nursing home in Elk Horn, IA

Salem Lutheran Home

2027 College Avenue, Elk Horn, IA 51531 · (712) 764-4201

★★★★★1
Much below average
CMS overall star rating
  • Health inspections★★★★★1
  • Staffing★★★★★4
  • Quality measures★★★★★2

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data

Salem Lutheran Home at a glance

Salem Lutheran Home is a 64-bed for-profit nursing home in Elk Horn, Iowa (Shelby County).

CMS gives it 1 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Iowa average of 3.1.

Residents receive about 3.9 hours of nursing care per day (0.6 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 3.8 hours.

Its most recent standard health inspection (June 26, 2025) found 17 health citations. The Iowa average is 6.5.

Federal regulators fined it 1 time in the past three years, totaling $15,260.

Nursing staff turnover is 63% per year (state average 44%).

Facility details

Type
Nursing home
Ownership
For Profit - Corporation
Beds
64
Certified for
Medicare and Medicaid
Chain / affiliated entity
Good Samaritan Society
Medicare-certified since
May 1, 1990
Resident/family council
Resident
County
Shelby County
CMS Certification Number
165155

Ratings

MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better)1 / 53.1 / 53 / 5Worse
Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better)1 / 52.8 / 52.8 / 5Worse
Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better)4 / 53.7 / 52.9 / 5Better
Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better)2 / 53.3 / 53.6 / 5Worse
Long-stay quality rating (higher is better)2 / 53.3 / 53.8 / 5Worse
Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better)2 / 53.3 / 53.3 / 5Worse

Staffing

This facility3.86 hrsIowa average3.82 hrsU.S. average3.86 hrs
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better)3.86 hrs3.82 hrs3.86 hrsAverage
Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better)0.64 hrs0.74 hrs0.69 hrsWorse
Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better)2.58 hrs2.52 hrs2.32 hrsBetter
Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better)3.17 hrs3.37 hrs3.42 hrsWorse
Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better)63%44%45.8%Worse
Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better)80%42.1%42.9%Worse

Inspections

This facility17Iowa average6U.S. average9
Health citations in the most recent inspection: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better)1769Worse
Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better)1233Worse
Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better)8454.580.6Average

Penalties

This facility1Iowa average1U.S. average1
Fines in the past 3 years: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better)111Worse
Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better)$15,260$19,286$30,972Better
All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better)111Average

Size

MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Certified beds6465107
Average residents per day485286
Occupancy74.7%81.5%80.9%

Long-stay residents

This facility6.3%Iowa average3.8%U.S. average3.2%
Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better)6.3%3.8%3.2%Worse
Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better)1.7%4.2%4.6%Better
Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better)18%19.5%15.4%Worse
Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better)1.1%2.4%1.6%Better
Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better)0%1.5%0.8%Better
Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better)18.3%17.1%13.9%Worse
Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better)21.6%16.6%14.1%Worse
Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better)1.8%4.6%5.2%Better
Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better)3.7%4.2%12.8%Better
Long-stay residents who were physically restrained (lower is better)0%0.2%0.1%Better
Long-stay residents given anti-anxiety or sleep medication (lower is better)22.1%20.8%19.5%Worse
Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better)29.3%25.6%19%Worse
Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better)95.8%95.3%95.5%Average
Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better)97.9%94%93.6%Average

Short-stay residents

This facility0%Iowa average2.1%U.S. average1.6%
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication: this facility vs. Iowa and U.S. averages
MeasureThis facilityIowa avg.U.S. avg.vs. U.S.
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotic medication (lower is better)0%2.1%1.6%Better
Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better)90.7%84%82%Better

Inspection citations

State inspectors cited this home for 46 health deficiencies and 17 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 3 citations involved actual harm.

