Best Assisted Living in South Dakota

Overview of Good Samaritan Society Canton

Good Samaritan Society Canton is a church-operated nursing home in Canton, South Dakota, providing short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing care, hospice support, and respite services. The 56-bed community is owned by Karsten Rohlfs and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay options. It has also earned the AHCA Bronze National Quality Award in 2023 for its commitment to quality improvement initiatives.

Occupancy levels remain strong at 91.8%, significantly higher than the South Dakota average, suggesting consistent local demand but limited availability. The average resident stay is approximately 148 days, and admissions are mostly private-pay residents, with Medicare and Medicaid admissions representing smaller but balanced portions of the resident population.

The community currently maintains a 1-star overall CMS rating, with health inspection and quality measures ratings below South Dakota averages. Staffing performance slightly exceeds state benchmarks, with total nursing hours averaging 3 hours and 38 minutes per resident daily, while weekend registered nurse coverage remains modestly above average. However, nurse aide and licensed practical nurse coverage trends are below the statewide averages.

Available services include rehabilitation therapy, short-term rehab, respite care, physician oversight, 24-hour staffing, and on-site security systems designed to support resident safety and care coordination.

With established clinical services and consistent occupancy stability, Good Samaritan Society Canton is best suited for older adults in Canton and the surrounding Lincoln County area seeking long-term nursing support or short-term rehabilitation within a nonprofit, faith-oriented care environment.

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – St Martin Village

Good Samaritan Society – St. Martin Village is a nursing home in Rapid City, South Dakota, offering independent living, assisted living, long-term care, rehabilitation, and respite care. This 60-bed community is operating as part of the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit senior care organizations. This reflects a mission-centered approach focused on compassionate care and supportive living.

The community received the Bronze National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association in both 2023 and 2024, recognizing ongoing efforts toward performance improvement and quality care standards. On the other hand, registered nurse staffing significantly exceeds South Dakota averages, with both weekday and weekend RN coverage standing well above statewide benchmarks. Physical therapy staffing is also notably strong, offering therapy hours substantially higher than average and supporting residents recovering from illness, surgery, or hospitalization. Nursing and nurse aide overall hours also remain below state averages.

For a community of its size, the community’s amenities are notably extensive, which include walking trails, a wellness center, guest housing, and private dining spaces. Three daily meals are included, while volunteer opportunities and religious services are aligned with its faith-based mission. Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options are available, with monthly pricing varying based on apartment style and level of care. Rehabilitation therapy and respite care are also offered.

Located in a highly walkable area of Rapid City with a Walk Score of 83, the community has convenient access to nearby services, amenities, and neighborhood destinations, making it one of the more accessible senior living campuses in western South Dakota.

Good Samaritan Society – St. Martin Village is well-suited for older adults seeking a faith-oriented community that combines multiple levels of care, strong RN oversight, rehabilitation support, and a broad range of lifestyle amenities under one roof.

Overview of Bethany Home Sioux Falls/bethany Home-Brandon

Bethany Home Sioux Falls / Bethany Home-Brandon is a faith-based nursing home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offering a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing services, and rehabilitation. The 112-bed community is administered by Amanda Peterson in Minnehaha County, guided by a Christian mission. It also emphasizes support for residents’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being while also offering independent homes and apartment living as part of its larger campus environment.

The community is currently operating at 78.5%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 79.9%, and suggests availability. Additionally, Medicare accounts for 89% of new residents, with an average stay of 25 days, reflecting a focus on short-term rehabilitation. Meanwhile, private pay new residents are approximately 10%, with an average stay of 7 to 8 months, and 2% of new residents are Medicaid-eligible, with a typical stay of 6 years.

Since 2022, the community has undergone four total health inspections, with the latest conducted in October 2025, which is notably lower than the state average. A total of 13 health citations have been recorded throughout its operational history, which is also lower than the state average, and has been corrected. No penalties have been issued in the past three years.

Confirmed services include skilled nursing care and rehabilitation therapy, along with independent living options designed for older adults who remain largely self-sufficient but prefer a supportive community setting. Its faith-centered approach is a defining aspect of the community’s culture and may be particularly meaningful for individuals and families seeking care rooted in Christian values and holistic support.

Located on the south side of Sioux Falls, the community sits in a moderately walkable area with a Walk Score of 65, allowing access to some nearby services and amenities on foot. Service to the Brandon area also provides additional convenience for families throughout eastern Minnehaha County.

Bethany Home Sioux Falls / Bethany Home-Brandon is an ideal option for families seeking values-based care within a setting that supports aging across different levels of assistance and medical support. The ability to transition from independent living to higher levels of care within the same community can help reduce disruption and provide continuity for older adults as healthcare needs progress.

Oakview Terrace operates a 45-bed nursing home at 510 East 8th Street in Freeman, Hutchinson County, South Dakota. Courtney Unruh administers the facility, which is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under a governmental community model supported by a subsidized facility district. The neighborhood presents limited walkability (Walk Score 26), with most activities and services requiring a vehicle.

