nursing home in Waterloo, IA

Northcrest Specialty Care

2001Health Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 · (319) 234-4423

★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
  • Health inspections★★★★★2
  • Staffing★★★★★4
  • Quality measures★★★★★4

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data

Northcrest Specialty Care at a glance

Northcrest Specialty Care is a 94-bed non-profit nursing home in Waterloo, Iowa (Black Hawk County).

CMS gives it 2 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Iowa average of 3.1.

Residents receive about 3.3 hours of nursing care per day (0.7 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 3.8 hours.

Its most recent standard health inspection (February 12, 2026) found 7 health citations. The Iowa average is 6.5.

It has not received a federal fine in the past three years.

Nursing staff turnover is 46.7% per year (state average 44%).

Facility details

Type
Nursing home
Ownership
Non Profit - Corporation
Beds
94
Certified for
Medicare and Medicaid
Chain / affiliated entity
Care Initiatives
Medicare-certified since
February 1, 1992
Resident/family council
Resident
County
Black Hawk County
CMS Certification Number
165165

Ratings

MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better)2 / 53.1 / 53 / 5Worse
Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better)2 / 52.8 / 52.8 / 5Worse
Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better)4 / 53.7 / 52.9 / 5Better
Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better)4 / 53.3 / 53.6 / 5Average
Long-stay quality rating (higher is better)4 / 53.3 / 53.8 / 5Average
Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better)3 / 53.3 / 53.3 / 5Average

Staffing

This facility3.29 hrsIowa average3.82 hrsU.S. average3.86 hrs
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better)3.29 hrs3.82 hrs3.86 hrsWorse
Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better)0.68 hrs0.74 hrs0.69 hrsAverage
Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better)1.96 hrs2.52 hrs2.32 hrsWorse
Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better)2.97 hrs3.37 hrs3.42 hrsWorse
Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better)46.7%44%45.8%Average
Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better)61.9%42.1%42.9%Worse
Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better)001Better

Inspections

This facility7Iowa average6U.S. average9
Health citations in the most recent inspection: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better)769Better
Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better)133Better
Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better)4854.580.6Better

Penalties

This facility0Iowa average1U.S. average1
Fines in the past 3 years: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better)011Better
Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better)$0$19,286$30,972Better
All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better)011Better

Size

MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Certified beds9465107
Average residents per day865286
Occupancy91.7%81.5%80.9%

Long-stay residents

This facility1.1%Iowa average3.8%U.S. average3.2%
Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better)1.1%3.8%3.2%Better
Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better)4.1%4.2%4.6%Better
Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better)20.8%19.5%15.4%Worse
Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better)1.1%2.4%1.6%Better
Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better)3.5%1.5%0.8%Worse
Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better)12%17.1%13.9%Better
Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better)14.2%16.6%14.1%Average
Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better)6.5%4.6%5.2%Worse
Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better)0.8%4.2%12.8%Better
Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better)0%0.2%0.1%Better
Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better)18.1%20.8%19.5%Better
Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better)33.5%25.6%19%Worse
Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better)85.7%95.3%95.5%Worse
Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better)98.9%94%93.6%Better

Short-stay residents

This facility2.8%Iowa average2.1%U.S. average1.6%
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better)2.8%2.1%1.6%Worse
Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better)76.6%73.3%79.8%Average
Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better)92%84%82%Better

Inspection citations

State inspectors cited this home for 29 health deficiencies and 17 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 1 citation involved actual harm.

DateCitationSeverityStatus
February 12, 2026
Standard
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected March 14, 2026
February 12, 2026
Standard
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 14, 2026
February 12, 2026
Standard
Encode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 14, 2026
February 12, 2026
Standard
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 14, 2026
February 12, 2026
Complaint
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 14, 2026
February 12, 2026
Standard
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 14, 2026
February 12, 2026
Standard
Have policies on smoking.
Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0926
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 14, 2026
June 4, 2025
Complaint
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 3, 2025
January 30, 2025
Fire safety
Have exits that are accessible at all times.
Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0271
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2025
January 30, 2025
Fire safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2025
January 30, 2025
Standard
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected March 1, 2025
January 30, 2025
Standard
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected March 1, 2025
January 30, 2025
Standard
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.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 1, 2025
January 30, 2025
Standard
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 1, 2025
January 30, 2025
Standard
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 1, 2025
January 30, 2025
Standard
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 1, 2025
January 30, 2025
Standard
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected March 1, 2025
October 1, 2024
Complaint
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684
G
Actual harm, isolated
Corrected October 14, 2024
April 11, 2024
Complaint
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected May 11, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Conduct risk assessment and an All-Hazards approach.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0006
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Address patient/client population and determine types of services needed.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0007
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Develop Emergency Preparedness policies and procedures.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0013
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0015
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0018
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Establish policies and procedures including evacuation.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0020
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Provide emergency officials' contact information.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0031
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Provide primary/alternate means for communication.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0032
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Establish emergency prep training and testing.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0036
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0004
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected March 5, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0741
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Fire safety
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected February 7, 2024
January 30, 2024
Complaint
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Standard
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Standard
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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Complaint
Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Standard
Honor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0565
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Standard
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Complaint
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Standard
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Complaint
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Complaint
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Complaint
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected February 29, 2024
January 30, 2024
Standard
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641
B
No harm, pattern
Corrected February 29, 2024

Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with potential for minimal harm; D–F potential for more than minimal harm; G–I actual harm; J–L immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety. How to read inspection citations.

Fines and payment denials

CMS reports no federal fines or payment denials in the past three years.

Owners and managers

Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.

NameRoleShareSince
CARE INITIATIVES
Organization
5% or greater direct ownership interest100%08/01/2012
COMPUTERSHARE CORPORATE TRUST COMPANY, NA
Organization
5% or greater mortgage interestNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2025
ADAMS, RUSSELL
Individual
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE08/05/2025
BODE, JESSE
Individual
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE08/05/2025
COMPUTERSHARE CORPORATE TRUST COMPANY, NA
Organization
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE08/05/2025
BEAL, MICHAEL
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE06/01/2020
BOWEN, LANE
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2021
CAROTHERS, MARY JANE
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2023
CHILDS, KEVIN
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE04/01/2023
CORLESS, PETER
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2025
KREIN, KEITH
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2022
RUST, ELIZABETH
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2023
STURM, DENISE
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2021
UPMEYER, LINDA
Individual
corporate directorNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2022
BEAL, MICHAEL
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE06/01/2020
DIXON, DAVID
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE06/01/2016
DRAKE, EMILY
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE01/04/2023
GILYARD, TANYA
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE05/23/2025
KUHN, JERAMY
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE06/25/2008
MCDYER, JESSICA
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE02/22/2023
VOLM, JOHANNA
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2021
BEAL, MICHAEL
Individual
individual is an owner, partner or trustee of any adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE09/15/2025
ADAMS, RUSSELL
Individual
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2024
BAEDKE, CHARISSA
Individual
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE01/01/2024
BODE, JESSE
Individual
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE12/18/2023

Other nursing homes near Northcrest Specialty Care

  1. Harmony Waterloo

    201 West Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50701 · 3.7 mi

    For-profit · 88 beds · Part of Legacy Healthcare

    • Abuse citation
    ★★★★★1Much below average
  2. Ravenwood Specialty Care

    2651 St Francis Drive, Waterloo, IA 50702 · 3.9 mi

    Non-profit · 176 beds · Part of Care Initiatives

    ★★★★★1Much below average
  3. Friendship Village Retirement

    600 Park Lane, Waterloo, IA 50702 · 3.9 mi

    Non-profit · 72 beds

    • CMS high performer
    ★★★★★5Much above average
  4. Pillar of Cedar Valley

    1410 West Dunkerton Road, Waterloo, IA 50703 · 4.5 mi

    Non-profit · 114 beds

    ★★★★★1Much below average
  5. Pinnacle Specialty Care

    1223 Prairieview Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 · 6 mi

    For-profit · 100 beds · Part of Care Initiatives

    ★★★★★2Below average
  6. The Suites at Western Home Communities

    5301 Caraway Lane, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 · 6.2 mi

    Non-profit · 72 beds · Part of Western Home Communities

    • CMS high performer
    ★★★★★5Much above average

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Frequently asked questions

What is Northcrest Specialty Care's rating?

Northcrest Specialty Care has 2 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Iowa nursing homes is 3.1 stars.

How many inspection citations did Northcrest Specialty Care receive?

Its most recent standard health inspection found 7 citations, compared with a Iowa average of 6.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.

Does Northcrest Specialty Care accept Medicare and Medicaid?

CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.

Who owns Northcrest Specialty Care?

It is non profit - corporation and part of Care Initiatives. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.

Where is Northcrest Specialty Care and how do I contact it?

Northcrest Specialty Care is at 2001Health Street, Waterloo, IA 50703. Phone: (319) 234-4423.

About this data

Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.