In-Home Care in South Dakota

South Dakota is an ideal retirement choice for seniors on a budget. The cost of living is well below the national average and there are no state income taxes, so seniors have more money in the budget to enjoy their golden years. More than 17% of the state’s 895,000 residents are aged 65 and older, and this population has access to quality health services from facilities such as Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center. Although winters are cold, summers are comfortable and may tempt seniors into enjoying South Dakota’s scenic vistas.

In-home care in South Dakota costs an average of $5,911 per month and offers assistance with daily activities such as grooming and meals. Home health care also averages $5,911 monthly and provides medical help such as skilled nursing. Both of these services can help seniors who wish to remain living at home.

This guide has an overview of the costs for in-home care and other senior living options in South Dakota. It also covers programs that can help you finance in-home care and resources available in the state to help you age in place.

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of in-home care in South Dakota is $5,911. This is high compared to the national average of $4,957 and the region. At $5,148 per month, Nebraska has the most affordable in-home care in the surrounding states. In Wyoming and Iowa, the average price is $5,529, while seniors in North Dakota pay $5,689. Minnesota is the only one of South Dakota’s neighbors with higher costs. Seniors there pay $6,673 per month or $762 more than those in South Dakota.

South Dakota’s two major cities, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, have average in-home care costs of $6,101. This is slightly higher than the state average. Close to the South Dakotan border, Sioux City, Iowa, is significantly cheaper at $5,539. Omaha, Nebraska, and Casper, Wyoming, are also more affordable than South Dakota’s cities, with costs of $5,529 and $5,720 respectively. North in Bismarck, North Dakota, cost is significantly higher at $7,823 per month.

Older adults in South Dakota have a range of senior living options to suit their needs. Adult day health care is the most affordable at $2,600 per month. Assisted living is also an affordable option in South Dakota, with an average cost of $3,350. Like in-home care, home health care costs $5,911 monthly. At $7,118, nursing home care is the most expensive option, reflecting the higher level of care provided.

Medicaid in South Dakota covers home care directly and through waiver programs. The Personal Care Services program offers limited home care through Medicaid. The waiver program is known as the Home and Community-Based Options and Person Centered Excellence (HOPE) program. The benefits available through the programs are similar and designed to prevent or delay nursing home entry. Services include assistance with activities of daily living, shopping and cleaning. However, the Personal Care Services program only provides services for a limited number of hours each year.

You can apply for Medicaid by filling in an application and returning it in person or by mail or fax to your local Department of Social Services office. Forms can be downloaded from the website or you can call (800) 305-3064 to request one. There is not currently an online application option for long-term care-related programs.

What Information You Will Need 

In order to assess your application, the Department of Social Services asks for proof of:

• Identity and date of birth
• Citizenship or residency status
• Income
• Assets
• Housing costs
• Existing health insurance

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.