PlainNursing
CMS Nursing Home Compare · March 2026

Elm Crest Retirement Community

Elm Crest Retirement Community is a non profit - other facility in Harlan, IA with 50 certified beds and a 3-star overall CMS rating. The inspection file holds 19 deficiency records.

2104 12th Street, Harlan, IA 51537

Phone: 7127555174

Overall CMS Rating

3/5

vs 3.0 national avg

The verdict

Elm Crest Retirement Community holds a 3-star CMS overall rating — right around the 3.0-star national average, with nurse staffing above the national norm. 1 inspection finding reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy level.

3 / 5
CMS overall rating (nat'l avg 3.0)
3.99
Nursing hrs/resident-day (nat'l 3.89)
19
Inspection findings on file · 1 serious
$0
Federal penalties (0)

CMS combines health inspections, nurse-staffing levels, and clinical quality measures into the overall star rating. Read the components below — they often tell a sharper story than the headline.

Health Inspection

3/5

Staffing

4/5

Quality Measures

4/5

Long-Stay Quality

2/5

Facility Information

Provider Number
165372
Ownership
Non profit - Other
Provider Type
Medicare and Medicaid
Beds
50
Residents
45
In Hospital
No
County
Shelby
Last Inspection
Jan 14, 2026

Staffing Data

RN Hours
0.89 (nat'l avg: 0.68)
LPN Hours
0.42
CNA Hours
2.69
Total Nursing Hours
3.99 (nat'l avg: 3.89)
PT Hours
0.02
Nursing Turnover
70.1%
RN Turnover
45.5%

What the CMS Record Reveals About Elm Crest Retirement Community

Elm Crest Retirement Community operates 50 certified beds in Harlan, IA with approximately 45 residents currently in care, and carries a CMS overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars. The overall score is a composite of three weighted sub-ratings published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: health inspection results (3★), staffing levels (4★), and quality measures (4★). Because CMS caps the overall score at the health-inspection tier and then adjusts up or down based on staffing and quality, the sub-scores often tell a sharper story than the headline star count alone — a 3-star facility with weak inspection history reads differently from one held back by thin staffing.

The inspection file contains 19 deficiency records from recent surveys, of which 1 reached the actual-harm or immediate-jeopardy threshold on the CMS scope-and-severity grid. No fines or payment denials have been assessed against this provider, suggesting issues — if any — did not rise to the enforcement threshold. Staffing is reported at 3.99 total nursing hours per resident day (national average 3.89), with RN coverage at 0.89 per resident day — the single staffing metric most strongly tied to resident outcomes in peer-reviewed literature.

Classified as "Non profit - Other" ownership and operating as a "Medicare and Medicaid" provider, Elm Crest Retirement Community falls into a category where comparative context matters. National research consistently shows that ownership structure, staffing hours, and turnover are the three operational levers that correlate most strongly with resident outcomes — ratings and fines are lagging indicators of those upstream choices. Reported nursing turnover at this facility is 70.1%, above the level where continuity of care typically begins to suffer. For families evaluating this facility, the CMS record should be read alongside a site visit, direct conversation with current residents and their families, and review of the state health department's most recent inspection report — the star rating is a starting point, not a verdict. All data on this page is sourced from CMS Provider Data and the Nursing Home Compare program; always verify details directly with the facility or your state survey agency before making placement decisions.

Deficiency History (19 most recent)

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 13, 2025 Tag: 0689

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

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Jan 6, 2026

G — Isolated - Actual harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0689

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

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0550

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

Category: Resident Rights Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0880

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0812

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

Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0695

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

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0688

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.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0656

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

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Nov 14, 2024 Tag: 0636

Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Dec 3, 2024

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Jul 21, 2024 Tag: 0684

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Aug 21, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Jul 21, 2024 Tag: 0657

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

Category: Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Corrected: Aug 21, 2024

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Oct 5, 2023 Tag: 0880

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Category: Infection Control Deficiencies

Corrected: Nov 3, 2023

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Oct 5, 2023 Tag: 0812

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

Category: Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Corrected: Nov 3, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Oct 5, 2023 Tag: 0755

Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Nov 3, 2023

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Oct 5, 2023 Tag: 0689

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

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Nov 3, 2023

E — Pattern - Minimal harm Aug 25, 2022 Tag: 0761

Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Sep 30, 2022

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Aug 25, 2022 Tag: 0760

Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Sep 30, 2022

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Aug 25, 2022 Tag: 0757

Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.

Category: Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Corrected: Sep 30, 2022

D — Isolated - Minimal harm Aug 25, 2022 Tag: 0689

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

Category: Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Corrected: Sep 30, 2022

Quality Measures

Measure Type Score Used in Rating
Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased Long Stay 32.6% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight Long Stay 7.0% No
Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder Long Stay 0.9% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection Long Stay 2.1% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms Long Stay 0.8% No
Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained Long Stay 0.0% No
Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury Long Stay 4.0% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine Long Stay 98.0% No
Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine Short Stay 78.6% No
Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication Short Stay 2.6% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened Long Stay 34.0% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication Long Stay 5.0% No
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine Long Stay 90.0% No
Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine Short Stay 81.1% No
Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers Long Stay 3.8% Yes
Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence Long Stay 25.6% No
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication Long Stay 10.1% Yes

Penalty History

Date Type Amount
Nov 14, 2024 Payment Denial -

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall CMS rating for Elm Crest Retirement Community?
Elm Crest Retirement Community has an overall CMS rating of 3 out of 5 stars. This rating combines health inspection results (3★), staffing levels (4★), and quality measures (4★).
What are the staffing levels at Elm Crest Retirement Community?
Elm Crest Retirement Community reports 3.99 total nursing hours per resident day (national average: 3.89). RN hours are 0.89 per resident day (national average: 0.68). Nursing staff turnover is 70.1%.
How many beds does Elm Crest Retirement Community have?
Elm Crest Retirement Community has 50 certified beds with approximately 45 residents. The facility is located at 2104 12th Street, Harlan, IA 51537.
Does Elm Crest Retirement Community have any deficiencies on record?
Yes, Elm Crest Retirement Community has 19 deficiencies on record from recent inspections. Of these, 1 are classified as causing actual harm or jeopardy.
Has Elm Crest Retirement Community received any fines or penalties?
No, Elm Crest Retirement Community has no fines or penalties on record.
Who owns Elm Crest Retirement Community?
Elm Crest Retirement Community is classified as "Non profit - Other" ownership. The facility type is "Medicare and Medicaid".
When was Elm Crest Retirement Community last inspected?
The most recent health inspection for Elm Crest Retirement Community was on Jan 14, 2026. The facility received a health inspection rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
What quality measures are tracked for Elm Crest Retirement Community?
Elm Crest Retirement Community is evaluated on 17 quality measures, of which 8 are used in the CMS star rating calculation. These include measures for both long-stay and short-stay residents covering areas like infections, falls, pressure ulcers, and medication use.

Data Sources

Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare. Ratings, staffing, deficiency, quality measure, and penalty data are from CMS Provider Data. For informational purposes only. Always verify information directly with the facility or your state health department.

Source: CMS Nursing Home Compare provider data (data.cms.gov). See our methodology for how this page is compiled. Ratings, staffing, health-inspection deficiency, and Civil Money Penalty records are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under a public-domain (CC0) license.