Lakeside Lutheran Home
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 8 Google reviews

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Quality Concerns Identified
Medicare inspection and quality data reveal areas that families should carefully evaluate before choosing this facility.
- Low overall rating (1/5 stars)
- Above-median deficiencies (13 vs median 5)
Bottom 25% in IA · Meets national RN staffing standard · Above recommended total nurse staffing
What this means for your family
While many families report positive experiences in the memory care unit, the recent report of medication errors and hygiene lapses is concerning. We strongly advise you to conduct an unannounced visit and specifically ask the administration about their protocols for medication verification and resident bathing schedules.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews
8 reviews on Google“Lakeside Lutheran Home receives praise for its clean environment and attentive staff in the memory care unit, with families noting that residents appear content and well-cared for. However, a recent critical review highlights serious concerns regarding hygiene standards and medication safety, suggesting potential lapses in oversight.”
Quality Themes
Tap a score for detailsStrengths
- Attentive and caring nursing staff
- Clean and well-maintained environment
- Engaging activities for residents
- Positive atmosphere in the memory care unit
Concerns
- Inconsistent hygiene and bathing schedules
- Medication administration errors
Rating Trends
Tap a year to see what changed
Distribution · 16 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
Questions for Your Tour
- 1I noticed the facility has a strong reputation for its memory care activities; could you walk me through a typical daily schedule for a resident in that unit?
- 2Given the importance of consistent personal care, what specific protocols do you have in place to ensure residents receive their scheduled hygiene and bathing assistance reliably?
- 3Medication management is a top priority for our family; what specific safety checks and oversight systems do you use to ensure accuracy during administration?
- 4With 13 recent health inspection deficiencies noted, could you share what specific improvements or changes the leadership team has implemented to address these findings?
- 5Since staffing levels are a noted strength here, how does your team ensure that the high level of care reported by families remains consistent across all shifts?
- 6In the event of a medical emergency, what is your facility's protocol for notifying family members and coordinating with local hospitals?
Personalized based on this facility's data
Key Review Excerpts
“The girls that work in the Haven are amazing, it makes you feel good to see your loved ones receiving good care when they are no longer able to be at home.”
“the care at lakeside is awsome my brother is a resident after he had a stroke he enjoys activites other friend and staff”
“My sister has went 2 weeks without a shower. She has had her medication mixed up with another residents meds 2.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Both RN and total nursing hours are below national benchmarks. This can mean less clinical attention per resident, so ask about their staffing plan.
Quality Measures
Quality Measures
Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 16 measures
7
measures
5
measures
4
measures
Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents on antipsychotic medication
Residents vaccinated for the flu
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents who got a urinary tract infection
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics
US average from Medicare published data
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
Lakeside Lutheran Home has concerning patterns of recurring fire safety violations and medication management issues across multiple years, with families filing complaints about abuse reporting, accident prevention, and medication errors. The facility repeatedly failed to maintain proper fire safety systems, electrical equipment, and emergency preparedness protocols in 2023, 2024, and 2025. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the persistence of similar problems suggests ongoing operational challenges that warrant careful consideration.
Feb 26, 2026Routine6
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
May 22, 2025Complaint5
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Jan 23, 2025Routine24
Egress Deficiencies
Meet other general requirements.
Egress Deficiencies
Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements.
Administration Deficiencies
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Egress Deficiencies
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Provide properly protected cooking facilities.
Smoke Deficiencies
Construct fire resistant interior walls.
Smoke Deficiencies
Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Include a process for Emergency Preparedness collaboration.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
List the names and contact information of those in the facility.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Jan 23, 2025Complaint5
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Feb 15, 2024Routine21
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Address patient/client population and determine types of services needed.
Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies
Conduct testing and exercise requirements.
Egress Deficiencies
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.
Smoke Deficiencies
Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
Smoke Deficiencies
Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure receptacles at patient bed locations and where general anesthesia is administered, are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.
Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies
Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
Smoke Deficiencies
Construct fire resistant interior walls.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
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.
Resident Rights Deficiencies
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
Environmental Deficiencies
Regularly inspect all bed frames, mattresses, and bed rails (if any) for safety; and all bed rails and mattresses must attach safely to the bed frame.
Smoke Deficiencies
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Smoke Deficiencies
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have restrictions on the use of flammable curtains.
Feb 15, 2024Complaint1
Pharmacy Service Deficiencies
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Federal Penalties
Payment Denial
Jan 23, 2025
5-day denial
State Inspection History
State Inspections
Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
Mar 17, 2026InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Feb 26, 2026InspectionClean
Fed violations: 2, State violations: 0
Oct 13, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Jun 9, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
May 22, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 5, State violations: 1
Mar 4, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Jan 23, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 8, State violations: 4
Feb 28, 2024InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Lakeside Lutheran Home
nonprofit
Ownership & Management
Owners
Iowa Trust & Savings Bank
Owner · Organization
Key personnel
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.
References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
8 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit lakesideseniorcare.com
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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Safer Alternatives Nearby
Based on current clinical data, we identified 4 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.
Lakeside Assisted Living
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Palo Alto County Hospital
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Emerald Oaks
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Emmetsburg Care Center
1.4 miNursing Home · Emmetsburg, IA