Bethany Home

1005 Lincoln Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 556-5233
For profit - Corporation 66 Beds Independent Data: November 2025
Trust Grade
95/100
#5 of 392 in IA
Last Inspection: May 2025

Inspected within the last 6 months. Data reflects current conditions.

Overview

Bethany Home in Dubuque, Iowa, has an impressive Trust Grade of A+, indicating it is an elite facility with a strong reputation for care. It ranks #5 out of 392 nursing homes in Iowa, placing it in the top tier of facilities, and #2 out of 12 in Dubuque County, meaning only one local option is better. The facility is improving, having reduced its reported issues from 2 in 2023 to none in 2025, and it boasts excellent staffing ratings with a 5/5 star score and a low turnover rate of 22%, significantly below the state average. However, there were two concerns noted in the inspector findings, including staff failing to administer medications appropriately and a dietary staff member not using a required beard restraint, which could pose risks to resident safety and hygiene. Overall, while Bethany Home has many strengths, including no fines and good RN coverage, families should be aware of the areas where improvements are still needed.

Trust Score
A+
95/100
In Iowa
#5/392
Top 1%
Safety Record
Low Risk
No red flags
Inspections
Getting Better
2 → 0 violations
Staff Stability
✓ Good
22% annual turnover. Excellent stability, 26 points below Iowa's 48% average. Staff who stay learn residents' needs.
Penalties
✓ Good
No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Iowa facilities.
Skilled Nurses
✓ Good
Each resident gets 58 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Iowa. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
Violations
✓ Good
Only 2 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
★★★★★
5.0
Overall Rating
★★★★★
5.0
Staff Levels
★★★★☆
4.0
Care Quality
★★★★★
5.0
Inspection Score
Stable
2023: 2 issues
2025: 0 issues

The Good

  • 5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
  • 4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
  • Low Staff Turnover (22%) · Staff stability means consistent care
  • Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
  • No fines on record
  • Staff turnover is low (22%)

    26 points below Iowa average of 48%

Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, staff retention, fire safety.

The Bad

No Significant Concerns Identified

This facility shows no red flags. Among Iowa's 100 nursing homes, only 1% achieve this.

The Ugly 2 deficiencies on record

Mar 2023 2 deficiencies
CONCERN (D)

Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed

Deficiency F0658 (Tag F0658)

Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident

Based on observation, resident record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to administer medications in a means that care and medication administration services had been provided according...

