nursing home in Council Bluffs, IA
Bethany Lutheran Home
Seven Elliott Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 · (712) 328-9500
★★★★★1
Much below average
CMS overall star rating
CMS overall star rating
- Health inspections★★★★★1
- Staffing★★★★★4
- Quality measures★★★★★3
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Care Compare. We refresh our information from this source. About our data
Bethany Lutheran Home at a glance
Bethany Lutheran Home is a 112-bed non-profit nursing home in Council Bluffs, Iowa (Pottawattamie 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 4 hours of nursing care per day (0.3 of them from registered nurses), close to the state average of 3.8 hours.
Its most recent standard health inspection (October 2, 2025) found 9 health citations. The Iowa average is 6.5.
Federal regulators fined it 2 times in the past three years, totaling $27,771.
Nursing staff turnover is 30.4% per year (state average 44%).
Facility details
- Type
- Nursing home
- Ownership
- Non Profit - Other
- Beds
- 112
- Certified for
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare-certified since
- November 1, 2003
- Resident/family council
- Resident
- County
- Pottawattamie County
- CMS Certification Number
- 165524
Ratings
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating ⓘ (higher is better) | 1 / 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) | 4 / 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) | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | Worse |
| Short-stay (rehab) quality rating (higher is better) | 3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | Average |
Staffing
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day ⓘ (higher is better) | 3.99 hrs | 3.82 hrs | 3.86 hrs | Average |
| Registered nurse hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 0.30 hrs | 0.74 hrs | 0.69 hrs | Worse |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 2.67 hrs | 2.52 hrs | 2.32 hrs | Better |
| Weekend nurse staff hours per resident per day (higher is better) | 3.70 hrs | 3.37 hrs | 3.42 hrs | Better |
| Nursing staff turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 30.4% | 44% | 45.8% | Better |
| Registered nurse turnover (yearly) (lower is better) | 50% | 42.1% | 42.9% | Worse |
| 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) | 3 | 3 | 3 | Worse |
| Weighted health inspection score ⓘ (lower is better) | 100.8 | 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) | $27,771 | $19,286 | $30,972 | Better |
| All federal penalties in the past 3 years (lower is better) | 2 | 1 | 1 | Worse |
Size
| Measure | This facility | Iowa avg. | U.S. avg. | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified beds | 112 | 65 | 107 | |
| Average residents per day | 95 | 52 | 86 | |
| Occupancy | 84.5% | 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) | 3.1% | 3.8% | 3.2% | Average |
| Long-stay residents with pressure ulcers (lower is better) | 5.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given antipsychotic medication (lower is better) | 16.2% | 19.5% | 15.4% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection (lower is better) | 0.6% | 2.4% | 1.6% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with a catheter left in the bladder (lower is better) | 0.3% | 1.5% | 0.8% | Better |
| Long-stay residents needing more help with daily activities (lower is better) | 22.5% | 17.1% | 13.9% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents whose walking worsened (lower is better) | 12.2% | 16.6% | 14.1% | Better |
| Long-stay residents who lose too much weight (lower is better) | 4.3% | 4.6% | 5.2% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with depressive symptoms (lower is better) | 0% | 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) | 9.9% | 20.8% | 19.5% | Better |
| Long-stay residents with new or worse incontinence (lower is better) | 25.5% | 25.6% | 19% | Worse |
| Long-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 95.3% | 95.3% | 95.5% | Average |
| Long-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 97.8% | 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) | 3.9% | 2.1% | 1.6% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a flu vaccine (higher is better) | 46.2% | 73.3% | 79.8% | Worse |
| Short-stay residents given a pneumonia vaccine (higher is better) | 69% | 84% | 82% | Worse |
Inspection citations
State inspectors cited this home for 43 health deficiencies and 13 fire safety deficiencies in the inspection records CMS currently publishes. 5 citations involved actual harm, including 2 rated "immediate jeopardy".
