Hidden Gems for Healthy Aging in South Dakota: Resources You May Not Know Exist

Growing older comes with new opportunities, challenges, and decisions. Fortunately, South Dakota offers a variety of programs designed to help older adults, caregivers, and families stay informed, connected, and supported.

The surprising part? Many people don't know these resources exist.

Whether you're planning for your own future, caring for a loved one, or simply looking for ways to age well, these programs can provide valuable education, support, and community connections.

SDSU Extension Virtual Series on Aging

South Dakota State University Extension offers free educational webinars focused on topics that matter to older adults and families.

Past topics have included:

  • Estate planning

  • Medication management

  • Family caregiving

  • Healthy aging

  • Navigating difficult family dynamics

  • Financial and legal planning

These online sessions allow participants to learn from experts without leaving home.

Learn more:
https://extension.sdstate.edu/news/sdsu-extension-co-host-free-virtual-series-aging

Trualta: Free Online Training for Family Caregivers

Many family caregivers find themselves providing care without any formal training.

Trualta helps bridge that gap.

Available through the South Dakota Department of Human Services, Trualta offers free online education and support for South Dakotans caring for a loved one with aging-related needs, disabilities, or chronic illnesses.

Topics include:

  • Personal care skills

  • Dementia care

  • Medication management

  • Safety and mobility

  • Caregiver wellness

  • Stress management

The platform is available anytime, allowing caregivers to learn at their own pace.

Learn more:
https://sd-caregivers.trualta.com/

Dementia Dialogues

Dementia Dialogues is a five-module educational program designed to help caregivers better understand dementia and learn practical caregiving strategies.

Participants learn about:

  • Understanding dementia

  • Communication techniques

  • Creating supportive environments

  • Managing challenging behaviors

  • Problem-solving strategies

Learn more:
https://sdfmc.org/projects/dementia-dialogues/

Memory Cafés

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming environment where individuals living with memory loss and their care partners can gather, socialize, and build supportive relationships.

The Black Hills Memory Café was the first of its kind in South Dakota, and additional Memory Cafés are being developed throughout the state.

Learn more:
https://bhmemorycafe.org/

Caregiver Classes and Support Groups

Programs such as Savvy Caregiver and Stress Busting for Family Caregivers provide education, coping strategies, and support for those caring for aging loved ones.

Classes are offered both virtually and in person throughout South Dakota through Active Generations.

Learn more:
https://caregiverssd.org/calendar/

SDSU Extension Creative Writing Workshops

SDSU Extension offers unique creative writing programs that help older adults reflect on their life experiences and share their stories.

Programs include:

Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Roadshow

Participants explore lessons learned throughout life and capture personal stories, values, and experiences for future generations.

Obituary Writing Workshops

These workshops help individuals create thoughtful and meaningful tributes that reflect the life they have lived and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

Learn more:
https://extension.sdstate.edu/obituary-writing

https://extension.sdstate.edu/heirlooms-creative-life-story-writing

Where to Learn More

For more information about healthy aging resources in South Dakota:

South Dakota State University Extension
https://extension.sdstate.edu/

South Dakota Department of Human Services
https://dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss

Dakota at Home
https://dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss/dakota-at-home

Active Generations CAREgivers Program
https://caregiverssd.org/

Black Hills Memory Café
https://bhmemorycafe.org/

Dementia Dialogues
https://sdfmc.org/projects/dementia-dialogues/

Trualta Caregiver Training
https://sd-caregivers.trualta.com/

At Kore Cares, we believe helping people age well means connecting them with the resources, education, and support they need to thrive. We encourage older adults and caregivers to explore these outstanding programs and discover the many tools available to support healthy aging in South Dakota.

To find a location near you visit https://www.korecares.com/contact or if you would like us to contact you will out our referral form https://korecaresllc.clearcareonline.com/referrals/.

 

 

Cassie Beisch