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Based on observation, resident record review, and staff interview, the facility failed to administer medications in a means that care and medication administration services had been provided according to accepted standards of clinical practice within a locked Memory Care Unit and secondly after a resident had received an ophthalmology procedure and returned to the facility with new orders. The facility reported a census of 67. Findings include: 1. A continuous observation had taken place on 3/28/23 from 8:14 AM to 8:20 AM. On 3/28/23 at 8:14 AM the dietary staff entered the Memory Care Unit with the steamer cart server to provide residents breakfast. On 3/28/23 starting at 8:16 AM, Staff E (RN) had left the area where the medication cart had been and from where medications had been administered by Staff E to residents individually. The medication cart had been left approximately 15 feet from seven Memory Care Residents who had gathered at the round dining room tables. Staff E had been observed leaving the medication cart to enter the unit's kitchenette. Staff E had not been able to view the medication cart. Staff E could be heard opening cupboards in the kitchenette. Again, the medication cart had not been viewed by Staff E. Observed, there had been a clear cup of medications that had been removed from a medication punch card. The cup had been observed to contain approximately seven to eight oral medications. One of the medications had appeared to be one-half a tablet. At 8:19 AM Staff E returned from the kitchenette to the medication cart. Staff E had then put the clear medication cup of oral medications in a drawer of the med cart. Staff E then exited outside of the locked unit for a couple minutes. On 03/28/23 at 8:30 AM Staff E was asked who the medications were for that had been on top of the medication cart, and Staff E hesitated to answer then stated the residents name and stated that the observation could not have been seen from over there. Staff E then pointed to an area across the room. During the continuous observation, the position of the surveyor had changed while Staff E was in the kitchenette. Staff E further verbalized fear of the incident being documented and again stated the observation could not have been seen from the surveyor. 2. On 3/29/23 review of Resident #8 Physician Orders had shown that Resident #8 received ophthalmology care on 3/23/23 for the left eye and had been discharged with a change in medication orders. Resident #8 had new orders to discontinue Refresh Celluvisc gel one-percent eye drops administered to the left eye for 3/23/23 and for 3/24/23. Administration to the right eye remained unchanged. On 3/29/23 Review of the Electronic Medication Administration Record (EMAR) had shown Resident #8 had been administered Refresh Celluvisc one-percent eye drop, instill one drop in both eyes six times a day for dry eyes on 3/23/23 and 3/24/23. 03/29/23 at 10:30 AM an interview completed with Staff F (LPN) who identified a signature on the EMAR for administration of Resident #8 Refresh Celluvisc 1% eye drop, instill one drop in both eyes six times a day for 3/24/23 at 7:00 AM. When asked if the eye drops had been administered to both eyes on that date and time Staff F stated having signed out the medication, then yes the administration would have been to both eyes. Staff F stated Resident #8 had been knowledgeable about ongoing ophthalmic procedures and after care however if the EMAR indicated both eyes then Yes, both eyes would have been administered. Staff F then reviewed the paper document provided by the Ophthalmology clinic that had stated to hold the left eye Refresh Celluvisc gel eye drops for 3/23 and 3/24/23. On 3/29/23 at 12:10 PM and interview had been completed with Staff G (RN) and Staff H (RN). Both Staff G and H were asked about expectations of staff who passed medications and the situation of when medications had been punched out and put in a medication cup to administer however the staff had to leave the immediate medication area and what would the expectation be for staff concerning the medication. Staff G stated the nurse would have been expected to put another medication cup over the cup containing the medications and then the cup should have been placed in a locked drawer in a locked medication cart. Staff H stated the medications couldn't have been left unsupervised and would need to have been put in a locked med cart and the computer screen would need to be closed. During the interview the process of medication orders had been discussed, review of Resident #8 EMAR had taken place. Both Staff G and Staff H were unaware of the hold for 2 days on the left eye drops, Refresh Celluvisc, and acknowledged staff asked for clarification of the new order for antibiotic eye drops only. On 3/29/23 a review of the facility policy titled, Medication Administration Policy, listed in the first paragraph that medications are administered by licensed nurses, or other staff who are legally authorized to do so in this state, as ordered by the physician, and in accordance with professional standards of practice. The Medication Administration Policy further stated guidelines listed as Number 1 through Number 22. Statement number 22 stated: If a nurse or C.M.A. must leave medications prior to administration, label medication cup, cover with an empty medication cup, and place in a locked medication cart until able to return.
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, interview, and policy review the facility failed to have dietary male staff wear beard restraints, according to the current standards of practice per the Food Code of the FDA (Fo...

