Attending the open house --- Janice Schwartz was the second Manor Administrator after Helmuth Neuharth. She is shown back right with her daughters (Joanne on the left) and Judy (on the right). Also shown are Manor residents Helen Patton, right front and Maxine Miller, left front.

A 45th anniversary observation was held at Avera Weskota Manor in Wessington Springs on Thursday, March 18, 2010. Manor residents, some staff members and board members attended the party

This private, non-profit, 40-resident nursing facility was established in 1964 with a primary service area of Buffalo, Jerauld, Aurora and Sanborn Counties. It was originally established as the “Springs Home for Senior Citizens”. Although the nursing facility was incorporated in 1964, the first residents were not admitted until March 1, 1965 so anniversaries have been celebrated from that date forward. The facility name was changed to Weskota Manor in 1978 when the Jerauld County Memorial Hospital relocated its operation to the same campus. Both facilities were renamed at that time. The hospital became Weskota Memorial Medical Center and the nursing facility became known as Weskota Manor.

In order to avoid duplication of services within a small community, the hospital was physically joined to the Weskota Manor building and services such as laundry and food service were contracted from the Manor. This philosophy of sharing resources between the two organizations continues today through the utilization of shared services to also include social services, maintenance, housekeeping, nursing services, activities and administration.

On July 1, 2003 the Weskota Manor Board of Directors signed a three-year agreement with Avera Queen of Peace Health Services, Mitchell, to provide management services for Weskota Manor. That agreement has been renewed & continues today between Weskota Manor Avera and Avera Queen of Peace Health Services.

Although many nursing facilities throughout the country struggle with low occupancy levels, Weskota Manor Avera has a reputation for high quality personalized resident care resulting in a “waiting list” for admissions for many years. Despite the decreased occupancy levels throughout the industry, Weskota Manor Avera continues to maintain a high occupancy level with a 98% average occupancy level. This is in part due to the excellent reputation for quality resident care and the astute planning of the community leaders in constructing a medical complex that supports the continuum of care throughout the lifespan.

The 2,600 square foot renovation/expansion project completed in 2002 provides residents with a spacious family living room with a fireplace, as well as conversation and game areas. Also included in the expansion was a home-style, private family dining room where family and friends share special occasions with their loved ones.

A restorative therapy area encourages residents to keep physically fit. The Activity Center provides an area to work on crafts, sewing and access to a large screen computer. The beautiful courtyard includes a patio, garden area and gazebo, all surrounded by a white picket fence.

In 2006 the Personal Care Room received an update through donations from individuals, businesses, community clubs and memorials. The Personal Care Room provides hair care services for residents of the nursing home, as well as those living in Weskota Apartments. In 2008, one of the whirlpool bathing rooms was renovated to include a new whirlpool tub as well as an updated look.

In 2008-09, through the Holiday Campaign and Angel Tree funds were raised for new laminate wood flooring in the resident rooms that are more slip resistant and bacteria proof. The flooring will help keep the residents safe and healthy. The updated sinks, faucets and vanities in the resident rooms improved the functional needs of daily living. The third area is the expansion of the sprinkler system into the older parts of the nursing home.

This brings the facility into compliance with federal regulations which are set to take effect in the next few years. A large flat-screen TV was also added in the family living room through family donations. The 2009-10 Holiday Campaign began the fund drive for a new nurse communications system complete with wireless pagers. This new system will improve resident safety by reducing nurse response time, will improve staff productivity and will reduce the number of overhead pages, creating a more homelike atmosphere for our residents.

The Weskota Manor Avera Board of Directors is comprised of nine at-large members. They serve three year terms and represent business leaders throughout the community. They are Roger Dwyer – President, Pam Hainy – Vice-President, Donna Grieve – Secretary-Treasurer, Gail Arnott, Brian Bergeleen, Charles Bergeleen, Jim Deines, Janet Kolousek and Joe Rex. Gaea Blue is the Administrator.

Caregivers at Weskota Manor Avera are guided by the mission to promote a life worth living for all by providing a home full of love, respect and companionship. Weskota Manor Avera is supported by tax deductible contributions to Weskota Foundation. These contributions assist in making a comfortable safe home for the individuals who helped make Wessington Springs what it is today.