Located in Pleasant Hill, IA, Parkridge Specialty Care is licensed to provide quality care to up to 90 residents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Parkridge Specialty Care is a skilled nursing and long-term care community providing compassionate, individualized care for our residents, while also caring for their family's wellbeing and peace of mind. We serve residents from Polk County, Iowa, and many surrounding communities. We are committed to providing our residents with an active and engaging quality of life through daily programming, social and educational activities, and services that promote physical health, provide mental stimulation, increase engagement and help our residents thrive in a home-like setting. Care Initiatives is Iowa’s largest nonprofit provider of high-quality skilled nursing care, hospice care, assisted living, independent living, memory care and more. With 60 locations across the Midwest, Care Initiatives and the team at Parkridge Specialty Care are ready to assist.
03/18/2026
Today we’re celebrating National Social Work Day and the incredible team members who make a difference every single day. 💙
At Care Initiatives, our Social Services team is there for residents and families during some of life’s most challenging moments—offering compassion, guidance, and a listening ear when it matters most. From easing transitions to answering questions and providing reassurance, their support means everything.
Join us in thanking our dedicated Social Services team members for the heart, advocacy, and care they bring to our skilled nursing communities each day.
03/16/2026
When a loved one enters skilled nursing care, you may have many questions — but you don’t have to navigate them alone.
At Care Initiatives, our Social Services team is here every step of the way. From helping families understand insurance and financial questions to connecting residents with community resources, supporting smooth admissions and discharges, and keeping communication clear and compassionate — we are here to support you.
Because care is about more than health. It’s about guidance, advocacy, and peace of mind for residents and families alike.
If you or someone you love needs support, we’re here to help. Visit our website for more information: www.CareInitiatives.org.
03/09/2026
This week, we’re celebrating Long Term Care Administrators Week!
We’re proud to recognize the dedicated leadership at Parkridge Specialty Care. Thank you for your commitment to supporting residents, families, and team members every day.
03/04/2026
Team members at Parkridge had a blast dressing up in various decades! 🎉✨
02/27/2026
Small, everyday choices can make a big difference in heart health:
✅ Stay active
✅ Choose heart-healthy foods
✅ Manage blood pressure and cholesterol
✅ Don’t ignore warning signs
A healthy heart supports a healthier, more active life.
💙 At Care Initiatives, we’re proud to support heart health for our residents, team members, and communities. Learn more about our services at www.CareInitiatives.org
02/20/2026
⏱️ Minutes Matter During a Heart Attack
If you notice sudden chest discomfort, trouble breathing, or unexplained pain, don’t wait—and don’t drive yourself.
📞 Call 911 immediately.
Early treatment can reduce damage to the heart and save lives.
💙 At Care Initiatives, we’re committed to promoting heart health and helping our communities recognize when every second counts. Learn more about our services at www.CareInitiatives.org.
02/20/2026
Our Valentine party was a blast! Residents and family members had an amazing time together! ❤️🎉
02/13/2026
Heart attack symptoms can present differently in women and are often overlooked. Signs may include:
• Unusual fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Back or jaw pain
• Shortness of breath
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek medical help right away. Recognizing the differences can help save lives.
💙 At Care Initiatives, we’re committed to raising awareness and supporting heart health in the communities we serve. Learn more about our services at www.CareInitiatives.org.
02/06/2026
🚨 Know the Signs of a Heart Attack
Recognizing the warning signs can help save lives. Common symptoms may include:
❤️ Chest pain or discomfort
💨 Shortness of breath
💪 Pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw
🤢 Nausea or lightheadedness
If you or someone near you experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Quick action can make all the difference.
💙 At Care Initiatives, we care about the health and safety of our residents, team members, and communities—today and every day. Learn more about our services at www.CareInitiatives.org.
01/30/2026
Did You Know: Our residents can share their favorite hobbies with others?
At Care Initiatives, residents are empowered to keep doing what they love! Our team helps residents stay active and connected through hobbies that bring joy and purpose. Because quality care should always include quality living.
Our activities program is designed to keep residents engaged in the things they love - whether it’s gardening, painting, music, games, or crafts.
We adapt activities to meet individual abilities and interests, so every resident can continue enjoying meaningful moments and creative expressions. Life here is about living fully, every day!
💬 Want to learn more about our personalized activity programs? Visit our website at www.CareInitiatives.org.
01/23/2026
🎉 Huge cheers for Paxstynne on earning her Certified Medication Aide certification! We’re so proud to have you on our team! Way to go, Pax!! 🚀
01/23/2026
Did You Know: We’re more than just a place for medical care?
Care Initiatives is more than quality medical care - we’re a community full of creativity, and connection. Because life should be lived fully, every day.
While we aim to provide high quality care, our focus goes far beyond that. We believe in caring for the whole person - body, mind, and spirit.
Our residents enjoy a vibrant activities program filled with opportunities to socialize, create, and stay active. From arts and crafts and music sessions to fitness classes and community events, there’s always something to look forward to.
Quality of life means more than health - it means joy, connection, and purpose every day.
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Care, compassion, comfort and commitment are the cornerstones that make up the foundation of Parkridge Specialty Care.
Newly built, on the outskirts of Des Moines in suburban Pleasant Hill, Parkridge has sweeping views of the downtown skyline, state of the art technology and open, spacious private and semi-private rooms. Our skilled nursing staff is available 24 hours a day ready with a joke or a hug and keeping everyone healthy. In our rehab-to-home wing, patients are provided every amenity along with receiving the therapies and treatments to get them back on the road to recovery and returning home. The new Penner bath/spa is a treat for everyone wanting to relax and watch their favorite program.
Our physical, occupational and speech therapists also see outpatient clients.
Residents in Parkridge enjoy a variety of daily activities such as computer classes or Bible study, to keep everyone engaged. And then there’s the food! Equipped with all of the latest kitchen gadgets and tools, our chef who has been with us for years, churns out homemade specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“Our staff is our greatest asset,” says Administrator Shawn Mikles. “They are all very warm, caring professionals. Service is our first priority.”
Parkridge Specialty Care is a 90-bed skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care. We are a part of Care Initiatives, Iowa’s largest not-for-profit skilled nursing and long term care provider. Parkridge Specialty Care accepts Medicare and Medicaid.