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Based on observation, interview, and policy review the facility failed to have dietary male staff wear beard restraints, according to the current standards of practice per the Food Code of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), food service staff must wear hair restraints (e.g., hairnet, and/or beard restraint) to prevent hair from contacting food while they were working in the kitchen to prevent hair from contacting food while cooking, preparing and assembling food for all facility residents. The facility reported a census of 67 residents. Findings include: On 3/27/23 at 9:28 AM, an initial tour of the kitchen was conducted with the Dietary Manager. During observations the Dietary Manager introduced a male cook, Staff A, who wore a hairnet and facial mask however no beard restraint. Staff A had visible beard hair on left and right side of their face exposed. Further observation revealed on 3/27/23 at 9:30 AM that Staff B (dietary aide) who wore a hairnet and facial mask however no beard restraint, assembling food for resident consumption. Staff B had beard hair on the left and right side of his face exposed. Staff C (dietary aide) was also observed with a hairnet and facial mask in place however lacked a beard restraint. Staff C had beard hair on the left and right side of his face exposed. Staff C had been observed in the resident food prep area of the kitchen. During an observation on 3/28/23 at 9:57 AM, Staff D (dietary aide) observed with a hairnet and facial mask in place however lacked a beard restraint. Staff D had beard hair on the left and right side of his face exposed. Staff D had been observed preparing food in the kitchen at the time of observation. During an observation on 3/28/23 at 11:50 AM, Staff D did not have a beard restraint on while in the kitchen and preparing facility resident food. During an interview on 3/28/23 at 2:10 PM, asked the Dietary Manager about the policy of hairnets and beard restraints. When asked if male staff with beards should wear a beard restraint the Dietary Manager stated having never really thought about it. The Dietary Manager had asked, should they? Again, the Dietary Manager had been asked what was the expectations for the male staff with beards and again the Dietary Manager stated being unsure. The Dietary Manager stated the belief that facial masks covered enough of the face. The Dietary Manager stated the facility had beard restraints in the kitchen inventory. The Dietary Manager had been asked if the facility had a policy for hairnets and beard restraints and again stated not knowing as employment began in October of 2022 and not all of the policies had been reviewed by the manager. The Dietary Manager was asked to provide a facility policy for Hair Nets and [NAME] restraints. During an observation on 3/29/23 at 6:50 AM Staff A and Staff B were observed in the kitchen preparing residents breakfast with a hairnet and facial mask in place however no beard restraints. On 3/29/23 at 11:30 AM the Dietary Manager was asked again for a facility policy about staff wearing hairnets, beard restraints, the Dietary Manager stated Administration had been going to gather the facility policy. The facility provided an undated policy titled Dietary Staff Uniform and it directed staff to utilize a hair net which covers the entire head of hair and/or beard must be worn.
Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Life-Threatening (Immediate Jeopardy)
J - Isolated K - Pattern L - Widespread
Actual Harm
G - Isolated H - Pattern I - Widespread
Potential for Harm
D - Isolated E - Pattern F - Widespread
No Harm (Minor)
A - Isolated B - Pattern C - Widespread

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

Strengths
  • • Grade A+ (95/100). Above average facility, better than most options in Iowa.
  • • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
  • • No fines on record. Clean compliance history, better than most Iowa facilities.
  • • Only 2 deficiencies on record. Cleaner than most facilities. Minor issues only.
Concerns
  • • No significant concerns identified. This facility shows no red flags across CMS ratings, staff turnover, or federal penalties.
Bottom line: Generally positive indicators. Standard due diligence and a personal visit recommended.

About This Facility

What is Bethany Home's CMS Rating?

CMS assigns Bethany Home an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, which is considered much above average nationally. Within Iowa, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.

How is Bethany Home Staffed?

CMS rates Bethany Home's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 22%, compared to the Iowa average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.

What Have Inspectors Found at Bethany Home?

State health inspectors documented 2 deficiencies at Bethany Home during 2023. These included: 2 with potential for harm.

Who Owns and Operates Bethany Home?

Bethany Home is owned by a for-profit company. For-profit facilities operate as businesses with obligations to shareholders or private owners. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 66 certified beds and approximately 65 residents (about 98% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in Dubuque, Iowa.

How Does Bethany Home Compare to Other Iowa Nursing Homes?

Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Iowa, Bethany Home's overall rating (5 stars) is above the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (22%) is significantly lower than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (5 stars) is much above the national benchmark.

What Should Families Ask When Visiting Bethany Home?

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 Bethany Home Safe?

Based on CMS inspection data, Bethany Home 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 5-star overall rating and ranks #1 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 Bethany Home Stick Around?

Staff at Bethany Home tend to stick around. With a turnover rate of 22%, the facility is 24 percentage points below the Iowa average of 46%. Low turnover is a positive sign. It means caregivers have time to learn each resident's needs, medications, and personal preferences. Consistent staff also notice subtle changes in a resident's condition more quickly. Registered Nurse turnover is also low at 7%, meaning experienced RNs are available to handle complex medical needs.

Was Bethany Home Ever Fined?

Bethany Home has no federal fines on record. CMS issues fines when nursing homes fail to meet care standards or don't correct problems found during inspections. The absence of fines suggests the facility has either maintained compliance or corrected any issues before penalties were assessed. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review recent inspection reports for the full picture.

Is Bethany Home on Any Federal Watch List?

Bethany Home 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.