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Nursing Homes in South Dakota
Total Facilities:300
Avg Nursing Home Score:47.5
High-Performing NHs:5.2%
Quick Answer
South Dakota has 96 nursing homes, 163 assisted living communities, and 24 home health agencies in our database. Its nursing homes average a SunsetWell Score of 5.3/10, with 5.2% scoring 75 or higher. Average monthly cost: $6,600-$9,600.
Finding Care in South Dakota
Finding nursing home care in South Dakota—whether in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, or rural communities—is one of life's hardest transitions. You might be feeling guilty about not providing care at home, worried about limited options in rural areas, or concerned about costs. Please be kind to yourself. Seeking professional nursing care when your loved one needs 24/7 medical support is responsible and loving.
South Dakota has approximately 110 skilled nursing facilities, regulated by the Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification. Many facilities specialize in memory care, post-acute rehabilitation, or complex medical needs. South Dakota nursing homes often serve close-knit communities with personalized care and strong local connections.
Costs in South Dakota are below the national average, which can provide financial relief. South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible individuals, and most facilities accept Medicaid. South Dakota's ombudsman program provides advocacy for residents and families across the state.
South Dakota at a Glance
Facility Breakdown
Skilled Nursing Facilities:96
Assisted Living Communities:163
Home Health Agencies:24
Other provider types:17
The total includes every provider type in the database; the categories above explain the largest groups and show the remainder separately.
Quality Metrics
Avg Nursing Home Score:47.5
Median Nursing Home Score:45.8
Nursing Homes Scoring 75+:5 (5.2%)
Staffing Reliability Context
State averages can hide whether staffing is steady day to day. Our Weekend Effect report uses CMS daily payroll data to compare weekend staffing drops, volatility, and contract labor reliance at individual nursing homes.
Request help from SunsetWell
You can store a research request with SunsetWell. Individual review and a response are not guaranteed, so contact facilities directly for current details.
The sponsored advisor link uses affiliate measurement and is available only with optional marketing consent. You can use the SunsetWell request form without changing your privacy choice.
Compare Nursing Homes in South Dakota
#1
Weskota Manor Inc
WESSINGTON SPRINGS • 608 1ST STREET NE
Health: 4 stars
Staffing: 4 stars
Quality: 4 stars
86
Excellent · 100th percentile in SD
#2
Estelline Nursing and Care Center
ESTELLINE • 205 FJERESTAD AVENUE EAST
Health: 3 stars
Staffing: 3 stars
Quality: 4 stars
85
Excellent · 99th percentile in SD
81
Excellent · 98th percentile in SD
81
Excellent · 97th percentile in SD
#5
PRAIRIE VIEW HEALTHCARE CENTER
WOONSOCKET • 401 SOUTH FIRST AVENUE
Health: 3 stars
Staffing: 1 stars
Quality: 4 stars
79
Excellent · 96th percentile in SD
#6
LAKE ANDES SENIOR LIVING
LAKE ANDES • 740 EAST LAKE ST
Health: 1 stars
Staffing: 3 stars
Quality: 4 stars
74
Good · 95th percentile in SD
#7
Avera Eureka Health Care Center
EUREKA • 202 J AVENUE
Health: 2 stars
Staffing: 4 stars
Quality: 4 stars
73
Good · 94th percentile in SD
72
Good · 93rd percentile in SD
Browse by City
Sioux Falls22 facilitiesRapid City15 facilitiesRAPID CITY15 facilitiesSIOUX FALLS15 facilitiesYankton6 facilitiesAberdeen6 facilitiesABERDEEN6 facilitiesSpearfish6 facilitiesMitchell5 facilitiesWatertown5 facilitiesMITCHELL5 facilitiesYANKTON4 facilitiesPIERRE4 facilitiesMILBANK4 facilitiesWATERTOWN4 facilities
Medicaid Coverage in South Dakota
Many families need help paying for nursing home care. Medicaid is a vital resource, but the rules vary by state. Here's what you need to know about Medicaid nursing home coverage in South Dakota.
Eligibility Requirements
Monthly Income Limit:
$2,982 (2026); South Dakota uses an income cap, but those exceeding it can establish a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)
$2,982 (2026); South Dakota uses an income cap, but those exceeding it can establish a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)
Asset Limit:
$2,000 for individuals, with home and one vehicle typically exempt
$2,000 for individuals, with home and one vehicle typically exempt
Processing Time:
30-45 days for initial determination
30-45 days for initial determination
How to Apply
Apply through the South Dakota Department of Social Services at dss.sd.gov or at your local DSS office. You'll need financial documents, medical assessments, and citizenship proof.
Important Tips for South Dakota Families
- •South Dakota's income limit is $2,982/month (2026). If exceeded, you'll need a Qualified Income Trust (QIT)—an elder law attorney can help.
- •Many South Dakota facilities require 30-60 days of private pay before accepting Medicaid. Confirm policies during tours.
- •South Dakota has Medicaid estate recovery, but exemptions exist for surviving spouses and disabled children.
- •Work with a South Dakota elder law attorney to understand spousal asset protections.
- •Veterans in South Dakota should apply for VA Aid & Attendance benefits, providing up to $2,424/month.
Nursing Home Costs in South Dakota
$220-$320/day average
Monthly Range: $6,600-$9,600
South Dakota nursing home costs are below the national average. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are slightly more expensive than rural areas. Medicare covers skilled nursing for up to 100 days post-hospitalization. South Dakota Medicaid covers long-term care for eligible residents.
Medicare Coverage: Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days). Days 1-20 are fully covered; days 21-100 require a copay ($217/day in 2026).
South Dakota Resources & Advocacy
Oversight & Complaints
South Dakota Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1-605-773-3656Visit website →
The ombudsman helps resolve complaints and advocates for nursing home residents' rights.
South Dakota Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification
View inspection reports →Support & Guidance
South Dakota Department of Social Services - Adult Services and Aging
1-605-773-3165Visit website →
Area agencies on aging provide care planning, caregiver support, and benefit counseling.
Medicare Nursing Home Compare
medicare.gov/care-compare →Ready to Find the Right Facility?
Use our personalized navigator to find facilities that match your loved one's needs, insurance, and location in South Dakota.
Start Navigator Tool →Disclaimer: This guide is educational only. SunsetWell scores are based on CMS data and peer-group analysis. Medicaid eligibility rules change frequently—always verify current requirements with your state Medicaid office. Always tour facilities personally, speak with staff, review current state inspection reports, and consult healthcare professionals before making placement decisions.
Last updated: June 2026 | Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare, South Dakota Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification, SunsetWell Analysis