Good Shepherd Lutheran Home
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota has a Trust Grade of C+, indicating it is slightly above average but not without concerns. It ranks #119 out of 337 nursing homes in Minnesota, placing it in the top half, and it is the best option out of two facilities in Benton County. Unfortunately, the facility is worsening, with issues increasing from 6 in 2024 to 9 in 2025. Staffing is a strong point, earning a 5/5 rating, indicating low turnover at 43%, which is around the state average. However, it has less RN coverage than 77% of Minnesota facilities, which could impact patient care. The facility has received a $10,000 fine, which is average, but there are specific concerns regarding safety and compliance. For instance, the nursing staff information displayed was incomplete, potentially affecting transparency for residents and visitors. Additionally, the facility failed to properly store medications, leaving carts unlocked, and did not maintain food safety standards in the kitchen, risking foodborne illness. While there are strengths in staffing and overall ratings, families should weigh these weaknesses carefully when considering this nursing home.
- Trust Score
- C+
- In Minnesota
- #119/337
- Safety Record
- Low Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Worse
- Staff Stability ○ Average
- 43% turnover. Near Minnesota's 48% average. Typical for the industry.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $10,000 in fines. Lower than most Minnesota facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 57 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for Minnesota. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ⚠ Watch
- 21 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
-
5-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
-
Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
-
Staff turnover below average (43%)
5 points below Minnesota average of 48%
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near Minnesota avg (46%)
Typical for the industry
Below median ($33,413)
Minor penalties assessed
The Ugly 21 deficiencies on record
Apr 2025
9 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure nebulizer medications were administered safel...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0658
(Tag F0658)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to follow standards of practice related to medication a...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure timely assistance with repositioning occurred...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain safe storage of medications when medication carts were left unlocked and unattended in 2 of 7 medication carts.
Findings include:
...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0804
(Tag F0804)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure food was served at a palatable and appetizing...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) wa...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on observation, interview, and document review, the facility failed to ensure food and beverages stored in the refrigerators and freezers were labeled, dated and discarded properly. In addition,...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Staffing Information
(Tag F0732)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on record review and interviews, the facility failed to ensure all required data were included on the nurse staffing information posted daily. This had the potential to affect all 114 residents ...
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CONCERN
(F)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
QAPI Program
(Tag F0867)
Could have caused harm · This affected most or all residents
Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program (QAPI) committee effectively sustained ongoing compliance related to rep...
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May 2024
6 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Transfer Notice
(Tag F0623)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to notify the Ombudsman for Long Term Care (LTC) of resident transfe...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Comprehensive Care Plan
(Tag F0656)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and document review, the facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive person-centered care plan t...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to provided bathing for 1 of 2 residents (R34) reviewed for dependent cares.
Findings include:
Quarterly minimum data set (MDS...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to maintain safe storage of medications when medication carts were left unlocked and unattended in 2 of 6 facility medication carts.
Findings i...
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CONCERN
(E)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Investigate Abuse
(Tag F0610)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
Based on interview and document review the facility failed to maintain records of a thorough investigation for 4 of 4 residents (R29, R318, R319, R50) related to facility reported events.
Findings in...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0698
(Tag F0698)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure post-dialysis assessment and monitoring was c...
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Mar 2023
5 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** R88
R88's quarterly MDS dated [DATE], identified R88 was cognitively intact, and required extensive assistance with ADL's.
R88's...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Assessment Accuracy
(Tag F0641)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** R96
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) 3.0 User's...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
ADL Care
(Tag F0677)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** R36
R36's quarterly MDS, revised 1/26/23, indicated R36 had severe cognitive impairment, required extensive assist with grooming...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Food Safety
(Tag F0812)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to store food in accordance with professional standards for food service safety in 3 out of 6 dining room resident refrigerators.
Findings incl...
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CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure proper disinfection of a shared Volaro lift (...
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Jan 2023
1 deficiency
CONCERN
(D)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and document review, the facility failed to ensure staff were following fall risk interventions ...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • No major safety red flags. No abuse findings, life-threatening violations, or SFF status.
- • 43% turnover. Below Minnesota's 48% average. Good staff retention means consistent care.
- • 21 deficiencies on record. Higher than average. Multiple issues found across inspections.
About This Facility
What is Good Shepherd Lutheran Home's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns Good Shepherd Lutheran Home an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which is considered above average nationally. Within Minnesota, this rating places the facility higher than 99% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This rating reflects solid performance across the metrics CMS uses to evaluate nursing home quality.
How is Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Staffed?
CMS rates Good Shepherd Lutheran Home's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 43%, compared to the Minnesota average of 46%. This relatively stable workforce can support continuity of care.
What Have Inspectors Found at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home?
State health inspectors documented 21 deficiencies at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home during 2023 to 2025. These included: 21 with potential for harm.
Who Owns and Operates Good Shepherd Lutheran Home?
Good Shepherd Lutheran Home is owned by a non-profit organization. Non-profit facilities reinvest revenue into operations rather than distributing to shareholders. The facility operates independently rather than as part of a larger chain. With 146 certified beds and approximately 115 residents (about 79% occupancy), it is a mid-sized facility located in SAUK RAPIDS, Minnesota.
How Does Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Compare to Other Minnesota Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in Minnesota, Good Shepherd Lutheran Home's overall rating (4 stars) is above the state average of 3.2, staff turnover (43%) is near the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Good Shepherd Lutheran Home?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" "How do you handle medical emergencies, and what is your hospital transfer rate?" "Can I speak with family members of current residents about their experience?"
Is Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, Good Shepherd Lutheran Home has a clean safety record: no substantiated abuse findings (meaning no confirmed cases of resident harm), no Immediate Jeopardy citations (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death), and is not on the Special Focus Facility watch list (a federal program monitoring the lowest-performing 1% of nursing homes). The facility has a 4-star overall rating and ranks #1 of 100 nursing homes in Minnesota. While no facility is perfect, families should still ask about staff-to-resident ratios and recent inspection results during their visit.
Do Nurses at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Stick Around?
Good Shepherd Lutheran Home has a staff turnover rate of 43%, which is about average for Minnesota nursing homes (state average: 46%). Moderate turnover is common in nursing homes, but families should still ask about staff tenure and how the facility maintains care continuity when employees leave.
Was Good Shepherd Lutheran Home Ever Fined?
Good Shepherd Lutheran Home has been fined $10,000 across 1 penalty action. This is below the Minnesota average of $33,179. While any fine indicates a compliance issue, fines under $50,000 are relatively common and typically reflect isolated problems that were subsequently corrected. Families should ask what specific issues led to these fines and confirm they've been resolved.
Is Good Shepherd Lutheran Home on Any Federal Watch List?
Good Shepherd Lutheran Home is not on any federal watch list. The most significant is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, which identifies the bottom 1% of nursing homes nationally based on persistent, serious quality problems. Not being on this list means the facility has avoided the pattern of deficiencies that triggers enhanced federal oversight. This is a positive indicator, though families should still review the facility's inspection history directly.