Best Senior Communities in South Dakota
Tucked away in the heart of the American Midwest, South Dakota is a thriving state known for its expansive prairies and home to two iconic historical monuments – Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader. The city is a compelling option for those seeking affordability and a comfortable lifestyle with its relatively low cost of living and affordable housing. South Dakota’s stunning landscapes and tight-knit senior communities foster a relaxing environment for retirees, combined with its numerous recreational activities and accessible health care facilities that ensures all of its residents live comfortably and thrive.
Comparison Chart
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
24/7 care needed
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
24/7 care needed
24/7 care needed
For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.
Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.
Bethesda Home of Aberdeen
Bethesda Home of Aberdeen, located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is a medium-sized skilled nursing care facility with a capacity of 86 beds. It has a short-term rehabilitation rating and a long-term care rating, both classified as Average. The facility is owned by a nonprofit organization with a church affiliation. Bethesda Home of Aberdeen features 86 private rooms, providing a home-like environment for residents.
With a focus on promoting independence of both body and spirit, Bethesda Home of Aberdeen offers a comprehensive range of nursing care services. Whether the stay is for facilitating recovery or providing around-the-clock long-term care, the facility ensures a warm and caring atmosphere. Residents can benefit from onsite chaplain services, which provide spiritual support. The dedicated and highly trained staff at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen goes beyond physical health care. They offer a variety of programs designed to encourage interaction, including dining, socialization, and exercise. These programs are delivered in comfortable surroundings, creating a holistic approach to resident well-being that goes beyond medical attention.
Type of Care Available
Good Samaritan Society – Prairie Creek
Good Samaritan Society – Prairie Creek is a trusted and compassionate home located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Here, seniors can truly embrace carefree living in their assisted living homes and memory care private homes. Central heating and air conditioning, as well as emergency response systems, provide residents of both the assisted living homes and memory care private homes with comfort and security. Transportation services are available to ensure easy access to appointments and outings.
Amenities in this home are abundant, offering residents a diverse range of opportunities for engagement and enjoyment. The community features a chapel for spiritual enrichment, a salon for personal care, and a swimming pool for recreation. A library invites residents to indulge in reading and learning, while a wellness center and whirlpool offer opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Walking trails beckon residents to explore the beautiful surroundings and maintain an active lifestyle.
Aberdeen Health and Rehab
Aberdeen Health and Rehab has proven an efficient rehabilitative approach to skilled nursing and rehab in order to enhance their quality of life. They have a team of well-trained care staff who deliver a multidisciplinary approach to nursing when providing tailored care– ensuring service with compassion, kindness, and professionalism.
Aberdeen specializes in long-term care, outpatient rehabilitation, and transitional/post-acute care; along with services such as transportation, housekeeping, and laundry– to name a few of the features that residents from both living options get unlimited access to.
Type of Care Available
Avantara Huron
Avantara Huron boasts its one-of-a-kind superior care that creates an atmosphere of comfort and security for a distinct living focused on relaxation and recovery. Proudly being a community that provides an unparalleled level of care that provokes quality service delivered by only the best team of professionals who offer tailored personal care plans for each unique individual. Avantara Huron has the privilege of maximizing advanced medical services that lead to an enhanced caliber of life.
The areas of excellence are found in the range of an array of specialized services such as community spaces, Wi-Fi all throughout, and an on-site full service salon; rehabilitation services include cardiac care, bariatric care, G-tube, IV therapy, orthopedic care, oncology care, stroke recovery, wound care, and memory care.
Avantara Arrowhead
Avantara Arrowhead boasts its one-of-a-kind superior care that creates an atmosphere of comfort and security for a distinct living focused on relaxation and recovery. The community boasts its merit of an incomparable level of care that provokes quality service delivered by only the best team of professionals who offer tailored personal care plans for each unique individual. Avantara Arrowhead has the privilege of maximizing advanced medical services that lead to an enhanced caliber of life.
The areas of excellence are found in the range of an array of specialized services such as community spaces, Wi-Fi all throughout, and an on-site full service salon; rehabilitation services include cardiac care, bariatric care, G-tube, IV therapy, orthopedic care, oncology care, stroke recovery, wound care, and memory care.
Meadow Lake Assisted Living
Settled in the serene area of Watertown, SD, Meadow Lake Assisted Living is an encouraging senior living community, offering excellent assisted living services. The community provides each resident with a supportive and caring environment with access to various services, including assistance with daily living activities and other supportive services they may need. Dedicated to ensuring residents are comfortable and provided with the care they need, the community carefully curates personalized care plans for each resident based on their specific needs and preferences.
With a focus on promoting independence and well-being, the community also offers plenty of opportunities for life enrichment through its wide array of stimulating and engaging activities, combined with various amenities. A range of conveniences, such as transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, housekeeping, and laundry services are offered for residents’ enjoyment. Here, residents are provided with all the tools and resources they need to thrive and maintain their independence.
What does this home offer?
Housing Options: 1 Bed
Building Type: Single-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Type of Care Available
StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living
Nestled in a convenient area of Sioux Falls, with easy access to the interstate, StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living has undergone remarkable remodeling and improvements to cater specifically to assisted living for seniors. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive care services that encompass nursing and wellness, restorative therapy, and dietary support, all tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors in assisted living. Their commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of their accommodations, offering a range of options, from cozy studios and one-bedroom suites to spacious two-bedroom havens designed with seniors’ comfort in mind.
