1. What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a special combination of senior housing, personalized supportive services, and healthcare designed to respond to the individual needs of those who require help with activities of daily living.

Assisted living care promotes maximum independence and dignity for each resident. Staff is available 24 hours a day to meet both scheduled and unscheduled needs.

2. Who lives in assisted living residences?

Assited living residents can be young or old, affluent or low income, frail or disabled. Residents may suffer from Alzheimer's disease or memory disorders, or may simply need help with mobility, incontinence, or other challenges. Assisted living is appropriate for someone who is too frail to live at home or who wants extra support.

3. What types of residences are there?

Assisted living residences range from one-bedroom studio apartments to one and two bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. Some of our assisted living units are housed with independent living apartments as well.

4. How is assisted living regulated?

The State of South Dakota Department of Health governs regulations and licensing requirements for assisted living. The regulations are consumer-oriented; balancing the safety concerns everyone shares with the consumer's desire to retain their independence and freedom of choice. Our staff has special training as a result of assisted living residence policies. Additionally, we must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations.

5. What about costs?

Costs vary with the residence unit size and the types of service needed by the individual resident. Across the nation, basic fees are less expensive than home health services. Call for specific rates.

6. Who pays the bill for an assisted living residence?

Residents or their families generally pay all of the cost of care from their own financial resources. Depending on the individual's long-term care insurance policy, some costs may be reimburseable. South Dakota does offer subsidies in the form of an additional payment for those who receive Title 19 assistance. South Dakota also utilizes a Medicaid waiver program that helps to pay for assisted living services. We accept residents who qualify for these services as well.

7. What kind of social atmosphere can I expect if I move into an assisted living facility?

First of all, consumers need to understand that there are two types of assisted living facilities. The first is the medical model where the focus is primarily on medical treatment needs. Most of these facilities are associated with a hospital or health care center.

The second model is the social model. This type of senior community focuses on giving seniors the opportunity to interact socially with others. Most times the social model of senior housing will stress more activities.

Pine Lane Estates is a social model of senior housing. Some examples of the numerous activities that are offered at Pine Lane are bingo, country van rides, church services, mass, baking, crafts, and musical performances. Pine Lane also encourages community members to come and enjoy any and all of our activities in order to give our seniors a chance to interact with the public more.

8. What quality standards do assisted living residences meet?

This differs state to state, but here in South Dakota, assisted living residences must abide by rules and regulations set forth by the South Dakota Department of Health. This agency is located in Pierre, SD. Each year, an annual inspection is held by this agency in each assisted living home. All aspects of health and well being of the residents is addressed during this inspection. At the end of this inspection, a report is made by the agents from the Department of Health. This report is available to be seen by the public. Because this process takes place, you can be sure that if your loved one is in an assisted living residence, that they are being well taken care of and that there is a system that assures this.