Assisted Living in South Dakota

South Dakota’s assisted living communities offer seniors a welcoming, supportive place to call home. At an average cost of $3,910 per month, these communities combine comfort and value, providing homelike settings with convenient on-site amenities and personalized care. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of Sturgis or prefer the small-town charm of Pierre, South Dakota pairs its sweeping Great Plains landscapes with accessible, affordable senior living options.

The average cost of assisted living in South Dakota is $3,910 per month or $46,920 per year. This is around $830 less per month than the national average of $4,741. These numbers reflect the base rent rate at A Place for Mom’s partner communities. Assisted living costs can vary from community to community. Factors such as location, your loved one’s care needs, floor plan size, and additional services can increase the final cost.

In South Dakota, the cost of assisted living compares favorably with that of its neighbors. Average monthly costs in North Dakota are lower, but in Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa, they’re higher.  Costs vary throughout South Dakota as well. For example, the average cost in the capital of Pierre is comparable to the statewide average, while the state’s largest city, Sioux Falls, offers some savings.

Seniors who are able to live on their own can find savings in independent living, which has an average monthly cost of $3,057.

Read more:Assisted Living vs. Independent Living: What’s the Difference?

Most families in South Dakota use both private and public payment methods to cover the monthly costs of assisted living. Because costs and eligibility can vary widely, it’s best to plan early to understand which payment options apply to your loved one’s situation. For an in-depth look at different payment options, visit our complete guide to paying for long-term care.

Private pay options

Private pay options are the most common way that families in South Dakota pay for assisted living. Some use personal savings, but there are several other options, including home equity and Social Security benefits, as well as long-term care and life insurance.

VA benefits

Eligible veterans in South Dakota have access to several benefit programs from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can help them pay for assisted living services. Because the application process can be complex, it’s a good idea to work with an accredited benefits counselor. A good place to start in South Dakota is with a county veterans service officer (VSO) through the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. Find a local officer or call the main office in Pierre at 605-773-3269.

Medicaid

Medicaid is both a state and federally funded health insurance program for people who have low incomes and those who have certain conditions and disabilities. It’s administered at the state level, meaning specific programs and services vary from state to state. While South Dakota Medicaid can help cover certain health care expenses incurred by seniors living in an assisted living community, it won’t cover the cost of room and board.^[02]

The Home and Community Based Options and Person-Centered Excellence (HOPE) waiver program, operated by South Dakota’s Division of Long-Term Services and Supports, can be used to cover some costs associated with assisted living. This waiver program, unlike the state’s regular Medicaid plan, isn’t an entitlement, so waiting lists may apply. Covered services include but aren’t limited to:^[03]

• Help with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Medication management
• Limited nursing services
• Companion services

If you or your loved one has questions about South Dakota’s Medicaid programs, contact a local office or call 605-773-3165.

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for adults aged 65 or older and people with certain conditions. Medicare can help cover some costs of assisted living, but it won’t cover the cost of room and board or nonmedical personal care services.^[04]

For unbiased, personalized help with Medicare plans and benefits, call 888-854-5321 to consult a counselor with the state’s Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program.

In South Dakota, the state’s Department of Health is responsible for inspecting and licensing assisted living communities.^[05] For licensing purposes, assisted living communities in South Dakota are referred to as assisted living centers (ALCs). While there’s only one type of license for assisted living, ALCs range in size, from smaller family-style homes to large apartment-style complexes.

Communities that offer specialized services, such as medication administration, dementia care, and two-person help with ADLs must apply for and receive additional certification beyond those that don’t. All ALCs in South Dakota must be inspected when they apply for a license and on a continual and regular basis after licensure.^[05]

How to check license status and inspection reports for South Dakota assisted living facilities

Use this list of recent survey reports and this list of licensed assisted living communities, maintained by the South Dakota Department of Health.

Why do licensure and inspection reports matter to families?

State regulations — and a community’s track record with inspections and licensing — offer important insights into safety and quality of care in senior living communities.

Download the Guide to Senior Living Licensure and Inspection Reports to learn what to look for in inspection reports and what questions to ask when touring communities. This resource explains how to use state licensure and inspection information to evaluate a community’s compliance, care standards, and responsiveness to issues.