Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society

The Good Samaritan Society is a nonprofit company that provides senior care and housing. It offers home-based assistance, long-term care, rehabilitation therapy, and senior housing. The Good Samaritan Society is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and aims to share God’s love with its residents.

President/CEO Nate Schema manages and leads the Good Sam company. 

Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society skilled nursing facilities are in Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, and Florida. Sometimes, a larger organization has difficulty maintaining quality care standards across all locations, especially when facilities are in multiple states.

The Good Samaritan Society made news in 2023 when it announced its plan to exit 15 states and reduce resident occupancy by almost 30%. Eventually, the Good Samaritan Society will only be located in seven states: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. However, the transition will take time for locations to be sold to other healthcare agencies.

CMS Ratings

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) created a five-star quality rating system to help residents and their families choose the best assisted living facilities. These ratings can be especially beneficial in evaluating different locations of a healthcare agency. 

The ratings specifically measure healthcare, staffing, and overall quality measures. Certain factors may be included in a CMS inspection, such as vaccination rates, fire safety inspections, emergency preparedness, penalties, and services offered.

A five-star rating indicates the skilled nursing center does an excellent job of offering residents quality care. A three-star rating means the center performs average and has room for improvement. A rating of less than three stars indicates deficiencies that may affect residents’ care. 

Good Sam ratings vary significantly among its various assisted living locations. 

The Good Sam Society of Prescott Village, Arizona, received a three-star rating. The Good Sam Society, Augusta Place in Bismark, North Dakota, received a two-star rating, with below-average health inspections, as did the Good Samaritan Society in Village Vista, Kansas. The Good Samaritan Society in Olathe, Kansas, received the lowest rating, a one star.

The star rating system can help families learn much about a skilled nursing center. Additionally, interested families can access the public deficiency reports, which list independent deficiencies.

Complaints and Legal Actions Against Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society has cited staffing difficulties and reimbursement challenges as the primary reason for its goal of closing offices in many states. Unsurprisingly, the Good Samaritan Society has been the subject of various complaints and legal actions against residents and their family members. Here are a few complaints and legal actions taken against this home health community:

• Roth vs. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society
  • Allegation: Wrongful death, negligence, and loss of consortium.
• Delgado vs. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society
  • Allegation: Violations of the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA).
• Sean D. Jordan vs. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society
  • Allegation: Violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Gassman vs. The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society
  • Allegation: Negligence through wrongful discharge.

Inspection and Deficiency Reports at Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society

CMS inspections are public, which can help families choose quality care for their loved ones. Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society has a few deficiencies from recent reports worth noting, including the following:

• Good Samaritan Society – Prescott Village, Arizona – [9/1/2024] – Issue Summary:
  • Violation: Over 25 deficiencies were reported, most involving resident’s rights.
  • Example: Failing to transfer or discharge a resident without good reason. Failing to ensure a licensed pharmacist completes monthly drug reviews to protect residents from all types of abuse.
• Good Samaritan Society – Valley Vista, Kansas – [3/8/2024] – Issue Summary:
  • Violation: Approximately 12 deficiencies with the most recent inspection.
  • Example: Failing to ensure the nursing home is free of accident hazards, develop a care plan within the residents’ first seven days at the facility, and provide the residents with behavioral health care and services.
• Good Samaritan Society – Olathe, Kansas – [9/1/2024] – Issue Summary:
  • Violation: 18 citations from the most recent inspection.
  • Example: Various deficiencies, including failing to reasonably accommodate and meet the needs of each resident, failing to create a care plan for each resident, failing to ensure a licensed pharmacist reviews all medications, and failing to ensure all residents are free from unnecessary drugs.
• Good Samaritan Society Augusta Place, Bismarck, North Dakota – [5/9/2024] – Issue Summary:
  • Violation: Various non-compliance deficiency reports, including quality of life and care, resident assessment and care planning, and pharmacy services.
  • Example: Failing to maintain an accident-free skilled nursing center. Failing to ensure accurate assessments. Failing to coordinate pre-admission screenings. Failing to ensure drugs and biologicals are used safely as labeled.

Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Free Case Evaluation

The Nursing Home Law Center is committed to helping families navigate the often overwhelming skilled nursing home decision. We connect families to the resources they need to make an informed decision about the community care their loved one receives. Our firm is on a mission to improve assisted living facilities for Americans and hold those who are negligent accountable.

Important Steps After Suffering Abuse or Neglect

Abuse and neglect should never happen in assisted living facilities. However, when the unimaginable happens, taking specific steps to protect your well-being and legal rights is essential. Here are a few key steps to take if you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect:

1. Report Neglect/Abuse: Always report suspicions of nursing home abuse or neglect. Contact the local authorities or Adult Protective Services in your state. You should also notify the director or president of the company.
2. Seek Medical Care: Any suspicions of abuse or neglect should always be followed by a medical checkup. Take your loved one to trusted medical providers for a complete evaluation.
3. Gather Evidence: It’s never too soon to begin collecting evidence of abuse or neglect. The responsible employees may attempt to cover up the wrongdoing. Request a copy of the police report and witness statements. Capture photographs or video evidence of injuries or dangerous environments. Keep copies of phone or email conversations with leadership or employees.
4. Discuss Your Case With a Lawyer: Discussing your case with a lawyer allows you to learn about your legal options. Contact the Nursing Home Law Center today for a free consultation.

Why Work With a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

A nursing home abuse lawyer may be necessary if your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect in a skilled nursing facility. The Nursing Home Law Center holds negligent employees and facilities accountable for their actions.

Working with an experienced nursing home abuse/neglect lawyer lets you choose the best legal route to justice. Our team will review the details of your case before conducting an official investigation. 

We’ll gather evidence that proves the abuse or neglect before filing your case with the appropriate courts. Then, we’ll manage negotiations on your behalf, ensuring you and your family receive the compensation you need to move on from this challenging situation.

While many nursing home abuse and neglect cases are settled outside of court, this may not make sense for your case. The Nursing Home Law Center takes the time to get to know you and your family and what you need for proper healing. If the negligent organization is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, we’ll prepare your case for trial.

Time Limits on Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Case

Our team is here to help guide you through the legal process, offering compassionate support and expertise every step of the way. However, it’s important to note that most states have time limits on how long victims have to file a lawsuit. Your legal options are dependent on the details of the abuse or neglect, the outcome, and the state in which the assisted living facility is located.

Complimentary Consultation and Contingency Fee Legal Representation

The skilled nursing facility or home health care company you choose should treat your loved one as you would, with the care they deserve. Like other assisted living services, the evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society has been central to numerous lawsuits and CMS violations.

If you or your loved one were subject to negligent care from an assisted living program, consider contacting a lawyer to explore your legal options. The money recovered in a lawsuit may not reverse the abuse your loved one had to endure, but it can help them heal.

Contact the Nursing Home Law Center at (800) 926-7565 for a free consultation. You can also fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you about your case.