Iowa › Shelby County › Elk Horn
Salem Lutheran Home
2027 College Avenue, Elk Horn, IA 51531
Ratings are based on the most recent data available; a facility's ratings may have changed since the last update. The health inspection rating is based on the three most recent standard surveys and complaint investigations. CMS processed this record on 1 Aug 2026. View the Care Compare record.
Salem Lutheran Home, in Elk Horn, Iowa, is certified for 64 beds under for-profit, corporation ownership and belongs to the Good Samaritan Society chain.
CMS gives it 1 of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa median of 3; the health inspection rating is 1, staffing 4 and quality measures 2.
Inspectors recorded 46 health deficiencies across the three most recent survey cycles (17, 12, 17 by cycle, most recent first), 3 of them at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy level. That is 71.9 per 100 beds, more than the state median of 27.5.
CMS lists no fines or payment denials against the facility in the period covered.
Reported nurse staffing is 3.9 hours per resident per day (0.6 RN), close to the Iowa median of 3.7; nursing staff turnover is 63.0%.
Compared with county, state and nation
| Measure | This facility | Shelby Co. median | Iowa median | US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall star rating | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3.0 |
| Health citations, 3 cycles | 46 | 46 | 16 | 28.7 |
| Citations per 100 beds | 71.9 | 71.9 | 27.5 | 26.8 |
| Total nurse hours per resident day | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| RN hours per resident day | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Nursing staff turnover | 63.0% | 71.7% | 41.9% | 45.8% |
| Fines listed | $0 | $0 | $0 | — |
County and state figures are medians across facilities (2 in the county, 387 in the state); the US column is the CMS national average where CMS publishes one.
Citations by survey cycle
Dark bar: this facility. Grey bar: Iowa average per facility for the same cycle, as published by CMS. Standard health survey dates: 26 Jun 2025, 11 Aug 2024.
Severity mix: G ×3 D ×35 E ×7 F ×1
Health deficiencies
Every health citation in the current CMS record (three survey cycles), most recent first. Tag text is the CMS requirement summary, not the inspection narrative.
Scope and severity letters (A–L)
| Survey date | Tag | What the tag requires | Severity | Type | Corrected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 May 2026 | F0760 | Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. | G | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | F0550 | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. | D | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | F0580 | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. | D | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | F0609 | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. | D | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | F0610 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. | D | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | F0725 | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. | D | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | F0761 | 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. | D | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 22 May 2026 | F0842 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. | D | Complaint investigation | 5 Jun 2026 |
| 15 Dec 2025 | F0550 | Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights. | D | Complaint investigation | 22 Dec 2025 |
| 8 Oct 2025 | F0677 | Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. | D | Complaint investigation | 10 Oct 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | F0584 | 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. | D | Standard survey | 11 Jul 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | F0607 | Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. | D | Standard survey | 11 Jul 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | F0609 | Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities. | D | Complaint investigation | 11 Jul 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | F0644 | Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. | D | Standard survey | 11 Jul 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | F0684 | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. | D | Complaint investigation | 11 Jul 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | F0695 | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. | D | Standard survey | 11 Jul 2025 |
| 26 Jun 2025 | F0880 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. | D | Standard survey | 11 Jul 2025 |
| 22 Oct 2024 | F0658 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. | E | Complaint investigation | 1 Nov 2024 |
| 22 Oct 2024 | F0602 | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. | D | Complaint investigation | 1 Nov 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0812 | Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards. | F | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0803 | 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. | E | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0842 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. | E | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0880 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. | E | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0625 | 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. | D | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0644 | Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed. | D | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0656 | Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured. | D | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0657 | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. | D | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0658 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. | D | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 11 Aug 2024 | F0758 | 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. | D | Standard survey | 5 Sep 2024 |
| 15 May 2024 | F0725 | Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift. | D | Complaint investigation | 31 May 2024 |
| 15 May 2024 | F0880 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. | D | Complaint investigation | 31 May 2024 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0684 | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. | G | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0689 | Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents. | G | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0727 | 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. | E | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0755 | Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist. | E | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0804 | Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. | E | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0578 | 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. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0580 | Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0602 | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0610 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0657 | Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0658 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0686 | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0698 | Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0842 | Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
| 6 Jun 2023 | F0880 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. | D | Standard survey | 26 Jun 2023 |
Penalties
CMS lists no fines or payment denials for this facility in the period covered.
Staffing
Hours per resident per day as reported through the Payroll-Based Journal; grey bars are the Iowa average. Turnover: nursing staff 63.0%, RNs 80.0%; — administrators left in the reporting year.
Quality measures
| Measure | Residents | This facility | Iowa median | US median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | Long Stay | 18.3% | 16.8% | 12.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | Long Stay | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.3% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | Long Stay | 1.1% | 1.8% | 0.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | Long Stay | 6.3% | 3.4% | 2.8% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | Short Stay | 0.0% | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | Long Stay | 21.6% | 15.9% | 12.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | Long Stay | 1.7% | 3.6% | 4.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | Long Stay | 18.0% | 18.2% | 13.4% |
Four-quarter averages for the measures CMS uses in the quality-measure star rating (2025Q2-2026Q1). Lower is better for every measure listed. Medians are computed across facilities on this site.
Ownership
Ownership type: for-profit, corporation. Legal business name: American Lutheran Church. Chain: Good Samaritan Society (92 facilities).
| Organisation | Role in the CMS record | Interest | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Lutheran Church | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 100% | 02/14/2003 |
| American Lutheran Church | Operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/14/2003 |
| The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society | Operational/managerial control | NOT APPLICABLE | 11/20/2007 |
| American Lutheran Church | Adp of the snf | NOT APPLICABLE | 02/14/2003 |
Only organisations are shown. CMS also records individual owners, officers and managing employees; this site does not publish people's names.
Other nursing homes in Shelby County
| Facility | City | Beds | Overall | Health | Staffing | Citations | Per 100 beds | Fines | Last survey |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elm Crest Retirement Community | Harlan | 50 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 19 | 38.0 | — | 10 Jun 2026 |
All 2 facilities in Shelby County
Questions and answers
How many deficiencies has Salem Lutheran Home been cited for?
46 health deficiencies across the three most recent survey cycles, 3 at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy level. The Iowa median is 16 per facility.
Has Salem Lutheran Home been fined?
CMS lists no fines against the facility in the period covered.
How does staffing at Salem Lutheran Home compare?
Reported total nurse staffing is 3.9 hours per resident per day against a Iowa median of 3.7 and a national average of 3.9.
Who operates Salem Lutheran Home?
It is part of the Good Samaritan Society chain. Ownership type is for-profit, corporation. Organisations in the CMS ownership record include American Lutheran Church, American Lutheran Church and The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. Individual owners and managers are not listed on this site.
When was Salem Lutheran Home last inspected?
The most recent survey or investigation in the CMS record is dated 22 May 2026; the most recent standard health survey was 26 Jun 2025.
Where does this data come from?
All figures are from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Care Compare datasets (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties, ownership and quality measures), processed 1 Aug 2026. Ratings and citations may change; the Care Compare record is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Care Compare nursing home datasets (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties, ownership, MDS quality measures, state and national averages), public domain, processed by CMS on 1 Aug 2026. Facility record: Care Compare. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections.