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Dubuque Specialty Care

2935 Kaufmann Avenue

4.1(29 ratings)· Dubuque average: 4.5

Part of Care Initiatives · 43 communities · 3.6★ average

Dubuque Specialty Care, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Total units
84
Medicare rating
2 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
Non profit, Corporation
Certified beds
84
Operator
Part of Care Initiatives, Iowa's largest nonprofit nursing provider
Stay length
Offers both short-term rehab and long-term stays
Chronic condition care
Cares for Alzheimer's and heart disease residents

What Families Think

Reviewers consistently praise Dubuque Specialty Care for attentive nursing staff, effective rehabilitation therapy, and a clean, welcoming environment. Families of residents recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions describe a caring, home-like atmosphere with responsive staff and engaging daily activities.

The Good

  • Attentive, caring nursing and CNA staff
  • Effective rehab therapy with take-home exercises
  • Consistently clean, odor-free facility
  • Residents choose their own meals
  • Engaging activities like bingo and exercise programs
  • Warm, welcoming atmosphere for families

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Dubuque Specialty Care is a senior living community in Dubuque, Iowa offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 29 reviews.

About Dubuque Specialty Care

Dubuque Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community in Dubuque, Iowa, licensed to serve up to 84 residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility provides compassionate, individualized care for residents from Dubuque County and surrounding communities.

The community offers both short-term and long-term care options, with rehabilitation therapy services including state-of-the-art approaches tailored to individual needs. Care is provided for residents experiencing chronic diseases or debilitating medical conditions such as Alzheimer's and heart disease. The facility is committed to promoting physical health, mental stimulation, and engagement through daily programming and social and educational activities.

Dubuque Specialty Care maintains an active programming schedule designed to enhance quality of life. Activities include bingo, exercise programs, Yahtzee, and social events. The facility emphasizes a home-like setting where residents have opportunities to choose their meals and participate in engaging activities that support their well-being.

The community is part of Care Initiatives, Iowa's largest nonprofit provider of skilled nursing care, with over 70 dedicated team members at Dubuque Specialty Care. The facility is known for maintaining clean and well-kept resident rooms and common spaces, with a welcoming atmosphere throughout.

Types of Care at Dubuque Specialty Care

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Cable or Satellite TV
  • Emergency Call System
  • Private Bathroom
  • Private Rooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
  • Restaurant style Dining Room

Community Amenities

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

Activities

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

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Reviews of Dubuque Specialty Care

4.1overall · 29 ratings combined

4.1★ on Google (29)

Jordan Childs

Mar 2025

via Google

I am incredibly impressed with the cleanliness at Dubuque Specialty Care. Every area, from the resident rooms to the common spaces, is always spotless and well-maintained. The facility has a fresh, welcoming atmosphere, and you can tell the staff takes great pride in their roles. It's reassuring to know that my loved one is in such a clean and well-cared-for environment. The staff at Dubuque Specialty Care is absolutely amazing! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and kindness. Everyone is so friendly, attentive, and genuinely cares about the residents and their families. It’s clear that they go above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable and at home.

Chrissy Hosch

Mar 2025

via Google

It's wonderful to hear that your cousin is making progress at Dubuque Specialty Care. The community is praised for its engaging activities, such as bingo and exercise programs, which contribute to a vibrant atmosphere. The facility maintains a clean and welcoming ambiance, free from the typical odors associated with nursing homes. Dubuque Specialty Care appears to be a compassionate and accommodating facility, committed to enhancing the well-being of its residents.

Mary Beth Grimm

Feb 2025

via Google

When we knew our dad needed extra help after an illness there was no other place he was going to go but Care Initatives. Everyone was so caring and attentive. The staff explained every detail of his recovery and how the process was going to go. Staff member Kaylee will always hold a special place in our hearts! And to my dad!

Kathleen Davis

Sep 2024

via Google

Nursing staff was very attentive. I especially enjoyed therapy treat. The therapy team taught me enough I can now do my exercises at home. The meal service was great. Residence are given the opportunity to choose their meals.

Jason Hosch

Jul 2024

via Google

Dubuque Specialty Care is the place to be if you’re recovering from illness or injury! The staff took great care of my family member during his recovery period. Thank you to the CNAs and Nursing staff! You'll ROCK! Sending my best to you!

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Government Inspection History

4 inspection visits in the last three years, 38 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Jul 30, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard10 citations
  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 22, 2025

  • Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 28, 2025

  • Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 22, 2025

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 28, 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 Aug 28, 2025

  • 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 28, 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, isolatedCorrected Aug 28, 2025

  • Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 28, 2025

  • Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 28, 2025

  • 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 28, 2025

Jul 15, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard20 citations
  • Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

    Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 6, 2024

  • Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 31, 2024

  • Implement emergency and standby power systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jul 30, 2024

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    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 23, 2024

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 6, 2024

  • 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 Aug 6, 2024

  • Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jul 16, 2024

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

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 6, 2024

  • Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 6, 2024

  • 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 Aug 6, 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 6, 2024

  • Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 6, 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 6, 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 6, 2024

  • 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 6, 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 6, 2024

  • Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jul 16, 2024

  • 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 B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 6, 2024

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

    Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 6, 2024

Oct 24, 2023Health Complaint1 citation
  • 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 Dec 4, 2023

May 4, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard7 citations
  • Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 11, 2023

  • Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 11, 2023

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

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

  • 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 May 15, 2023

  • Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 11, 2023

  • Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 15, 2023

  • Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 11, 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 Dubuque Specialty Care offer?

Dubuque Specialty Care offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Dubuque Specialty Care located?

Dubuque Specialty Care is located at 2935 Kaufmann Avenue in Dubuque, Iowa.

What do families say about Dubuque Specialty Care?

Reviewers consistently praise Dubuque Specialty Care for attentive nursing staff, effective rehabilitation therapy, and a clean, welcoming environment. Families of residents recovering from illness or managing chronic conditions describe a caring, home-like atmosphere with responsive staff and engaging daily activities.

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

Dubuque Specialty Care had 4 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 38 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 Dubuque Specialty Care?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Dubuque 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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