Avera@Home - Home Health Mitchell is a home health care provider based in Mitchell, South Dakota at 525 North Foster. They provide home health care and personal care services for senior clients. They have been operating in the area ...
Home Care in South Dakota
- Home Care Directory for South Dakota
- Home Care Costs in South Dakota
- Financial Assistance for Home Care in South Dakota
- South Dakota Home Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Home Care Resources in South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the nation’s least populous states, but it has a surprisingly large senior population. More than 17% of its nearly 885,000 residents are aged 65 or older. The state’s many seniors enjoy pleasant summers, scenic state parks and an affordable lifestyle. Its tax policies are so senior friendly that personal finance magazine Kiplinger named South Dakota the best state for retirement.
South Dakota’s SeniorScore is 71, just one point lower than the U.S. average. The SeniorScore uses more than 100 data points to provide an unbiased look at how well states accommodate senior citizens. The state earned its best score of 74 in the Finances category. With no state income tax and relatively low sales taxes, it’s easier for seniors to enjoy a financially comfortable retirement. South Dakota received a low score of 58 in Health & Safety, in part because of its high overall crime rate. It also earned a 58 in Recreation & Leisure for its limited recreational facilities. However, the sparsely populated state boasts 86 golf courses and 790 churches, as well as many outdoor attractions, including the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
This guide provides an overview of home care in South Dakota, including typical costs, financial assistance options and state regulations, as well as some helpful free home care resources.
Top Home Care Agencies in South Dakota
Westhills Village
255 Texas St
Rapid City, SD 57701
Located at 255 Texas St in Rapid City, South Dakota, Westhills Village is a home healthcare company that offers home healthcare as well as in-home personal care services. Since 1992, they have been serving clients throughout the Rapid City ...
Comfort Keepers
119 E Grant St Ste 1
Spearfish, SD 57783
Located in Spearfish, SD at 119 E Grant St Ste 1, Comfort Keepers is a home care company offering in-home health care and also personal care. They provide various medical services including assistance with injections, licensed nursing, diabetes care, cardiac ...
Community Memorial Home Health
1005 W 1st St Univ Plz Ste 2 Post Office Box 420
Redfield, SD 57469
Located in Redfield, South Dakota at 1005 W 1st St Univ Plz Ste 2 Post Office Box 420, Community Memorial Home Health is a senior home health care service provider offering personal care and in-home health care. For almost ...
Madison Home Care
917 North Washington Ave
Madison, SD 57042
Located at 917 North Washington Ave in Madison, South Dakota, Madison Home Care is a senior home care provider that offers in-home medical services in addition to personal home care. Since 1994, they have been helping customers throughout the Madison ...
Avera@Home - Home Health Milbank
901 East Virgil Ave
Milbank, SD 57252
Located in Milbank, SD at 901 East Virgil Ave, Avera@Home - Home Health Milbank is a home healthcare provider that offers personal care services along with home health care. For almost 24 years, they have been helping seniors in the ...
State Home Care Services
900 E 20th St Ste 317
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at 900 E 20th St Ste 317, State Home Care Services Inc. is a senior home healthcare company offering personal care as well as in-home nursing care. For almost 24 years, they have been ...
Interim Healthcare
725 Indiana St
Rapid City, SD 57701
Interim Healthcare is a in-home care service provider located in Rapid City, SD at 725 Indiana St. They provide personal home care services in addition to home health care for senior clients. For almost 24 years, they have been ...
Avera@Home - Home Health Pierre
801 E Sioux Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
Avera@Home - Home Health Pierre is a home care service provider located in Pierre, SD at 801 E Sioux Ave. They offer in-home nursing as well as home care to senior clients. Since 1993, they have been serving clients ...
Ymc Home Care
1104 W 8th St Post Office Box 706
Yankton, SD 57078
Located at 1104 W 8th St Post Office Box 706 in Yankton, SD, Ymc Home Care is a home health care service provider offering personal home care in addition to home health services. For nearly 25 years, they have ...
Bennett County Home Health Agency
102 Major Allen Street Post Office Box 70
Martin, SD 57551
Bennett County Home Health Agency is a home health care company located in Martin, SD at 102 Major Allen Street Post Office Box 70. They offer personal home care and also in-home health care for senior clientele. They have ...
Regional Health - Rapid City Home Care
224 Elk St
Rapid City, SD 57701
Regional Health - Rapid City Home Care is a in-home care service provider located in Rapid City, SD at 224 Elk St. They provide in-home personal care services along with home health care for seniors. They have been serving ...
Spearfish Regional Hospital Home Care
1440 North Main
Spearfish, SD 57783
Spearfish Regional Hospital Home Care is a home health care service provider based in Spearfish, SD at 1440 North Main. They offer in-home care and also in-home medical services to senior clientele. Since 1992, they have been providing care ...
Brookings Hospital HHA
300 22nd Ave
Brookings, SD 57006
Located at 300 22nd Ave in Brookings, South Dakota, Brookings Hospital HHA is a senior in-home care company offering personal home care and in-home medical care. For almost 33 years, they have been helping seniors in the Brookings area. They ...
