Riceville Community Rest Home

Pros

• The staff have been extremely helpful on multiple levels.
• The communication has been great.
• They inform families about ongoing matters or changes.
• They offer more individualized care.
• They engage residents and make them feel part of the community.
• There is no place like this.
• The nurses are amazing.
• The place is very nice.

Cons

• The ADON is described as a liar and manipulator, unprofessional in leadership.
• The administration is burnt out and in need of an entirely new system.
• Agency nurses and CNAs are warned they will be used briefly, lied to, and have their contracts breached.
• Contracts are cut short, hours are unavailable, and staff are not paid despite signed agreements.
• The administration is poorly equipped and fails to uphold contract terms, turning away workers who actually care.
• The facility would not need agency help if the administration actually worked and held itself accountable.

Review

The set of impressions from several commenters paints a portrait of a small-town nursing home and clinic that many people find welcoming, well-staffed, and oriented toward the residents' comfort and dignity. Several reviewers begin with a strong sense of satisfaction, noting that this is a place where communication from the team is clear and frequent. They say staff keep families informed about what is going on and about any changes in care or schedules, which helps families feel connected and confident about their loved one's well-being. There is a recurring emphasis on the warmth of the environment - the sense that residents are part of a community rather than just patients. The facility is described as a good fit for a loved one who benefits from individualized attention, and some reviewers explicitly say they wouldn't look elsewhere because of how the staff engage with residents and the way they make residents feel included.

Many reviewers specifically highlight the day-to-day care as a standout feature. They praise the hands-on care given by the nursing staff, with several calling the CNAs "amazing" and saying they show up with leadership, experience, and a genuine concern for residents. The care team is repeatedly credited with making residents feel secure, comfortable, and well cared for. Beyond nursing, housekeeping and dietary services receive high marks as well; one reviewer notes excellent housekeeping and dietary services, while others describe well-trained, knowledgeable staff across departments who contribute to a consistently high level of care. The overall tone is that, when it comes to direct care, this facility shines, and that the people who actually spend time with residents each day are what hold the place together.

In contrast to the chorus of praise for the direct-care team, there is a pointed critique aimed at the administrative leadership. One reviewer gives a stark, single-star rating to the assistant director of nursing, calling the ADON a liar and manipulator and describing the leadership as unprofessional and ineffective. That same voice characterizes the administration as burnt out and in need of a complete systemic overhaul. This perspective frames the administration as a bottleneck or a disconnect between the administrative aspirations and the realities of day-to-day care, suggesting that even excellent frontline staff struggle to thrive under the current leadership structure. It's a sobering counterpoint to the otherwise positive depictions of the facility's care culture.

Linked closely to the admin critique is a strong endorsement of the frontline team as the facility's real strength. Several reviewers argue that without the CNAs, and without the reliable housekeeping and dietary staff, the facility would not function as well as it does. They emphasize that the people who actually care for residents deserve credit and protection, and they imply that a better-administered environment would naturally improve everything else. The sentiment here is not that the staff are in question but that the administrative system surrounding them needs substantial reform if the facility is to reach its full potential. This underscores a common theme: excellent frontline care is happening, even in a setting where governance and accountability are seen as problematic by some staff and supporters alike.

The reviews extend a troubling note about agency staff and contractor relationships. Several accounts warn agency nurses and CNAs to beware of the facility because contracts are reportedly breached, hours are not always available, and payment can be inconsistent or withheld despite signed agreements. Reports describe contracts being cut short, travel-heavy commitments, and housing expenses borne by agency workers with little to show for it when the facility fails to honor terms. The criticism frames this as a systemic issue rather than a singular incident, suggesting that the facility's reliance on temporary staff is symptomatic of broader administrative shortcomings. The consequence, according to these voices, is that capable, caring professionals feel unappreciated and underserved, which can affect morale and, in turn, continuity of care.

Against the backdrop of these tensions, the community and patient-oriented aspects of the facility still come through strongly. Descriptions of the place as a "very nice small town nursing home and clinic" and of staff as courteous and friendly reinforce the sense that this is a welcoming environment. Reviewers also point to tangible positives like well-equipped facilities, nicely furnished rooms, and the general impression that the center is well-run for visitors and residents alike. First-time visitors are often impressed by the looks and setup - well-furnished rooms and a clean, thoughtful atmosphere - while others emphasize that the staff's professionalism and attention to residents' needs create a reassuring environment for families.

