Cherokee Specialty Care
1011 North Roosevelt, Cherokee, IA 51012 · Cherokee County · (712) 225-5189
62 certified beds, about 38 residents a day · Non profit - Corporation · Medicare and Medicaid since 1997
Certified for Medicaid Certified for Medicare
Overall
3 of 5
Health inspections
3 of 5
Staffing
3 of 5
Quality measures
3 of 5
CMS Care Compare ratings, data as of September 1, 2026 · CCN 165330 · See it on Medicare.gov · Compare with other homes
The record in brief
At its most recent standard inspection, on July 15, 2026, inspectors cited 3 health deficiencies (the Iowa average is 6.5, the national average 9.2).
Of 26 health citations since November 2023, 1 was rated as actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents.
CMS lists no fines against this home in the last three years.
Nurses and nurse aides worked 3.67 hours per resident per day, against 3.82 across Iowa and 3.86 nationally. Registered nurses accounted for 0.35 of those hours.
41.3% of nursing staff left within the year CMS measured (Iowa average 44.0%).
CMS links it to Care Initiatives, an affiliated group of 43 nursing homes.
Health inspections
Federal rules call for a standard inspection at least every 15 months, plus a visit whenever a complaint is filed. Each mark below is one citation, colored by how serious inspectors rated it. How to read a citation.
Under each citation, the quoted text is the inspector's own summary from the federal statement of deficiencies (CMS form 2567), word for word apart from a privacy scrub; CMS removes residents' and staff names before it publishes the text. The full notes are on Medicare.gov.
211/23
101/24
103/24
105/24
807/24
701/25
305/25
307/26
Potential for minimal harm Potential for more than minimal harm Actual harm Immediate jeopardy Found on a complaint visit
Where its citations fall on CMS's grid
CMS rates every citation by how much harm it caused (rows) and how many residents it touched (columns). The count in each box is this home's, across all 26 health citations on file.
Severity
Isolated
Pattern
Widespread
Immediate jeopardy
0J
0K
0L
Actual harm
1G
0H
0I
Potential for more than minimal harm
20D
5E
0F
Potential for minimal harm
0A
0B
0C
July 15, 2026Standard inspection · 3 citations
- D Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, observation, resident interview, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to provide a homelike environment by not replacing pillow cases on residents' beds for 1 of 5 residents (Resident #7) reviewed. The facility reported a census of 46 residents.
- D Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to provide care and services according to accepted standards of clinical practice for 2 of 12 residents reviewed (Residents #1, #53). The facility reported a census of 46 residents.
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, clinical record review, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to use universal infection control measures while completing wound care for 1 of 3 residents (Resident #7) reviewed. The facility reported a census of 46 residents.
May 22, 2025Standard inspection · 3 citations
- E Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations,resident and staff interviews and policy review the facility failed to ensure proper temperatures for foods served to residents. The facility reported a census of 44 residents. Finding Include: 1. Observation on 5/20/25 at 12:17 p.m., of the meal service showed the lunch meal consisted of Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, carrots, roll and butter and ice cream sandwiches. The test tray was temped after the last resident was served their room lunch tray and temperatures were as follows: a. Salisbury Steak- 133.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) b. Carrots- 131 degrees F c. Ice cream sandwich was soft and melted d. Roll was noted to have black bottom and hard 2. Observation on 5/20/25 at 12:34 p.m., with items still in the steam table in the kitchen. Food temperatures were as follows: a. Ground Salisbury Steak- 114.9 degrees F b. [...]
- D Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to refer 1 resident with a negative Level I result for the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR), who was later identified with newly evident or possible serious mental disorder, intellectual disability, or other related condition, to the appropriate state-designated authority for Level II PASRR evaluation and determination for 1 out of 2 residents reviewed for PASRR requirements, (Resident #38). The facility reported a census of 43 residents.
- D Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review and staff interview the facility failed to revise and update care plans to include and address high risk medications and side effects to watch for in the comprehensive care plans for 2 of 2 residents reviewed (Resident #24 and #31). The facility reported a census of 44 residents.
January 30, 2025Complaint inspection · 7 citations
- G Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, staff interview, facility photographs, and facility education, the facility failed to secure a hot cup of coffee, monitor a resident known to drink hot coffee all hours of the day and night, test coffee temperatures, follow physicians orders for which resulted in a 2nd degree burn to the groin region that progressively worsened and caused substantial pain for 1 of 3 resident reviewed. (Resident #1) The facility identified the census of 46 residents.