Avera at Home
201 S Lloyd St Ste 210 W Post Office Box 4450
Aberdeen, SD 57402
Avera at Home is a home healthcare provider located in Aberdeen, SD at 201 S Lloyd St Ste 210 W Post Office Box 4450. They provide in-home personal care and also in-home nursing care for seniors. They have ...
Hand County Home Health Agency
300 West 5th St
Miller, SD 57362
Located in Miller, SD at 300 West 5th St, Hand County Home Health Agency is a home care provider that offers in-home personal care along with home healthcare. They have been operating in Miller for nearly 34 years. They offer ...
Prairie Lakes Home Health Therapy
401 9th Ave NW Post Office Box 1210
Watertown, SD 57201
Located at 401 9th Ave NW Post Office Box 1210 in Watertown, South Dakota, Prairie Lakes Home Health Therapy is a in-home care service provider that offers personal home care and also in-home nursing. Since 1984, they have been ...
Winner Regional Healthcare Center - Home Health
245 Main St
Winner, SD 57580
Located at 245 Main St in Winner, SD, Winner Regional Healthcare Center - Home Health is a home health care service provider that offers home care and in-home health care. They have been in business in South Dakota for nearly ...
Huron Regional Medical Center Home Health
172 4th St SE
Huron, SD 57350
Located at 172 4th St SE in Huron, SD, Huron Regional Medical Center Home Health is a in-home care service provider offering in-home medical services and also in-home personal care. They have been serving clients in South Dakota for 40 ...
Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center
501 Summit
Yankton, SD 57078
Located at 501 Summit in Yankton, SD, Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center is a senior home care company offering personal care services along with home health services. Since 1968, they have been helping customers throughout the Yankton area. They ...
The Cost of Home Care in South Dakota
According to Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, in-home care costs an average of $5,339 per month in South Dakota. The average cost for home health care is the same, even though the two services are very different. In-home care providers help seniors with nonmedical tasks such as light housekeeping and meal preparation. Home health care providers offer help with various medical tasks, including medication management and wound care.
The Cost of Home Care in South Dakota Compared to Nearby States
Compared to nearby states, South Dakota is a relatively expensive place to receive home care services. In Montana, both types of home care cost $4,576, which is about $760 less than in South Dakota. Iowans pay an average of $4,767 for both services. In Nebraska, home care costs $4,671, while home health care is pricier at $4,957. North Dakota’s average home care cost is about $190 lower than South Dakota’s, though home health care costs are similar.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
South Dakota | $5,339 | $5,339 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Montana | $4,576 | $4,576 |
Nebraska | $4,671 | $4,957 |
Iowa | $4,767 | $4,767 |
North Dakota | $5,148 | $5,331 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in South Dakota
South Dakota seniors may consider adult day care, assisted living facilities and nursing home care, in addition to in-home options. With an average price of $2,427 per month, adult day care is the most affordable option. Seniors receive these services at a community-based center, rather than in their own homes. For assisted living, the average monthly cost is $3,500, although that price includes room and board in addition to personal care. The state’s priciest option is nursing home care: At $6,844 per month, it costs about $1,500 more than in-home care.
- In-Home Care: $5,339
- Home Health Care: $5,339
- Adult Day Care: $2,427
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,500
- Nursing Home Care: $6,844
The Cost of Home Care in South Dakota's Top Cities
South Dakota’s two major cities have vastly different home care prices. In Sioux Falls, both home care and home health care cost $5,053 per month, on average. Across the state in Rapid City, both care types cost $6,673 — $1,620 higher than in Sioux Falls. Just over the state line in Sioux City, Iowa, care costs $5,529 per month, while up in Bismarck, North Dakota, it’s much lower at just $2,669.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
South Dakota | $5,339 | $5,339 |
Rapid City | $6,673 | $6,673 |
Sioux Falls | $5,053 | $5,053 |
Sioux City, IA | $5,529 | $5,529 |
Bismarck, ND | $2,669 | $2,669 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in South Dakota
Home & Community-Based Options and Personal Centered Excellence (HOPE) Waiver
South Dakota Medicaid’s HOPE waiver covers many services that can help seniors remain in their homes. This includes services typically offered by home care providers, such as homemaker, personal care and chore services. Other covered services include specialized medical equipment and home accessibility modifications, such as wheelchair ramps. Seniors may be eligible for the HOPE waiver if they require the level of care provided by nursing facilities but want to remain at home. They must also meet the waiver’s income and asset guidelines.
Contact Information
For more information about the HOPE waiver, seniors can call their local Long-Term Services and Supports office.
VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits
Veterans Affairs offers two pension benefits that may help seniors pay for home care services. These benefits are paid in addition to seniors’ monthly VA pensions. Seniors may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they have limited eyesight, are bedbound or need assistance to perform daily activities. The Housebound Allowance may be available to seniors who are confined to their homes due to a permanent disability. Veterans can’t receive both additional pension benefits at the same time.
