Page 4 of Best Nursing Homes in South Dakota

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 71 nursing homes in SD using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in SD
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We analyzed These are the facilities in South Dakota our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in South Dakota.
71 homes
Other senior care options in South Dakota:

Compare Nursing Homes around South Dakota

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the SD Dept. of Health (DOH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The South Dakota average is: 58.6% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village
NH
AL
IL
MC
Sioux Falls
177
Facility 177
SD AVG 71
Rank #2 / 70
91.0%
Facility 91.0%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #14 / 33
+8%
4.26
Facility 4.26
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #17 / 65
C +5%-2%
$72.8k
Facility $72.8k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #56 / 67
43
Facility 43
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #63 / 65
6.1
Facility 6.1
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #59 / 65
5161-
2
Facility 2
SD AVG 43
Rank #73 / 73
Dana Bachmeier
$19.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $19.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #4 / 58
$10.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $10.5MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #4 / 58
54.1%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 54.1%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #39 / 58
435045
Estelline Nursing and Care Center
NH
AL
E Estelline (Estelline Township)
60
Facility 60
SD AVG 71
Rank #35 / 70
93.5%
Facility 93.5%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #8 / 33
+11%
2.58
Facility 2.58
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #65 / 65
? +11%-40%
$16.8k
Facility $16.8k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #34 / 67
1
Facility 1
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #1 / 65
1.0
Facility 1.0
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #1 / 65
156-
22
Facility 22
SD AVG 43
Rank #54 / 73
City Of Estelline
$4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.8MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #37 / 58
$3.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #30 / 58
73.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 73.2%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #5 / 58
435099
Aberdeen Health and Rehab
NH
HOS
PC
RC
SNF
Aberdeen
78
Facility 78
SD AVG 71
Rank #26 / 70
94.4%
Facility 94.4%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #5 / 33
+12%
4.21
Facility 4.21
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #21 / 65
C- +1%-3%
$64.3k
Facility $64.3k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #55 / 67
24
Facility 24
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #46 / 65
3.4
Facility 3.4
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #31 / 65
474-
8
Facility 8
SD AVG 43
Rank #69 / 73
Kristopher Glaser
$7.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #18 / 58
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #18 / 58
58.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 58.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #17 / 58
435041
Five Counties Nursing Home
NH
AL
IL
SNF
W Lemmon
37
Facility 37
SD AVG 71
Rank #63 / 70
90.8%
Facility 90.8%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #15 / 33
+8%
3.84
Facility 3.84
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #26 / 65
C +84%-11%
$20.7k
Facility $20.7k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #37 / 67
37
Facility 37
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #61 / 65
6.2
Facility 6.2
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #60 / 65
235-
42
Facility 42
SD AVG 43
Rank #35 / 73
-
$3.7MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $3.7MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #45 / 58
$1.9MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $1.9MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #48 / 58
50.9%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 50.9%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #47 / 58
435090
Avantara Arrowhead
NH
HOS
SNF
Rapid City (Broadmoor Subdivision)
68
Facility 68
SD AVG 71
Rank #28 / 70
87.2%
Facility 87.2%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #21 / 33
+4%
3.22
Facility 3.22
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #54 / 65
C +68%-26%
$82.9k
Facility $82.9k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #59 / 67
37
Facility 37
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #61 / 65
3.7
Facility 3.7
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #36 / 65
959-
12
Facility 12
SD AVG 43
Rank #65 / 73
Philip Preston
$6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #29 / 58
$3.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #31 / 58
52.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 52.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #42 / 58
435051
Avantara Huron
NH
MC
SNF
Sw Huron (Huron)
80
Facility 80
SD AVG 71
Rank #23 / 70
--
3.24
Facility 3.24
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #54 / 65
? -70%-25%
$8.3k
Facility $8.3k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #20 / 67
21
Facility 21
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #37 / 65
7.0
Facility 7.0
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #63 / 65
568-
27
Facility 27
SD AVG 43
Rank #50 / 73
Laurie Solem
$8.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $8.0MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #17 / 58
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #17 / 58
55.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 55.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #30 / 58
435020
Rolling Hills Healthcare
NH
HOS
SNF
Belle Fourche
83
Facility 83
SD AVG 71
Rank #19 / 70
70.0%
Facility 70.0%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #28 / 33
-17%
3.78
Facility 3.78
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #26 / 65
C -33%-13%
$80.6k
Facility $80.6k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #57 / 67
34
Facility 34
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #59 / 65
4.3
Facility 4.3
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #47 / 65
558A+
8
Facility 8
SD AVG 43
Rank #69 / 73
-
$7.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.2MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #19 / 58
$3.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $3.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #27 / 58
50%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 50%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #48 / 58
435035
Avantara Milbank
NH
HOS
MC
SNF
Milbank
45
Facility 45
SD AVG 71
Rank #49 / 70
--
3.29
Facility 3.29
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #50 / 65
C +6%-24%
$55.4k
Facility $55.4k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #53 / 67
30
Facility 30
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #53 / 65
4.3
Facility 4.3
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #47 / 65
838-
64
Facility 64
SD AVG 43
Rank #16 / 73
Celina Lohre
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #41 / 58
$2.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $2.5MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #40 / 58
57.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 57.3%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #19 / 58
435009
Palisade Healthcare Center
NH
MC
RC
SNF
Garretson (Palisade Township)
55
Facility 55
SD AVG 71
Rank #41 / 70
89.1%
Facility 89.1%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #17 / 33
+6%
3.38
Facility 3.38
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #47 / 65
C- -20%-22%
$154.9k
Facility $154.9k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #65 / 67
29
Facility 29
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #51 / 65
2.9
Facility 2.9
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #23 / 65
549-
37
Facility 37
SD AVG 43
Rank #41 / 73
-$5.0M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.$1.9M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.36.8%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.435115
Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement Community
NH
AL
IL
SNF
Aberdeen
81
Facility 81
SD AVG 71
Rank #21 / 70
95.7%
Facility 95.7%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #4 / 33
+14%
4.85
Facility 4.85
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #13 / 65
? -24%+12%
$8.8k
Facility $8.8k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #23 / 67
18
Facility 18
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #31 / 65
2.6
Facility 2.6
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #21 / 65
378-
31
Facility 31
SD AVG 43
Rank #45 / 73
----435042

Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other SD nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 71 on this page. See how we rank facilities

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Overview of Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village

Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village offers nursing home care, assisted living, independent living, and memory care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nursing home care provides ongoing nursing support for residents who need a higher level of medical care, while assisted living helps with dressing, bathing, medication, and other daily tasks without giving up an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care. Memory care provides supervision for residents living with dementia.

The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs could grow over time and who may move between care settings without leaving the community. The home has 177 beds. Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay are accepted. Medicaid may help eligible residents whose savings do not cover a long stay, while Medicare applies to short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence.

Total nurse staffing is 4 hours and 15 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nurse staffing time allocated to each resident. Thomas Fraser serves as the administrator. One bedroom and two bedroom units are available, with a two bedroom layout able to suit a couple moving together or someone who wants a companion.

Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services give residents access to therapy at the community, and local transportation is available for medical appointments. A salon, wellness center, whirlpool, chapel, and religious services provide places for personal care, wellness activities, bathing or relaxation, and worship.

Contact Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village

Overview of Estelline Nursing and Care Center

Estelline Nursing and Care Center is a nursing home and assisted living community in Estelline, South Dakota. Nursing home care provides ongoing nursing support, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Having both care types may make the community a good fit for a resident whose needs could grow over time, since care can continue within the same community.

The center has 60 beds, with 94% currently occupied, so most beds are in use. Total nurse staffing is 2 hours and 35 minutes per resident per day, representing the daily nursing time allocated to each resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted. Jason Hanssen serves as administrator.

Contact Estelline Nursing and Care Center

Overview of 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.

Contact Aberdeen Health and Rehab

Overview of Five Counties Nursing Home

Five Counties Nursing Home offers nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, and independent living in Lemmon, South Dakota. Nursing home and skilled nursing care include licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while assisted living helps with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication while a resident keeps an apartment. Independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.

Short term and long term care are available, covering temporary skilled stays as well as ongoing nursing care. Rehabilitation services support residents who need therapy as part of their care. The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving to another level can happen without leaving the community or starting over socially.

Five Counties Nursing Home has 37 beds. Total nurse staffing is 3 hours and 51 minutes per resident each day, representing the daily nursing time assigned per resident. The community opened in 1951 and is administered by Jordan Fish.

Payment options include Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Medicare generally covers short term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long term residence, while Medicaid may help when savings do not cover a long stay; private pay is also accepted. A Walk Score of 42 places the area in a car dependent setting, so most errands require a car or a ride, including routine outings for a resident who no longer drives.

Contact Five Counties Nursing Home

Overview of Avantara Arrowhead

Seventy-five percent occupancy, or 51 of 68 beds, at a nursing home positioned in Rapid City’s Broadmoor Subdivision, about 2.3 miles from the city center and less than a mile from the nearest hospital. The address is 2500 Arrowhead Dr, and the surrounding area is car-dependent (Walk Score 12). Sharon Martin administers the facility, which operates within the Avantara network.

The average length of stay is 174 days. That number places Avantara Arrowhead in a middle zone: not a pure short-stay rehab operation, but not configured primarily around indefinite long-term residence either. Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab are the confirmed service lines, with orthopedic care listed as a clinical program.

Staffing reported to CMS totals 2 hours and 48 minutes of nursing care per resident per day. Registered nurses account for 47 minutes; nurse aides account for 2 hours and 2 minutes. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted.

Avantara Arrowhead is a mid-sized nursing home serving residents in post-acute and transitional care, with orthopedic rehabilitation among its confirmed clinical offerings and full coverage across Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Contact Avantara Arrowhead

Overview of Avantara Huron

Avantara Huron opened recently on Michigan Ave. SW in Huron, South Dakota, under the administration of Laurie Solem. It is a nursing home. It has 80 beds, 56 of them currently occupied, and sits in a neighborhood where a car is essentially required for most errands (Walk Score 27).

