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.
The Highlands is a 2-star Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in Decorah, Iowa with 86 certified beds. It has been operating since 1993. Its overall CMS rating is 2 out of 5.
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Have enough outside ventilation via a window or mechanical ventilation, or both.
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Provide each resident with a nourishing, palatable, well-balanced diet that meets his or her daily nutritional and special dietary needs.
Provide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
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.
Employ sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
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.
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
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.
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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.
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
+ 4 more deficiencies
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BJELLAND, SUSAN | W-2 MANAGING EMPLOYEE | Individual | N/A | Feb 22, 2010 |
| ELSBERND, NANCY | W-2 MANAGING EMPLOYEE | Individual | N/A | Feb 22, 2010 |
| SCHMIDT, JEFFREY | CORPORATE DIRECTOR | Individual | N/A | May 20, 2013 |
| CONTINUUM HEALTH CARE SERVICES LLC | OPERATIONAL/MANAGERIAL CONTROL | Organization | N/A | Jan 17, 2013 |
Compare CMS ratings and recorded fines for The Highlands 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.