Assisted Living Home

Thorne Crest Retirement Center

Assisted Living Home

Thorne Crest Retirement Center

Albert Lea, MN 56007 View map
Overview of Thorne Crest Retirement Center
Thorne Crest is a senior living community located in Albert Lea, MN. It offers a variety of senior housing options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community is committed to providing quality care and a vibrant lifestyle for its residents.
(507) 373-2311

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info Official CMS rating based on health inspections, staffing and quality measures.
2/5
Minnesota average: 3.6/5
Health Inspection Info Official CMS rating based on deficiencies found during state health inspections.
2/5
Minnesota average: 3.0/5
Staffing Info Official CMS rating based on nurse staffing hours per resident per day.
3/5
Minnesota average: 3.8/5
Quality Measures Info Official CMS rating based on clinical outcomes for residents.
3/5
Minnesota average: 3.4/5

Nursing care per resident

Info Average daily nursing hours per resident (adjusted for acuity). Higher values indicate more nursing time per resident.
3h 45m per day

This home provides 27% less nursing time per resident than the Minnesota average.

Minnesota average: 5h 7m per day

Capacity and availability

Medium-capacity home

Offers a balance of services and community atmosphere.

Total beds 105

This home usually has availability

Lower occupancy suggests more openings may be available.

Lower demand than the Minnesota average
Occupancy rate 67.9%
Residents per day (avg) 41
Occupancy rate
67.9%
Residents per day (avg)
41

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Mix of rehab and long-term care

This home supports both short-term rehab and long-term care, with residents staying for a wide range of durations.

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

41% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 1 months

Private pay

55% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 4 months

Medicaid

4% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.

Typical stay 3 - 4 years

Finances and operations

Voluntary non-profit community
Operated by a church.
Home revenue
$9.2M
Operating deficit
-$818.8K
Voluntary non-profit community Operated by a church.
Home revenue
$9,186,517.00
Operating deficit
$-818,844.00
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$4.7M
50.8% of revenue
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$5.3M
Total costs $10.0M
Bed community size
105-bed community
A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.
Years in operation
12 years in operation
A community with a solid operating history and experience delivering ongoing care.

About this community

License details

Facility type
Assisted Living
Status Approved For Dementia Care
County: Freeborn

Additional licensing details

CMS Certification Number: 245425
Awards: 5-Star Rating for Short Term Quality Measures according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Safety & Compliance

Emergency Systems: 24 hour emergency nursing call system with call pendant provided.

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

Contact: Chris Schulz

Care Services

Nursing Services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care
Memory Care
Independent Living
Skilled Nursing
24-Hour Staffing

Amenities & Lifestyle

Wellness Center
Bistro
Transportation
Emergency nursing call system
Library
Garden space
Maintenance and upkeep of residence and grounds.

Programs & Activities

Specific Programs
Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehab Therapy, Respite Care, Wellness Programs
Religious Services
Chapel offers a variety of worship and fellowship services.

Dining & Nutrition

Food Description
One home cooked meal of your choice in our dining room and continental breakfast, daily.
Meals Included
Yes
Meals Per Day
1

Inspection History

In Minnesota, the Department of Health, Health Regulation Division is the primary authority for conducting onsite inspections and reporting on the quality of care in residential facilities.

Latest inspection

Date:October 17, 2025

Health Inspection History

Inspections
Total health inspections 7

State average 6


Last Health inspection on Sep 2025

Total health citations 26
Citations per inspection
3.71

Health citations are formal notices following inspections when they fail to comply with safety and care standards.

17 of 26 citations resulted from standard inspections; 8 of 26 resulted from complaint investigations; and 1 of 26 came from combined inspections (standard and complaint).

