Two Iowa Nursing Homes Added to Federal List of Worst Facilities

Caring Acres Nursing and Rehab Center and Grundy Care Center cited for resident abuse and regulatory violations

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has added two Iowa nursing homes, Caring Acres Nursing and Rehab Center in Anita and Grundy Care Center in Grundy Center, to its list of facilities eligible for inclusion on the federal government's list of the nation's worst care facilities. The homes were cited for resident abuse, inadequate staffing, and dozens of other regulatory violations.

Why it matters

The federal list of Special-Focus Facilities highlights nursing homes with recurring, serious problems with resident care. Inclusion on this list subjects the homes to additional oversight and assistance, but many other homes remain on the eligibility list for years without receiving that help. This raises concerns about the quality of care and oversight in Iowa's long-term care facilities.

The details

Grundy Care Center was cited for 12 regulatory violations in 2024, including failure to meet professional standards, inadequate quality of care, insufficient nurse staffing, and inadequate food preparation. In 2025, the home was fined $48,796 for resident abuse after a female certified nurse aide was found to have inappropriately kissed, touched, and exchanged nude photos with a male resident. Caring Acres in Anita was cited with 17 regulatory violations in 2025, including failure to provide a clean environment, maintain competent staffing, and properly assess and treat a resident who later died at the hospital.

  • In November 2024, the Grundy Care Center was cited for 12 regulatory violations.
  • In early 2025, Grundy Care Center was fined $48,796 by CMS for resident abuse.
  • In February 2025, Caring Acres in Anita was cited with 17 regulatory violations.
  • In June 2025, Caring Acres was fined $9,000 and cited for failure to provide required nursing services.
  • Also in June 2025, Caring Acres was cited for resident abuse by a licensed practical nurse.

The players

Caring Acres Nursing and Rehab Center

A nursing home in Anita, Iowa that was cited for numerous regulatory violations and resident abuse incidents.

Grundy Care Center

A nursing home in Grundy Center, Iowa that was cited for regulatory violations and resident abuse.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

The federal agency that oversees and regulates nursing homes, and maintains the list of Special-Focus Facilities with the worst resident care.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that investigates reports of dependent adult abuse in nursing homes.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes you gotta p--- them off to make the night more fun.”

— Licensed Practical Nurse (Inspection report)

What’s next

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services will continue to investigate the abuse allegations at the nursing homes. CMS will provide additional oversight and assistance to Caring Acres and Grundy Care Center to try to improve resident care and safety.

The takeaway

This situation highlights ongoing concerns about the quality of care and oversight in some of Iowa's long-term care facilities, with vulnerable residents facing abuse and neglect. It underscores the need for stronger regulations, increased staffing requirements, and more rigorous enforcement to protect the wellbeing of nursing home residents.