Lenox Care Center
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Lenox Care Center has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns about its care quality, which places it in the bottom tier of facilities. Ranked #361 out of 392 in Iowa, it is in the bottom half of all nursing homes, and only one other facility in Taylor County is available for comparison. The facility is worsening, with the number of reported issues increasing from 9 in 2024 to 14 in 2025. Staffing is a relative strength, with a turnover rate of 0%, which is much lower than the state average, and the center has good RN coverage, exceeding 96% of other Iowa facilities. However, the facility has incurred fines totaling $40,054, which is concerning and indicates potential compliance issues. Recent critical findings include staff failing to prevent abuse that resulted in mental anguish for residents and not reporting significant accidents, which placed residents in immediate jeopardy. Overall, while there are some strengths in staffing, the facility has serious issues that families should consider carefully.
- Trust Score
- F
- In Iowa
- #361/392
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- Turnover data not reported for this facility.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $40,054 in fines. Lower than most Iowa facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 53 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Iowa. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 47 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in fire safety.
The Bad
Below Iowa average (3.0)
Significant quality concerns identified by CMS
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 47 deficiencies on record
Jun 2025
2 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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on Electronic Health Record (EHR) review, resident interview, staff interview, and Medication Administration Records - Tre...
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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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, policy review, and staff interview the facility failed to provide appropriate infection prevention practic...
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Feb 2025
12 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
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on facility document review, family interview, staff interviews, personnel file review and policy review, the facility staff failed to report suspected abuse between a staff member and a residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
2. The MDS for Resident #5, dated 12/27/2024 did not document a BIMS. The MDS documented Resident #5 was rarely/never understood. The MDS documented Resident #5 required the use of an enteral tube, tr...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
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, observations and policy reviews the facility failed to review and revise the ...
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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
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on Electronic Health Records (EHR) review, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to provide an opportunity for bath or shower and reposition 1 of 12 residents reviewed (Residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on Electronic Health Records (EHR), staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to provide restorative cares to promote range of motion to 1 out of 1 residents reviewed (Residents #5)...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0692
(Tag F0692)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, clinical record review, staff interviews and policy review, the facility failed to provide care and servi...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Unnecessary Medications
(Tag F0759)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, record review, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to ensure a medication error rate o...
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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
Based on observation, Electronic Health Record (EHR) review, policy review, and staff interview the facility failed to provide appropriate infection prevention practices by not completing appropriate ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0567
(Tag F0567)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on the clinical record review, resident interview, staff interview and policy review the facility failed to provide access...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Menu Adequacy
(Tag F0803)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, document review and staff interview the facility failed to follow the menu and prepare food to meet the nutritional needs of the residents by not serving residents on a mechanica...
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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 provide food at an appetizing temperature when the mechanical soft meatballs temperature was 95 degrees in the steam tabl...
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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 observation, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards by not labeling and dating open food items and discarding leftovers...
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Mar 2024
9 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
Resident Rights
(Tag F0550)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, staff interviews, clinical record review, and facility policy review the facility failed to provide digni...
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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
Quality of Care
(Tag F0684)
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 policy review the facility failed to complete an assessment on a resident...
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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 F0688
(Tag F0688)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review, observation, therapy discharge notes, staff interview and facility policy, the facility failed ...
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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
Incontinence Care
(Tag F0690)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to provide appropriate incontinence care for one (Resident #13) of three residents reviewed. The facility reported a census...
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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
Tube Feeding
(Tag F0693)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on clinical record review, observations, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to properly label enteral...
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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 observations, staff interviews, and policy reviews the facility failed to prepare, serve, distribute, and store food in accordance with professional standards. The facility reported a census ...
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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
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observations, clinical record review, policy review, and staff interview the facility failed to complete proper hand hygiene between assisting residents to dine, after completing incontinence...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 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 F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observations, resident interviews, clinical record review, facility record review and staff interviews the facility failed to provide activities to meet the interests, and the physical, menta...
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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
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observations, resident interviews, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to prepare and serve food in...
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May 2023
2 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 F0602
(Tag F0602)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, staff interviews, facility investigative file review and facility policy review the facility failed to failed to prevent the misappropriation of 2 of 3 resident's (Resident #1 ...
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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 investigation review, staff interviews and facility policy review the facility failed to appropriately complete narcotic counts at shift change with two nurses, failed...
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Apr 2023
22 deficiencies
3 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, staff and resident interviews, and policy review the facility failed to prevent abuse in the facility wh...
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CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Report Alleged Abuse
(Tag F0609)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to report to the Department of Inspections and Ap...
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CRITICAL
(J)
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Deficiency F0741
(Tag F0741)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review, staff and resident interviews, and policy review the facility failed to ensure staff members posses the ...
