White River Health Care Center is a nonprofit, corporate-owned facility located in White River, South Dakota. The center is a relatively small community with 52 beds, designed to offer personalized care and attention to its residents. Focused primarily on long-term care, the facility provides daily assistance to individuals who require help with both medical and non-medical needs. Residents benefit from support in activities of daily living such as moving, eating, dressing, and using the bathroom, as well as medication management and other healthcare services. The home is not part of a continuing care retirement community but does participate in Medicaid, ensuring access for those requiring financial assistance for extended care needs.
Staffing at White River Health Care Center is a notable aspect of its service, with an average of 4 hours and 16 minutes of nurse care provided per resident each day. This attention aims to maintain a high quality of life and health for individuals living in the community. However, the center has faced challenges maintaining consistency in weekend staffing compared to weekdays. Residents receive comprehensive healthcare services, including nearly universal annual influenza vaccinations, with more than 99% of residents having received their flu shot in recent records. The well-being and safety of those at White River Health Care Center are enhanced by regular nurse oversight and thorough monitoring of each resident’s ability to self-care, with a substantial proportion maintaining independence in their daily activities.
White River Health Care Center is subject to routine inspections to ensure food preparation and overall health and safety standards meet both state and national expectations. These inspections occur at least every 15 months and include reviews based on consumer complaints. In recent evaluations, a specific issue was noted regarding the provision or procurement of dental services for all residents, but this was addressed in a timely manner and affected only a small number of individuals with low potential for harm.
The community has a history of meeting the rigorous standards required for Medicare and Medicaid participation, although it does not currently accept Medicare for coverage of stays. Payment for long-term care is often supported by Medicaid after the use of personal savings and any long-term care insurance. The use of original Medicare is generally limited to short-term rehabilitation following a qualifying hospital stay.
White River Health Care Center places a strong emphasis on preventative care, with a near-perfect record for regular flu vaccinations, and maintains a focus on promoting the mobility and independence of its residents. The low frequency of emergency room visits within the facility underscores the center’s commitment to maintaining a safe and health-conscious environment. Over the last three years, the facility has paid two fines totaling $2,275, reflecting ongoing efforts to address any regulatory issues promptly and transparently.
Though White River Health Care Center faces the challenges inherent in providing long-term residential care, its dedication to thorough staffing, preventative health measures, and regular safety inspections offers residents and their loved ones a supportive environment focused on respect, health, and well-being.