nancy roberts
Mar 2026
My husband lived at Good Samaritan, after a fall, and was cared for in a wonderful way with physical & occupational therapy. He continues p.t. on an outpatient basis. Nancy M. Roberts
Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa
2035 Chester Avenue4.2(25 ratings)· Ottumwa average: 4.5
Part of Good Samaritan Society · 135 communities · 4★ average
1 / 4Quick Facts
- Total units
- 126
- Medicare rating
- 3 of 5
- Ownership
- Non profit, Corporation
- Certified beds
- 126
- Inspections
- View history (59 citations)
- Campus setting
- 75-acre rural campus with old-growth timber
- Hospice availability
- On-site hospice serving multiple Iowa counties 24/7
- Housing options
- Twin homes with maintenance-free floor plans available
- On-site therapy
- Physical and occupational therapy provided on campus
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews of Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa are mixed, with some families praising the rehabilitation care and compassionate staff, while others describe serious lapses in attentiveness and communication, particularly in the memory care unit. The community sits on a large rural campus and offers a full continuum of care from assisted living through skilled nursing, memory care, and hospice.
The Good
- Praised physical and occupational therapy after a fall
- Staff described as caring and treating residents like family
- Kept residents engaged with activities during pandemic isolation
- Offers full continuum: assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, hospice
- Single-level campus design for easy accessibility
The Bad
- One report of a resident left unattended for hours needing checks
- One reviewer said doctors did not listen to allergy/medication concerns
- One reviewer found the memory care unit overcrowded with little room to move
- One report of staff removing a slow eater's plate before she finished
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa is a senior living community in Ottumwa, Iowa offering Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Outdoor Patio and Gathering / Activity Spaces. Families rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 25 reviews.
About Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa
Good Samaritan – Ottumwa is an assisted living community located in Ottumwa, Iowa, situated on a 75-acre campus surrounded by old-growth timber and wildlife. The community provides assisted living services that offer residents the freedom they want along with extra help when needed, allowing them to lead a fulfilling, stress-free lifestyle.
The campus features single-level architecture providing easy access to all residential and community areas. Residents can personalize their comfortable, smoke-free apartments with their own furnishings, wall hangings, and mementos. The community also offers twin homes with a variety of floor plans designed as move-in ready, maintenance-free living residences.
Good Samaritan – Ottumwa provides a range of amenities and services including meal programs, lawn maintenance, and transportation to local features throughout Ottumwa. The community emphasizes a sense of comfort, safety, and control, fostering a close-knit family atmosphere where residents stay active both on campus and in the community.
The professional staff is dedicated to enhancing residents' lives and creating opportunities that care for the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. The community received the Bronze National Quality Award for 2026, reflecting its commitment to embracing new technologies, practices, and ideas to deliver quality care.
Good Samaritan Society – Hospice in Ottumwa also provides hospice services to residents across several Iowa counties, serving clients wherever they live, at home, in skilled care centers, or in senior living communities, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Types of Care at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa
Assisted LivingSkilled 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
- Chapel / Religious Services
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
- Outdoor Patio
- Security
- Transportation Services
Activities
- Birthday / Holiday Parties
- Grocery Shopping and Errands
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa
4.2overall · 25 ratings combined
4.2★ on Google (25)
nakayla wellington
Dec 2023
A family member of mine who is still temporarily residing there isn’t being treated well from this team of people. She has laid in bed for hours without movement and check ups; she has MS. My mom called in to speak on this only to hear the excuse that they forgot because of second shift rounds coming in. So second shift starts off with not checking patients for 4 hours? Gotcha. A team member told her they would readjust her position after leaving momentarily, and never came back. She couldn’t breathe. She has been given medicine that she needs only in the morning; but the team there has decided without love and compassion that giving it to her in the evening is better idea although she now has to lay in her own pee. A team member said it would be okay, because she can clean it. This team member doesn’t understand that my aunt still has to go through this and it makes her feel less human. The team member also said on the phone to my mom when she had enough of my aunts cries and called in, “Yeah, she’s not very happy with me right now!” Daft. To the lady who said that, no she was not happy. She’s at the lowest point in her life and this is the experience you are giving to somebody you don’t know. You can do better than that. You guys need to take a step back and analyze what you are doing to another persons soul. To leave somebody behind when they cannot move, breathe, eat, and pee on their own and it’s just another “round” for you; this is someone’s family. Seek out ways to find compassion within yourself and think about how you guys have upset a disabled person that’s not at their real home. If taking care of people is this difficult, the solution is to not keep bad employment around. No excuses. People matter so much more than that. Take accountability and learn.
