River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Overview of River Valley Place of Ottumwa

River Valley Place of Ottumwa is a 100-unit assisted living and memory care community at 173 East Rochester Street in Ottumwa, Iowa. Administered by Amy McAtee and certified as a dementia-specific program, the facility serves Wapello County with a continuum of care including respite stays and personalized clinical support. The campus is highly accessible with a Walk Score of 77, offering pedestrian proximity to central city services and local errands.

State oversight from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing indicates a history of fluctuating compliance levels. While a November 2024 complaint investigation concluded with zero deficiencies, earlier surveys from 2022 to 2024 identified substantive concerns regarding medication security, staffing levels, and resident-to-resident aggression. In 2024, state inspectors substantiated multiple complaints involving the theft of controlled substances and delayed emergency responses, leading to notification of law enforcement. Despite these findings, the community maintains an active license and has shown documented progress in correcting administrative and care-related deficiencies.

Professional care is delivered under a 24-hour staffing model that coordinates medication administration, activities of daily living, and on-site therapy. Recent occupancy data shows a current census of approximately 28 residents, significantly below the facility’s 100-unit capacity, which has been a declining trend since 2019. Clinical services include specialized memory care programming, speech therapy, and occupational therapy intended to maintain resident independence. The facility provides 24-hour awake staff and an emergency call system in all units to support prompt medical monitoring.

The campus environment provides a residential atmosphere with restaurant-style dining and a specialized “Better Days” memory care program. Shared amenities include: Landscaped outdoor gardens and courtyards.A library, computer lounge, and on-site beauty salon. Private apartments ranging from studio to two-bedroom layouts. Pet-friendly accommodations and social activity centers.

Residents have access to weekly housekeeping and scheduled local transportation, reducing the need for outside errands in a car-dependent region. Prospective representatives should evaluate the current medication management protocols and staffing stability during an on-site visit. It is advisable to ask the administrator for specific details on the corrective actions implemented following the 2024 theft and safety citations and to verify that current incident response times meet the resident’s specific clinical or long-term care goals for 2026.

(641) 684-1871
Bed community size
100-bed community Rank #68 / 407Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 68th out of 407 homes in Iowa. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Iowa facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.
Years in operation
18 years in operation Rank #146 / 282Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 146th out of 282 homes in Iowa. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other Iowa facilities. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 77 / 100 Rank #59 / 528Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 59th out of 528 homes in Iowa. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across Iowa facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

License Details

Facility TypeAssisted Living Programs For People With Dementia
StatusActive
IssuanceJuly 19, 2007
ExpirationJuly 19, 2027
CountyWapello
License NumberS0259

Ownership & Operating Entity

River Valley Place of Ottumwa is administrated by Amy Mcatee.

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Respite Care

Contact Information

Fax6416845827

Amenities & Lifestyle

Touring HoursMonday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM

Contact River Valley Place of Ottumwa

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.

Since 2008 · 18 years of data 54 deficiencies 25 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info 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.

Since 2008 vs. Iowa state average
Overall vs. IA average 4 Worse Metrics worse than Iowa average:
• Total deficiencies (100% above)
• Deficiencies per year (100% above)
• Deficiencies per inspection (22% above)
• Total inspections (67% above)
0 Better No metrics in this bucket.
Latest Inspection November 19, 2024

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 5427 This facility has 100% more total deficiencies than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (54 vs. IA avg 27).↑ 100% worse
Deficiencies per year Info Average deficiencies per year since 2008. 31.5 This facility has 100% more deficiencies per year than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (3 vs. IA avg 1.5).↑ 100% worse
Deficiencies per inspection Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 2.21.8 This facility has 22% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (2.2 vs. IA avg 1.8).↑ 22% worse

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityIA Averagevs. IA Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations. 2515 This facility has 67% more total inspections than a typical Iowa assisted living residence (25 vs. IA avg 15).↑ 67% worse

Inspection Reports Summary Info An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.

