All states › Iowa › Des Moines › Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation
5608 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50315 · Polk County
All 12 nursing homes in Des Moines, IA (12 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 165175 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record
There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa average of 3.1.
Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.
Staffing
Nursing staff spend about 3.64 hours per resident per day at Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation, below the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.38 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.83 hours, 22% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 63.8% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation: Medicare and Medicaid
Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Iowa's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.
In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.
Health inspections
The most recent standard inspection was on June 10, 2025 and found 8 deficiencies, plus 20 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 66 citations in the last three years.
Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.
What the inspections found
Over the last three years, inspectors issued 66 citations at Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation across 16 inspection dates, 51 of them from complaint investigations. 5 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on May 14, 2026 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (21) and resident assessment and care planning (14). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors" (tag F0760, level K, May 14, 2026). 6 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
July 22, 2026 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
GProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
May 14, 2026 · 2 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
KEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
FEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
April 9, 2026 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
October 27, 2025 · 5 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.
DProvide doctor's orders for the resident's immediate care at the time the resident was admitted.
DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
September 3, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
June 10, 2025 · 13 citations · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.
EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
DEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
DEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
April 24, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
March 20, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
November 13, 2024 · 2 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
JEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
October 2, 2024 · 10 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
ESafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
DGive the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DEnsure a qualified health professional conducts resident assessments.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
August 29, 2024 · 1 citation, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
JEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
July 12, 2024 · 4 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
KEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
June 3, 2024 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
EHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
April 19, 2024 · 1 citation, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
JProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
March 11, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
September 7, 2023 · 5 citations
DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
DProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Questions to ask on a tour of Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation
- Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on May 14, 2026 under the rule on pharmacy service. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on April 9, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- CMS rates staffing 2 out of 5. How many residents does each nurse aide care for on day, evening and night shifts?
- Weekend staffing is 22% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
- Nursing staff turnover was 63.8% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
- CMS rates short-stay quality 2 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?
Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.
Fines and payment denials
6 penalties in the last three years, including $222,681 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 | Fine | $56,238 |
| Oct 2, 2024 | Fine | $85,810 |
| Aug 29, 2024 | Fine | $25,454 |
| Jul 12, 2024 | Fine | $26,374 |
| Apr 19, 2024 | Fine | $28,805 |
| Apr 19, 2024 | Payment Denial | 17 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
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3.9 mi
Iowa Methodist Medical Center Des MoinesEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 2m for patients treated and sent home
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4.5 mi
Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines Des MoinesEmergency room ★☆☆☆☆ Medicare overall 1 of 5Median ER visit 4h 4m for patients treated and sent home
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5.8 mi
Broadlawns Medical Center Des MoinesEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 24m for patients treated and sent home
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
More nursing homes near Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation › All nursing homes in Des Moines ›
Compare Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Scottish Rite Park · Des Moines · 5 stars · 4.1 mi
- Karen Acres Care Center · Urbandale · 5 stars · 8.2 mi
- Walnut Ridge · Clive · 5 stars · 9.1 mi
- Childserve Habilitation Center · Johnston · 5 stars · 9.6 mi
Other The Ensign Group nursing homes in Iowa
- West Bend Health and Rehabilitation · West Bend · 5 stars
- Woodland Health and Rehabilitation · Mount Pleasant · 4 stars
- Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines · Des Moines · 3 stars
- Crystal Heights Care Center · Oskaloosa · 3 stars
- Careage Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare · Cherokee · 2 stars
- Hillcrest Health Care Center · Hawarden · 1 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 347 The Ensign Group nursing homes ›
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.