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Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

All states › Iowa › Des Moines › Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

701 Riverview Des Moines, IA 50316 · Polk County

(515) 266-1106

All 12 nursing homes in Des Moines, IA (12 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 74 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 165268 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines 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 Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the Iowa average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 38 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 5 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5.

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 3.86 hours per resident per day at Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines, about the same as the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.62 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.36 hours, 13% below its all-week average. 40.6% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.86 hours
Above the Iowa median of 3.76 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.62 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.36 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 40.6% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 55.6% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 1 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds74
Residents per day 70 About 95% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceMay 1996
Part of a chainThe Ensign Group
Legal business nameDISCOVERY TRAIL HEALTHCARE, INC.

Paying for care at Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines: Medicare and Medicaid

Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines 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 September 16, 2025 and found 7 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 38 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 38 citations at Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines across 7 inspection dates, 21 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on June 6, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (11) and resident assessment and care planning (8). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents" (tag F0689, level G, June 6, 2024). 3 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 27, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has no plan of correction

June 3, 2026 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 26, 2026)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 26, 2026)

September 16, 2025 · 7 citations

EEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 15, 2025)

EDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 15, 2025)

EEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 15, 2025)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 15, 2025)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 15, 2025)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 15, 2025)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 15, 2025)

May 7, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

DHonor the resident's right to be treated with respect and dignity and to retain and use personal possessions.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0557 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 24, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 24, 2025)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 24, 2025)

October 17, 2024 · 6 citations · includes complaint inspection

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 17, 2024)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 17, 2024)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 17, 2024)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 17, 2024)

DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0685 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 17, 2024)

DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 17, 2024)

June 6, 2024 · 5 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 28, 2024)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 28, 2024)

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 28, 2024)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 28, 2024)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 28, 2024)

October 5, 2023 · 13 citations · includes complaint inspection

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0644 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0693 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

DMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

BProvide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 5, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on June 6, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on June 6, 2024. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. 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

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 3/5 2/5 3/5 5/5
August 2026 3/5 2/5 2/5 5/5
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Location

Hospitals near Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

  • 0.8 mi
    Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines Des Moines
    Emergency room ★☆☆☆☆ Medicare overall 1 of 5
    Median ER visit 4h 4m for patients treated and sent home
  • 1.6 mi
    Iowa Methodist Medical Center Des Moines
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 2m for patients treated and sent home
  • 1.9 mi
    Broadlawns Medical Center Des Moines
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median 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

University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Des Moines · 0.6 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 91 beds · Medicaid
Azria Health Park Place Des Moines · 0.9 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 2/5 70 beds · Medicaid
Trinity Center at Luther Park Des Moines · 1.5 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 4/5 120 beds · Medicaid
Ramsey Village Des Moines · 2.3 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 78 beds · Medicaid
Valley View Village Des Moines · 2.4 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 79 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines ›   All nursing homes in Des Moines ›

Compare Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

Other The Ensign Group nursing homes in Iowa

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.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/iowa/des-moines/rehabilitation-center-of-des-moines/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.