Breakdown of citation severity (last 3 years)
Critical Health citations More info 2
186% worse than State average

State average: 0.7


Serious Health citations More info 0
100% better than State average

State average: 0.5

2 critical citations More info State average: 0.7

0 serious citations More info State average: 0.5

24 moderate citations More info State average: 21.2

0 minor citations More info State average: 0.8
Citations history (last 3 years)
Infection Control moderate citation Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Pharmacy moderate citation Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Quality of Care moderate citation Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Resident Rights moderate citation Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Compare Assisted Living around Minnesota

The information below is reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division.
Thorne Crest Retirement Center
SNF

Nursing Home 24/7 care needed

AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MN 56007
52
No
-
-
Brookdale West St. Paul
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

MC

Memory Care Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

West Saint Paul
20
No
-
41
Brookdale Winona
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Winona
20
Yes
A+
67
Brookdale Willmar
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Willmar
20
No
-
57
Brookdale Faribault
AL

Assisted Living For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

Faribault
20
No
-
19

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

640 Sq Ft – Standard One Bedroom
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702 Sq Ft – Deluxe One Bedroom
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923 Sq Ft – Standard Two Bedroom
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1,009 Sq Ft – Deluxe Two Bedroom
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Sample Assisted Living Floorplan Layout
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Places of interest near Thorne Crest Retirement Center

Address 0.0 miles from city center

Address Albert Lea, MN 56007

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Address

Staffing Data

Source: CMS Payroll-Based Journal (Q2 2025)

170
Total Staff
37
Employees
133
Contractors
16,245
Total Hours (Quarter)
25
Avg Staff/Day
7.1
Avg Shift (hrs)
Nursing Staff Breakdown
Role Count Avg Shift (hrs) Uses Contractors?
Registered Nurse227.4 Yes
Licensed Practical Nurse118.6 Yes
Certified Nursing Assistant1207.2 Yes
Staff by Category
Administration
3 staff
7.9hs shift avg
Nursing Staff
153 staff
7.4hs shift avg
Physicians & Practitioners
2 staff
7.9hs shift avg
Therapy Services
6 staff
3.9hs shift avg
Activities & Recreation
0 staff
0hs shift avg
Social Services
0 staff
0hs shift avg
Dietary Services
5 staff
6.8hs shift avg
Other Services
1 staff
7.9hs shift avg
Contractor Analysis
41.1%
of total hours from contractors
6,670 contractor hours this quarter
Licensed Practical Nurse: 6 Certified Nursing Assistant: 101 Occupational Therapy Aide: 1 Respiratory Therapy Technician: 1 Registered Nurse: 18 Speech Language Pathologist: 1 Administrator: 1 Physical Therapy Assistant: 1 Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1 Physical Therapy Aide: 1 Medical Director: 1
Role Employees Contractors Total Staff Total Hours Days Worked % of Days Avg Shift (hrs)
Certified Nursing Assistant191011208,67291100%7.2
Licensed Practical Nurse56112,17591100%8.6
Registered Nurse418221,48191100%7.4
Other Dietary Services Staff4041,08391100%6.2
Administrator1125356470%8
Dietitian1015166369%8.2
Mental Health Service Worker1015086470%7.9
Clinical Nurse Specialist1014926268%7.9
Nurse Practitioner1014836268%7.8
Speech Language Pathologist0111552123%7.4
Occupational Therapy Aide011781618%4.9
Occupational Therapy Assistant011372325%1.6
Respiratory Therapy Technician01122910%2.4
Physical Therapy Assistant011567%0.8
Physical Therapy Aide011422%1.9
Medical Director011111%1

Facility Characteristics

Source: CMS Long-Term Care Facility Characteristics (Data as of Jan 2026)

Total census
40 residents
Residents by payment source
Medicare
3 residents (7.5%)
Medicaid
21 residents (52.5%)
Private pay or other
16 residents (40%)
Programs & Services
Residents' Group

Residents meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities

Family Member Group

Family members meet regularly to discuss policies, care quality, and activities

CCRC

Part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering multiple care levels

Active Family Council

Organized group of family members that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, resident care, and activities.

Active Resident Council

Organized group of residents that meets regularly to discuss facility policies, quality of life, and activities.

Quality of care over time

These measures show how residents usually do over time at this home, based on health outcomes and preventive care.

