A middle-range Medicare rating. Review each component and visit in person before deciding.
based on 98 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.
No Medicare penalties on record · 1 finding in latest survey
Kirkwood by the River has a middle-range Medicare overall rating. Strengths include beautiful, scenic campus. Some reviewers note concerns about neglect and lack of basic care in skilled nursing/memory care (mentioned by 4 reviewers). Review the health-inspection, staffing, and quality-measure components separately, then visit in person.
Kirkwood by the River receives high praise for its beautiful, tranquil setting and strong sense of community, particularly within its independent living cottages. However, families should be aware of a significant divide in experiences, as multiple reviewers have raised serious concerns regarding neglect, understaffing, and hygiene issues in the skilled nursing and memory care units.
Quality Themes
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Distribution · 75 analyzed
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Key Review Excerpts
“Kirkwood by the River (KBTR) skilled nursing staff took extraordinary care of our Mother through her last days and we cannot thank you enough. She passed peacefully with dignity and grace.”
“Is it perfect? No. None are. But this one is the best one in the area. I am so thankful to the staff and especially to Crystal who called me last Thursday to tell me I needed to get there immediately.”
“Patients sitting in wheelchairs in the hallways begging to go to bed. The smell of urine makes you nauseous. Staff ignores and neglects the residents.”
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 16 measures
8
measures
6
measures
2
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Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents with depression symptoms
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
Residents vaccinated for the flu
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
Detailed Medicare record · up to 3-year lookback
Kirkwood by the River shows a pattern of recurring fire safety and infection control deficiencies across three surveys from 2018-2021, with fire safety issues (sprinkler systems, smoke doors, exit signs) and infection control problems appearing multiple times. While all 19 deficiencies have correction dates, the repeated nature of fire safety violations and persistent infection control issues across different surveys suggests ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent safety standards that families should discuss during visits.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Implement emergency and standby power systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
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.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Egress Deficiencies
Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
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 Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Provide care by qualified persons according to each resident's written plan of care.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Kirkwood by the River
nonprofit
Key personnel
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