Salem Lutheran Home
Nursing Home · Elk Horn, IA
CMS certification number165155
Contact & location
2027 College AvenueElk Horn, IA 51531
Shelby County
- Phone
- (712) 764-4201
- ZIP code
- 51531 – all care providers
Facility details
- Certified beds
- 64
- Residents per day
- 47.8 (75% occupied)
- Ownership
- For profit - Corporation
- Legal name
- American Lutheran Church
- Chain
- Good Samaritan Society (92 facilities, avg 3.0★)
- Medicare certified since
- May 1, 1990
- Participates in
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Council
- Resident council
CMS star ratings
Staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, from payroll data. More hours generally mean more time for each resident.
- Total nurse staffing
- 3.86 (state 3.82 · U.S. 3.86)
- Registered nurses (RN)
- 0.64 (state 0.74 · U.S. 0.69)
- Licensed practical nurses
- 0.64 (state 0.56 · U.S. 0.86)
- Nurse aides
- 2.58 (state 2.51 · U.S. 2.32)
- Weekend total
- 3.17 (state 3.37 · U.S. 3.42)
- Nursing staff turnover
- 63.0 (state 44.0 · U.S. 45.8)%
- RN turnover
- 80.0 (state 42.1 · U.S. 42.9)%
Inspections
- Last standard inspection
- June 26, 2025
- Health deficiencies (last cycle)
- 17.0 (state 6.5 · U.S. 9.3)
- From complaints
- 12
- Citations on record (3 years)
- 46 health · 17 fire safety · includes actual harm
| Date | Citation | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-22 | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. F0760 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
G Actual harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. F0550 · Resident Rights Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. F0580 · Resident Rights Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. F0609 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. F0610 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. F0725 · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 | 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. F0761 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. F0842 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2026-06-05 |
| 2025-12-15 | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. F0550 · Resident Rights Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-12-22 |
| 2025-10-08 | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. F0677 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-10-10 |
| 2025-06-26 | 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. F0584 · Resident Rights Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. F0607 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. F0609 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. F0644 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. F0684 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. F0695 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. F0880 · Infection Control Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2025-07-11 |
| 2024-10-22 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. F0658 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-11-01 |
| 2024-10-22 | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. F0602 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-11-01 |
| 2024-08-11 | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. F0812 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies |
F No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | 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. F0803 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies |
E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. F0842 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. F0880 · Infection Control Deficiencies |
E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | 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. F0625 · Resident Rights Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. F0644 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. F0656 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. F0657 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. F0658 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | 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. F0758 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-05-15 | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. F0725 · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-05-31 |
| 2024-05-15 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. F0880 · Infection Control Deficiencies · complaint inspection |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2024-05-31 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. F0684 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies |
G Actual harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. F0689 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies |
G Actual harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | 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. F0727 · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies |
E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. F0755 · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies |
E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. F0804 · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies |
E No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | 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. F0578 · Resident Rights Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. F0580 · Resident Rights Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. F0602 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. F0610 · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. F0657 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. F0658 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. F0686 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services. F0698 · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. F0842 · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. F0880 · Infection Control Deficiencies |
D No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm |
Corrected 2023-06-26 |
Severity letters A–L combine how widespread a problem was (isolated, pattern, widespread) with how serious (from potential for minimal harm to immediate jeopardy). How to read inspection results
Fines & penalties
No federal fines or payment denials in the last three years.
Ownership & management
| Name | Role | Since |
|---|---|---|
| American Lutheran Church (organization) | 5%+ Direct Ownership Interest · 100% | |
| American Lutheran Church (organization) | Administrator · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| Shell, Stephen (individual) | Administrator · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| Blakestad, Alan (individual) | Corporate Officer · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| Gude, Paul (individual) | Corporate Officer · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| Nielsen, Phil (individual) | Corporate Officer · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| Schechinger, Tami (individual) | Corporate Officer · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| American Lutheran Church (organization) | Operational/managerial Control · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| Norby, Nicklos (individual) | Operational/managerial Control · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| Shell, Stephen (individual) | Operational/managerial Control · NOT APPLICABLE | |
| The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society (organization) | Operational/managerial Control · NOT APPLICABLE |
Frequently asked questions
What is the rating of Salem Lutheran Home?
Salem Lutheran Home has a 1-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on a scale of 1 to 5, compared with a 3.1-star average in Iowa.
How many beds does Salem Lutheran Home have?
It has 64 certified beds and cares for about 48 residents per day.
Has Salem Lutheran Home been fined?
CMS lists no federal fines or payment denials in the last three years.
Who owns Salem Lutheran Home?
It is part of Good Samaritan Society and is classified as for profit - corporation. See the ownership table above for all owners and managers reported to CMS.
What is the phone number of Salem Lutheran Home?
(712) 764-4201. The facility is located at 2027 College Avenue, Elk Horn, IA 51531.
Source: CMS Care Compare, August 2026. Information is provided as published by CMS; verify details directly with the facility.