For families looking for high-quality senior care, the U.S. News & World Report annual Best Nursing Homes rankings provide a critical resource. The 2025 report evaluates nearly 15,000 nursing homes nationwide, assessing their quality in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
Finding the right nursing home requires more than just checking rankings. A truly exceptional facility fosters a compassionate environment, ensures excellent medical care, and prioritizes resident engagement. This year’s report brings important insights into the factors that set top-tier nursing homes apart.
Only 20% of nursing homes in the U.S. made the cut as top-rated facilities. Evaluations were based on multiple factors, including patient care, nurse staffing, and facility performance. A pressing issue revealed in this year’s rankings is that nearly half of U.S. nursing homes fall short of federal requirements, which mandate at least eight hours of registered nurse staffing per day.
While rankings provide useful guidance, selecting a nursing home should also involve evaluating the atmosphere, staff attentiveness, and resident experience.
The level of care residents receive is strongly influenced by staffing. According to U.S. News, highly rated short-term rehabilitation facilities provide 50% more nursing care per resident than lower-rated facilities. Similarly, long-term care homes that rank among the best have double the staff retention rates, ensuring continuity of care and better resident well-being.
At Life Center, we place a strong emphasis on maintaining an optimal staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring that every resident gets the care and attention they need. By fostering a well-supported team, we enhance the daily experiences of those in our care.
According to the 2025 report, top-tier nursing homes share several qualities that distinguish them from others:
These findings reinforce the importance of choosing a nursing home that actively prioritizes resident well-being and a high standard of care.
Rankings can provide a strong starting point, but a personal visit and direct interactions with staff and residents offer a deeper insight into a facility’s quality. Observing how caregivers engage with residents and understanding the home’s approach to daily activities can be instrumental in making the right decision.
Rather than simply meeting national benchmarks, Life Center strives to exceed them. We create a supportive and engaging environment where residents not only receive excellent medical care but also experience a fulfilling and enriching daily life.
Located in Des Moines, Life Center has built a reputation as a premier nursing home, known for its dedication to personalized care. Families trust our team to deliver compassionate service while maintaining a professional, well-managed facility.
One of our defining qualities is our commitment to maintaining an exceptional staff-to-resident ratio. This allows caregivers to focus on each individual, ensuring that residents receive attentive, customized care. When selecting a nursing home, it’s crucial to look beyond rankings and consider the level of personal attention and quality of life a facility provides.
For those seeking a highly respected nursing home in Des Moines, Life Center offers the expertise, care, and commitment needed to support your loved ones. We provide a welcoming and nurturing environment where residents feel valued and cared for.
Life Center
900 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
+1 515-255-5433
https://www.seniorlifecenter.org/
