Page 3 of Best Memory Care in South Dakota

Overview of 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.

Overview of Avantara North

Operating a 68-bed nursing home at 1620 North 7th Street in Rapid City’s North 7th Street neighborhood, Avantara North serves residents under administrator Celina Block’s leadership.

The privately owned facility, operational since early 2025, accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents and maintains 87% occupancy; exceeding South Dakota’s average of 79.9%. Average resident stay extends to 151 days.

CMS assigns a 2-star overall rating, 20.3% below state average, driven by health inspection performance rated 2 stars (21.6% below state) and below-average quality measures.

Conversely, staffing earns a 3-star rating, 4.5% above state benchmarks, as does quality measures at 3 stars with 9.9% above-state performance. Total nursing care averages 3 hours 7 minutes per resident daily, falling 17% below the state average. Weekend nursing drops to 2 hours 32 minutes daily, 23% below state norms. Staff-to-resident ratio of 1.32:1 underperforms the state standard of 1.93:1 by 31%, indicating concentrated staffing constraints.

Rehabilitation programming encompasses post-surgical recovery, short-term skilled rehabilitation, stroke and neurological care, cardiac services, oncology recovery, orthopedic rehabilitation, and pulmonary support. Respite care and on-site salon services complement clinical offerings. Wi-Fi access and community spaces support resident engagement.

Five inspections since 2022 identified 20 health citations with no critical findings. One $12,000 federal penalty was imposed in October 2024.

Clinical strengths include zero reported depressive symptoms and minimal antipsychotic use (10.0%, well below state average of 24.4%). Walking ability decline at 37.2% significantly exceeds state benchmarks.

The location sits 1.4 miles from downtown and adjacent to Black Hills Urgent Care (0.37 miles). Walk score of 39 indicates somewhat walkable surroundings dependent on transportation for most errands.

Avantara North operates as a newly established short-stay rehabilitation facility managing competing staffing constraints against selected clinical outcome advantages.

Overview of Primrose Retirement Communities

Primrose Retirement Communities, situated in Aberdeen, South Dakota, offer a range of living options, including luxurious Townhome villas, spacious Independent Living apartments, and comfortable Assisted Living apartments. The exceptional care and compassion demonstrated by dedicated employees are a testament to the quality of the assisted living community. 

Primrose Retirement Communities is dedicated to assisting residents in achieving their personal goals and regaining optimal well-being.

Overview of Avantara Pierre

Avantara Pierre, located at 950 East Park Street in Pierre, is a 65-bed nursing home in Hughes County that opened in 2025 under the administration of Chase Watson. Operating primarily as a short-term rehabilitation facility, it admits residents across a Medicare-majority population (53 percent), supplemented by private-pay and Medicaid placements, with a typical stay of 212 days. The facility lies close to Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, 0.13 miles away, providing ready access to acute care. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Staffing presents a significant challenge. The facility delivers 2 hours 36 minutes of total nursing care per resident daily, which is well below South Dakota’s 3-hour-46-minute benchmark and among the lowest in the state (ranked 56th of 57 facilities). Weekend coverage narrows further to 2 hours 27 minutes per day. This staffing constraint aligns with broader performance gaps: health inspection ratings run 21.6 percent below state norms, and overall CMS ratings trail benchmarks by 20.3 percent.

One bright spot: quality measures like hospital readmissions, falls, mobility gains outperform state averages by 9.9 percent, suggesting clinical management compensates despite lean staffing. No federal penalties or payment denials have been issued over the past three years.

The facility’s clinical footprint spans seven specialized programs: post-surgical and short-term rehabilitation, stroke and neurological recovery, cardiac care, oncology support, pulmonary services, and orthopedic rehabilitation, alongside a memory care unit.

Room options include private and semi-private suites; community spaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site salon services support daily living.

Avantara Pierre orients toward post-acute rehabilitation in a newer operational environment where short-stay clinical recovery is prioritized and specialized programming is available.

Overview of Avantara Milbank

Avantara Milbank sits on South 2nd Street in Milbank, South Dakota, a small city where most errands mean getting in a car (Walk Score 27). Keisha Dorscher administers the 45-bed nursing home, which opened about a year ago and currently has 30 of its beds occupied.

The clinical range here is notable for a facility this size. Residents recovering from cardiac events, orthopedic procedures, pulmonary conditions, oncology treatment, post-surgical care, and stroke or other neurological conditions all have dedicated recovery tracks. Total nursing coverage is 3 hours and 23 minutes per resident per day; registered nurses account for 59 minutes of that. Suites are available in private and semi-private configurations.

Meals are prepared from fresh ingredients with nutritional balance as the stated standard. Family and community amenities include gathering spaces for events, an on-site salon, and Wi-Fi throughout the building. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, which means it can accommodate both the short-term rehab resident arriving on Medicare benefits and the longer-stay resident whose coverage eventually transitions to Medicaid.

At 127 days average length of stay and a program roster built around post-acute recovery, Avantara Milbank is oriented toward people who need a structured clinical bridge between a hospital discharge and a return home, not toward those seeking a long-term residential placement.

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.

Located in Pierre, South Dakota, Countryside Hospice Support & Memory Center provides assisted living, hospice care, and memory care services in one community. Having multiple levels of support available in the same setting can help older adults remain in a familiar environment as their needs evolve.

The community is housed in a single-story building, creating a straightforward layout that may be especially beneficial for residents with mobility challenges or those receiving memory care. The absence of stairs and multiple floors can contribute to a safer and more comfortable daily experience.

Residents have access to wellness programs, recreational activities, social opportunities, and specialized memory care services designed to encourage engagement and routine. Transportation, fitness opportunities, and other supportive services are also available, helping older adults maintain independence and stay connected to the surrounding area.

