN · National avg 3.89 total / 0.69 RN · Federal minimum 3.48 total / 0.55 RN

All Nursing Homes in Des Moines

Sorted by CMS overall star rating. Click any facility for full staffing charts and penalty history.

Wesley on Grand

Des Moines, IA · Non profit

5★

4★

4.08

0.65

Scottish Rite Park Inc

Des Moines, IA · Non profit

5★

5★

5.41

1.21

⚠ 5 CMS fines on record

View staffing detail

Calvin Community

Des Moines, IA · Non profit

4★

5★

4.38

0.77

⚠ 1 CMS fine on record

View staffing detail

Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center

Des Moines, IA · Non profit

3★

1★

—

—

⚠ 4 CMS fines on record

View staffing detail

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

Des Moines, IA · For profit

3★

2★

3.82

0.39

University Park Nursing And Rehabilitation Center

Des Moines, IA · For profit

3★

4★

3.74

0.72

Valley View Village

Des Moines, IA · Non profit

3★

5★

4.23

1.45

⚠ 1 CMS fine on record

View staffing detail

Ramsey Village

Des Moines, IA · Non profit

2★

3★

3.83

0.39

Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation

Des Moines, IA · For profit

1★

1★

3.34

0.24

⚠ 4 CMS fines on record

View staffing detail

Azria Health Park Place

Des Moines, IA · For profit

1★

3★

3.73

0.83

⚠ 1 CMS fine on record

View staffing detail

Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines

Des Moines, IA · For profit

1★

4★

3.71

0.51

⚠ 2 CMS fines on record

View staffing detail

Trinity Center at Luther Park

Des Moines, IA · Non profit

1★

4★

3.68

0.48

⚠ 1 CMS fine on record

View staffing detail

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average nursing home staffing level in Des Moines?: Des Moines nursing homes in this CMS data sample average 3.99 total nursing hours per resident per day (HPRD), with 0.69 RN HPRD. The Iowa state average is 3.85 HPRD and the U.S. national average is 3.89 HPRD.
How do I choose a nursing home in Des Moines?: Start with the CMS staffing star rating (target 4–5 stars) and total HPRD above 3.89. Check RN HPRD (target ≥ 1.0), weekend staffing levels, staff turnover (below 30% is excellent), and penalty/fine history. Request a tour and ask about staff-to-resident ratios on evenings and weekends specifically.
Does Medicaid cover nursing homes in Des Moines?: Yes — Iowa Medicaid covers skilled nursing facility care for eligible residents. You must meet income and asset limits and receive a level-of-care determination. Check our Medicaid eligibility tool for Iowa-specific limits and the look-back period.

Data: CMS Payroll-Based Journal via Care Compare. Updated every 24 hours via ISR.