Best Assisted Living in South Dakota

Morningstar Assisted Living Community, situated in the heart of Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a welcoming and supportive environment for seniors requiring assistance with daily living tasks. Rather than a clinical facility, it provides a sense of home. The dedicated staff ensures personalized care while residents enjoy delicious meals.

Engaging activities foster a sense of family and belonging, making Morningstar Assisted Living a place where seniors thrive and find comfort in their golden years.

Overview of Primrose Cottages – Aberdeen

Offering spacious nursing home living options, Primrose Cottages in Aberdeen prides itself on modern comfort that provides residents with nothing short of an excellent retirement experience. Primrose also has senior townhomes available should you find yourself needing more space than their considerably large apartments, for a more home-style feel with an added tinge of luxury in terms of amenities and professional chef-curated meals, daily.

On top of impressive floor areas, an adept nursing staff provides round-the-clock service to residents for consistent well-being monitoring that is neither invasive nor disruptive, allowing for each individual to maintain their routines and sense of freedom in the nursing home facility.

Overview of Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village

Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village is a nonprofit nursing home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offering assisted living, independent living, memory care, rehabilitation therapy, and long-term nursing support. With 177 licensed beds, this church-operated community is one of the largest senior care campuses in South Dakota and operates under the Good Samaritan Society’s faith-based nonprofit mission. Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay are also accepted.

The community currently holds a 1-star overall CMS rating, with health inspection and quality measure scores falling below South Dakota averages. On the other hand, staffing levels compare more favorably and are among the community’s stronger operational areas. Nursing care per day is recorded at over four hours on average, placing the community above statewide benchmarks. Licensed practical nurse coverage and weekend nursing hours also exceed state averages, while registered nurse and nurse aide staffing remain modestly below benchmark levels.

Occupancy remains high at nearly 90%, reflecting stable demand and an established reputation within the region. Additionally, the resident population includes a mix of short-term rehabilitation patients, private-pay residents, and Medicaid-supported long-term care residents. Medicare residents typically stay for shorter rehabilitation-focused periods, while private-pay and Medicaid residents often remain for several months. The broad continuum of care available, ranging from independent living to memory care, allows residents to transition between care levels as needs evolve.

Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village is ideal for older adults and families seeking a large nonprofit community with multiple living and care options, strong overall staffing investment, and the ability to support both short-term rehabilitation and long-term residential care under one roof.

Overview of Westhills Village Health Care Facility

Westhills Village Health Care Facility is a nursing home in Rapid City, South Dakota, that offers short-term rehabilitation, respite care, and supportive health care services. Administered by Kelsey Bertsch, this 44-bed community provides multiple levels of care that include rehabilitation therapies, structured recovery programs, and short-term stays designed for those recovering after hospitalization or medical treatment in Pennington County.

The community holds a 3-star rating for short-stay resident outcomes, supported by above-average discharge performance metrics. Nearly 70% of residents also achieve their expected self-care goals by discharge, outperforming the South Dakota average by a substantial margin. In addition, more than 60% of short-stay residents successfully transition back home or to a community-based setting following care. These outcomes reflect the community’s strong focus on post-acute rehabilitation and recovery-centered programming rather than long-term custodial support.

Staffing levels exceed many regional benchmarks, particularly in registered nursing and physical therapy coverage. RN support per day and physical therapy hours are both significantly higher than the statewide average. Weekend nursing coverage also remains above average, helping maintain continuity of care throughout the week. This stronger staffing profile, combined with enhanced therapy programming, reinforces the community’s emphasis on rehabilitation and recovery services.

Services include short-term rehabilitation, respite care, therapy programming, support services, and online wellness classes designed to encourage recovery and overall well-being. The community also operates from 7:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. on weekdays and from 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. on weekends.

Westhills Village Health Care Facility is best suited for those seeking short-term rehabilitative care after hospitalization, surgery, or illness, with services and staffing structured to support recovery goals and a timely return home or to a community-based living environment.

Overview of Arrowhead Lodge Senior Living

Arrowhead Lodge Senior Living is an assisted living and independent living community in Rapid City, South Dakota, that offers personal care, independent residential living, and respite care. Licensed in January 2025, this 48-bed community is a relatively new community that features updated accommodations and a modern approach to residential care and lifestyle services for older adults in western South Dakota.

24-hour supervision and respite services are provided along with on-site nursing support, medication assistance, and meal services that accommodate special dietary needs. Utilities are included, but telephone service is excluded, and residents can access a coffee and snack station throughout the day. Daily leisure and recreational programming is also offered seven days a week, as well as a full-service beauty salon, transportation services, and fitness and recreation opportunities.

For older adults in Rapid City seeking a lifestyle-focused residential community with access to licensed care services, Arrowhead Lodge Senior Living offers a balanced combination of independence, support, and amenities. Although the surrounding area is considered car-dependent with a Walk Score of 12, the availability of scheduled transportation helps residents maintain mobility and access to local services and appointments.

Overview of The Village at Skyline Pines

The Village at Skyline Pines is an assisted living and memory care community in Rapid City, South Dakota, that provides individualized support, personal care assistance, and specialized dementia care. This 116-bed community was a recipient of the 2022 Assisted Living Administrator of the Year award, reflecting a strong level of leadership experience and commitment to quality care for older adults requiring daily support or cognitive care services.

Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants are confirmed on staff, with 24-hour staffing available to support both personal care and memory care residents. Amenities include a chapel, transportation services, and multiple shared social spaces designed to encourage connection and engagement. Structured activities and special events programming are offered seven days a week, along with three daily meals served in a communal dining setting. Religious services and access to a resource calendar are also available.

The Village at Skyline Pines offers a well-rounded combination of staffing, amenities, and structured programming for older adults in Rapid City and throughout Pennington County seeking assisted living or memory care support. Its larger campus size also allows for broader social opportunities, expanded activities, and greater staffing depth than many smaller residential communities in the Black Hills region.

Overview of The Village of Harmony Hill, INC.

The Village of Harmony Hill, Inc. is a senior living community in Watertown, South Dakota, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Administered by Krista Beauchamp, this 104-bed community is notably pet-friendly, an uncommon feature among assisted living communities in South Dakota.

Along with a full continuum of care, ranging from independent living, assisted living, to memory care, dining, housekeeping, transportation, laundry services, lifestyle, and wellness programs are provided. A full events calendar, an ecumenical chapel, and outdoor spaces are also available. Specialized offerings include Adult Day Services, veteran resources, and an on-site culinary arts program, which is a distinctive addition that provides cultural and social enrichment beyond standard senior living programming. Religious services are also provided on-site.

With a Walk Score of 85, the location has one of the highest walkability ratings of any South Dakota assisted living community, with most daily errands accessible on foot. This is a meaningful quality-of-life advantage for residents who remain mobile and value a close connection to the broader town.

Combining independent living, assisted living, and memory care, The Village of Harmony Hill is well-suited for older adults and families seeking a pet-friendly, full-continuum living community with broad programming, walkable surroundings, and veteran-specific resources in Watertown and Codington County.

Overview of The Courtyard Westhills Village

The Courtyard Westhills Village is an assisted living community in Rapid City, South Dakota, offering assisted living, rehabilitation services, and respite care. With a 60-bed capacity, this community accepts Medicare, which is uncommon among similar communities. It is also affiliated with the Clarkson Health Care network as well as a broader campus that features therapy services, a Support Plus Program, and in-home care.

Amenities include a wellness space with specialized classes, activity and group areas, a welcoming outdoor inner courtyard, and a sun deck with southern exposure. Furthermore, living spaces feature handicap-accessible bathrooms and showers, generous closet space, expanded cable service, and central heating and cooling throughout. Floor plans are available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, and the building is equipped with a full fire sprinkler system and smoke detectors. Volunteer programs, clinical services, and respite stays are provided through 24-hour nursing staffing.

A comprehensive continuum of services is also provided, including therapy and in-home care, offering a level of care coordination that standalone assisted living communities often cannot match, which appeals to families and older adults anticipating progressing needs. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

The Courtyard Westhills Village is a practical option for older adults in the greater Rapid City area seeking assisted living support within a structured, amenity-rich environment, particularly those looking for seamless access to on-site rehabilitation and respite care.

Overview of Dow Rummel Village

Dow Rummel Village is a nonprofit life plan retirement community in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, providing a full continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and respite care services. Serving the region since 1958, the community is recognized as one of the more established senior living providers in South Dakota. Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay are also accepted, offering flexibility for families with varying financial and healthcare needs.

With a 79-bed capacity, the community is currently operating at a 94% occupancy rate, which is higher than the state average. Additionally, most of the community’s admissions are Medicare-funded rehabilitation stays focused on recovery and therapy services, while longer-term residents remain for multiple years through different stages of care. Rehabilitation, memory care, and skilled nursing services are also provided, allowing residents to access additional support without relocating.

The community maintains strong performance metrics compared to statewide averages, with a 4-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This reflects above-average scores in health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Staffing levels are also a particular differentiator, with nursing care hours significantly exceeding South Dakota averages. Physical therapy staffing also exceeds state benchmarks, an important consideration for residents recovering from surgery, illness, or hospitalization.

The community also offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Services also include housekeeping, transportation, dining, wellness programming, and assistance with activities of daily living.

With a combination of rehabilitation resources, memory care services, skilled nursing support, and independent living options, Dow Rummel Village is well-suited for older adults and families seeking a financially stable nonprofit community with strong staffing levels, established clinical infrastructure, and the flexibility of multiple care levels within one campus.

Overview of Mitchell Retirement Dba Countryside Living

Countryside Living, also known as Mitchell Retirement, is a locally owned senior living community in Mitchell, South Dakota, that offers independent living and assisted living. Administered by Kathy Zoss and supported by Director of Nursing Jayne Zens, this 60-bed community provides a mid-sized setting for older adults seeking independent living or structured assisted living. Established in 1997, the community has been delivering nearly three decades of stable, continuous service to families in Davison County.

The community offers unfurnished apartments equipped with full appliances, allowing residents to customize their environments with personal belongings and familiar comforts. Dietitian-approved meals are provided three times daily. Weekly housekeeping, laundry, salon services, and shared spaces are also available on-site.

Operating under South Dakota state regulatory guidelines, the community maintains a 24-hour staffing presence to ensure continuous security and peace of mind. Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, and comprehensive medication management, alongside available medical assistance, is also provided, along with a variety of recreational activities and wellness programs. Located in Mitchell, the community features an exceptional walk score of 81, making it one of the most walkable senior residential settings in the state. Additionally, transportation services are provided for medical appointments.

With a long operating history in the community, combined with a central, walkable location, Countryside Living is ideal for older adults who are largely independent but benefit from some daily assistance, structured social programming, and the security of on-site staff.