2.7(40 ratings)· Waterloo average: 4
Part of Care Initiatives · 43 communities · 3.6★ average
1 / 5CMS Care Compare
Reviews for Ravenwood Specialty Care are sharply divided: several families describe serious concerns about rough handling, sanitation, and unresponsive management, while others praise the dementia unit staff and rehab therapy team for compassionate, well-communicated care. The overall Google rating is low, reflecting this split experience.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
Ravenwood Specialty Care is a senior living community in Waterloo, Iowa offering Memory Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Gathering / Activity Spaces, Social Activities and Housekeeping. Families rate it 2.7 out of 5 across 40 reviews.
Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo, Iowa is a skilled nursing and long-term care community licensed to provide care to up to 176 residents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility serves residents from Black Hawk County and surrounding communities.
The community offers skilled nursing care, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation therapy services. Rehabilitation therapy services are provided onsite and include a variety of state-of-the-art approaches tailored to individual needs. Care is designed for individuals experiencing chronic diseases or debilitating medical conditions such as Alzheimer's and heart disease.
Ravenwood 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. The facility operates with more than 125 dedicated team members providing compassionate, individualized care.
Ravenwood Specialty Care is part of Care Initiatives, Iowa's largest nonprofit provider of high-quality skilled nursing care, hospice care, assisted living, independent living, and memory care, with 60 locations across the Midwest.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll match you with communities that fit. Free, and you choose who contacts you.
Help Me Choose2.7overall · 40 ratings combined
2.7★ on Google (40)
Anna Dunham
Jun 2026
This place is absolutely horrible, my aunt was there in 2024 and they treated her like garbage and locked her phone in her closet months prior to her passing. This place was supposed to help keep her alive yet they basically helped kill her.
Lori Moore
May 2025
I made my grandmother a quilt. It was stolen. I called the director and she still hasn’t returned my call. Of course non of the thieves working there has not seen it. This place needs better employees or shut down. It’s dirty and the one cna or nurse seemed high on drugs. I wouldn’t let my dog be cared for at this place.
Mia Mia
Feb 2025
Residents are treated terrible, the care takers of the facility are very mean and frustrated with residents and handle them roughly most days. Certain residents end up with unexplainable bruises on them and no one looks into it because they cant “afford” to loose CNA workers as head admissions David say’s. The residents sit in urine and fesses for more then 3/4 hours at a time even asking to be changed several times. The place is unsanitary in all aspects!
Teresa Hellum
Oct 2022
My mother was in the Dementia Unit and received amazing care while she was there. Staff provided timely updates. I was included in all aspects of her care. The Director of the unit communicated and explained every step of my mothers care. After she passed, staff shared stories about her and how she will be missed. It was clear I placed my mother in the right place at the right time. Thank you for taking care of mother until the end.
Suzan Woodard
Dec 2019
I was at Ravenwood for rehab for 3 weeks and I truly recommended this facility to everyone! Sure there were staff just putting their time in but then there were were the ones who made your stay enjoyable. Between Physical Therapy and their wonderful activities, they definitely kept a resident busy. Thank you everyone at Ravenwood!
8 inspection visits in the last three years, 66 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
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 inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
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 inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
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 inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 10, 2025
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 10, 2025
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 Oct 1, 2025
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 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, patternCorrected Nov 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 28, 2025
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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 28, 2025
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 1, 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, isolatedCorrected Nov 28, 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 Nov 28, 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 May 12, 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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 1, 2025
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 28, 2024
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 28, 2024
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 Nov 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 Nov 5, 2024
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 5, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 28, 2024
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 28, 2024
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 5, 2024
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 Nov 28, 2024
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 Nov 6, 2024
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 Nov 6, 2024
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 Nov 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 Nov 6, 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 Nov 6, 2024
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 7, 2024
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Apr 9, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 8, 2023
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 17, 2023
Develop a communication plan.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 17, 2023
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 7, 2023
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 Aug 14, 2023
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 Aug 17, 2023
Install a fire alarm system that can be heard throughout the facility.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 17, 2023
Properly provide smoke detection systems in areas open to corridors.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 9, 2023
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 16, 2023
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Aug 16, 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 Aug 16, 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 Sep 1, 2023
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Aug 9, 2023
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 1, 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 Aug 14, 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 Aug 9, 2023
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 2023
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 Sep 1, 2023
Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 2023
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 2023
PASARR screening for Mental disorders or Intellectual Disabilities
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 2023
Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 1, 2023
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Sep 1, 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 Sep 1, 2023
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 16, 2023
Meet requirements for operating features, such as evacuation plans, fire drills, smoking regulations, draperies, decorations and the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Aug 8, 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.
Ravenwood Specialty Care offers Memory Care and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Ravenwood Specialty Care is located at 2651 St Francis Drive in Waterloo, Iowa.
Reviews for Ravenwood Specialty Care are sharply divided: several families describe serious concerns about rough handling, sanitation, and unresponsive management, while others praise the dementia unit staff and rehab therapy team for compassionate, well-communicated care. The overall Google rating is low, reflecting this split experience.
Ravenwood Specialty Care had 8 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 66 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 Ravenwood Specialty Care and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Ravenwood Specialty Care? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
Other senior living options within 25 miles of Waterloo.
Waterloo, Iowa0 mi
4(68)
Independent LivingSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Waterloo, Iowa1 mi
4.2(5)
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Waterloo, Iowa1.2 mi
4.7(3)
Assisted LivingIndependent Living
Waterloo, Iowa1.2 mi
Independent Living
Waterloo, Iowa1.2 mi
3(2)
Assisted Living
Waterloo, Iowa1.5 mi
4.4(27)
Independent Living
Home care agencies serving Waterloo bring help to the house: daily living, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.
