LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Within standard 12-15 month inspection cycle. Federal law requires annual inspections.
Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd has received a Trust Grade of F, indicating significant concerns with care quality. Ranking #40 out of 72 facilities in North Dakota places them in the bottom half, but as the only option in Eddy County, families may feel limited in choice. The facility is showing improvement, dropping from five issues in 2024 to just one in 2025. Staffing is a strong point, rated 5 out of 5 stars, although the turnover rate is average at 57%. Recent inspections revealed serious issues, including a critical failure in infection control during blood glucose testing that risked residents' health, and a serious incident where a resident sustained a fracture due to inadequate protective measures. While there are strengths, families should be aware of these concerning incidents when considering this nursing home.
- Trust Score
- F
- In North Dakota
- #40/72
- Safety Record
- High Risk
- Inspections
- Getting Better
- Staff Stability ⚠ Watch
- 57% turnover. Above average. Higher turnover means staff may not know residents' routines.
- Penalties ✓ Good
- $27,624 in fines. Lower than most North Dakota facilities. Relatively clean record.
- Skilled Nurses ✓ Good
- Each resident gets 55 minutes of Registered Nurse (RN) attention daily — more than average for North Dakota. RNs are trained to catch health problems early.
- Violations ○ Average
- 10 deficiencies on record. Average for a facility this size. Mostly minor or procedural issues.
The Good
-
5-Star Staffing Rating · Excellent nurse staffing levels
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4-Star Quality Measures · Strong clinical quality outcomes
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Full Sprinkler Coverage · Fire safety systems throughout facility
-
No fines on record
Facility shows strength in staffing levels, quality measures, fire safety.
The Bad
Near North Dakota average (3.1)
Meets federal standards, typical of most facilities
11pts above North Dakota avg (46%)
Frequent staff changes - ask about care continuity
Below median ($33,413)
Moderate penalties - review what triggered them
9 points above North Dakota average of 48%
The Ugly 10 deficiencies on record
Jun 2025
1 deficiency
1 Harm
SERIOUS
(G)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Free from Abuse/Neglect
(Tag F0600)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on review of a facility reported incident (FRI) investigation, record review, review of facility policy review, and staff ...
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Jul 2024
5 deficiencies
1 IJ
CRITICAL
(J)
📢 Someone Reported This
A family member, employee, or ombudsman was alarmed enough to file a formal complaint
Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) - the most serious Medicare violation
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Someone could have died · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, review of manufacturer's instructions, and staff interview, the facility failed to follow infection control standards for 3 of 3 residents (Resident #7, #8, and #41) observed dur...
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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
Deficiency F0657
(Tag F0657)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, record review, review of facility policy, and staff interview, the facility failed to review and revise th...
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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
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, record review, review of facility policy, review of professional reference, and staff interview, the facil...
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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
1. Based on observation and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure an environment free from accident hazards on 1 of 1 special care unit. Failure to ensure residents do not have access to laun...
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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
Deficiency F0761
(Tag F0761)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, review of professional reference, and staff interview, the facility failed to label medications in accordance with professional standards for 2 of 4 supplemental residents (Resid...
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Jan 2022
4 deficiencies
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0578
(Tag F0578)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, review of facility policy, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure the residents' rights to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment for 1 of 13 sampled residen...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Notification of Changes
(Tag F0580)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on record review, review of facility policy, and staff and family interviews, the facility failed to notify the resident's representative (family/legal guardian) of a change in condition for 1 o...
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CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Pharmacy Services
(Tag F0755)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
Based on observation, review of facility policy, review of narcotics records, and staff interview, the facility failed to ensure an accurate count for 2 of 2 residents' (Resident #40 and #43) controll...
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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, review of facility policy and staff interview, the facility failed to label and date 4 of 4 opened multi-dose insulin pens and correctly prime 2 of 4 insulin pens observed during...
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Understanding Severity Codes (click to expand)
Questions to Ask on Your Visit
- "What changes have you made since the serious inspection findings?"
- "What safeguards are in place to prevent abuse and neglect?"
- "Why is there high staff turnover? How do you retain staff?"
- "Can I speak with families of current residents?"
- "What's your RN coverage like on weekends and overnight?"
Our Honest Assessment
- • Licensed and certified facility. Meets minimum state requirements.
- • Multiple safety concerns identified: Federal abuse finding, 1 life-threatening violation(s), 1 harm violation(s), $27,624 in fines. Review inspection reports carefully.
- • 10 deficiencies on record, including 1 critical (life-threatening) violation. These warrant careful review before choosing this facility.
- • $27,624 in fines. Higher than 94% of North Dakota facilities, suggesting repeated compliance issues.
- • Grade F (28/100). Below average facility with significant concerns.
About This Facility
What is Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd's CMS Rating?
CMS assigns LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which is considered average nationally. Within North Dakota, this rating places the facility higher than 0% of the state's 100 nursing homes. This mid-range rating indicates the facility meets federal standards but may have areas for improvement.
How is Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd Staffed?
CMS rates LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD's staffing level at 5 out of 5 stars, which is much above average compared to other nursing homes. Staff turnover is 57%, which is 11 percentage points above the North Dakota average of 46%. High turnover can affect care consistency as new staff learn residents' individual needs.
What Have Inspectors Found at Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd?
State health inspectors documented 10 deficiencies at LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD during 2022 to 2025. These included: 1 Immediate Jeopardy (the most serious level, indicating potential for serious harm or death), 1 that caused actual resident harm, and 8 with potential for harm. Immediate Jeopardy findings are rare and represent the most serious regulatory concerns. They require immediate corrective action.
Who Owns and Operates Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd?
LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 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 51 certified beds and approximately 45 residents (about 88% occupancy), it is a smaller facility located in NEW ROCKFORD, North Dakota.
How Does Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd Compare to Other North Dakota Nursing Homes?
Compared to the 100 nursing homes in North Dakota, LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD's overall rating (3 stars) is below the state average of 3.1, staff turnover (57%) is significantly higher than the state average of 46%, and health inspection rating (2 stars) is below the national benchmark.
What Should Families Ask When Visiting Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd?
Based on this facility's data, families visiting should ask: "What changes have been made since the serious inspection findings, and how are you preventing similar issues?" "What safeguards and monitoring systems are in place to protect residents from abuse or neglect?" "How do you ensure continuity of care given staff turnover, and what is your staff retention strategy?" "Can I visit during a mealtime to observe dining assistance and food quality?" These questions are particularly relevant given the facility's Immediate Jeopardy citations, the substantiated abuse finding on record, and the facility's high staff turnover rate.
Is Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd Safe?
Based on CMS inspection data, LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD has documented safety concerns. The facility has 1 substantiated abuse finding (meaning confirmed case of resident harm by staff or other residents). Inspectors have issued 1 Immediate Jeopardy citation (the most serious violation level indicating risk of serious injury or death). The facility has a 3-star overall rating and ranks #100 of 100 nursing homes in North Dakota. Families considering this facility should ask detailed questions about what corrective actions have been taken since these incidents.
Do Nurses at Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd Stick Around?
Staff turnover at LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD is high. At 57%, the facility is 11 percentage points above the North Dakota average of 46%. High turnover means new staff may not know residents' individual needs, medications, or preferences. It can also be disorienting for residents, especially those with dementia who rely on familiar faces. Families should ask: What is causing the turnover? What retention programs are in place? How do you ensure care continuity during staff transitions?
Was Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd Ever Fined?
LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD has been fined $27,624 across 2 penalty actions. This is below the North Dakota average of $33,355. 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 Lutheran Home Of The Good Shepherd on Any Federal Watch List?
LUTHERAN HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 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.