CRMC Care Center Residents move to the new Heartwood Care Center

CROSBY, MN — Residents of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Care Center (CRMC-CC) were wide-eyed and smiling as they crossed the threshold of their new home at Heartwood Care Center. The new care center, located at 503 Heartwood Drive, Crosby, Minn., opened on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

“Today is a much anticipated and significant milestone for Heartwood and the greater Crosby community,” said Nancy Stratman, interim care center administrator. “Moving residents, employees, equipment and supplies from CRMC Care Center to Heartwood was smooth and successful. Residents and staff alike will be positively impacted by the care center and its beautiful surroundings at the new site,” she said.

Residents and staff have been waiting for this day since construction began in September 2022. The new care center provides 54 suites designed for residents to receive quality long-term and short-term skilled nursing care in a household setting. The care center building, with a separate entrance from the main building, matches the architectural design of the Heartwood campus.

As the newest living option at Heartwood, care center residents have access to many of the services and amenities offered to all who live at Heartwood. The Grand Lodge, located in the main building, has a general store, library and computer lab, fitness and wellness center, banking services, a bistro, a club suite, and more.

The Heartwood Care Center will continue to provide personalized care and engaging life enrichment that residents have received at CRMC-CC. There are a variety of opportunities for engagement and enjoyment, such as outings, educational and enrichment classes, religious services and recreational activities. Care center residents will also continue to have priority access to health care services of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.

Stratman said, “We believe that every chapter of life should be filled with comfort, care, and community. With innovative amenities for enjoyment, skilled and compassionate staff and a welcoming environment, we are confident that Heartwood Care Center sets a new standard for care. We look forward to serving the older adults of Crow Wing County and surrounding areas with the highest level of care and respect.”

The opening of the Heartwood Care Center is crucial to meet the growing needs of the aging population in Crow Wing County and north-central Minnesota. In the next 15 years, the number of older adults in the region over age 65 is projected to increase by 30 percent (source: Minnesota State Demographic Center, 2024 report).

Heartwood opened in 2007 offering senior independent, assisted living and memory care apartments. With the addition of the care center, it now serves approximately 160 older adults and extends aging services into the greater community. Currently, there are 60 employees working at Heartwood, who are supported by several volunteers.

Heartwood is owned and managed by Crosby Senior Services, a non-profit organization formed by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and Presbyterian Homes & Services. With access to a wealth of amenities, living options, services and programs as well as CRMC’s medical campus, Heartwood offers older adults maintenance-free living in a beautiful Northwood setting featuring the Grand Lodge with its timber beams and 2-story stone fireplace. Outdoor walking paths encircle a pond and are near the Cuyuna Bike Trail. Heartwood’s conference center hosts community events open to the greater Crosby area and is available for outside groups and conferences. More information is at HeartwoodLiving.org.