An agreement to transfer membership of Assumption Community, a senior living community in Cold Spring to Minnesota-based Benedictine has been signed. The effective date of the transfer is dependent on the review and approval by the Minnesota Department of Health. It is anticipated that it could occur on or after Nov. 1.
The leaders of the St. Boniface Parish in Cold Spring, the Saint Cloud Diocese, and Benedictine shared the news with the staff, residents and their families on Aug. 31.
“Over the years, the health care industry has gotten more and more complicated so that no single parish is able to adequately oversee the important health care of our senior citizens,” said Father LeRoy Scheierl. “By transferring membership from the Church of St. Boniface to Benedictine, we want to ensure, not only the long-term care and well-being of our valuable seniors who need our special attention, but also ensure the long-term existence of our wonderful facility along with our employees. I am confident that Benedictine, can provide the stability and care within our great tradition and mission for others.”
Assumption Community and Benedictine share a rich history with both organizations being established by local Benedictines. Assumption Home was founded in 1963 by St. Boniface Parish, while Benedictine was founded in 1985 by the Benedictine Sisters of Saint Scholastica Monastery, Duluth. Assumption Community and Benedictine have similar missions in providing care to the communities they serve.
Assumption Community includes Assumption Home, a 76-bed skilled nursing facility; Assumption Court, a 59-unit assisted living campus; Asher Haus, a 28-unit assisted living memory care building; the John Paul Apartments, a 61-unit subsidized senior apartment building; and Assumption Community Services, a Medicare-certified home health agency. The campus currently employs 153 people.
Benedictine is a nationally recognized, Catholic, nonprofit senior care organization offering a full spectrum of health and housing services to aging adults. Benedictine has 31 campuses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Illinois and Missouri with more than 2,100 skilled nursing units and more than 2,400 assisted living or independent units.
Residents currently living at Assumption Community will see no immediate changes. Benedictine is seeking to retain current employees.