Worst Nursing Homes in South Dakota

Some of the nursing homes in South Dakota have a history of neglect, abuse, and repeated violations. Residents in such facilities often suffer due to poor staffing, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate care.

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are committed to holding these facilities accountable and helping family members seek justice for their loved ones.

How Nursing Homes Are Rated in South Dakota

Assessing South Dakota nursing homes involves multiple rating systems, including Medicare’s Five-Star Rating System and state health inspections. These evaluations consider staffing levels, health violations, safety standards, and overall quality measures to determine how well a facility meets health care standards.

Facilities with repeated deficiencies—such as high staff turnover rates, poor management, and safety violations—often fail to provide adequate long-term care. A low rating can indicate neglect or abuse, putting residents at serious risk.

List of Worst South Dakota Nursing Homes

These nursing homes represent some of the worst in the state, with ongoing issues that put residents at risk.

1. Avantara Arrowhead – Rapid City, SD – This rehab center has been cited for serious health and safety violations, including infection control issues, medication errors, and improper supervision of residents. Reports also highlight staffing shortages, which have resulted in delayed care and increased risks of falls and injuries.
2. Centerville Care and Rehab Center Inc – Centerville, SD – This health care facility has a history of repeated health inspections revealing poor hygiene standards, unsanitary conditions, and failure to meet basic quality measures. Residents have suffered from bedsores, malnutrition, and a lack of proper medical attention. Family members have also complained about staff turnover rates and inadequate nursing care.
3. Diamond Care Center – Bridgewater, SD – This long-term care facility has been cited for neglect, medication mismanagement, and government funding concerns. The state department found multiple deficiencies in resident supervision and failure to properly train local nurses at the facility.
4. Good Samaritan Society Miller – Miller SD – This health care facility has been flagged for critical issues regarding resident safety, including failure to prevent falls, improper medication administration, and high staff turnover rates. A report found that residents were left unattended for extended periods, leading to preventable injuries.
5. Good Samaritan Society Sioux Falls Village – Sioux Falls, SD – This long-term care facility has received low ratings due to repeated violations in infection control, patient care, and failure to properly address health concerns. Family members have expressed frustration over delayed responses to emergency calls and the lack of rehabilitation services for residents recovering from illness or surgery.
6. Jenkin’s Living Center – Watertown, SD – This rehabilitation center has been cited for poor management, high staff turnover, and failure to meet Medicaid services requirements. Health inspections have uncovered unsanitary conditions, improper food handling, and inadequate care plans for residents with special needs.
7. Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home – Viborg, SD – This nursing home has been flagged for deficiencies related to staffing levels, medication administration, and patient neglect. Reports highlight a failure to meet health and safety standards, raising serious concerns about the facility’s ability to provide proper care.

Common Deficiencies Found in South Dakota Nursing Homes

Many South Dakota nursing homes fail to meet basic health and safety standards, leading to repeated violations during health inspections. Some of the most common deficiencies include:

• Infection prevention and control failures – Poor sanitation, lack of hand hygiene, and failure to isolate sick residents contribute to the spread of illness.
• Inadequate staffing levels and training – High staff turnover rates and underqualified caregivers often result in neglect, medication errors, and slow response times.
• Medication errors and mismanagement – Mistakes in dosage, missed medications, and improper documentation put residents at risk for serious health complications.
• Failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration – Malnutrition and dehydration are frequent concerns, particularly in facilities that fail to monitor residents’ dietary needs.
• Pressure ulcers (bedsores) and improper wound care – Lack of repositioning and poor medical oversight lead to painful and dangerous bedsores, which can result in severe infections.

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in South Dakota

South Dakota nursing home residents are protected by federal and state laws that ensure their right to safe, dignified, and high-quality care.

The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA ’87) establishes national standards for nursing home care. It requires facilities to provide services that maintain residents’ health, safety, and overall well-being. OBRA also mandates proper medical care, nutrition, staffing levels, and protection from abuse and neglect.

South Dakota’s Residents’ Rights Statutes guarantee nursing home residents the right to privacy, informed medical decisions, and protection from mistreatment. Facilities must also meet health standards and provide eligible residents with access to Medicaid services.

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in South Dakota

When a loved one suffers abuse or neglect in a South Dakota nursing home, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to hold the facility accountable. The process begins with a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as medical records, staff reports, health inspections, and witness statements. Family members should document any injuries, poor conditions, or sudden changes in behavior that may indicate mistreatment.

The next step is to determine liability. Responsibility may fall on the nursing home, its management, nurses, aides, or third-party contractors. Reviewing staffing levels, violations, and failure to meet state and federal health standards helps establish who is at fault. Once the evidence is compiled, an attorney files a formal complaint against the responsible parties, seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

During the discovery process, both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and request key documents from the facility. This stage often uncovers internal records, staffing reports, and other critical information that may reveal neglect or abuse. Attorneys may also file motions to exclude unreliable evidence or dismiss weak claims.

Many cases are resolved through negotiations with the nursing home’s legal team or insurance providers. Settlements allow families to receive compensation without the stress of a trial. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to court, where a judge or jury determines the outcome. Legal action not only seeks justice for your loved one but can also help prevent further harm to other residents.

Contact a South Dakota Nursing Home Attorney for a Free Consultation

If your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a South Dakota nursing home, you don’t have to face it alone. Our nursing home abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center are dedicated to holding negligent facilities accountable and securing compensation for victims and their families.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

To schedule a free consultation, call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.

Sources: Medicare