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Memory Care in South Dakota

Alzheimer's and dementia are estimated to affect approximately 18,000 older adults in South Dakota, with that figure expected to increase to 20,000 by 2025, an increase of 11.1%. Alzheimer's disease is the fifth leading cause of death in the state, contributing to the loss of 437 lives in 2018. There are 39,000 caregivers in the state who are looking after an older adult living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and Medicaid costs associated with the disease are $182 million per year.

The state has introduced a number of initiatives to support those with memory care needs as part of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Care Plan. This plan used a combination of focus groups and needs assessment surveys to identify the needs of older adults with dementia and their caregivers, improve awareness of the condition, and better meet the care needs of state residents. In addition to these efforts to support older adults with dementia, there are numerous memory care facilities across the state. These facilities provide seniors with safe and secure accommodations in a homelike environment where residents are served nutritious meals, given round-the-clock supervision and encouraged to take part in carefully designed programs to improve their cognitive health. The average cost of memory care services in South Dakota is $4,375 per month. This is more affordable than the average for the United States, of $5,064 per month.

This guide lays out the cost of memory care across the state of South Dakota. It covers the SeniorScore for the state, care regulations for memory care providers and the financial assistance and other resources available for families living in or considering moving to South Dakota. This information can help families make an informed decision about their loved one's memory care options.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in South Dakota



South Dakota has a SeniorScore of 71, putting it just one point below the national average. This indicates that the state is a place that caters fairly well to older adults. The SeniorScore is a rating based on more than 100 data points gathered from private and government sources to help quantify how good a location may be for seniors to live in. The data considers four key categories: Recreation & Leisure, Health & Safety, Finances and General Quality of Life.

South Dakota scores particularly well for Finances, with a rating of 74. The state has lower-than-average sales taxes and zero state income tax, making it a good choice for financially savvy seniors. The General Quality of Life score was the state's next highest at 64. South Dakota has a continental climate and a low population density, so seniors who prefer to avoid extreme heat or cold may find the state quite comfortable to live in. When it comes to Recreation & Leisure, seniors can take advantage of a variety of facilities aimed specifically at them and their peers. Around 17.2% of the state's population are aged 65 and over, and there are numerous municipal parks and golf courses for residents to enjoy. The average life expectancy in South Dakota is 79.5, and the state is rated 58 for Health & Safety, thanks to the presence of two high-performing hospitals. The Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls is nationally ranked in the U.S. News and World Report for two adult specialties.



Top Memory Care Communities in South Dakota




 
 

The Cost of Memory Care in South Dakota



Memory care services in South Dakota are typically provided in assisted living facilities with memory care units. There is not currently an authoritative list of memory care costs across the nation, but fees for memory care services are typically 20 to 30% higher than the cost of standard assisted living. The extra expense is due to the greater level of round-the-clock care that memory care residents need, including specialized support staff, higher staffing ratios, increased security features and more personalized activities. For the purposes of this guide, we list memory care fees at 25% above the assisted living costs listed in the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey. Actual fees may vary depending on the size of the facility, its location and the amenities offered.

Memory care services in South Dakota typically cost $4,375, which is $689 per month lower than the national average. The state is one of the most affordable in the upper Midwest. Fees in North Dakota are slightly lower at $4,256 per month, but other neighboring states are more expensive, although most still charge less for memory care than the national average of $5,064 per month. Memory care in Wyoming costs $350 more per month, and fees in Minnesota are $375 a month higher. In Montana, seniors can expect to pay an additional $400 a month for memory care. Iowa is the most expensive neighboring state, with average month memory care fees of $5,098, slightly above the national average.

  • South Dakota: $4,375
  • National: $5,064
  • North Dakota: $4,256
  • Wyoming: $4,725
  • Minnesota: $4,750
  • Montana: $4,775
  • Iowa: $5,098

The Cost of Memory Care in South Dakota's Top Cities

Seniors who are looking for a more affordable place to live may find that memory care fees in Sioux Falls are more affordable than other parts of the state, at $4,195 per month. Meanwhile, fees in Rapid City are $4,935 per month, much more expensive than the state average. Just over the border in Sioux City, Iowa, fees average $4,625 per month. To the north, in Bismarck, North Dakota the cost of memory care is quite affordable at $4,256. To the south, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, seniors can expect much higher memory care fees of around $5,675 per month.

  • Sioux Falls: $4,195
  • Rapid City: $4,935
  • Bismarck, ND: $4,256
  • Sioux City, IA: $4,625
  • Cheyenne, WY: $5,675

Senior Care Cost Comparison in South Dakota

Seniors in South Dakota have several care options, of which memory care is one of the more affordable ones at $4,375 per month. In-home care services are more expensive, with both general homemaker services and home health care costing an average of $5,339 monthly. Adult day care services, provided in a group setting at a community center, are the lowest cost at $2,429 a month. These services could be an option for someone who has mild cognitive impairments but is generally able to perform the activities of daily living. Assisted living fees are $3,500 per month for room and board plus help with the activities of daily living. Memory care is a step up from assisted living in terms of the level of care provided, at a modest increase in costs. Those who require a higher level of skilled nursing care have the option of nursing home services; however, these are the most expensive services, costing $6,844 for a semiprivate room in a nursing home.

