Survey: Nearly 1 in 5 South Dakotans Age 45+ Are Caregivers

Nearly 20 percent of South Dakotans age 45 and over are currently providing unpaid care to an adult relative or friend. Many of them are juggling those caregiving duties with full- or part-time jobs.

That’s according to the latest AARP Vital Voices survey, which polled 703 residents last summer to explore their views on caregiving, housing, Social Security and other issues affecting older adults. The findings will help to guide AARP South Dakota’s work across the state and its legislative advocacy in Pierre this year.

Priorities include increasing the availability of telemedicine, expanding access to high-speed internet and boosting support for family caregivers, says Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota’s state director.

Many family caregivers see their role as “just something you’re supposed to do,” Gaikowski says. But they are performing complex tasks that allow people to remain at home longer instead of having to go into long-term care facilities, he says.

The survey for the first time also focused on the state’s American Indian and Alaska Native population, polling 233 individuals age 45-plus. Among the health care issues of importance to that subgroup: having adequate health insurance coverage (93 percent), staying mentally sharp (91 percent) and being able to pay for prescription drugs (81 percent).

“Native Americans are living longer, and they’re interested in living in a good way at the end of their years,” says Karla Abbott, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe who serves on AARP South Dakota’s volunteer Executive Council.

Including Native Americans as a separate survey category is a sign of respect from AARP, Abbott says. See the full survey findings at aarp.org/vitalvoices.

—David Lewellen