Families across western South Dakota and the neighboring region of northeast Wyoming now have clearer data on where to find quality elder‑care services. A recent study released by home‑care agency 24 Hour Caregivers ranked South Dakota ninth among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., while Wyoming slipped to 42nd overall.
Why South Dakota earned a top‑ten spot
The study awarded South Dakota an overall score of 64 out of 86 points. Researchers highlighted three key factors that lifted the state’s ranking:
- Home‑health quality: South Dakota received the highest patient‑care rating in the study, scoring 4.10 out of 5.
- Competitive aide wages: The state posted the highest pay for care aides relative to the state’s median wage, helping attract and retain a stable workforce.
- Workforce density: There are 61.4 assisted‑living jobs for every 1,000 residents age 75 and older, far surpassing the national average.
These strengths translate into tangible benefits for seniors and their families. The researchers estimated annual home‑care costs at $41,527, roughly 69% of the median income for older households – a figure that, while significant, reflects the higher quality of services available.
Wyoming’s challenges and a silver lining
Wyoming’s ranking of 42nd placed it among the ten lowest‑scoring states. The study pointed to two primary concerns:
- Fewer assisted‑living and retirement‑community workers, with only 18.7 jobs per 1,000 residents age 75 and older.
- Higher nursing‑staff turnover, recorded at 51.3% compared with South Dakota’s 47.4%.
Despite these setbacks, Wyoming performed better on affordability. Home‑care costs were estimated at 60.2% of older households’ income, a lower share than South Dakota’s 69%.
Regional context and broader findings
The study evaluated 11 factors drawn from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These factors were grouped into four equally weighted categories: care quality, assisted‑living capacity, caregiver workforce, and affordability.
Utah topped the national rankings, followed by Alaska and Minnesota. North Dakota secured the sixth spot, giving the Northern Plains three states in the top ten. Oklahoma ranked last, with West Virginia and Louisiana rounding out the bottom three.
What this means for families
For families weighing long‑term care options, the study offers a data‑driven snapshot of where resources are strongest. South Dakota’s high aide pay and robust workforce suggest more reliable access to caregivers, while Wyoming’s lower cost of care may appeal to budget‑conscious households despite staffing shortages.
Local officials and senior‑service organizations can use these findings to advocate for policies that bolster caregiver wages, improve workforce stability, and expand assisted‑living capacity where gaps remain.
Looking ahead
Both states can benefit from targeted initiatives. South Dakota might focus on maintaining its competitive wage structure while exploring ways to reduce the cost burden on seniors. Wyoming could prioritize recruiting and retaining nursing staff, perhaps through incentive programs or partnerships with vocational schools.
As the elder‑care landscape evolves, continued monitoring of these metrics will be essential for ensuring that seniors across the region receive safe, affordable, and high‑quality care.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
