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The Knute Nelson organization began in 1948, when Knute Nelson, former
Minnesota Governor, U.S. and State Senator, and resident of Alexandria,
Minnesota, donated his family home and 23 acres of land for the care of the
elderly.
Knute and Nicolina Nelson homesteaded 120 acres in Alexandria in 1871. Within a
year, Knute Nelson opened his law office and was elected Douglas County
Attorney. His political career continued throughout his life serving in many
capacities, including
Governor of Minnesota and U.S. and State Senator. He died in 1923, at
the age of 80, and specified that following his death, his home and 23 acres of
land be used to serve the elderly.
In 1948, the home of Knute Nelson opened its doors for 10 residents and their
caregivers, serving in this capacity for 38 years. Knute’s home was relocated
to its present location of 1219 Nokomis Street, part of his original homestead,
in 1986. It now serves as the headquarters for the
Douglas County Historical Society.
In 1958, a modern skilled nursing facility was built and located on the grounds
of Knute’s original home. This new facility became home for 30 residents. The
first addition to this building in 1961 added 17 additional rooms. By 1970, the
need for more space necessitated building a 60-bed addition and in 1977, the
44-bed retirement section was added. The final addition was added in 1981.
Today, Knute Nelson is licensed to provide Medicare-certified skilled nursing
care for 164 residents.
Throughout the years, the Knute Nelson organization has grown beyond skilled
nursing to serve more Alexandria area community seniors. A growing area of
service is for Rehabilitation/Sub-Acute
and Short-Term Stays, which provide therapies and treatments for
recovery after surgery or an acute illness. Evidence-based Wellness programs
focus on keeping residents active within six dimensions: emotional,
intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. Hospice suites for
the terminally ill allow for an added level of dignity and comfort for
residents and their families.
The Nelson
Gables is licensed as an Assisted Living/Home Care facility by the
State of Minnesota. There are 59 units and a complete range of services
including three meals per day, housekeeping, activities, and 24-hour Care
Attendant staffing.
Knute
Nelson Home Care division is a Medicare-certified, Class A
agency that serves independently living seniors in their homes with a variety
of cares, including skilled nursing, therapy, home health aide, and telehealth
monitoring.
The Nelson
Wellness Center offers signature programming and services to older
adults in the community and Nelson Gables tenants. Programming is based on the
six dimensions of wellness and seeks to inspire, challenge, educate, and
encourage a healthy and vital approach to life.
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