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Cherokee Specialty Care

1011 North Roosevelt

4.3(12 ratings)· Cherokee average: 4.1

Part of Care Initiatives · 43 communities · 3.6★ average

Cherokee Specialty Care, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
62
Medicare rating
2 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Corporation
Certified beds
62
Veteran care designation
Certified VA Community Nursing Home
Operator
Run by Iowa's largest nonprofit nursing provider
Rehab services
Onsite rehab therapy for short and long-term needs

What Families Think

Reviews of Cherokee Specialty Care are sharply divided: several families and residents praise the caring staff, daily activities, and community feel, while other reports describe serious lapses in care, including neglect, understaffing, and billing disputes. As a nonprofit skilled nursing and long-term care facility, it also serves as a VA-designated nursing home for veterans in the Cherokee County area.

The Good

  • Staff described as caring and attentive by several reviewers
  • Daily activities like bingo, crafts, and devotions
  • Outdoor garden enjoyed by residents
  • Residents report forming close friendships during their stay

The Bad

  • One report of severe neglect including dehydration and unsanitary conditions
  • One report of chronic understaffing affecting call light response times
  • One report of doctor-ordered dietary restrictions not being followed
  • One report of confusing billing and inflexible payment terms

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Cherokee Specialty Care is a senior living community in Cherokee, Iowa offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Gathering / Activity Spaces, Social Activities and Housekeeping. Families rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 12 reviews.

About Cherokee Specialty Care

Cherokee Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community in Cherokee, Iowa, licensed to serve up to 62 residents with 24-hour care. The facility provides compassionate, individualized care for residents while supporting family wellbeing and peace of mind.

The community offers both long-term and short-term care options for individuals with chronic diseases or debilitating medical conditions such as Alzheimer's and heart disease. Rehabilitation therapy services are provided onsite, including state-of-the-art approaches tailored for both short and long-term rehabilitation needs.

Cherokee Specialty Care is committed to providing residents with an active and engaging quality of life through daily programming, social and educational activities, and services that promote physical health, provide mental stimulation, and increase engagement in a home-like setting. The facility serves residents from Cherokee County and many surrounding communities.

Operated by Care Initiatives, Iowa's largest nonprofit provider of skilled nursing care, the community has a team of more than 60 dedicated staff members focused on delivering quality care and engaging activities to enhance residents' quality of life.

Types of Care at Cherokee Specialty Care

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Nurse (RN)

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Reviews of Cherokee Specialty Care

4.3overall · 12 ratings combined

4.3★ on Google (12)

Barb Farrell

Jun 2026

via Google

Like any place there's ups and downs. My experience was more ups, I enjoyed the staff, appreciated them for all they had done for me and others. Realizing their jobs are endless, helping, caring for all who enter their doors. I enjoyed devotions every morning with prayer. Afternoon activities, crafts, dancing, Bingo, listening to music, or just sitting around talking. I met some residents that have become friends in my short stay, that I will miss dearly. I won't say that somedays weren't tough on me, because of my situation. But I was always waking up with a smile and ready for the day. I hope that I did my best to let them all know how grateful I was for all they did.

Heather Marks

Sep 2022

via Google

Outdoor garden is a perfect event for the residents!

Bea Houston

Feb 2022

via Google

The staff are very caring and the caring attitudes are evident in the care the patients receive! They are the best!

