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The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Enjoy the best of your golden years at Mount Carmel Bluffs, an outstanding community in Dubuque, IA, offering independent living. The community also offers enriched living, memory care, and long-term care to meet residents’ healthcare needs. Residents can also keep their peace of mind with housekeeping and other maintenance services.
Plenty of local shops and recreational spaces surround the area, providing residents with unending leisure and wellness opportunities. Residents can also prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences with a fully furnished kitchen in each unit. The community’s extensive amenities and exceptional services create the ideal setting for the finest retirement experience.
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
This home is ranked 22nd out of 222 homes in Iowa.| Staff type | Hours / day | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes.
| 1h 15m per day | ▲ 70% State avg: 44m per day · National avg: 41m per day |
|
LPN / LVN
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care.
| 8m per day | ▼ 76% State avg: 34m per day · National avg: 52m per day |
|
Nurse Aide
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life.
| 3h 11m per day | ▲ 26% State avg: 2h 32m per day · National avg: 2h 20m per day |
|
Total Nursing (Weekend)
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 4h 1m per day | ▲ 20% State avg: 3h 21m per day · National avg: 3h 26m per day |
|
Physical Therapist
Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation.
| 19m per day | ▲ 851% State avg: 2m per day · National avg: 4m per day |
|
RN (Weekend)
Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent.
| 44m per day | ▲ 47% State avg: 30m per day · National avg: 28m per day |
Most residents stay for extended periods and receive ongoing daily care.
31% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
1% of new residents, often for short stays.
67% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #28 / 222Payroll — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 28th out of 222 homes in Iowa.Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Iowa average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Higher than the Iowa average: 75.4%Mount Carmel Bluffs is administrated by Sarah Rentz.
Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: 2-story
Dining Services
Beauty Services
Social and Recreational Activities
Exercise Programs
Parking Available
Swimming Pool
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.
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Iowa state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.
| Metric | This Facility | IA Average | vs. IA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.
| 12 | 27 | This facility has 56% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Iowa nursing home (12 vs. IA avg 27).↓ 56% better |
|
Deficiencies per year
Average deficiencies per year since 2021.
| 2.4 | 5.4 | This facility has 56% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Iowa nursing home (2.4 vs. IA avg 5.4).↓ 56% better |
|
Deficiencies per inspection
Average deficiencies per inspection.
| 1.2 | 1.8 | This facility has 33% fewer deficiencies per inspection than a typical Iowa nursing home (1.2 vs. IA avg 1.8).↓ 33% better |
State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.
| Metric | This Facility | IA Average | vs. IA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total inspections
Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations.
| 10 | 15 | This facility has 33% fewer total inspections than a typical Iowa nursing home (10 vs. IA avg 15).↓ 33% better |
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
The most recent inspection on November 25, 2025 found the facility to be in substantial compliance with no deficiencies. Earlier inspections showed a mixed record, with some complaint investigations substantiating deficiencies related to resident rights, quality of care, and safety, including issues with dignity in care, assessments, and hazardous item storage. Prior reports also noted deficiencies in medication administration and food service practices, though some complaint investigations and annual surveys found no deficiencies. No fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions were listed in the available reports. The facility’s inspection history suggests some improvement over time, with the most recent survey showing compliance following earlier issues.
Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.
Show Inspection ReportsIowa average 4.9
Last Health inspection on Jul 2025
Iowa average 21.7
Iowa average 4.11
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
3 of 6 citations resulted from standard inspections; and 3 of 6 resulted from complaint investigations.
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.6
0
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.9
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Jul 09, 2025
Corrected
Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs.
Jul 09, 2025
Corrected
Issues related to resident's rights, including dignity, privacy, and the ability to make decisions about their care.
Jul 09, 2025
Corrected
Issues related to food quality, meal service, and resident's nutritional needs.
Apr 04, 2024
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.
Mount Carmel Bluffs is located in Dubuque, Iowa.
