Occupancy rate
96%
In line with Iowa averageMostly short-term rehab stays
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
Nursing Home
Southern Hills Specialty Care
Dedicated to providing high-quality senior living, Southern Hills Specialty Care in West Lakes Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, is a reliable senior living community that offers a wide range of care services. These include assisted living, memory care, skilled care, therapy services, wound care management, and hospice. With a team of compassionate and highly skilled professionals delivering top-tier care and assistance around the clock, seniors can thrive and live their lives to the fullest.
A variety of planned activities and engaging programs are also provided to ensure residents have fun and meet friends. Special diets are also accommodated to ensure health needs and cravings are met through delicious and nutritious meals. Southern Hills Specialty Care is great for seniors looking to make the most out of their best years.
Quality ratings
Official CMS rating based on health inspections, staffing and quality measures.
Official CMS rating based on deficiencies found during state health inspections.
Official CMS rating based on nurse staffing hours per resident per day.
Official CMS rating based on clinical outcomes for residents.
Nursing care per resident
Average daily nursing hours per resident (adjusted for acuity). Higher values indicate more nursing time per resident.
Staffing hours breakdown
Hours of care per resident per day, broken down by staff type. Data from CMS Medicare.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered nurse hours per resident per day.
Registered nurse hours per resident per day.
Capacity and availability
Smaller home
May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.
Total beds
90
This home is often near full
That suggests steady demand, but availability may be limited.
Occupancy rate
95.6%
Residents per day (avg)
86
Occupancy rate
95.6%
Residents per day (avg)
86
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
Might be optimal for
Short stays
Recovery
Medicare-covered care
Breakdown by payment type
Medicare
44% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
Typical stay
1 - 2 months
Private pay
43% of new residents, often for short stays.
Typical stay
6 - 7 months
Medicaid
13% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Typical stay
5 - 6 years
Finances and operations
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$13.9M
Operating deficit
-$72.1K
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$13,915,904.00
Operating deficit
$-72,100.00
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$3.9M
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Other operating costs
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$9.3M
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total costs
$13.3M
90-bed community
A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.
1 year in operation
A newer community that may feature more recent facilities and programs.
Walk Score: 3 / 100
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
About this community
Occupancy
In line with Iowa averageOccupied beds
86 / 90
Average residents
51 per day
License details
Issuance
January 8, 2025
Expiration
January 8, 2026
County:
Clarke
Additional licensing details
License number:
200593
CMS Certification Number:
165293
Ownership & operating entity
Southern Hills Specialty Care is administrated by Tammy Bushong.
Contact Information
Email:
[email protected]
Fax:
6413424096
What does this home offer?
Accept Medicaid: Yes
Total Residents: 90
Building Type: Single-story
Types of Care at Southern Hills Specialty Care
Nursing Home
Inspection History
In Iowa, the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducts unannounced health and safety surveys to monitor compliance and protect residents in long-term care settings.
24 visits/inspections
15 visits/inspections triggered by complaints
Breakdown by inspection type
- 9 renewal/recertification inspections
- 15 complaint investigations
Iowa average: 17 visits/inspections
Iowa average: 0 inspections
Show Inspection Reports
Latest inspection
Date:October 28, 2025
Inspection history
10/28/2025
Complaint
09/16/2025
Recertification Revisit, Incident Revisit
Yes
08/21/2025
Recertification, Incident
04/10/2025
Complaint, Incident
01/07/2025
Complaint, Incident
09/27/2024
Recertification Revisit, Complaint Revisit, Incident Revisit
Yes
09/12/2024
Recertification, Complaint, Incident
08/18/2024
Complaint
05/02/2024
Recertification, Incident
01/18/2024
Complaint
12/30/2023
Complaint Revisit, Incident Revisit
Yes
12/12/2023
Complaint, Incident
08/09/2023
Complaint, Incident
01/05/2023
Recertification Revisit, Complaint Revisit, Incident Revisit
Yes
11/22/2022
Recertification, Complaint, Incident
11/14/2022
Complaint Revisit
Yes
09/14/2022
Complaint, Incident
07/15/2021
Recertification Revisit
Yes
05/13/2021
Recertification
02/07/2021
Complaint Revisit, Incident Revisit, FIC Revisit
Yes
02/02/2021
Complaint, Incident, FIC
06/15/2020
Complaint, FIC
02/20/2020
Complaint Revisit
Yes
01/29/2020
Complaint
33 deficiencies
Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.