Diane Esbeck- Nichols

Sep 2020

via Google

I fell 4 times in 3 days and I was sent here. As I walked through the door, I was told that I was now under quarantine. It took them 3 weeks to tell me that I was quarantined for a neural flu. (Why they didn't have me go somewhere else is beyond me. Some one could've just told me before I went there). When I got there, I asked my Dr. to be sure I was on the diet he recommended for me due to my Renal failure that I'd started developing. He told me that they wouldn't do diets for any of his patients there. So my no salt, no tomato (of any sort), no cheese, etc. diet was bypassed. Their ham (naturally) was brined.. but surprise...I pulled the fried chicken coating off to be rid of the salt on my chicken, only to find out that the chicken itself was brined (soaked in salt water... supposedly for taste, but alot of salt will also ruin your kidneys. They would leave the hall doors open to see us, came & went with out masks (before covid-19, during neural flu quarantine...& tried to convince me germs couldn't get through the doorway.). I got personally billed for $12,600.+ for the 2 months and 3 days I was there... even though about 5+ weeks of it I couldn't leave due to the quarantine. That's about $3,000. more than I get to live on in a year. And I have to pay rent, utilities, groceries, etc. out of that money, too. I offered to make $50.00 a month payments, but their POLICY required a minimum of $100.00 per month, so now I'm getting sued for money I don't have. Also, some meds may allow for a 1/2 hour - 1&1/2 hour difference in taking them... but my anticonvulsants need to be taken on time, or I will have seizures. (I'm an epileptic). It was cold February weather when the quarantine lifted & I was ready to go... they could care less if I went. I almost had to walk home... with O.A., bursitis, fibromyalgia, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, & other breathing problems. I still wonder if I could have made it, or if I'd have collapsed on a rarely used street some place in between.(I don't drive anymore). Some one must've told them that my family could sue if I didn't get home safe...a short tempered gal showed up to drive me home. I was there 12-20-19 to 2-23-20.

Nick Wiseman

May 2018

via Google

A loved one of mine was recently under the care of the Villa. During this time she was continuasly neglected (did not answer call lights so in return was not able to go to the bathroom for at times up to an hour or more, which also resulted in having a UTI, she was majorly dehydrated, and malnourished). They were always under staffed so the residents care was compromised because this. Employees did not contact the family when she was ill nor did they do anything to help the matter. Her personal hygiene and her room (the amount of space she had was minamal) conditions were not taken care of. The day our family walked in on her barely conscious, laying in her own feces, and having a high fever was unacceptable. At the time we found her in that condition, we feel she would not have made it, had we not found her, as no one contacted us about the situation. I am writing this review not to bash anyone or hurt the agency, but to inform people about our experience and we hope it doesn’t happen to anyone else.

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Government Inspection History

8 inspection visits in the last three years, 47 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

May 22, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard3 citations
  • Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jun 9, 2025

  • Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 9, 2025

  • Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 9, 2025

Jan 30, 2025Health Complaint7 citations
  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 11, 2025

  • Give residents a notice of rights, rules, services and charges.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 21, 2025

  • Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 11, 2025

  • Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 11, 2025

  • Provide appropriate colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy care/services for a resident who requires such services.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 20, 2025

  • Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 11, 2025

  • Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 11, 2025

Jul 18, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard16 citations
  • Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 5, 2024

  • Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 5, 2024

  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 5, 2024

  • Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 5, 2024

  • Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 5, 2024

  • Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 9, 2024

  • Use approved construction type or materials.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 5, 2024

  • Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 5, 2024

  • Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 5, 2024

May 16, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 20, 2024

Mar 20, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 9, 2024

Jan 4, 2024Health Complaint1 citation
  • Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 15, 2024

Nov 9, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard17 citations
  • Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 18, 2023

  • Use approved construction type or materials.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 17, 2023

  • Ensure that waiting areas, nurse’s stations, gift shops, and cooking facilities, open to the corridor are properly protected.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 17, 2023

  • Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 18, 2023

  • Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2023

  • Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 18, 2023

  • Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2023

Jul 10, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 28, 2023

Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Cherokee Specialty Care offer?

Cherokee Specialty Care offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Cherokee Specialty Care located?

Cherokee Specialty Care is located at 1011 North Roosevelt in Cherokee, Iowa.

What do families say about Cherokee Specialty Care?

Reviews of Cherokee Specialty Care are sharply divided: several families and residents praise the caring staff, daily activities, and community feel, while other reports describe serious lapses in care, including neglect, understaffing, and billing disputes. As a nonprofit skilled nursing and long-term care facility, it also serves as a VA-designated nursing home for veterans in the Cherokee County area.

How did Cherokee Specialty Care do on recent health and safety inspections?

Cherokee Specialty Care had 8 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 47 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.

How can families visit Cherokee Specialty Care?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Cherokee Specialty Care and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

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