Page 7 of Best Nursing Homes in South Dakota

Overview of Avantara Norton

Avantara Norton is a nursing home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offering skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation. As one of the larger options in the Sioux Falls market, this 110-bed community is one of the larger senior providers in the state. The community also accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, providing access to families from a wide range of financial backgrounds.

The community features a distinct balance of nursing resources and clinical oversight, with 3 hours and 32 minutes of total nursing care per resident per day, which sits 6% below the state average. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) coverage is a notable operational strength, averaging 44 minutes per day, which is 52% above the state average, indicating solid, hands-on daily bedside support. Conversely, daily RN hours average 35 minutes, and weekend RN coverage stands at 22 minutes per day, both falling below the state average. Additionally, both physical therapist hours and general weekend staffing closely track South Dakota state averages.

Notably, the community currently holds a 1-star overall CMS rating, placing it below state averages for health inspections and quality measures, while its staffing metrics sit approximately 30% below average.

A wide range of specialized nursing capabilities and post-surgical recovery resources is provided, including on-site infrastructure such as dedicated physical therapy equipment, full-time therapists, and standardized home assessments. The care team delivers tailored treatments across multiple fields, including cardiac care, stroke recovery, memory care, orthopedic care, oncology care, wound care, IV therapy, G-tube management, and bariatric care. This extensive clinical reach primarily serves a short-stay population, with Medicare admissions making up roughly 47% of incoming residents and averaging a short-term stay of 27 days.

The community primarily serves short-stay individuals, with an overall average length of stay of 97 days. Located in a moderately walkable Sioux Falls neighborhood, it features a Walk Score of 61. It remains a strong option for local families looking for extensive post-acute rehab and diverse, specialized clinical capabilities in a modern setting.

Providing a wide range of clinical specialties, Avantara Norton is ideal for families in Sioux Falls requiring complex medical nursing care, post-surgical recovery, or specialized rehabilitation. However, families are advised to take into consideration its newer status and CMS rating.

Overview of Avantara North

Avantara North is a nursing home in Rapid City, South Dakota, that offers skilled rehabilitation and specialized medical support. This privately owned community focuses on post-acute recovery services, including short-term rehabilitation, orthopedic care, cardiac recovery, wound care management, and memory care programming. With a 68-bed capacity, it is currently operating at an 87% occupancy rate, which exceeds the South Dakota average. This reflects a strong local demand and supports Medicare patients on shorter recovery-focused stays averaging 151 days.

Over the past seven years, the community underwent five inspections and received 20 citations. Two citations were classified as serious, while the remainder were moderate in scope, and no immediate jeopardy or critical-level findings were reported. During the most recent inspection in August 2025, four moderate deficiencies were identified related to infection control, nursing services, and quality of care, all of which were later corrected. In October 2024, the community received a federal fine, with an amount significantly lower than the South Dakota average and indicative of a comparatively lower compliance burden.

Staffing levels operate below the state average, with nursing hours totaling approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes per resident daily, which is slightly below South Dakota’s average of 3 hours and 46 minutes. This staffing structure aligns with the community’s emphasis on short-term post-acute rehabilitation, where many residents recover and return home within a relatively limited timeframe. Quality metrics also point to strengths in preventive and supportive care, including low rates of depressive symptoms and new antipsychotic medication use, alongside positive outcomes in fall prevention efforts. Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay are also accepted.

Avantara North is designed primarily for those recovering from hospitalization who require skilled nursing oversight, rehabilitation therapies, and short-term medical support before transitioning back home or to a lower level of care. It has also earned the 2023 AHCA Bronze Award, reflecting its commitment to quality care.

Overview of Avantara Groton

Avantara Groton, located in a rural portion of Brown County in Groton, South Dakota, is a 45-bed skilled nursing facility owned by Joshua Pete and directed by administrator Chloe Brand. The home operates at approximately 65 percent occupancy, with an average length of stay of 152 days. Financial accommodations accept Medicare and Medicaid programs alongside standard private pay options.

The clinical model emphasizes short-term rehabilitation, orthopedic recovery, and post-acute medical tracking following surgeries, strokes, or cardiac events. Medical staffing delivers an average of 3 hours and 10 minutes of daily nursing time per resident, coordinating registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse aides.

Specialized care tracks span orthopedic, cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, oncology, and professional wound care services. Avantara Groton’s neighborhood has a walkability score of 41 out of 100, reflecting a somewhat walkable rural layout where selected destinations are accessible, but most standard errands rely on motor transportation.

Prospective residents and family representatives evaluating local post-acute recovery options can contact the Groton administrative office to confirm room availability.

Overview of Rolling Hills Healthcare

Rolling Hills Healthcare is a nursing home in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, providing short-term rehabilitation, long-term residential care, skilled nursing services, and specialized medical support. Administered by Gerald Bosen, this 83-bed community has a Medicare certification to serve Butte County and the surrounding Black Hills region. Both Medicaid and Medicare are accepted, helping make care accessible to residents with a variety of healthcare coverage needs.

Services include rehabilitation therapy, long-term and short-term nursing care, licensed nursing support, pain management, dental care, dialysis services, and podiatry care. Notably, the availability of dialysis, dental, and podiatry services within the community in a rural western South Dakota setting helps reduce the need for residents to travel to larger regional healthcare centers for routine specialty treatment and ongoing clinical management.

Its location near Spearfish and Rapid City also makes the community an important regional care option for families in areas with fewer nearby skilled nursing choices. The surrounding neighborhood has a Walk Score of 47, offering limited walkability with some nearby destinations accessible on foot, while most errands still require transportation.

Rolling Hills Healthcare is well-suited for older adults in Belle Fourche and the broader Butte County region who require skilled nursing care, post-hospital rehabilitation, or long-term residential support. Its wide range of specialized services available on-site is beneficial for older adults managing chronic medical conditions, ongoing pain concerns, or dialysis needs.

Overview of Good Samaritan Society – St Martin Village

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

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

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

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

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

Overview of 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.

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.

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.

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.