CMS data snapshot: July 2026
Facility results compared with averages for CMS-certified nursing homes in Iowa. Ratings, staffing and turnover measure different parts of care and should be reviewed together.
Comparisons use the matching CMS state averages without a proprietary combined score. Review the comparison methodology.
A side-by-side view of the two CMS inspection cycles included in the current dataset.
Citation counts alone do not show severity. Review the inspection details below for scope, severity and correction status.
Cost data: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey (2024). Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (2022).
Swipe tabs for staffing, quality and ownership.
Salem Lutheran Home is a 1-star Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in Elk Horn, Iowa with 64 certified beds. It has been operating since 1990. Its overall CMS rating is 1 out of 5.
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
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.
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
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.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Protect each resident from the wrongful use of the resident's belongings or money.
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
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.
Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
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.
Coordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
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.
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
+ 16 more deficiencies
No penalties on record.
Staffing hours per resident per day. The black line shows the national average.
Quality measures as percentages of residents. Lower is better for all measures.
| Name | Role | Type | Ownership % | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH | 5% OR GREATER DIRECT OWNERSHIP INTEREST | Organization | 100% | Feb 14, 2003 |
| BLAKESTAD, ALAN | CORPORATE OFFICER | Individual | N/A | Mar 1, 2020 |
| GUDE, PAUL | CORPORATE OFFICER | Individual | N/A | Mar 1, 2021 |
| NIELSEN, PHIL | CORPORATE OFFICER | Individual | N/A | Mar 6, 2016 |
| SCHECHINGER, TAMI | CORPORATE OFFICER | Individual | N/A | Mar 1, 2021 |
| AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | Organization | N/A | Feb 14, 2003 |
| THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | Organization | N/A | Nov 20, 2007 |
| NORBY, NICKLOS | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | Individual | N/A | Feb 14, 2020 |
| SHELL, STEPHEN | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | Individual | N/A | Aug 1, 2025 |
| AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH | ADP OF THE SNF | Organization | N/A | Feb 14, 2003 |
| SHELL, STEPHEN | ADP OF THE SNF | Individual | N/A | Aug 1, 2025 |
Compare CMS ratings and recorded fines for Salem Lutheran Home and nearby alternatives.
Distance is approximate. Ratings and enforcement data use the current CMS snapshot; recorded fines are not a complete measure of care quality. How nearby facilities are selected.
This chain operates 91 facilities. View all →