Selecting a nursing home is one of the most important decisions a family can make. To assist in this process, U.S. News & World Report releases an annual Best Nursing Homes ranking, evaluating nearly 15,000 nursing homes across the country. The 2025 edition provides valuable insights into the facilities that offer the best short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services.
However, while rankings can provide helpful guidance, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Families should also consider factors like staff engagement, resident well-being, and the overall atmosphere of a facility to ensure it aligns with their loved one’s needs.
According to the latest rankings, only 20% of nursing homes in the U.S. earned recognition as top-performing facilities. Several aspects were considered in the evaluation process, including patient outcomes, staffing levels, and overall service quality. A recurring challenge highlighted in the report is that nearly half of nursing homes fail to meet federal requirements mandating at least eight registered nurse staffing hours per day.
While rankings serve as a useful tool, making an informed choice requires taking a closer look at what makes a nursing home truly stand out.
One of the strongest indicators of a high-quality nursing home is the level of staffing. According to U.S. News, the best short-term rehabilitation centers provide 50% more nursing care per resident than their lower-rated counterparts. Likewise, top-rated long-term care facilities have double the staff retention rates, ensuring consistent and high-quality caregiving.
At Life Center, ensuring residents receive individualized attention is a top priority. By maintaining a well-balanced staff-to-resident ratio, we create an environment where residents feel supported and engaged, fostering a better overall experience.
The 2025 rankings highlight several key attributes that distinguish top-tier nursing homes:
These findings emphasize the importance of choosing a nursing home that not only meets national benchmarks but also goes above and beyond to enhance resident well-being.
Although rankings provide a good starting point, a personal visit and thorough evaluation of a nursing home’s staff, culture, and resident satisfaction are crucial steps in the decision-making process. Observing how caregivers interact with residents and asking about daily routines can help families determine if a facility is the right fit.
Rather than just aiming to meet national standards, Life Center continuously strives to exceed them. Our commitment is to provide an atmosphere where residents not only receive exceptional medical care but also feel valued and engaged in their community.
Located in Des Moines, Life Center has built a strong reputation for its dedication to professional, compassionate senior care. Families trust our team to provide a balance of medical expertise and heartfelt service, ensuring residents feel secure and well cared for.
One of the standout qualities of Life Center is our commitment to maintaining an excellent staff-to-resident ratio. This allows caregivers to dedicate the necessary time and attention to each resident, ensuring a more personalized experience. When searching for the right nursing home, it is essential to look beyond rankings and assess the level of care and individual support a facility offers.
For families looking for a high-quality nursing home in Des Moines, Life Center offers a professional and compassionate environment tailored to the needs of every resident. Our commitment to excellence ensures that individuals receive the best care in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Life Center
900 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
+1 515-255-5433
https://www.seniorlifecenter.org/