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Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

All states › Iowa › Fort Madison › Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

1702 41st Street Fort Madison, IA 52627 · Lee County

(319) 372-8021

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 80 certified beds For profit Continuing care retirement community

CMS certification number 165227 · 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 Birkwood Village of Fort Madison 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 Birkwood Village of Fort Madison 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 25 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 3 out of 5; for long-term residents, 4 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 4.40 hours per resident per day at Birkwood Village of Fort Madison, above 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 3.66 hours, 17% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 56.1% 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.

Nursing care per resident per day 4.40 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 3.66 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 56.1% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 73.3% 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 beds80
Residents per day 63 About 78% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Limited Liability company
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceAugust 1993
Legal business nameFORT MADISON HEALTH CENTER OPERATIONS LLC

Paying for care at Birkwood Village of Fort Madison: Medicare and Medicaid

Birkwood Village of Fort Madison 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 April 16, 2026 and found 2 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 25 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 25 citations at Birkwood Village of Fort Madison across 6 inspection dates, 5 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on October 30, 2024. The most common areas cited were nutrition and dietary (4) and pharmacy service (4). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections" (tag F0690, level G, October 30, 2024). 1 citation was under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

April 16, 2026 · 2 citations

EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2026)

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 17, 2026)

February 18, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide 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 (Mar 13, 2026)

April 24, 2025 · 8 citations

EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2025)

DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2025)

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 (May 16, 2025)

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 (May 16, 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 (May 16, 2025)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2025)

DImplement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2025)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 16, 2025)

October 30, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 12, 2024)

June 20, 2024 · 12 citations · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

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 (Jul 20, 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 (Jul 20, 2024)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

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 (Jul 20, 2024)

DProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

DImplement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

DProvide or obtain dental services for each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0791 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

DProvide special eating equipment and utensils for residents who need them and appropriate assistance.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0810 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

DImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jul 20, 2024)

January 22, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0660 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 23, 2024)

Questions to ask on a tour of Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on October 30, 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 20, 2024. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Weekend staffing is 17% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
  4. Nursing staff turnover was 56.1% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. 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 3/5 3/5 4/5
August 2026 3/5 3/5 3/5 4/5
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Location

Hospitals near Birkwood Village of Fort Madison

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

  • 16.3 mi
    Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center West Burlington
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 12m for patients treated and sent home
  • 20.0 mi
    Memorial Hospital Carthage
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 22m 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

Montrose Health Center Montrose · 7.3 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 44 beds · Medicaid
West Point Care Center West Point · 8.1 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 46 beds · Medicaid
River Hills Village in Keokuk Keokuk · 13.4 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 3/5 84 beds · Medicaid
Mississippi Valley Keokuk · 14.1 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 3/5 83 beds · Medicaid
Southeast Iowa Healthcare Center Keokuk · 14.2 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 55 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Birkwood Village of Fort Madison ›   All nursing homes in Fort Madison ›

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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/fort-madison/birkwood-village-of-fort-madison/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.