The Benedictine Living Community-Crookston has been named a Minnesota Critical Access Nursing Facility, providing a crucial link in the healthcare network in rural Northwest Minnesota to serve older adults and their loved ones.
There are 343 nursing home facilities in Minnesota. The Benedictine Living Community in Crookston is just one of twenty facilities to receive this designation; along with Crookston, Ada’s facility also received the honor. This designation was distributed to nursing facilities to recognize those who provide healthcare services to rural and often underserved communities. “Our region is just so blessed. Benedictine has 20 Minnesota homes, four of which were chosen for this lead designation,” said Benedictine Living Community-Crookston RN and Grant Writer Jill Brown.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services received $2.5 million of funding to help support the financial liability of eligible nursing facilities in rural areas of Minnesota to ensure access in areas where facilities may be vulnerable to closure.
“We applied for this funding to recognize and award the hard work and the commitment of our very talented associates,” said Brown. “This also helps reimbursements so we can attract staff and sustain future generations.”
The Access Nursing Facility designation includes supplemental payments above Benedictine’s current Benedictine operating rate, which was discussed during contract negotiations. Prices will go through 2025. Brown explained that these payments and other financial benefits would help ensure the facility stays open.
“This means substantial raises for our team,” said Brown. “Great wages for those seeking important work and careers with great advancement opportunities. We have college loans and repayment programs through this, allowing us to stay open caring for our family and friends without having to drive to see our loved ones. It allows us to care for our families for generations to come.”
In Northwest Minnesota, funding in the medical field can be hard to come by. Brown believes this designation will improve employees’ work life and allow the Crookston Nursing Home facility to keep its doors open.
“The bottom line is this: Health care is fragile and even so in rural America,” said Brown, “keeping Benedictine open and serving Crookston is a community effort. We often say, ‘Family is caring, and caring is friends.’ We appreciate the support from so many of you regarding volunteerism and donations.”
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