Ebba O'Day
Sep 2025
The apartment was beautiful, Callie was very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the tour.
1 / 5Quick Facts
- Total units
- 50
- Medicare rating
- 3 of 5
- Ownership
- Non profit, Other
- Certified beds
- 50
- Inspections
- View history (28 citations)
- 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.
Elm Crest Senior Living Community is a senior living community in Harlan, Iowa offering Memory Care, Independent Living and Skilled Nursing / Long Term Care. Amenities include Restaurant style Dining Room, Gathering / Activity Spaces and Social Activities. Families rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 29 reviews.
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 at Elm Crest Senior Living Community
Independent LivingMemory CareSkilled Nursing / Long Term Care
Amenities
Room Amenities
- Emergency Call System
- Private Rooms
- Wheelchair Accessible
Meals & Dining
- Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)
- Restaurant style Dining Room
Community Amenities
- 24-Hour Staff
- Chapel / Religious Services
- Gathering / Activity Spaces
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Service
- Medication Management
- On-Site Nurse (RN)
Activities
- Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)
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Help Me ChooseReviews of Elm Crest Senior Living Community
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.
Government Inspection History
5 inspection visits in the last three years, 28 citations on file. Inspections are conducted by state agencies on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Jan 14, 2026Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard7 citations
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 26, 2026
Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 28, 2026
Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Jan 22, 2026
Install emergency lighting that can last at least 1 1/2 hours.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Jan 14, 2026
Ensure each resident receives and the facility provides food prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 12, 2026
Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 12, 2026
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Feb 12, 2026
Nov 13, 2025Health Complaint1 citation
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Jan 6, 2026
Nov 14, 2024Fire Safety StandardHealth ComplaintHealth Standard12 citations
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity G of L: actual harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 3, 2024
Follow proper procedures when the automatic sprinkler systems was out of service for more than 10 hours.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 14, 2024
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 14, 2024
Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Dec 14, 2024
Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Nov 20, 2024
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 3, 2024
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Dec 3, 2024
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 3, 2024
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 3, 2024
Honor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Dec 3, 2024
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 3, 2024
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.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Dec 3, 2024
Jul 21, 2024Health Complaint2 citations
Develop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 21, 2024
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedFound during a complaint inspectionCorrected Aug 21, 2024
Oct 5, 2023Fire Safety StandardHealth Standard6 citations
Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.
Severity F of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, widespreadCorrected Oct 11, 2023
Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 3, 2023
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Severity E of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, patternCorrected Nov 3, 2023
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 3, 2023
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Nov 3, 2023
Ensure that corridors are separated from use areas by walls constructed to limit the passage of smoke.
Severity D of L: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm, isolatedCorrected Oct 11, 2023
Source: CMS Care Compare, public federal data covering certified nursing facilities, refreshed monthly. Citations range from A (least serious) to L (most serious) on the federal scope and severity scale. Most citations are corrected quickly; review the details and ask the community about anything that concerns you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of care does Elm Crest Senior Living Community offer?
Elm Crest Senior Living Community offers Independent Living, Memory Care and 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.
How did Elm Crest Senior Living Community do on recent health and safety inspections?
Elm Crest Senior Living Community had 5 government inspection visits in the last three years, with 28 citations on file according to CMS Care Compare data. The full history, including what each citation was for and whether it was corrected, is in the inspection section on this page.
How can families visit Elm Crest Senior Living Community?
Submit the Request Information form on this page to connect with Elm Crest Senior Living Community and arrange a tour. Sharing your timeline and care needs up front helps the community prepare for your visit.
Work at Elm Crest Senior Living Community? Claim this listing to update photos, pricing, and details. It's free.
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