Active Generations in Sioux Falls is one of a few adult day services contracted with the state. South Dakota had 30 state-registered adult day centers scattered across the state at one point. The services provided low cost programming, care and supervision during the day for people who were elderly or disabled, and let them return to their homes and families at night. Taylor Rehfeldt, R-Sioux Falls, believes the decline in adult day services is due to poor Medicaid reimbursement rates by the state and expensive start-up costs for providers to enter the field.
Rehlfeldt said the closure of 28 nursing homes in South Dakota during the past eight years has created a greater need for adult day centers. At the end of the day, Butz is able to connect with his wife as she shares how her day was β acting as a husband instead of a constant caregiver. Their mental health takes a hit from having to be a caregiver constantly.
Rehfeldt is in discussions with the state to reevaluate the Medicaid reimbursement rate for adult day services. Adult day services costs are about one-fourth as expensive as nursing homes, Elness added.
Adult day care is one of the greatest, most cost-effective services the state could utilize. South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a c 3 public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info southdakotasearchlight. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website.
AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics. Makenzie Huber is a lifelong South Dakotan who regularly reports on the intersection of politics and policy with health, education, social services and Indigenous affairs. By: Makenzie Huber - January 28, pm. But the demand is greater than that. View Republishing Guidelines.
