Best Independent Living in Blair, NE

Good Shepherd Lutheran Home is an 84-bed Nursing Home at 2242 Wright Street, Blair, Washington County, Nebraska. Administrated by Serena Smith and owned by Blair NF Operations, LLC, the facility is a voluntary non-profit community operated by a church. The facility is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS Certification Number 285148). Good Shepherd Lutheran Home is a faith-based community providing skilled nursing, long-term care, and assisted living services, including independent living, and assisted living. The facility has been serving the community since 1948.

Medicare admissions (36%) typically stay 1-2 months for short-term rehab. Private pay admissions (53%) typically stay 4-5 months. Medicaid admissions (11%) typically stay 4-5 years for long-term daily care. Average length of stay is 500 days, indicating substantial long-term population. Occupancy rate is 73.2%, ranked #67 out of 122 in Nebraska, slightly above the state average of 70.3%.

The CMS Overall Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Health Inspection Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.8/5 stars. The Staffing Rating of 2/5 stars falls significantly below the Nebraska average of 3.1/5 stars. The Quality Measures Rating of 2/5 stars falls below the Nebraska average of 2.7/5 stars.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health conducted 4 total health inspections (vs Nebraska average 4.3). The facility received 23 total citations (vs Nebraska average 18.2, ranked #87 out of 122). Citations averaged 5.75 per inspection compared to the state average of 4.19, ranked #101 out of 122. No critical citations were issued (100% better than Nebraska average of 0.2). No serious citations were issued (100% better than Nebraska average of 0.5). All 23 citations were moderate in severity. The most recent inspection occurred in May 2025. Of 23 citations, 15 resulted from standard inspections, 1 from complaint investigation, and 7 from revisit inspections.

Staffing levels are below average. Total nursing hours reach 3 hours 55 minutes per day, ranked #74 out of 117 in Nebraska, 10% below the Nebraska average of 4 hours 20 minutes. Registered Nurse hours total 51 minutes per day, 20% below the state average of 1 hour 4 minutes. Licensed Practical Nurse hours total 47 minutes per day, 27% above the state average of 37 minutes. Certified Nursing Aide hours total 3 hours 10 minutes per day, 24% above the state average of 2 hours 33 minutes. Weekend nursing hours total 3 hours 18 minutes per day, 10% below the state average of 3 hours 41 minutes. Weekend Registered Nurse hours total 21 minutes per day, 49% below the state average of 41 minutes. Physical Therapist hours total 3 minutes per day, 25% below the state average of 4 minutes. Four of six staffing metrics fall below state average.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Home operates with annual revenue of $7.8 million, ranked #44 out of 120 in Nebraska. The facility reports an operating deficit of $452.5 thousand. Payroll comprises $2.9 million, ranked #64 out of 120 in Nebraska, representing 36.9% of revenue, significantly below the typical SNF range of 55–65%.

Families should ask about the below-average CMS ratings, above-average citation count, below-average total nursing hours, and low weekend RN coverage before placement.

Nestled in the heart of Blair, NE, Good Shepherd Lutheran Community offers a continuum of care tailored to the needs of seniors. Specializing in skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living services, the community provides private and semi-private accommodations, including a secured memory support unit. With a commitment to serving the elderly and those in need, its thoughtfully designed facilities ensure comfort and dignity for every resident.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Community prides itself on creating a warm and engaging atmosphere, where residents enjoy home-cooked meals, enriching activities, and access to spiritual care. The team is dedicated to fostering connections through social events, exercise programs, and serene outdoor spaces. Rooted in compassion and respect, this community embodies a mission of enhancing life with dignity and grace in a Christ-centered environment.