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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Dubuque Specialty Care

Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.

2935 Kaufmann Avenue, Dubuque, IA 5200184 bedsLicensed & Active
2/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.1/5

based on 29 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Dubuque Specialty Care Nursing Home in Dubuque, IA — Street View
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5/ 10
high Risk

Quality Concerns Identified

Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.

  • Low overall rating (2/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (8 vs median 5)
  • High staff turnover (57%)
  • High RN turnover (58%)

Below average in IA · Below recommended RN staffing · Below chain average · $53,372 in fines

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

This facility is highly regarded for its cleanliness, therapy programs, and dedicated nursing staff, making it a strong candidate for rehabilitation. However, because some families have reported issues with administrative communication and food quality, we recommend asking specifically about how the facility handles care plan updates and dietary preferences during your tour.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

29 reviews on Google
Dubuque Specialty Care receives high praise for its attentive nursing staff, clean environment, and effective rehabilitation services. While many families report positive long-term experiences, some reviewers have raised concerns regarding administrative communication, inconsistent care during pandemic-era restrictions, and occasional issues with food quality.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food5.0Staff9.0Clean10.0Activities9.0MedsN/AMemory5.0Comms4.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Attentive and compassionate nursing staff
  • Clean and well-maintained facility
  • Effective physical and occupational therapy
  • Engaging activities program

Concerns

  • Inconsistent communication and administrative issues (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Poor quality or lack of variety in food service (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2345.02019(1)1.32020(3)3.32022(7)4.02023(4)4.72024(14)5.02025(4)

Distribution · 33 analyzed

5
22
4
3
3
1
2
2
1
5

How They Respond to Reviews

66%response rate

This facility responds to some reviews.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1I noticed your team is active in responding to feedback online; how do you use that family input to improve daily operations and communication?
  • 2Given that some families have expressed a desire for more variety in dining, what is the current process for addressing dietary preferences or specific meal requests for residents?
  • 3With the facility currently holding a 3-star staffing rating, how do you ensure that nursing staff remain available and attentive to residents' needs throughout all shifts?
  • 4What steps is the leadership team taking to address the recent state violations and improve the overall health inspection outcomes?
  • 5Since your activities program is frequently highlighted as a strength, could you walk us through a few of the most popular events or social opportunities residents are currently enjoying?
  • 6In the event of a sudden medical change or emergency, what is your specific protocol for notifying family members and coordinating with local hospitals?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The staff is amazing they do everything that they can to help everyone the food is really good I loved going to therapy and doing some of the social activities

Rehab patient · 2023★★★★★

The activies director Madi is awesome. She plans great activities. Some of my family activities are BINGO, Yahtzee, and social events.

Family member · 2024★★★★★

I just love Dubuque Specialty Care my brother Alfonso has been a resident for almost 10 years and from day one he has loved it

Long-term resident's family · 2024★★★★★
Source: 29 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.48hrs
64%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
2.89hrs
71%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
61%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
75%
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
3/ 5
Better Than Avg

7

measures

Worse Than Avg

9

measures

Mixed Results

1

measures

Long-Stay Residents
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility7.2%
Better than Avg
Here
7.2%
US
14.4%
IA
17.6%
Dubuque
19.2%
💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility25.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
25.2%
US
15.5%
IA
19.4%
Dubuque
20.2%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility3.4%
Better than Avg
Here
3.4%
US
12.1%
IA
4.1%
Dubuque
5.4%

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

🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility28.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
28.0%
US
19.4%
IA
25.9%
Dubuque
26.3%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility86.2%
Worse than Avg
Here
86.2%
US
93.4%
IA
93.9%
Dubuque
87.3%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility22.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
22.0%
US
15.3%
IA
17.5%
Dubuque
17.4%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility48.8%
Worse than Avg
Here
48.8%
US
81.8%
IA
84.1%
Dubuque
79.1%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility51.5%
Worse than Avg
Here
51.5%
US
79.8%
IA
73.3%
Dubuque
64.5%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.0%
Better than Avg
Here
0.0%
US
1.6%
IA
2.0%
Dubuque
1.9%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

8deficiencies
2penalties
Above state avg (6.2)
10 complaint-triggered
$53,372 in fines

This facility shows concerning patterns with 38 deficiencies across 4 surveys, including 10 complaint-triggered issues where families filed reports about problems. Recurring issues involve nursing staff adequacy, care planning, infection control, and fire safety systems. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the facility has struggled with basic safety hazards, resident rights violations, and ensuring adequate nursing coverage to meet resident needs.

Jul 30, 2025Routine
9
0865Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0363Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

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.

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.

0760Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

0812Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

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

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Jul 30, 2025Complaint
1
0740Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

Jul 15, 2024Routine
12
0686Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

0039Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

0041Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Implement emergency and standby power systems.

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

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

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.

0223Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

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.

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.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0321Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0623Minimal · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

Jul 15, 2024Complaint
8
0658Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

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

0725Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

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.

0580Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0689Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

0919Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Environmental Deficiencies

Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

0625Minimal · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

Oct 24, 2023Complaint
1
0689Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

May 4, 2023Routine
7
0324Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0345Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

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

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

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

0223Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

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.

0511Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Services Deficiencies

Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Jul 15, 2024

$53,372

Payment Denial

Jul 15, 2024

16-day denial

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

10total
28deficiencies
Dec 3, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Oct 9, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Sep 12, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Jul 30, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 8, State violations: 0

Aug 20, 2024Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Jul 15, 2024Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 14, State violations: 1

Dec 4, 2023Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Oct 24, 2023Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 1, State violations: 1

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Dubuque Specialty Care

Organization Type

nonprofit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Care Initiatives

Chain Size

43 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 3.0/5 · Rank 29 of 43

Ownership & Management

Owners

Care Initiatives

Owner · Organization

100%

Key personnel

Computershare Corporate Trust Company, Na5% or Greater Mortgage InterestBeal, MichaelOfficer / DirectorBowen, LaneOfficer / DirectorCarothers, Mary JaneOfficer / DirectorChilds, KevinOfficer / 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.

Safer Alternatives Nearby

Based on current clinical data, we identified 6 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.

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