Services

We offer rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long-term care, and hospice care to Iowans from 43 locations around the state.

24-hour Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing care facilities are licensed healthcare facilities that are inspected and regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. These facilities are staffed by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and a variety of therapists as well as other disciplines in dietary, social services, activities, housekeeping, laundry and administration. All Care Initiative’s locations provide 24-hour care or skilled nursing services.

We offer long- and short-term care for individuals who need more assistance than an at-home caregiver can provide. We provide rehabilitation services and care for those who suffer from serious or persistent health issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease, COPD, or Chronic Heart Failure.

As the largest non-profit senior healthcare provider in the state, we take our jobs very seriously and are committed to providing care with compassion, dignity and respect. We offer one-on-one physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy; nutritious meals; laundry service; social and activity programming as well as 24 hour individualized nursing care. With over 3,000 staff members serving an average of 2,500 of Iowa’s elderly, our commitment to the best quality care, compassion and respect is our top priority. Care Initiatives facilities are Medicaid and Medicare certified.
Accelerated Care Plus Therapy Equipment
Most of Care Initiatives facilities have incorporated Accelerated Care Plus Therapy, a cutting-edge therapy system which is non-invasive and medication-free. ACP Therapy addresses a wide range of prevalent conditions including pain, inflammation, neuromuscular re-education, stroke recovery, contractures, urinary incontinence, wounds, joint replacement recovery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, herpes zoster and fall prevention.

ACP’s rehabilitation programs are built around proven medical technology, called “Therapeutic Modalities”. Devices such as infrared therapy and ultrasound can help reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, they may use electrical stimulation to increase circulation and simple exercises to improve flexibility, strength and balance.

By introducing these treatment options, therapists are able to improve outcomes for a broader range of patients and more medically complex conditions.
Bariatric Accommodations
Care Initiatives provides bariatric services and accommodations, including one facility with a dedicated unit. The bariatric units are available for patients before and/or after having gastric bypass surgery. The nurses and dieticians in these units are accustomed to following doctor’s and nutritionist’s directions as the patient recovers. In addition to skilled nursing care, the rooms for bariatric patients are equipped with large doors, a larger bed and furniture and a larger bathroom entrance for the comfort and ease of our guest.
Beauty Shop/Barber Shop
We believe that every patient and resident has a right to beauty services that make them proud of their appearance. Our on-site beauty shops are available to help them do that. Residents can make an appointment with one of our friendly beauticians and schedule their next spa day.
Care Initiatives Hospice
Care Initiatives Hospice provides compassionate health care and palliative support for people facing life-limiting illnesses or conditions. We offer a physician-directed, nurse-coordinated interdisciplinary team approach to personal care. Our goal is to add comfort and quality to the late stages of life.

Care can be provided wherever the patient is – at home or in a care facility. Regardless of the level of need, or where care is administered, no one facing a life-limiting or terminal illness is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. We offer these services throughout 66 Iowa counties. Find a Care Initiatives Hospice office near you.
Hydroworx Hydrotherapy Pool
Care Initiatives Pinnacle Specialty Care features one of the only on-site Hydroworx Hydrotherapy Pool in the Cedar Valley area. Water therapy can help you rehabilitate quickly after an injury or surgery, and our caregivers can provide a customized hydrotherapy program to meet your needs. The adjustable water temperature is always just right, and the pool’s advanced treadmill and massage jets help you regain strength and increase circulation.
Independent Living
Care Initiatives Independent Living communities offer a homelike setting among your peers. There are several living options ranging from studio living to one bedroom, and two bedrooms. (Options vary by location.) The underlying benefit is in knowing that there are highly qualified, healthcare providers nearby so that any life-changing event can be minimized and controlled and there are options to grow within the community.
Individualized Care Plans
We believe in treating every patient to the best of our abilities, which means administering care that is custom to the individual. Each patient or resident of Care Initiatives receives a customized care plan implemented by Care Initiatives caregivers, leading them to higher independence and quality of life.

