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Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 26 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.
This facility has areas of concern that warrant careful consideration. Registered Nurse hours are 68% of the EveryPlace reference benchmark; ask how RN coverage is allocated across shifts. The latest standard survey recorded 23 findings, above the IA average of 6.2. 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.
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation presents a highly polarized experience for families. While some reviewers praise the therapy team and home-like environment, recent reports from 2024 describe severe sanitation issues, including bed bug and scabies infestations, alongside concerns regarding understaffing and neglect of basic patient needs.
Quality Themes
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Concerns
Rating Trends
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Distribution · 28 analyzed
This facility responds to some reviews.
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“I have a loved one there currently amd not only do they bed bugs, that have been spread throughout the building they now have scabies!!!!!! The recent change in leadership has made the building go down hill in my opinion”
“He was covered in sores from a medicine change. No one did anything about it until I showed up. I cried when I saw how bad he was.”
“The food was horrid, cold and soggy being the only thing consistent. Totally inept and understaffed.”
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 · 17 measures
5
measures
9
measures
3
measures
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Detailed Medicare record · up to 3-year lookback
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation has a concerning pattern of complaint-triggered deficiencies, with families filing reports that led to 23 violations across multiple surveys. The facility shows recurring issues with treatment and care quality, resident safety measures, and nursing staffing levels. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the persistent nature of similar problems across multiple years suggests ongoing operational challenges that prospective families should carefully consider.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Construction Deficiencies
Use approved construction type or materials.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Administration Deficiencies
Help the resident with transportation to and from laboratory services outside of the facility.
Administration Deficiencies
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
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 appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies
Obtain a doctor's order to admit a resident and ensure the resident is under a doctor's care.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Feb 26, 2026
$30,745
Fine
Aug 27, 2025
$135,298
Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 17, State violations: 2
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 1, State violations: 1
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 5, State violations: 1
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Fed violations: 2, State violations: 1
Fort Dodge Health and Rehabilitation
for profit
The Ensign Group
342 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 3.2/5 · Rank 290 of 328 (Lowest rating)
Owners
Port, Barry
Individual is an Owner, Partner or Trustee of Any Adp of the Snf
Key personnel
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
26 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit fortdodgehealth.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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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