2.5(71 ratings)· Cedar Rapids average: 4.2
Part of Care Initiatives · 43 communities · 3.6★ average
1 / 9CMS Care Compare
Reviews of Heritage Specialty Care, a skilled nursing and rehab facility in Cedar Rapids operated by Care Initiatives, are sharply mixed: many families and residents praise individual nurses, CNAs, and the therapy team, while a large number of other reviewers describe serious lapses in food quality, medication management, and communication. The facility's 2.5-star average across dozens of Google reviews reflects this split between staff-level care that many find compassionate and system-level problems that others describe as dangerous or neglectful.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Heritage Specialty Care is a senior living community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa offering Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Professional Chef, Outdoor Patio and Fitness Center. Families rate it 2.5 out of 5 across 63 reviews.
We Are Here For You
To help residents gain their highest wellbeing.
We provide compassionate transitional health care to Iowans at all walks of life, and we also care for the family's wellbeing. We are committed to providing compassionate, dignified and custom care for almost any need.
Experience our "5-Star" Quality Care as rated by the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
We offer rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and, when the time comes to transition to end-of-life care, we can coordinate compassionate hospice care.
Our Mission
Improving quality of life for Iowans and their families during life's health transitions through compassionate individualized care.
Our Core Values
• Commitment to continuously improve quality in everything we do.
• Demonstrate compassion, integrity, respect and dignity in all interactions.
• Compassionately serve others and their needs as defined by them.
• Cultivate a culture of skill development and staffpersonal growth among all .
• Recognize the power of teamwork to make effective, efficient and transparent decisions.
• Commit to consistency and excellence in all processes.
Heritage Specialty Care offers the following services
• 24-hour Skilled Nursing Care
• Accelerated Care Plus Therapy Equipment
• Bariatric Accommodations
• Beauty Shop/Barber Shop
• Care Initiatives Hospice
• Discharge Planning / Home Visits
• Individualized Care Plans
• Intravenous (IV) Therapy
• Lymphedema & Wound Therapy
• Medication Management
• Memory Care Units
• Occupational Therapy
• Outpatient Therapy
• Pain Management
• Pastoral Services
• Physical Therapy
• Planned Activities
• Rehab-To-Home
• Respite Care
• Select/Choice Menus
• Special Dietary Accommodations
• Speech Therapy
• Tube Feedings
• Wound Care Management
Since 1971, Heritage Specialty Care has been providing care for eastern Iowans in need of long term and short term care. In the spring of 2013, we reconfirmed our commitment to providing, quality health care for area residents by adding a new wing to our building specifically to serve the needs of those who need a little extra time to heal before returning home and others requiring therapeutic treatments as an outpatient.
Our 35-room Rehab to Home wing offers each patient a private room with a private bath, cable television, telephone, and Wi-Fi access in addition to state-of-the-art therapy programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. We are proud to say that 65 percent of patients, who come to Rehab for Home, return to their homes. For outpatient clients, we have an easy-access, private entrance to make your trip and therapy appointment as convenient as possible.
Located in southwestern Cedar Rapids, our dedicated staff works as a team with each patient’s primary physician and family to develop a personal plan of care. We are dedicated to each of our residents to help them reach their highest level of function possible.
We also “play” a lot too. From regular Bingo games to guest entertainers, small group activities and to a variety of outings that include shopping, out to eat or take in a baseball game, there is always something going on.
Another specialty area is our memory care wing that is dedicated to residents with memory loss. In this unique setting, residents are offered a low stimulus atmosphere that will provide a calm relaxing environment.
For all of our residents, Heritage Specialty Care has an in-house beauty salon, a soothing whirlpool spa with an entertainment center featuring a built-in TV, podiatry and vision clinics and the ability to perform X-ray and lab work all within a resident’s room.
We look forward to meeting you to see how our team can be of service to you. Please come for a tour!
Heritage Specialty Care is a 201 bed skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care. We are a part of Care Initiatives, Iowa’s largest not-for-profit skilled nursing and long term care provider. Heritage Specialty Care accepts Medicare and Medicaid.
