Sheyenne Care Center has a rich history of serving the elderly and those in need of compassionate healthcare in Valley City and the surrounding areas, with its roots dating back to 1917. The center was born out of a community-wide recognition of the need to care for poor county farmers and elderly residents who required dedicated nursing care. Over the years, what began as a simple charity house evolved with increasing community involvement and changing healthcare priorities. Initially, the building provided care for up to 37 residents before its transition into a formal nursing home took place in 1964.
By the early 1950s, a pivotal decision altered the trajectory of the facility's future. Rather than focusing on constructing a new hospital, community members and their association opted to concentrate on specialized care for those with chronic illnesses. This decision culminated in the opening of the Sheyenne Care Center for the Chronically Ill in March of 1955, a project completed at the considerable cost of $750,000.
The need for improved senior citizen care in the area led to further development in 1959, as plans commenced for a new manor designed specifically for seniors. Guided by the Lutheran Hospital and Homes Society, the Sheyenne Care Center Manor materialized as a 60-bed facility, eventually opening an expanded 80-bed residence on December 14, 1962. The unique integration of the manor with Sheyenne Care Center Hospital ensured residents received access to medical facilities at all times, setting a regional standard for comprehensive care.
As time passed, hospital referral practices changed, prompting a reevaluation of the focus and function of the facility. By July 1969, a new agreement positioned Sheyenne Care Center Hospital to provide skilled nursing care, while shifting acute and rehabilitation services elsewhere, thus beginning its transformation into a full-fledged nursing home. The center underwent several expansions and renovations during the following decades, including a significant remodeling in 1972 that added 18 beds and a new South wing, as well as a 1982 update that improved amenities such as laundry, chapel, and dietary areas while also adding a new elevator.
A defining moment arrived in 1983 when the skilled and intermediate care units merged and the organization officially adopted the name Sheyenne Care Center. Continued growth resulted in major construction efforts in 1988, which notably altered the facility’s appearance by adding multi-level wings and relocating the front entrance to Central Avenue. Another significant transformation took place in 2015, when the Sheyenne Care Center Manor underwent an extensive remodeling. This project not only upgraded the existing structure but also introduced a new chapel, expanded the building northward, and provided more private rooms and enhanced communal spaces for residents.
Today, Sheyenne Care Center is a 170-bed skilled nursing facility characterized by a strong team working in unison to serve its residents. The center offers a wide range of services, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, transitional care, an Alzheimer’s Unit, Special Care Unit, palliative care, spiritual care, and music therapy. The addition of unique features and spaces, such as the Lifeline program and extensive common areas, reflects an ongoing commitment to resident well-being. Throughout its history and into the present, Sheyenne Care Center continues to serve the community of Valley City with a steadfast dedication to respect, compassion, and the highest standard of care for its residents.