Carl Edwards
Sep 2023
The staff was good but sometimes over welmed. The lockup my mom was in was packed, so many alzheimers Patience's there was little room to move around in the dining and TV room. The doctors didn't listen. My mom had in her records she was allergic to morphine. She was sick to her stomach, complained of her head hurting and was so tired she's couldn't visit!!! I moved her to Oskaloosa care center, they listened then used a fentanynol patch, and then I had my mom back. I do not recommend this place! Edit, I forgot to say. My mom was a very slow eater. I couldn't believe they would take her plate away literally while she was scooping up food! Oskaloosa care center left the food until she finished.
Andi Fisher
Nov 2020
So grateful for the wonderful, caring staff at Good Samaritan! They have taken excellent care both physically and emotionally, of my mom throughout the pandemic. As difficult as it has been for her to be isolated , she always mentions the staff who keep her busy with little projects and treat her just like family. Thank you all so much!
Melissa Humble
Nov 2020
Good Sam Ottumwa is the total package of care. Senior living, assisted, long term, rehab & memory care with hospice services, we really offer it all, as well as very caring awesome staff!! 5 stars!! 👏
Government Inspection History
5 inspection visits in the last three years, 59 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Dec 4, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard10 citations
Ensure that personnel concerned with handling of medical gases and cylinders are trained on the risk.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 4, 2026
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 Jan 8, 2026
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 5, 2025
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 15, 2025
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 8, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 15, 2025
Sep 3, 2025Health Complaint3 citations
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 15, 2025
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 Sep 15, 2025
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 Sep 15, 2025
Oct 10, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard19 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 Oct 23, 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 Oct 31, 2024
Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 6, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 7, 2024
Follow proper procedures when the fire alarm was out of service for more than 4 hours.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 6, 2024
Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 5, 2024
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 1, 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 Oct 23, 2024
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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 23, 2024
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 23, 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 Oct 23, 2024
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 23, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 23, 2024
Have exits that are accessible at all times.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 1, 2024
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 6, 2024
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 2024
Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 31, 2024
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 17, 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 Oct 17, 2024
May 22, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 17, 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 17, 2024
Aug 24, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard25 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 Oct 12, 2023
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 12, 2023
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 13, 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 Sep 8, 2023
Have corridors or aisles that are unobstructed and are at least 8 feet in width.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 13, 2023
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, patternCorrected Oct 12, 2023
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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 12, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 12, 2023
Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 13, 2023
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 13, 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 Oct 12, 2023
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 12, 2023
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 Oct 12, 2023
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, isolatedCorrected Aug 24, 2023
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 12, 2023
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 12, 2023
The resident has the right to receive notices in a format and a language he or she understands.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 12, 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 Oct 12, 2023
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 13, 2023
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 8, 2023
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 24, 2023
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 Oct 12, 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 Oct 12, 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 Oct 12, 2023
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, isolatedCorrected Oct 12, 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 Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa offer?
Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa offers Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa located?
Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa is located at 2035 Chester Avenue in Ottumwa, Iowa.
What do families say about Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa?
Reviews of Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa are mixed, with some families praising the rehabilitation care and compassionate staff, while others describe serious lapses in attentiveness and communication, particularly in the memory care unit. The community sits on a large rural campus and offers a full continuum of care from assisted living through skilled nursing, memory care, and hospice.
How did Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa do on recent health and safety inspections?
Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa had 5 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 59 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 Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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