St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Nursing Home in Iowa

CMS overall rating Info 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.
St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Nursing Home in Iowa

CMS overall rating Info 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.

Overview of St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

St. Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is located in Spencer, Iowa. It provides compassionate care and a range of services for seniors. The facility is part of St. Luke Homes & Services, which offers various senior care options.

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info 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.
2/5 ▼ 1.3 Iowa average: 3.3/5
Health Inspection Info 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.
1/5 ▼ 2.0 Iowa average: 3.0/5
Staffing Info 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.
5/5 ▲ 1.3 Iowa average: 3.7/5
Quality Measures Info 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.
3/5 ▼ 0.5 Iowa average: 3.5/5

Staffing hours breakdown

Info 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.

Hours per resident per day — compared to Iowa state averages

Total nursing care / resident Info This home is ranked 49th out of 240 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.
4h 54m per day
This facility Iowa avg (4h 25m per day)
vs Iowa avg
+11%

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 79
Avg. Length of Stay
182 days

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Mostly short-term rehab stays

Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.

Might be optimal for
Short stays Recovery Medicare-covered care

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

63% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 1 months

Private pay

22% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 1 years

Medicaid

16% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.

Typical stay 1 years

Finances and operations

Voluntary non-profit community
Operated by a church.
Home revenue
$7.5M
Operating deficit
-$627.3K
Voluntary non-profit community Operated by a church.
Home revenue
$7.5M
Operating deficit
-$627.3K
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$4.0M
53.8% of revenue
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$4.0M
Total costs $8.0M
Bed community size
79-bed community
A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate
95%
In line with Iowa average
Occupied beds
75 / 79
Average residents 51 per day

License Details

Facility TypeFree Standing Nf/snf
StatusActive
IssuanceFebruary 7, 1967
CountyClay
License Number210409
CMS Certification Number165484
Certification TypeFALSE

Ownership & Operating Entity

St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home is administrated by Ken Nelson.

Owner NameRiverview Terrace(ALP) | S0040

Therapy & Rehabilitation

1 service
Rehabilitation Services

Contact Information

Fax7122624743

Amenities & Lifestyle

0 amenities
Specific ProgramsDining, Rehabilitation Services, Events

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionContinental breakfast and hot breakfast options available, along with lunch and dinner served in the main dining room.
Meal ScheduleBreakfast: 6:00 AM - 10:30 AM; Lunch: 12:00 PM; Dinner: 5:45 PM

Contact St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Inspection History

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.

21 visits/inspections Info Inspections are mandatory, regular evaluations conducted by state health departments or regulatory agencies. They ensure the community provides safe, compliant care, covering areas like resident health, staff and management.

Iowa average: 17 visits/inspections

Iowa average: 0 inspections

Latest inspection

Date October 28, 2025

22 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Iowa average: 27 deficiencies

Inspection Report Summary for St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

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.

Health Inspection History

Inspections
Total health inspections 5

Iowa average 4.9


Last Health inspection on Sep 2025

Total health citations 25

Iowa average 21.7

Citations per inspection
5

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).

Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical Health citations More info 2
233% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 0.6


Serious Health citations More info 0
100% better than Iowa average

Iowa average: 0.9

2 critical citations More info Iowa average: 0.6

0 serious citations More info Iowa average: 0.9

23 moderate citations More info Iowa average: 19.7

0 minor citations More info Iowa average: 0.5
Citations history (last 3 years)
Abuse/Neglect moderate citation Info Issues related to protecting resident's from harm, including abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Sep 04, 2025
Corrected

Abuse/Neglect moderate citation Info Issues related to protecting resident's from harm, including abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Sep 04, 2025
Corrected

Abuse/Neglect moderate citation Info Issues related to protecting resident's from harm, including abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Sep 04, 2025
Corrected

Infection Control moderate citation Info Issues related to preventing and controlling infections, including hygiene practices and safety protocols. Sep 04, 2025
Corrected

Compare Nursing Homes around Iowa The information below is reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

5 facilities compared · CMS & IA Dept. of Health data · Updated Apr 2026

Filter by care type
Akron Care Center, INC
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.

Akron45 98.1% +30%4.71 +15%+10%042.0042--City Of Akron$4.7M$2.1M46.1%165595
Accura HealthCare of Carlisle
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.

Carlisle46 80.5% +7%5.85 -40%+36%0175.7239--American Healthcare Associates Inc$4.1M$2.5M59.9%165311
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.

Spencer89 69.6% -8%4.90 -7%+14%1255.0268--St Luke Homes & Services Inc$7.4M$4.0M54.2%165484
Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake
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.

Spirit Lake85 66.6% -12%4.29 -8%0%1217.0165---$7.1M$3.0M42.7%165528
Accura Healthcare of Lake City, LLC
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.

Lake City46 70.4% -7%5.17 -33%+20%4393.9440--Accura Healthcare Of The Heartland Llc$2.0M$1.0M47.4%165082

Financial Assistance for
Nursing Home in Iowa

Get Financial aid guidance

Elderly Waiver

Iowa Medicaid Elderly Waiver

Age 65+
General Iowa resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IA

Rural focus; waitlists possible.

Benefits
In-home care (5-7 hours/day) Meals ($6/meal) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($60/day)

Iowa Family Caregiver Support

IA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+
General Iowa resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
IA

Limited slots; rural emphasis.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$60/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Iowa Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General Iowa resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
IA

Three tiers; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Iowa PACE

Age 55+
General Iowa resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, Medicaid-eligible
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
IA

Limited to western Iowa (e.g., Council Bluffs); expanding slowly.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy Respite

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Iowa SCSEP

Age 55+
General unemployed, low-income, Iowa resident.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,983/month 125% FPL
Asset Limits Not specified; income-focused.
IA

Priority for veterans, rural residents.

