Benedictine Living Community-Ellendale

Benedictine Living Community-Ellendale is a senior living community in Ellendale, North Dakota with a wide range of care options all under one roof, where you'll find 20 basic care beds, 5 assisted living beds, and 53 nursing facility beds, and there are also 5 assisted living apartments included in the total of 70 living units, which all sit on a single floor so it's easy to get around, and you've got independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care for Alzheimer's and dementia, and even options for people who need help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or taking their medicine-plus you'll see specialized areas like the geriatric-psych and memory care units for people with more complex needs, which is something that gives families peace of mind, especially as people get older and require different levels of help over time. The community's faith-based and they bring in spiritual guidance and pastoral care for those who want it, with services that include communion, blessings, and group prayers, and this is all alongside regular activities like exercise classes, excursions, social gatherings, and wellness programs aimed at keeping people physically, mentally, and emotionally well, which is part of what's made them a Best of Senior Living Award winner and a place often recognized for having friendly, helpful staff. Nurses and caregivers are available around the clock, there's always an RN or LPN on-call, and staff handle medication, rehabilitation therapies-including physical, occupational, and speech therapy-plus things like diabetic care, incontinence care, non-ambulatory support, and even hospice and palliative care so people have options for end-of-life comfort, short stays for respite, or just a helping hand as things change, and in addition, the community offers home health and adult day services for a bit more flexibility. Safety is taken seriously here, with sprinkler systems, fire alarms, Life Alert pendants, emergency call lights, and a 24-hour supervision setup, and you don't have to worry about utilities either since things like cable TV, electricity, water, sewer, and trash removal come included, and there's self-controlled heating and air conditioning in each home. Meals are plated, cooked to order, and served in a dining room, but folks can also cook for themselves if they like, with the culinary team ready to provide specialty diets when required, which is helpful for anyone watching their health and the food's prepared by trained chefs, with an emphasis on nutrition and taste. For relaxation and grooming, there's a spa, salon, beauty and barber shop, gym, community rooms for gatherings, and basic postal services. Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance are handled by the facility, and there's an onsite property manager to keep things running smoothly along with open outdoor parking for residents and visitors. Security systems are in place, including resident use of safety pendants, and there's pet therapy too. The community's got a connected small-town feel, and it's designed to help active seniors who are still independent as well as those who need a bit more help, with care plans that often involve both staff and the resident's family, and that way everyone stays on the same page. The Benedictine Experience program is woven in as part of their approach to whole-person wellness, and the facility has top-rated skilled nursing and therapy services in North Dakota, earning them a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and a bronze award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, which just goes to show that the level of care and attention here has been noticed. Residents get to enjoy a clean and safe environment, amenities that make daily life easier, and staff known for kindness and joy, so it's no wonder families consider Benedictine Living Community-Ellendale for their loved ones' care.

Benedictine Living Community-Ellendale is managed by Benedictine.

Benedictine, established in 1985 by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota, has grown into one of the largest Catholic senior living organizations in the United States, operating over 35 communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri. With annual revenues reaching billion, approximately 5,000 employees, and over million of senior living assets under management, this faith-based nonprofit organization has experienced significant expansion from a single skilled nursing facility to a multi-state healthcare network through strategic acquisitions, partnerships, sponsorship transitions, and joint ventures.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Jerry Carley, who joined in 2018 bringing over 35 years of senior care experience, Benedictine has maintained its position as an industry leader while preserving its Catholic heritage and mission-driven focus. Carley's leadership has earned significant recognition, including being named to The Minnesota 500 as one of the state's most powerful executives (2018-2020) and designation as one of Minnesota's Most Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician Magazine in 2020. His extensive background includes previous roles as president and CEO of CSJ Initiatives and service on LeadingAge Minnesota's board of directors, where he serves as Chair.

Benedictine's innovative memory care program exemplifies their commitment to specialized care through two distinct neighborhoods: Tabitha, named after Sister Tabitha who was the first woman to head a hospital setting, which serves residents with mild to moderate memory loss, and Pauline, honoring Sister Pauline who devoted her life to dementia care, providing specialized support for those with moderate to advanced dementia. These research-based programs employ best practices in dementia care, offering engaging activities, personalized care plans, and family integration support. The organization's comprehensive service continuum extends to Adult Day Programs in Duluth and Winona, providing daytime respite care with trained memory care staff, while facilities like Benedictine Minneapolis specialize in complex medical care including tracheostomy and ventilator support.

The organization's care philosophy centers on nurturing mind, body, and spirit, rooted in Benedictine values of Hospitality, Stewardship, Respect, and Justice. This holistic approach emphasizes listening with the "ear of the heart," creating welcoming environments where unique needs are respected and each person's spirituality is honored. Through comprehensive rehabilitation services, spiritual care programs led by Director of Spiritual Care Rev. J. Scott Cartwright, and purposeful recreation incorporating art, music therapy, and movement, Benedictine continues the healthcare ministry begun by the Benedictine Sisters over a century ago. Recent strategic decisions, including the 2024 transition of Benedictine Living Community-Wausau to The Ensign Group, demonstrate the organization's commitment to ensuring sustainable, high-quality care while adapting to evolving market dynamics and maintaining their mission of empowering older adults to live to their highest potential.