Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 12 Google reviews

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These current public-data fields deserve follow-up with the facility and the official Medicare record. They are not a clinical risk score or a substitute for an in-person assessment.
3 findings in latest survey
This facility has areas of concern that warrant careful consideration. Registered Nurse hours are 49% of the EveryPlace reference benchmark; ask how RN coverage is allocated across shifts. We recommend asking the administrator directly: "How are you addressing recent staffing shortfalls?" These are not reasons to panic, but they are reasons to ask tough questions and visit in person.
Cherokee Specialty Care receives polarized feedback, with recent reviews praising the activity department and garden, while older reviews highlight serious concerns regarding neglect and communication. Families report issues with staff responsiveness and dietary management, contrasting with newer positive remarks about the facility's engagement efforts.
Quality Themes
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Concerns
Rating Trends
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Distribution · 14 analyzed
This facility rarely responds to reviews.
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The staff are very caring and the caring attitudes are evident in the care the patients receive! They are the best!”
“Outdoor garden is a perfect event for the residents!”
“They were always under staffed so the residents care was compromised because this. Employees did not contact the family when she was ill nor did they do anything to help the matter.”
Both RN and total nursing hours are below the EveryPlace reference benchmarks. Ask the facility how it staffs each shift for current resident needs.
Reference benchmarks (0.75 RN and 4.1 total nursing hours per resident/day) are comparison targets, not current federal minimum requirements.
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 16 measures
7
measures
5
measures
4
measures
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Detailed Medicare record · up to 3-year lookback
Cherokee Specialty Care has concerning patterns of repeat deficiencies, with families filing 19 complaints that triggered inspections. The facility shows persistent problems with safety hazards and accident prevention, care planning and assessments, and infection control across multiple surveys. While the facility corrects issues when cited, the same problems frequently recur, suggesting underlying systemic challenges that families should carefully consider before placement.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
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 and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Give residents a notice of rights, rules, services and charges.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Administration Deficiencies
Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
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 care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Construction Deficiencies
Use approved construction type or materials.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Jul 10, 2023
$8,190
Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 3, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 7, State violations: 3
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 8, State violations: 0
Cherokee Specialty Care
nonprofit
Care Initiatives
43 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 3.0/5 · Rank 36 of 43
Owners
Care Initiatives
Owner · Organization
Key personnel
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12 reviews from families & visitors
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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. Some summaries, interpretations, suggested questions, and pricing research are AI-generated or AI-assisted and may contain errors or omit important context. 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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