A new nursing home in Williston is crucial for keeping the community's elders close to home, according to discussions at the Williams County Board of County Commissioners meeting on December 17, 2024. The urgency for this facility stems from recent closures of nursing homes in the region, which can lead to a significant loss of community ties as families relocate to follow their elders.

The representatives from Bethel, the current nursing home, emphasized the importance of maintaining local care options. "When you start to close a nursing home... you start to lose those elders of your community," one speaker noted, highlighting the ripple effect that such closures can have on families and the community as a whole.

Bethel is actively pursuing a capital campaign to raise $3.03 million for the new facility, with plans to bond $30 million for the project. They are currently in discussions with financial partners to secure the necessary funding. It was also clarified that Bethel does not set the rates for skilled care; these are determined by the state of North Dakota based on the level of assistance required by residents.

The commitment to this new nursing home reflects a broader effort to ensure that local elders receive the care they need without having to leave their community. As the project moves forward, it aims to strengthen the fabric of Williston by keeping families together and providing essential services to its aging population.