- D Give residents a notice of rights, rules, services and charges.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, admission agreement, resident bill of rights, facility document manager process, resident council meeting minutes, staff and family interview the facility failed to provide the resident/resident representative in writing the resident rights, rules and regulations and responsibility during the stay in the facility or upon admit for 1 of 3 residents reviewed. (Resident #4). The facility identified a census of 46 residents.
- D Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, facility investigation, resident bill of rights, facility policy/procedures, and staff interviews the facility failed to provide a supportive and safe environment for Resident #3. On 8/26/24, the facility staff learned of a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) being accused of backing Resident #3 into a wall and bitching at them. After learning of this allegation of abuse, the facility staff told the CNA not to help Resident #3, but allowed them to work with other residents. The facility identified a census of 46 residents.
- D Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, resident bill of rights, facility investigation, staff interview and review of policy and procedures, the facility failed to ensure all alleged violations involving mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of a resident and/or residents (Resident #3) were reported to the Department of Inspection and Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) within 2 hour and the facility also failed to report potential abuse for missing Fentanyl (a topical opioid pain medication) patches were reported to the DIAL within 24 hours. (Resident #3 and Resident #1). The facility reported a census of 46 residents.
- D Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, resident bill of rights, facility policy/process, and staff interviews, the facility staff failed to investigate Resident #3 and Resident #1 missing Fentanyl (a topical opioid pain medications) patches. The facility reported a census of 46 residents.
- D Provide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Inspectors wroteBased on clinical record review, observation, resident and staff interview the facility failed to provide profession standards according to the plan of care to have the residents colostomy checked every 3 hours for 1 of 1 resident reviewed (Resident #2). The facility identified a census of 46 residents.
- D Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Inspectors wroteBased on resident and staff interviews, resident council minutes and the facility assessment, the facility staff failed to answer resident call lights in a timely manner (no longer than 15 minutes) for 2 of 3 residents (Resident #2, and #3). The facility identified a census of 46 residents.
July 18, 2024Standard inspection, Complaint inspection · 8 citations
- E Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, resident interview, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to provide food at an appetizing temperature to 4 of 15 residents reviewed (Residents #1, #5, #35, and #39). The facility reported a census of 53 residents.
- E Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, interview, and facility policy the facility failed to have the Infection Preventionist at quarterly meetings for their quarterly Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) meetings. The facility reported a census of 53 residents.
- D Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to immediately notify the physician and resident representative of a fall with an injury for 1 of 5 residents reviewed (Resident #32). The facility reported a census of 53 residents.
- D Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to review and revise the comprehensive care plan for 1 of 18 residents reviewed (Resident #38). The facility reported a census of 53 residents.
- D Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and staff interview, the facility failed to provide adequate assessment and timely intervention for a resident with a change of condition for 1 of 5 residents reviewed (Resident #32). The facility reported a census of 53 residents.
- D Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, record review and staff interview, the facility failed to assure a resident who was incontinent of bladder received appropriate treatment and services to restore continence to the extent possible for 1 resident reviewed (Resident #38). The facility reported a census of 53 residents.
- D Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to prepare, serve and distribute food in accordance with professional standards. The facility reported a census of 47 residents.
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, clinical record review, resident interview, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to use universal infection control measures and Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) during PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) cares and medication administration for 1 of 3 residents reviewed for infection control (Resident #205). The facility reported a census of 53 residents.
May 16, 2024Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- E Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Inspectors wroteBased on observations, staff interviews, and facility policy reviews the facility failed to ensure food was stored and prepared under sanitary conditions. The facility identified a census of 53 residents.
March 20, 2024Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Inspectors wroteBased on observation, facility policy and staff interview, the facility failed to complete proper hand hygiene with incontinence care with 2 of 3 residents (Resident #1 and #4). The facility reported a total census of 54 residents.
January 4, 2024Complaint inspection · 1 citation
- D Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review and staff and resident interview, the facility failed to assure a resident was free from exploitation for 1 of 24 residents reviewed (Resident #29). The facility reported a census of 49 residents.
November 9, 2023Complaint inspection · 2 citations
- E Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Inspectors wroteSurveyor: [NAME]-[NAME], Lea Based on personnel file review and staff interview, the facility failed to obtain the Department of Human Services (DHS) approval to work for staff with a criminal record for 1 of 5 staff reviewed (Staff L). The facility reported a census of 49 residents.
