nursing home in Dubuque, IA
Dubuque Specialty Care
2935 Kaufmann Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001 · (563) 556-0673
★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★2
- Staffing★★★★★3
- Quality measures★★★★★3
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Dubuque Specialty Care at a glance
Dubuque Specialty Care is a 84-bed non-profit nursing home in Dubuque, Iowa (Dubuque 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 2.9 hours of nursing care per day (0.6 of them from registered nurses), worse than the state average of 3.8 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (July 30, 2025) found 8 health citations. The Iowa average is 6.5.
Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $53,372.
Nursing staff turnover is 57.1% per year (state average 44%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 84
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Chain / affiliated entity
- Care Initiatives
- Medicare-certified since
- May 1, 1994
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Dubuque County
- CMS Certification Number
- 165228
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) | 3 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Average |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Worse |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 2.89 hrs | 3.82 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Worse |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.57 hrs | 0.74 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Worse |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 1.79 hrs | 2.52 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Worse |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.40 hrs | 3.37 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Worse |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 57.1% | 44% | 45.8% | Worse |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 71.4% | 42.1% | 42.9% | Worse |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 1 | 0 | 1 | Worse |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 8 | 6 | 9 | Better |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 1 | 3 | 3 | Better |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 57 | 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) | 1 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $53,372 | $19,286 | $30,972 | Worse |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 2 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 84 | 65 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 52 | 52 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 61.9% | 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) | 5.2% | 3.8% | 3.2% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 3% | 4.2% | 4.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 27.7% | 19.5% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.5% | 2.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 3.3% | 1.5% | 0.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 7.9% | 17.1% | 13.9% | Better |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 20.4% | 16.6% | 14.1% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 1.9% | 4.6% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 1.4% | 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) | 22.6% | 20.8% | 19.5% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 28.4% | 25.6% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 94.8% | 95.3% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 89.1% | 94% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 0% | 2.1% | 1.6% | Better |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 51.5% | 73.3% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 53.8% | 84% | 82% | Worse |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 23 health deficiencies and 15 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 2 citations involved actual harm.
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 30, 2025 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 22, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 22, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Standard | Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities. Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0865 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Complaint | Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0740 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Standard | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Standard | Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0644 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Standard | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Standard | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 30, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 28, 2025 |
| July 15, 2024 Fire safety | Conduct testing and exercise requirements. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 31, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected August 5, 2024 |
| July 15, 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 August 23, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Fire safety | Implement emergency and standby power systems. Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0041 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected July 30, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Fire safety | Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0223 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected July 16, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected July 16, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Standard | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 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 August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Complaint | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Complaint | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 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 August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Standard | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Complaint | 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 August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Complaint | Make sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area. Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Complaint | 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 August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Standard | 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 August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Complaint | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Standard | Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 | B No harm, pattern | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 Complaint | Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625 | B No harm, pattern | Corrected August 6, 2024 |
| October 24, 2023 Complaint | 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 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected December 4, 2023 |
| May 4, 2023 Fire safety | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 11, 2023 |
| May 4, 2023 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 May 15, 2023 |
| May 4, 2023 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 11, 2023 |
| May 4, 2023 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected May 17, 2023 |
| May 4, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0321 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 15, 2023 |
| May 4, 2023 Fire safety | Provide exit doors that are held open by devices that will automatically close on the activation of a fire alarm or smoke detector. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0223 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 11, 2023 |
| May 4, 2023 Fire safety | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 11, 2023 |
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 2 federal penalties in the past three years, including $53,372 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| July 15, 2024 | Payment Denial | 16 days from August 7, 2024 |
| July 15, 2024 | Fine | $53,372 |
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% | 09/01/2009 |
| COMPUTERSHARE CORPORATE TRUST COMPANY, NA Organization | 5% or greater mortgage interest | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/01/2025 |
| BIRD, LAVERN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/11/2025 |
| COMPUTERSHARE CORPORATE TRUST COMPANY, NA Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/11/2025 |
| DUVE, JAMIE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/11/2025 |
| WHYMS, BRIAN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/28/2025 |
| 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 | 06/29/2022 |
| 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 | 06/29/2022 |
| 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 |
| BAEDKE, CHARISSA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| DUVE, JAMIE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 05/08/2024 |
| WHYMS, BRIAN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
Other nursing homes near Dubuque Specialty Care
Luther Manor at Hillcrest
3131 Hillcrest Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 · under 1 mi
For-profit · 103 beds · Part of Shlomo Hoffman
★★★★★1Much below averageEnnoble Nursing and Rehab
2000 Pasadena Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001 · under 1 mi
For-profit · 85 beds · Part of Shlomo Hoffman
- CMS high performer
★★★★★5Much above averageHarmony Dubuque
901 West Third Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 · 2.3 mi
For-profit · 75 beds · Part of Legacy Healthcare
★★★★★2Below averageGrand Meadows Senior Living & Health Care
5300 Grand Meadow Drive, Asbury, IA 52002 · 2.3 mi
For-profit · 32 beds · Part of Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
★★★★★2Below average- ★★★★★4Above average
- ★★★★★5Much above average
Frequently asked questions
What is Dubuque Specialty Care's rating?
Dubuque 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 Dubuque Specialty Care receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 8 citations, compared with a Iowa average of 6.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque Specialty Care and how do I contact it?
Dubuque Specialty Care is at 2935 Kaufmann Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001. Phone: (563) 556-0673.
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.