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The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and combines results from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.
This home is ranked 52nd out of 241 homes in Iowa. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
| Staff type | Hours / Day / Resident | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes.
| 53m per day | ▲ 20% State avg: 44m per day · National avg: 41m per day |
|
LPN / LVN
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care.
| 38m per day | ▲ 12% State avg: 34m per day · National avg: 52m per day |
|
Nurse Aide
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life.
| 2h 31m per day | ■ Avg State avg: 2h 32m per day · National avg: 2h 20m per day |
|
Weekend Total Nursing
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 3h 44m per day | ▲ 11% State avg: 3h 21m per day · National avg: 3h 26m per day |
|
Physical Therapist
Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation.
| 4m per day | ▲ 100% State avg: 2m per day · National avg: 4m per day |
|
Weekend RN
Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent.
| 36m per day | ▲ 20% State avg: 30m per day · National avg: 28m per day |
Higher than the Iowa average: 75.4%St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is administrated by Ken Nelson.
In Iowa, the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing conducts unannounced health and safety surveys to monitor compliance and protect residents in long-term care settings.
This scorecard compares key inspection, citation, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Iowa state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Deficiencies
| This Facility | IA Average | vs. IA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types.
| 22 | 27 | This facility has 19% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Iowa nursing home (22 vs. IA avg 27).↓ 19% better |
|
Deficiencies per year
Average deficiencies per year since 2020.
| 3.7 | 4.5 | This facility has 18% fewer deficiencies per year than a typical Iowa nursing home (3.7 vs. IA avg 4.5).↓ 18% better |
|
Deficiencies per inspection
Average deficiencies per inspection.
| 1 | 1.8 | This facility has 44% fewer deficiencies per inspection than a typical Iowa nursing home (1 vs. IA avg 1.8).↓ 44% better |
Inspections
| This Facility | IA Average | vs. IA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total inspections
Combined count of all routine and focused inspections. Excludes complaint investigations.
| 21 | 15 | This facility has 40% more total inspections than a typical Iowa nursing home (21 vs. IA avg 15).↑ 40% worse |
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
The most recent inspection on October 28, 2025 found the facility in substantial compliance with all previously cited deficiencies corrected, and the related complaint was not substantiated. Earlier inspections showed a pattern of deficiencies related primarily to resident care issues such as timely reporting and investigation of abuse allegations, response to call lights, infection prevention, and food safety. Complaint investigations included some substantiated cases involving abuse reporting and inadequate care, but most complaints were found unsubstantiated. There were no fines, immediate jeopardy findings, or license actions listed in the available reports. The facility appears to have improved over time, correcting prior deficiencies and maintaining compliance in the most recent inspections.
Read the full inspection reports for this facility, including detailed findings and corrective actions.
Show Inspection ReportsIowa average 4.9
Last Health inspection on Sep 2025
Iowa average 21.7
Iowa average 4.11
Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.
15 of 25 citations resulted from standard inspections; 5 of 25 resulted from complaint investigations; and 5 of 25 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).
233% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.6
100% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.9
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Corrected
Reporting period: October 1 – December 31, 2025 (Q4 2025). Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal report.
30% worse than Iowa average
9% better than Iowa average
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Manages medical care and health needs.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.4 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Assists with medical care and medications.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
9.1 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
Helps with daily care and mobility.
Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day.
8.3 hoursNo contractors work on this role.
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
Total hours from contractors
751 contractor hours this quarter
This data comes from the CMS Payroll-Based Journal report covering October 1 – December 31, 2025.
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 47 | 0 | 47 | 15,654 | 92 | 100% | 8.3 |
| Registered Nurse | 12 | 0 | 12 | 4,210 | 92 | 100% | 9.4 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 13 | 0 | 13 | 3,224 | 92 | 100% | 9.1 |
| Other Dietary Services Staff | 4 | 0 | 4 | 1,150 | 79 | 86% | 7.6 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1,041 | 63 | 68% | 8.2 |
| Dietitian | 1 | 0 | 1 | 488 | 64 | 70% | 7.6 |
| Mental Health Service Worker | 1 | 0 | 1 | 472 | 61 | 66% | 7.7 |
| Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | 1 | 0 | 1 | 471 | 61 | 66% | 7.7 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 1 | 0 | 1 | 454 | 58 | 63% | 7.8 |
| Administrator | 1 | 0 | 1 | 361 | 56 | 61% | 6.4 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 206 | 64 | 70% | 3.2 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | 0 | 2 | 2 | 202 | 48 | 52% | 4.2 |
| Respiratory Therapy Technician | 0 | 2 | 2 | 166 | 49 | 53% | 3.3 |
| Dental Services Staff | 0 | 1 | 1 | 76 | 20 | 22% | 3.8 |
| Medication Aide/Technician | 3 | 0 | 3 | 62 | 5 | 5% | 8.8 |
| Occupational Therapy Aide | 0 | 1 | 1 | 46 | 12 | 13% | 3.8 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 0 | 1 | 1 | 37 | 11 | 12% | 3.4 |
| Medical Director | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 13 | 14% | 1 |
| Qualified Social Worker | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 13 | 14% | 0.5 |
Includes penalties issued in 2024-2025
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database (Data as of Jan 2026)
179% higher than Iowa averageIowa average: $48K
18% more fines than Iowa averageIowa average: 1.7
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
1
88% more payment denials than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.5
Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.
