Inspection Reports for Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center
900 Polk Boulevard, Des Moines, IA, 503122225
Back to Facility ProfileInspection Report Summary
The most recent inspection on August 12, 2025, found the facility to be in substantial compliance with no deficiencies. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of deficiencies related primarily to resident care planning, infection control, and medication management. Prior reports noted issues such as failure to implement person-centered care plans, lapses in infection prevention practices, and medication errors, with one substantiated complaint involving medication standards. Enforcement actions, fines, or license suspensions were not listed in the available reports. The facility’s inspection history suggests some improvement over time, with the most recent complaint investigation and survey showing compliance after earlier citations.
Deficiencies (last 5 years)
Deficiencies (over 5 years)
6.2 deficiencies/year
Deficiencies are regulatory violations found during state inspections.
41% worse than Iowa average
Iowa average: 4.4 deficiencies/yearDeficiencies per year
8
6
4
2
0
Census
Latest occupancy rate
40 residents
Based on a March 2025 inspection.
Census over time
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Aug 12, 2025
Visit Reason
A complaint investigation for complaint #1775296 and facility reported incident #1775298 was conducted from August 12, 2025 to August 13, 2025.
Complaint Details
Complaint #1775296 and facility reported incident #1775298 were investigated and found to be in substantial compliance.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance.
Inspection Report
Plan of Correction
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Apr 1, 2025
Visit Reason
The document serves as a Plan of Correction following a prior inspection, indicating acceptance of the facility's credible allegation of substantial compliance.
Findings
The facility will be certified in compliance effective March 28, 2025, based on acceptance of the Plan of Correction and credible allegation of substantial compliance.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 40
Deficiencies: 5
Date: Mar 13, 2025
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements including notification procedures for resident transfers, care planning, treatment and care according to orders, infection control practices, food safety, and linen handling.
Findings
The facility failed to notify the State Long Term Care Ombudsman timely for a resident transfer, did not develop comprehensive care plans for residents with RSV infection, failed to assess and document a skin injury of unknown origin, did not follow proper infection control practices for residents on droplet precautions, and failed to ensure proper food handling and linen management practices.
Deficiencies (5)
Failed to notify the State Long Term Care Ombudsman for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for transfer out of the facility.
Failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for 2 of 16 residents sampled, lacking directives related to RSV and droplet precautions.
Failed to assess and document an injury of unknown origin and perform a skin assessment for 1 of 3 residents reviewed for skin injuries.
Failed to ensure proper infection control practices for three residents on droplet precautions and failed to handle soiled linens properly to prevent infection spread.
Failed to ensure proper infection control practices during meal service, including improper glove use by kitchen staff.
Report Facts
Residents affected: 1
Residents affected: 2
Residents affected: 1
Residents affected: 3
Residents affected: 40
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff K | Accounting Manager | Named in transfer notification deficiency |
| Staff L | Admission Coordinator | Named in transfer notification deficiency |
| Administrator | Named in transfer notification deficiency and infection control interviews | |
| Director of Nursing | DON | Named in care plan and skin injury deficiency interviews |
| Staff A | Licensed Practical Nurse | Named in care plan, infection control, and skin injury deficiency interviews |
| Staff E | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in skin injury deficiency investigation |
| Staff F | Licensed Practical Nurse | Named in skin injury deficiency investigation |
| Staff G | Registered Nurse | Named in skin injury deficiency investigation and termination |
| Staff M | Registered Nurse | Named in skin injury deficiency grievance report |
| Staff J | Cook | Named in food handling deficiency |
| Staff B | Housekeeper | Named in linen handling deficiency |
| Staff C | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in infection control deficiency |
| Staff D | Certified Nursing Assistant | Named in infection control deficiency |
| Assistant Director of Nursing | ADON | Named in skin injury and infection control deficiency interviews |
| MDS Coordinator | Named in care plan and skin injury deficiency interviews |
Inspection Report
Renewal
Census: 40
Deficiencies: 6
Date: Mar 13, 2025
Visit Reason
The inspection was a Recertification Survey and investigation of facility reported incident #127081-I, conducted from March 10, 2025 to March 13, 2025.
Findings
The facility was found non-compliant with several federal regulations including failure to notify the State Long Term Care Ombudsman of resident transfers, failure to develop and implement comprehensive person-centered care plans for some residents, failure to assess and document skin injuries and abuse allegations properly, and failure to follow infection control and food safety protocols. The facility reported a census of 40 residents during the survey.
