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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

Sanford Senior Care Sheldon

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

118 North Seventh Avenue, Sheldon, IA 5120170 bedsLicensed & Active
1/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
3.9/5

based on 11 Google reviews

5
4
3
2
1
Sanford Senior Care Sheldon Nursing Home in Sheldon, IA — Street View
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4/ 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 (7 vs median 5)
  • High RN turnover (69%)

Bottom 25% in IA · Below recommended RN staffing · $15,610 in fines

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

The facility is highly regarded for its compassionate staff and consistent activity schedule, making it a strong choice for residents needing emotional support. However, families should be proactive in monitoring call light accessibility and should ask management for a clear plan on how they address dietary feedback, as past communication on these issues has been inconsistent.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

11 reviews on Google
Sanford Senior Care Sheldon receives praise for its compassionate, friendly staff who provide strong emotional support during end-of-life care. However, families have raised significant concerns regarding inconsistent call light accessibility and long-standing dissatisfaction with food quality and administrative responsiveness.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food4.0Staff8.0CleanN/AActivities9.0MedsN/AMemoryN/AComms3.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Compassionate and friendly nursing staff
  • Supportive end-of-life care
  • Regular daily activities

Concerns

  • Call light accessibility issues (mentioned by 2 reviewers)
  • Poor food quality and lack of administrative follow-up (mentioned by 2 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2344.02017(1)2.32018(3)3.52021(2)5.02022(1)5.02023(2)5.02025(1)5.02026(1)

Distribution · 11 analyzed

5
6
4
2
3
1
2
0
1
2

How They Respond to Reviews

0%response rate

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1Given that the facility has a 1-star CMS health inspection rating, what specific steps are currently being taken to improve oversight and address the recent state violations?
  • 2I noticed that some families have expressed concerns regarding the responsiveness of call lights; could you explain your current protocol for monitoring call lights and ensuring residents receive timely assistance?
  • 3Since dining is such a central part of daily life, what improvements are you making to the food service program to ensure residents are satisfied with their meals?
  • 4Communication is very important to our family; how do you handle administrative follow-up when we have questions or concerns about our loved one's care?
  • 5It is wonderful to hear that your staff is recognized for being compassionate during end-of-life care; how do you foster that same level of support for residents in your daily activities program?
  • 6With a 3-star staffing rating, how do you ensure that there is consistent, high-quality coverage during shift changes to maintain the safety and medical needs of the residents?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

They treated him and my mom who visited regularly like family. Everyone was especially compassionate during his last days.

Long-term resident's family · 2022★★★★★

All the staff are friendly and helpful. Meals are nice portions with more than 1 choice for main dish, etc. They have followed Covid regs. Activities are held twice a day.

Long-term resident's family · 2023★★★★★

2 of the 3 days when I came in, the call button was over by the bed and was not assessable.

Long-term resident's family · 2018☆☆☆☆
Source: 11 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.91hrs
OK
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.38hrs
83%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
57%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
77%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

Total nursing hours are below minimum, though RN coverage is adequate. This may mean fewer aides for daily tasks like bathing and mobility.

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 15 measures

Medicare Rating
2/ 5
Better Than Avg

4

measures

Worse Than Avg

9

measures

Mixed Results

2

measures

Long-Stay Residents
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility31.3%
Worse than Avg
Here
31.3%
US
19.4%
IA
25.9%
🛏️

Residents needing more daily help over time

↓ Lower is better
This Facility25.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
25.6%
US
14.4%
IA
17.6%
💉

Residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility87.4%
Worse than Avg
Here
87.4%
US
93.4%
IA
93.9%
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility6.7%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
6.7%
US
12.1%
IA
4.1%

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

⚖️

Residents who lost too much weight

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.6%
Better than Avg
Here
0.6%
US
5.3%
IA
4.9%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility18.9%
Worse than Avg
Here
18.9%
US
15.3%
IA
17.5%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility50.0%
Worse than Avg
Here
50.0%
US
81.8%
IA
84.1%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

7deficiencies
2penalties
Above state avg (6.2)
5 complaint-triggered
$15,610 in fines

Families filed complaints resulting in four deficiencies, with the most recent in March 2025 involving pressure ulcer care. The facility has recurring issues with resident assessment and care planning, communication with families about resident changes, and providing appropriate treatment according to care orders. While all deficiencies show correction dates, the pattern of repeated violations across multiple surveys suggests ongoing challenges with care quality and communication standards.

Mar 5, 2026Complaint
1
0609Potential for harm · IsolatedResolved (past non-compliance)

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

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

Nov 6, 2025Routine
7
0805Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.

0812Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0711Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.

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.

0657Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

0688Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.

0692Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Mar 13, 2025Complaint
1
0686Immediate jeopardy · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Oct 3, 2024Routine
9
0161Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Construction Deficiencies

Use approved construction type or materials.

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.

0363Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

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.

0623Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

0658Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0758Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Implement gradual dose reductions(GDR) and non-pharmacological interventions, unless contraindicated, prior to initiating or instead of continuing psychotropic medication; and PRN orders for psychotropic medications are only used when the medication is necessary and PRN use is limited.

Feb 1, 2024Complaint
2
0684Immediate jeopardy · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0880Immediate jeopardy · PatternCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Jun 29, 2023Routine
7
0291Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Egress Deficiencies

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

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.

0657Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

0661Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure necessary information is communicated to the resident, and receiving health care provider at the time of a planned discharge.

0920Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Feb 1, 2024

$11,872

Fine

Jun 29, 2023

$3,738

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

10total
15deficiencies
Jun 15, 2026Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Jun 1, 2026Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0

Mar 5, 2026Other
Clean

Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0

Nov 29, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Nov 6, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 6, State violations: 0

Oct 29, 2025Other
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Apr 30, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Mar 13, 2025Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Sanford Senior Care Sheldon

Organization Type

nonprofit

Ownership & Management

Owners

Undisclosed

Ownership Data Not Available · Organization

Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

Contact this facility directly and verify the details that matter most to your family.

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 2 nearby facilities within 10 miles that may offer a stronger care environment. We encourage families to compare options carefully.

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