Sanford Senior Care Sheldon
Below-average Medicare ratings — review the inspection history and ask the administrator about recent corrections before visiting.
based on 11 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 (7 vs median 5)
- High RN turnover (69%)
Bottom 25% in IA · Below recommended RN staffing · $15,610 in fines
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 detailsStrengths
- 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
Distribution · 11 analyzed
How They Respond to Reviews
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.”
“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.”
“2 of the 3 days when I came in, the call button was over by the bed and was not assessable.”
Staffing
Staffing Hours
per resident/day · Medicare 2026Total 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
4
measures
9
measures
2
measures
Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse
Residents needing more daily help over time
Residents vaccinated for pneumonia
Residents with depression symptoms
Highly dependent on how each facility screens and codes depressive symptoms, so it varies widely between facilities.
Residents who lost too much weight
Residents whose walking got worse
Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia
US average from Medicare published data
Inspection History
Medicare Inspection History
3-year lookback · Medicare 2026
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, 2026Complaint1
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, 2025Routine7
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.
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 the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
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.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.
Mar 13, 2025Complaint1
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Oct 3, 2024Routine9
Construction Deficiencies
Use approved construction type or materials.
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
Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.
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 Rights Deficiencies
Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
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, 2024Complaint2
Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Infection Control Deficiencies
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Jun 29, 2023Routine7
Egress Deficiencies
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Miscellaneous Deficiencies
To conduct inspection, testing and maintenance of fire doors by qualified individuals.
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.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
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.
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
Jun 15, 2026ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Jun 1, 2026ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0
Mar 5, 2026OtherClean
Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0
Nov 29, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Nov 6, 2025InspectionClean
Fed violations: 6, State violations: 0
Oct 29, 2025OtherClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Apr 30, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0
Mar 13, 2025ComplaintClean
Fed violations: 1, State violations: 0
Ownership & Operations
Who Operates This Facility
Sanford Senior Care Sheldon
nonprofit
Ownership & Management
Owners
Undisclosed
Ownership Data Not Available · Organization
Contact
Get in Touch
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References & Resources
Medicare Care Compare
Official Medicare quality ratings, inspections & staffing data
Google Maps
Photos, directions & neighborhood info
Google Reviews
11 reviews from families & visitors
Official Website
Visit sanfordhealth.org
Medicare data downloads
Original nursing home datasets
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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.