The facility carries a 5-star overall CMS rating; 99.2% above the South Dakota average. This top rating reflects performance across three rating dimensions. Health inspection ratings stand at 5 stars (17.6% above state mean).

The staffing rating of 5 stars reflects 4 hours 47 minutes of total daily nursing per resident, placing the facility 11th among 57 South Dakota facilities and 27% above the state average of 3 hours 46 minutes. Nurse aide coverage averages 3 hours 16 minutes daily, exceeding the state mean by 25%. Quality measures score 5 stars (83.2% above state average).

Clinical performance demonstrates measurable strength across preventive care and patient outcomes.

Falls resulting in major injury occur in 2.6% of long-stay residents compared to 5.0% statewide, which is 48% better performance than average.

Pressure ulcer prevalence in high-risk residents reaches 0.0% versus a state average of 4.5%. Urinary tract infections similarly stand at 0.0% versus 3.5% statewide. Hospitalizations occur at 0.18 per 1,000 resident care days against a state benchmark of 1.51 (88% lower).

Emergency department visits total 0.51 per 1,000 resident days compared to 1.85 statewide; a 72% improvement over the average rate.

Regulatory compliance data from three recent state inspections document 11 total health citations, ranked 19th among 59 South Dakota facilities and 17% below state average. Zero critical citations were issued. Federal penalties total $21,000, roughly half the state average of $40,000. The current resident census numbers 44, distributed across private pay (50%), Medicaid (43%), and Medicare (7%).

An active Resident Council convenes regularly. On-site nurse aide training and a wellness program are available. The facility maintains involvement with community engagement programming.

Oakview Terrace provides skilled nursing with 5-star clinical and quality ratings in a small rural South Dakota setting.

The South Dakota Developmental Center – Redfield is a state-operated ICF/IID community in Redfield, South Dakota, providing specialized residential care and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With 240 licensed beds, the community is one of the largest publicly operated developmental disability care campuses in the state. Administered by Barb Abeln and licensed in Spink County, the community focuses on structured residential living, individualized support, and quality-of-life programming for those with complex developmental needs.

The community focuses on promoting independence, dignity, and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, making it substantially different from traditional assisted living or nursing home care. As a state-operated Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), it is funded and regulated under a separate system from privately operated assisted living or skilled nursing communities, and CMS Nursing Home Five-Star ratings do not apply.

Staffing support, community partnerships, and employment and local business integration opportunities are designed to encourage engagement and participation within the broader community. These initiatives are in line with the person-centered philosophy commonly emphasized in developmental disability services.

The surrounding Redfield location has a Walk Score of 58, reflecting moderate walkability and access to some nearby services and destinations on foot. With its large capacity and state-supported structure, the community is equipped to serve a broad range of developmental disability support needs requiring intensive supervision and coordinated residential care.

The South Dakota Developmental Center – Redfield is best suited for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require comprehensive residential services, structured support systems, and ongoing state-supervised care. Notably, placement is generally coordinated through the South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities, and families or advocates interested in services are encouraged to begin the referral process through official state channels.

Lifescape is an independent nonprofit organization in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, providing specialized residential, therapeutic, educational, and rehabilitation services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with complex medical and rehabilitation needs. Administered by Kimberly Marso, this 96-bed community is licensed by the state of South Dakota as an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). Unlike a traditional assisted living or nursing home setting, the community operates as a mission-focused disability services provider with an extensive continuum of clinical, educational, and residential support programs.

Since the community operates under ICF/IID licensure and federal Medicaid certification standards, it is regulated differently from conventional nursing homes and is not evaluated through the CMS Nursing Home Five-Star Rating System. Oversight instead follows state and federal standards specific to developmental disability care and rehabilitation services.

The scope of services available is notably broad and reflects decades of nonprofit investment in specialized disability support throughout South Dakota. Confirmed programs include a Children’s Specialty Hospital, Medically Complex Program, inpatient rehabilitation services, Lifescape Schools and Specialty School, children’s and adult residential services, Community Life and Day Services, Supported Employment, and Conflict-Free Case Management. Outpatient therapy services, autism support programs, clinical psychology, physician services, speech-language pathology, feeding and swallowing therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, wheelchair and mobility solutions, assistive technology, and a Center for the Arts are also offered. This level of integrated programming is uncommon and positions the community as one of the most comprehensive disability care providers in the region.

Lifescape’s residential and therapeutic environment is best suited for children and adults who require ongoing developmental disability support, structured residential care, rehabilitation therapies, or medically specialized services. It is also one of the most comprehensive disability care organizations in South Dakota for families, caregivers, and advocates supporting individuals with intellectual, developmental, or medically complex disabilities in the Sioux Falls area.