Deficiencies (6)
Failure to notify the State Long Term Care Ombudsman for 1 of 2 residents reviewed for transfer out of the facility.
Failure to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan for 2 of 16 residents sampled.
Failure to assess and document an injury of unknown origin and perform a skin assessment for 1 of 3 residents reviewed for skin injuries.
Failure to properly investigate and report suspected abuse and failure to protect a resident from abuse.
Failure to ensure proper infection control practices to reduce the risk of contamination and food-borne illness during meal service.
Failure to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program including proper handling of linens and droplet precautions for residents.
Report Facts
Deficiencies cited: 6
Resident census: 40
Dates of survey: March 10, 2025 to March 13, 2025
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Angela Meyer | Executive Director | Signed the plan of correction on 3/18/2025. |
| Staff K | Accounting Manager | Reported issues with LTC Ombudsman notification. |
| Staff L | Admission Coordinator | Reported issues with LTC Ombudsman notification. |
| Staff M | Registered Nurse (RN) | Filed grievance report regarding suspected abuse. |
| Staff E | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Reported bruise on resident and involved in abuse investigation. |
| Staff A | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Reported bruise observations and care plan updates. |
| Staff G | Registered Nurse (RN) | Involved in abuse investigation and communication with family. |
| Staff J | Observed during meal service with infection control issues. | |
| Staff B | Housekeeper | Observed handling linens improperly. |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Nov 26, 2024
Visit Reason
An investigation for Facility Reported Incident #120658-I was conducted from November 25, 2024 to November 26, 2024.
Complaint Details
Investigation was related to Facility Reported Incident #120658-I; the facility was found to be in substantial compliance.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance.
Inspection Report
Plan of Correction
Deficiencies: 0
Date: May 13, 2024
Visit Reason
The document is a Plan of Correction related to the facility's regulatory compliance following a prior inspection.
Findings
The facility was found to be in substantial compliance based on the credible allegation and Plan of Correction, resulting in certification effective April 26, 2024.
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 51
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Apr 18, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to complaints regarding medication administration practices and medication errors at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center.
Complaint Details
The complaint investigation found that Resident #18 was not observed taking medications as required, and Resident #155 was given medication intended for another resident due to misidentification. The medication error was reported, and the resident was sent to the emergency room for evaluation. The error was attributed to failure to properly identify the resident before medication administration.
Findings
The facility failed to observe a resident taking their medications as required and failed to prevent a significant medication error where one resident was given medication intended for another. The facility policy requires staff to remain with residents until medications are swallowed, but this was not followed. The medication error involved administering morphine and Tylenol to the wrong resident, resulting in minimal harm.
Deficiencies (2)
Failed to observe a resident take their medications for 1 of 8 residents reviewed.
Failed to prevent a significant medication error for 1 of 11 residents reviewed where medication intended for another resident was administered.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed: 8
Residents reviewed: 11
Potassium level: 5.9
Creatinine level: 1.6
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Staff B stated she always stays with residents until they take their medication | |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Staff C stated she always stays with residents until they take and swallow their medication | |
| Director of Nursing | Stated staff are expected to remain with residents until medication is swallowed and provided education | |
| Certified Medication Aide | Staff D described the medication error involving Resident #155 and misidentification |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 51
Deficiencies: 3
Date: Apr 18, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted due to complaints regarding medication administration, medication errors, and infection control practices at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center.
Complaint Details
The complaint investigation was substantiated by findings that included a medication administration error involving Resident #155 receiving medication intended for another resident, and infection control breaches observed during dining and catheter care for Residents #15 and #24.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure residents took their medications properly, resulting in a medication administration error for one resident and inadequate infection control practices during dining and catheter care for two residents. Staff interviews and policy reviews revealed lapses in medication administration protocols and hand hygiene standards.
Deficiencies (3)
Failed to observe a resident take their medications as required by facility policy.
Failed to prevent a significant medication error where a resident was given medication intended for another resident.
Failed to maintain infection control standards due to lack of hand hygiene when providing cares and assisting residents to dine.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed: 8
Residents reviewed: 11
Residents observed: 23
Potassium level: 5.9
Creatinine level: 1.6
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff B | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Interviewed regarding medication administration protocol |
| Staff C | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Interviewed regarding medication administration protocol |
| Director of Nursing | Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding medication administration expectations and infection control |
| Staff D | Certified Medication Aide | Interviewed and observed related to medication error |
| Staff A | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Observed for infection control breaches during dining assistance |
| Staff E | Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) | Observed for infection control breaches during catheter care |
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 51
Deficiencies: 3
Date: Apr 15, 2024
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as part of the facility's annual recertification survey and investigation of complaint #120143-C and facility reported incident #120095-I.
