Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Golden LivingCenter welcomes new director



DELANO, MN – When Alex Colborn set off to earn his health care administration degree, he hadn’t expected to fall in love with long-term care.

But now, as the new executive director at Golden LivingCenter in Delano, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m happy here,” Colborn said. “It’s been a good fit, and I’d like to stay here for awhile.”

Several months ago, the center’s previous director, Ernie Gershone, transferred to a Golden LivingCenter branch in Anoka to be closer to home. An interim director then took over the administrative duties until Colborn was hired.

Colborn grew up in Rochester, where his mother was an administrator at the Mayo Clinic. At an early age, Colborn was drawn to the health-care industry.

“I was thinking of becoming a nurse or doctor – something hands-on – but then I realized I don’t like blood,” he said.

As Colborn explored his options, he found that health care administration was an ideal blend of his interests.

He got into the program at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, which focuses on long-term senior care (management of nursing homes and assisted living).

“At first, I thought I wanted to work in a hospital,” Colborn said, explaining that he originally planned to continue school for hospital training.

However, that all changed during his year-long internship at long-term care facility Saint Therese of New Hope.

“My first day there was my first time stepping foot in a nursing home,” Colborn said.

During his work there, Colborn was touched by the level of care and concern staff have for their residents.

“I saw the heart you need to have to do it,” he said. “I also loved being with the residents. Nine times out of 10, they don’t want to be dependent on others, but it’s great to be able to give them the care and support they need.”

In September 2011, Colborn became the executive director in-training for Golden LivingCenter in Slayton (southwestern Minnesota). His title changed to interim executive director in January.

When Colborn heard about the position opening at the Delano location, he was immediately interested.

“I like the area a lot,” said Colborn, who lives in Plymouth.

He also enjoys being part of Golden LivingCenter, which has more than 300 locations in 21 states.

“We have that corporate support,” he said.

Golden LivingCenter in Delano offers both short-term and long-term care, and staff is equipped for dementia and alzheimer’s care, stroke rehabilitation, diabetes management, wound care, physical therapy, and more.

To learn more, call Golden LivingCenter in Delano at (763) 972-2987.





























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