We carefully analyze the medical history of our patients and residents, and we implement the care advised by their doctors. Each patient receives treatment and care individualized to them and based on their health needs.
Intravenous (IV) Therapy
Intravenous (IV) therapy is the fastest route to deliver fluids and medications throughout the body. It may be used to correct electrolyte imbalances, deliver medications, blood transfusion or as fluid replacement. It is particularly useful for elder patients who might not be getting as much fluids as they should and, because of the side effects of some medication, they have increased potential to become dehydrated. IV therapy gives the resident in need the right balance of water and electrolytes to keep their body functioning properly. Additionally, IV therapy is of particular use in cases where oral antibiotics are not effective.
Lymphedema & Wound Therapy
Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of body fluid, typically in an extremity or one area of the body. Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system for fluid drainage is damaged. Left untreated, it can result in swelling, pain, weeping of fluid through the skin, inability to utilize the affected extremity, skin changes, wounds, and development of greater complications.

“Primary” lymphedema is when your lymph system is damaged and issues arise on their own. “Secondary” lymphedema is caused by a condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes.

Lymphedema Therapy can…
- Identify and discriminate between lymphedema, lipedema, lipolymphedema, phlebolymphedema, dependent edema, and venous edema.
- Perform a bedside ankle-brachial index study using a hand-held Doppler and choose an appropriate level and type of compression.
- Use advanced hand techniques, precise targeting of soft tissue layers and lymphatic structures, and ergonomic positioning.
- Implement an appropriate exercise program to alleviate pain and reduce symptoms.
Certified therapists are able to treat lymphedema at these locations: Bedford Specialty Care, Belle Plaine Specialty Care, Corning Specialty Care, Dubuque Specialty Care, Eldora Specialty Care, Heritage Specialty Care, La Porte City Specialty Care, Montezuma Specialty Care, NorthCrest Specialty Care, Panora Specialty Care, Pinnacle Specialty Care, Ravenwood Specialty Care, Southridge Specialty Care, Valley View Specialty Care, and Wapello Specialty Care.
Medication Management
Medication management is one of the most important daily challenges for patients and residents. Care Initiatives nurses and caregivers are here to implement a medication management plan that works for each individual according to their custom care plan. We help patients and residents understand their medications, and we implement a management schedule that is safe, healthy and effective for each person.
Memory Care Units
Care Initiatives offers five specially equipped locations for elderly Iowans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other related memory impairment disorders. While receiving compassionate care from our dedicated nurses and staff, the residents in our memory units also have added security and enhanced cognitive and psycho-social programming customized to accommodate the individual’s capabilities and attention span. The units are a very structured format designed to reduce agitation and encourage social interaction. Although all of our locations provide some level of memory care, Care Initiatives facilities with specialized memory care units include Heritage (Cedar Rapids), Corydon, Eldora, Manly, and Southern Hills (Osceola).
Occupational Therapy
When the chores of daily living – bathing, dressing, grooming, etc. – become too much to handle, that’s when our occupational therapists step in. Occupational therapy is the use of treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living skills of a patient whose normal routine may have been interrupted by illness, injury or surgery. Our therapists work one-on-one with each client and family to determine goals, offer a customized plan to improve the client’s abilities and ongoing evaluation to continue making progress. Additionally, occupational therapy can involve adapting the client’s living space to help toward greater independence.
Outpatient Therapy
Care Initiative’s Outpatient Therapy is a form of therapeutic treatment offered to those who do not require hospitalization or 24-hour care. Our services are available to all members of the community and it allows for care close to home.

