Nursing Facility Care
Nursing homes provide care to people who cannot be cared for at home or in the community. They can provide a wide range of personal care and health services for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical, emotional, or mental health issues.
Choosing a nursing home can have an emotional effect on a person and their loved ones. It is helpful to plan ahead, visit and compare several nursing homes and make good financial plans early. Planning ahead gives a person and their family more control and can help make sure the person's needs are met so they receive good, quality care.
The Department of Human Services provides Medical Assistance for people in nursing facilities.
Section Q
On May 20, 2016 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a guidance document with recommendations for nursing facilities to ensure Section Q of the MDS is properly completed and appropriate referrals are made to the Local Contact Agency which is the Department of Human Services, Division of Long Term Services and Supports. The Section Q Training includes the rationale for Section Q, identifies the Local Contact Agency and explains the steps for making a referral to the Local Contact Agency.
Section Q is designed to assist residents in returning to the community or another more integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
Section Q questions provide the resident with the opportunity to learn about services available to him/her and the community-based settings in which the resident can choose to receive services in the community. The resident is also provided with the opportunity to seek a referral regarding potential transition to the community.
South Dakota Medicaid for Individuals in Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Facilities or Homes.
Individuals in assisted living centers, Nursing Facilities or Homes who meet all eligibility criteria may qualify for South Dakota Medicaid.
Eligibility Requirements
- A person must be 65 years or older. If under age 65, a person must be blind or disabled.
- A person must be a resident of South Dakota and meet certain citizenship requirements of the United States.
- Medical needs of the individual are such that they require a level of care provided in a nursing home.
- The monthly income limit is 300 percent of the SSI Standard Benefit Amount. ($2,199)
- The resource limit is $2,000. Resources include items such as checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Resources on nursing facility care:
South Dakota Department of Health
On average, the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification surveys each nursing home for recertification once a year (9 to 15 month interval). South Dakota Nursing Facility Survey Reports are available by clicking here .
Provides information relating to Medicaid and Medicare certified nursing homes throughout the United States. It includes information on payment and patient rights and a nursing home checklist to help people evaluate nursing homes they visit.
Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home
A guide provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) explaining how to find and compare nursing homes in your area, your nursing home resident rights, and where to call for help.
South Dakota Ombudsman Program
Helps to ensure quality resident care in nursing facilities, assisted living centers and residential living centers. Adult Services and Aging Specialists serve as advocates for facility residents and investigate complaints and work towards the resolution of their complaints.
Supports models where elders live in open, diverse, caring communities. Pioneers work toward the transformational system change by both evolutionary and revolutionary means, using Pioneer values and principles as the foundations for change.