DateCitationSeverityStatus
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760
G
Actual harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Ensure 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.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
May 22, 2026
Complaint
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 5, 2026
December 15, 2025
Complaint
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected December 22, 2025
October 8, 2025
Complaint
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected October 10, 2025
June 26, 2025
Fire safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected July 29, 2025
June 26, 2025
Standard
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0644
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 11, 2025
June 26, 2025
Standard
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0607
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 11, 2025
June 26, 2025
Standard
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 11, 2025
June 26, 2025
Complaint
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 11, 2025
June 26, 2025
Complaint
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 11, 2025
June 26, 2025
Standard
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 11, 2025
June 26, 2025
Standard
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected July 11, 2025
October 22, 2024
Complaint
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected November 1, 2024
October 22, 2024
Complaint
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0602
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected November 1, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0914
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected August 28, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0004
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected September 13, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0345
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected September 12, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0711
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0222
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected August 27, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 27, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Have an externally vented heating system.
Services Deficiencies · Tag K0522
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 28, 2024
August 11, 2024
Fire safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected August 28, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Ensure 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.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0625
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0644
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected September 5, 2024
August 11, 2024
Standard
Implement 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.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected September 5, 2024
May 15, 2024
Complaint
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected May 31, 2024
May 15, 2024
Complaint
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected May 31, 2024
June 6, 2023
Fire safety
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies · Tag E0039
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected June 20, 2023
June 6, 2023
Fire safety
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected June 7, 2023
June 6, 2023
Fire safety
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0914
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected June 16, 2023
June 6, 2023
Fire safety
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712
F
Potential harm, widespread
Corrected June 8, 2023
June 6, 2023
Fire safety
Ensure that corridors are separated from use areas by walls constructed to limit the passage of smoke.
Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0362
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected June 21, 2023
June 6, 2023
Fire safety
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected June 9, 2023
June 6, 2023
Fire safety
Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment.
Services Deficiencies · Tag K0511
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 9, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689
G
Actual harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684
G
Actual harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Have a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0727
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804
E
Potential harm, pattern
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0842
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.
Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023
June 6, 2023
Standard
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0602
D
Potential harm, isolated
Corrected June 26, 2023

Severity letters follow the CMS scope-and-severity grid: A–C no actual harm with 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. How to read inspection citations.

Fines and payment denials

CMS reports 1 federal penalty in the past three years, including $15,260 in fines.

DatePenaltyAmount / length
May 22, 2026Fine$15,260

Owners and managers

Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.

NameRoleShareSince
AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
Organization
5% or greater direct ownership interest100%02/14/2003
AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
Organization
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE02/14/2003
SHELL, STEPHEN
Individual
adp of the snfNOT APPLICABLE08/01/2025
BLAKESTAD, ALAN
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE03/01/2020
GUDE, PAUL
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE03/01/2021
NIELSEN, PHIL
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE03/06/2016
SCHECHINGER, TAMI
Individual
corporate officerNOT APPLICABLE03/01/2021
AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
Organization
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE02/14/2003
NORBY, NICKLOS
Individual
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE02/14/2020
SHELL, STEPHEN
Individual
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE08/01/2025
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY
Organization
operational/managerial controlNOT APPLICABLE11/20/2007

Other nursing homes near Salem Lutheran Home

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    Non-profit · 60 beds

    ★★★★★2Below average
  2. Friendship Home Association

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    ★★★★★3Average
  3. Heritage House

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    • CMS high performer
    ★★★★★5Much above average
  4. Elm Crest Retirement Community

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    Non-profit · 50 beds · Part of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest

    ★★★★★2Below average
  5. Atlantic Specialty Care

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    Non-profit · 90 beds · Part of Care Initiatives

    ★★★★★3Average
  6. Avoca Specialty Care

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All nursing homes in Elk Horn, IA · Compare side by side

Frequently asked questions

What is Salem Lutheran Home's rating?

Salem Lutheran Home has 1 out of 5 stars on the CMS overall star rating. The average for Iowa nursing homes is 3.1 stars.

How many inspection citations did Salem Lutheran Home receive?

Its most recent standard health inspection found 17 citations, compared with a Iowa average of 6.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.

Does Salem Lutheran Home accept Medicare and Medicaid?

CMS lists it as certified for: Medicare and Medicaid. Call the facility to confirm bed availability and whether it accepts your specific plan.

Who owns Salem Lutheran Home?

It is for profit - corporation and part of Good Samaritan Society. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.

Where is Salem Lutheran Home and how do I contact it?

Salem Lutheran Home is at 2027 College Avenue, Elk Horn, IA 51531. Phone: (712) 764-4201.

About this data

Ratings and measures come from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. They're based on state inspections, patient surveys and facility reports, and they describe the past. Facilities change, so visit in person and confirm details directly. About our data · Spotted an error? Let us know.