The Care File

Visit checklist — Lutheran Retirement Home

701 9th Street North, Northwood, IA 50459 · (641) 324-1712

Health inspection rating 2/5 · CMS overall 3/5· Fines (3y): $24,922

Most serious findings on record:

• ▲ Aug 19, 2024 (F-0600, Immediate jeopardy, isolated): The facility did not protect residents from abuse or neglect. This covers physical, mental, and sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect, by anyone — staff, other residents, or visitors.
• ▲ Aug 19, 2024 (F-0609, Immediate jeopardy, isolated): The facility did not report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft to the proper authorities quickly enough, or did not report the results of its investigation.
• ▲ Aug 19, 2024 (F-0610, Immediate jeopardy, isolated): The facility did not respond appropriately to alleged violations, such as reports of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Facilities must investigate every allegation and protect residents while they do.

Questions for the administrator:

• ☐ "Tell me about this abuse or neglect citation — what happened, and what specific changes did you make afterward?"
• ☐ "When abuse or theft is suspected, who do you notify, how fast, and how do you inform the family?"
• ☐ "If someone reports suspected abuse or neglect here, what happens in the first 24 hours?"
• ☐ "What is your falls rate, and what specific steps do you take to prevent falls and supervise residents at risk?"
• ☐ "What did your most recent kitchen inspection find, and can I see how food is stored and prepared?"
• ☐ "How do you prevent bedsores for residents who can't move themselves, and how often are at-risk residents repositioned?"
• ☐ "How does your quality committee work, and can you share an example of a problem it identified and fixed?"
• ☐ "Walk me through what happens when a resident or family files a grievance — who responds and how fast?"
• ☐ "What is your current ratio of nursing staff to residents on day, evening, and weekend shifts?"
• ☐ "Can I see the plan of correction for the findings in your most recent state inspection?"
• ☐ "CMS reports 42% total nursing staff turnover here — who on the care team has been with you longest?"
• ☐ "The ownership record on file lists 32 owning or managing parties — who makes the decisions about staffing levels?"
• ☐ "Can I visit again unannounced, at a mealtime or on a weekend?"

While you're there, notice:

• ☐ Smell and cleanliness in hallways, not just the lobby
• ☐ How staff speak to residents; call lights answered promptly
• ☐ Residents up, dressed, and engaged (visit mealtimes and a weekend if you can)

Data: CMS Provider Data Catalog, version 2026-08-01 · CCN 165485 · Verify at medicare.gov/care-compare · Printed from The Care File (thecarefile.com)