Another assisted living and long-term care facility is closing its doors in the region, revealing an ongoing need for better funding options and qualified staff for long-term care facilities in South Dakota.
The Good Samaritan Society – Duel County in Clear Lake will close on July 15.
Aimee Middleton, Good Samaritan Society vice president of operations, released a statement regarding the closing of the Clear Lake location.
“The pandemic has put unprecedented stress on the senior care industry, which has forced us to make difficult decisions about how and where we can provide care and services,” she said.
The statement notes several factors for the closing, including staffing challenges, a decline in the number of residents, increased operating costs and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not keep up with the cost of care.
“We appreciate Gov. (Kristi) Noem’s temporary increase in Medicaid reimbursements for long-term care providers in South Dakota, but the reality is that we need permanent funding solutions to support and address our workforce and resident care needs now and in the future,” Middleton in the statement.
Resources are available to help residents and families find new homes and care at nearby Good Samaritan Society locations, per the release.