nursing home in Spencer, IA
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home
1301 Saint Luke Drive, Spencer, IA 51301 · (712) 262-5931
★★★★★2
Below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★1
- Staffing★★★★★5
- Quality measures★★★★★3
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home at a glance
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is a 79-bed non-profit nursing home in Spencer, Iowa (Clay County).
CMS gives it 2 out of 5 stars on its overall star rating, worse than the Iowa average of 3.1.
Residents receive about 3.7 hours of nursing care per day (0.9 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 3.8 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (September 4, 2025) found 9 health citations. The Iowa average is 6.5.
Federal regulators fined it 2 times in the past three years, totaling $90,076.
Nursing staff turnover is 44.1% per year (state average 44%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Corporation
- Beds
- 79
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare-certified since
- July 7, 2003
- Continuing care retirement community
- Yes
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Clay County
- CMS Certification Number
- 165484
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 3 / 5 | Worse |
| Health inspection rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | 2.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Staffing rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | Better |
| Quality measures rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 | Worse |
| Long-stay quality rating (higher is better) | 2 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 5 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Better |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.71 hrs | 3.82 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.85 hrs | 0.74 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Better |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.50 hrs | 2.52 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.44 hrs | 3.37 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Average |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 44.1% | 44% | 45.8% | Average |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 21.4% | 42.1% | 42.9% | Better |
| Administrators who left in the past year (lower is better) | 0 | 0 | 1 | Better |
Inspections
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health citations in the most recent inspection (lower is better) | 9 | 6 | 9 | Average |
| Citations from complaint investigations (latest cycle) (lower is better) | 4 | 3 | 3 | Worse |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 120 | 54.5 | 80.6 | Worse |
Penalties
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 2 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
| Total fines in the past 3 years (lower is better) | $90,076 | $19,286 | $30,972 | Worse |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 3 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 79 | 65 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 73 | 52 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 91.8% | 81.5% | 80.9% |
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-stay residents with a fall causing major injury (lower is better) | 2.7% | 3.8% | 3.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 17.7% | 19.5% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 1.2% | 2.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 4.7% | 1.5% | 0.8% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 18.9% | 17.1% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 14.4% | 16.6% | 14.1% | Average |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 5.3% | 4.6% | 5.2% | Average |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 0.4% | 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) | 10.7% | 20.8% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 20.2% | 25.6% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 90.8% | 95.3% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 95.8% | 94% | 93.6% | Average |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This facility | Iowa 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 flu vaccine (higher is better) | 58.3% | 73.3% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 89.6% | 84% | 82% | Better |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 24 health deficiencies and 14 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 2 citations involved actual harm, including 2 rated "immediate jeopardy".
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 4, 2025 Fire safety | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0921 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 25, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Fire safety | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 25, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Fire safety | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0324 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 25, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Complaint | 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 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Standard | Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0943 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Complaint | Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Standard | Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Standard | Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 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 September 17, 2025 |
| September 4, 2025 Standard | Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0604 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2025 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Provide a written emergency evacuation plan. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0711 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 26, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 26, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 26, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Fire safety | Use approved construction type or materials. Construction Deficiencies · Tag K0161 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 26, 2024 |
| August 22, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 26, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Complaint | 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 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected September 5, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 12, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 12, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 12, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 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 September 12, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 Standard | 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 September 12, 2024 |
| August 22, 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 12, 2024 |
| April 25, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 25, 2024 |
| April 25, 2024 Complaint | 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected May 25, 2024 |
| April 25, 2024 Complaint | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 25, 2024 |
| April 25, 2024 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 May 25, 2024 |
| August 17, 2023 Fire safety | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0918 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 23, 2023 |
| August 17, 2023 Fire safety | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected September 23, 2023 |
| August 17, 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 September 23, 2023 |
| August 17, 2023 Fire safety | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0363 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 23, 2023 |
| August 17, 2023 Fire safety | Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0374 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 23, 2023 |
| August 17, 2023 Fire safety | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0920 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 5, 2023 |
| August 17, 2023 Standard | Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2023 |
| August 17, 2023 Standard | 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 September 17, 2023 |
| August 17, 2023 Standard | Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 17, 2023 |
| August 17, 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 September 17, 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 3 federal penalties in the past three years, including $90,076 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| September 4, 2025 | Fine | $81,679 |
| August 22, 2024 | Payment Denial | 21 days from September 20, 2024 |
| August 22, 2024 | Fine | $8,397 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCG HOLDINGS INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2024 |
| BRIGHTON CONSULTING GROUP LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2024 |
| CATTAIL BCG LLC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2024 |
| CATTAIL INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2024 |
| ECSI INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2024 |
| GCS TECH INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2025 |
| HUNZIKER, KENNETH Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/02/2025 |
| IOWA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/01/2024 |
| JACOBSEN, JENNA Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2025 |
| MILLENNIUM REHAB & CONSULTING INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/30/2023 |
| NELSON, KEN Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/02/2025 |
| THRIFTY DRUG STORES INC Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2025 |
| WINTHER STAVE & CO LLP Organization | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/17/2012 |
| CLAUSEN, JERRY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2015 |
| HALVERSON, GARY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2017 |
| HOYE, DAVID Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/04/2023 |
| KADING, DOUG Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/04/2023 |
| KOENECKE, MIKE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/04/2023 |
| PINGEL, DEAN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2017 |
| KRUSE, JANE Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2018 |
| MECHLER, DEBORAH Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2015 |
| SCHMIDT, SANDI Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 03/01/2016 |
| CHINDLUND, KATIE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/22/2018 |
| HUGHES, MARY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 04/28/1992 |
| HUNZIKER, KENNETH Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/19/2010 |
| KLEIN, AMANDA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 10/20/2010 |
| MILLS, NANCY Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/28/2023 |
| NELSON, KEN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/16/2021 |
| STEIN, DEAN Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 08/08/2019 |
Other nursing homes near St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home
Spencer Post Acute Rehabilitation Center
711 West 11th Street, Spencer, IA 51301 · 2.2 mi
For-profit · 82 beds · Part of The Ensign Group
★★★★★1Much below averageRuthven Community Care Center
2701 Mitchell Street Box 0, Ruthven, IA 51358 · 11.5 mi
Non-profit · 46 beds
★★★★★4Above averageAccura Healthcare of Milford
1600 13th Street, Milford, IA 51351 · 14.2 mi
For-profit · 46 beds · Part of Accura Healthcare
★★★★★4Above averageCommunity Memorial Health Center
231 North Eighth Avenue West, Hartley, IA 51346 · 18.5 mi
Non-profit · 62 beds
★★★★★3AverageAccura Healthcare of Spirit Lake
1912 Zenith Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 51360 · 20.6 mi
For-profit · 80 beds · Part of Accura Healthcare
★★★★★2Below average- ★★★★★4Above average
Frequently asked questions
What is St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home's rating?
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home has 2 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 St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home receive?
Its most recent standard health inspection found 9 citations, compared with a Iowa average of 6.5. Every citation is listed on this page with its severity.
Does St Luke Lutheran Nursing 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 St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home?
It is non profit - corporation. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home and how do I contact it?
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is at 1301 Saint Luke Drive, Spencer, IA 51301. Phone: (712) 262-5931.
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.