From its beginnings in a six-room rented house in rural North Dakota to becoming the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of senior care and services, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society has always been guided by its mission of sharing God’s love in word and deed.
Founded by the Rev. August “Dad” Hoeger, the Good Samaritan Society was incorporated on Sept. 29, 1922. The Society’s first center, a small home in Arthur, N.D., opened in 1923. Two years later, the newly formed Good Samaritan Society had purchased property on the north side of Arthur and constructed three buildings: one for men, one for women and one for disabled children.
Throughout its history, Dad Hoeger’s belief that the Society hold true to its Christian mission has served as the organization’s foundation. The Good Samaritan Society’s goal for serving residents and clients is expressed in its motto, “In Christ’s Love, Everyone Is Someone.”
Today, the organization — headquartered in Sioux Falls — serves more than 27,000 people in 240 locations nationwide. Its services have broadened from traditional skilled nursing care to include senior living apartments, home health, assisted living, hospice care, inpatient and outpatient therapy and specialized units for people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
If you're looking for a new place to live, we offer several kinds of senior housing options.
If you need skilled care — whether it’s recovery after a hospital stay, around-the-clock nursing care, or specialized services for Alzheimer’s and dementia — our locations nationwide can provide you with what you need.
If you're not ready to move yet, we have in-home and respite services that can help you stay as independent as possible.
If you're just here to research options, we've got informational articles to help educate you, and inspirational stories to let you know you're not alone.
And if you feel overwhelmed and just want to talk with someone, we're here for that, too.
Getting older can bring tough decisions.
You may be afraid of giving up your independence. Or believe asking for help is a sign of weakness.
Exploring your options, and talking to others in your same situation, can reassure you that you don't have to do this alone.
We don’t pretend to have the perfect solution for everyone.
But we will strive to be there for you every day by listening to you, praying with you, providing care where and when you need it, and helping you remain in control of decisions about your life.