Thorne Crest Retirement Center, Albert Lea, MN

The Essentials

Summary

Across 9 inspections from October 2023 to May 2026, state surveyors documented 36 findings at Thorne Crest Retirement Center; 36 have a recorded correction; CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window.

Inspections: 9; 2023–2026, complaint and standard
Findings: 36; Deficiencies cited by state inspectors
Corrected: 36; Of 36 findings, with a recorded correction date
Penalties: 1; 1 fine; payment not published

Findings by Year

Findings
Of which, actual harm (level G or above)

* Partial year, through October 1, 2026.

Findings by year
Year	Inspections	Findings	Of which, actual harm (level G or above)
2023	1	9	0
2024	4	5	2
2025	2	5	1
2026	2	17	0

What the Record Shows

36 of 36 findings have a recorded correction date.
CMS lists 1 enforcement action in the window: 1 fine of $43,082, its payment not published.
8 visits in this window included a complaint investigation. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.
The latest standard inspection, January 27, 2026, recorded 16 findings (most serious: Level F).

What to Ask About

Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Three Inspections
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
Telling Families About Changes, Cited in Two Inspections
Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Continence and Catheter Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections

Report at a Glance

Facility: Thorne Crest Retirement Center
Address: 1201 Garfield Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007
CMS Certification Number: 245425
Provider Type: Skilled nursing facility and nursing facility
Certified Beds: 52
Ownership: Non profit - Corporation
Record Window: October 26, 2023 to October 1, 2026

Chronology

Inspection History

Every inspection in the record window, newest first. A finding is a deficiency an inspector cited. CMS publishes what a complaint investigation cited, not what the complaint alleged.

May 202026
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F686Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Jun 12, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Jan 272026
Standard health inspection
16 findings
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- F725Provide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F726Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F865Have a plan that describes the process for conducting QAPI and QAA activities.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F867Set up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F881Implement a program that monitors antibiotic use.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F921Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.Level ENo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F676Ensure residents do not lose the ability to perform activities of daily living unless there is a medical reason.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F677Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 11, 2026
- F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F698Provide safe, appropriate dialysis care/services for a resident who requires such services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F760Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
- F825Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Mar 6, 2026
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Dec 262025
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level GActual harmCorrected Dec 19, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Sep 182025
Complaint investigation
4 findings
- F580Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
- F684Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
- F755Provide pharmaceutical services to meet the needs of each resident and employ or obtain the services of a licensed pharmacist.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Oct 10, 2025
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Dec 112024
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level JImmediate jeopardyCorrected Dec 8, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Nov 202024
Standard health inspection
1 finding
The same visit included a complaint investigation.
- F558Reasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 17, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Oct 152024
Complaint investigation
2 findings
- F600Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.Level KImmediate jeopardyCorrected Nov 8, 2024
- F609Timely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Nov 8, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
May 82024
Complaint investigation
1 finding
- F880Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected May 29, 2024
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Oct 262023
Standard health inspection
9 findings
- F851Electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data.Level FNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F622Not transfer or discharge a resident without an adequate reason; and must provide documentation and convey specific information when a resident is transferred or discharged.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F641Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F656Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F678Provide basic life support, including CPR, prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel , subject to physician orders and the resident’s advance directives.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F685Assist a resident in gaining access to vision and hearing services.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F689Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F690Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
- F699Provide care or services that was trauma informed and/or culturally competent.Level DNo actual harm, potential for moreCorrected Dec 15, 2023
Enforcement Action
Civil money penalty, $43,082 imposed October 15, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid. CMS does not tie a penalty to a survey; listed with the standard health inspection of October 26, 2023, the nearest before the penalty date.
Source: Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)

Severity levels follow the CMS scope and severity grid. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy.

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

1
Accident Hazards and Supervision, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F689 in October 2023, December 2024 and December 2025. This citation covers whether residents are protected from accident hazards and supervised closely enough to prevent accidents, including falls. The most serious of these was recorded at level J (immediate jeopardy). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
232424242425252626F689 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
2
Infection Control, Cited in Three Inspections
Inspectors cited F880 in May 2024, September 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers hand hygiene, isolation practice and the home’s infection-prevention program. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
232424242425252626F880 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
3
Telling Families About Changes, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F580 in September 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers whether the resident, their doctor and a family member are told promptly about an injury, a decline or another significant change. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
232424242425252626F580 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
4
Quality of Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F684 in September 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers whether residents receive the treatment their orders, preferences and goals call for. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
232424242425252626F684 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
5
Continence and Catheter Care, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F690 in October 2023 and January 2026. This citation covers continence care, catheter care and preventing urinary tract infections. None rose above level D (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
232424242425252626F690 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest
6
Pharmacy Services, Cited in Two Inspections
Inspectors cited F755 in September 2025 and January 2026. This citation covers pharmacy services and the licensed pharmacist who oversees them. None rose above level F (no actual harm, potential for more). Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
232424242425252626F755 across all 9 inspections, oldest to newest

For Your Next Visit

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

01
What changed in fall prevention and supervision after the last citation, and how do you check that it is still working?
Accident Hazards and Supervision: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level J.
02
Who leads infection control here, and how often are hand-hygiene and isolation practices audited?
Infection Control: cited in three inspections, most seriously at level F.
03
How quickly will we hear about a fall, an injury or a change in condition, and from whom?
Telling Families About Changes: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
04
How do nurses make sure a doctor’s orders are carried out, and how are families told when something is missed?
Quality of Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
05
How is continence care scheduled, and how do you prevent urinary infections?
Continence and Catheter Care: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level D.
06
How often does the consultant pharmacist review each resident’s medications?
Pharmacy Services: cited in two inspections, most seriously at level F.
07
How many nurses and aides are on each shift, including nights and weekends, for the unit we are considering?
Insufficient nursing staff was cited in January 2026.
08
What led to the 2024 fine, and has it been paid?
A $43,082 civil money penalty was imposed October 15, 2024. CMS publishes the fine, not whether it has been paid.

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

Inspection results and penalties are published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from surveys conducted by the Minnesota state survey agency.

Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Oct 26, 2023 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection May 8, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Oct 15, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Nov 20, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Dec 11, 2024 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Sep 18, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Dec 26, 2025 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection Jan 27, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Health inspection results, as published by CMS (Health Deficiencies and Inspection Dates, Provider Data Catalog)
Minnesota state survey agency
Inspection May 20, 2026 · Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Penalties, Provider Data Catalog
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Provider Information, Provider Data Catalog
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · 245425
Published Oct 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowOctober 26, 2023 – October 1, 2026

CMS publishes about three inspection cycles; inspections before October 2023 are not in this release.
CMS refreshes these files monthly, after statements of deficiencies are processed, so an inspection from the last two months may not appear yet.

What This Report Cannot Tell You

Complaints not investigated onsite: Allegations screened out by the state before an onsite visit are not published.
Complaint allegations: CMS publishes the deficiencies a complaint survey cited, not the allegation itself.
Facility-reported incidents: Self-reported incidents appear only if they led to an inspection.
Follow-up visits: CMS's files list standard, complaint and infection control surveys, not revisits; a correction date is the one CMS records.
Fire safety inspections: Published by CMS separately and not included in this record yet.
Staffing levels and ownership history: Published by CMS separately and not included in this record.
Whether fines were paid: CMS publishes the fines imposed, not whether or when they were paid.

Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.

Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.