Independent Living Communities in South Dakota

South Dakota’s independent living communities are for retired seniors who want to live more peacefully and have the freedom to create their own schedules. Independent living offer seniors the chance to stay involved and connected with a community while having less to worry about. Independent Living residents are healthy and do not need any assistance unless they choose to take advantage of the services their community provides. Whether it's a studio apartment, a small cottage and anything in between, independent living is quickly becoming one of the most popular long-term care options for seniors.

Find INDEPENDENT LIVING Facilities In SOUTH DAKOTA

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Cost Comparisons of South Dakota's Independent Living

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Sioux City $1,440 $2,454 $1,947
Rapid Falls $1,474 $2,637 $2,055
Aberdeen $1,399 $2,300 $1,850

South Dakota has 10 independent living communities with the average cost of $1,399 per month.

When trying to find independent living communities in South Dakota a good place to start is by comparing costs. Each community will have unique amenities and services, but your monthly payments provide access to the main features. These features include, but are not limited to, housekeeping, transportation services, fitness centers, and meal plans. No matter what you are looking for we are sure you’ll be able to find the independent senior living community that fits your personality and budget. Independent living in South Dakota varies in cost based on location, size, and housing options available.

Recreation & Attractions in South Dakota

South Dakota has many amazing landmarks such as the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Harvey Peak, and the Needles Highway. The Black Hills are a small mountain range with its highest peak reaching 7,244 feet. Covered in trees, it got its name from its dark appearance when viewed from a distance. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a sculpture carved out of the granite in the Black Hills to form the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It was created with the intention to gain tourists’ attention and was originally going to depict the men from head to their waist, but they lacked the funding to do so.

The Badlands National Park has beautiful pinnacles, spires, and grass prairies that are the home to the very endangered black-footed ferret. Harvey Peak is the highest natural point in South Dakota and is an old stone tower that was once used as a lookout tower for fire. It is now a favorite spot for people to go for a hike and see incredible views. The Needles are a region in the Black Hills that was the original place for Mount Rushmore, but due to the lack of quality granite and thin spires, it was rejected. However, it is still a beautiful place to visit and well known for its tall rock formations.

South Dakota's Climate, Geography & Culture

With a continental climate, South Dakota experiences 2 distinct seasons characterized by cold, dry winters and hot semi-humid summers. The average high temperature during the summer is about 90 degrees. Winters are cold, with most parts of the state averaging a high temperature around 10 degrees in January.

Summers in South Dakota bring about frequent and severe thunderstorms. The eastern part of the state is considered part of Tornado Alley averaging about 20 tornadoes per year. Ice storms and blizzards often occur during the winter months. South Dakota receives about 22 inches of rain and 38 inches of snowfall per year. 

Native American tribes, primarily the Lakota Sioux, have occupied South Dakota for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until a treaty in 1858 opened the land to European and American settlers. However, the Sioux nation is still very present today amidst several Indian reservations and important archaeological sites. Overall, South Dakota is a rural, unpretentious farming state with a bounty of natural sites and opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

South Dakota's Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of South Dakota independent living communities are overseen by the Department of Social Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions. Annual reports of are to be made public upon request, detailing any past violations and the steps taken to correct them. Your safety and satisfaction are of utmost importance to your community and fellow residents, so never feel discouraged from airing your grievance if you think a violation has been made. 

Crime & 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 will be successful in finding a safe place for your independent living option. South Dakota has many neighborhood watches, police departments, and crime stoppers who all aim to prevent and reduce crime in South Dakota such as the South Dakota Crime Stoppers and the National Crime Prevention Council. Listed here are some of the safest cities in the South Dakota.

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Brandon0.102.58
Lennox0.443.98
Hot Springs0.866.90

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for South Dakota Independent Living

Since Medicare and Medicaid will not pay for an independent living option, most seniors pay using their own savings, pensions, or by selling their assets. If these options are unavailable to you, it may be necessary to consider what other payment methods are out there. 

To start, U.S. veterans can receive around $1,644 monthly, while couples can collect as much as $1,949 a month. For surviving spouses of veterans, the monthly amount is closer to $1,056. Citizens of the U.S. over 65 may also be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify, seniors must have a disability (including blindness), support a dependent, or lack a sustainable income otherwise. 

Another option that is gaining in popularity is to open a senior living line of credit which allows up to $50,000 of unsecured credit payable directly to an independent living community. With flexible repayment terms and the ability to use money as needed, this can be a viable path for those who qualify.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in South Dakota

As a resident of a South Dakota independent living community, you are to be treated with dignity and respect at all times and can fully participate in your medical care and financial matters. Moving to independent living also means that your Constitutional rights and the liberties afforded to you by the Bill of Rights follow. If you believe your rights have been violated, don't hesitate to contact a lawyer familiar with elder law. For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the South Dakota Ombudsman for more details. 

SD Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents of independent living communities or receiving 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 HIPAA laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information. These records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee. Since this information is highly personal, it should be kept private and only shared at your discretion. 

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.