MANOR GONE, BUT NOT QUALITY CARE

The Minneota Manor may be gone, but that doesn't mean the doors to the building are locked.
There has been a general misconception within the community that the entire campus has been shut down since the decision was made to close the Manor on Dec. 2, 2021.
While there may no longer be a nursing home on campus, the assisted living and home health care portion is stronger than ever.
"My mother loves it there," said one local woman, who requested anonymity. "The care she is getting is special. I'm so glad she decided to live there."
Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care (previously called the Madison Avenue Apartments and Town & Country Home Health), is serving the Minneota area with even more services than before. The mission statement is, "Experience the warmth, hospitality and expertise of the dedicated team you know from Minneota Manor."
"We can now provide more enhanced care in an assisted living setting than previously because we are staffed at a higher level," said Kathy Johnson, Licensed Assisted Living Director.
Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care was able to maintain most of the skilled staff that was previously employed by the Minneota Manor.
"Certified Nursing Assistants do not require certification, but have in-house training,” said Johnson. "So, our staff can provide an upper level of care to those in assisted living or requiring home health care.”
When the Manor closed, 12 of the nursing home patients were placed elsewhere, many of them to nursing homes close to their families. There were 12 residents that stayed and transitioned into assisted living.
That number has now more than doubled. As individuals or their families see the enhanced level of care now being provided by Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care, more are moving in. The assisted living facility is licensed for 50 residents.
"We're always looking for people to join us here," said Tammy Esping, Nursing Manager at Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care. "Some people might be tired of keeping up their home and want to come here and interact together with meals, or just visiting and enjoy the camaraderie."
One of the reasons the Manor was forced to close was because of a lack of skilled nursing required for nursing home care. Since that same level of skilled nursing is not required for assisted living, those employees that remained are able to offer enhanced care to the assisted living residents, as well as those who receive home health care.
While there are certain complex medical issues that may require a nursing home, many services that support day-to-day living, or recovery from an illness or surgery can be accommodated in assisted living, especially with the support of our Medicare-certified home health agency.
Whether you are looking for outpatient therapy, a community that offers independence while supporting your needs, or a little extra help around the house, Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care offers a mix of services to best support you or your loved ones.
Currently, there are 50 employees at Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care, including 25 RN's and Assisted Living Aides (ALA).
"There are always staff in the building 24 hours a day," said Esping. "The only thing different now is we are not required to have an RN in the building at all times, but there is always one on call."
Residents are able to get out and enjoy the nice weather or to shop any time they want. During Crazy Days last Friday, a Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care employees drove several residents around in a secure open trailer so they could enjoy the community events going on.
"It's important for them to get outside and enjoy the day together like a family," said Esping.
The rooms that were formerly used for the nursing home residents have now been converted into one-room suites with a bath.
Minneota Assisted Living & Home Health Care also offers one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with the suites.
For more information, call 507-872-5300 of visit lsfminneota.org.