Nursing homeActive
Salem Lutheran Home
2027 College Avenue, Elk Horn, IA 51531712764420164 certified beds · 48 residentsFor profit - CorporationMedicare and Medicaid
Surveys on file
8
since 2023
Deficiencies
46
● 0● 43● 3
Penalties · 3 yrs
—
none on file
Last survey
2026-05-22
Complaint
CMS overall
1 / 5
stars as published by CMS
CMS overall 1/5
Health 1
Staffing 4
Quality 2
Star ratings as published by CMS · CMS’s caveats
Survey history
Source: CMS · Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing · data as of 2026-08-01| Date | Kind | Deficiencies | Official record | Archived PDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-22 | Complaint | 071 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2025-12-15 | Complaint | 010 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2025-10-08 | Complaint | 010 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2025-06-26 | Standard | 070 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2024-10-22 | Complaint | 020 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2024-08-11 | Standard | 0100 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2024-05-15 | Complaint | 020 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
| 2023-06-06 | Standard | 0132 | CMS-2567 (Care Compare) | — |
Counts by class: paperwork · standard · harm.
Deficiencies
CMS · Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing publishes each citation’s tag, official description and scope/severity letter. The surveyor’s written findings are in the Statement of Deficiencies (CMS-2567) for each survey, linked above.
F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Scope/severity GHarm
Medication
Isolated; actual harm that is not immediate jeopardy.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F760
F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F550
F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F580
F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F609
F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F610
F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Scope/severity DStandard
Staffing
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F725
F761Ensure 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.Scope/severity DStandard
Medication
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F761
F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2026-06-05Record 165155-20260522-F842
F550Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-12-22Record 165155-20251215-F550
F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planning
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-10-10Record 165155-20251008-F677
F584Honor 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.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-07-11Record 165155-20250626-F584
F607Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-07-11Record 165155-20250626-F607
F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-07-11Record 165155-20250626-F609
F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-07-11Record 165155-20250626-F644
F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planning
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-07-11Record 165155-20250626-F684
F695Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planning
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-07-11Record 165155-20250626-F695
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity DStandard
Infection control
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2025-07-11Record 165155-20250626-F880
F602Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-01Record 165155-20241022-F602
F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planningRecords
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-11-01Record 165155-20241022-F658
F625Notify 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.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F625
F644Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F644
F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F656
F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F657
F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F658
F758Implement 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.Scope/severity DStandard
Medication
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F758
F803Ensure 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Food & nutrition
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F803
F812Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.Scope/severity FStandard
Food & nutrition
Widespread; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F812
F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Scope/severity EStandard
Care planningRecords
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F842
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity EStandard
Infection control
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-09-05Record 165155-20240811-F880
F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Scope/severity DStandard
Staffing
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-05-31Record 165155-20240515-F725
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity DStandard
Infection control
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2024-05-31Record 165155-20240515-F880
F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Scope/severity GHarm
Care planning
Isolated; actual harm that is not immediate jeopardy.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F684
F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Scope/severity GHarm
Care planningFalls
Isolated; actual harm that is not immediate jeopardy.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F689
F578Honor 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.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F578
F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Scope/severity DStandard
Dignity & rights
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F580
F602Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F602
F610Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.Scope/severity DStandard
Abuse & neglect
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F610
F657Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F657
F658Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F658
F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planning
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F686
F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planning
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F698
F727Have 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.Scope/severity EStandard
Staffing
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F727
F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Scope/severity EStandard
Medication
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F755
F804Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.Scope/severity EStandard
Food & nutrition
Pattern; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F804
F842Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.Scope/severity DStandard
Care planningRecords
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F842
F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Scope/severity DStandard
Infection control
Isolated; no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm.Corrected 2023-06-26Record 165155-20230606-F880
Staffing
CMS Payroll-Based Journal · PBJ, as published Aug 2026 · explainerRN hours per resident day0.64
Facility
Iowa
National
Iowa 0.74 · National 0.69
Total nurse hours per resident day3.86
Facility
Iowa
National
Iowa 3.82 · National 3.86
Weekend total nurse hours3.17
Facility
Iowa
National
Iowa 3.37 · National 3.42
Total nursing staff turnover63%
Facility
Iowa
National
Iowa 44% · National 46%
Registered nurse turnover80%
Facility
Iowa
National
Iowa 42% · National 43%
Quality measures
CMS MDS quality measures · 2025Q2-2026Q1 · definitions| Measure | Facility | Iowa | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers lower is better | 1.7% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury lower is better | 6.3% | 3.8% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication lower is better | 18.0% | 19.5% | 15.4% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection lower is better | 1.1% | 2.4% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained lower is better | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased lower is better | 18.3% | 17.1% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight lower is better | 1.8% | 4.6% | 5.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication lower is better | 22.1% | 20.8% | 19.5% |
Figures verbatim from CMS, with the state and national figures from the same release. The direction that counts as better is CMS’s own and is stated on every row.
Ownership
As reported to CMS (Provider Enrollment)| Entity | Role | Interest | Since | Registry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lutheran Church Organization | 5% OR GREATER DIRECT OWNERSHIP INTEREST | 100% | — | — |
| 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 | — | — |
| American Lutheran Church Organization | ADP OF THE SNF | 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 | — | — |
| Shell, Stephen Individual | ADP OF THE SNF | NOT APPLICABLE | — | — |
Part of a chain
Good Samaritan Society — 92 facilities
Ownership as reported to CMS/state. CMS ownership data has known gaps; merges between entities are published only after human review.
Cost context
County figures from public surveys. Not this facility’s price. Nursing-home rates are not published by CMS or Iowa.
No county cost figures on file for Shelby.
Nearby nursing homes
| Facility | Distance | Last survey | Deficiencies · 3 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Home Association Audubon | 10.8 mi | 2025-09-04 | 0110 |
| Exira Care Center Exira | 9.4 mi | 2026-05-06 | 0141 |
| Heritage House Atlantic | 13.8 mi | 2025-09-11 | 040 |
| Atlantic Specialty Care Atlantic | 14.3 mi | 2026-04-09 | 0420 |
| Elm Crest Retirement Community Harlan | 14.3 mi | 2026-06-10 | 0172 |
Watch this facility
One email when a new survey, harm-class deficiency, penalty, Special Focus change or ownership change is recorded. Nothing else, ever.
Sources & provenance
| Section | Agency · dataset | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|
| Facility, ratings | CMS Provider Data · Nursing Home Provider Information | 2026-08-01 |
| Surveys | CMS · Survey Summary | 2026-08-01 |
| Deficiencies | CMS · Health Deficiencies (CMS-2567 findings via Care Compare) | 2026-08-01 |
| Penalties | CMS · Penalties | 2026-08-01 |
| Staffing | CMS · Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ, as published Aug 2026) | 2026-08-01 |
| Quality measures | CMS · MDS Quality Measures | 2026-08-01 |
| Ownership | CMS · Ownership | 2026-08-01 |