Lutheran Retirement Home
701 9th Street North, Northwood, IA 50459 · (641) 324-1712
Non profit - Church related · 42 certified beds
Lutheran Retirement Home has a 3-star overall rating from Medicare, out of 5. Its last standard inspection, in February 2026, found 4 citations (the Iowa average is 6.5). It was fined 1 time in the last three years, $24,922 in all.
Medicare ratings
| Overall ratingStarts from the health inspection rating, then goes up or down a star for a 5-star or 1-star staffing or quality rating. | ★★★★★ 3 out of 5 stars · Average |
| Health inspectionsFrom the two most recent standard inspections and three years of complaint inspections, compared with other homes in the same state. | ★★★★★ 2 out of 5 stars · Below average |
| Quality measuresFrom 15 measures of how residents do, such as falls with major injury, pressure ulcers, hospital stays and getting home after a short stay. | ★★★★★ 4 out of 5 stars · Above average |
| StaffingFrom payroll records of nurse hours per resident, adjusted for how much care residents need, and staff turnover. | ★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars · Much above average |
How to read a nursing home's star ratings
Most recent health inspection
The standard health inspection on February 26, 2026 found 4 citations. What an inspection citation means
- Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.February 26, 2026 · F0812 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Some
- Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.February 26, 2026 · F0686 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.February 26, 2026 · F0689 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Have the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterlyFebruary 26, 2026 · F0868 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
Complaint inspections, last three years
Inspections after complaints found 5 citations.
- Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.August 19, 2024 · F0550 · Level of harm: Minimal harm or potential for actual harm · Residents affected: Few
- Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.August 19, 2024 · F0600 · Level of harm: Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Residents affected: Few
- Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.August 19, 2024 · F0609 · Level of harm: Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Residents affected: Few
- Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.August 19, 2024 · F0610 · Level of harm: Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety · Residents affected: Few
- Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.November 20, 2023 · F0689 · Level of harm: Actual harm · Residents affected: Few
Fines and payment denials
- Fine of $24,922August 19, 2024
Nurse staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, as the home reports them to Medicare through payroll records.
| Hours per resident per day | This home | Iowa average | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total nurse staffing | 4.57 | 3.82 | 3.86 |
| Registered nurses (RN) | 1.10 | 0.74 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurses (LPN) | 0.41 | 0.56 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aides | 3.06 | 2.52 | 2.32 |
| Total nursing staff turnover | 41.9% | 44% | 45.8% |
About this home
| Ownership | Non profit - Church related |
| Certified beds | 42 |
| Average residents per day | 34.5 |
| Inside a hospital | No |
| Continuing care retirement community | Yes |
Nursing homes nearby
- Manly Specialty Care Manly · ★★★★★ 3 out of 5 stars
- Rehabilitation Center of Belmond Belmond · ★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
- Westview Care Center Britt · ★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
- Timely Mission Nursing Home Buffalo Center · ★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars
- Oakwood Care Center Clear Lake · ★★★★★ 3 out of 5 stars
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Data from Medicare (CMS), updated October 2026, from Lutheran Retirement Home on Medicare's Care Compare and the CMS Provider Data Catalog. ParentNextStep isn't affiliated with Medicare or CMS.