Situated in a moderately walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 55, the community is located just 0.3 miles from Avera St. Mary’s Hospital. Pet-friendly policies also allow residents to continue enjoying the companionship of their animals.

Overview of Bethany Home Sioux Falls

Bethany Home Sioux Falls stands out as a beacon of exceptional care, firmly rooted in Christian values and boundless love. With a rich heritage of providing outstanding services, this home offers an array of amenities that elevate the senior living experience. Here, residents savor the delights of chef-prepared meals, tantalizing their taste buds and nourishing their bodies. The carefully curated social and recreational programs provide ample opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful interactions, fostering a vibrant community spirit. Safety is paramount, as evidenced by the round-the-clock emergency response system and meticulous medication administration, giving residents and their families peace of mind.

The home proudly extends its heartfelt commitment to serving seniors through their exceptional assisted living services. They diligently uphold all nursing home rules and regulations. They adhere to the highest standards of care and operate with strict compliance to ensure the safety, well-being, and comfort of every resident. By following these comprehensive guidelines, they create an environment where residents can thrive, families can trust, and quality of care remains paramount. Bethany Home Sioux Falls stands as a shining example of a compassionate and well-regulated senior living community. With also a focus on assisted living for veterans and an unwavering commitment to upholding nursing home standards, they ensure that residents receive the utmost care and support they deserve.

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center is a tribally operated nursing home in Flandreau, South Dakota, that provides skilled nursing, memory care, and long-term residential support in a welcoming, close-knit environment. Administered by Annmarie Kutzke, this 42-bed community is a relatively new nursing home in Moody County. Its approach to care centers on treating residents like family while supporting comfort, dignity, and connection for older adults who require daily clinical or personal assistance.

The community holds a 3-star overall CMS rating, performing above the South Dakota state average in several key areas. Staffing levels and quality measures both significantly exceed the state benchmark, along with health inspection performance. One of the strongest indicators is nursing coverage, with total nursing hours averaging 6 hours and 15 minutes per resident each day, which is higher than the state average and is the highest among South Dakota skilled nursing communities. Registered nurse coverage is especially strong at 1 hour and 47 minutes daily, more than double the statewide average.

Weekend RN coverage also stands out at 1 hour and 19 minutes per day, significantly above the state average and indicative of strong clinical oversight throughout the week. Nurse aide staffing reaches 4 hours and 55 minutes per resident daily, placing the community among the strongest in the state for direct hands-on care. Weekend total nursing coverage remains consistently high as well. Meanwhile, the only staffing category slightly below the state average is LPN coverage, which averages 27 minutes per resident each day.

Across seven health inspections, exceeding the South Dakota average of 4.5 inspections, the community received only 10 total citations. Citations averaged 1.43 per inspection, substantially lower than the statewide average of 3.34 and among the better records in South Dakota. No critical citations were identified, and all reviewed deficiencies from recent inspections were reported as corrected.

Additionally, recent inspections completed in August and September 2025 cited citation categories related to quality of care, nutrition, pharmacy services, and abuse prevention. All of which are standard regulatory review areas and do not suggest a broader pattern of harm or systemic compliance concerns. Confirmed amenities include a courtyard, dining room, living room, spa, salon, laboratory services, and a private family dining space. Physician support and 24-hour staffing are available, as well as memory care.

For older adults and families in the Flandreau and Moody County region, including members of the Santee Sioux Tribe, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center offers a compelling option for skilled nursing and memory care supported by exceptional staffing levels, strong clinical oversight, and a consistently favorable inspection history.

Overview of Park Place Assisted Living

Park Place Assisted Living is a senior living community in Reno, Nevada, that offers assisted living and independent living. Licensed as a Residential Facility for Groups and in operation for nearly 30 years, this 60-bed community has studio accommodations on a single-story campus.

The community currently has 41 of 60 beds occupied, representing an occupancy rate of 68%, which is below the state of Nevada’s average of 81.5%. Notably, occupancy has fluctuated over the years, reaching as high as 80% capacity during periods in 2024. Assisted living and independent living are among the living options provided, along with transportation services, housekeeping, fitness and recreation programming, and a pet-friendly environment within a studio-based, single-story layout.

Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance, has inspected the community through annual surveys and complaint investigations since at least 2012, leading to a total of 33 inspections. Over that tracked window, the community has averaged approximately 10.2 deficiencies per year, which is about 44% above the Nevada average of 7.1 per year. Recurring themes include medication management, such as administration errors, unsecured medications, and incomplete medication records, along with staff training compliance regarding caregiver training timelines, elder abuse prevention, infection control, and cultural competency, as well as health and sanitation issues in food safety and kitchen practices.

Moreover, the most recent annual survey, conducted July 16, 2025, cited 14 deficiencies across administrator oversight, caregiver qualifications, medication documentation, TB screening, infection control program review, and first-aid kit compliance. Two substantiated complaint investigations are also on record, including the April 2025 investigation, which confirmed that six employees were performing blood sugar testing and insulin injections without documented training, a finding that coincided with a resident being hospitalized for critically low blood sugar. Another complaint investigation in December 2024 substantiated that a resident went without a prescribed medication for 15 days, resulting in withdrawal symptoms and an emergency room visit, and that a resident’s shower was not wheelchair accessible. However, no fines or license suspensions were listed in the available reports.

The location is situated in a car-dependent part of Reno with a Walk Score of 6, making personal transportation or the community’s own transportation services a practical necessity for most residents.

With a 29-year operating history and smaller scale, Park Place Assisted Living appeals to families seeking a more intimate yet established senior living option. However, interested families are advised to carefully consider the pattern of regulatory findings in recent years, particularly around medication management and staff training, when making a placement decision.