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Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

5837 Winwood Drive

3.4(54 ratings)· Johnston average: 4

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center — photo 11 / 2

Quick Facts

Medicare rating
1 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Church related
Certified beds
150
Care Model
CCRC lets residents age in place across care levels
Affiliation
Catholic community founded by Sisters of Mercy
Operator
Part of a multi-site CHI Living Communities network
Family Connectivity
Digital platform keeps families updated on care

What Families Think

Families largely describe a warm, faith-rooted community where staff are attentive and the food and activity programs get frequent praise. However, one detailed and serious report describes a rehab stay that ended with pressure wounds, infection, and a billing dispute over care the family says they were told would be covered by insurance.

The Good

  • Staff described as compassionate and attentive
  • Family-like, close-knit community culture
  • Food quality frequently praised by residents' families
  • Active life enrichment and social programming
  • Continuum of care allows aging in place on one campus

The Bad

  • One report of pressure wounds and infection after a rehab stay
  • One report of a billing dispute despite promises of insurance coverage
  • Yelp reviews are notably lower than Google (2 stars vs. 3.5)

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

About Bishop Drumm Retirement Center

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, Iowa sits on a beautifully landscaped 15-acre campus and has been serving seniors since 1939, founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. The community continues to reflect a Christian approach to care, with the ongoing presence of the Sisters of Mercy providing a distinct sense of compassion and understanding throughout the campus.

Bishop Drumm operates as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), meaning residents can access multiple levels of care on one campus and 'age in place' without having to relocate as their needs change. The community serves nearly 300 residents and offers a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services.

Many residents begin their time at Bishop Drumm in the McAuley Terrace Apartments, an independent living option for those who need few services and want to enjoy companionship with fellow residents. As needs evolve, residents can transition to higher levels of care, such as assistance with daily living activities like cooking, dressing, or grooming, all without leaving the familiar campus community.

The community utilizes Serenity smart technology, a platform designed to enhance daily living, strengthen family connections, and keep residents, families, providers, and care teams informed and connected. This technology aims to reduce staff burden while increasing resident engagement and family connectedness.

Bishop Drumm is a member organization of CHI Living Communities, a subsidiary of CommonSpirit Health, which provides care across a network of communities offering independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation services. The community hosts regular events and gatherings, from seasonal celebrations to family-friendly activities, and offers a virtual tour for those wishing to preview the campus, living spaces, and common areas before visiting in person.

Types of Care

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

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Reviews

3.4overall · 54 ratings combined

3.5★ on Google (50) · 2★ on Yelp (4) · Yelp page ↗

Heather Rehmer OH-Oregon

Apr 2026

via Google

I can’t say enough good things about Bishop Drumm. The food is consistently excellent—fresh, flavorful, and something residents genuinely look forward to every day. Beyond that, the life enrichment programs are truly meaningful, offering a wide range of engaging activities that bring joy, purpose, and connection to residents’ lives. What stands out the most, though, is the staff and leadership. The team is incredibly caring, compassionate, and attentive, and the leadership is dedicated, hands-on, and genuinely invested in both residents and staff. You can feel the positive culture throughout the community.

Prentice Lipsey OH-Centerville

Apr 2026

via Google

I am always impressed with the family like culture of Bishop Drumm when I visit. Having several locations, I can honestly say there is something uniquely special about this team!

Ryan Fugate

Mar 2026

via Google

Bishop Drumm is a truly outstanding senior living community that delivers excellence across the board. From the moment you walk in, the environment feels welcoming, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to create comfort and peace of mind. The staff are exceptional—professional, compassionate, and consistently attentive. They treat residents with genuine respect and care, and it’s clear they go the extra mile to ensure everyone feels valued and supported. That level of dedication makes a meaningful difference. The community itself is vibrant and engaging. There are plenty of opportunities for residents to stay active, socialize, and enjoy daily life. The overall atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between independence and support, creating a place where people can truly thrive. Bishop Drumm is a top-tier choice for senior living. If you’re looking for a community that prioritizes quality, dignity, and a strong sense of belonging, this is it. Highly recommend.

Angela Fontana

Jan 2026

via Google

My father came home with pressure wounds from a rehab stay along with an infection in those wounds and a UTI. They also reassured us we would NOT get a bill and they would be filling an appeal with insurance and it should go through, and that the insurance just needed proper documentation for it to get paid, never ONCE was he told he was getting charged for the visit and that charges would start the following week if he didn't discharge. Well he discharged before he would have had to pay out of pocket and they are STILL trying to bill for services they said was going to be covered.

Christine Wasserman

Jun 2024

via Google

Bishop Drumm has the best care team. The Executive Director has been there about 7 years, and the staff really cares about the residents. That means a lot. They also keep the residents active—great for their health—and support them mentally and spiritually. I really appreciate their dedication to their residents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Bishop Drumm Retirement Center offer?

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Bishop Drumm Retirement Center located?

Bishop Drumm Retirement Center is located at 5837 Winwood Drive in Johnston, Iowa.

What do families say about Bishop Drumm Retirement Center?

Families largely describe a warm, faith-rooted community where staff are attentive and the food and activity programs get frequent praise. However, one detailed and serious report describes a rehab stay that ended with pressure wounds, infection, and a billing dispute over care the family says they were told would be covered by insurance.

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