South Dakota Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in South Dakota

In South Dakota, there are 36 continuing care retirement communities. These can be found in: Brookings, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Madison, Beresford, Howard, and Watertown. Senior adults who are interested in making the big move should apply for admittance early on, as the waiting lists are long and it can take months or even years before a spot opens up. Also, keep in mind that you might have to sort your affairs, especially in terms of finances, before committing to this decision.

For a senior adult in South Dakota, the matter of retirement living bears significant importance. Many retirees find it difficult to look after their properties, especially when it comes to house chores. As a result, they are drawn to alternative living options, such as continuing care retirement communities. Also known as life care communities, these welcome residents over the age of 66, or 55 in some cases, and they offer a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care.

Aside from the age requirement, residents have to be financially independent and thus capable of covering a hefty entrance fee. Monthly fees have to be covered as well, regardless of the type of contract. If the respective CCRC offers life care contracts, you can expect the fees to be higher. Also, by choosing a fee-for-service contract, you won’t have to pay an entrance fee, but the monthly fees will usually be at market value. Additional admittance criteria might be required, such as a long-term insurance plan.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in South Dakota - financing and costs

As the fees associated to living in a CCRC can be quite substantial, it can be a good idea to plan your costs ahead. A lawyer can help you work on your financial eligibility, having both the experience and knowledge to suggest the best solutions for covering the respective fees. Generally-speaking, potential financing solutions include: funds from selling your property, retirement funds, savings, diverse assets, etc.

The entrance fee for South Dakota CCRCs varies between $50,000 and $500,000. Nonetheless, there are luxury retirement communities where the fees can go as high as $1,000,000. As for the monthly fees, these vary between $2,000 and $4,500. Considering the fact that the national average is around $2,500, it can be concluded that South Dakota is more expensive. It is always a good idea to do your research before taking a final decision, making sure that the respective CCRC meets your needs and available budget.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities in South Dakota - care levels and services

When a resident moves into a CCRC, he or she will begin with independent living. Within this level, the respective resident can maintain an independent lifestyle. Over time and in accordance to one's health changes, the transition toward assisted living can be made. Residents can benefit from personal assistance and healthcare, with the specification that they can return to independent living whenever the situation allows it.

Should a resident present more complex healthcare demands, the skilled nursing care might be recommended. At this level, residents are assisted with daily living activities and benefit from adapted healthcare. Some senior adults can have specific health needs, requiring the help of specialized staff. In other situations, they require round-the-clock supervision and medication administration. If they also suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, it might be advisable to go into memory care.

One of the biggest advantages of living in a retirement community of this kind is the continuum of care. Residents can transition to the level of care that suits their needs the best, at the recommendation of the medical staff. Regular assessments can identify such needs and help one decide on the best level of care, with consideration to one’s health status, ability to perform daily living activities, and risk of injury.

Every continuing care retirement community offers a wide range of services, with the purpose of guaranteeing a comfortable living standard. Usual services include: housekeeping, linen and laundry service, Internet, telephone, cable, general maintenance, 24/7 security, emergency call system, meal plans with customized diets, transportation to/from appointments.

CCRC in South Dakota - amenities and options

South Dakota continuing care retirement communities allow residents to choose between various living options, including: one or two-bedroom apartments, townhouses, and cottages. The garden homes are naturally more expensive, so you have to consider your budget first. Residents can live alone or with their partners, and they remain on the same campus, even when their care levels are different. Pets are allowed on some campuses, but it might be a good idea to check first.

CCRCs offer world-class amenities, including: restaurant-style dining, swimming pool, fitness center, game room, outdoor spaces, walking paths, library, theater, lounge, computer room, convenience store, postal center, woodworking shop, golf putting green, community areas, tennis court. Some communities organize social clubs and weekly religious services, with a chaplain available on the campus at all times. Memory care amenities include: specially-designed outdoor walking paths, learning centers, memory gardens.

What are some positives and negatives of moving into a CCRC in South Dakota?

Are you ready to move into a CCRC? After living for most of your life in a house, it can be difficult to say goodbye. However, as you age, the decision to move into a South Dakota CCRC might be more beneficial. Here are a few pros and cons to help you come to a conclusion.

Pros of moving to a CCRC in SD

A community which offers a continuum of care and the possibility to transition to a higher level

Immediate access to health services and medical personnel, including in case of emergencies

Regular treatments performed by geriatric nurses (e.g. insulin shot)

Emergency call system available in case of stroke or other major health events

Amenities designed especially for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease

Cons of moving to a CCRC in SD

Expensive fees, these are difficult to cover and require thorough financial planning in advance

Not everyone adjusts to living in such a community, despite the obvious benefits

Might miss your family and friends, feeling isolated, depressed or anxious

If you change your mind about the move, the fees you have paid might not be refunded

Some of these CCRCs have isolated locations, far from urban developments, which might add to the feeling of being alone