Kendal at Ithaca
Strong Medicare quality ratings; families often praise engaging and diverse activity programming. Still worth an in-person visit.
based on 16 Google reviews
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What this means for your family
Kendal at Ithaca is highly recommended for its robust activity calendar and responsive resident care team, which provides a supportive environment for aging. However, families concerned about diversity and inclusivity should engage directly with management to discuss the facility's culture and commitment to a welcoming environment for all residents.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
16 reviews on Google“Kendal at Ithaca is highly regarded by many residents and their families for its vibrant community atmosphere, diverse range of activities, and attentive staff. While the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, one reviewer raised serious concerns regarding a lack of diversity and inclusivity within the facility's marketing and environment.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Engaging and diverse activity programming
- Responsive resident care and health support
- Well-maintained facilities and living environments
- Welcoming and professional staff
Concerns
- Allegations of lack of diversity and inclusivity (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 29 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility rarely responds to reviews.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1Given the 3-star health inspection rating, what specific steps has the facility taken recently to address the cited deficiencies and improve compliance?
- 2With your 5-star staffing rating, how do you ensure that this high level of dedicated care remains consistent across all shifts for my family member?
- 3I’ve read that you have a very active calendar; could you walk me through a few examples of how the programming is tailored to keep residents engaged and connected?
- 4How does the community foster an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for residents from all different backgrounds and life experiences?
- 5In the event of a sudden change in health status, what is your specific protocol for coordinating with our family and local medical providers?
- 6I noticed there have been some recent state violations; could you share how you are working to resolve those issues to ensure the highest quality of care for your 48 residents?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“I love how the Activities and Life Engagement staff members use creative approaches to engage residents in group and individual activities!”
“My wife and I have been at Kendal for two months after fifty years in a house. We are delighted to be here. I make an analogy between Kendal and a cruise ship with respect to ease of living and enjoyment.”
“She has received excellent care every step of the way as she has aged. Kendal at Ithaca is an outstanding facility.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026This facility meets the national staffing benchmarks. Higher staffing is linked to fewer falls and better day-to-day care.
Quality Measures
Quality Measures
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 17 measures
10
measures
5
measures
2
measures
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents who fell and were seriously hurt
Residents who lost too much weight
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
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
Kendal at Ithaca has 21 deficiencies across three surveys, with most issues appearing corrected by the facility. The most common problems involve fire safety systems (sprinklers, exit lighting, smoke doors), medication management, and care planning. While some fire safety issues have recurred across multiple surveys, all deficiencies show correction dates, suggesting the facility addresses identified problems.
Dec 19, 2024Routine14
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure electrical receptacles or cover plates have distinctive color or marking.
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Try different approaches before using a bed rail. If a bed rail is needed, the facility must (1) assess a resident for safety risk; (2) review these risks and benefits with the resident/representative; (3) get informed consent; and (4) Correctly install and maintain the bed rail.
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food that accommodates resident allergies, intolerances, and preferences, as well as appealing options.
Egress Deficiencies
Install proper backup exit lighting.
Egress Deficiencies
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters.
May 5, 2023Routine6
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Egress Deficiencies
Install proper backup exit lighting.
Egress Deficiencies
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
May 12, 2021Routine1
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Kendal at Ithaca
nonprofit
Chain Affiliation
Kendal
7 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 4.4/5 · Rank 6 of 7
Ownership & Management
Key personnel
Contact
Get in Touch
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References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
16 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit kai.kendal.org
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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