MyLivingChoice

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

701 Riverview

3.3(56 ratings)· Des Moines average: 4.2

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines, photo 11 / 5

Quick Facts

Medicare rating
3 of 5

CMS Care Compare

Ownership
For profit, Limited Liability company
Certified beds
74
Elevator access
Only one working elevator serves the building
Location
Located directly along the river
Staffing model
Recently shifted from contract staff to in-house staff

What Families Think

Reviews of this Des Moines nursing home are sharply divided: many families praise the rehab therapy team and describe kind, attentive staff who helped residents regain strength, while a large number of other reviewers report serious neglect, unsanitary conditions, and unsafe circumstances. Several reviewers mention recent management and staffing changes they hope will improve things, but the volume of severe complaints about basic care suggests real variability in experience.

The Good

  • Rehab/therapy team frequently praised as skilled and dedicated
  • Some residents show notable physical improvement, per reviewers
  • Many reviewers describe staff as friendly and caring
  • Located directly along the river with pleasant views
  • Recent shift to in-house staff instead of contractors

The Bad

  • Multiple reports of neglect, unanswered call lights, and bedsores
  • Several reviewers describe filthy, outdated, foul-smelling conditions
  • Only one working elevator, raising safety concerns
  • Reports of medication mismanagement and billing/equipment disputes

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines is a senior living community in Des Moines, Iowa offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Gathering / Activity Spaces, Social Activities and Housekeeping. Families rate it 3.3 out of 5 across 55 reviews.

About Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

The Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines is a nursing home and rehabilitation facility in Des Moines, Iowa, offering both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Its staff works with residents, their families, and their healthcare providers to create comprehensive, individualized care and treatment plans.

Nursing staff provide 24-hour, round-the-clock care under the direction of in-house physicians. The center combines therapeutic approaches with hands-on techniques to support residents in regaining strength and mobility, whether they are recovering from a short-term event or require ongoing long-term rehabilitation.

Residents are treated as valued guests, with an emphasis on making each day comfortable, safe, and therapeutic as they work toward returning to their fullest potential.

The community offers a variety of activities for individuals of all interests, with a monthly activity calendar filled with options from morning to night designed to help residents stay active and engaged.

Types of Care at Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Emergency Call System
  • 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)

Need help deciding?

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 Choose

Reviews of Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

3.3overall · 56 ratings combined

3.3★ on Google (55) · 1★ on Yelp (1) · Yelp page ↗

Paul Spragg

May 2026

via Google

My paraplegic son was sent here because insurance would not allow another preferred facility. One of two elevators does not work. The one elevator which does work is very slow. What would happen in the event of a fire or other emergency? Food carts sit in hallways for extended periods of time before being served to patients. There are mice visibly running around the facility. Although paraplegic, my son is 6’ 2” long so maybe a little taller than average. The bed he was put in was too short and his feet were jammed against the footboard of the bed as a result. This led to his feet developing sores which is common for paraplegics due to skin condition problems when in constant contact with surfaces. I strongly discourage people considering sending a loved one to this facility. It is absolutely disgusting and frankly, not safe or healthy. I really feel for you if this place is your only option. You will have to check in on your loved one daily and insist that your concerns be addressed. You must document every discussion with staff about your concerns. Take photographs to document your concerns. Good luck to you.

Jazzy_0ne

Feb 2026

via Google

The bill was finally figured out. However, my husband will not be returning to this dive in the future. As someone else said, it's unfortunate that there is only one elevator serving all those people, and it's slow. Additionally, the elevator smells like pee. The cost of fixing the other elevator must be prohibitive. The locals are wonderful and amiable. I have sympathy for them. dealing with a single elevator

MWagner Photography Creations

Dec 2025

via Google

Nurses let call lights go on at all hours and ignore them. They allow people to do drugs and alcohol on the premises. If you make a complaint about a nurse they threaten to throw you out. Someone I know was supposed to be getting therapy there and hasn't at all. Then they want to shuffle him out. When asked for meds they ignore you or wake you numerous in the middle of the night instead of giving them to you on a normal schedule and they lie to shut you up. Also lacks proper fire exit procedure for disabled people with one elevator that's previously caught on fire. I don't know how it passes inspection. It is a danger to anyone disabled.

Kendra wright

Nov 2025

via Google

The Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines is a gem to our community. Residents are always smiling and staff is always willing to help with any questions or concerns. From admit to discharge, their team is there for residents every step of the way.

Audriana Ramsey

Nov 2025

via Google

Great Facility caring environment great workers, especially Brittany Russell

Request information

Ask about availability, pricing, or a tour. Your details go only to Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines, never sold or shared.

Government Inspection History

5 inspection visits in the last three years, 49 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Sep 16, 2025Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard14 citations
  • 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 Sep 19, 2025

  • 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 11, 2025

  • Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Sep 19, 2025

  • 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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 15, 2025

  • Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 15, 2025

  • Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 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 Oct 15, 2025

  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 15, 2025

  • 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 Sep 11, 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 Oct 15, 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 Oct 15, 2025

  • 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 Sep 11, 2025

  • Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 11, 2025

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

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Sep 12, 2025

May 7, 2025Health Complaint3 citations
  • Honor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 24, 2025

  • 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 24, 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 May 24, 2025

Oct 17, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard9 citations
  • Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 17, 2024

  • Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 13, 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 Oct 25, 2024

  • Ensure that corridors are separated from use areas by walls constructed to limit the passage of smoke.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 5, 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 Nov 17, 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 Nov 17, 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 Nov 17, 2024

  • Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 17, 2024

  • 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 17, 2024

Jun 6, 2024Health Complaint5 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 Jun 28, 2024

  • Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 28, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 28, 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 Jun 28, 2024

  • 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 Jun 28, 2024

Oct 5, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard18 citations
  • Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.

    Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 24, 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 Nov 11, 2023

  • 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 inspectionCorrected Nov 5, 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 Oct 18, 2023

  • Meet requirements for the installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 21, 2023

  • Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.

    Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Oct 28, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 5, 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 Nov 5, 2023

  • 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 Nov 5, 2023

  • 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 Nov 5, 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 Nov 5, 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 Nov 5, 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 Nov 5, 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 Nov 5, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Nov 5, 2023

  • Ensure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

    Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 5, 2023

  • 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 Nov 5, 2023

  • 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 Nov 5, 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 Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines offer?

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.

Where is Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines located?

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines is located at 701 Riverview in Des Moines, Iowa.

What do families say about Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines?

Reviews of this Des Moines nursing home are sharply divided: many families praise the rehab therapy team and describe kind, attentive staff who helped residents regain strength, while a large number of other reviewers report serious neglect, unsanitary conditions, and unsafe circumstances. Several reviewers mention recent management and staffing changes they hope will improve things, but the volume of severe complaints about basic care suggests real variability in experience.

How did Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines do on recent health and safety inspections?

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines had 5 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 49 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 Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines?

Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.

Work at Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.

Nearby Communities

Other senior living options within 25 miles of Des Moines.

Prefer to stay home?

Home care agencies serving Des Moines bring help to the house: daily living, companionship, and respite for family caregivers.

All home care agencies in Des Moines