Complaint Details
Complaint #120143-C was substantiated. Facility reported incident #120095-I was not substantiated.
Findings
The facility failed to meet professional standards by not observing residents take their medications and failed to prevent a significant medication error for one resident. Additionally, the facility did not maintain infection control standards related to hand hygiene and feeding procedures.
Deficiencies (3)
Facility failed to meet professional standards by not observing a resident take their medications for 1 of 8 residents reviewed.
Facility failed to prevent a significant medication error for 1 of 11 residents reviewed.
Facility failed to maintain infection prevention and control program standards, including hand hygiene and feeding procedures.
Report Facts
Residents reviewed for medication observation: 8
Residents reviewed for medication error: 11
Residents census: 51
Residents observed for infection control hand hygiene: 23
Residents involved in feeding observation: 2
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Kim Gilliam | Executive Director | Signed plan of correction and mentioned in interview regarding medication observation |
| Director of Nursing | Interviewed regarding medication administration and infection control expectations | |
| Staff B, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Interviewed about medication administration protocol | |
| Staff C, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Interviewed about medication administration protocol | |
| Staff D, Certified Medication Aide | Interviewed about medication error and facility employment | |
| Staff A, Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Observed during feeding and hygiene procedures | |
| Staff E, Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) | Observed during infection control procedures |
Inspection Report
Plan of Correction
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Feb 27, 2023
Visit Reason
The document is a plan of correction submitted following a credible allegation of compliance, indicating the facility will be certified in compliance effective February 27, 2023.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance based on acceptance of the credible allegation of compliance and plan of correction; no specific deficiencies are detailed in this document.
Inspection Report
Recertification Survey
Census: 49
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Feb 9, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as a Recertification Survey and investigation of Complaints #103626-C and #110529-C from February 6, 2023 to February 9, 2023.
Complaint Details
The visit included investigation of Complaints #103626-C and #110529-C.
Findings
The facility was found deficient in accurately reflecting residents' status in Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments, specifically failing to document a fall for one resident. Additionally, the facility failed to provide the correct portion size of beef tips and mushrooms in gravy to approximately 40 of 49 residents during a meal observation.
Deficiencies (2)
Facility failed to assure each resident received an accurate Minimum Data Set (MDS) Assessment reflective of the resident's status, specifically not documenting a fall for Resident #41.
Facility failed to provide 6 ounces of beef tips and mushrooms in gravy as the menu directed during the noon meal observation to approximately 40 of 49 residents.
Report Facts
Census: 49
Residents reviewed for Accuracy of Assessment: 14
Residents affected by inaccurate MDS: 1
Residents served incorrect portion size: 40
Total residents: 49
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff A | Registered Nurse (RN), former MDS Coordinator | Authored progress note on Resident #41 fall and explained MDS assessment process. |
| Staff B | MDS Consultant | Reviewed falls for MDS documentation and stated intention to correct Resident #41's MDS. |
| Staff C | Cook | Served incorrect portion size of beef tips and mushrooms during meal observation. |
| Dietary Manager | Acknowledged expectation for correct scoop size to be used. |
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 49
Deficiencies: 2
Date: Feb 9, 2023
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted to assess compliance with regulatory requirements related to resident assessments and nutritional needs, including review of Minimum Data Set (MDS) accuracy and meal service.
Findings
The facility failed to ensure accurate MDS assessments for one resident, specifically not documenting a fall and related injury. Additionally, the facility failed to provide the correct portion size of beef tips and mushrooms in gravy to approximately 40 of 49 residents during a meal observation.
Deficiencies (2)
Failed to ensure each resident received an accurate Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment reflective of their status, including failure to document a fall and injury for Resident #41.
Failed to provide 6 ounces of beef tips and mushrooms in gravy as directed by the menu to approximately 40 of 49 residents during the noon meal observation.
Report Facts
Residents affected: 1
Residents affected: 40
Census: 49
Portion size served: 3
Portion size directed: 6
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff A | Registered Nurse (RN), former MDS Coordinator | Authored progress note documenting Resident #41's fall and explained MDS assessment process |
| Staff B | MDS Consultant | Described procedure for reviewing falls for MDS documentation and stated intention to correct Resident #41's MDS |
| Staff C | Served incorrect portion size of beef tips and mushrooms during meal observation | |
| Dietary Manager | Acknowledged expectation for correct scoop size to be used during meal service |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Census: 50
Deficiencies: 4
Date: Nov 16, 2021
Visit Reason
A recertification and novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Focused Infection Control Survey with Complaint number 99969-C was conducted by the Department of Inspection and Appeals from 11/16/21 to 11/22/21. The complaint was substantiated.
