Choosing a nursing home is a major decision that requires careful thought and consideration. To assist families in making informed choices, U.S. News & World Report publishes an annual Best Nursing Homes list, analyzing nearly 15,000 facilities across the country. The 2025 rankings offer insight into the top-rated short-term rehabilitation and long-term care providers, helping families find the best options for their loved ones.
While these rankings provide a strong starting point, they should be paired with personal research and on-site visits to ensure a facility aligns with a resident’s individual needs and expectations.
This year’s evaluation recognizes only the top 20% of U.S. nursing homes for excellence in various criteria, including patient recovery rates, staffing consistency, and facility safety. A major issue highlighted in the report is that nearly half of nursing homes do not meet federal guidelines requiring at least eight hours of registered nurse staffing per day.
Understanding what sets highly rated nursing homes apart can help families make well-informed decisions beyond just rankings.
Staffing is a critical factor influencing nursing home rankings. The latest report reveals that top-performing short-term rehabilitation centers provide 50% more nursing care per resident compared to lower-ranked facilities. Likewise, the best long-term care homes maintain staff retention rates that are twice as high as underperforming facilities, ensuring stability and improved resident experiences.
At Life Center, we emphasize a strong caregiver-to-resident ratio, which allows our team to provide the personalized attention each resident deserves. This approach fosters an environment where residents feel heard, supported, and well cared for.
The report identifies several key factors that differentiate top-tier nursing homes from others:
These findings underscore the importance of selecting a facility that prioritizes a holistic approach to care, ensuring a balance between medical assistance and quality of life.
Although rankings provide a useful reference, choosing a nursing home should involve in-depth research, including site visits and discussions with staff. Observing daily activities and interactions can provide insight into the atmosphere and level of engagement within the facility.
Beyond meeting industry standards, Life Center strives to create a welcoming environment where residents receive exceptional care, enjoy meaningful activities, and feel truly at home.
Situated in Des Moines, Life Center has earned a reputation for excellence in senior care. Our team is dedicated to combining professionalism with a compassionate, family-like atmosphere, ensuring that every resident receives high-quality support tailored to their unique needs.
A major aspect that sets Life Center apart is our exceptional staff-to-resident ratio. By maintaining a smaller number of residents per caregiver, we ensure personalized care and deeper relationships between staff and residents. When selecting a nursing home, it is essential to consider not only rankings but also the level of individual attention provided.
If you’re searching for a trusted nursing home in Des Moines, Life Center provides a welcoming, compassionate, and professional environment where residents can thrive. Our commitment to high-quality care ensures that each individual experiences comfort, respect, and personal attention.
Life Center
900 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
+1 515-255-5433
https://www.seniorlifecenter.org/