Overview of Menno-Olivet Care Center

Menno-Olivet Care Center is a church-operated nonprofit nursing home in Menno, South Dakota, that offers long-term care, assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, respite services, hospice care, and outpatient therapy. The 41-bed community is owned by Lacee Feltman, administered by Aisha Abbink, and accepts Medicaid. Additionally, its occupancy rate is 58.3%, which falls below the state average and suggests availability.

The community maintains a 5-star overall CMS rating and performs substantially above South Dakota averages in both health inspections and staffing measures. Staffing represents the community’s strongest performance area, with total nursing hours reaching nearly double the statewide average. Weekend nursing coverage and registered nurse availability also exceed state benchmarks by significant margins, while licensed practical nurse and nurse aide hours remain above average as well. Quality measure scores, however, fall somewhat below statewide averages, making it worthwhile for families to review specific outcome metrics alongside the community’s staffing strengths.

Amenities and services include private and semi-private rooms, a spa-style whirlpool room, outpatient therapy services, and coordination for Meals on Wheels support. Respite care, hospice, and rehabilitation services are also available to broaden the range of care available within the community.

Menno-Olivet Care Center is especially well-suited for older adults and families in Hutchinson County and rural south-central South Dakota who value exceptionally high staffing levels, faith-based care, and a smaller community-oriented environment focused on personalized support and direct caregiving attention.

Overview of Trail Ridge Retirement Community

Trail Ridge Retirement Community is a senior living community in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This 72-bed community is licensed in Lincoln County in 2025, making it one of the newer senior care providers in the area.

Rehabilitation services, licensed nurses, and CNAs on staff, home care services, and wellness programs are provided, along with various living options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, under one roof. Additionally, Home care services extend the community’s reach beyond the building itself, offering flexibility for older adults who may not yet be ready for full residential placement.

Its location on Ralph Rogers Road, in southwest Sioux Falls, carries a Walk Score of 13, reflecting a car-dependent neighborhood where most errands and services will require transportation. Families visiting from the Sioux Falls metro area or surrounding Lincoln County neighborhoods are encouraged to plan travel accordingly.

Trail Ridge Retirement Community is ideal for older adults seeking a mid-sized community that spans independent living through memory care in the Sioux Falls and Lincoln County area, particularly those who value licensed clinical staff on-site and home care services as a transitional option.

Overview of Stoneybrook Suites Assisted Living

Brand new to the Sioux Falls assisted living market, StoneyBrook Suites opened in early 2025 as a 54-bed private-pay community for residents age 65 and older. Administered by Jody Elton, the facility sits 3.6 miles from downtown on E Pampas Place, somewhat accessible by foot (Walk Score 47) but better served by car, with hospital proximity at 0.93 miles.

StoneyBrook declines Medicare and Medicaid, positioning itself as an independent-pay model. This operational approach signals orientation toward residents with personal resources or long-term care insurance rather than public-program dependent populations.

Care spans assisted living, nursing and wellness support, restorative therapy, and dietary services managed in-house. The differentiator lies in on-site clinical resources: primary care physicians and physical therapists work from the facility, eliminating referral delays and transportation barriers for routine geriatric medical needs. Short-term rehabilitation rounds out the service mix.

Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites all feature kitchenettes and walk-in showers. The facility, recently remodeled, includes a theater, coffee shop, full-service salon, courtyard and patio areas, and landscaped park grounds. Wellness programming and religious services complete the lifestyle model.

Emergency systems meet regulatory requirements; detailed compliance history is not yet publicly available for a facility in its operational infancy. The license term runs through June 2026.

StoneyBrook fits private-pay residents 65 and older seeking assisted living with integrated primary care and therapy services in a newly built Sioux Falls environment.

Pine Hills Retirement Community is an assisted living community in Hot Springs, South Dakota, that provides personal care. Managed by Vickie Nekuda, this 78-bed community is the only assisted living provider featured in local Fall River County comparison data. It also serves as a vital resource for older adults throughout the Southern Black Hills region.

The dining experience here is distinctively elevated, with meals prepared by an on-site chef and supervised by a state-licensed nutritionist, making it stand out among others that use outsourced catering. This culinary approach also aligns with a comprehensive wellness philosophy that encompasses independent living, assisted living, medical services, rehabilitation services, tailored wellness programming for older adults, and a calendar of social events. Additionally, licensed nurses and CNAs provide around-the-clock staffing coverage.

With a Walk Score of 52, the location is in a moderately walkable neighborhood in Hot Springs, allowing residents to manage certain daily errands on foot while enjoying convenient access to the town center. Meanwhile, its placement within Fall River County also offers proximity to the Veterans Administration Black Hills Health Care System, appealing to veteran residents and families exploring VA Aid and Attendance benefits.

Pine Hills Retirement Community is a great option for older adults in Hot Springs and the surrounding Fall River County area looking for an independent or assisted living lifestyle centered on wellness, chef-driven dining, and professional clinical support in a premier senior living destination.