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Assisted Living in Minnesota

CMS overall rating Info The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.

Thorne Crest Retirement Center

Assisted Living in Minnesota

CMS overall rating Info The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.

Thorne Crest Retirement Center

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 The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
2/5
Minnesota average: 3.6/5
Health Inspection Info Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
2/5
Minnesota average: 3.0/5
Staffing Info Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
3/5
Minnesota average: 3.8/5
Quality Measures Info Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
3/5
Minnesota average: 3.4/5

Nursing care per resident

Info This shows how many total hours of nursing staff time are available per resident each day. Higher numbers usually mean more staff support.
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
$9.2M
Operating deficit
-$818.8K
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 TypeAssisted Living
StatusApproved For Dementia Care
CountyFreeborn

Additional Licensing Details

CMS Certification Number245425
Awards5-Star Rating for Short Term Quality Measures according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Safety & Compliance

Emergency Systems24 hour emergency nursing call system with call pendant provided.

Staffing

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

Leadership

ContactChris Schulz

Therapy & Rehabilitation

2 services
Rehabilitation Services
Respite Care

Staffing & Medical

3 services
Nursing Services
Skilled Nursing
24-Hour Staffing

Amenities & Lifestyle

7 amenities
Wellness Center
Bistro
Transportation
Emergency Nursing Call System
Library
Garden Space
Maintenance And Upkeep Of Residence And Grounds
Specific ProgramsIndependent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehab Therapy, Respite Care, Wellness Programs
Religious ServicesChapel offers a variety of worship and fellowship services.

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionOne home cooked meal of your choice in our dining room and continental breakfast, daily.
Meals IncludedYes
Meals Per Day1

Contact Thorne Crest Retirement Center

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

State average 23.2

Citations per inspection
3.71

State average 3.76


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 Info Issues related to preventing and controlling infections, including hygiene practices and safety protocols. Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Pharmacy moderate citation Info Issues related to medication management, including how drugs are stored, administered, and monitored. Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Quality of Care moderate citation Info Issues related to how well residents receive appropriate treatment and support for their medical and daily care needs. Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Resident Rights moderate citation Info Issues related to resident's rights, including dignity, privacy, and the ability to make decisions about their care. Sep 18, 2025
Corrected

Compare Assisted Living around Minnesota The information below is reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, Health Regulation Division.

Filter by care type
Thorne Crest Retirement Center
NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Albert Lea
52
No
-
-
12
67.9%
-
-
-
-
0
0
Brookdale West St. Paul
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

West Saint Paul
20
No
41
-
-
55.0%
-
1
-
1
8
Brookdale Winona
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Winona
20
Yes
67
-
11
95.0%
A+
3
90.1%
1
19
Brookdale Willmar
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Willmar
20
No
57
-
-
85.0%
-
1
48.2%
1
10
Brookdale Faribault
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Faribault
20
No
19
-
-
55.0%
-
1
87.6%
1
1

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
Download PDF
1,009 Sq Ft – Deluxe Two Bedroom
Download PDF
Sample Assisted Living Floorplan Layout
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Staffing Data (Q2 2025)

This data corresponds to Q2 2025 and is based on CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

Total staff 170
Employees 37
Contractors 133
Staff to resident ratio 4.25:1
91% better than Minnesota average

Minnesota average ratio: 2.22:1

Avg staff/day 25
Average shift 7.1 hours
5% worse than Minnesota average

Minnesota average: 7.5 hours

Total staff hours (quarter) 16,245
Nursing staff breakdown
Registered Nurse

Manages medical care and health needs.

Total count 22
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.4 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Assists with medical care and medications.

Total count 11
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 8.6 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Helps with daily care and mobility.

Total count 120
Average shift length Info Average shift length. Calculated as total hours divided by days worked and average staff per day. 7.2 hours

This role is partially covered by contractors.

Contractor staffing

Total hours from contractors

41.1%

6,670 contractor hours this quarter

Certified Nursing Assistant: 101 Registered Nurse: 18 Licensed Practical Nurse: 6 Occupational Therapy Aide: 1 Respiratory Therapy Technician: 1 Speech Language Pathologist: 1 Administrator: 1 Physical Therapy Assistant: 1 Occupational Therapy Assistant: 1 Physical Therapy Aide: 1 Medical Director: 1
Staff by category
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
120 Certified Nursing Assistant
% of Days 100%
11 Licensed Practical Nurse
% of Days 100%
22 Registered Nurse
% of Days 100%
4 Other Dietary Services Staff
% of Days 100%
2 Administrator
% of Days 70%
1 Dietitian
% of Days 69%
1 Mental Health Service Worker
% of Days 70%
1 Clinical Nurse Specialist
% of Days 68%
1 Nurse Practitioner
% of Days 68%
1 Speech Language Pathologist
% of Days 23%
1 Occupational Therapy Aide
% of Days 18%
1 Occupational Therapy Assistant
% of Days 25%
1 Respiratory Therapy Technician
% of Days 10%
1 Physical Therapy Assistant
% of Days 7%
1 Physical Therapy Aide
% of Days 2%
1 Medical Director
% of Days 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

Guides for Better Senior Living

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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.