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 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 | Past Non-Compliance |
| October 2, 2025 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 October 1, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 Fire safety | Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0741 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 1, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 Fire safety | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected October 1, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 Fire safety | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. Smoke Deficiencies · Tag K0353 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected October 1, 2025 |
| October 2, 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 July 21, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 25, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 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 November 25, 2025 |
| October 2, 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 November 25, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 Standard | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 25, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 Standard | Assess the resident when there is a significant change in condition Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0637 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 25, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 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 November 25, 2025 |
| October 2, 2025 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 November 25, 2025 |
| May 30, 2025 Complaint | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected April 5, 2025 |
| May 30, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 12, 2025 |
| March 13, 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 February 14, 2025 |
| March 13, 2025 Complaint | 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 March 24, 2025 |
| March 13, 2025 Complaint | 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 March 24, 2025 |
| March 13, 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 February 14, 2025 |
| October 31, 2024 Fire safety | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0712 | F Potential harm, widespread | Corrected November 7, 2024 |
| October 31, 2024 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 November 19, 2024 |
| October 31, 2024 Fire safety | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected November 13, 2024 |
| October 31, 2024 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 5, 2024 |
| October 31, 2024 Fire safety | Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0921 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected November 27, 2024 |
| October 31, 2024 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| October 31, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| October 31, 2024 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 January 2, 2025 |
| October 31, 2024 Standard | Provide the appropriate treatment and services to a resident who displays or is diagnosed with dementia. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0744 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| October 31, 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 January 2, 2025 |
| October 31, 2024 Standard | Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0623 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| October 31, 2024 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected January 2, 2025 |
| October 31, 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 January 2, 2025 |
| August 12, 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 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected August 20, 2024 |
| August 12, 2024 Complaint | 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 August 20, 2024 |
| May 14, 2024 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 May 30, 2024 |
| May 14, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected May 30, 2024 |
| November 2, 2023 Complaint | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 | J Immediate jeopardy, isolated | Corrected November 3, 2023 |
| November 2, 2023 Complaint | 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 November 3, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Fire safety | To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0761 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 6, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Fire safety | Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours. Egress Deficiencies · Tag K0291 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 6, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Fire safety | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies · Tag K0923 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 6, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Fire safety | Have posted "No-smoking" signs in areas where smoking is not permitted or ashtrays provided where smoking was allowed. Miscellaneous Deficiencies · Tag K0741 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 6, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Standard | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0695 | G Actual harm, isolated | Corrected September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 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 | E Potential harm, pattern | Corrected September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 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 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 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 September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Standard | 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 September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 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 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 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 September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 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 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Standard | Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances. Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 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 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Standard | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 Standard | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 | D Potential harm, isolated | Corrected September 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 2023 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 14, 2023 |
| August 21, 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 14, 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 2 federal penalties in the past three years, including $27,771 in fines.
| Date | Penalty | Amount / length |
|---|---|---|
| October 2, 2025 | Fine | $16,588 |
| November 2, 2023 | Fine | $11,183 |
Owners and managers
Individuals and organizations reported to CMS as owning or operating this nursing home.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| BISHOP, ANDREW Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2024 |
| GUSTAFSON, CHANDRA Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/29/2023 |
| PFITZER, GENEVIEVE Individual | adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/21/2025 |
| CARLON, DIANE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| EILTS, SUSANNE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/13/2026 |
| GOODELL, ALICE Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| KRAUL-HENKEL, BECKY Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/13/2026 |
| STEENSLAND, GREG Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/12/2025 |
| SWALWELL, JOHN Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/01/2024 |
| WORTHINGTON, SHARON Individual | corporate director | NOT APPLICABLE | 09/01/2021 |
| CARLON, DIANE Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/12/2025 |
| STEENSLAND, GREG Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/13/2026 |
| SWALWELL, JOHN Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/13/2026 |
| WORTHINGTON, SHARON Individual | corporate officer | NOT APPLICABLE | 01/13/2026 |
| BISHOP, ANDREW Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 07/01/2024 |
| GUSTAFSON, CHANDRA Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 12/29/2023 |
| PFITZER, GENEVIEVE Individual | operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 06/21/2025 |
Other nursing homes near Bethany Lutheran Home
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★★★★★1Much below averageMidlands Living Center L L C
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★★★★★4Above averageChapters Living of Council Bluffs
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- Special Focus candidate
★★★★★1Much below averageSt. Joseph Villa Nursing Center
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★★★★★1Much below averageAmbassador Health of Omaha
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Frequently asked questions
What is Bethany Lutheran Home's rating?
Bethany 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 Bethany Lutheran 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 Bethany 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 Bethany Lutheran Home?
It is non profit - other. The ownership section on this page lists the owners and managers reported to CMS.
Where is Bethany Lutheran Home and how do I contact it?
Bethany Lutheran Home is at Seven Elliott Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503. Phone: (712) 328-9500.
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.