Erskine Living Facilities to Shut Down Operations

Nancy Jensen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pioneer Memorial Care Center, gives a heartfelt update on the recent announcement of the facilities closure. Nancys family has shared a long legacy of involvement with the facilities. After the nursing home closed in June of this year the board was hopeful to keep the Country Place and Crossroads facilities open. Unfortunately they were forced to make the difficult decision to close their doors on or before Oct 3 of this year as well.

Nancy explains the procedure that is required from the State during the closing process. Nancy states “The top two factors are workforce challenges and lack of adequate reimbursement funds from the state. The states funding hasn’t kept up with the inflation costs.” Nancy explains that this has been a long time issue in the State of Minnesota for long term care facilities. That, paired with workforce issues, were the major factors that went into this decision.

Many times during our interview Nancy expressed her thanks and appreciation for the staff and residents. The staff has been very active in finding new locations for all of the residents. The facility has been in operation for over 60 years and has provided many jobs for people in the Erskine area. Nancy is hopeful for the future of the industry as well as the future of the facilities and their potential. It was very evident that in a dark time Nancy has been a beacon of light for the staff and residents during this transition process.