Benedictine
Benedictine, established in 1985 by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota, has grown into one of the largest Catholic senior living organizations in the United States, operating over 35 communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. With annual revenues reaching billion, approximately 5,000 employees, and over million of senior living assets under management, this faith-based nonprofit organization has experienced significant expansion from a single skilled nursing facility to a multi-state healthcare network through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, sponsorship transitions, and joint ventures.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Jerry Carley, who joined in 2018 bringing over 35 years of senior care experience, Benedictine has maintained its position as an industry leader while preserving its Catholic heritage and mission-driven focus. Carley's leadership has earned significant recognition, including being named to The Minnesota 500 as one of the state's most powerful executives (2018-2020) and designation as one of Minnesota's Most Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician Magazine in 2020. His extensive background includes previous roles as president and CEO of CSJ Initiatives and service on LeadingAge Minnesota's board of directors, where he serves as Chair.
Benedictine's innovative memory care program exemplifies their commitment to specialized care through two distinct neighborhoods: Tabitha, named after Sister Tabitha who was the first woman to head a hospital setting, which serves residents with mild to moderate memory loss, and Pauline, honoring Sister Pauline who devoted her life to dementia care, providing specialized support for those with moderate to advanced dementia. These research-based programs employ best practices in dementia care, offering engaging activities, personalized care plans, and family integration support. The organization's comprehensive service continuum extends to Adult Day Programs in Duluth and Winona, providing daytime respite care with trained memory care staff, while facilities like Benedictine Minneapolis specialize in complex medical care including tracheostomy and ventilator support.
The organization's care philosophy centers on nurturing mind, body, and spirit, rooted in Benedictine values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect, and Justice. This holistic approach emphasizes listening with the "ear of the heart," creating welcoming environments where unique needs are respected and each person's spirituality is honored. Through comprehensive rehabilitation services, spiritual care programs led by Director of Spiritual Care Rev. J. Scott Cartwright, and purposeful recreation incorporating art, music therapy, and movement, Benedictine continues the healthcare ministry begun by the Benedictine Sisters over a century ago. Recent strategic decisions, including the 2024 transition of Benedictine Living Community-Wausau to The Ensign Group, demonstrate the organization's commitment to ensuring sustainable, high-quality care while adapting to evolving market dynamics and maintaining their mission of empowering older adults to live to their highest potential.