- D Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Inspectors wroteBased on record review, staff and resident interview, the facility failed to assure each resident received care in a manner that promoted maintenance or enhancement of his/her quality of life for 2 of 15 sampled residents (Resident #29 and #38). The facility reported a census of 49 residents.
Fire safety inspections
8 fire safety citations on file: 8 on July 18, 2024.
Every fire safety citation8 citations
- F Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
- F Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
- F Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
- E Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
- D Use approved construction type or materials.
- D Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
- D Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
- D Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.
Fines and payment denials
CMS lists no fines or payment denials against this home in the last three years. The national average is 0.9 fines per home.
Staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, from the payroll records every home sends CMS. Higher means more staff time with each resident.
| Measure | This home | Iowa | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| All nursing staff (RN, LPN and aides) | 3.67 | 3.82 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses | 0.35 | 0.74 | 0.69 |
| All nursing staff on weekends | 3.45 | 3.37 | 3.42 |
| Nurse aides | 2.63 | ||
| Licensed practical nurses | 0.69 | ||
| Nursing staff turnover (share who left in a year) | 41.3% | 44.0% | 45.8% |
| Registered nurse turnover | not reported | 42.1% | 42.9% |
| Administrators who left | 0 |
CMS expects 3.47 hours a day for residents as sick as this home's (its case-mix figure). The staffing star compares the two.
Staffing by quarter, from daily payroll records
Every nursing home sends CMS its staff hours for each day (the Payroll Based Journal). Here they are added up by quarter. The latest quarter is the one behind the figures above. In January to March 2026, nursing staff hours per resident were 3.76 on weekdays and 3.45 on weekends, 8% lower on weekends (nationally, weekends ran 15% lower). Contract or agency staff worked 0.0% of nursing hours, against 5.3% nationally. Total nursing hours per resident went from 3.58 in April to June 2025 to 3.67 in January to March 2026.
| Quarter | All nursing staff | Registered nurses | Weekdays | Weekends | Contract staff share | Days with no RN hours | Residents a day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.67 | 0.35 | 3.76 | 3.45 | 0.0% | 0 of 90 | 38 |
| Oct to Dec 2025 | 3.58 | 0.36 | 3.68 | 3.33 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 43 |
| Jul to Sep 2025 | 3.49 | 0.34 | 3.63 | 3.14 | 0.0% | 0 of 92 | 45 |
| Apr to Jun 2025 | 3.58 | 0.35 | 3.79 | 3.08 | 0.0% | 0 of 91 | 45 |
| United States, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.75 | 0.62 | 3.92 | 3.33 | 5.3% | 0.5% of days | |
| Iowa, Jan to Mar 2026 | 3.80 | 0.71 | 3.98 | 3.36 | 4.7% | 0.3% of days |
Hours per resident per day: staff hours in the quarter divided by resident days (the daily census CMS derives from resident assessments). Registered nurses include the director of nursing and RNs with administrative duties; aides include nurse aides in training and medication aides, as in CMS's own staffing measure. How these are calculated.
Quality measures
The measures CMS uses for the quality star. Lower is better for every one of them.
| Measure | This home | Iowa | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 17.2 | 17.1 | 13.9 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.6 | 2.4 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 1.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 18.7 | 16.6 | 14.1 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.6 |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay residents, 2025Q2-2026Q1 | 57.9 | 19.4 | 15.4 |
Owners and operators
Legal business name: CARE INITIATIVES. CMS links this home to Care Initiatives, a group of 43 nursing homes averaging 2.9 stars overall.
| Name | Role | Type | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care Initiatives | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | Organization | 100% | 11/12/2010 |
| Computershare Corporate Trust Company, Na | 5% or greater mortgage interest | Organization | 01/01/2025 | |
| Beal, Michael | Corporate director | Individual | 06/01/2020 | |
| Bowen, Lane | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2021 | |
| Carothers, Mary Jane | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2023 | |
| Childs, Kevin | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2023 | |
| Corless, Peter | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Krein, Keith | Corporate director | Individual | 06/29/2022 | |
| Rust, Elizabeth | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2023 | |
| Sturm, Denise | Corporate director | Individual | 01/01/2021 | |
| Upmeyer, Linda | Corporate director | Individual | 06/29/2022 | |
| Beal, Michael | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/01/2020 | |
| Dixon, David | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/01/2016 | |
| Drake, Emily | Corporate officer | Individual | 01/04/2023 | |
| Gilyard, Tanya | Corporate officer | Individual | 05/23/2025 | |
| Kuhn, Jeramy | Corporate officer | Individual | 06/25/2008 | |
| McDyer, Jessica | Corporate officer | Individual | 02/22/2023 | |
| Boeve, Destiny | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Jurgens, Michael | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2024 | |
| Schubert, Kristi | Operational/managerial control | Individual | 01/01/2009 | |
| Computershare Corporate Trust Company, Na | Adp of the SNF | Organization | 04/07/2025 | |
| Corless, Peter | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 01/01/2025 | |
| Jurgens, Michael | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 07/15/2025 | |
| Schubert, Kristi | Adp of the SNF | Individual | 04/07/2025 |
As listed in the CMS ownership file, which names owners with a 5% or greater stake and the people and companies with operational or managerial control.
