Every year, U.S. News & World Report publishes its annual Best Nursing Homes rankings, helping families make informed decisions when selecting long-term care for their loved ones. The 2025 edition evaluates nearly 15,000 nursing homes across the United States, assessing their performance in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
Our team at Life Center understands that choosing a nursing home is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. While rankings offer valuable insights, it’s important to look beyond the numbers and evaluate the overall quality of care, staff attentiveness, and resident experience. This year’s report highlights some key trends shaping the industry.
The Best Nursing Homes report identifies the top 20% of nursing homes in the country, based on various criteria, including patient outcomes, staff engagement, and overall quality of care. One of the most pressing issues uncovered in the 2025 rankings is the ongoing staffing crisis, with nearly half of U.S. nursing homes failing to meet federal regulations requiring at least eight registered nurse hours per day.
Although the rankings provide a great starting point for families, making a well-rounded decision requires a deeper look at how facilities maintain care standards and treat their residents daily.
A significant factor influencing nursing home rankings is staffing levels. According to the U.S. News report, top-rated short-term rehabilitation facilities offer 50% more nursing care per resident than their lower-ranked counterparts. Similarly, high-performing long-term care facilities have twice the staff retention rates, ensuring a stable and supportive environment for residents.
Our team at Life Center, we have always prioritized a high staff-to-resident ratio to ensure personalized attention and consistent care. Our team is dedicated to maintaining an environment where residents receive individualized support tailored to their unique needs. This commitment makes a significant difference in the well-being and happiness of those we serve.
The report highlights several characteristics that distinguish the best nursing homes from others:
These findings reinforce the importance of selecting a nursing home that not only meets national standards but also goes above and beyond to enhance resident care and well-being.
While national rankings are a useful resource, families should also consider other factors, such as the overall atmosphere, interactions between staff and residents, and the facility’s approach to community engagement. Touring a nursing home, speaking with caregivers, and observing daily activities are crucial steps in ensuring a loved one’s needs are met.
Our team at Life Center believes that great care extends beyond meeting clinical requirements. Our philosophy focuses on creating an environment that feels like home, where residents are treated with dignity and respect. By fostering a warm, community-driven setting, we ensure that every individual thrives.
Situated in Des Moines, Life Center has built a reputation for excellence in senior care. Our experienced and compassionate team is committed to providing outstanding service, ensuring that every resident feels safe, comfortable, and valued.
One of the key elements that sets Life Center apart is our superior staff-to-resident ratio. This allows our caregivers to dedicate more time to each resident, creating a truly personalized care experience. Families looking for a nursing home should consider not just rankings but also the level of attention and support their loved ones will receive.
If you’re searching for a trusted nursing home in Des Moines that places the well-being of residents first, Life Center is here to help. Our commitment to individualized care ensures a high standard of living in a compassionate environment.
Life Center
900 Polk Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
+1 515-255-5433
https://www.seniorlifecenter.org/