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Reviews of The Bridges at Ankeny are sharply split: many families praise the therapy department and describe kind, compassionate nurses and aides, while a large number of others describe serious understaffing, slow call-light response, medication delays, and lapses in basic hygiene care. Several reviewers tie a decline in care quality to a change in ownership/management, and multiple reports cite state inspection citations for insufficient nursing staff.
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
The Bridges at Ankeny is a senior living community in Ankeny, Iowa offering Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 3.0 out of 5 across 54 reviews.
The Bridges at Ankeny is a skilled nursing / long term care community in Ankeny, Iowa.
Families rate The Bridges at Ankeny 3 out of 5 based on 54 Google reviews.
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Help Me Choose3overall · 54 ratings combined
3★ on Google (54)
Ginny Hiaring
Apr 2026
My friend lives there. She loves the place so much. When I've visited her I found the place amazingly clean and all staff very nice and they treat residents with great respect. A beautiful and friendly living place for our loved ones. No place as nice as Bridges of Ankeny. Oh..and the rooms are roomy with private bathrooms.
Elizabeth Dautremont
Mar 2026
My mom came in with having issues from a stroke and it was very questionable considering she didn't know what was going on. Is she on a good day was alert and oriented to herself and maybe the month or year we were in or who the president was she couldn't tell you what city she was in what nursing home she was in. I have had many instances where I have tried to call into the facility to check on how she's doing and their phones don't work. I've had to go into the facility because she's sundowning and so badly that the staff is having a hard time dealing with it. Because she's adamant she's going home. The doctor at the facility deemed her medically capable of making her own medical decisions and it's insanely questionable at best if she's able to understand benefits and risk of treatment that she's supposed to be getting. She didn't used to sit down at 2:00 p.m. and now is and they wanted her to go home knowing I was going to have rotator cuff surgery and she needs not only assistance getting dressed undressed and basic cares but that I wasn't going to be able to provide it. She wasn't even there for hours and she was able to get outside
Heather Berg
Mar 2026
My mother was in this facility from January 13th to January 22nd with medicine mismanagement and communication issues with staff from day one. From January 23rd until February 3rd, basic care and medication mismanagement caused issues severe enough for her surgeon to admit her to the hospital for wound care. Surprisingly when confronted about our concerns the nurse manager said, she had no idea there was a problem. Sadly when speaking to the Iowa Ombudsman, she would have to return to the center for them to even advocate for her. The amount of pain, and the condition of her surgical site were so horrendous that she remained in the hospital until her death on March 3rd. This facility has received multiple citations in 2026 and we are only three months into the year. They average 6.17 citations per inspection which is higher than the national average. If you must send anyone here, be vigilant, be seen and make sure you are heard. My mother did NOT deserve that much pain, anguish and anxiety prior to her death. Understaffing is NOT an excuse for poor care. The facility took the money and did NOT provide proper care. The facility entered into a contract and did not hold up their end. The Bridges at Ankeny needs to be accountable.
Tiffany Walter
Dec 2025
I really can't say enough good about this place. We moved our mother here from a facility that was horrible to her and made her health severely decline. She has never been so happy, well cared for and genuinely in love with where she lives. She has regained her independence with how much she has improved in therapy. She can now walk unassisted and up stairs. When we left the prior facility she required help even to stand to get into a wheelchair. The management has been fantastic and extremely responsive. I receive communication for every issue, med change etc they find with my mom. She is smiling and laughing and visiting with other residents when I stop in unannounced. I really couldn't ask for much more in a care facility. Her life has completely improved for the better in the three months she has lived here. Huge thanks to the Bridges staff for all they do.
Darian Forcier
Nov 2025
*This review reflects my family’s experience in late 2024. I had shared this previously, but it no longer appears on the page, so I am reposting it here. I agree with many of the other low-star reviews. I am not one to only leave reviews when I’m upset - I’ve left many positive reviews for other businesses. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to revisit this experience, but I think it’s important for families to know what we went through. A close family member was transferred here for end-of-life care so he could be near us. It was our only option due to being from out of town. He was at the facility for only three days before he passed, and unfortunately the experience still weighs heavily on me. From the first day, communication was almost nonexistent. No one reached out to gather any background information, and when we tried to speak with nursing staff, we were often met with dismissive responses. Staff later claimed they “didn’t know him well,” which was used to explain several issues, despite us being with him every day. During his short stay, we witnessed repeated concerns about responsiveness, basic comfort measures, and overall respect. At one point I found myself providing nearly all of his care for several hours because no one was available, even though he clearly needed support. We also experienced moments where staff seemed impatient or unprofessional during times he was scared or confused. Simple requests for comfort items were brushed off or redirected instead of handled appropriately. Low staffing or high workload does not excuse treating vulnerable people without compassion. I’ve worked in high-pressure medical environments myself, so I understand the challenges — but I also know what appropriate care looks like, even when things are busy. The hospice team we chose was wonderful, and I’m grateful for them. I did share my concerns with the facility’s social worker, who responded kindly and professionally, but the systemic issues were far bigger than any one staff member could fix. I wish our family could have focused entirely on saying goodbye instead of constantly advocating for basic care. I hope the facility takes these concerns seriously for future families.
6 inspection visits in the last three years, 54 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 6, 2026
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 Mar 27, 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 Mar 23, 2026
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 Apr 3, 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 Mar 20, 2026
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 24, 2026
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Mar 11, 2026
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 11, 2026
Meet requirements for the use and maintenance of medical gas equipment.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 11, 2026
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 Mar 25, 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 Apr 11, 2026
Post nurse staffing information every day.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Apr 11, 2026
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 Apr 11, 2026
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 11, 2026
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 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 D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 17, 2026
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 Jun 6, 2025
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 Jun 6, 2025
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 Jun 6, 2025
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jun 6, 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 Jun 6, 2025
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Mar 11, 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, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 14, 2025
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 14, 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 Mar 14, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Mar 14, 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, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 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 Mar 14, 2025
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, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2025
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Mar 14, 2025
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 Mar 14, 2025
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 11, 2024
Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.
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 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 Oct 11, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 11, 2024
Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 11, 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 inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 11, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Oct 11, 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 inspectionDeficient, Provider has no plan of correction
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Apr 12, 2024
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 E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Apr 25, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected May 2, 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 Apr 24, 2024
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 2, 2024
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 2, 2024
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 2, 2024
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected May 2, 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 May 2, 2024
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 May 2, 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 May 2, 2024
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Severity B of L: potential for minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected May 2, 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 Feb 23, 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, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Feb 23, 2024
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.
The Bridges at Ankeny offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
The Bridges at Ankeny has not published its pricing. For context, communities in Ankeny that publish rates start around $3,800 per month at the median. Final costs depend on care needs and apartment selection, so contact the community for a quote.
The Bridges at Ankeny is located at 3510 Northwest Ablilene Road in Ankeny, Iowa.
Reviews of The Bridges at Ankeny are sharply split: many families praise the therapy department and describe kind, compassionate nurses and aides, while a large number of others describe serious understaffing, slow call-light response, medication delays, and lapses in basic hygiene care. Several reviewers tie a decline in care quality to a change in ownership/management, and multiple reports cite state inspection citations for insufficient nursing staff.
The Bridges at Ankeny had 6 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 54 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.
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