Questions to ask on a visit
Chosen from this home's own inspection record.
- How are allegations of abuse or neglect reported and investigated, and who tells the family?Inspectors cited 5 problems in this area, most recently on January 30, 2025: "Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody."
- How do residents and families raise a complaint or grievance, and how fast is it answered?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on July 15, 2026: "Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely."
- When is the care plan meeting, and can family attend it?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on July 15, 2026: "Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality."
- Can we see a week of menus and the kitchen, and how are special diets handled?Inspectors cited 4 problems in this area, most recently on May 22, 2025: "Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature."
Other nursing homes nearby
- Careage Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Cherokee, 0.5 mi · 2 of 5 stars · 20 citations
- Accura Healthcare of Cherokee, LLC Cherokee, 0.6 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 11 citations
- Accura Healthcare of Aurelia, LLC Aurelia, 6.2 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 14 citations
- Heartland Care Center Marcus, 13.7 mi · 5 of 5 stars · 18 citations
- Methodist Manor Retirement Community Storm Lake, 18.6 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 21 citations
- Good Samaritan - Holstein Holstein, 18.9 mi · 3 of 5 stars · 24 citations
- Happy Siesta Health Care Center Remsen, 21.7 mi · 4 of 5 stars · 5 citations
- Correctionville Specialty Care Correctionville, 22.6 mi · 1 of 5 stars · 36 citations
Iowa contacts for a concern about a nursing home
These are the official offices in Iowa. NursingHomeClear cannot take or act on complaints.
- Inspections and complaints: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing, Health Facilities, the state agency that inspects nursing homes for CMS and takes complaints about care.
- Resident advocate: Iowa Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, 866-236-1430. The long-term care ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate for residents and families, set up under the federal Older Americans Act.
- State inspection reports: Iowa Health Facility Database, Entity Search, where Iowa publishes its own records on licensed homes.
Common questions
- What is Cherokee Specialty Care's Medicare star rating?
- CMS rates Cherokee Specialty Care 3 out of 5 stars overall, with 3 for health inspections, 3 for staffing and 3 for quality measures (CMS data as of September 1, 2026).
- How many deficiencies did Cherokee Specialty Care get at its last inspection?
- 3 health deficiencies at the standard inspection on July 15, 2026. The Iowa average is 6.5.
- Has Cherokee Specialty Care been fined?
- CMS lists no fines in the last three years.
- Does Cherokee Specialty Care accept Medicaid?
- It is certified to take Medicaid (CMS lists it as "Medicare and Medicaid"). Certification does not mean a Medicaid bed is open: ask the admissions office.
- Who owns Cherokee Specialty Care?
- CMS lists 24 owners and managers, and links the home to Care Initiatives. Legal business name: CARE INITIATIVES.
Sources
- Ratings, staffing and fines: CMS Provider Information, released September 30, 2026, data as of September 1, 2026.
- Citations: CMS Health Deficiencies and Fire Safety Deficiencies.
- Owners: CMS Ownership. Penalties: CMS Penalties.
- Staffing by quarter: CMS Payroll Based Journal Daily Nurse Staffing, April 2025 to March 2026, summed by NursingHomeClear.
- Inspector summaries: CMS Full Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567 text), data as of September 1, 2026. Each quote is the part of the statement before the detailed findings.
- Inspection reports with the inspectors' full notes are on this home's Medicare.gov page.
- Something wrong on this page? Ask for a correction. We fix errors in our copy of the data; findings themselves can only be changed by CMS and the state.
- NursingHomeClear is independent and not affiliated with CMS, Medicare or any state agency. This page reports federal records; it does not rate, recommend or endorse any home, and it is not medical or legal advice.