Everything is possible for one who believes

Bethel Lutheran Home – Here for You since 1962

 When Bethel opened in 1962 it was considered a ‘retirement home’ and gave residents a place to live when staying in their own homes was no longer feasible.

 Today, with the addition of apartments, assisted living suites and independent living options, Bethel is home to nearly 100 residents and offers a range of housing and healthcare services for older adults that allows them to transition smoothly between different levels of care. This is all done within the Bethel campus, so residents do not have to move to an entirely different location. This model, known as a continuum of care, is appealing for seniors who want to maintain their independence while having access to necessary support as they age.

There are several options for seniors in our area, but what makes continuum of care special is the peace of mind it offers residents and their families, knowing that care will be available as needs change. What’s more, couples with differing levels of need can often remain together within the same community, each receiving appropriate support.

Other advantages to the continuum of care concept include meals, housekeeping, transportation, recreational activities, and 24/7 access to healthcare professionals. Independent living residents have opportunities for social interactions through the proximity of neighbors and can participate in organized activities within the Bethel complex.  

 Nearly 10,000 people in the United States reach the age of 65 every day. Statistics show that over half of all people over the age of 65 will require some type of long-term care in the future. South Dakota has a population of about 930,000 and approximately 5,800 nursing home beds in Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities. Lake County has a population of 11,000, and 59 skilled nursing beds, and they are all located at Bethel Lutheran Home. The next closest nursing home is over 20 miles away; the next closest continuum of care option is over 30 miles away.

 And distance matters. Staying close to loved ones is paramount to wellbeing and comfort. Residents generally prefer staying close to their home or in their hometown where people are familiar. Often when a person enters assisted living or nursing care, they have an elderly spouse or older children who would like to be near to make visiting more convenient.

 Bethel has been an anchor in the greater Madison community for over 60 years. We have a saying ‘everyone knows someone from Bethel’, and it’s true. Generations of you have looked to Bethel as a haven for your loved ones. Bethel weathered the storms that have forced other nursing facilities to cut back on admissions, or even to shut their doors. We have been able to stay open, and even to grow, with the unwavering support we receive from our 11 partner churches, their congregants, area businesses, and the many families and friends whose lives have been touched by Bethel.

 Very soon many of you will be receiving the Bethel Foundation’s annual appeal in your mailboxes. The theme of the appeal is “Everything is possible for one who believes”. We are raising funds that are used for the direct benefit of current and future residents of Bethel Lutheran Home. Bethel has various sources of revenue, but like all skilled care facilities, operates on a slim margin. The Foundation’s purpose is to solicit and steward gifts that are then used to fill funding gaps that improve the residents’ quality of life.

 Private donations were used to purchase a new soaking tub for the nursing home, new pillows for each resident, orthopedic knee pillows, lifts, and specialized cushions for wound care and prevention. Donor money purchased a leaf blower for maintenance, bird seed for the window feeders, pizza for the residents, and items to aid in staff retention. A donation given specifically for scholarships was used to help eight staff members further their education in the healthcare field. 

 These are just a few of the ways the Foundation fulfills its mission of support for Bethel Lutheran Home. You can make your gift to Bethel with the pledge card and return envelope from the mailing, or send a gift to Bethel Foundation at 1001 S Egan Ave, Madison SD 57042. You can also go online and make a gift directly at the Bethel website: www.bethelcommunity.com/foundation

 The Foundation appreciates your gifts, large and small, and we are confident that with your support, Bethel will be here for many years to come.