Freeborn County, Minnesota · Nursing home
Thorne Crest Retirement Center
1 of 5 overall from CMS
1201 Garfield Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007
At a glance
- Overall rating 1 of 5 Below the state average of 3.2
- Nurse time per resident, per day 3.76 hours Below the state average of 4.19
- Nursing staff who left in a year 72.7% Above the state average of 42.2%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 36 3 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $43,082 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 83.3% of 52 beds, on an average day
Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.
Thorne Crest Retirement Center is a 52-bed nursing home in Albert Lea, Minnesota (Freeborn County). CMS rates it 1 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.76 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, below the Minnesota average of 4.19. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $43,082 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 52
- Residents per day (average)
- 43.3
- Certified since
- 1987 (39 yrs)
Non profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest (6 homes)
Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.
Terms used on this page
- CMS
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
- Certified beds
- The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
- Deficiency or citation
- A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
- Actual harm
- Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
- Immediate jeopardy
- Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
- Inspection cycle
- A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
- Special Focus Facility (SFF)
- A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program
Questions to ask Thorne Crest Retirement Center
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $43,082 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- CMS counts 22 health deficiencies in the latest inspection cycle (the standard inspection on Jan 27, 2026 plus complaint and infection-control inspections); the Minnesota average is 7.1. Which have been corrected?Inspection results in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 72.7%, above the Minnesota average of 42.2%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 1 of 5 Minnesota average 3.2
- Health inspections 1 of 5 Minnesota average 2.8
- Staffing 4 of 5 Minnesota average 4.1
- Quality measures 4 of 5 Minnesota average 3.1
The vertical line marks the Minnesota average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings
Nurse staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.
What these roles do
Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.
- All nursing staff 3.76 h Minnesota average 4.19
- Nurse aides 2.35 h Minnesota average 2.52
- Licensed practical nurses 0.41 h Minnesota average 0.61
- Registered nurses 1.00 h Minnesota average 1.06
- All staff, weekends 3.43 h Minnesota average 3.71
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 10 hours. The vertical line marks the Minnesota average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover72.7%
- Minnesota average42.2%
- Registered nurse turnover50.0%
- Minnesota average38.6%
- Administrators who left1
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Minnesota and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 17.0% | 18.2% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 3.0% | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 3.4% | 1.9% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 2.0% | 2.6% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 0.7% | 4.1% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 4.6% | 4.0% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 99.3% | 97.4% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 23.4% | 20.5% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 8.8% | 12.5% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 97.2% | 96.1% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 3.5% | 5.2% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 37.7% | 24.5% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 11.7% | 17.1% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.61 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.90 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 96.8% | 88.1% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 1.6% | 1.9% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 85.4% | 82.7% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 14.0% | 23.5% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 29.0% | 14.8% | 12.0% |
Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov
Inspection history
Inspectors cited 36 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 2 were at the immediate jeopardy level and 1 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 13 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Dec 26, 2025: Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 27, 2026 | 22 | 4 |
| Nov 20, 2024 | 4 | 7 |
| Oct 26, 2023 | 10 | 1 |
Minnesota homes averaged 7.1 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.
Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (36)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 12, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
Show 25 more
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.
Environmental · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 11, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 6, 2026)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Past Non-Compliance (Dec 19, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.
Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Complaint investigation · Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)
-
JImmediate jeopardy, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Past Non-Compliance (Dec 8, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 17, 2024)
-
KImmediate jeopardy, pattern
Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Nov 8, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
Complaint investigation · Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 29, 2024)
-
FPotential for more than minimal harm, widespread
Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.
Administration · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2023)
Showing the 30 most recent of 36.
What severity letters A to L mean
Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".
Penalties, past three years
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2024 | Fine | $43,082 |
Minnesota homes averaged 0.8 fines and $24,507 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.
Cost
Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.
Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.
Compared within Minnesota
- Size206 of 338 by certified beds
- Minnesota average residents per day60.3
- ChainAmerican Baptist Homes of the Midwest
- Chain average overall rating2.3 of 5
- Resident or family councilBoth
- Homes in Albert Lea3
- Homes in Freeborn County3
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Thorne Crest Retirement Center?
Thorne Crest Retirement Center has an overall rating of 1 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 1, staffing is 4 and quality measures is 4.
How many beds does Thorne Crest Retirement Center have?
Thorne Crest Retirement Center has 52 certified beds. It averages 43.3 residents per day, about 83.3% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Thorne Crest Retirement Center?
The home reports 3.76 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 1.00 hours from registered nurses. The Minnesota average is 4.19 hours and 1.06 hours from registered nurses.
Has Thorne Crest Retirement Center been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $43,082 in the past three years.
Does Thorne Crest Retirement Center accept Medicare or Medicaid?
CMS lists its participation as "Medicare and Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.
Guides for families looking at this home
- Understanding the recordWhat to ask on a nursing home tourQuestions that turn a home's public record into a useful conversation when you tour, plus what to look for yourself.
- Understanding the recordInspection severity letters A to LHow inspectors grade each deficiency by harm and by how many residents were affected.
- Understanding the recordHow to read CMS star ratingsWhat the overall, health inspection, staffing and quality measure ratings cover, and what they leave out.
Nearest nursing homes
- 3 of 5 St Johns on Fountain Lake 84beds 91.5%in use 4.55nurse hours a day
- 4 of 5 Good Samaritan Society - Albert Lea 80beds 90.9%in use 4.64nurse hours a day
- 3 of 5 Lutheran Retirement Home 42beds 82.1%in use 4.57nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Freeborn County
Who to call in Minnesota
These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Minnesota.
- Long-term care ombudsman Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care (OOLTC) 1-800-657-3591 (Also 651-431-2555. Calls answered 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. TDD/TTY: 711. Email MBA.OOLTC@state.mn.us; fax 651-431-7452.) An advocate for residents and their families.
- File a complaint about a nursing home Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) 651-201-4200 (Email: health.ohfc-complaints@state.mn.us. MDH directs suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable adult (abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, unexplained injury) to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC), 844-880-1574 (toll free).) The state agency that inspects nursing homes.
Minnesota staffing, bed-hold and Medicaid rules · Residents' rights in every state
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 245425. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov
See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.