50 Years, and Avera Mother Joseph Manor Still Going Strong

Throughout 2011, Avera Mother Joseph Retirement Community is celebrating 50 years of caring for people in our region, highlighted by a special ice cream social and music by Mark Remily at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, on the front lawn. Everyone is invited to come help celebrate!

This Aberdeen long-term care facility has done its share of developing and growing in the last 50 years. Major additions are the independent senior living apartments at Davis Court, semi-independent living apartments, assisted living apartments at Nano Nagle Village, plus the north wing private room addition to the 81-bed Avera Mother Joseph Manor. Adult day services, community and outreach programs are provided.

“We have done all this by attracting and retaining a staff that has a personal ministry of caring for our region’s elders,” says Tom Snyder, vice president of Avera St. Luke’s Long-Term Care and administrator for Mother Joseph Manor. “They have created a culture that is unsurpassed in its compassion and hospitality. We are blessed for having gained the trust of so many families in granting us the privilege of serving their loved ones. We grow richer each day as we serve those in need.”

Mother Joseph Manor was established by the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls. By 1988, MJM was part of the Presentation Health System. In 1989, the care center was certified as a Medicare provider, then certified by Medicare/Medicaid in 1991. The sunroom addition was completed in January 1993, and many residents enjoy this special area on a daily basis.

A major change came in 1994, when Mother Joseph Manor integrated with St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center. In 2000, co-sponsorship by Avera and the Presentation and Benedictine sisters began, and continues today.