As families seek the best possible care for their loved ones, U.S. News & World Report has once again released its annual Best Nursing Homes rankings for 2025. This comprehensive evaluation examines nearly 15,000 nursing homes across the country, assessing their ability to provide high-quality care in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care settings.
At Life Center, we understand that choosing a nursing home is a deeply personal and significant decision. While these rankings provide useful insights, we believe it’s equally important to evaluate a facility’s commitment to resident well-being beyond the numbers.
This year’s rankings recognize fewer than 20% of evaluated nursing homes as top performers. Facilities that made the cut demonstrated excellence in staff engagement, patient outcomes, and overall care quality. The study also sheds light on an ongoing challenge in the industry—staffing shortages. According to the report, nearly half of nursing homes nationwide fail to meet federal guidelines requiring a minimum of eight registered nurse staffing hours per day.
While the rankings serve as a useful guide, it is crucial to dig deeper into what makes these facilities excel. A well-staffed, well-managed nursing home can make a significant difference in the quality of life for residents.
The report highlights the direct correlation between staffing levels and resident well-being. Nursing homes recognized as top-tier for short-term rehabilitation provide 50% more nursing care per resident than lower-ranked facilities. Similarly, the best long-term care providers have staff retention rates twice as high as underperforming homes, ensuring continuity of care and stronger resident-staff relationships.
At Life Center, we have always prioritized maintaining an exceptional staff-to-resident ratio. Our focus is on fostering an environment where residents receive personalized attention, helping them thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. Our dedicated team is committed to going beyond industry standards to offer the highest level of care.
Beyond staffing, the report also reveals key factors that contribute to a superior nursing home experience:
These factors reinforce the importance of selecting a nursing home that is proactive in patient care, prioritizing both safety and independence.
While national rankings provide a strong foundation for evaluating nursing homes, families should also consider a facility’s culture, values, and approach to resident care. Beyond the statistics, it’s essential to visit a potential home, speak with staff members, and observe how residents interact within the community.
At Life Center, we go beyond simply meeting industry standards—we aim to redefine them. Our commitment to individualized care, community engagement, and staff excellence ensures that every resident receives the attention and dignity they deserve. We believe that quality care extends beyond medical assistance; it’s about creating a nurturing and fulfilling environment where residents truly feel at home.
If you are looking for a trusted, top-tier nursing home in Des Moines, Life Center is here to support you. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of elder care with confidence and peace of mind.
Life Center
900 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
+1 515-255-5433
https://www.seniorlifecenter.org/