Ridgewood Specialty Care sits over on 1977 Albia Road in Ottumwa, Iowa, and is run by Care Initiatives, which is a nonprofit that runs several care centers around the state, so this place sees a lot of different types of folks needing all kinds of help, whether it's independent living, assisted living, memory care for dementia or Alzheimer's, adult day services, home care, or traditional skilled nursing. The place has 60 beds and usually has about 55 residents staying most days, which means people here often have company but the building isn't overflowing. There's a team of over 60 employees helped by nurses and therapists, from wound care specialists to occupational therapists, and they offer both long-term stays and short-term rehab after a surgery or illness, with things like physical, occupational, and speech therapy right on site.
Folks get personal help, too, like assistance with dressing, bathing, and walking, and there are home health and hospice options for when people want to stay in their own space or need extra comfort in a tough time. Ridgewood provides transportation for errands or appointments, and residents can join social events, arts and crafts activities, health programs, and educational opportunities to try to keep life interesting. The rooms come with safety features, cable TV, housekeeping, and you'll find washers and dryers available, with kitchens or kitchenettes in some spaces if you want to fix your own food. There's a dining room with meal service, a fitness center, activities space, landscaped outdoor areas, wifi, and guest parking.
Medical services include wound care, podiatry, medication help, and nursing, and the place does its best to support all sorts of needs, though there have been some bumps. In the most recent health inspection from October 31, 2024, Ridgewood Specialty Care was cited for ten deficiencies and fined $8,999. These included issues with food sourcing and meal planning, some of which put a handful of residents at risk, and two deficiencies connected to infection control. Altogether, there are 27 deficiencies documented, and the average daily nurse hours per resident at 3.20 is below the Iowa state average, and the nurse turnover rate is also higher than average, so families might want to pay attention to these numbers. The property uses a sprinkler system for safety, and it's always adding programs to try to keep residents mentally and physically active. Ridgewood gets recognition and quality awards, thanks to its affiliation with Care Initiatives, but like any care home, it faces its share of challenges. Ridgewood Specialty Care is a spot where folks will find skilled nursing care, specialized services, and daily support for changing needs, all bundled under one roof.
