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.
based on 19 Google reviews

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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 detailsStrengths
- 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
Distribution · 20 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both 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
5
measures
8
measures
4
measures
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents with pressure sores (bedsores)
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents whose walking got worse
Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
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, 2026Routine5
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
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, 2026Complaint1
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Apr 24, 2025Routine17
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Smoke Deficiencies
Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Egress Deficiencies
Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
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.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Oct 30, 2024Complaint1
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, 2024Routine22
Smoke Deficiencies
Have a complete alarm system manually initiated and initiated by fire sprinkler system connection.
Egress Deficiencies
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure that personnel concerned with handling of medical gases and cylinders are trained on the risk.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
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.
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.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide or obtain dental services for each resident.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Provide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Jun 20, 2024Complaint2
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
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
May 6, 2026InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Apr 16, 2026InspectionClean
Fed violations: 2, State violations: 0
Mar 29, 2026ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Feb 18, 2026ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0
Oct 7, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Jun 26, 2025OtherClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
May 22, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Apr 24, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 8, State violations: 0
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Birkwood Village of Fort Madison
for profit
Ownership & Management
Owners
Holtkamp, Mark
Owner
Kidwell, Kevin
Owner
Key personnel
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
19 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit birkwoodvillage.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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