Ebba O'Day
Sep 2025
The apartment was beautiful, Callie was very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the tour.
Elm Crest Senior Living Community
2104 12th Street
4.4(29 ratings)
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 50
- Medicare rating
- 3 of 5
- Ownership
- Non profit, Other
- Certified beds
- 50
- Operator
- Not-for-profit provider operating since 1930
- Care continuum
- Independent living through skilled nursing on one campus
- Therapy services
- Comprehensive rehabilitation therapy included on-site
CMS Care Compare
What Families Think
Reviews for Elm Crest are largely positive, with families praising friendly staff and a smooth transition into assisted living, but one detailed report describes a serious safety failure during a skilled nursing/rehab stay. The community offers a full continuum of care from independent living through memory care and skilled nursing on one campus.
The Good
- Staff described as friendly, caring, and professional
- Smooth, supportive move-in process for families
- Residents report good food and weight gain
- Residents join activities and make friends
- Multiple care levels available on one campus
The Bad
- One report of serious negligence leading to a fall and broken leg
- One report describes understaffing overnight
- One report of poor communication from night nursing staff about a medical emergency
AI-generated from reviews and community data.
About Elm Crest Senior Living Community
Elm Crest Retirement Community is a senior living community in Harlan, Iowa, offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care services. The community is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit senior living and health care provider since 1930.
The community provides multiple levels of care from trained and compassionate healthcare professionals, including expert skilled nursing, compassionate memory care, and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy. Residents can choose from fully independent apartments to assisted living options and long-term care in the skilled nursing health center.
Elm Crest offers specialized care services, social activities, and various amenities across its community settings. The community features independent living homes, assisted living studios, and skilled nursing suites designed to provide comfortable living environments for seniors.
Types of Care
Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care
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Help Me ChooseReviews
4.4overall · 29 ratings combined
4.4★ on Google (29)
Diane Hall
Mar 2025
All the employees their are so friendly and helpful with every detail. Royce you are a joy to work with. They do their best to take the worry from you and help make moving a family member into their facility a pleasant move.
Martha
Apr 2022
Elm Crest looks nice but is not safe. They were negligent in their care. My Mom was there in rehab with a broken leg. Their policy (both the manager and the head of nursing agreed with this policy) allowed them to put my 92 year old Mother on the toilet in the middle of the night and leave her there, even though she was a fall risk. I believe they were understaffed, which was common, and left her alone in the bathroom for a long, long time. She stood up because her leg was hurting, fell down and broke her leg in a new place. This could have easily been prevented with a policy that included patient safety. They refused to admit any wrong doing and it cost her $20,000 and set her recovery back by a year!! One of the most dangerous things was the night nurse that was not a problem solver. She would tell me where she ate dinner but did not communicate important medical information. She did not get ahold of me when my Mom went to the hospital with a broken leg. There are safer places with competent management.
Deb Pearson
Oct 2018
My mom moved into Elmcrest approx. 6 months ago. At that time. I was worried, I thought it was too soon. Sh9e was independant, had a beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood that she loved and didn't want to move. I was very worried that she would be unhappy in assisted living and pictured her sitting alone in her little apartment, depressed and crying because of the drastic change. But, her difficulties with her memory resulted in her doctor advising that it would be best if she did move into assisted living. All of my worries were needless, she loves living at Elmcrest, she is thrilled! The staff there are some of the kindest, caring and professional people whom you will find anywhere. My mom doesn't have a single complaint, worry or concern. She has made friends, joins in the many activities they provide and raves about the food. She has been eating so well, she gained some much-needed weight and looks great! I can't say enough about how wonderful Elmcrest is and I sincerely thank all of the staff who care for the residents.
Bud Poole
Oct 2014
looks like a very nice place for me to retire,since this is the place where I grew up. Contact me with all the details,cost, size of rooms, freedom to get out and move around,available rental transportation,sweet and nice nurses. Thanks,R.Bud Poole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Elm Crest Senior Living Community offer?
Elm Crest Senior Living Community offers Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care.
Where is Elm Crest Senior Living Community located?
Elm Crest Senior Living Community is located at 2104 12th Street in Harlan, Iowa.
What do families say about Elm Crest Senior Living Community?
Reviews for Elm Crest are largely positive, with families praising friendly staff and a smooth transition into assisted living, but one detailed report describes a serious safety failure during a skilled nursing/rehab stay. The community offers a full continuum of care from independent living through memory care and skilled nursing on one campus.
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