Sanford breaks ground on ‘blueprint’ of senior care

With the ground officially broken on the up-and-coming Good Samaritan Society - Founder’s Crossing campus, Sanford Health is changing the landscape of long-term care.

‘It’s a culture of caring’

DeeAndra Sandgren is the chief nursing officer at the Society. She said Founder’s Crossing, which will have its first phase up and running by spring 2026 and will eventually house roughly 500 and employ 200, is a shining example of the strength of the Good Samaritan Society and Sanford Health’s integrated health system.

“This new campus is a wonderful amalgamation of everything that we can bring together in our service lines,” she said.

“When we think about what it means to be here for all, here for good, and really reflect community, this is one community where you can get everything you need. Whether you’re living in the villas and then need assisted living or memory care or rehab, you can get it all on one campus where you can see your friends,” added Sandgren.

One stop shop

Sandgren said the campus is one of a kind and is uniquely positioned to meet residents’ needs – whatever stage of life they find themselves in.

“You’ve got home health and services right there in the office across from the bistro, where you can get coffee with your friends and sign up for what you need. Down the hall is your clinic and access to a pharmacy. We’ve got therapy on-site, all just within minutes from your home or villa.

“You can take in a wellness center class; we’ve got space for a podiatrist to come in, a dentist to come up, massage therapy – really everything you need to live your most vital life, we’ll have for you at Founder’s Crossing,” said Sandgren.

Good Samaritan Society Chief Operating Officer Aimee Middleton said residents will have access to health care services that would otherwise require a trip to the hospital. Besides things like podiatry, dentistry, a pharmacy, and massage therapy, Middleton said residents can expect on-site:

  • X-rays
  • Access to their primary care providers
  • Skilled nursing rehab
  • Specialized rehab
  • Walking paths
  • Pickleball court(s)
  • A rooftop bar and patio

“This is the epitome of health, healing and comfort,” said Middleton.

Meeting a growing need

Society President and CEO Nate Schema said the growth within the Sioux Falls area was a large catalyst for the construction of Founder’s Crossing.

“Sioux Falls is booming. It is absolutely off the charts. There’s been a lot of talk about how the silver tsunami will impact us here in Sioux Falls – and it (already) is. We’re seeing the senior demographic, 65 and over, growing about 20% every single year here in Sioux Falls. So, the need for additional housing options, we cannot build fast enough,” he said.

Schema said over 300 people are already on an interest list.

He said he and other leaders at the Society view Founder’s Crossing as “the blueprint for the future.”

“It brings both health care elements and dynamic service options to a campus unlike any other organization. Not only will we have different amenities from the lounge, the pickleball courts, to the health care options. Having the Lewis Clinic, the Lewis Pharmacy right there at folks’ fingertips, especially in those really, really cold days of winter – that’s a game changer,” he said. 

Completed in phases, villas will open first starting in spring 2026, followed by independent living apartments, assisted living and memory care assisted living apartments, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care center in 2027-2028, followed by the eventual opening of the Sanford Health clinic and Lewis Drug.

Learn more about Founder’s Crossing, including how to get a spot on the interest list for yourself or a loved one.

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