Bethany Lutheran Health Services sits at 7 Elliott Street in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and has served older adults and their families since 1975, with Bethany Lutheran Home marking 50 years of caring for seniors in 2025. The community started as independent living back in 1991 and later turned part of its campus into a licensed assisted living facility called Bethany Heights in 2008, where seniors can find apartment homes and extra support as their needs change, plus staff around the clock. This organization is faith-based, grounded in Lutheran traditions though it's accepted people of all faiths from the start, and keeps a full-time Chaplain to help with spiritual needs. Folks living here have access to spiritual life programs-things like Bible study, Catholic Mass, communion, rosary, and group worship, and they can even take the community van to local churches if they want to keep up with their church life.
The campus offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, long-term care, memory care, and short-term skilled rehab, with on-site therapy services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help residents recover or maintain their health after surgery or illness. Bethany Lutheran Health Services also has staff trained for more complicated conditions like Congestive Heart Failure, COPD, and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, and the nursing programs are certified by Medicare, which means they can help during healing after big health events. There's a memory care unit where staff get to know residents who face cognitive challenges, working hard to keep everyone safe and respected.
Community life focuses on each resident's dignity and well-being, meeting physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual needs. Staff encourage relationships, activity, and meaning, with gathering spaces like the remodeled Living Room, the Garden Lounge, and the Den where folks can relax, talk, and take part in activities with family and friends. Meals are provided three times a day. Residents have access to free laundry, housekeeping, and transportation by van, plus organized social and recreational activities to keep life interesting and connected. Bethany Lutheran Health Services is a nonprofit supported by donations and endowments and has always valued affordable housing and services for older adults in Council Bluffs. The staff follows a resident-centered approach, working to respect each person's choices as aging brings new challenges.
The facility is active in healthcare advocacy and legal protections for residents, supporting the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender identity or orientation. It maintains various quality programs, staff training, certification, and professional development to make sure care always meets regulatory standards. Bethany Lutheran Health Services is part of the Iowa Healthcare Association and Iowa Center for Assisted Living and is recognized locally for reliable and compassionate service. While technology connections exist, including association with Meta platforms and social media logins like Facebook and Messenger, its daily focus seems to remain on supporting seniors through every stage of aging, with committed staff and a mission rooted in Christian love, respect, and compassion.
