South Dakota continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)

Discover CCRCs in South Dakota

Depending on your location and specific needs your options for continuing care retirement communities in South Dakota may vary. Since many sponsors of CCRCs include religious, fraternal and community organizations, and other companies involved with developing these retirement communities, they often instill their philosophies and ideals within the communities. Be sure to shop around to find the best fit for your continuing care option. Continuing care retirement communities are retirement communities with accommodations for independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care, offering residents a continuum of care. The communities ensure a dignified place for your or your senior to stay.

Although there is no overarching federal agency that regulates retirement communities, the private non-profit organization CARF-CCAC provides a voluntary process for individual CCRCs to become accredited.

Recreation and Attractions in South Dakota

Visitors and residents can behold Mount Rushmore, the larger than life sculpture of 4 U.S. presidents celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Other destinations include the Badlands National Park displaying bold and surreal canyon landscapes or the historic town of Deadwood known for its authentic Wild West infamy. Whatever your range of interests and mobility may be a new adventure is right outside your door in South Dakota!

South Dakota's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Native American tribes for millennia, primarily the Lakota Sioux, have occupied South Dakota. It wasn’t until a treaty in 1858 opened the land to European and American settlers. However, still today the Sioux nation is very present amidst several Indian reservations and important archaeological sites. South Dakota is great for those looking for some peace and quiet. With beautiful and vast prairies, South Dakota is ideal for those looking for some privacy.

South Dakota's CCRC Regulations and Laws

South Dakota's CCRC regulations ensure that you or your senior will be entering a continuing care retirement community that is up to par. A detailed report of these regulations and laws can be found on the South Dakota Legislature website.

Crime and Safety in South Dakota

Crime in South Dakota, in terms of both violent and property crimes, is lower than the national average. Even the crimes per square mile are half the national average, so it’s likely you or your elderly loved one will be successful in finding a safe place for any long-term care option. Below are some of the safest cities in the state.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Springfield	0	0
Brookings	.35	1.77
Brandon	.11	3.55

(source: safewise.com)

Payment and Costs for CCRCs in South Dakota

The payment plans will differ at each CCRC, however, large entrance fees are to be expected and can range anywhere from $30,000 to $500,000 and even up to $1 million at a single time depending on your contract and location. The national average cost of an entrance fee based on the most recent data is $248,000, and this price is expected to continue to fluctuate based on local housing prices.

The type of contract entered into by the resident will include a monthly maintenance fee costing between $300 and $4,500 or more depending on which services are utilized. Some residents may choose a “buy-in” option, meaning they join the community through buying an actual property. Whether you buy a property or not, it’s still necessary to look out for any additional maintenance or service fees before signing a contract.

The difference in prices is largely a result of the type of contract residents enter into, as well as their individual health care costs and possible Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Extensive Contracts – Guarantee a lifetime of housing and care at any and all levels provided by the community. These include monthly fees in exchange for a wide range of services. Because there is a relatively lower degree of risk, the upfront costs are much higher.
1. Entry Fee: $160,000 - $600,000
2. Monthly Fee: $2,500 - $5,400
Modified Contracts – Modified contracts only extend to a set number of days. After exceeding this limit, services are paid for out of pocket by the resident. Monthly fees are also still charged at an ongoing rate.
1. Entry Fee: $80,000 - $750,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,500 - $2,500
Fee-For-Service Contracts – Residents only pay for the services they currently use, however, are not safeguarded from any future changes in pricing or service availability. Most of the financial burden is borne by the resident, depending on Medicare or Medicaid eligibility. These are considered to be the contracts with the highest risk, even though their upfront costs are the lowest.
1. Entry Fee: $100,000 - $500,000
2. Monthly Fee: $1,300 - $4,300
Rental Agreements – Allow residents the ability to rent a housing unit on a monthly or annual basis. This type of contract does not guarantee access to health care on a fee-for-service basis, unlike other agreements.
1. Entry Fee: $1,800 - $30,000
2. Monthly Fee: $900 - $10,700
Equity Agreements – Shares of the community or association are afforded to individuals by the transferal of actual home, condominium, or townhome ownership within the CCRC. Healthcare services can still be purchased for additional fees. Through an equity agreement, the property’s appreciation benefits the individual or their estate as specified by the terms of the contract. This type of agreement relies heavily on the fluctuations of real estate in the area.

From a Report by The U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Senior and Elderly Rights For CCRCs in South Dakota

State and federal laws guarantee that you or your loved ones will not lose rights upon entering a CCRC. These laws make sure you are provided with the appropriate care that will ensure a happy and relaxing retirement. If these rights are violated, don’t hesitate to contact a legal advisor familiar with senior law. Coupled with South Dakota’s diverse attractions and high-quality communities, your move to a CCRC can be the perfect chance to retire comfortably.

SD CCRCs: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Since the goal of CCRCs is to aid residents in living independently, most communities will require a health screening in order for individuals to be admitted. These medical records are crucial because if you or your senior is deemed too frail it's possible that the applicant will not be accepted. Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in South Dakota are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.