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Good Samaritan - Estherville

All states › Iowa › Estherville › Good Samaritan - Estherville

1646 Fifth Avenue North Estherville, IA 51334 · Emmet County

(712) 362-3522

All 2 nursing homes in Estherville, IA (2 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 62 certified beds Non profit

CMS certification number 165192 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Good Samaritan - Estherville a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Good Samaritan - Estherville as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 3 out of 5 stars overall, about the same as the Iowa average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 26 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 1 out of 5; for long-term residents, 3 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.29 hours per resident per day at Good Samaritan - Estherville, below the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.90 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.70 hours, 18% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 57.6% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.29 hours
Below the Iowa median of 3.76 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.90 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 2.70 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 57.6% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 66.7% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds62
Residents per day 48 About 77% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipNon profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceDecember 1993
Part of a chainGood Samaritan Society
Legal business nameTHE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY

Paying for care at Good Samaritan - Estherville: Medicare and Medicaid

Good Samaritan - Estherville is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Iowa's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on January 15, 2026 and found 5 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 26 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 26 citations at Good Samaritan - Estherville across 5 inspection dates, 6 of them from complaint investigations. None were at the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy levels; 26 were "potential for more than minimal harm" (D–F) and 0 were minimal (A–C). The most common areas cited were nutrition and dietary (9) and resident assessment and care planning (6). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data" (tag F0851, level F, October 31, 2024). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

January 15, 2026 · 5 citations

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 5, 2026)

DPrevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0605 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 5, 2026)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 5, 2026)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 5, 2026)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 5, 2026)

November 10, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 10, 2025)

October 31, 2024 · 5 citations · includes complaint inspection

FElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0851 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 12, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 12, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 12, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 12, 2024)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 12, 2024)

November 30, 2023 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

EEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

EEnsure meals and snacks are served at times in accordance with resident’s needs, preferences, and requests. Suitable and nourishing alternative meals and snacks must be provided for residents who want to eat at non-traditional times or outside of scheduled meal times.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0809 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DProvide sufficient support personnel to safely and effectively carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0802 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

August 30, 2023 · 11 citations

EHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0805 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

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

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

EHave the Quality Assessment and Assurance group have the required members and meet at least quarterly

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0868 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

DCoordinate assessments with the pre-admission screening and resident review program; and referring for services as needed.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0644 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

DProvide 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0688 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

DImplement 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0758 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 22, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Good Samaritan - Estherville

  1. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on January 15, 2026. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  2. Weekend staffing is 18% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
  3. Nursing staff turnover was 57.6% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
  4. CMS rates short-stay quality 1 out of 5. How often do rehab patients go back to the hospital, and how many therapy sessions a week are typical?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 3/5 3/5 3/5 2/5
August 2026 2/5 2/5 4/5 2/5
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Location

Hospitals near Good Samaritan - Estherville

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

  • 0.6 mi
    Avera Holy Family Health Estherville
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 1h 50m for patients treated and sent home
  • 15.2 mi
    Lakes Regional Healthcare Spirit Lake
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 5m for patients treated and sent home
  • 17.6 mi
    Sanford Jackson Medical Center Jackson
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 2h 4m for patients treated and sent home

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

Estherville Community Care Center Estherville · 0.4 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 46 beds · Medicaid
Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake Spirit Lake · 15.0 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 80 beds · Medicaid
Valley Vue Care Center Armstrong · 16.9 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 5/5 40 beds · Medicaid
Accura Healthcare of Milford Milford · 17.8 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 5/5 · Staffing 3/5 46 beds · Medicaid
Ruthven Community Care Center Ruthven · 19.4 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 3/5 46 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Good Samaritan - Estherville ›   All nursing homes in Estherville ›

Compare Good Samaritan - Estherville with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Other Good Samaritan Society nursing homes in Iowa

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 92 Good Samaritan Society nursing homes ›

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/iowa/estherville/good-samaritan-estherville/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.