Contact Information
For more information, seniors can call the VA at (800) 698-2411.
South Dakota Caregiver Support Program
The South Dakota Caregiver Support Program provides free assistance to unpaid family caregivers. It provides information about services and supports, as well as help accessing these services. The program also offers free or low-cost respite care, including housekeeping, personal care and meal preparation. Primary caregivers are responsible for choosing a respite care provider. Caregivers may qualify for these services if they’re caring for a senior aged 60 or older, or a person of any age with dementia.
Contact Information
For more information about this program, or to apply for help, caregivers can call Dakota at Home at (833) 663-9673.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
South Dakota Home Care Rules and Regulations
The South Dakota Department of Health doesn’t regulate or license nonmedical home health providers. However, home care providers that contract with the state’s Division of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) must follow guidelines regarding care plans, staff training and medication administration.
Scope of Care | Home care providers can deliver adult companion, personal care, respite, homemaker and chore services to LTSS consumers. They may also be authorized to provide nursing services. |
Care Plan Requirements | Seniors who receive LTSS services must have a written care plan that details their needs. This plan must specify the type of in-home services they’ll receive, as well as the duration and frequency of these services. These plans must be reassessed at least once per year. |
Medication Management Requirements | Home care providers are required to record and track medication errors. Seniors’ physicians must be notified of any errors. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Home care providers must conduct background checks for all in-home aides and ensure new hires aren’t on the List of Excluded Individuals and Entities. Providers must also regularly check this list for names of current employees. When hiring LPNs or RNs, providers must verify new hires' nursing licenses through the South Dakota Board of Nursing. |
Staff Training Requirements | LTSS providers must ensure their staff receive at least 6 hours of training every year. Newly hired in-home aides must receive an orientation before entering seniors’ homes. Staff who provide in-home nursing services must be an RN or LPN. |
Medicaid Coverage | In-home care is covered by the Home & Community-Based Options and Person Centered Excellence (HOPE) waiver. |
Reporting Abuse | Per South Dakota’s mandatory reporting laws, suspected abuse or neglect of elders must be immediately reported to local law enforcement, the county State’s Attorney or the Department of Human Services. Home care staff are required to receive annual training on the state’s mandatory reporting laws. |
Free Home Care Resources in South Dakota
Seniors in South Dakota have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Dakota at Home
As the designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for South Dakota, Dakota at Home offers an information and referral service for seniors. Seniors can contact Dakota at Home to learn about the public and private services and programs that can help them continue living in their homes. These resources include nutrition sites, transportation services, support groups and home care services.
Contact Information
To find local services and supports, seniors can call Dakota at Home’s toll-free statewide helpline at (833) 663-9673 or search the online Resource Directory.
Senior Health Information & Insurance Education (SHIINE)
SHIINE is a federally funded program that helps seniors understand Medicare. At its three regional centers, it provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling. SHIINE volunteers can answer questions about Medicare and help seniors compare plans. They can also help seniors fill out forms or resolve problems with their Medicare coverage.
Contact Information
For help with Medicare, seniors can contact the SHIINE center that serves their county.
South Dakota Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance program helps South Dakotans improve their homes’ energy efficiency. Low-income seniors can receive a variety of free weatherization measures that can help reduce their heating bills. Insulating attics, repairing heating systems and weather stripping doors are just a few of the eligible projects. Since the program has limited funds, seniors may need to join a waiting list.
Contact Information
Seniors who are interested in weatherization services can call the Community Action Agency that serves their county.
Independent Living Choices
Independent Living Choices is a nonprofit organization that offers many services for people with disabilities, including seniors. Its Home Modification program can help seniors complete accessibility modifications, such as widening doorways and installing ramps. Its Adaptive Devices program provides a variety of items that can help seniors live independently, including grab bars, shower chairs and jar openers. These services are supported by state funding and private donations. Independent Living Choices has 10 locations to serve seniors throughout South Dakota.
Contact Information
To learn more about these programs, seniors can call Independent Living Choices at (605) 362-3550.
Senior Tax Reductions
South Dakota offers several tax reduction programs for senior citizens. Seniors who own their homes may qualify for a property tax freeze or property tax refund. The former program is available to low-income seniors whose homes are valued at less than $100,000. If approved, seniors receive a freeze on their property’s assessed value. Income-based property tax refunds are offered to seniors who’ve lived in their homes for 3 years. For renters, the state offers a sales tax refund program.
Contact Information
To learn more about these tax reduction programs, seniors can contact their County Treasurer.
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
This state agency provides services for seniors who’ve served in the U.S. military, as well as surviving spouses. Eligible seniors can visit the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs for help accessing the state and federal benefits they’re eligible to receive. These benefits may include hospital care, guaranteed loans for home repairs or the VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit.
Contact Information
To get help accessing veterans benefits, eligible seniors can contact their County Veterans Service Officer.
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