Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Accura Healthcare of Ames has a Trust Grade of D, indicating below-average care with notable concerns. They rank #167 out of 392 nursing homes in Iowa, placing them in the top half of all facilities, but they are #5 out of 7 in Story County, meaning only two local options are better. The facility is showing signs of improvement, reducing their issues from 10 in 2024 to 5 in 2025, but they still face serious staffing challenges, with RN coverage lower than 75% of Iowa facilities. Staffing is average with a 44% turnover rate; this is concerning as it aligns with the state average. Additionally, fines of $40,381 are troubling, as they are higher than 80% of nursing homes in Iowa, indicating persistent compliance issues. Specific incidents include a resident who fell and fractured their hip after being left alone in the bathroom when their care plan required assistance, and another resident who fell while being transported to an appointment without staff help, resulting in a dental fracture. The facility has also struggled with ensuring residents do not develop avoidable pressure ulcers, highlighting gaps in care related to mobility and assistance. While there are areas of strength, such as some good quality measures, families should weigh these serious deficiencies carefully when considering this nursing home.
- Trust Score
- D
- In Iowa
- #167/392
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 44% turnover. Near Iowa's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ○ Average
- $40,381 in fines. Higher than 55% of Iowa facilities. Some compliance issues.
- Skilled Nurses ⚠ Watch
- Each resident gets only 29 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — below average for Iowa. Fewer RN minutes means fewer trained eyes watching for problems.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 27 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (44%)
4 points below Iowa average of 48%
Facility shows strength in quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Iowa average (3.1)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
Near Iowa avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Above median ($33,413)
Moderate penalties - review what triggered them
Part of a multi-facility chain
Ask about local staffing decisions and management
The Ugly 27 deficiencies on record
Mar 2025
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to submit a Level II Preadmission Screening and Residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, resident interview, staff interview and facility process review, the facility failed to ensure residents...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on staff interview, resident interview, clinical records and observation the facility failed to provide appropriate interv...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, policy review, and staff interview, the facility failed to label, date and store food/utensil in accordance with profession standards for food safety to reduce the risk of contam...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Staffing Data
(Tag F0851)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Staff Data Report (October 1, 2024 December 31, 2024) review, facility staffing assignments review, staff punch ...
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Sept 2024
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, clinical record review, staff interviews, facility self report and facility inservice record, the facility...
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May 2024
8 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0583
(Tag F0583)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview, and clinical record review, the facility failed to maintain confidentiality of 2 of 5 residents reviewed (Residents #19 and #46) during the process of medication admin...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
PASARR Coordination
(Tag F0644)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review and staff interview, the facility failed to refer one resident (Resident #57) with a Level I Pre...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and staff interviews, the facility failed to maintain a safe environment by leaving a medication cart unlocked and unsupervised. The facility reported a census of 64 residents
Fi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, menu review, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed to serve the correct serving size of protein for 3 of 5 residents who received pureed diets. The facility rep...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. On 5/19/24 at 12:11 PM when Staff B, Cook, delivered Resident #41, their lunch tray, they removed the blanket from his legs a...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, clinical record review, resident interview, staff interview and policy review, the facility failed to provide adequate supervision to 3 of 5 residents observed (Residents #19, #3...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed to serve food to maintain a safe and appetizing temperature. The facility reported a census of 64.
Findings include:
On 5/...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, staff interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to maintain sanitary practices by improperly storing and serving food. In addition, the dietary staff failed to...
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Feb 2024
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, facility policy review, staff, and resident interviews, the facility failed to follow professional standards for medication administration by failing to administer Dilaudid, a ...
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Jan 2023
12 deficiencies
2 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review, observations, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure that residents did not develop...
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SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Deficiency F0760
(Tag F0760)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 2. On 1/26/23 beginning at 8:06 am observed Staff C, Certified Medication Aide (CMA), prepare the medications for Resident #34. ...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, clinical record reviews, and staff interviews the facility failed to have a consistent plan, policy, or p...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Safe Environment
(Tag F0584)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, clinical record reviews, facility policy review, resident, staff, and family interviews the facility did not exercise reasonable care for the protection of resident's property f...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Assessments
(Tag F0636)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record reviews and staff interviews the facility failed to complete 1 of 1 Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment w...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review, staff interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to document a Preadmission Sc...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, clinical record reviews, and resident, and staff interviews, the facility failed to ensure residents received treatment and care in accordance with professional standards of pra...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, clinical record review, facility policy review, resident interview, and staff interview the facility failed to store residents smoking materials in a secure location, outside of...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0728
(Tag F0728)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on clinical record reviews, staff interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to ensure certification of a Nurse Aide after 4 months of employment for one of five employee record...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Medication Errors
(Tag F0758)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record reviews, staff interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to follow-up on the provided...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, facility menu review, clinical record review, and staff interviews, the facility failed to serve portions as directed by the facility menu for 3 of 4 residents reviewed (Residen...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, staff interviews, and facility policy review, the facility failed to maintain sanitary practices by impro...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • 44% turnover. Below Iowa's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 3 harm violation(s), $40,381 in fines, Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 27 deficiencies on record, including 3 serious (caused harm) violations. Ask about corrective actions taken.
- • $40,381 in fines. Higher than 94% of Iowa facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- • Grade D (40/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within Iowa, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc Staffed?
CMS rates Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC's staffing level at 3 out of 5 stars, which is average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 44%, compared to the Iowa average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc?
State health inspectors documented 27 deficiencies at Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC during 2023 to 2025. These included: 3 that caused actual resident harm and 24 with potential for harm. Deficiencies causing actual harm indicate documented cases where residents experienced negative health consequences.
Who Owns and Operates Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc?
Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility is operated by ACCURA HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 80 certified beds and approximately 66 residents (about 82% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in Ames, Iowa.
How Does Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc Compare to Other Iowa Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Iowa, Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (44%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (3 stars) is at the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Iowa. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc Stick Around?
Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC has a staff turnover rate of 44%, which is about average for Iowa nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc Ever Fined?
Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC has been fined $40,381 across 1 penalty action. The Iowa average is $33,483. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Accura Healthcare Of Ames, Llc on Any Federal Watch List?
Accura Healthcare of Ames, LLC is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.