Haaland Estates celebrated 50 years as an independent living facility on July 28, 2012 with an open house.

Residents and other members of the community celebrated with punch, cookies, musical entertainment, veteran recognition, visiting, and dancing. A good time was had by all. A picnic supper was provided to all who attended the event.

The Haaland Home was established in 1962 with intermediate care. The trend for parents to live with their children began changing at this time and senior citizens decided they needed to look at other options.

The Haaland Homes was for people who needed more care while Haaland Manor apartments was created in 1988 for people who could live alone with basic care. This addition was well-received by the community and the apartments were quickly filled, necessitating the building of another apartment unit in 1997. Later, in 2007, the facility would become a licensed assisted living faciltiy. Home care was soon added and in 2008 the two facilities came together under the name Haaland Estates.

Harold and Ruth Haaland donated the initial $100,000 to get the funding started. A loan of $500,000 was obtained from Federal Housing Administration. Other funds were received from a local fundraising campaign as well as donations from individuals and businesses. The vision of the Haaland family was to provide seniors with quality health care and personal service in a pleasant setting.

Some of the first caregivers were Leila Sanderson, RN, who served as the first administrator at the facility. The nursing staff at that time included Janette Ritterman, LPN; Mary Lunde, LPN; Rita Quammen, LPN; and Katherine Bischoff, LPN. Lore Tuff, Lorraine Kunnanz, and Garnet Holm were among the first nurse’s aides. Early dietary staff included Mary Klemin, Elizabeth Krogstad, Christine Kraft, and Barbra Jaeger, Penny Voeller, Ottine Sether and Tammy Sobet. Housekeeping staff were Anna Strand, Karen Vesterso and Theresa Fritel. Custodial staff included Ole Bryntesen. Laundry aide was Alvina Bryntesen. Bath aides included Rose Geisinger, Diane Tandeski and Magdalena Sander. Secretary was Jeannie Schneider.

In some ways, the Haaland Estates hasn’t changed as it still offers an opportunity for seniors to live as independently as possible in a non-nursing home-type setting. What has changed, according to Marilyn Goldade, director at Haaland Estates are the ages and needs of the residents.

“Life expectancy in 1962 was approximately 70 years of age,” said Goldade. “Today, for individuals reaching the age of 65, the life expectancy for females is between 88-90, and for males between 83-85.With individuals living longer, we see multiple health and more complex medical needs that need to be managed; something we are able to do very well at Haaland Estates. Most individuals can remain very functionally independent when such needs are managed properly.

The Haaland Estates offers many activities to correspond with the varying interests of the people who live there. One is gardening. Some residents have their own garden areas which they enjoy managing. A bus takes the residents out into the community for events such as Music in the Park, luncheons, shopping, and trips to Minot, Devils Lake, and Bottineau. There are a wide variety of indoor activities at Haaland Estates, as well.

Haaland Estates operates under the Good Samaritan Hospital Association (GSHA), which is the parent corporation of Haaland Estates, Heart of America Medical Center and HAMC-Johnson Clinic. Good Samaritan Hospital Association is a non-profit organization sustained by multiple surrounding community churches.