We provide our clients with an initial assessment and follow-up supportive treatment. Outpatient therapy programs typically include one or more of the following disciplines: physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, which are provided by qualified and trained therapy professionals. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of individuals.
Pain Management
Care Initiatives' Care Team has a goal of helping our patients maintain a dignified and proper quality of life. Controlling pain can be an important part of the process. Our Care Team will work closely with your physician and you to develop a compassionate plan for managing pain.
Physical Therapy
Healing from a serious illness or injury can be a long road to recovery. Care Initiatives’ physical therapy program aims to help patients set goals and achieve them with the objective of restoring health and prevention of illness and injury. Our physical therapists will work one-on-one to customize each client’s rehabilitation program. We seek to address each individual’s health needs, including balance, strength training, flexibility and pain management.
Planned Activities
From group card games and social hours to special meals and outings, Care Initiatives is committed to making life fun and exciting for our residents. Weekly activities are planned and posted at each location, and all residents are welcome to attend. Families and friends are also always welcome to join us for activities and outings.
Rehab-To-Home
Whether your loved one incurred a life-altering health event such as a heart attack or stroke, or a lengthy illness that has temporarily deterred returning home, Care Initiatives has the ideal alternative in our Rehab to Home program. Our dedicated staff of nurses and therapists will develop a program, by maximizing each individual’s potential, to allow your loved one to return to their prior level of functioning and return home if medically indicated.
Respite Care
If an at-home caregiver or family needs temporary relief from the day-to-day care needs of their loved one, any of our care locations are able to assist. Sometimes respite care is used when a family or caregiver plans a vacation, needs a break or change of pace, or wants to trial a long-term care facility for possible placement at a later date. Contact your nearest location to learn more about how temporary respite care may be a solution for you or your family.
Select/Choice Menus
We believe that each patient and resident should be able to choose what they eat, so Care Initiatives locations serve several menu options at each meal. Each choice is nutritionally balanced and can be customized to suit special dietary needs.
Special Dietary Accommodations
We can accommodate many dietary needs for our patients and will work with their families and caregivers to understand and maintain a plan that works. Whether the dietary restriction is part of a resident’s health care plan or personal preference, we are happy to provide for their needs.
Speech Therapy
With the increased risk of diseases such as strokes, dementia, head injuries, etc., the elderly often encounter problems in communicating. There may be problems in processing auditory information or mentally recalling an event or a word. Our speech therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if there is a language-based problem, the orientation of the problem and best possible treatment. We focus our efforts on helping each patient learn to process, organize or recall information, and offer some additional tactics of communicating, such as writing down information or recording it. We also work to help with swallowing disorders that are often the result of a stroke.
Tube Feedings
Tube feeding, or enteral feeding, is a way to deliver needed nutrients and fluids through a tube if your loved one is not able to take food or drink by mouth. In some cases, it may be only necessary for a short time. In other cases, it can be a more permanent solution. Our capable staff is able to monitor and assure your loved one receives the best nutrition.
VA Contract
Several of Care Initiative’s locations hold contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide care for veterans who are not acutely ill or in need of hospital care. For more information about VA Contracts, click here. Locations include: Belle Plaine, Centerville, Cherokee, Eldora, Fonda, Kingsley, Lantern Park (Coralville), NorthCrest (Waterloo), Oakwood (Albia), Ravenwood (Waterloo), State Center, Stratford, West Ridge (Knoxville) and Westwood (Sioux City). Please call us to learn more at 515-224-4442.
Veteran Recognition
Thousands of Iowans have, at one point in time, dedicated themselves to serve in a branch of the nation’s armed forces. We recognize the sacrifices these men and women have made and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their service. Whether a veteran is a patient utilizing our service or a resident in a nursing home or assisted living community, we are able to provide and help coordinate a Veteran Recognition Pinning and Certification ceremony.
Wound Care Management
As people age, skin integrity is an important factor in maintaining overall health. Our team of healthcare providers at Care Initiatives is trained in treating existing wounds should a patient be admitted with an existing pressure ulcer. Using the latest in medical technology, our nursing staff incorporates V.A.C. ® Therapy to promote wound healing. V.A.C. Therapy applies negative pressure through a patented dressing. When applied at the site of a wound, this vacuum-like pressure helps draw wound edges together, remove infectious materials and actively promote granulation for faster healing.

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Services

We offer rehabilitation, skilled nursing, long-term care, and hospice care to Iowans from 43 locations around the state.

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