Page 7 of Best Nursing Homes in South Dakota

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 70 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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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in South Dakota our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in South Dakota.
70 homes
Other senior care options in South Dakota:
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

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 to lowest based on our ranking 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 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. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over 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.
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.
Avantara Milbank
NH
HOS
MC
SNF
Milbank
45
Facility 45
SD AVG 69
Rank #81 / 116
--
3.29
Facility 3.29
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #50 / 65
+6%-24%
$55.4k
Facility $55.4k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #54 / 67
18
Facility 18
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #35 / 65
3.0
Facility 3.0
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #27 / 65
638-
64
Facility 64
SD AVG 42
Rank #30 / 148
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
Custer Care and Rehab Center
NH
HOS
RC
SNF
Custer
35
Facility 35
SD AVG 69
Rank #102 / 116
--- --
$0
Facility $0
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #1 / 67
---27-
49
Facility 49
SD AVG 42
Rank #60 / 148
----43A140
Avantara Norton-
NH
HOS
SNF
Sioux Falls
110
Facility 110
SD AVG 69
Rank #12 / 116
88.9%
Facility 88.9%
SD AVG 84%
Rank #18 / 33
+6%
3.53
Facility 3.53
SD AVG 4.34
Rank #41 / 65
---+53%-19%
$153.6k
Facility $153.6k
SD AVG $38.5k
Rank #63 / 67
75
Facility 75
SD AVG 14.8
Rank #64 / 65
4.2
Facility 4.2
SD AVG 3.3
Rank #47 / 65
1898-
61
Facility 61
SD AVG 42
Rank #37 / 148
Jeremy Klinkhammer
$10.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $10.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $7.1M
Rank #7 / 58
$4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG $4.2M
Rank #19 / 58
42.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 42.4%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SD AVG 58.6%
Rank #57 / 58
435039
Avantara Huron-
NH
MC
SNF
Sw Huron
80
Facility 80
SD AVG 69
Rank #34 / 116
--------------
68
Facility 68
SD AVG 42
Rank #21 / 148
$1.5M*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.$1.2M*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.80.6%*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.435057

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every SD community we track that reports that metric, not just the 70 on this page.

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Overview of Avantara Huron

Avantara Huron is a privately owned nursing home in Huron, South Dakota, that provides short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, and specialized recovery programs. The 80-bed community is administered by Laurie Solem and has received the AHCA Bronze Quality Award in 2022 in recognition of its quality improvement efforts. Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay options are also accepted.

Confirmed programs include short-term rehabilitation, cardiac recovery, orthopedic recovery, pulmonary rehabilitation, and wound care management. These specialized services support residents recovering from surgery, illness, or hospitalization and position the community as a post-acute care provider for a range of medical needs.

The community is currently operating at a 70% occupancy rate, which is lower than the state average and suggests availability. Average stays extend to approximately 151 days, indicating a blend of both longer-term nursing support and shorter rehabilitation-focused stays. The resident population also reflects a balanced combination of payers, with Medicaid representing a significant portion of admissions.

Avantara Huron is a compelling option for older adults seeking skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, or specialized recovery support for cardiac, orthopedic, pulmonary, or wound care needs within a community that demonstrates meaningful staffing investment and clinical service diversity in Huron and the surrounding Beadle County area.

Contact Avantara Huron

Overview of Avantara Mountainview

Avantara Mountainview 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. One of the most trusted nursing homes in South Dakota, 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 Mountainview 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. 

Contact Avantara Mountainview

Overview of 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.

Contact Bethesda Towne Square

Overview of Jenkin‘s Living Center

Established in 1959, Jenkin’s Living Center is a 110-bed skilled nursing facility in Watertown’s South Maple neighborhood, about a mile from Prairie Lakes Hospital and a short distance from downtown. The three-story community offers private rooms. Kasey Klapprodt serves as its administrator.

Residents receive care through individualized care plans. These are provided alongside medication management and specialized therapy programs to support both recovery and everyday health. Beyond clinical care, the community offers restaurant-style dining, scheduled transportation, organized social events, and fitness and recreation programs. These opportunities keep residents active and engaged.

Skilled nursing staff is available 24 hours a day. Registered nurses provide an average of 42 minutes of care per resident each day, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses contribute about 51 minutes. Nurse aides provide the largest share of daily support at roughly 2 hours and 1 minute per resident. Together, this staffing approach gives residents consistent hands-on care throughout the day and night.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 85, making it very walkable. Most errands are within easy walking distance. Families visiting the community can often combine their visit with shopping or other stops around the surrounding neighborhood.

