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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Lakeside Lutheran Home

Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.

301 North Lawler Street, Emmetsburg, IA 5053655 bedsLicensed & Active
2/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.5/5

based on 8 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Lakeside Lutheran Home Nursing Home in Emmetsburg, IA — Street View
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3/ 10
moderate Risk

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

Source: Medicare data

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 details
FoodN/AStaff7.0Clean6.0Activities10.0Meds1.0Memory9.0CommsN/AValueN/A

Strengths

  • 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

2345.02016(2)4.82018(8)4.02019(6)

Distribution · 16 analyzed

5
12
4
2
3
0
2
2
1
0

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

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.

Memory care family member · 2019★★★★★

the care at lakeside is awsome my brother is a resident after he had a stroke he enjoys activites other friend and staff

Long-term resident's family · 2019★★★★★

My sister has went 2 weeks without a shower. She has had her medication mixed up with another residents meds 2.

Long-term resident's family · 2019★★☆☆☆
Source: 8 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.70hrs
93%
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.82hrs
93%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
43%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
56%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Both 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

Medicare Rating
1/ 5
Better Than Avg

7

measures

Worse Than Avg

5

measures

Mixed Results

4

measures

Long-Stay Residents
💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility28.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
28.0%
US
19.5%
IA
20.7%
Palo alto
12.4%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.0%
Better than Avg
Here
0.0%
US
12.1%
IA
4.1%
Palo alto
11.0%

Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.

💊

Residents on antipsychotic medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility22.3%
Worse than Avg
Here
22.3%
US
15.5%
IA
19.4%
Palo alto
12.9%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility100.0%
Better than Avg
Here
100.0%
US
95.5%
IA
95.3%
Palo alto
91.0%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility99.3%
Better than Avg
Here
99.3%
US
93.4%
IA
93.9%
Palo alto
97.3%
🦠

Residents who got a urinary tract infection

↓ Lower is better
This Facility6.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
6.6%
US
1.6%
IA
2.5%
Palo alto
1.3%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility88.6%
Better than Avg
Here
88.6%
US
81.8%
IA
84.1%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.0%
Better than Avg
Here
0.0%
US
1.6%
IA
2.0%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

2deficiencies
1penalties
Well below state avg (6.2)
11 complaint-triggered

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, 2026Routine
6
0324Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0914Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

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.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0605Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

May 22, 2025Complaint
5
0610Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

0561Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to and the facility must promote and facilitate resident self-determination through support of resident choice.

0580Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0689Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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, 2025Routine
24
0200Potential for harm · Widespread

Egress Deficiencies

Meet other general requirements.

0222Potential for harm · Widespread

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.

0851Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Administration Deficiencies

Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

0291Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

0321Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0324Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0331Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Construct fire resistant interior walls.

0345Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0363Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0372Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating.

0711Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0761Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

0914Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

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.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0920Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

0921Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

0009Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Include a process for Emergency Preparedness collaboration.

0024Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.

0030Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

List the names and contact information of those in the facility.

0039Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

0757Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

0760Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Jan 23, 2025Complaint
5
0689Actual harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

0607Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

0600Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0609Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

0610Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Feb 15, 2024Routine
21
0007Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Address patient/client population and determine types of services needed.

0039Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

0291Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.

0321Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0354Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.

0355Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes.

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0761Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.

0914Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

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.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0921Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

0331Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Construct fire resistant interior walls.

0578Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0580Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0690Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0759Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

0909Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

0353Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0363Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0751Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have restrictions on the use of flammable curtains.

Feb 15, 2024Complaint
1
0760Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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

10total
27deficiencies
Mar 17, 2026Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Feb 26, 2026Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 2, State violations: 0

Oct 13, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Jun 9, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

May 22, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 5, State violations: 1

Mar 4, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Jan 23, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 8, State violations: 4

Feb 28, 2024Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Lakeside Lutheran Home

Organization Type

nonprofit

Ownership & Management

Owners

Iowa Trust & Savings Bank

Owner · Organization

50%

Key personnel

Iowa Trust & Savings Bank5% or Greater Mortgage InterestBarber, JoanOfficer / DirectorBurdof, EdwinOfficer / DirectorEvans, MarkOfficer / DirectorMerrill, KathyOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

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References & Resources

EveryPlace is a research directory. Facility information is compiled from public sources — Medicare.gov, state licensing portals, Google Places, and publicly available street-level imagery. Listings do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or advertisement, and we do not accept payment for placement. Families should verify all details directly with the facility and the original sources linked above before making any care decisions. See our Research Policy for our editorial standards, correction process, and image-removal policy.

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.

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