Benefits
Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour) Job placement

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Iowa VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General Iowa resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
IA

High veteran demand in rural areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Able Up Iowa

Able Up Iowa

Age 65+ or disabled
General Iowa resident, ability to repay loan, need for assistive tech or mods.
Income Limits (2025) No strict limit; must demonstrate repayment capacity.
Asset Limits Not specified; credit-based.
IA

Loans up to $25,000; statewide via Easterseals partnership.

Benefits
Loans for wheelchairs Ramps Walk-in tubs (~$500-$10,000 avg.) Reducing reliance on paid care

Places of interest near St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Address 0.0 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Spencer's city center to St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home's address, calculated via Google Maps.

Calculate Travel Distance to St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Add your location

Address

Staffing Data (Q2 2025)

This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

Total staff 139
Employees 92
Contractors 47
Staff to resident ratio 2.04:1
0% compared with Iowa average

Iowa average ratio: 2.00:1

Avg staff/day 42
Average shift 8 hours
8% better than Iowa average

Iowa average: 7.4 hours

Total staff hours (quarter) 30,484
Nursing staff breakdown
Registered Nurse

Manages medical care and health needs.

Total count 15
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 9.2 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Assists with medical care and medications.

Total count 13
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 9.7 hours

No contractors work on this role.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Helps with daily care and mobility.

Total count 85
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 8.3 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Contractor staffing

Total hours from contractors

6.8%

2,082 contractor hours this quarter

Certified Nursing Assistant: 31 Speech Language Pathologist: 4 Registered Nurse: 3 Respiratory Therapy Technician: 2 Occupational Therapy Aide: 1 Physical Therapy Assistant: 1 Physical Therapy Aide: 1 Qualified Social Worker: 1 Dental Services Staff: 1 Medical Director: 1 Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1
Staff by category
Certified Nursing Assistant54318516,97691100%8.3
Licensed Practical Nurse130134,04091100%9.7
Registered Nurse123153,27191100%9.2
Other Dietary Services Staff3031,5038088%7.8
Clinical Nurse Specialist3031,3356571%8.2
Dietitian1015096470%8
Mental Health Service Worker1014666066%7.8
Nurse Practitioner1014415864%7.6
Administrator1013775763%6.6
Speech Language Pathologist0443315864%5.5
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist1013073943%7.9
Physical Therapy Assistant0112846470%4.4
Dental Services Staff1121974347%4.6
Respiratory Therapy Technician0221655358%2.8
Physical Therapy Aide0111085560%2
Occupational Therapy Aide011491213%4.1
Qualified Social Worker011403235%1.3
Occupational Therapy Assistant011361011%3.6
Medication Aide/Technician1013533%11.8
Medical Director011131314%1
85 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days 100%
13 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days 100%
15 Registered Nurse
% of Days 100%
3 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days 88%
3 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days 71%
1 Dietitian
% of Days 70%
1 Mental Health Service Worker
% of Days 66%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days 64%
1 Administrator
% of Days 63%
4 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days 64%
1 Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
% of Days 43%
1 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days 70%
2 Dental Services Staff
% of Days 47%
2 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days 58%
1 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days 60%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days 13%
1 Qualified Social Worker
% of Days 35%
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant
% of Days 11%
1 Medication Aide/Technician
% of Days 3%
1 Medical Director
% of Days 14%

Facility Characteristics

Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)

Total residents 68
Medicare
2
2.9% of residents
Medicaid
31
45.6% of residents
Private pay or other
35
51.5% of residents
Programs & Services
Residents Group

Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities

CCRC

Part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering multiple care levels

Active Resident Council

Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.

Quality of care over time

These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.

High-risk clinical events score Info 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 average

Iowa average: 10.2

Functional decline score Info A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence. 19.6
9% better than Iowa average

Iowa average: 21.6

Long-stay resident measures
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased Info Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased 21.0%
12% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 18.8%

Walking Ability Worsened Info Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened 20.2%
In line with Iowa average

Iowa average: 19.7%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence Info Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder 17.4%
34% better than Iowa average

Iowa average: 26.2%

Falls with Major Injury Info Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 1.8%
49% better than Iowa average

Iowa average: 3.6%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers Info Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers 5.2%
20% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 4.4%

Urinary Tract Infection Info Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 4.6%
84% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 2.5%

Lost Too Much Weight Info Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 10.2%
104% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 5.0%

Depressive Symptoms Info Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 1.2%
70% better than Iowa average

Iowa average: 3.9%

Antipsychotic Use Info Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 12.8%
33% better than Iowa average

Iowa average: 19.0%

Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 89.3%
5% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 94.4%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 90.8%
5% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 95.3%

Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 85.3%
In line with Iowa average

Iowa average: 85.1%

Antipsychotic medication increase Info Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 2.3%
23% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 1.8%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 58.3%
20% worse than Iowa average

Iowa average: 73.3%

Penalties and fines

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)

Total fines amount $134K
179% higher than Iowa average

Iowa average: $48K

Number of fines 2
18% more fines than Iowa average

Iowa average: 1.7

Payment Denials Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. 1
88% more payment denials than Iowa average

Iowa average: 0.5

Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility $134K
Iowa average $48K
Penalty History

Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.

Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Sep 4, 2025
$126K
Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Aug 22, 2024
$8K
Payment Denial Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. Aug 22, 2024
21 days

Last updated: Jan 2026

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Tour Icon
Planning a tour? Check our touring checklist.
Chat Icon
Thinking of living here? We can help you speak to a current resident
Explore Open Rooms
1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.