Contact Jenkin‘s Living Center

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – Sioux Falls Village

Good Samaritan Society in Sioux Falls Village is an incredible senior living community that offers a comprehensive range of care services, including assisted living places and various assisted living levels of care. From affordable housing and independent living to rehabilitation and memory care, they cater to the diverse needs of seniors at every stage of life.
This exceptional home ensures that residents have access to the support they require, whether it’s in the form of personalized assistance with daily activities or specialized memory care for those facing cognitive challenges. Residents can enjoy the freedom and flexibility to personalize their living spaces within the assisted living places, adding their own cherished furnishings and personal touches. In addition to the comfortable and inviting accommodations, the community offers a wealth of amenities, including a well-stocked library, a serene chapel, and a refreshing indoor pool. For those seeking to prioritize their well-being, a state-of-the-art wellness center provides opportunities for fitness and personal growth.

Contact Good Samaritan Society – Sioux Falls Village

Overview of Nano Nagle Village

Nestled at 1020 North Jay Street, Nano Nagle Village is a 45-bed nursing home in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It’s relatively new, having opened within the past year. The home is housed in a one-story building, offering a residential setting in a neighborhood that scores 31 on Walk Score, so a few nearby services can be reached on foot, with most errands and appointments requiring a car.

As a newer community, Nano Nagle Village represents a fresh option for families in Aberdeen considering care for their loved ones. For residents and visitors, the single-story layout can decrease mobility concerns. The location has good access to downtown Aberdeen and nearby services.

For anyone considering Nano Nagle Village, touring in person would be valuable. Doing so will help you see the daily environment, meet the team, and understand what daily life looks like for occupants.

Contact Nano Nagle Village

Overview of The Courtyard Westhills Village

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

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

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

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

Contact The Courtyard Westhills Village

Overview of South Dakota Developmental Center – Redfield

South Dakota Developmental Center – Redfield is a 240-bed state-operated residential campus in Redfield, South Dakota, directed by administrator Barb Abeln. The community is licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, managing intensive oversight and structured support plans rather than traditional senior living care lines. The larger operational size allows the public institution to coordinate comprehensive therapeutic and behavioral services across a high-volume residential population.

The service structure incorporates person-centered programs designed around local skill development, dignity, and independent living tasks. Staffing models integrate active community inclusion platforms, linking residents to local business partnerships and off-campus vocational opportunities. The surrounding area has a walkability score of 58 out of 100, showing a moderately pedestrian-friendly layout where a portion of external trips can be made on foot, though most regional travel depends on transport vehicles.

Individuals and family advocates seeking placement at the facility can coordinate with the the South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Contact South Dakota Developmental Center – Redfield

Overview of Golden Living Center – Groton

Golden Living Center Groton is an exceptional senior living community offering a diverse range of options including specialized memory care and skilled nursing services. For those seeking memory care, this center stands as a beacon of understanding and support. Every corner of the facility has been purposefully crafted to provide a secure and nurturing haven for individuals with memory loss.
Accessibility is a cornerstone at Golden Living Center Groton. With thoughtfully designed spaces that cater to wheelchair users and inviting indoor and outdoor common areas, residents are treated to an environment that seamlessly blends comfort with the beauty of nature. It’s a place where cherished memories are made, laughter echoes through the halls, and meaningful connections are formed.

Contact Golden Living Center – Groton

Overview of Good Samaritan Society-St Martin Village

Good Samaritan Society-St Martin Village is a skilled nursing home in Rapid City, South Dakota, part of the well-established Good Samaritan Society, a name many families across the region have come to know over the years. The community is housed in a three-story building on Good Shepherd Way, offering both one-bed and two-bed room options. For families weighing nursing care in the area, that connection to a long-standing faith-based organization is often part of the appeal.

Daily life here centers on comprehensive nursing care paired with an all-inclusive approach to services. Residents receive home-cooked meals, housekeeping, and maintenance-free living, so the practical burdens of running a household are handled for them. Social life is woven into the setting through gatherings in the community room, dining room, and chapel, alongside wellness programs and religious services. An emergency response system adds a layer of day-to-day reassurance for residents and their families.

On the clinical side, nurse aides provide close to two hours of hands-on support per resident each day, with registered nurse coverage adding roughly an hour and a half more. That level of direct staffing is a meaningful signal of how much bedside attention residents can expect. The location sits in a quieter, car-dependent part of Rapid City, so visiting family will generally plan to drive, which also tends to mean a calmer residential setting away from heavier traffic.

Contact Good Samaritan Society-St Martin Village

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.

  • 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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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 70 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.