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Nursing HomeMedicaid

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Meets baseline Medicare standards with room for improvement. A tour and talking to current residents' families is the best next step.

1702 41st Street, Fort Madison, IA 5262780 bedsLicensed & Active
3/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.8/5

based on 19 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison Nursing Home in Fort Madison, IA — Street View
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What this means for your family

While Birkwood Village receives praise for its hospice and end-of-life support, the recurring reports of poor communication and unexplained resident injuries are significant red flags. We strongly recommend that you request a tour, ask for the facility's most recent state survey results, and insist on a clear, written plan for how the facility will keep you informed of your loved one's medical status and care meetings.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

19 reviews on Google
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison receives polarized feedback, with some families praising the compassionate end-of-life care and engaging activities, while others report serious concerns regarding communication and resident safety. Critical reviews highlight alarming incidents involving unexplained injuries, potential staff dishonesty, and failures in basic hygiene assistance. Families considering this facility should be aware of the stark contrast between the positive experiences of some and the severe allegations of neglect and poor oversight reported by others.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food7.0Staff4.0CleanN/AActivities9.0MedsN/AMemoryN/AComms2.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Compassionate end-of-life and hospice care
  • Engaging resident activity programs
  • Generally perceived as well-staffed by some families

Concerns

  • Lack of transparency and poor communication regarding care meetings and medical status (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Reports of unexplained physical injuries and bruising on residents (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Failure to assist with basic hygiene, grooming, and nutritional needs (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2345.02016(3)2.02017(1)3.02018(4)3.52023(2)5.02024(2)3.82025(5)4.32026(3)

Distribution · 20 analyzed

5
13
4
0
3
2
2
2
1
3

How They Respond to Reviews

26%response rate

This facility rarely responds to reviews.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1Given the recent feedback regarding communication, what is your standard process for keeping families updated on a resident's medical status and any changes in their care plan?
  • 2I noticed the facility has had some recent challenges with health inspections; what specific steps are you taking to improve your oversight and quality of care protocols?
  • 3Some families have expressed concerns about the consistency of assistance with daily hygiene and grooming; how do you monitor and ensure these basic needs are met for every resident?
  • 4I’ve read positive things about your hospice and end-of-life care; how do you coordinate with families during those sensitive times to ensure they feel supported and informed?
  • 5Regarding the safety of residents, what protocols do you have in place to monitor for unexplained injuries and ensure that any incidents are documented and communicated to families immediately?
  • 6I see you have an active social calendar; could you walk me through a few of the most popular activities that help residents stay engaged and connected with one another?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

Our loved one was placed in the skilled nursing home at Birkwood Village but was moved into hospice care shortly afterwards. We can’t thank all the nurses and the entire staff for the care they gave her during her last days.

Long-term resident's family · 2025★★★★★

Our dad was here. He has passed away now. He had many bruises and cuts on him. The head nurse Mary kept lying to us. She told us he had a brain tumor and he did not.

Long-term resident's family · 2023★★☆☆☆

I am writing this review to share my serious concerns regarding the care and communication at Birkwood Village, where my grandmother recently was a resident. Despite repeated assurances from the care coordinator that I would be included in care meetings and kept in the loop, a major meeting was held on April 15 and May 29 without any notice to me.

Long-term resident's family · 2025☆☆☆☆
Source: 19 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.56hrs
74%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
4.10hrs
100%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
49%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
58%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Both RN and total nursing hours are below national benchmarks. This can mean less clinical attention per resident, so ask about their staffing plan.

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures

Medicare Rating
4/ 5
Better Than Avg

5

measures

Worse Than Avg

8

measures

Mixed Results

4

measures

Long-Stay Residents
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.0%
Better than Avg
Here
1.0%
US
12.1%
IA
4.1%
Lee
3.2%

Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.

💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility9.9%
Better than Avg
Here
9.9%
US
15.5%
IA
19.4%
Lee
17.6%
🩹

Residents with pressure sores (bedsores)

↓ Lower is better
This Facility11.9%
Worse than Avg
Here
11.9%
US
4.9%
IA
4.3%
Lee
5.1%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility19.3%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
19.3%
US
19.4%
IA
25.9%
Lee
17.1%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility20.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
20.2%
US
14.4%
IA
17.6%
Lee
15.0%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility21.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
21.0%
US
15.3%
IA
17.5%
Lee
15.3%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility88.9%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
88.9%
US
79.8%
IA
73.3%
Lee
89.2%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility83.8%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
83.8%
US
81.8%
IA
84.1%
Lee
87.9%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility1.7%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
1.7%
US
1.6%
IA
2.0%
Lee
1.6%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

3deficiencies
1penalties
Well below state avg (6.2)
5 complaint-triggered
$3,145 in fines

Families have filed multiple complaint reports, with concerning patterns in medication management, fire safety systems, and care planning that persist across surveys from 2023 to 2025. The facility struggles with recurring medication errors, fire alarm and sprinkler system maintenance, and developing proper resident care plans, though all identified issues have correction dates on file.

Apr 16, 2026Routine
5
0006Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.

0914Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.

0812Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0363Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0584Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

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.

Feb 18, 2026Complaint
1
0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Apr 24, 2025Routine
17
0039Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

0345Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

0346Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.

0347Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.

0354Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0921Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

0812Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0232Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width.

0582Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

0644Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

0657Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0726Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

0758Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

0760Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Oct 30, 2024Complaint
1
0690Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Jun 20, 2024Routine
22
0342Potential for harm · Widespread

Smoke Deficiencies

Have a complete alarm system manually initiated and initiated by fire sprinkler system connection.

0291Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

0345Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

0347Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0354Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0761Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0921Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

0926Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that personnel concerned with handling of medical gases and cylinders are trained on the risk.

0804Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

0880Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0321Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0658Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

0692Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

0725Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

0758Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

0759Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

0791Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.

0810Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.

0881Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Jun 20, 2024Complaint
2
0550Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

0607Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Sep 5, 2023

$3,145

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

10total
13deficiencies
May 6, 2026Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Apr 16, 2026Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 2, State violations: 0

Mar 29, 2026Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Feb 18, 2026Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0

Oct 7, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Jun 26, 2025Other
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

May 22, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Apr 24, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 8, State violations: 0

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

Organization Type

for profit

Ownership & Management

Owners

Holtkamp, Mark

Owner

50%

Kidwell, Kevin

Owner

50%

Key personnel

Lee County Bank5% or Greater Security InterestFullhart, DawnW-2 Managing EmployeeHoltkamp, MarkOfficer / DirectorKidwell, KevinOfficer / DirectorHoltkamp, MarkOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.

References & Resources

EveryPlace is a research directory. Facility information is compiled from public sources — Medicare.gov, state licensing portals, Google Places, and publicly available street-level imagery. Listings do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advertisement, and we do not accept payment for placement. Families should verify all details directly with the facility and the original sources linked above before making any care decisions. See our Research Policy for our editorial standards, correction process, and image-removal policy.

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