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3.0 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Dubuque's city center to Mount Carmel Bluffs's address, calculated via Google Maps.
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This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.
31% better than Iowa averageIowa average ratio: 2.00:1
0% compared with Iowa averageIowa average: 7.4 hours
Manages medical care and health needs.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
7.9 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Assists with medical care and medications.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
8.2 hoursThis role is partially covered by contractors.
Helps with daily care and mobility.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
6.6 hoursThis role is partially covered by contractors.
Total hours from contractors
532 contractor hours this quarter
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 64 | 2 | 66 | 12,511 | 91 | 100% | 6.6 |
| Registered Nurse | 9 | 0 | 9 | 4,078 | 91 | 100% | 7.9 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 7 | 2 | 9 | 2,249 | 91 | 100% | 7.9 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1,685 | 64 | 70% | 7.7 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 8 | 0 | 8 | 1,571 | 75 | 82% | 7.4 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1,470 | 63 | 69% | 8.1 |
| Dietitian | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1,155 | 66 | 73% | 7.4 |
| Administrator | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1,008 | 63 | 69% | 8 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 2 | 2 | 4 | 749 | 68 | 75% | 8.2 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 4 | 0 | 4 | 642 | 63 | 69% | 6.9 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 504 | 63 | 69% | 8 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 3 | 0 | 3 | 369 | 58 | 64% | 6.2 |
| Dental Services Staff | 1 | 0 | 1 | 358 | 43 | 47% | 8.3 |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 4 | 0 | 4 | 355 | 49 | 54% | 6.8 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 0 | 2 | 2 | 280 | 37 | 41% | 7.6 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 0 | 1 | 1 | 71 | 10 | 11% | 7.1 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 39 | 3 | 3% | 12.9 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 14 | 15% | 1.1 |
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
49Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
State-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program on-site
Part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering multiple care levels
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.
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
8.8
14% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 10.2
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
21.9
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 21.6
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
17.3%
8% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 18.8%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
17.0%
14% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 19.7%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
31.3%
19% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 26.2%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
4.7%
30% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 3.6%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
2.2%
51% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 4.4%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
6.4%
157% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 2.5%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
3.0%
40% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 5.0%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
4.2%
9% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 3.9%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
24.0%
26% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 19.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
99.5%
5% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 94.4%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
90.7%
5% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 95.3%
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.56
73% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 1.48
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
2.22
6% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 2.09
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
75.3%
12% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 85.1%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
0.0%
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 1.8%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
69.6%
5% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 73.3%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
35.8%
68% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 21.3%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
12.9%
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 13.1%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
2.8%
261% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
40.6%
24% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 53.7%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
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
No penalties in the past 3 years
No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.
The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
| Bethany Home Retirement Center |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Dubuque (Eagle Point District) | 66 | 93.5% | +24% | 4.19 | -8% | -2% | 0 | 2 | 2.0 | - | 66 | 69 | Mike Brannon | $9.8M | $5.4M | 54.7% | 165584 | ||||
| Mount Carmel Bluffs |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Dubuque (South Switch Junction) | 60 | 69.9% | -7% | 5.43 | -40% | +26% | 0 | 6 | 3.0 | - | 51 | 2 | Sarah Rentz | $14.2M | $5.7M | 40.1% | 165792 |
Historical financial and operational data for Mount Carmel Bluffs based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
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Mount Carmel Bluffs is in the South Switch Junction neighborhood of Dubuque.
Mount Carmel Bluffs has a walk score of 2. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.
According to IA state health department records, Mount Carmel Bluffs's license number is 310978.
According to IA state health department records, Mount Carmel Bluffs's license expires on February 22, 2026.
Mount Carmel Bluffs's occupancy is 93%.
The team at Mount Carmel Bluffs can be reached at [email protected].
Sarah Rentz is the administrator of Mount Carmel Bluffs.
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