2651 Saint Francis Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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The nurses are fabulous and the aides treat residents like family. Amber keeps families informed about medications and health concerns. The Dementia Unit provided amazing care, with timely updates and inclusion of family in care decisions. The front desk staff are welcoming and residents are greeted by name. Some staff members make stays enjoyable, and the physical therapy and activities keep residents busy. The VA Hospice staff deliver exemplary care to patients. The therapy team is strong, the nursing staff is reliable, and CNAs are excellent.
The facility is dirty and unsanitary in every aspect. The staff are rude and apathetic, offering little help to residents or visitors. Residents are treated terribly, with caretakers who are mean and rough. Some residents suffer unexplained bruises, and investigations are avoided to keep CNAs employed. Residents sit in urine and feces for hours with no timely changes. Linens and rooms aren't cleaned regularly; the place smells dirty. The food is terrible and overall care is poor. A CNA or nurse seemed high on drugs. Door alarms are sometimes turned off, allowing wandering residents to roam. Medication administration is inconsistent, with lost paperwork and delays. The facility should be shut down or heavily fined due to neglect and abuse.Ravenwood Health Care Center in Waterloo is best suited for families prioritizing rehabilitation services and dementia-focused care, provided they can tolerate a wide swing in daily experience and are prepared to advocate actively for their loved one. In practical terms, the strongest upside appears when therapy teams are engaged, timely updates from staff are available, and certain units deliver attentive, person-centered care. Reviewers consistently point to notable exceptions: a dementia unit where care feels individualized and responsive, and rehab periods where residents receive solid physical therapy and meaningful activity. Yet those positives sit alongside a landscape of conflicting day-to-day operations, suggesting that success here hinges less on the building and more on which staff members are present and how well administration supports front-line teams.
For families who require consistent cleanliness, predictable staffing, and reliable, respectful care across all shifts, alternatives should be seriously considered. The history of unsanitary conditions, lingering odors, and repeated maintenance issues, coupled with reports of long call-light waits and a perception of understaffing, creates a risk profile that many families will find unacceptable. Front-desk responsiveness and door security are flagged as unreliable in multiple accounts, and the most troubling anecdotes describe rough handling, unexplained injuries, and situations where residents sit in soiled conditions for extended periods. When safety, hygiene, and dependable supervision are nonnegotiable, this community often falls short of expectations.
The most convincing counterweight to the negative feedback comes from the care that does work: commendations for dedicated nurses and CNAs, and recognition that certain staff members keep families informed and involved. Positive notes frequently highlight therapy teams that keep residents active and progressing, and praise for memory-care staff who deliver compassionate, attentive care within that unit. Where inpatient or short-term rehab is the goal, these elements can translate into meaningful improvements in mobility, mood, and communication. In dementia care, when the unit is properly staffed and leaders communicate clearly with families, the care experience can feel personal and supportive, restoring confidence for those who fear decline.
However, the broader pattern across the reviews is clear: inconsistent staffing, turnover, and leadership gaps undermine even the strongest individual efforts. Multiple families report administration that is slow to respond, poor coordination, and lost or delayed paperwork that complicates medication changes or discharge processes. The condition of the physical plant - flooded wings, mold concerns, and rooms that bear signs of neglect - contributes to a sense of instability that overrides occasional moments of excellent caregiving. The contrast between a few bright testimonials and the weight of persistent complaints makes the overall environment feel risky for families seeking steady, transparent care delivery.
The practical takeaway centers on discerning where the care will happen most consistently and who will be at the helm during a loved one's stay. Prospective families should demand concrete assurances: a tour of the dementia unit with a caregiver-to-resident ratio check, a meeting with the director or administrator, and current, verifiable data on staffing levels by shift. Ask to review recent incident and escalation reports, audit results, and maintenance logs that reflect cleaning and odor control. If choosing Ravenwood, consider a staged approach - short-term rehab or a trial bed in a unit with proven staff accountability - while retaining a fallback plan in case care standards fail to stabilize.
Overall, Ravenwood presents a cautionary option rather than a guaranteed placement. It can work well for families who value rehabilitative progress and who have the bandwidth to monitor care daily, intervening when staff are overstretched or communication falters. For those whose criteria center on uniform safety, immaculate hygiene, and consistently compassionate care across all times and shifts, exploring other communities with stronger, demonstrable track records is wise. In the end, Ravenwood's efficacy rests on the caliber and consistency of on-site leadership and front-line teams - factors that, in practice, vary enough to demand careful, prospective scrutiny before committing.
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.
Waterloo Municipal (7 miles away)
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.Ravenwood Health Care Center in Waterloo, IA is a vibrant and welcoming assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of its residents.
With a focus on providing a holistic approach to care, Ravenwood offers devotional services off-site for those who wish to nurture their spiritual well-being. Additionally, residents can enjoy spending time in the indoor common areas, which provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere for socializing or relaxing.
For individuals requiring diabetic care, Ravenwood Health Care Center is equipped with knowledgeable staff who are trained to assist with managing diabetes and ensuring residents' health needs are met.
At Ravenwood, there is never a shortage of activities to engage in. Devotional activities offsite allow residents to explore their religious practices alongside fellow community members. Furthermore, the presence of two cafes nearby ensures convenient access to refreshments and casual gatherings.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of five parks nearby, offering opportunities for outdoor recreational activities and enjoying fresh air amidst beautiful surroundings. Additionally, having 13 pharmacies nearby ensures that medication needs can be easily met.
Residents of Ravenwood Health Care Center have access to a wide network of healthcare professionals with 38 physicians located nearby. This ensures prompt medical attention and comprehensive care for any healthcare concerns that may arise.
When it comes to dining options, the community is surrounded by 31 restaurants offering various cuisines - perfect for satisfying diverse taste buds or occasional outings with loved ones.
Recognizing the importance of spirituality within a community, Ravenwood boasts three places of worship situated within close proximity. This allows residents the opportunity to nourish their faith while staying connected with their beliefs.
Lastly, having five hospitals nearby provides peace of mind for both residents and their families knowing that emergency medical care is readily available in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Overall, Ravenwood Health Care Center in Waterloo, IA promotes an inclusive and active lifestyle through its array of amenities, care services, and convenient access to nearby services, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling living experience for its residents.
Ravenwood Health Care Ctr is located at 2651 Saint Francis Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702 in Black Hawk County, Iowa
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