News...
November 10, 2008

A framework for the future: Advancing the long-term care system in South Dakota
Task force presents final recommendations to Governor, public

PIERRE, S.D. – The task force charged with developing recommendations for meeting the care needs of South Dakota’s seniors submitted their final report to Gov. Mike Rounds and members of the South Dakota legislature today. Formed by the Department of Social Services, the task force considered the current state of care in South Dakota and how services will need to change in the future.

“The elderly population in South Dakota is projected to double over the next 15 years, requiring increased and different services than are provided today,” said Deb Bowman, Secretary of the Department of Social Services. “I believe the task force’s recommendations provide a good road map to meeting the changing needs.”

The task force was created in response to a state-wide study evaluating South Dakota’s current long-term care system. House Bill 1156 directed the Department of Social Services to conduct the study, which highlighted key issues. Concerns included the state’s rapidly aging population and a mismatch between areas with access to services and areas where the elderly population is expected to grow, among others.

The task force included a mix of advocates, legislators, representatives from state agencies and providers from the long-term care industry, including nutrition providers, home health and home maker service providers, and nursing home and assisted living providers.

Representatives from the task force will host three informational sessions to share their recommendations with the public. Members of the media are also invited to attend presentations in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or via Dakota Digital Network (DDN) to locations in Aberdeen, Brookings, Chamberlain, Hot Springs, Huron, Madison, Mitchell, Mobridge, Pierre, Spearfish, Vermillion, Watertown and Yankton.

Presentation Dates and Locations:

  • Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30-8 p.m.
    Best Western Ramkota, 2211 N LaCrosse St., Rapid City
  • Monday, Nov. 24, 6:30-8 p.m.
    Presentation available via DDN at the following locations:
    Aberdeen: Northern State University, Library Room 117
    Brookings: South Dakota State University, SPC Room 203
    Chamberlain High School
    Hot Springs Activity Center
    Huron Community Campus, Room 224
    Madison: Dakota State University, Room 111
    Mission: Todd County High School, Room 106
    Mitchell Technical Institute, Room 155
    Mobridge High School
    Pierre Capitol Building
    Spearfish: Black Hills State University, Library Learning Center, Room 009
    Vermillion: University of South Dakota, Education Building, Room 203
    Watertown: Lake Area Technical Institute, Main Building, Room 125
    Yankton: DHS, 3113 Spruce St., Room 110
  • Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
    Center for Active Generations, 2300 W. 46th St., Sioux Falls

The final report is available for download here.
The Power Point presentation from these sessions is available here.
More on the history of the task force and 2007 LTC study.

Contact Communications Director Tarah Jahnig at 605-773-3165 for more information.

-30-