Report
TheVardellReport
Estherville Community Care Center
Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
2001 First Avenue North
Estherville, IA 51334
Report
← Estherville Community Care Center, free profile
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The Vardell Report.Estherville Community Care Center
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
- Provider Category
- Nursing home
- Location
- Estherville, IA
- Record Period
- 2023–2026
- Source Documents
- 9
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Summary
Across 7 inspections from October 2023 to June 2026, state surveyors documented 22 findings at Estherville Community Care Center; 22 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.
- Inspections
- 7
- 2023–2026, complaint and standard
- Findings
- 22
- Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
- Corrected
- 22
- Of 22 findings, with a recorded correction date
- Penalties
- 1
- 1 fine; payment not published
Findings by Year
- Findings
- Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.
| Year | Inspections | Findings | Of which, actual harm (level G or above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
| 2024 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
What the Record Shows
- 22 of 22 findings have a recorded correction date.
- CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window: 1 fine of $18,900, its payment not published.
- 5 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
- The latest standard inspection, September 25, 2025, recorded 5 findings (most serious: Level D).
Report at a Glance
- Facility
- Estherville Community Care Center
- Address
- 2001 First Avenue North, Estherville, IA 51334
- CMS Certification Number
- 165523
- Provider Type
- Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
- Certified Beds
- 46
- Ownership
- For profit - Corporation
- Record Window
- October 5, 2023 to October 1, 2026
Chronology
Inspection History
Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
- 2026
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Jun 30, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2026
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 1, 2026
- F628Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Apr 1, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2025
Standard health inspection
5 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 18, 2025
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
- F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 1, 2025
- F699Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 16, 2025
- F883Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 16, 2025
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $18,900 imposed June 10, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of September 25, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Standard health inspection
4 findings
- F851Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 24, 2024
- F636Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 24, 2024
- F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 24, 2024
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 24, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F567Honor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 5, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2024
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Sep 18, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
- 2023
Standard health inspection
8 findings
- F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
- F726Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
- F868Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterlyLevel ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
- F943Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
- F582Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
- F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
- F655Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admittedLevel DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 7, 2023
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.
Context
Patterns Worth Examining
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
- 1
Accurate Assessments, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F641 in October 2023 and September 2025. This citation covers whether each resident’s assessment correctly records their condition. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
23242424252626F641 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 2
Coordinating Mental Health Screening, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F644 in October 2023 and September 2025. This citation covers whether assessments are coordinated with the state’s pre-admission screening for mental illness and intellectual disability (PASARR), and referrals made. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
23242424252626F644 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest - 3
Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F689 in September 2024 and June 2026. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. The most serious of these was recorded at level G (actual harm). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
23242424252626F689 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
For Your Next Visit
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
- 01
Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?
Accurate Assessments: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 02
How do you arrange services for residents with a mental illness or an intellectual disability?
Coordinating Mental Health Screening: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
- 03
What changed in fall prevention and supervision after the last citation, and how do you check that it is still working?
Accident Hazards and Supervision: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.
- 04
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
No staffing citation appears in this window. Staffing levels are published separately by CMS and are worth asking about directly.
- 05
What led to the 2026 fine, and has it been paid?
An $18,900 civil money penalty was imposed June 10, 2026. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid.
The Evidence
Sources and Coverage
Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Iowa state survey agency.
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Oct 5, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Sep 6, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Oct 17, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Dec 12, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Sep 25, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Mar 19, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Iowa state survey agency
Inspection Jun 10, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Penalties, Provider Data CatalogView Dataset ↗
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
- Provider Information, Provider Data CatalogView Dataset ↗
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 165523
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Coverage
Record windowOctober 5, 2023 – October 1, 2026
- CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before October 2023 are not in this release.
- CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.
What This Report Cannot Tell You
- Complaints not investigated onsite
- Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
- Complaint allegations
- CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
- Facility-reported incidents
- Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
- Follow-up visits
- CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
- Fire safety inspections
- Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
- Staffing levels and ownership history
- Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.
- Whether fines were paid
- CMS publishes the fines imposed, not whether or when they were paid.
Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.
Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.