FAQs

Continuum of care means you or a loved one can progress from independent living to skilled care nursing within the Bethel Community. We offer townhomes, apartments, assisted living and nursing care. Regular assessments are conducted to ensure our residents are being cared for in the most appropriate situation. Continuum of care benefits residents by providing seamless transitions from one stage to another, personalized care, and enhanced safety. It also allows development of relationships between residents and staff and a wholistic approach to each residents’ care.

Yes. All rooms in Bethel’s nursing facility are private, with a shared bathroom.

Yes. Bethel contracts with Goodcare Rehabilitation to provide specific, targeted therapies based on individual needs. Those include speech, physical and occupational. A restorative nursing program is available 6 days a week from a group of trained aides who follow a program developed through the resident’s care plan, under the guidance of Goodcare therapists.

Yes. Bethel staff is trained to identify interventions related to a resident’s specific risks, to implement preventative measures, and to try to minimize complications if a fall occurs. Staff also encourages residents to practice safe strategies.

Residents are regularly visited by their family physicians, with most making rounds on a bi-weekly basis. Doctors are on call for any medical issues or emergencies. Bethel offers in-town transportation to residents for dental, eye, and medical-related appointments.

Upon admittance to Bethel, residents receive a health assessment, which is reviewed every 90 days, or as needed as conditions change. A care team is assembled according to individual needs, and consists of staff from the nursing, activities, and dietary departments.

All applicants are required to undergo a background check prior to hiring. This includes identity verification, criminal records search, sex offender check, employee drug screening, and professional license verification when appropriate.

Staff incentives include bonuses, both quarterly and criterion based. Pay differential, continuing education, and professional development opportunities are also available.

The South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Care Licensure and Certification conducts a recertification survey on an average of once a year. The results of the latest survey are posted on the SDDOH website and also on this website.

Yes. Fire notification equipment is regularly tested, with system wide fire drills occurring monthly. Fire extinguishers are placed throughout the building and clearly marked for easy accessibility.

Yes. Activities at Bethel happen at scheduled times each day and include worship services, music, educational presentations, games including Bingo, movies, and off-site field trips. The activities also include special musical guests and visits from local entities including the museum. Activities are designed to, among other things, provide mental and emotional stimulation, encourage physical movement, and foster social interaction.

Overnight in the nursing facility, in addition to answering individual call lights, certified nursing assistants do rounds every 2 hours under the supervision of a registered nurse. Additional checks are made on residents if necessary. Each resident has a call light, and if need be, special assistive devices, including fall mats, can be used. Assisted living has round-the-clock medical supervision, while residents of independent living have wearable call buttons. Residents who are identified as an elopement risk are monitored more frequently, are encouraged to participate in activities in full view of staff and may be fitted with a special electronic monitoring bracelet.

Residents of the nursing facility enjoy three meals, prepared to their individual needs. The dietary department offers choices within the daily menu. Meals are served within an appropriate length of time to accommodate residents’ schedules. Efforts are made to meet special requests made by residents, including pie on Sundays and special occasion treats.

A registered dietitian oversees Bethel’s menus to ensure nursing residents receive food that is appropriate for them and whatever special needs they may have. They monitor weight loss or gain and advise dietary and nursing staff on changes needed for the individual’s meal plan.

Bethel accepts most forms of private insurance, including long-term care plans. Medicare (with limitations) and Medicaid are accepted, as are personal funds. Contact Bethel’s business office for questions on your specific situation.

Yes, Bethel has a waiting list for all levels of available care and the wait can be weeks to months long. However, emergency placement can reduce wait times and are considered on a case-by-case basis. Bethel encourages placement of your, or your loved one’s name on the wait list as it is an effective way to plan ahead.

Bethel is committed to continuous improvement and has a facilities strategic plan in place. Recent improvements included a new air- exchange system for fresh air delivery to individual resident rooms. Flooring is being replaced in key areas throughout the facility, a new boiler was installed, and further duct work is planned. Beds have been upgraded, older wheelchairs replaced, and public areas are getting a makeover, including new furniture for residents and families to enjoy. The courtyards within the nursing facility received an update, including fresh plantings, installation of water features and new furniture.

Future plans include roof replacement, extensive sidewalk replacement, an additional outdoor space created at the front of the main facility and upgraded kitchen equipment.