Bethany Lutheran Home

Bethany Home for the Aged was founded on March 17, 1950, by ten cooperating LCA churches in the local area.  Their objective was to establish a home where individuals could receive nursing care in a wholesome, caring Christian environment.  Ground was broken for a nursing home in Sioux Falls on October 15, 1950.  This home was established along Holly Avenue in Sioux Falls thanks to a lot of donated material and labor from our founding churches and their members.

To learn more about Bethany's 60th anniversary, click here to go to the 60 Years of Caring Page.

Today, Bethany continues to be sponsored by six of the original churches.  They include:

• Augustana Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls
• Beaver Valley Lutheran Church, Valley Springs
• Benton Lutheran Church, Crooks
• Nathanael Lutheran Church, Alcester
• St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls
• Salem Lutheran Church, Salem

The meaning of "Bethany" has particular significance for a nursing home.  The original place called Bethany dates back to the New Testament times.  It was located near Jerusalem and was the setting of several recorded events in the travels and ministry of Jesus.  Jesus found Bethany to be a place of refuge, refreshement and fellowship with friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  Bethany was the place from which Jesus made his "triumphal entry."  It also was the site of Jesus' final departure from his disciples.  Today, Bethany Lutheran Home provides a similar place of comfort, sustenance and purpose in life's journey.

Bethany Lutheran Home's logo depicts two clasped hands symbolizing the giving and receiving of help.  Many hands have come together in making Bethany the home it is today.  Community and church groups have contributed in many special ways in the development of Bethany.  The Bethany Auxiliary has been a supporting hand for Bethany.  One of their significant accomplishments has been the Bethany Cookbook.  Thousands of copies have been sold throughout the world.  The proceeds from this book continue to provide funds for special projects.  If you'd like to own one of these cookbooks, you can purchase one at either Bethany Lutheran Home or Bethany Meadows, or you can make a donation through this website and get one sent directly to you.  See the Bethany Cookbook page for more information.

The Bethany Lutheran Foundation is also a part of the Bethany family.  The Bethany Lutheran Foundation exists to support Bethany Lutheran Home and Bethany Meadows.  Funds donated to the Bethany Lutheran Foundation have helped pay for a variety of things, such as medical equipment, that help make the lives of Bethany residents better every day.

In 1967, Bethany expanded its facility by the addition of a "South Wing," known as Promise Lane.  In 1976, a new "East Wing," known as Dakota Drive, was built, which replaced the former "West Wing."  While the Bethany Lutheran Home facility has been changed and updated over the years, the primary focus remains on providing the best possible care for each and every resident.

In 2003, Bethany finished construction on a new senior living facility on donated land east of Brandon, South Dakota.  Bethany Meadows is an independent and assisted living facility that represents the best of senior living.

In 2009, Bethany proudly added an independent living option for seniors to its campus in Sioux Falls in the form of Bethany Houses.  Bethany Houses are designed for independent living seniors, yet benefit from their proximity to Bethany Lutheran Home.

We are proud of our Home, our heritage and our community spirit.  We invite you to learn more about what makes Bethany special.