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SERIOUS
(G)
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 record review, resident and staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to provide root cause analysis inte...
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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
Based on record review, staff interview, and policy review the facility failed to ensure 1 of 8 residents (Resident #6) Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (IPOST) was signed correctly by Res...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Abuse Prevention Policies
(Tag F0607)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to implement their abuse policy when documentation in 2 of 2 residents (Resident #4 and #6) records revealed facility st...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to revise the resident care plans with root cause analysis inter...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Respiratory Care
(Tag F0695)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to ensure 1 of 1 residents with a tracheostomy had nursing care and services provided to them by nurses who completed tracheostomy compe...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0883
(Tag F0883)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to document for 1 of 1 residents, or their representative was provided education regarding the benefits and potential side effects of in...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0887
(Tag F0887)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, staff interviews, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) QSO-21-19-NH memo review the facility failed to document 1 of 1 residents was provided with education of ...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0679
(Tag F0679)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on record review, staff and resident interviews the facility failed to provide activities on a routine basis for 2 of 2 residents (Resident #1 and #6) reviewed. The facility reported a census of...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0725
(Tag F0725)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to have sufficient nursing staff at the facility from October 1 - December 31, 2022. The facility reported a census of 18 residents.
Fi...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0727
(Tag F0727)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to maintain proof of Registered Nurse (RN) coverage for 1 of 31 days reviewed in March 2023. The facility also failed to have RN coverag...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Administration
(Tag F0835)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and staff interviews the facilities administration failed to effectively and efficiently attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0865
(Tag F0865)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to produce Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) documentation demonstrating the development, implementation,...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to implement their Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Meeting Management policy from March 2022 to Februar...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Antibiotic Stewardship
(Tag F0881)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review, staff interviews, and policy review the facility failed to maintain a process for periodic review of resident antibiotic use in the facility from August 2022 to present (March ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0882
(Tag F0882)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to employ, at least part time, an Infection Preventionist who completed specialized training in infection prevention and control. The fa...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0838
(Tag F0838)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and staff interview the facility failed to ensure the facilities, Facility Assessment, accurately reflected the needs of the residents at the facility for 1 of 1 residents (Resi...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Staffing Data
(Tag F0851)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to submit accurate direct care staffing information to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) ...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Deficiency F0868
(Tag F0868)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and staff interviews the facility failed to have an Infection Preventionist in attendance during the facilities quarterly meetings for Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 meeting of 2022 an...
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MINOR
(C)
Minor Issue - procedural, no safety impact
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Minor procedural issue · This affected most or all residents
Based on staff interviews the facility failed to demonstrate its measures to minimize the risk of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens in the facilities building water systems such as by havin...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: 3 life-threatening violation(s), 1 harm violation(s), $40,054 in fines, Payment denial on record. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 47 deficiencies on record, including 3 critical (life-threatening) violations. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $40,054 in fines. Higher than 94% of Iowa facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- • Grade F (0/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Lenox Care Center's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Lenox Care Center an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars, which is considered much below average nationally. Within Iowa, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. A rating at this level reflects concerns identified through health inspections, staffing assessments, or quality measures that families should carefully consider.
How is Lenox Care Center Staffed?
CMS rates Lenox Care Center's staffing level at 1 out of 5 stars, which is much below average compared to other nursing homes.
What Have Inspectors Found at Lenox Care Center?
State health inspectors documented 47 deficiencies at Lenox Care Center during 2023 to 2025. These included: 3 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 1 that caused actual resident harm, 39 with potential for harm, and 4 minor or isolated issues. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Lenox Care Center?
Lenox Care Center 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 ARBORETA HEALTHCARE, a chain that manages multiple nursing homes. With 36 certified beds and approximately 25 residents (about 69% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in LENOX, Iowa.
How Does Lenox Care Center Compare to Other Iowa Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Iowa, Lenox Care Center's overall rating (1 stars) is below the state average of 3.0 and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Lenox Care Center?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "Can you walk me through typical staffing levels on day, evening, and night shifts?" "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?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations and the below-average staffing rating.
Is Lenox Care Center Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Lenox Care Center has documented safety concerns. Inspectors have issued 3 Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 1-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in Iowa. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Lenox Care Center Stick Around?
Lenox Care Center has not reported staff turnover data to CMS. Staff turnover matters because consistent caregivers learn residents' individual needs, medications, and preferences. When staff frequently change, this institutional knowledge is lost. Families should ask the facility directly about their staff retention rates and average employee tenure.
Was Lenox Care Center Ever Fined?
Lenox Care Center has been fined $40,054 across 1 penalty action. The Iowa average is $33,479. 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 Lenox Care Center on Any Federal Watch List?
Lenox Care Center 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.