The Grand Army of the Republic asked the Dakota Territorial Legislature to create a home for veterans, and in 1889 the Dakota Soldiers' Home was established in Hot Springs. Its name was changed to the South Dakota State Veterans' Home in 1967. Its services to South Dakota residents who are honorably discharged, wartime veterans, or veterans' spouses have continued uninterrupted for more than 0ne hundred years. The State Veterans' Home has 250 domiciliary and nursing care beds in four residential buildings located on 193 acres. It is operated by the South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Residents pay a maintenance fee based on a percentage of their income.
A resident is able to retain a minimum monthly income. All buildings are protected by a central fire-smoke alarm system. Every building has other life safety features such as modern fire exits, sprinkler systems and stairway enclosures. Wheelchair ramps and hallway handrails are among the many assistive devices found throughout the State Veterans' Home. Every residential floor has a comfortable lounge equipped with cards, games, puzzles, books, magazines, TVs, easy chairs, aquariums, plants, pianos and other money accents.