facebook tracking Thorne Crest Retirement Center, Albert Lea MN: CMS Ratings
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Thorne Crest Retirement Center

All states › Minnesota › Albert Lea › Thorne Crest Retirement Center

1201 Garfield Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007 · Freeborn County

(507) 205-9004

All 3 nursing homes in Albert Lea, MN (3 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 52 certified beds Non profit

CMS certification number 245425 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Thorne Crest Retirement Center a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record

There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Thorne Crest Retirement Center as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Minnesota average of 3.2. Inspectors issued 36 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $43,082 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 3 out of 5.

Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.

Staffing

Nursing staff spend about 3.46 hours per resident per day at Thorne Crest Retirement Center, below the Minnesota median of 4.18 (US median: 3.72). About 0.72 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 2.93 hours, 15% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 77% of nursing staff left within a year (Minnesota median 39.7%). High turnover can mean residents see unfamiliar caregivers; ask how long the nurses on the unit have worked there.

Nursing care per resident per day 3.46 hours
Below the Minnesota median of 4.18 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.72 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 2.93 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 77% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 50% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 1 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds52
Residents per day 44 About 85% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipNon profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceFebruary 1987
Part of a chainAmerican Baptist Homes of the Midwest
Legal business nameAMERICAN BAPTIST HOMES OF THE MIDWEST

Paying for care at Thorne Crest Retirement Center: Medicare and Medicaid

Thorne Crest Retirement Center is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Minnesota's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.

In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.

Health inspections

The most recent standard inspection was on January 27, 2026 and found 14 deficiencies, plus 4 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 36 citations in the last three years.

Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.

What the inspections found

Over the last three years, inspectors issued 36 citations at Thorne Crest Retirement Center across 9 inspection dates, 13 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on December 11, 2024 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (15) and infection control (4). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody" (tag F0600, level K, October 15, 2024). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

May 20, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 12, 2026)

January 27, 2026 · 16 citations · includes complaint inspection

FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

FEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0726 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

FProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

FHave a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0865 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

FSet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0867 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

FProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

FImplement a program that monitors antibiotic use.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0881 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

EMake sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0921 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DEnsure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0676 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2026)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DProvide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0698 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

DProvide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0825 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)

December 26, 2025 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Dec 19, 2025)

September 18, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)

DProvide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0755 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)

December 11, 2024 · 1 citation, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

JEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Immediate jeopardy · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Past Non-Compliance (Dec 8, 2024)

November 20, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2024)

October 15, 2024 · 2 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection

KProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Immediate jeopardy · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0600 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)

May 8, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 29, 2024)

October 26, 2023 · 9 citations

FElectronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Administration Deficiencies · Tag F0851 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DNot transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0622 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DProvide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0678 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DAssist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0685 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

DProvide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0699 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Thorne Crest Retirement Center

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on October 15, 2024 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on October 15, 2024. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Weekend staffing is 15% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
  4. Nursing staff turnover was 77% a year. How many of the staff come from agencies?
  5. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  6. When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?

Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.

Fines and payment denials

1 penalty in the last three years, including $43,082 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Oct 15, 2024 Fine $43,082

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 1/5 1/5 3/5 4/5
August 2026 1/5 1/5 4/5 4/5
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Location

Hospitals near Thorne Crest Retirement Center

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.

Nearby nursing homes

St John's on Fountain Lake Albert Lea · 2.0 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 5/5 84 beds · Medicaid
Good Samaritan Society - Albert Lea Albert Lea · 3.0 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 5/5 80 beds · Medicaid
New Richland Care Center New Richland · 17.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 45 beds · Medicaid
Sacred Heart Care Center Austin · 18.2 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 59 beds · Medicaid
St Mark's Living Austin · 18.9 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 4/5 45 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Thorne Crest Retirement Center ›   All nursing homes in Albert Lea ›

Compare Thorne Crest Retirement Center with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/minnesota/albert-lea/thorne-crest-retirement-center/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.