Faribault and Owatonna Nursing Homes Taken Over by Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Department of Health announced Friday they were taking over control of the Faribault Care Center and Owatonna Care Center nursing homes.

A receivership order was granted by a Ramsey County judge Thursday. In a news release issued by the department, Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger noted, "We took this step as a last resort once it became clear the nursing home licensee was longer going to be able to care for residents and provide the basic necessities." Ehlinger wanted to assure family members and residents they will be able to stay at the facilities while the situation is being resolved. No timeline was given.

The news release also says the Minnesota Department of Health "has arranged for Volunteers of America National Services, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, to serve as the facility's managing agent during the receivership."

Both facilities are licensed for 55 beds. Faribault Care Center has 52 residents and Owatonna Care Center 35. The owner of the facilities is Omega Health Care Investors of Maryland and the facility operator was Desmeret Health Group of Utah.

Faribault Care Center does have a memory care unit licensed for 13 beds, and those in the profession of elder care have stated there is a shortage of such availability in the region.