The Cottages
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 28 Google reviews
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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 (11 vs median 5)
Below average in IA · Below recommended RN staffing · Above average staffing · Below chain average · $54,484 in fines
What this means for your family
The Cottages is highly regarded for its compassionate staff and clean, welcoming environment, making it a strong candidate for long-term care. However, because some families have noted that the facility is on the pricier side, be sure to request a detailed breakdown of costs to ensure it fits your long-term budget.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
28 reviews on Google“The Cottages is generally viewed as a clean, welcoming, and professional environment by residents and their families. While the facility is praised for its attentive staff and pleasant atmosphere, prospective families should be aware that some find the cost to be on the higher end compared to other local options.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Warm and attentive nursing staff
- Clean and well-maintained facility
- Professional and responsive management
- Welcoming, resident-focused environment
Concerns
- High cost of services (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 30 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.
Questions for Your Tour
- 1I noticed your team is very active in responding to feedback online; how do you incorporate that resident and family input into your daily operations?
- 2With your high staffing rating, how does your team ensure that residents receive personalized attention throughout the day, especially during peak hours?
- 3I see the facility has had some recent health inspection findings; what specific steps are you taking to address those areas and improve your overall quality metrics?
- 4Given the premium nature of your services, what unique amenities or specialized care programs are included that provide the most value to your residents?
- 5What does a typical daily activity schedule look like for a resident here, and how do you encourage participation in those social events?
- 6In the event of a medical emergency, what is your protocol for coordinating care with local hospitals and keeping family members informed in real-time?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“Both of my parents received warm and loving care while residents here. Staff is competent and caring. Facility is clean and residents wishes are respected.”
“The caregivers are always around when I need them. They’re really nice to talk to, and I just appreciate them so much.”
“Great staff and care. A little pricey compared to other facilities.”
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
8
measures
6
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 on antipsychotic medication
Residents whose walking got worse
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
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
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
Families have filed multiple complaints leading to serious deficiencies including abuse protection failures and medication errors. The facility shows recurring problems with medication management, fire safety systems, and infection control across multiple surveys from 2023-2025. While all deficiencies have correction dates, the pattern of repeated issues in critical safety areas and ongoing complaint-triggered violations suggests persistent care quality concerns that warrant careful consideration.
Nov 25, 2025Complaint2
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.
Aug 25, 2025Routine9
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
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
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Aug 25, 2025Complaint2
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Feb 24, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Sep 26, 2024Routine10
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Services Deficiencies
Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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.
May 16, 2024Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Federal Penalties
Fine
Aug 25, 2025
$26,800
Fine
Feb 24, 2025
$13,254
State Inspection History
State Inspections
Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
Jun 4, 2026ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 2, State violations: 2
Dec 11, 2025OtherClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Nov 25, 2025OtherClean
Fed violations: 2, State violations: 1
Nov 24, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Aug 25, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 9, State violations: 1
Apr 15, 2025OtherClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Feb 24, 2025OtherClean
Fed violations: 1, State violations: 1
Dec 24, 2024ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
The Cottages
nonprofit
Chain Affiliation
Wesleylife
10 facilities nationwide
Chain avg rating: 3.8/5 · Rank 10 of 11
Ownership & Management
Owners
Hearthstone a Ministry of Wesleylife LLC
Owner · Organization
Wesleylife
Owner · Organization
Wesley Retirement Services INC
Owner (parent company) · Organization
Key personnel
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
28 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit wesleylife.org
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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Safer Alternatives Nearby
Based on current clinical data, we identified 2 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.