  • The November 19, 2024 complaint investigation found no deficiencies and confirmed progress on prior issues from March 26, 2024.
  • The March 26, 2024 inspection cited 10 deficiencies including failure to follow abuse reporting laws, inadequate care, unsecured medications, insufficient staffing, and incomplete tenant evaluations and service plans.
  • The facility showed repeated staffing shortages and care deficiencies from 2022 through 2024, with some improvements but persistent issues in medication management and tenant evaluations.

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Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Iowa

River Valley Place of Ottumwa is located in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Iowa.

Get Financial aid guidance

Elderly Waiver

Iowa Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Age 65+
General Iowa resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IA

Rural focus; waitlists possible.

Benefits
In-home care (5-7 hours/day) Meals ($6/meal) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($60/day)

Iowa Family Caregiver Support

IA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+
General Iowa resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
IA

Limited slots; rural emphasis.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$60/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Iowa Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General Iowa resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
IA

Three tiers; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Iowa PACE

Age 55+
General Iowa resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, Medicaid-eligible
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IA

Limited to western Iowa (e.g., Council Bluffs); expanding slowly.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy Respite

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Iowa VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General Iowa resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
IA

High veteran demand in rural areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Able Up Iowa

Able Up Iowa

Age 65+ or disabled
General Iowa resident, ability to repay loan, need for assistive tech or mods.
Income Limits (2025) No strict limit; must demonstrate repayment capacity.
Asset Limits Not specified; credit-based.
IA

Loans up to $25,000; statewide via Easterseals partnership.

Benefits
Loans for wheelchairs Ramps Walk-in tubs (~$500-$10,000 avg.) Reducing reliance on paid care

Compare Assisted Living around Ottumwa

The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Pennsylvania Place
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Ottumwa
102
Facility 102
IA AVG 71
Rank #64 / 407
No
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 45
Rank #59 / 528
6
Facility 6
IA AVG 19
Rank #224 / 282
32.4%
Facility 32.4%
IA AVG 66.2%
Rank #361 / 379
5
2
Facility 2
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #57 / 348
River Valley Place of Ottumwa
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Ottumwa
100
Facility 100
IA AVG 71
Rank #68 / 407
No
77
Facility 77
IA AVG 45
Rank #59 / 528
18
Facility 18
IA AVG 19
Rank #146 / 282
-25
19
Facility 19
IA AVG 6.6
Rank #329 / 348
The Kindred House
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

ADC

Adult Day Care Structured weekday daytime programming for seniors who live at home but need supervision, health monitoring, or social engagement. More affordable than full residential care and a key resource for working family caregivers.

Ottumwa (Ottumwa Industrial Park)
62
Facility 62
IA AVG 71
Rank #202 / 407
No
27
Facility 27
IA AVG 45
Rank #387 / 528
1
Facility 1
IA AVG 19
Rank #268 / 282
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Frequently Asked Questions about River Valley Place of Ottumwa

Is River Valley Place of Ottumwa in a walkable area?

River Valley Place of Ottumwa has a walk score of 77. Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

What is the license number of River Valley Place of Ottumwa?

According to IA state health department records, River Valley Place of Ottumwa's license number is S0259.

When does River Valley Place of Ottumwa's license expire?

According to IA state health department records, River Valley Place of Ottumwa's license expires on July 19, 2027.

What is the best email address for River Valley Place of Ottumwa?

The team at River Valley Place of Ottumwa can be reached at [email protected].

Who is the administrator of River Valley Place of Ottumwa?

Amy McAtee is the administrator of River Valley Place of Ottumwa.

How many beds does River Valley Place of Ottumwa have?

River Valley Place of Ottumwa has 100 beds.

Are there photos of River Valley Place of Ottumwa?

Yes — there are 2 photos of River Valley Place of Ottumwa in the photo gallery on this page.

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