901 State St, Donnellson, IA 52625
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Donnellson Health Center is in a small farming community and provides very personal, hands-on care for seniors and mentally challenged individuals in a setting that supports one-on-one attention. It may not be fancy, but it is a highly accessible place for families and the people they care for. The staff and the activity director do excellent work, contributing to a well-run, community-oriented facility. The Northbrook memory care unit keeps residents well cared for and treated like family. The nurses are very nice and keep visiting family informed about residents' health. Families feel secure knowing their loved ones are safe and cared for at the center.
The reviewer calls the facility horrible and warns others not to take their loved ones there. They claim staff persistently restricted residents' freedoms by citing facility policy. They allege a staff member turned them in on a warrant, kept their car keys, and planned to tow their car. They state clothing and medical supplies purchased by their insurance were kept, and a no-contact order was issued. They say they were left in jail without clothing or medical supplies despite being paraplegic and ill. They describe the shower rooms as gross and the meals as unappealing. They report a nurse was treated in a demeanor that was unprofessional over the phone. They claim wound-care supplies were nearly empty or missing, as if taken for facility use. They assert they were lied to about getting back their keys and property, and that the sheriff's office was involved to arrest them. They describe the facility as outdated, with old towels, rags, bedding, and curtains, and say residents deserve better care.Donnellson Health Center is best suited for families seeking a small-town, hands-on senior care option in rural Iowa. The community is framed around close, daily contact with staff and a sense that caregivers know residents personally. It may appeal most to those who want straightforward, non-clinical surroundings and value regular, direct communication from nurses and aides. For memory-care needs in particular, there are accounts of attentive staff and a family-like atmosphere, suggesting this setting can provide genuine reassurance for relatives who prioritize familiarity and routine over upscale amenities. In short, this is a practical, no-fruss setting for families prioritizing intimate care and predictable, visit-friendly interactions.
However, prospective residents should consider alternatives if safety, consistent quality, and clear governance are non-negotiable. The facility's overall rating is troubling, backed by multiple reviews that describe serious lapses in care and rights protection. Allegations range from mistreatment and punitive policy enforcement to the arrest of a resident during hospitalization, with reports of confiscated belongings and restricted mobility. Such episodes raise fundamental questions about administrative oversight, resident autonomy, and the ability to enforce resident rights. For families who demand rigorous safety standards and transparent, accountable leadership, exploring other options is prudent.
The positive aspects of a small, personable setting do offer meaningful counterbalances. Several reviews commend the hands-on approach of staff and the active involvement of an activity director, painting a picture of a supportive, community-focused environment. In memory care, families report being kept informed and feeling that their loved ones are treated like family, which can translate into more comfortable, less stressful days for both residents and visiting relatives. For those who place a premium on intimate attention and frequent family contact, these strengths can meaningfully improve day-to-day well-being and peace of mind.
Yet the strongest criticisms center on core quality and safety concerns that cannot be dismissed. One account details a sequence of actions that allegedly deprived a resident of essential liberty and essential personal items, with consequences including criminal arrest proceedings while the resident was ill. Other reviewers describe outdated facilities and supplies, questionable hygiene, and inconsistencies in how policies are applied. Taken together, these reports suggest a disconnect between frontline caregiving and the facility's leadership, creating a risk profile that is not acceptable to every family. Even when staff exhibit dedication, systemic failures can override individual good experiences.
On balance, the favorable narratives about small-scale, intimate care are compelling but clearly not universal. Families in memory-care transitions especially may find value in the personal attention and predictable routines described by some residents and their visitors. However, the negative experiences cannot be ignored, and they point to a broader governance and safety question that must be addressed before any decision is made. Prospective residents must weigh the comfort of a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere against the possibility of gaps in protection, consistency, and rights enforcement.
In conclusion, a disciplined, in-person evaluation is essential. Prospective families should observe hygiene and care quality firsthand, engage with frontline staff and the administrator, and scrutinize recent state inspection disclosures. The decision hinges on whether governance and incident handling can be shown to meet high standards of safety, transparency, and respect for resident autonomy. If those assurances cannot be demonstrated, alternatives with stronger governance, clearer safety protocols, and more robust staffing stability are recommended. For some, the charm and accessibility of a small community will suffice; for others, broader resources and proven governance will deliver greater long-term confidence.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Donnellson Health Ctr Inc in Donnellson, IA is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to support the well-being of its residents. With devotional services offered off-site, individuals can continue to nurture their spiritual needs in a supportive environment. The indoor common areas provide spaces for socializing, engaging in activities, or simply relaxing.
The community also offers specialized care for diabetic residents, ensuring their unique health needs are attended to with expertise and compassion. In addition to meeting the physical and medical needs of its residents, Donnellson Health Ctr Inc understands the importance of maintaining emotional and spiritual wellness. Therefore, devotional activities are organized offsite to foster a sense of connection and promote holistic well-being.
Located in Donnellson, IA, this assisted living community benefits from its proximity to nature and places of worship. With one park nearby, residents have easy access to outdoor spaces for leisurely walks or enjoying nature's beauty. Additionally, having three places of worship in close proximity allows individuals the freedom to choose where they can practice their faith.
Overall, Donnellson Health Ctr Inc provides a nurturing environment where residents can receive quality care tailored to their needs while still maintaining an active and connected lifestyle.
Donnellson Health Ctr Inc is located at 901 State St, Donnellson, IA 52625 in Lee County, Iowa
Donnellson Health Center
Donnellson, IA
Extensive amenities and comprehensive care.
West Point Care Center
West Point, IA
Fully furnished assisted living with 24-hour care, restaurant-style dining, and outdoor spaces near parks.
West Point Care Ctr
West Point, IA
Specialized diabetic care with personalized plans.
FMCH Home Health Care
Fort Madison, IA
Strong access to nearby health services and daily amenities.
Addington Place Ft Madison
Fort Madison, IA
Caring staff, warm atmosphere, and engaging activities in a well-maintained memory care community.
Addington Place Of Fort Madison
Fort Madison, IA
Strong memory-care focus with 24/7 staff and ample on-site amenities.
Addington Place Fairfield
Fairfield, IA
Specialized memory care with medication and incontinence support.
Understanding the Distinctions: Assisted Living and Memory Care Explained
The article differentiates between assisted living and memory care, explaining that assisted living supports seniors with daily activities while promoting independence, whereas memory care provides specialized services for individuals with dementia, focusing on secure environments and cognitive support. It also addresses staff training, safety considerations, costs, family involvement, and transition strategies for families navigating these care options.
Guiding Elderly Parents Who Refuse Assisted Living: 6 Practical Steps
Family caregivers face emotional, legal, and practical challenges when elderly parents refuse assisted living, often due to fears of losing autonomy. Open conversations and professional assessments can help address these concerns while exploring alternatives and ensuring safety, potentially leading to legal guardianship if necessary.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Luxury Assisted Living: Elevated Facilities, Amenities, and Costs
Luxury assisted living offers high-quality senior care in a resort-like environment that combines essential medical support, gourmet dining, and personalized services to enhance residents' independence and well-being. These upscale facilities emphasize holistic health and community-building through customized care plans and social activities, catering to the growing demand for enriched senior living experiences despite higher costs.