Prepare to be captivated by their state-of-the-art theater, inviting coffee shop, and beautifully updated suites that exude comfort and style. Their meticulously manicured park yards and a front patio radiates immaculate charm, providing the perfect setting for assisted living for seniors. What truly sets StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living apart is their unwavering passion for creating an environment where assisted living for seniors thrives. This dedication to exceptional care and support has earned them a reputation as one of the finest retirement centers in South Dakota.
Parkside Retirement Community
Parkside Retirement Community offers 61 apartments designed to provide comfort and freedom for seniors. They also have on-site assisted living apartments that adhere to the highest standards of care, ensuring residents feel secure and cherished. Their community boasts a 24-hour emergency call system, assuring residents that help is always a call away. They take great pride in offering skilled nursing home facilities, adhering to the strictest guidelines to provide comprehensive care for those in need. Their team of professional nurses conducts regular health monitoring and assessments, ensuring that all residents receive personalized attention and support.
As residents explore their beautifully landscaped grounds and experience the amenities such as the exercise room, chapel, TV room, and salon and barbershop, they’ll see the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the community. From the interior design to the refreshingly themed house, they’ve created an environment that promotes a sense of belonging and tranquility.
What does this home offer?
Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Building Type: Single-story
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Type of Care Available
Bethesda Towne Square
Bethesda Towne Square Assisted Living Community, situated in Aberdeen, provides a selection of 40 spacious apartment suites for residents to choose from. In addition, residents benefit from priority access to the on-site skilled nursing home, ensuring comprehensive care if the need arises. The community prides itself on fostering a warm and compassionate atmosphere, catering to both short-term recovery and around-the-clock long-term care. Bethesda is dedicated to promoting independence of both body and spirit, with the added support of onsite chaplain services available to all residents.
The highly trained staff at Bethesda goes above and beyond physical health care, offering a diverse range of programs aimed at maximizing social interaction. From engaging dining experiences to socialization activities and exercise programs, residents are provided with ample opportunities to thrive and connect. These offerings are delivered in welcoming and comfortable surroundings that prioritize all aspects of life, extending support beyond medical attention to encompass the holistic well-being of each resident.
What does this home offer?
Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed
Housing Options: Suite
Building Type: Two-storey
Transportation Services
Fitness and Recreation
Type of Care Available
Avantara North
Avantara North boasts its one-of-a-kind superior care that creates an atmosphere of comfort and security for a distinct living focused on relaxation and recovery. As one of South Dakota’s most trusted nursing homes, there is a merit of an incomparable level of care that provokes quality service delivered by only the best team of professionals who offer tailored personal care plans for each unique individual. Avantara North has the privilege of maximizing advanced medical services that lead to an enhanced caliber of life.
The areas of excellence are found in the range of an array of specialized services such as community spaces, Wi-Fi all throughout, and an on-site full service salon; rehabilitation services include cardiac care, bariatric care, G-tube, IV therapy, orthopedic care, oncology care, stroke recovery, wound care, and memory care.
Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology
View Full Ranking MethodologyHow Assisted Living Magazine Evaluates & Scores Nursing Homes
Assisted Living Magazine ranks nursing homes using a rigorous, data-driven scoring model built specifically for skilled nursing.
Because this care level is regulated, clinical outcomes and compliance carry significantly more weight than transparency or digital presence.
Each community receives a ranking based on the factors below, weighted according to their importance in predicting resident safety, care quality, and long-term stability.
Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.
What We Prioritize MostThe largest share of every nursing home’s score — 45% of the total weighting — comes from clinical and regulatory indicators, including:
- Overall, staffing, and inspection ratings
- Long-stay and short-stay quality measures
- Nurse-to-resident and staff-to-resident ratios
- Health deficiencies and regulatory history
- Accreditations and positive local news reporting
These factors directly reflect resident safety, care quality, and compliance.
Operational Stability & Resident SupportAnother 35% of the score comes from operational and stability signals, such as:
- Nurse hours per patient per day
- Occupancy levels and cleanliness citations
- Administrative stability and ownership quality
- Readmission rates and registered-nurse turnover
The remaining 20% of the score includes contextual elements such as:
- Year built or renovated
- Penalties, fines, and preventable readmissions
- Revenue per bed
- Administrator tenure
These factors help round out the overall picture but carry less weight because our methodology prioritizes clinical outcomes and regulatory consistency above all else.
The result is a clear, data-driven ranking system that elevates nursing homes delivering exceptional care and long-term resident safety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:
- Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
- Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
- Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
- State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
- Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
- Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.
Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.
We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.
- Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
- Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
- Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
- Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
- Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
- Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
- Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
- Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
- Senior-focused concierge medicine
- Senior-focused nutritionist
- Senior-focused personal training
- Memory care specialists
- Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
- Custom hearing aids
- Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
- Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
- Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Check out our resident interviews
Check out our cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:
- Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
- Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
- Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
- State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
- Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
- Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.
Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.
Check out our cost guide.
We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.
- Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
- Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
- Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
- Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
- Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
- Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
- Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
- Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
- Senior-focused concierge medicine
- Senior-focused nutritionist
- Senior-focused personal training
- Memory care specialists
- Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
- Custom hearing aids
- Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
- Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
- Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Check out our resident interviews
