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Nursing HomeMedicaid Investigative

St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

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

1301 Saint Luke Drive, Spencer, IA 5130179 bedsLicensed & Active
2/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.8/5

based on 4 Google reviews

St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home Nursing Home in Spencer, 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 (2/5 stars)
  • Above-median deficiencies (9 vs median 5)

Below average in IA · Meets national RN staffing standard · Above average staffing · $90,076 in fines

Source: Medicare data

What this means for your family

This facility is highly regarded by families for its clean environment and friendly staff. However, because the available reviews are several years old, we strongly recommend scheduling an in-person tour to observe current staffing levels and daily operations for yourself.

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
0.89hrs
OK
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
3.86hrs
94%
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
47%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
33%
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 · 17 measures

Medicare Rating
4/ 5
Better Than Avg

8

measures

Worse Than Avg

5

measures

Mixed Results

4

measures

Long-Stay Residents
😔

Residents with depression symptoms

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.4%
Better than Avg
Here
0.4%
US
12.1%
IA
4.1%
Clay
11.7%

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

💊

Residents on anti-anxiety or sleep medication

↓ Lower is better
This Facility11.9%
Better than Avg
Here
11.9%
US
19.5%
IA
20.7%
Clay
20.0%
💉

Residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility90.8%
Worse than Avg
Here
90.8%
US
95.5%
IA
95.3%
Clay
96.7%
🚿

Residents whose bladder or bowel control got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility20.1%
Mixed vs Avgs
Here
20.1%
US
19.4%
IA
25.9%
Clay
18.9%
🚶

Residents whose walking got worse

↓ Lower is better
This Facility11.8%
Better than Avg
Here
11.8%
US
15.3%
IA
17.5%
Clay
14.6%
🩺

Residents with a long-term catheter

↓ Lower is better
This Facility5.6%
Worse than Avg
Here
5.6%
US
0.9%
IA
1.6%
Clay
1.2%
Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility58.3%
Worse than Avg
Here
58.3%
US
79.8%
IA
73.3%
Clay
82.0%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility89.3%
Better than Avg
Here
89.3%
US
81.8%
IA
84.1%
Clay
85.5%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.0%
Better than Avg
Here
0.0%
US
1.6%
IA
2.0%
Clay
2.7%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

9deficiencies
3penalties
Above state avg (6.2)
9 complaint-triggered
$90,076 in fines

This facility shows concerning patterns of repeated safety hazards, with families filing complaints that triggered 10 of the 39 deficiencies found across five surveys. The most recurring issues involve accident prevention and safety supervision, abuse and neglect reporting procedures, and electrical/fire safety systems. While all violations show correction dates, the facility has struggled with the same safety and supervision problems multiple times, including three separate incidents over two years where accident hazards were cited following family complaints.

Sep 4, 2025Routine
8
0324Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0761Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

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

0921Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

0943Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Give their staff education on dementia care, and what abuse, neglect, and exploitation are; and how to report abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

0604Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Ensure that each resident is free from the use of physical restraints, unless needed for medical treatment.

0628Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Provide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

0641Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

0880Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Sep 4, 2025Complaint
4
0689Immediate jeopardy · 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.

0550Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

0583Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

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.

Aug 22, 2024Routine
11
0363Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0711Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Provide a written emergency evacuation plan.

0920Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

0578Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

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.

0695Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.

0880Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0550Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

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.

0686Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

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

0161Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Construction Deficiencies

Use approved construction type or materials.

0914Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

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.

Aug 22, 2024Complaint
1
0689Immediate jeopardy · 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.

Apr 25, 2024Complaint
4
0725Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

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.

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.

Aug 17, 2023Routine
10
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.

0363Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke.

0374Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.

0658Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

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

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.

0725Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies

Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

0804Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

0920Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.

Federal Penalties

Fine

Sep 4, 2025

$81,679

Fine

Aug 22, 2024

$8,397

Payment Denial

Aug 22, 2024

21-day denial

State Inspection History

State Inspections

Source: Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

10total
29deficiencies
Oct 28, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Sep 4, 2025Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 9, State violations: 2

Oct 14, 2024Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Aug 22, 2024Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 7, State violations: 1

May 25, 2024Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Apr 25, 2024Complaint
Clean

Fed violations: 4, State violations: 1

Sep 17, 2023Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 0, State violations: 0

Aug 17, 2023Inspection
Clean

Fed violations: 4, State violations: 0

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

St Luke Lutheran Nursing Home

Organization Type

nonprofit

Ownership & Management

Key personnel

Clausen, JerryOfficer / DirectorHalverson, GaryOfficer / DirectorHoye, DavidOfficer / DirectorKading, DougOfficer / DirectorKoenecke, MikeOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

Get in Touch

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

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