Inspection Report Summary for Southern Hills Specialty Care
The most recent inspection on October 28, 2025, found the facility in substantial compliance with no deficiencies. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of deficiencies related mainly to resident safety, abuse prevention, infection control, and food service practices. Several complaint investigations were substantiated over time, including issues with injury assessment, abuse prevention, and communication with family members, but fines or license actions were not listed in the available reports. The facility submitted multiple plans of correction that were accepted, and some prior deficiencies were corrected on re-inspection. The overall trend shows ongoing challenges with compliance in key areas, though recent findings indicate some improvement.
Health Inspection History
Inspections
Total health inspections
4
Iowa average 4.9
Last Health inspection on Aug 2025
Total health citations
8
Citations per inspection
2
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
5 of 8 citations resulted from standard inspections; 2 of 8 resulted from complaint investigations; and 1 of 8 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).
Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical Health citations
0
0
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.6
Serious Health citations
0
0
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.9
0 critical citations
0 serious citations
7 moderate citations
1 minor citation
Citations history (last 3 years)
Abuse/Neglect moderate citation
Aug 21, 2025
Corrected
Administration moderate citation
Aug 21, 2025
Corrected
Infection Control moderate citation
Aug 21, 2025
Corrected
Nutrition moderate citation
Aug 21, 2025
Corrected
Data sourced from CMS Health Deficiencies reports. Citation severity codes range from A (least serious) to L (most serious). Immediate Jeopardy (J-L) citations indicate situations where the facility's noncompliance has placed residents at risk of death or serious harm.
Compare Nursing Homes around Atlantic
The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
Heritage House
-25%
+19%
+16%
AL
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
IL
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
MC
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
SNF
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
IA 500222304
61
-
-
87.8%
$7,367,059.00
$5,392,081.00
73.2%
54
5.1022
-
10
-25%+19%+16%
Southern Hills Specialty Care
+73%
-15%
+23%
AL
Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
IL
Independent Living For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
MC
Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
SNF
Nursing Homes 24/7 care needed
Osceola
90
3
KLOUSE, ERIC
92.6%
$13,869,824.00
$3,939,875.00
28.4%
86
3.6643
3
8
+73%-15%+23%
Heritage House
Type of care:
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Community:
IA 500222304
Bed Count:
61
CCN:
165561
Occupancy:
87.8%
Home Revenue:
$7,367,059.00
Payroll Costs:
$5,392,081.00
Payroll %:
73.2%
Avg Residents/Day:
54
Overall Rating:
Adj Nurse Hours:
5.1022
Health Insp Rating:
Staffing Rating:
QM Rating:
Citations:
10
RN share vs State Avg:
-25%
-25%
Staffing vs State Avg:
+19%
+19%
Occupancy vs State Avg:
+16%
+16%
Southern Hills Specialty Care
Type of care:
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Community:
Osceola
Bed Count:
90
Operator:
KLOUSE, ERIC
CCN:
165293
Occupancy:
92.6%
Home Revenue:
$13,869,824.00
Payroll Costs:
$3,939,875.00
Payroll %:
28.4%
Avg Residents/Day:
86
Overall Rating:
Adj Nurse Hours:
3.6643
Health Insp Rating:
Staffing Rating:
QM Rating:
Number of Fines:
3
Citations:
8
RN share vs State Avg:
+73%
+73%
Staffing vs State Avg:
-15%
-15%
Occupancy vs State Avg:
+23%
+23%Places of interest near Southern Hills Specialty Care
1.4 miles from city center
444 N W View Dr, Osceola, IA 50213
Calculate Travel Distance to Southern Hills Specialty Care
Add your location
Staffing Data
Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal (Q2 2025)
130
Total Staff
120
Employees
10
Contractors
29,010
Total Hours (Quarter)
41
Avg Staff/Day
7.8
Avg Shift (hrs)
Nursing Staff Breakdown
| Role ⓘ | Count ⓘ | Avg Shift (hrs) ⓘ | Uses Contractors? ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 26 | 8 | No |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 15 | 8.8 | No |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 55 | 7.9 | No |
Staff by Category
Administration ⓘ
2 staff
8.3hs shift avg
Nursing Staff ⓘ
106 staff
8.1hs shift avg
Physicians & Practitioners ⓘ
7 staff
8.1hs shift avg
Therapy Services ⓘ
8 staff
5.1hs shift avg
Activities & Recreation ⓘ
0 staff
0hs shift avg
Social Services ⓘ
2 staff
5.3hs shift avg
Dietary Services ⓘ
4 staff
7hs shift avg
Other Services ⓘ
1 staff
7.7hs shift avg
Contractor Analysis
4%
of total hours from contractors
1,159 contractor hours this quarter
Physical Therapy Assistant: 2
Respiratory Therapy Technician: 1
Speech Language Pathologist: 3
Qualified Social Worker: 2
Physical Therapy Aide: 1
Medical Director: 1
| Role ⓘ | Employees ⓘ | Contractors ⓘ | Total Staff ⓘ | Total Hours ⓘ | Days Worked ⓘ | % of Days ⓘ | Avg Shift (hrs) ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 55 | 0 | 55 | 14,721 | 91 | 100% | 7.9 |
| Registered Nurse | 26 | 0 | 26 | 3,864 | 91 | 100% | 8 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 15 | 0 | 15 | 3,142 | 91 | 100% | 8.8 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 9 | 0 | 9 | 2,612 | 91 | 100% | 8.2 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 5 | 0 | 5 | 800 | 69 | 76% | 8.1 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 3 | 0 | 3 | 706 | 72 | 79% | 6.7 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 512 | 64 | 70% | 8 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 2 | 0 | 2 | 512 | 62 | 68% | 8 |
| Dietitian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 466 | 63 | 69% | 7.4 |
| Mental Health Service Worker | 1 | 0 | 1 | 446 | 58 | 64% | 7.7 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 0 | 3 | 3 | 407 | 65 | 71% | 5.5 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 0 | 2 | 2 | 378 | 62 | 68% | 6 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 0 | 2 | 2 | 202 | 38 | 42% | 5.3 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 0 | 1 | 1 | 106 | 27 | 30% | 3.9 |
