nursing home in Waterloo, IA
Northcrest Specialty Care
2001Health Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 · (319) 234-4423
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
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Worse |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Average |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Average |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Average |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.29 hrs | 3.82 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Worse |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.68 hrs | 0.74 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Average |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.96 hrs | 2.52 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.97 hrs | 3.37 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| 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) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 7 | 6 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 1 | 3 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 48 | 54.5 | 80.6 | Better |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $0 | $19,286 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 0 | 1 | 1 | Better |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 94 | 65 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 86 | 52 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 91.7% | 81.5% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Iowa 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
| Measure | This facility | Iowa 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.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARE INITIATIVES Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 100% | 08/01/2012 |
| COMPUTERSHARE CORPORATE TRUST COMPANY, NA Organization | 5% or greater mortgage interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2025 |
| ADAMS, RUSSELL Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/05/2025 |
| BODE, JESSE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/05/2025 |
| COMPUTERSHARE CORPORATE TRUST COMPANY, NA Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/05/2025 |
| BEAL, MICHAEL Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2020 |
| BOWEN, LANE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2021 |
| CAROTHERS, MARY JANE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2023 |
| CHILDS, KEVIN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/01/2023 |
| CORLESS, PETER Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2025 |
| KREIN, KEITH Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2022 |
| RUST, ELIZABETH Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2023 |
| STURM, DENISE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2021 |
| UPMEYER, LINDA Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2022 |
| BEAL, MICHAEL Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2020 |
| DIXON, DAVID Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/01/2016 |
| DRAKE, EMILY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/04/2023 |
| GILYARD, TANYA Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/23/2025 |
| KUHN, JERAMY Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/25/2008 |
| MCDYER, JESSICA Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/22/2023 |
| VOLM, JOHANNA Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2021 |
| BEAL, MICHAEL Individual | individual is an owner, partner or trustee of any adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/15/2025 |
| ADAMS, RUSSELL Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| BAEDKE, CHARISSA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| BODE, JESSE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/18/2023 |
Other nursing homes near Northcrest Specialty Care
Harmony Waterloo
201 West Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50701 · 3.7 mi
For-profit · 88 beds · Part of Legacy Healthcare
- Abuse citation
★★★★★1Much below averageRavenwood Specialty Care
2651 St Francis Drive, Waterloo, IA 50702 · 3.9 mi
Non-profit · 176 beds · Part of Care Initiatives
★★★★★1Much below averageFriendship Village Retirement
600 Park Lane, Waterloo, IA 50702 · 3.9 mi
Non-profit · 72 beds
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above average- ★★★★★1Much below average
Pinnacle Specialty Care
1223 Prairieview Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 · 6 mi
For-profit · 100 beds · Part of Care Initiatives
★★★★★2Below averageThe 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
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.