South Dakota’s first TBI facility to open in mid-July
It used to be that residents of South Dakota who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury would have to go out of state for treatment. That will change this year through a new collaboration between state and private parties. Irene, South Dakota will become the home to the states first long-term care facility specifically designed for TBI patients. Sunset Manor/Avera, a nursing home, will renovate its former independent-living facility for a TBI center. Plans call for the TBI unit, known as Sunrise Villa, to open by mid-July after undergoing a projected $500,000 remodeling project, said administrator Becky McManus. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the community of Irene," she said. "This will enable patients with traumatic brain injury to live in a community setting. The units are specifically equipped to meet the needs of these individuals and will be designed by a variety of consultants experienced in TBI care.” The center will be geared toward younger adults who experienced their injury after the age of 21. The facility will house up to eight TBI patients in one-bedroom apartments, McManus said. Each apartment will feature a kitchenette, refrigerator and microwave in addition to a fully-accessible bathroom. "There has been a need for this in the state for quite some time," she said.