High-risk clinical events score Info A composite score based on pressure ulcers, falls with injury, weight loss, walking ability decline, and activities of daily living decline. 14.8
33% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 11.1

Functional decline score Info A composite score based on activities of daily living decline, walking ability decline, and incontinence. 29.8
32% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 22.6

Long-stay resident measures
Need for Help with Daily Activities Increased Info Percent of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased 20.6%
9% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 18.9%

Walking Ability Worsened Info Percent of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened 38.5%
62% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 23.8%

Low Risk Residents with Bowel/Bladder Incontinence Info Percent of low risk long-stay residents who lose control of their bowels or bladder 30.4%
21% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 25.0%

Falls with Major Injury Info Percent of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 3.8%
In line with Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 3.7%

High Risk Residents with Pressure Ulcers Info Percent of long-stay high risk residents with pressure ulcers 8.9%
64% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 5.4%

Urinary Tract Infection Info Percent of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 6.2%
126% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 2.7%

Lost Too Much Weight Info Percent of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 2.1%
48% better than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 4.1%

Depressive Symptoms Info Percent of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 4.8%
9% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 4.4%

Antipsychotic Use Info Percent of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 15.2%
12% better than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 17.2%

Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 97.7%
In line with Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 97.3%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 97.2%
In line with Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 96.0%

Short-stay resident measures
Pneumococcal Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 96.7%
9% better than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 88.9%

Antipsychotic medication increase Info Percent of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 0.0%
100% better than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 1.9%

Influenza Vaccine Info Percent of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 85.4%
In line with Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 82.6%

Penalties and fines

Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.

Source: CMS Penalties Database (Data as of Jan 2026)

Total fines amount $43K
In line with Minnesota average

Minnesota average: $44K

Number of fines 1
50% fewer fines than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 2.0

Payment Denials Info Serious action where Medicare and/or Medicaid temporarily stops payments for new residents until issues are fixed. 0
100% fewer payment denials than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 0.4

Fines amount comparison
Fines amount comparison
This facility $43K
Minnesota average $44K
Penalty History

Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.

Civil Money Penalty Info Fines imposed for noncompliance, which can be assessed per day or per instance of violation. Oct 15, 2024
$43K

Last updated: Jan 2026

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Financial Aid for Minnesota Seniors

Get financial aid guidance

Elderly Waiver

Minnesota Medicaid EW

Age 65+, Minnesota resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

$3,000 (individual, higher than most states).

Higher asset limit; rural access focus.

Essential Community Supports (ECS)

Minnesota ECS

Age 65+, Minnesota resident, at risk of decline but not nursing home level.

~$1,732/month (individual, varies).

$3,000 (individual).

Bridges gap for those ineligible for waivers.

Alternative Care (AC) Program

Minnesota Alternative Care Program

Age 65+, Minnesota resident, NFLOC, not MA-eligible.

~$1,255-$2,829/month (100%-300% FPL); sliding scale copays.

$3,000 (individual); home equity limit $713,000.

CDCS option; statewide via counties.

Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO)

Minnesota Senior Health Options

Age 65+, Minnesota resident, eligible for MA and Medicare Parts A/B.

~$1,255/month (100% FPL for MA); spenddown allowed.

$3,000 (individual), $6,000 (couple).

7 health plans (e.g., UCare, HealthPartners); care coordinator assigned.

Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+)

Minnesota Senior Care Plus

Age 65+, Minnesota resident, MA-eligible, not on Medicare.

~$1,255/month (100% FPL); spenddown allowed.

$3,000 (individual), $6,000 (couple).

Includes EW services; 7 health plans available.

Consumer Support Grant (CSG)

Minnesota Consumer Support Grant

Age 65+ or disabled, Minnesota resident, eligible for MA personal care but opts for grant.

~$1,255/month (MA-eligible); spenddown allowed.

$3,000 (individual).

Can hire family; statewide via counties.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Minnesota Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled, Minnesota resident, Medicare Part A/B.

~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

$9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

Three tiers; no waitlist; includes Extra Help for Part D.

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Minnesota VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, Minnesota resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

~$155,356 (net worth limit).

High veteran demand in rural/urban areas.