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Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center

All states › Iowa › Spencer › Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center

711 West 11th Street Spencer, IA 51301 · Clay County

(712) 262-2344

All 2 nursing homes in Spencer, IA (2 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 82 certified beds For profit

CMS certification number 165449 · 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 Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center 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 Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 45 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 3 penalties, including $24,706 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 2 out of 5; for long-term residents, 3 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 3.54 hours per resident per day at Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center, below the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.48 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.15 hours, 11% below its all-week average.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.54 hours
Below the Iowa median of 3.76 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.48 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.15 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover — Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover — Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left — Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds82
Residents per day 65 About 79% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipFor profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceJuly 2002
Part of a chainThe Ensign Group
Legal business namePARKER CREEK HEALTHCARE LLC

Paying for care at Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center 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 August 14, 2025 and found 14 deficiencies, plus 2 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 45 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 45 citations at Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center across 7 inspection dates, 6 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on May 20, 2024 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (12) and resident assessment and care planning (10). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives" (tag F0678, level J, May 20, 2024). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

June 4, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2026)

March 30, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (Apr 1, 2026)

August 14, 2025 · 14 citations

EProvide 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 13, 2025)

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 (Sep 13, 2025)

DHonor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0567 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 13, 2025)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 13, 2025)

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 (Sep 13, 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 (Sep 13, 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 (Sep 13, 2025)

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 (Sep 13, 2025)

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 (Sep 13, 2025)

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 (Sep 13, 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 (Sep 13, 2025)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 13, 2025)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 13, 2025)

DDevelop 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 (Sep 13, 2025)

August 22, 2024 · 12 citations

EDevelop 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 (Sep 12, 2024)

EProvide 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 (Sep 12, 2024)

EPost nurse staffing information every day.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0732 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 12, 2024)

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 (Sep 12, 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 (Sep 12, 2024)

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 12, 2024)

DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0655 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 12, 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 (Sep 12, 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 (Sep 12, 2024)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 12, 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 (Sep 12, 2024)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 12, 2024)

May 20, 2024 · 1 citation, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

JProvide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0678 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (May 6, 2024)

March 14, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

EHonor 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 (Apr 12, 2024)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 12, 2024)

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 (Apr 12, 2024)

October 30, 2023 · 13 citations, includes immediate jeopardy

JEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Immediate jeopardy · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 9, 2023)

EDevelop 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 22, 2023)

EEnsure 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 (Nov 22, 2023)

EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 22, 2023)

EProvide 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 22, 2023)

EEnsure 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 (Nov 22, 2023)

EEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 22, 2023)

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 (Nov 22, 2023)

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 22, 2023)

DEnsure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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 22, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on May 20, 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 August 14, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. 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?
  4. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  5. 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

3 penalties in the last three years, including $24,706 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
May 20, 2024 Fine $14,433
Oct 30, 2023 Fine $10,273
Oct 30, 2023 Payment Denial 7 days of payments denied

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 2/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 2/5 2/5
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Location

Hospitals near Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center

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

  • 0.6 mi
    Spencer Municipal Hospital Spencer
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 8m for patients treated and sent home
  • 18.7 mi
    Lakes Regional Healthcare Spirit Lake
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 5m for patients treated and sent home
  • 23.5 mi
    Palo Alto County Hospital Emmetsburg
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 1h 43m 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

St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home Spencer · 2.2 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 5/5 79 beds · Medicaid
Accura Healthcare of Milford Milford · 12.4 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 3/5 46 beds · Medicaid
Ruthven Community Care Center Ruthven · 13.0 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 46 beds · Medicaid
Community Memorial Health Center Hartley · 16.8 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 62 beds · Medicaid
Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake Spirit Lake · 19.0 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 80 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center ›   All nursing homes in Spencer ›

Compare Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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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/spencer/spencer-post-acute-rehabilitation-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.