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Help Me Choose2.5overall · 71 ratings combined
2.5★ on Google (63) · 2.5★ on Yelp (8) · Yelp page ↗
J Rahn
May 2026
1. Nurses and helpers = 5 stars<br>2. Food = “0 - Stars” Always Cold and Late. Bread and butter are so crusty or soggy and old hard. Very small portions. Make the staff eat the food.<br>3. Cleanliness = 4 stars<br>4. Physical Therapy = 5 Stars<br>5. Pill/Insulin distribution = 5 Stars<br>6. Need more helpers.<br>7. Activities , Art, Painting and Puzzles<br>= 5 Stars<br>8. Leadership needs to improve.
J Rahn
May 2026
1. Nurses and helpers = 5 stars 2. Food = “0 - Stars” Always Cold and Late. Bread and butter are so crusty or soggy and old hard. Very small portions. Make the staff eat the food. 3. Cleanliness = 4 stars 4. Physical Therapy = 5 Stars 5. Pill/Insulin distribution = 5 Stars 6. Need more helpers. 7. Activities , Art, Painting and Puzzles = 5 Stars 8. Leadership needs to improve.
Vincent Nelson
May 2026
the nurses and the CNA’s are great. everybody here that took care of is behind appreciated
Giselle Donally
May 2026
This facility is awesome, staff is very friendly they treat you with respect the food choices could be better should be order your meals better than just them serving what they decide to. Nursing staff are awesome as well Taylor is awesome.
Mark Cissna
May 2026
Clean and people very nice
14 inspection visits in the last three years, 60 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 20, 2026
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 19, 2026
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 F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 11, 2026
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected May 11, 2026
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 11, 2026
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 May 8, 2026
Ensure that the facility has sufficient staff members who possess the competencies and skills to meet the behavioral health needs of residents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 12, 2026
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 12, 2026
Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 12, 2026
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 12, 2026
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 12, 2026
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 Mar 26, 2026
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 Mar 26, 2026
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 26, 2026
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 Nov 13, 2025
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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 23, 2025
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 23, 2025
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 23, 2025
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 23, 2025
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 Sep 23, 2025
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 19, 2025
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 19, 2025
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 Jun 6, 2025
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 23, 2025
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 23, 2025
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Jun 6, 2025
Provide safe, appropriate pain management 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 Apr 4, 2025
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 Apr 4, 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 Apr 4, 2025
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 6, 2025
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 Mar 6, 2025
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 13, 2024
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 Dec 13, 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 Nov 1, 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 Nov 1, 2024
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 30, 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 F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 3, 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 11, 2024
Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 1, 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, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2024
Ensure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2024
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 Sep 11, 2024
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2024
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternCorrected Sep 11, 2024
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 Dec 21, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 21, 2023
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, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 21, 2023
Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 21, 2023
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 21, 2023
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 Dec 21, 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 21, 2023
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity J of L: immediate jeopardy, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 14, 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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 14, 2023
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 14, 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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 14, 2023
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 14, 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.
Heritage Specialty Care offers Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite / Short-Term Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Heritage Specialty Care has not published its pricing. For context, communities in Cedar Rapids that publish rates start around $3,900 per month at the median. Final costs depend on care needs and apartment selection, so contact the community for a quote.
Yes. Heritage Specialty Care lists respite and short-term care among its options. A respite stay gives a family caregiver a planned break while your loved one receives full care, and it also works as a low-commitment trial before a permanent move.
Heritage Specialty Care is located at 1239 1st Ave SE D in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Reviews of Heritage Specialty Care, a skilled nursing and rehab facility in Cedar Rapids operated by Care Initiatives, are sharply mixed: many families and residents praise individual nurses, CNAs, and the therapy team, while a large number of other reviewers describe serious lapses in food quality, medication management, and communication. The facility's 2.5-star average across dozens of Google reviews reflects this split between staff-level care that many find compassionate and system-level problems that others describe as dangerous or neglectful.
Heritage Specialty Care had 14 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 60 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.
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Heritage Specialty Care and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Heritage Specialty Care? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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