facebook tracking Bethany Life, Story City IA: CMS Ratings & Inspections
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Bethany Life

All states › Iowa › Story City › Bethany Life

212 Lafayette Street Story City, IA 50248 · Story County

(515) 733-4325

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 126 certified beds Non profit Continuing care retirement community

CMS certification number 165424 · 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 Bethany Life 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 Bethany Life as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 34 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 3 penalties, including $52,329 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 2 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

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 3.99 hours per resident per day at Bethany Life, above the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.79 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.69 hours, 7% below its all-week average. 48% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.99 hours
Above the Iowa median of 3.76 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.79 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.69 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 48% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 33.3% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds126
Residents per day 109 About 87% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipNon profit - Other
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceSeptember 2000
Legal business nameBETHANY MANOR INC

Paying for care at Bethany Life: Medicare and Medicaid

Bethany Life 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 March 5, 2026 and found 6 deficiencies, plus 8 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 34 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 34 citations at Bethany Life across 14 inspection dates, 20 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on April 3, 2024 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (7) and resident assessment and care planning (6). 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 K, April 3, 2024). 5 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 12, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 13, 2026)

March 5, 2026 · 6 citations, includes actual harm

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 24, 2026)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 24, 2026)

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 (Mar 24, 2026)

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 (Mar 24, 2026)

DObtain a doctor's order to admit a resident and ensure the resident is under a doctor's care.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0710 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 24, 2026)

DHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0865 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 24, 2026)

February 13, 2026 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

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

Actual harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Jan 30, 2026)

January 15, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (Jan 26, 2026)

December 22, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (Dec 31, 2025)

November 20, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 21, 2025)

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 21, 2025)

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 (Nov 21, 2025)

October 8, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure 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 (Oct 9, 2025)

June 16, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 25, 2025)

July 25, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 22, 2024)

May 7, 2024 · 1 citation, 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 (May 14, 2024)

April 3, 2024 · 3 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

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

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 14, 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 18, 2024)

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 (Apr 18, 2024)

March 4, 2024 · 12 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 (May 14, 2024)

FProvide 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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 18, 2024)

ERespond 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 (Apr 18, 2024)

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 (Apr 18, 2024)

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 (Apr 18, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 18, 2024)

DProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 18, 2024)

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 (Apr 18, 2024)

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 (Apr 18, 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 (Apr 18, 2024)

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 (Apr 18, 2024)

BEnsure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0661 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 18, 2024)

December 4, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 (Dec 27, 2023)

November 2, 2023 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 22, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Bethany Life

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on April 3, 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 November 20, 2025. 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

3 penalties in the last three years, including $52,329 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Feb 13, 2026 Fine $10,628
Mar 4, 2024 Fine $41,701
Mar 4, 2024 Payment Denial 47 days of payments denied

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 4/5 3/5
August 2026 2/5 1/5 5/5 3/5
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Location

Hospitals near Bethany Life

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

  • 10.3 mi
    Mary Greeley Medical Center Ames
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 26m for patients treated and sent home
  • 14.6 mi
    Story County Hospital Nevada
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 1h 42m for patients treated and sent home
  • 17.0 mi
    Boone County Hospital Boone
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 2h 2m 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

Accura Healthcare of Ames Ames · 8.8 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 75 beds · Medicaid
Northridge Village Ames · 9.2 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 38 beds · Medicaid
Green Hills Health Care Center Ames · 12.7 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 56 beds
Rolling Green Village Care Center Nevada · 13.6 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 58 beds · Medicaid
Story Medical Senior Care Nevada · 14.7 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 60 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Bethany Life ›   All nursing homes in Story City ›

Compare Bethany Life with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

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/story-city/bethany-life/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.