Every year, U.S. News & World Report publishes its much-anticipated rankings of the best nursing homes in the United States. The 2025 edition is now available, featuring evaluations of nearly 15,000 nursing homes across the country. These rankings serve as a critical resource for families making decisions about short-term rehabilitation or long-term care for their loved ones.
At Life Center, we believe that choosing the right nursing home goes beyond rankings—it’s about finding a community that prioritizes compassionate, personalized care. While reports like these offer a valuable starting point, understanding the underlying factors behind these evaluations is crucial in making the best decision.
The Best Nursing Homes list recognizes only the top 20% of facilities, highlighting those that demonstrate excellence in patient outcomes, staff engagement, and overall care quality. The 2025 report also underscores a pressing issue in the industry: staffing shortages. Almost half of all U.S. nursing homes fail to meet federal regulations requiring at least eight registered nurse staffing hours per day.
While rankings provide useful insights, families must also consider other factors when selecting a facility, including staff attentiveness, community engagement, and the overall environment.
One of the most impactful factors in these rankings is staffing. According to the report, highly rated short-term rehabilitation centers provide 50% more nursing care per resident than lower-rated facilities. Similarly, the best long-term care providers boast staff retention rates that are twice as high as those found in underperforming nursing homes. This consistency directly impacts the well-being and comfort of residents.
At Life Center, we have always prioritized maintaining a strong staff-to-resident ratio. We believe that a dedicated, well-supported team is key to delivering the highest level of care. Our staff is trained not just in medical support but also in creating a warm, engaging atmosphere where residents feel valued and respected.
Beyond staffing, the report highlights several qualities that distinguish top-ranked nursing homes:
These findings reinforce the importance of selecting a nursing home that is proactive in its approach to care and prioritizes the well-being of its residents.
While national rankings provide a helpful reference, families should also evaluate a nursing home’s culture, commitment to care, and the overall well-being of its residents. Beyond numerical ratings, it’s important to visit a facility, meet the staff, and observe the environment firsthand.
At Life Center, we go above and beyond to ensure our residents receive personalized, high-quality care in a supportive and nurturing setting. We believe that true excellence in nursing home care is measured not just by rankings, but by the experiences and satisfaction of our residents and their families.
If you’re looking for a trusted, high-quality nursing home in Des Moines, Life Center is here to provide the care and support your loved ones deserve.
Life Center
900 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
+1 515-255-5433
https://www.seniorlifecenter.org/