The care model here is built around post-acute recovery. Residents coming off cardiac events, orthopedic procedures, or pulmonary conditions have dedicated recovery programs waiting for them. Total nursing coverage runs 3 hours and 31 minutes per resident per day, with registered nurses accounting for 40 minutes of that. Suites are available in private and semi-private configurations depending on preference and availability.

Meals are prepared from fresh ingredients with nutritional balance as the stated priority. On the amenities side, the facility has an on-site salon and community spaces that families can use for gatherings and events. State inspections have tended to center on areas like infection prevention and control, care planning and documentation, and fall and injury prevention.

Payment coverage spans Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. That range matters for a facility with a 135-day average stay: some residents arrive on Medicare short-term rehab benefits and transition to Medicaid as their stay extends, and the facility is structured to accommodate that arc. Avantara Huron is set up for people arriving from a hospital who need a supervised rehabilitation period before going home, not for those seeking a long-term residential placement.

Contact Avantara Huron

Rolling Hills Healthcare

2200 13Th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD 57717
Overview of Rolling Hills Healthcare

Situated in the gorgeous town of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Rolling Hills Healthcare offers a wide range of care options for seniors, including long term & short term care and rehab therapies. Whether you need physical, occupational, or speech therapy, their dedicated team is there to help. Seniors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and friendly atmosphere of the community, making it a great place to relax and focus on wellness.

Rolling Hills Healthcare goes above and beyond in providing high-quality care with a personal touch. They aim to make every resident feel respected and well-cared-for by offering tailored care plans. The community features a variety of programs and amenities, including advanced therapies, pain management, dental care, dialysis, hospice services, and more. With a focus on individual wellness and rehabilitation, Rolling Hills Healthcare ensures that each resident receives the best possible care in a supportive and compassionate environment.

Contact Rolling Hills Healthcare

Overview of Avantara Milbank

Avantara Milbank offers nursing home, skilled nursing, hospice care, and memory care in Milbank, SD. Nursing home and skilled nursing care provide licensed nursing care on site around the clock for residents who need ongoing clinical support, while memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering; hospice care supports residents receiving end-of-life care.

The community has 45 beds, a smaller setting where staff and residents can get to know each other. Short-term rehabilitation and rehabilitation services support recovery, with programs for post-surgical care, stroke and other neurological conditions, cardiac care, oncology recovery, orthopedic rehabilitation, and pulmonary care. Avantara Milbank may be a good fit for someone whose needs include memory supervision or rehabilitation for one of these conditions.

Total nurse staffing is 3h 17m per resident each day, representing the documented daily hands-on nursing time allocated per resident. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are accepted, giving families public coverage options or the ability to pay directly. A Walk Score of 64 out of 100 means the area is somewhat walkable, with some errands possible on foot, so a resident who no longer drives may be able to reach nearby errands independently. Keisha Dorscher serves as the administrator.

Contact Avantara Milbank

Overview of Palisade Healthcare Center

Nursing home care, skilled nursing, memory care, and respite care are the four entries on Palisade Healthcare Center’s license in Garretson, SD. Nursing care here answers a continuing need for clinical attention. Memory care is delivered in a secured space with staff supervising inside it. Respite covers the short stretch when a family’s usual caregiver has to travel or recover.

Fifty-five beds put the building in the smaller band, close enough that staff and residents come to know each other. A day’s nursing per resident works out at 3 hours and 23 minutes.

Payment works through Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, covering funded care and care a family pays for itself. At 37 out of 100, walkability lands in the car-dependent band, so most errands begin with a car or a lift.

The administrator is Carolyn Riggs. Respite Stays and Supplementary Care Options both run as named programs, for somebody wanting a short stay or something extra. Ongoing clinical care, secured memory support, and a short stay while a family caregiver is away are the three things this building is arranged around.

Contact Palisade Healthcare Center

Overview of Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement Community

Located in a tranquil neighborhood adjacent to Manor Park in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Avera Mother Joseph Manor offers a comprehensive range of senior living lifestyle options, complemented by skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Residents of this community can immerse themselves in the abundant local opportunities available in Aberdeen while receiving exceptional care and support.

Avera Mother Joseph Manor proudly upholds the Christian tradition of the Avera health care system, ensuring immediate access to premier health care services. With a deep commitment to respecting human dignity and valuing each individual, Avera Mother Joseph Manor operates as a division of Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, providing compassionate care to enhance the well-being of residents.

Contact Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement Community

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Nursing Homes in South Dakota at a glance

Avg Overall CMS Rating: 2.7/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Dakota. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 3.3/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Dakota. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 2.7/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Dakota. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in South Dakota

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in South Dakota?

Assisted living in South Dakota is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does South Dakota Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 71 nursing homes in South Dakota. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in South Dakota?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in South Dakota, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting nursing homes in South Dakota?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.