LIFE BYVardellNursing Home
Report

TheVardellReport

Good Samaritan - Indianola

Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility

708 South Jefferson
Indianola, IA 50125

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 1, 2026
Report ID
VR-IA-165186-2611
← Good Samaritan - Indianola, free profile

Life by Vardell Presents

The Vardell Report.Good Samaritan - Indianola

The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.

Provider Category
Nursing home
Location
Indianola, IA
Record Period
2024–2026
Source Documents
9
Read the report

This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.

01

The Essentials

Summary

Across 7 inspections from January 2024 to May 2026, state surveyors documented 42 findings at Good Samaritan - Indianola; 42 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window.

Inspections
7
2024–2026, standard and complaint
Findings
42
Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected
42
Of 42 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties
2
2 fines; payment not published

Findings by Year

  • Findings
  • Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2024: 15 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 31520242 inspections2025: 15 findings across 3 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11520253 inspections2026: 12 findings across 2 inspections122026*2 inspections2024: 15 findings across 2 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 31520242 insp.2025: 15 findings across 3 inspections; of which, actual harm (level G or above): 11520253 insp.2026: 12 findings across 2 inspections122026*2 insp.

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
YearInspectionsFindingsOf which, actual harm (level G or above)
20242153
20253151
20262120

What the Record Shows

  • 42 of 42 findings have a recorded correction date.
  • CMS lists 2 enforcement actions in the window: 2 fines totaling $20,316, their payment not published.
  • 7 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
  • The latest standard inspection, May 14, 2026, recorded 10 findings (most serious: Level F).
02

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.

  1. 2026

    Standard health inspection

    10 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F838Conduct and document a facility-wide assessment to determine what resources are necessary to care for residents competently during both day-to-day operations (including nights and weekends) and emergencies.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F627Ensure the transfer/discharge meets the resident's needs/preferences and that the resident is prepared for a safe transfer/discharge.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 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 Jun 12, 2026
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  2. 2026

    Complaint investigation

    2 findings

    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 13, 2026
    • F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 13, 2026

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  3. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    4 findings

    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2025
    • F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2025
    • F761Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Aug 16, 2025

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  4. 2025

    Standard health inspection

    7 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 GActual harmCorrected May 15, 2025
    • F578Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2025
    • F584Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2025
    • F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2025
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2025
    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2025
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 15, 2025

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $12,438 imposed April 24, 2025. 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 April 24, 2025, the nearest before the penalty date.

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  5. 2025

    Complaint investigation

    4 findings

    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 19, 2025
    • F727Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 19, 2025
    • F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 19, 2025
    • F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Feb 19, 2025

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  6. 2024

    Standard health inspection

    12 findings

    The same visit included a complaint investigation.

    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level GActual harmCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level GActual harmCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F623Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F585Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F757Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024
    • F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jul 18, 2024

    Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

  7. 2024

    Complaint investigation

    3 findings

    • F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Jan 24, 2024
    • F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2024
    • F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jan 24, 2024

    Enforcement Action

    Civil money penalty, $7,878 imposed January 10, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the complaint investigation of January 10, 2024, the nearest before the penalty date.

    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.

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

  1. 1

    Nursing Staff Levels, Cited in Five Inspections

    Inspectors cited F725 in June 2024, January 2025, April 2025, July 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers whether there are enough nurses and aides to meet residents’ needs, with a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    24242525252626F725 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  2. 2

    Infection Control, Cited in Four Inspections

    Inspectors cited F880 in June 2024, April 2025, July 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. 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.

    24242525252626F880 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  3. 3

    A Clean, Homelike Setting, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F584 in April 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether rooms and shared spaces are kept safe, clean, comfortable and homelike. 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.

    24242525252626F584 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  4. 4

    Accurate Assessments, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F641 in June 2024 and May 2026. 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.

    24242525252626F641 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  5. 5

    Coordinating Mental Health Screening, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F644 in June 2024 and May 2026. 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.

    24242525252626F644 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  6. 6

    Help With Daily Living, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F677 in June 2024 and April 2025. This citation covers help with bathing, dressing, eating and toileting for residents who cannot manage alone. 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.

    24242525252626F677 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  7. 7

    Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F684 in January 2024 and June 2024. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. 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.

    24242525252626F684 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  8. 8

    Pressure Injury Care, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F686 in January 2024 and June 2024. This citation covers how the home prevents and treats pressure injuries (bedsores). The most serious of these was recorded at level J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    24242525252626F686 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
  9. 9

    Food Quality and Temperature, Cited in Two Inspections

    Inspectors cited F804 in January 2025 and May 2026. This citation covers whether food and drink are palatable, attractive and served at a safe temperature. None rose above level E (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    24242525252626F804 across all 7 inspections, oldest to newest
04

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.

  1. 01

    How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?

    Nursing Staff Levels: cited in five inspections, most seriously at level F.

  2. 02

    Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?

    Infection Control: cited in four inspections, most seriously at level D.

  3. 03

    What was done about the cleanliness citation, and how are rooms and shared spaces checked now?

    A Clean, Homelike Setting: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  4. 04

    Who completes resident assessments, and how are they checked for accuracy?

    Accurate Assessments: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  5. 05

    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.

  6. 06

    How long do residents usually wait for help with bathing, dressing or the bathroom, and how is that tracked?

    Help With Daily Living: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.

  7. 07

    How do nurses make sure a doctor’s orders are carried out, and how are families told when something is missed?

    Quality of Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level G.

  8. 08

    How often are residents checked for pressure injuries and repositioned, and who is responsible for it?

    Pressure Injury Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level J.

  9. 09

    May we try a meal, and how do you check food temperature by the time it reaches residents?

    Food Quality and Temperature: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level E.

  10. 10

    What led to the 2025 fine, and has it been paid?

    A $12,438 civil money penalty was imposed April 24, 2025. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. The record holds two enforcement actions in the window.

05

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 Jan 10, 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 Jun 18, 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 Jan 30, 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 Apr 24, 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 Jul 29, 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 Jan 14, 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 May 14, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  • Penalties, Provider Data Catalog

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗
  • Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog

    Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 165186

    Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

    View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowJanuary 10, 2024 – October 1, 2026

  • CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before January 2024 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.