| RN Director of Nursing | 1 | 0 | 1 | 58 | 5 | 5% | 11.5 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 42 | 3 | 3% | 14 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 0 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 13 | 14% | 1.9 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 6 | 7% | 2.3 |
Facility Characteristics
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total census
86 residents
Residents by payment source
Medicare
3 residents (3.5%)
Medicaid
70 residents (81.4%)
Private pay or other
13 residents (15.1%)
Programs & Services
Residents' Group
Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Active Resident Council
Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Quality of care over time
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
High-risk clinical events score
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
7.4
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
7.4
28% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 10.2
Functional decline score
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
18.6
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
18.6
14% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 21.6
Long-stay resident measures
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
12.9%
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
12.9%
31% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 18.8%
Walking Ability Worsened
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
16.0%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
16.0%
18% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 19.7%
Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
27.0%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
27.0%
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 26.2%
Falls with Major Injury
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
4.6%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
4.6%
28% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 3.6%
High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
1.6%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
1.6%
64% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 4.4%
Urinary Tract Infection
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
2.8%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
2.8%
13% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 2.5%
Lost Too Much Weight
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
1.9%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
1.9%
62% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 5.0%
Depressive Symptoms
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
1.1%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
1.1%
73% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 3.9%
Antipsychotic Use
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
22.0%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
22.0%
16% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 19.0%
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
96.9%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
96.9%
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 94.4%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
96.6%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
96.6%
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 95.3%
Hospitalizations per 1,000 days
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.37
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.37
60% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 1.48
ED visits per 1,000 days
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.86
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.86
37% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 2.09
Short-stay resident measures
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
86.1%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
86.1%
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 85.1%
Antipsychotic medication increase
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
0.0%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
0.0%
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 1.8%
Influenza Vaccine
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
81.5%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
81.5%
11% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 73.3%
Re-hospitalized after SNF stay
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
22.7%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
22.7%
6% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 21.4%
Emergency department visits
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
10.7%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
10.7%
18% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 13.1%
Falls with major injury
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
0.0%
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.8%
Ability to care for self at discharge
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
32.0%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
32.0%
40% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 53.7%
Successful return to home or community
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
46.6%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
46.6%
8% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
Penalties and fines
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total fines amount
$37K
23% lower than Iowa averageIowa average: $48K
Number of fines
1
41% fewer fines than Iowa averageIowa average: 1.7
Payment Denials
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
0
100% fewer payment denials than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.5
Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility
$37K
Iowa average
$48K
Penalty History
Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.
Civil Money Penalty
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Aug 18, 2024
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Aug 18, 2024
$37K
Last updated: Jan 2026
Financial Trends
Historical financial and operational data for Southern Hills Specialty Care based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
Occupancy Rate
92.6%
↓ 2.7pp vs 2022
Net Income
-$72,100
↓ ~$29K vs 2022
Total Payroll
$4,442,051
↑ ~$132K vs 2022
Profit Margin
-0.5%
↓ 0.1pp vs 2022
Loading trend charts...
Guides for Better Senior Living
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Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance
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