Ravenwood Specialty Care is a non-profit nursing home and skilled nursing facility in Waterloo, Iowa. The place sits at 2651 Saint Francis Dr and serves up to 176 residents in private and semiprivate rooms, each with cable TV, telephone, and other standard features to meet folks' needs. Some people stay here long-term for chronic disease or debilitating medical issues, while others use short-term rehab after injury or surgery. There's a strong focus on a holistic approach to healthcare, where staff shape each person's care plan based on individual needs and preferences. The community covers long-term care, skilled nursing, rehab, and memory care and supports residents with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and even music therapy.
The specialized therapy programs stand out, especially the Accelerated Care Plus Therapy, which focuses on improving strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility so people can get back home safely and steadily. Folks use kitchens and real bathrooms for therapy sessions to boost independence and avoid re-injury, which quite a few families find reassuring. With a dedicated outpatient therapy area and a 56-bed skilled unit, there's a therapy gym, skilled dining room, and a private courtyard for extra comfort. Ravenwood has a steady team of over 125 staff, including therapists, dietitians, nurses, and caregivers who run round-the-clock care, manage pain, provide antibiotic and IV therapy, handle wound care, and offer hospice and hydration therapy when needed.
The environment here is built for comfort and well-being, with family living rooms, a sun porch-dining area, landscaped gardens, walking paths, and safe courtyards. Residents can join full social and activity programs daily, which help with relaxation and keeping the mind and body active. Ravenwood Specialty Care is owned and operated by Care Initiatives, Iowa's largest provider of skilled nursing, and belongs to the Iowa Health Care Association's Care Finder network. The facility is licensed for Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and accepts most private insurance. While no telehealth options exist, caregiving resources and expert guidance are available onsite. Ravenwood Specialty Care has a long history in the community, earning recognition such as Cedar Valley's "Best of the Best" honorable mention. People usually come here looking for compassionate, straightforward care in a place designed for both comfort and clinical quality, and staff work hard to help folks feel at home while they heal and regain their strength. The overall rating is 2.5 out of 19 reviews, which gives a fair picture that experiences here can vary.