Taken together, the feedback presents a nuanced picture: a place where the direct-care team earns high marks for compassion, attentiveness, and practical care, and where residents and families frequently speak to a sense of community and good communication. At the same time, there is a clear call for leadership reform, more accountability, and better treatment of agency staff. The constructive takeaway is that the core value of the facility lies in its people - the nurses, aides, housekeepers, and dietary staff who show up every day to support residents' quality of life. If the administrative structure can align with that same commitment - ensuring contracts are honored, improving leadership effectiveness, and maintaining transparent, fair practices - the overall experience for residents and families could become even stronger.

In the end, the sentiment across the reviews is a blend of admiration and caution. Many caregivers and families speak warmly about the care, the small-town atmosphere, and the genuine concern shown for residents. They also offer a clear warning about administrative practices and the treatment of agency workers, urging accountability and systemic improvements. The collective voice suggests a facility with extraordinary potential: exceptional frontline care, a welcoming community vibe, and a need for leadership that can match the commitment of the staff. With targeted changes at the administrative level and a renewed emphasis on fair, respectful relationships with agency personnel, this center could continue to be described as a place that stands out for its compassion, its patient-centered approach, and its ongoing dedication to the elders who reside there.

Located in Riceville, Iowa, this area offers a variety of amenities for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful and welcoming community. With several hospitals nearby such as Mitchell County Regional Center and Mitchell County Memorial Hospital, residents have access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, there are numerous places of worship including Wels and Immaculate Conception Church, providing spiritual support. For dining options, restaurants like Murph's 2 and The Togie Pub offer delicious meals in a cozy atmosphere. Seniors can also enjoy the nearby parks such as Lake Hendricks and Pioneer State Park for leisurely walks or picnics. Transportation services like Cedar River Taxidermy and U-Haul are easily accessible for convenience. With pharmacies like Smart Pharmacy by Sterling and physicians such as Coral Gerdts, DPM in close proximity, seniors can easily manage their healthcare needs. Overall, this area provides a blend of essential services and recreational opportunities ideal for senior living.

Hospitals

• Mitchell County Regional Center (0 miles)
• County of Mitchell (12.1 miles)
• Mitchell County Memorial Hospital (13.5 miles)
• Mitchell County Regional Health Center (13.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wels (0.5 miles)
• Immaculate Conception Church (0.7 miles)
• Church of God & Christ Mennonite (0.8 miles)
• St Peter's Church Rectory (6.5 miles)
• Saint Peters Catholic Church (6.5 miles)
• St Paul's Lutheran Church (7.8 miles)
• Methodist Church (8.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Murph's 2 (0.6 miles)
• Hang Out (0.6 miles)
• 10th Hole Bar and Grill (3 miles)
• Gooseys Bar & Grill (6.1 miles)
• The Togie Pub (7.6 miles)
• Travel Lanes & Supper Club (11 miles)
• Sweet's Hotel Restaurant & Bar (11.1 miles)

Parks

• Lake Hendricks (1.4 miles)
• Pioneer State Park (6.3 miles)
• Lylahs Marsh County Park (6.4 miles)
• Roman Park (9.2 miles)
• Elma City Park (9.7 miles)
• Lake Louise State Park (12.7 miles)
• Spring Park (13 miles)

Transportation

• Cedar River Taxidermy (10.9 miles)
• U-Haul (13.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Smart Pharmacy by Sterling (13.5 miles)
• Prescription Center (13.6 miles)
• Adams Drug (16.7 miles)
• Brower Drug (18.4 miles)

Physicians

• Coral Gerdts, DPM (13.5 miles)
• Mitchell County Regional Health Center-St Ansgar Clinic (18.4 miles)

Cafes

• Old Central Coffee (13.7 miles)
• Kountry Kupboard (13.7 miles)
• Taste. By Unc's Cheesecakes (13.9 miles)
• Bubble's Cafe (16.7 miles)

Theaters

• Watts Theatre (13.7 miles)