  • Memory Care: $4,375
  • Assisted Living: $3,500
  • In-Home Care: $5,339
  • Home Health Care: $5,339
  • Adult Day Care: $2,427
  • Nursing Home Care: $6,844

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in South Dakota



Home & Community-Based Options and Person-Centered Excellence Waiver

Phone Number: (605) 773-5990
Website: https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/titlexix.aspx

The HOPE Waiver is a state Medicaid waiver that covers memory care services for individuals who would otherwise be at risk of nursing home placement. The waiver can be used to cover a variety of elements of day-to-day care, although the cost of room and board at an assisted living or memory care facility is not covered. To be eligible for the service, seniors must pass a needs assessment and meet the income and asset rules for Medicaid.


Optional State Supplement

Address: 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone Number: (605) 773-3165
Website: https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssi_st_asst/2011/sd.html

The Optional State Supplement is provided to SSI recipients who live in an assisted living facility or adult foster care home and who have a net income below the supplementation level. Seniors who live in a memory care facility may qualify for this payment. This is a cash benefit that can be spent in any way the recipient sees fit, including covering the cost of memory care services or room and board. Seniors can apply for the benefit by contacting the nearest Department of Social Services office.


South Dakota Memory Care Rules and Regulations



Memory care in South Dakota is usually provided by assisted living facilities with memory care wings. These facilities are governed by the South Dakota Department of Health, which sets regulations relating to the scope of care, staffing requirements, care planning and other elements of memory care provision.

Scope of Care

In addition to assistance with the activities of daily living, medication management, meals and other day-to-day services provided as a typical part of assisted living, memory care providers offer more specialist care. This includes secured indoor and outdoor areas for the protection of those with dementia, calming and familiar environments, cues for daily activities, and specialized programming to maintain cognitive health.

Care Plan Requirements

To ensure all residents receive appropriate care, seniors moving into memory care facilities must have a personalized plan drawn up prior to admission. These plans must be reviewed 30 days after admission to ensure the resident's needs are being met. The plans should then be reviewed at least once per year. The care plan should cover the resident's medical needs, dietary requirements and physical and cognitive well-being.

Medication Management Requirements

The medication regimens of residents must be reviewed by a pharmacist. Only registered nurses or trained unlicensed personnel are permitted to administer medication, and any medications to be administered by facility staff must be kept in a locked storage area. If a resident is assessed as having the cognitive ability to self-administer medications, they are permitted to do so and may store medication in their own room. Residents should have their ability to self-administer medication reviewed on a quarterly basis by a licensed professional.

Staff Screening Requirements

Staff who provide services directly to residents must pass a criminal background check. Facilities cannot hire a staff member who has been convicted of abuse.

Staff Training Requirements

Staff members are required to complete a formal orientation program as a part of their intake procedure and must engage in continuing professional development each year. Training includes infection control, accident prevention and techniques for working with residents with cognitive impairments. Memory care wing employees are required to have specific training relating to the needs of residents with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Medicaid Coverage

The HOPE waiver is a Home and Community Based Services program for Medicaid-eligible residents. This waiver can be used to cover part of the costs of memory care services.

Reporting Abuse

Complaints about abuse, exploitation or neglect can be reported to the Long Term Care Ombudsman by telephone on (866) 854-5465. Memory care facilities are required to have their own complaints procedures in place for minor concerns.


Free Memory Care Resources in South Dakota



Alzheimer's Association - South Dakota

The South Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides support to local residents who are living with Alzheimer's or dementia, their families and caregivers. It runs a variety of programs including awareness building and support groups as well as fundraising for research into the disease. Anyone who is impacted by Alzheimer's is welcome to contact the association for assistance. The organization offers many free resources online for those who have recently been diagnosed.

Music and Memory

The Music and Memory program is run by the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care. The program is operated on a not-for-profit basis and supports seniors with a variety of physical and cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer's and dementia. Music and Memory uses evidence-based music therapy in the form of personalized playlists to ease anxiety and promote feelings of well-being. Beneficiaries often see improvements in attention, appetite and social engagement.



South Dakota Agencies


Division of Long Term Services and Supports

Address: 3800 East Highway 34, Hillsview Plaza, C/O 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone Number: (605) 773-5990
Website: https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/stateunit.aspx

The South Dakota Department of Human Services' Division of Long Term Services and Supports is the State Unit on Aging. This department coordinates a variety of services across the state and administers the Long Term Care Ombudsman, respite care services, adult protective services, and the SHIINE program which provides information about Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance issues. The division helps seniors understand their long-term care options, maintaining their dignity, independence and well-being.



Adult Services and Aging Offices in South Dakota


The ASA Offices are open to all South Dakota residents aged 60 and over. These offices provide information and assistance to seniors, operate Meals on Wheels and congregate nutrition programs, provide legal assistance, and also run the Family Caregiver Support Program.



Veteran Affairs Offices in South Dakota


The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs supports veterans and their surviving spouses with a variety of programs including pensions and disability compensation, state and federal benefits, and a number of local programs and activities. Some financial assistance, such as the Aid & Attendance benefits, may be used to cover the costs of memory care. Veterans can contact the local VSO to request help with claims, counseling, or access to programs.



Social Security Offices in South Dakota


South Dakota residents who reside in a memory care facility may be eligible for an optional state supplement. This supplement can be used to cover part of the cost of memory care, including the cost of the room and board for the facility. Seniors can apply for the supplement by contacting their nearest SSA office.

 

Other Cities in South Dakota

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