By Long-term care providers in Aberdeen and the region were among 73 providers across South Dakota that will receive a share of $2 million in technology equipment grants aimed at improving care for elderly residents.
The grants, awarded by the state’s Long Term Services and Supports division within the Department of Human Services, were funded through Senate Bill 80, passed during the 2024 legislative session.
The grants are part of a coordinated effort to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for residents in long-term care facilities across the state. They will be used to purchase a variety of technological equipment, from advanced food preparation tools to video monitoring systems. Long-term care facilities receiving money are required to complete their projects within a year.
“More than 4,000 residents and clients across the state will be directly impacted by the technology grant projects that we’ve been able to award,” said Shawnie Rechtenbaugh, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Human Services.
In a news release, the Department of Human Services said that the LTSS division received 107 applications requesting a total of $7.47 million. Of those, 73 projects were selected for the $2 million in funding.
Beyond food preparation equipment and video monitoring systems, the money will be used to purchase new storage equipment, sensory technology systems, telecommunication equipment to enhance communication between staff and residents, integrated SMART vital sign equipment for better patient care, and interactive technology aimed at enriching therapy and overall quality of life.
Regional recipients include:
- Avera Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen
- Prairie Height Healthcare, Aberdeen
- Sun Dial Manor, Bristol
- Wheatcrest Hills Healthcare, Britton
- Avera Eureka
- Faulkton Senior Living
- The Meadows Assisted Living, Faulkton
- Avantara Groton
- Avantara Milbank
- Wellshire Park Place, Milbank
- Mobridge Regional Hospital – Assisted Living
- Avantara Redfield
- Lakeside Assisted Living, Redfield
- Strand Kjorsvig Community Rest Home, Roslyn
- Tekawitha Living Center, Sisseton
- Bethseda Home, Webster