Finding the right nursing home for a loved one can be a daunting task, especially in a state as vast and diverse as North Dakota. But fear not, this guide will provide you with crucial information specific to North Dakota's nursing homes, helping you make the best decision for your family.
Cost and Income: The good news is that the cost of nursing homes in North Dakota is generally lower than the national average, falling around $367 per day. This is partly due to the state's lower average income, which may be a consideration for families on a budget. However, it's important to remember that costs can vary depending on the location, level of care needed, and amenities offered.
Location: When considering location, Fargo and Bismarck are the most popular cities, offering a wider range of facilities and closer proximity to medical specialists. However, smaller towns and rural areas also boast excellent nursing homes with strong community ties. Ultimately, the best location depends on your loved one's preferences and your family's ability to visit regularly.
Top Facilities: With over 70 licensed nursing facilities across the state, North Dakota offers a variety of options. Some of the top-rated facilities, according to U.S. News & World Report, include:
Bethany on University (Fargo): Known for its focus on resident independence and personalized care.
Elm Crest Manor (New Salem): Praised for its strong rehabilitation services and warm atmosphere.
Eventide at Sheyenne Crossings (West Fargo): Recognized for its innovative Memory Care program and engaging activities.
Hatton Prairie Village (Hatton): Appreciated for its rural setting and strong community partnerships.
Further Research: Beyond cost and location, it's crucial to research individual facilities:
Visit the facility: Get a firsthand feel for the environment, staff interactions, and amenities.
Review inspection reports: Check for any health or safety violations.
Talk to residents and families: Hear their experiences and preferences.
Choosing a nursing home is a big decision, but with careful research and guidance, you can find the perfect place for your loved one to thrive in North Dakota. Remember, prioritize your loved one's needs and comfort, and don't hesitate to ask questions and advocate for their best interests.
3225 51st St S, North Dakota 58104
Eventide Fargo is a senior living community that offers several care options, including assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Residents can choose from apartments with varying levels of support, and the facility is known for its flexible approach—care plans are tailored after a resident-family conference that takes into account dietary needs, activities, and living preferences.
4002 24th Ave S, North Dakota 58201
Valley Senior Living on 42nd – Woodside Village stands out for its blend of independence and support. The place isn’t just a collection of apartments—it’s a community where residents can move between independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care as their needs change. Families often mention how helpful it is that couples or siblings with different care needs can stay close together.
2900 14th Ave S, North Dakota 58201
Valley Senior Living on Columbia stands out in Grand Forks for its warm, neighborhood-style approach and a philosophy that goes beyond the basics. Instead of feeling institutional, the community is divided into four distinct neighborhoods—Riverside, Almonte, Lanark, and Reeves—so residents get to know their neighbors and staff on a personal level.
3534 S University Dr, North Dakota 58104
Fargo Elim Health Care Center stands out for its mix of skilled nursing, assisted living, and rehabilitation options, all in one spot. The team there includes an experienced administrator, Renee Muhonen, and a Director of Nursing, Sabrina Kemmer, both of whom are named in public records. Residents and families often mention that Fargo Elim feels more like a community than an institution—staff and residents refer to it as 'home,' and the leadership emphasizes a family-like atmosphere.
4420 37th Ave S, North Dakota 58104
Edgewood Fargo stands out in the local senior care scene for its hands-on, personal approach and a team that seems to go above and beyond for residents. Families talk about staff members like Kale and nurse Sam, who have taken extra time—even after hours—to make new residents feel comfortable and understood.
1011 Boundary Street Northwestand, North Dakota 58554
Good Samaritan Society – Sunset Drive is known around Mandan as one of the larger senior care facilities, with 128 nursing beds and four distinct neighborhoods inside the building. Each area has its own feel, and every resident gets their own temperature controls, cable, and internet access. The place is right next to Vibra Hospital, which means if your loved one needs quick medical attention, help is close by.
1351 Broadway N, North Dakota 58102
SMP Health - St. Catherine North is one of those places you hear about from families who want real, attentive care for their loved ones—not just a bed and a meal. What stands out here is their strong clinical focus: they handle complex medical needs like wound care, IV therapy, tracheostomy care, and hospice, so residents who need more than basic support are in good hands.
1315 S University Dr, North Dakota 58103
The Meadows on University isn’t your typical nursing home—it’s a place where rehab and skilled nursing blend with a practical, hands-on approach. The staff here includes nurses on-site up to 16 hours a day, with a 24-hour call system for extra peace of mind.
851 4th Ave E, North Dakota 58601
Benedictine Living Community-Dickinson has been part of the Dickinson area for decades, and you’ll find that sense of history in the way staff and residents interact—there’s a familiarity and warmth that’s hard to fake. The community is best known locally for its skilled nursing care, especially for folks who need more than just help with daily routines.
201 S University Dr, North Dakota 58103
Bethany Retirement Living on University Drive is one of those places locals know by name—it's been part of Fargo's landscape for decades. Here, seniors find more than just a place to live; it’s a community with a real mix of personalities and backgrounds. The staff includes RNs, LPNs, certified nursing assistants, and therapists, many of whom have been with Bethany for years.
1515 2nd Ave W, North Dakota 58801
Bethel Lutheran Nursing & Rehabilitation Center has been a fixture in Williston for over 75 years, and you’ll hear locals call it 'Bethel' or just 'the Lutheran Home.' What sets them apart is the range of services under one roof—there are 62 independent living apartments, a 100-bed skilled nursing facility, and a handful of basic care beds. They’re known for practical amenities that matter: an on-site beauty shop, a library, an ice cream parlor, and even a chaplain for spiritual support.
3540 S University Dr, North Dakota 58104
Fargo Elim Senior Living Community stands out for its full range of care options all under one roof. Families here often mention how the community feels genuinely welcoming, with staff who know residents by name and pay attention to the small details. The facility offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and even hospice care, making it easier for seniors to stay in one place as their needs change.
242 W 10th St, North Dakota 58601
St Luke's Home in Dickinson feels like one of those places where the staff and residents really get to know each other. People who've worked there mention that it's a friendly environment—staff say they enjoy working with the residents and things run smoothly most of the time.
4580 Coleman St, North Dakota 58503
Benedictine Living Community-Bismarck stands out for offering a range of care options all under one roof, which is helpful for families who may need to adjust levels of support over time. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and even short-term rehab. The staff includes 24-hour nursing, and they’re known for being responsive and approachable—families often mention that the team feels like an extension of their own support system.
3500 21st St SE, North Dakota 58554
Good Samaritan Society – Miller Pointe is a familiar name to many in Mandan, especially for families who want their loved ones to stay close to home. The facility offers skilled nursing care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and long-term care. Residents can expect a quieter pace, with walking trails nearby and easy access to the Missouri River for those who enjoy the outdoors.
3400 Nebraska Dr, North Dakota 58503
Baptist Health & Rehab has been a familiar name in Bismarck for generations. Locals know it as a place where elders aren’t just cared for—they’re known by name. The team here includes skilled nurses, rehab therapists, and memory care specialists, with Deanna serving as the administrator. Many staff members have been with the organization for years, which families say makes a big difference in the day-to-day atmosphere.
301 Lorrain Dr, North Dakota 58503
If your parent is looking for a place where they can stay put even as their needs change, Augusta Place stands out for its flexibility. Residents can start off in independent living and, if they ever need more help, transition to assisted living or even skilled nursing care — all without having to move to a new building. The apartments are smoke-free and come with internet, cable, and utilities, so you don’t have to worry about surprise bills.
