The latest round of inspections at Iowa nursing homes has uncovered violations at dozens of facilities, according to a report by KCRG.
According to records from the state’s Department of Inspection, Appeals and Licensing, at least 33 nursing homes have been cited since the beginning of 2025 for issues involving resident abuse, including theft, sexual misconduct, financial exploitation, and failing to properly screen job applicants for histories of criminal activity or abuse. Most of the infractions brought a state fine of $500.
The report lists some of the homes that were on the state’s list of violators, several of which were accused of failing to protect residents from abuse or failing to report abuse.
One facility, Harmony Waterloo, formerly Promedica Skilled Nursing & Rehab, was cited for failing to protect residents from financial exploitation. Residents reported giving staff members money, credit cards or debit cards for vending machine purchases. One resident, after being discharged, was notified by her bank that her account was depleted by a $417 debit card payment for a cell phone bill. It turned out the phone belonged to a nurse aide who worked at the facility and had a prior charge of third-degree theft on her record.
Another facility, Lakeside Lutheran Home, was cited for failing to protect residents from abuse. In one instance, workers alleged that a registered nurse had tried to check a male resident’s blood sugar and after the man attempted to bite the nurse, she told him, “If you bite me, I will knock all the teeth out of your mouth,” and then raised her hand as if to strike him. The nurse lowered her hand after an aide intervened.
Other homes mentioned in the report included:
-Tripoli Nursing & Rehab Center was cited for three staff members being verbally abusive or physically rough with residents.
-Grundy Care Center was cited for failing to protect residents from mental and physical abuse.
-Rehabilitation Centers of Independence, West Campus, was cited for failing to report abuse.
-Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center’s Klein Center was cited for failing to report allegations of abuse.
-Silver Oak Nursing & Rehab Center was cited for failing to report the exploitation of a resident and the potential misappropriation of the resident’s medication.
The violations detailed in the report cover the period beginning in January 2025. A report last year in the Des Moines Register stated that Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing had met its federally mandated requirements for nursing home inspections for fiscal year 2024. Iowa has about 400 Medicaid-certified nursing homes.
Legal Assistance In Cases of Nursing Home Abuse
When you discover that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s a devastating and emotionally charged experience. Your first instinct may be to report the abuse to the authorities and trust that they will take appropriate action to protect your loved one and hold the abusers accountable. While reporting the abuse to state agencies and law enforcement is an essential step, it is equally important to consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to ensure that your loved one’s rights are fully protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
How We Can Help
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused, neglected, injured, or otherwise harmed in a nursing home, don’t wait. Take action now to protect their rights and ensure their safety. Our team of dedicated legal professionals is here to help you uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. Fill out our simple contact form and let us provide the support and resources you need to seek justice for your loved one.
