Salem Lutheran Home
Elk Horn, Shelby County, Iowa · CCN 165155 · For-profit (Corporation) · part of Good Samaritan Society (92 facilities, chain average 3 stars)
CMS rates Salem Lutheran Home 1 of 5 overall as of August 2026. 64 certified beds, 48 residents a day on average. 46 citations on record from the current inspection cycles, 3 involving actual harm; no fines on record.
CMS’s ratings
The Five-Star Quality Rating System, as CMS publishes it. Where CMS gives no rating, the reason CMS gives is printed instead.
| Overall | ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5 |
|---|---|
| Health inspections | ★☆☆☆☆ 1 of 5 |
| Staffing | ★★★★☆ 4 of 5 |
| Quality measures | ★★☆☆☆ 2 of 5 |
| Quality: long-stay / short-stay | 2 / 2 of 5 |
Staffing
| Total nurse staffing | 3.86115 hours per resident per day |
|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 0.635 hours per resident per day |
| Weekend total | 3.16763 hours per resident per day |
| Nursing staff turnover | 63% (registered nurses 80%) |
Citations from health inspections
Each is a finding by a state surveyor on the date shown, in CMS’s words. The severity is CMS’s scope-and-severity grid, spelled out: harm on the left, how widespread on the right.
| Survey | Finding | Severity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · tag F0760 |
G Actual harm that is not immediate jeopardy; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident. Resident Rights Deficiencies · tag F0580 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · tag F0610 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · tag F0761 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2026-05-22 complaint survey |
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0842 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2026-06-05 |
| 2025-12-15 complaint survey |
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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-12-22 |
| 2025-10-08 complaint survey |
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · tag F0677 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · tag F0584 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · tag F0607 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 complaint survey |
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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | 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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 complaint survey |
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · tag F0684 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · tag F0695 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-07-11 |
| 2025-06-26 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · tag F0880 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2025-07-11 |
| 2024-10-22 complaint survey |
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0658 |
E No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; pattern | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2024-11-01 |
| 2024-10-22 complaint survey |
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · tag F0602 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · tag F0812 |
F No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; widespread | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · tag F0803 |
E No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; pattern | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0842 |
E No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; pattern | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · tag F0880 |
E No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; pattern | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · tag F0625 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | 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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0656 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0657 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-08-11 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0658 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · tag F0758 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2024-09-05 |
| 2024-05-15 complaint survey |
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 No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2024-05-31 |
| 2024-05-15 complaint survey |
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · tag F0880 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2024-05-31 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · tag F0684 |
G Actual harm that is not immediate jeopardy; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | 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 that is not immediate jeopardy; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · tag F0727 |
E No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; pattern | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · tag F0755 |
E No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; pattern | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature. Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · tag F0804 |
E No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; pattern | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · tag F0578 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Rights Deficiencies · tag F0580 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · tag F0602 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Respond appropriately to all alleged violations. Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · tag F0610 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0657 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0658 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · tag F0686 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services. Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · tag F0698 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 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. Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · tag F0842 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
| 2023-06-06 | Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program. Infection Control Deficiencies · tag F0880 |
D No actual harm, with potential for more than minimal harm; isolated | Deficient, Provider has date of correction 2023-06-26 |
Fines and payment denials
No fines or payment denials on record since 2023.
Who owns and runs it
Every owner, officer and manager CMS lists, as filed. These are the names in CMS’s ownership record; anyone named in the ownership record can ask about it on the about page.
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Lutheran Church Organization | 5% or greater direct ownership interest | 100% | 2003-02-14 |
| American Lutheran Church Organization | adp of the snf | — | 2003-02-14 |
| American Lutheran Church Organization | operational/managerial control | — | 2003-02-14 |
| The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Organization | operational/managerial control | — | 2007-11-20 |
| Shell, Stephen Individual | adp of the snf | — | 2025-08-01 |
| Blakestad, Alan Individual | corporate officer | — | 2020-03-01 |
| Gude, Paul Individual | corporate officer | — | 2021-03-01 |
| Nielsen, Phil Individual | corporate officer | — | 2016-03-06 |
| Schechinger, Tami Individual | corporate officer | — | 2021-03-01 |
| Norby, Nicklos Individual | operational/managerial control | — | 2020-02-14 |
| Shell, Stephen Individual | operational/managerial control | — | 2025-08-01 |
What changed
Nothing has changed in this record since it was first loaded. The next CMS refresh is the next chance.
Tell me when this record changes
One email when the monthly CMS refresh brings a new citation, a fine or payment denial, a rating change, a flag, or a change of ownership for Salem Lutheran Home.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Provider Data Catalog (public domain), files dated 2026-08-01. Ratings are CMS’s; citations are state surveyors’ findings; nothing here is estimated or a recommendation. Every nursing home in Shelby County.