BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER
703 WEST YELLOWSTONE TRAIL, Buffalo Lake, MN 55314
Based on 2026 CMS Data
Official Government Ratings
Health Inspections
Frequency & severity of deficiencies
Staffing Levels
Nurse hours per resident per day
Quality Measures
Clinical outcomes & care quality
Resident Council Active
Active councils indicate resident empowerment and facility transparency.
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Free guide: the exact questions to ask BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER, how to pull the public records (ownership, inspections, penalties), and how to request the info that isn't online — like the medical director.
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Care Quality Indicators
Lower is better
Lower is better
Lower is better
How BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER Compares
BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER is a 49-bed nonprofit nursing facility in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. It holds an overall CMS rating of 4 out of 5 stars, above the Minnesota average of 3.2 stars. Its strongest area is staffing (5 stars), while quality measures (2 stars) is its weakest. Its rate of falls resulting in major injury (5.4%) is above the Minnesota average of 4.0% — a measure worth asking the staff about. With 49 certified beds, it operates near capacity at roughly 92% occupied.
By the numbers vs. Minnesota average
- Long-stay antipsychotic medication use: 10.9% — better than the Minnesota average of 17.0% (36% lower).
- Falls with major injury: 5.4% — worse than the Minnesota average of 4.0% (36% higher).
- High-risk pressure ulcers: 6.0% — worse than the Minnesota average of 5.2%.
Comparisons use CMS Care Compare data (updated September 9, 2026) measured against Minnesota averages across 338 facilities tracked by ElderVoice.
Questions to Ask BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER
Use these facility-specific questions when calling admissions, touring the building, or comparing BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER with other nursing homes in Buffalo Lake.
How is BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER addressing its quality measures rating?
CMS currently rates this category 2 out of 5 stars, so ask what specific improvements are underway and when the next survey update is expected.
What practices help BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER keep long-stay antipsychotic medication use below the state average?
Long-stay antipsychotic medication use is 10.9% here versus 17.0% across Minnesota. Lower is generally better for this CMS measure.
What is BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER doing to reduce falls with major injury?
Falls with major injury is 5.4% here versus 4.0% across Minnesota. Lower is generally better for this CMS measure.
How does BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER maintain staffing when occupancy is high?
The facility reports roughly 92% occupancy across 49 certified beds, so ask how staffing is adjusted during full census periods.
How can a new family connect with existing councils at BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER?
Active resident or family councils can provide useful context about daily life, responsiveness, and recurring concerns.
What would the first 30 days look like for a new resident at BUFFALO LAKE HEALTH CARE CENTER?
Ask who builds the care plan, how medication changes are communicated, how often families receive updates, and who to call after hours.
The Senior Community Around Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake sits in Renville County, where adults 65 and older make up about 20.9% of the population — a higher share of seniors than Minnesota as a whole (15.8% statewide). The area's median household income is lower than the state average, reflecting a more affordable area.
- Residents 65+
- 3,052 (20.9%)
- Median age
- 44.0 years
- Median household income
- $58,542
- Median home value
- $112,400
Demographics for Renville County from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Provided as local context for families comparing care options near Buffalo Lake.
Facility Details
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