Complaint Details
Complaint #99969-C was substantiated.
Findings
The facility was found out of compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19 infection prevention and control. Deficiencies included failure to adhere to infection control techniques during perineal and catheter care for residents, improper hand hygiene, improper catheter bag storage, and failure to have a designated Infection Preventionist with required training.
Deficiencies (4)
Failure to adhere to infection control techniques while providing perineal and catheter care for residents.
Failure to perform proper hand hygiene and improper use of gloves by staff.
Improper storage of catheter bags on the floor without dignity bags.
Failure to have an Infection Preventionist with completed required specialized training.
Report Facts
Total residents: 50
Deficiencies cited: 4
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff A | Certified Nurses' Aide (CNA) | Named in infection control technique deficiencies during resident care |
| Staff B | Certified Medication Aide (CMA) | Named in catheter care deficiencies |
| Director of Nursing (DON) | Director of Nursing | Provided statements regarding staff hand hygiene and infection preventionist certification |
| Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) | Assistant Director of Nursing | Reported lack of Infection Preventionist certification and efforts to register |
Inspection Report
Complaint Investigation
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Sep 16, 2021
Visit Reason
A Recertification Survey and Complaint #94074 were conducted from September 13 to 16, 2021.
Complaint Details
Complaint #94074-C was investigated and found not substantiated.
Findings
The facility was found in substantial compliance. Complaint #94074-C was not substantiated.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 40
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Sep 23, 2020
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the Department of Inspection and Appeals on September 22-23, 2020 to assess compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19 preparation.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
Inspection Report
Abbreviated Survey
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jul 8, 2020
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the Department of Inspection and Appeals on 7/7-7/8/20 to assess compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19 preparation.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
Inspection Report
Routine
Census: 53
Deficiencies: 0
Date: Jun 9, 2020
Visit Reason
A COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey was conducted by the Department of Inspection and Appeals to assess compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices for COVID-19 preparation.
Findings
The facility was found to be in compliance with CMS and CDC recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.
Inspection Report
Annual Inspection
Census: 52
Deficiencies: 4
Date: Jan 9, 2020
Visit Reason
The inspection was conducted as the facility's annual health survey completed from January 6 to January 9, 2020.
Findings
The facility was found deficient in multiple areas including failure to provide mandatory denial notices to skilled residents, incomplete staff training on abuse/neglect policies, failure to follow pureed diet menus and serving sizes, lapses in infection prevention and control practices including failure to clean contaminated surfaces and improper use of gloves, and failure to annually review the infection control program.
Deficiencies (4)
Failed to provide Mandatory Denial Notice (CMS form 10055) for 2 of 3 skilled residents reviewed.
Failed to have staff complete Mandatory Reporter for Dependent Adult 2 hour class within 6 months of hire.
Failed to follow planned menu for residents on pureed texture diets and failed to ensure proper serving size for one resident.
Failed to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program including failure to cleanse contaminated surfaces after treatment and improper infection control techniques by staff.
Report Facts
Census: 52
Residents on pureed diet: 5
Skilled residents reviewed: 3
Residents with deficiencies: 2
Staff training hours: 2
Employees mentioned
| Name | Title | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Staff H | Admissions Coordinator | Named in deficiency related to failure to provide Mandatory Denial Notice form 10055 |
| Staff A | Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) | Named in deficiency related to failure to complete Mandatory Reporter training within 6 months of hire |
| Staff F | Dietary Cook | Named in deficiency related to failure to follow pureed diet menu and serving sizes |
| Staff G | Registered Nurse (RN) | Named in deficiency related to improper infection control practices during medication administration |
| Staff E | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Named in deficiency related to improper infection control techniques during resident care |
| Staff D | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Named in deficiency related to improper infection control techniques during resident care |
| Staff C | Registered Nurse (RN) | Involved in infection control program review and interviews |
| Dietary Manager | Interviewed regarding pureed diet deficiencies | |
| Dietician | Interviewed regarding pureed diet deficiencies and policies | |
| Director of Nursing (DON) | Interviewed regarding infection control deficiencies and policies |
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