BHS transferring ownership of St. Michael’s & St. Raphael’s Health & Rehabilitation Centers to Monarch Healthcare

Duluth, Minn. – Benedictine has reached an agreement to transfer ownership of St. Michael’s Health & Rehabilitation Center, Virginia, and St. Raphael’s Health & Rehabilitation Center, Eveleth, to Monarch Healthcare Management, a Mankato-based organization, effective June 1, 2019.

Over the past 20 years, senior care has evolved to meet the changing needs and desires of older adults. Benedictine believes that in order to be responsive to the needs and preferences of older adults requiring supportive services, its communities must offer a continuum of services and the majority of those services should be assisted or senior independent living services. At present, there is an ample supply of assisted living services in the Arrowhead region.

“After careful consideration of several alternatives, Benedictine has determined that its vision for Benedictine Living Communities offering a full continuum of services cannot be effectively implemented at St. Michael’s and St. Raphael’s and transferring ownership to another entity provides the best opportunity for them to continue to serve their communities,” said Jerry Carley, BHS president/CEO.

“Monarch strategically focuses its business model on nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living communities in smaller markets, making this move a positive one for St. Michael’s and St. Raphael’s,” said Josh Legum, chief executive officer, Monarch Healthcare Management.

Monarch Healthcare currently operates 37 senior living, health care and rehabilitation facilities in Minnesota. “Recently Monarch has begun its growth further north, and these two sites fit perfectly geographically.” Legum added, “Monarch is committed to excellence in resident care and high employee satisfaction. We also focus on continuing the family atmosphere in the communities we acquire. Monarch reinvests in its properties to create the most updated facilities that are comfortable, well-equipped, pleasant and home-like.”

Benedictine and Monarch will be working together to effect a smooth transition for the employees and residents. Monarch intends to retain all employees. St. Michael’s employs 126 and is licensed for 83 (31 private rooms) skilled nursing beds. St. Raphael’s employs 105 and is licensed to operate 76 skilled nursing beds and 10 assisted living units.