March 18, 2024

Southern Hills is ‘Deficiency Free’

Among top 5 percent of nursing homes in state

Not to brag, but Osceola is home to one of the best skilled nursing facilities in Iowa, and that's not just according to the brochure. A recent evaluation by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) found Southern Hills Specialty Care meets or exceeds all expectations and earned the "Dificiency-Free" rating.

“To help put this into perspective, there are 412 nursing facilities operating in Iowa that are subject to annual inspections,” said David Werning of the DIA. “Only 5 percent were found to be deficiency-free. The facility and its staff have every right to be proud.”

The inspection, completed on Dec. 22, included an on-site tour, records check and interview with residents and their families. The rating is a first for Southern Hill Specialty Care, though previous infractions – such as an unlocked supply closet – were relatively minor. The increase in home regulation has made the distinction next-to-impossible to achieve.

“Our goal is to help people through life’s health transitions and we think we do a great job of that,” said Administrator Destiny Boeve. “I am very proud of how the staff has come together as a team to give the highest quality of care to our residents.”

Southern Hills Special Care offers skilled nursing care, long-term care, hospice services, rehabilitation services following illness and injury, and post-surgery care. The facility is owned by Care Initiatives out of West Des Moines.

For more information, keep an eye out for the Senior Living tab in the Jan. 26 edition.