3 penalties in the past 3 years
Multiple penalties were reported in the last 3 years.
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Sep 4, 2025
Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation.
Aug 22, 2024
Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed.
Aug 22, 2024Last updated: Jan 2026
These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.
A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline.
11.7
14% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 10.2
A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence.
19.6
9% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 21.6
CMS star rating based on long-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = significantly above average, 1 star = significantly below average.
Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased
21.0%
12% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 18.8%
Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened
20.2%
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 19.7%
Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder
17.4%
34% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 26.2%
Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury
1.8%
49% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 3.6%
Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers
5.2%
20% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 4.4%
Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection
4.6%
84% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 2.5%
Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight
10.2%
104% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 5.0%
Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms
1.2%
70% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 3.9%
Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication
12.8%
33% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 19.0%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
89.3%
5% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 94.4%
Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
90.8%
5% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 95.3%
Number of hospitalizations per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.54
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 1.48
Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1,000 long-stay resident days.
1.66
21% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 2.09
CMS star rating based on short-stay quality measure performance. 5 stars = much above average, 1 star = much below average.
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine
85.3%
In line with Iowa averageIowa average: 85.1%
Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication
2.3%
23% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 1.8%
Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine
58.3%
20% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 73.3%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after their nursing home admission.
20.1%
6% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 21.3%
Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit.
3.7%
72% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 13.1%
Percentage of SNF residents who experience falls with major injury during their stay.
1.2%
49% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 0.8%
Percentage of residents at or above expected ability to care for themselves at discharge.
28.2%
47% worse than Iowa averageIowa average: 53.7%
Rate of successful return to home or community from a skilled nursing facility.
55.3%
9% better than Iowa averageIowa average: 50.6%
Quality measures are calculated from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. For most measures, lower percentages indicate better care quality.
63% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.
22% of new residents, often for short stays.
16% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.
Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)
Total residents
68Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities
Part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering multiple care levels
Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.
Data sourced from CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics quarterly report. Payer mix reflects the current resident census by primary payment source.
Historical financial and operational data for St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home based on CMS SNF Cost Reports.
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #82 / 242Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 82nd out of 242 homes in Iowa. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the Iowa average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
0.0 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Spencer's city center to St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home's address, calculated via Google Maps.
Add your location
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is located in Spencer, Iowa.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Iowa.
The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
| Sunrise Retirement Community |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Sioux City | 74 | 134.2% | +78% | 6.19 | -23% | +44% | $0 | 11 | 3.7 | - | 66 | A+ | 22 | Samantha Roth | $14.6M | $8.5M | 58.2% | 165473 | ||||
| Terrace Glen Village |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. | Marion (Flynn) | 40 | 94.7% | +26% | 4.48 | +20% | +4% | $12.2k | 14 | 4.7 | 4 | 39 | A | 14 | Abernathy Family Farms LLC | $9.5M | $4.5M | 47.9% | 165625 | ||||
| Maple Crest Manor |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. | Fayette (Bolger Drive) | 46 | 82.4% | +9% | 4.01 | +29% | -7% | $97.2k | 8 | 4.0 | - | 39 | - | 29 | Albert W Martin Estate | $5.8M | $3.6M | 61.6% | 165437 | ||||
| Ramsey Village Continuing Care |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
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| St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home |
NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).
AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. | Spencer | 79 | 69.6% | -8% | 4.90 | +6% | +14% | $8.0k | 25 | 5.0 | 2 | 68 | - | 81 | St Luke Homes & Services Inc | $7.5M | $4.8M | 64.4% | 165484 |
The legal owner and operator of St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is Riverview Terrace(ALP) | S0040.
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home has a walk score of 81. Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.
According to IA state health department records, St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home's license number is 210409.
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home's occupancy is 95%.
The team at St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home can be reached at [email protected].
Ken Nelson is the administrator of St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home.
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home has 79 beds.
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