| Senior Life (Source: "Rapid City Welcome," 2002 Edition) |
| Rapid City may not be one of the warmer parts of the country but it's still a popular spot for seniors who enjoys a mild climate with seasonal changes, a wealth of recreational and educational activities, a wide variety of housing options, an affordable lifestyle and a strong health care system with plentiful services at every level of care. |
Area increasingly popular for active elders |
| Rapid City is becoming more popular each year with retirees as "the community of choice" because of the variety of activities it offers, affordable housing and top medical facilities. |
| Long-ago nicknamed "The Banana Belt" because of its mild winter climate, Rapid City enjoys the mildest temperatures in the Midwest because of the protection offered by the nearby mountains. Residents boast they can play golf, tennis or go fishing every month of each of our four pleasing seasons. |
| Recreational opportunities are unlimited. Some of the best hiking, fishing and hunting can be found within minutes of your doorstep. In the winter, you can either bask in the sunshine in Rapid City, or travel to the mountains a few miles away and find great cross-country and downhill skiing and absolutely the finest snowmobile trails in the world. |
| Andy, best of all, you’ll feel like being active here. Precipitation is low and so is the humidity. You’ll rarely feel "sticky" and almost every evening you’ll welcome a light blanket for sleeping. |
| Called "The City of Parks," you will never find enough time to enjoy them all as well as the city’s four formal garden areas. |
| Rapid City boasts one of the most up-to-date health care systems in American, offering a vast scope of vital medical specialities including heart surgery. The hospital also operates a major rehabilitation center and a privately-operated major eye clinic provides the most modern of eye care. |
| A number of housing options designed to meet the various needs of seniors are located in the Rapid City and Black Hills areas. There are assisted living facilities, nursing homes and retirement communities. In addition, there are a number of local companies offering services that make it easier for seniors to stay in their own homes if they so choose. |
| Rapid City is very popular as a retirement area for the military. Nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base offers outstanding medical care as well as discounted shopping facilities. There are two veteran’s hospitals near Rapid City as well. |
Senior Housing Options |
| A number of housing options designed to meet the various needs of seniors are located in the Rapid City and Black Hills areas. There are assisted living facilities, nursing homes and retirement communities. In addition, there are a number of local companies offering services that make it easier for seniors to stay in their own homes if they so choose. |
Area Resources for Seniors |
Following is an overview of services and programs in the Rapid City area. More information can be obtained by calling Adult Services at 394-2434 or visiting their web site at www.state.sd.us/social/asa. Another good source of information for seniors is the Senior Citizens News which is published monthly. Call 721-8710 for more information.
- AARP Connections of South Dakota is located at Rushmore Mall and provides information and referrals on area services and programs. For more information, call 394-7798 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Adult Services and Aging offers services to help individuals avoid nursing home placement including in-home aid, nursing, assessment, respite care, adult daycare and funding and protective services. Their phone number is 394-2434.
- Alzheimer's Association, Western South Dakota Chapter provides information and counseling and maintains a lending library. Two support groups meet at the association. Call them at 394-5766 which is a 24-hour help line.
- Canyon Lake Senior Citizens Center located at 2900 Canyon Lake Drive (721-8710 or 721-8711) and the Minneluzahan Senior Citizens Center at 315 North 4th Street (394-1887) offer a broad range of activities including exercise classes, walkers' clubs, bingo, card games, dances, pool games, greeting card recycling and more. Mid-day meals are served Monday through Friday and there are also many special suppers, potlucks and other events. Both centers charge a small annual fee for membership.
- Long Term Care Assistance provides assistance to individuals needing help paying nursing home costs. Their number is 394-2434.
- Office of Medical Services determines financial and medical eligibility for state long-term care assistance, foster care, nursing home care or care in a facility for the mentally handicapped. Phone number is 394-2520.
- Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) which is sponsored by Volunteers of America helps seniors find rewarding volunteer opportunities. Phone 394-2507.
- Silver Streakers Older Worker Program provides services to those 55 and older who need to stay in or re-enter the work force and need to update their skills. Contact the Career Learning Center/BHSSC at 394-5120.
- Western South Dakota Senior Services sponsors an elderly meals program providing nutrition, education and socialization for senior citizens. Meals are served at congregate dining room sites and to home-bound seniors. Call 394-6002 for more information.
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This information is deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed for accuracy. |
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Raben Real Estate
302 Main Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
1-605-342-7272  Toll Free: 1-888-341-7272
Fax: 1-605-343-8900 |
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