Memory Care in South Carolina
Alzheimer's disease currently affects more than 95,000 older adults in South Carolina, and 25,000 new cases are expected in the coming years. This represents an increase of more than 25%. The state also has the nation's fifth-highest rate of Alzheimer's-related deaths, which underscores the need for specialized care and additional health care providers focused on geriatrics.
Today, many individuals who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease and are unable to live safely at home receive care within dedicated memory care units. According to the National Health Care Association, more than 14% of assisted living facilities offer dementia-specific services. In addition to providing a secure environment within a dedicated unit, wing or floor, memory care programs offer therapies and activities that are attuned to the needs of individuals who are living with memory loss or cognitive impairments. Research from Genworth Financial shows that the average cost of memory care in South Carolina is $4,375, which is almost $700 lower than the national average.
Individuals who are considering memory care for themselves or a loved one will find helpful information about average costs, financial assistance programs and free community resources in this guide.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in South Carolina
South Carolina has a SeniorScore of 72, which is on par with the national average. This livability index rates communities on more than 100 factors ranging from health care access and average costs to community amenities and recreational opportunities. Based on this analysis, South Carolina is about as age-friendly as the typical U.S. state.
With 59 out of 100 points, Health & Safety ratings suffer slightly due to the state's lower than average life expectancy and high crime rates, although seniors have access to a substantial number of Medicare-registered physicians and senior living facilities. Other relevant metrics include the state's average number of hospitals and home health care providers.
Community amenities earned South Carolina 61 points for Recreation & Leisure. Older adults represent nearly 30% of the population, and seniors have access to a wide variety of golf courses and parks as well as more than 2,300 religious institutions serving residents of all faiths.
Cost-conscious seniors may appreciate the state's affordable property taxes and competitive long-term care costs, which are significantly lower than the national average. These perks contributed to a Finances score of 67. Additional factors that affect residents' quality of life include the state's mild weather, above-average rainfall and average population density. Thanks to South Carolina's overall livability, it earned an impressive score of 69 for General Quality of Life.
Top Memory Care Communities in South Carolina
Heartland of West Ashley Rehab and Nursing Center is located at 1137 Sam Rittenburg Blvd in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 125 bed nursing care facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with approximately 36,000 poeple ...
The Cottages at Brushy Creek is a 144 unit senior housing community located in Greer, South Carolina. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with an average family income of $66,117. With around 34,000 poeple living ...
Savannah Grace At The Palms is located at 1010 Lake Hunter Cir in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It is a 42 unit senior community. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 45,000 residents in the zip ...
Myrtle Beach Manor is a 60 bed senior housing facility located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The community is in a generally middle income area, with a median per-household income of $49,331. It has an average population density, ...
Riverside Health and Rehab is located at 2375 Baker Hosp Blvd in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 160 room nursing home facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with about 27,000 residents in the 29405 zip code. ...
Nhc Healthcare - Parklane is a 99 room skilled nursing facility located close to the North Columbia area of Columbia, South Carolina. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with approximately 51,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 29223. ...
Heartland Health and Rehabilitation Care Center - Hanahan is located at 1800 Eagle Landing Blvd in Hanahan, South Carolina. It is a 135 bed skilled nursing facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with around 30,000 individuals residing ...
The Retreat at Brightwater Skilled Nursing is a 67 unit skilled nursing facility situated in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 33,000 people residing in the zip code of 29579. It is ...
Wesley Commons is located at 1110 Marshall Rd in Greenwood, South Carolina. It is a 102 room senior housing facility. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-household income of $35,297. With ...
Located at 10 Fountainview Terrace, Cascades Verdae Assisted Living is a senior housing facility serving Greenville, South Carolina. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average family income of $54,934. With roughly 35,000 individuals ...
Greenville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a 132 unit nursing care facility situated in the Viola Street neighborhood of Greenville, South Carolina. With a median per-household income of $42,953, the facility is in a generally middle class area. ...
The Heritage at Lowman is situated in the Lake Murray Of Richland neighborhood of White Rock, South Carolina. It is a 176 unit senior housing facility. Located nearby are many local amenities, which include houses ...
PruittHealth - Bamberg is an 88 unit nursing care facility located in Bamberg, South Carolina. The surrounding area has a sparse population, with roughly 8,000 residents in the 29003 zip code. It is a mostly lower income area, ...
Located within the Berea neighborhood of Greenville, South Carolina, Heartland Health Care Center - Greenville East is a 132 room nursing home facility. The facility is in a largely working class area, with a median family income of $29,971. ...
Located at 120 Lamotte Dr in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Life Care Center of Hilton Head is an 88 bed senior housing community. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average family income of $66,365. ...
Alpha Health and Rehab of Greer is located at 401 Chandler Rd in Greer, South Carolina. It is a 132 unit nursing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 44,000 individuals residing in the 29651 ...
Located at 709 Rice Ave in Union, South Carolina, Heartland Health Care Center-Union is an 88 unit nursing facility. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 20,000 residents in the zip code of 29379. With ...
Rosecrest is located at 200 Fortress Dr in Inman, South Carolina. It is a 75 room senior community. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median household income of $47,875. It is densely ...
Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Edgefield is a 120 unit nursing care facility. It is located at 226 Wa Reel Dr in Edgefield, South Carolina. With an average per-family income of $32,487, the community is in a ...
LMC Lexington Extended Care Center is a 388 room senior care community located in Lexington, South Carolina. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 51,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 29072. With a median ...
The Cost of Memory Care in South Carolina
The average cost of memory care in South Carolina is $4,375 per month. Although data is limited, customers can expect these specialized services to cost 20 to 30% more than assisted living. To help consumers estimate potential expenses, we've adjusted data gathered from Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey.
Based on this research, South Carolina's is one of the most affordable states in the region when it comes to memory care. The statewide median of $4,375 is nearly $700 lower than the national average. It's also $500 to $625 less than Tennessee and North Carolina respectively. Seniors who are looking for a more affordable alternative may consider Georgia, where memory care costs $200 less per month. Seniors in Florida also enjoy exceptional value with rates consistent with the state average of $4,375.
- South Carolina: $4,375
- United States: $5,064
- North Carolina: $5,000
- Tennessee: $4,875
- Georgia: $4,169
- Florida: $4,375
The Cost of Memory Care in South Carolina's Top Cities
Memory care expenses vary dramatically across South Carolina. Seniors in the mid-state community of Sumter pay as little as $2,219 per month, which is $2,156 less than the state median, and average prices more than double on Hilton Head Island. With average rates topping $4,700, Greenville is the state's second-most expensive major city for memory care, followed by the historic port city of Charleston at $4,488. In Columbia, the state's most populous city, seniors pay $4,060 per month for memory care, which is $315 lower than average, and memory care costs in Florence are on par with the state median of $4,375.
- Columbia: $4,060
- Charleston: $4,488
- Greenville: $4,758
- Sumter: $2,219
- Hilton Head Island: $5,230
- Florence: $4,375
Senior Care Cost Comparison in South Carolina
For many seniors, memory care offers an intermediate option between assisted living and skilled nursing. While dementia care costs roughly 25% more than assisted living, or about $875 more per month, these specialized facilities charge $2,748 less than nursing homes, which equates to an annual savings of more than $32,000. Seniors who receive in-home care pay almost as much for home health aides, and average rates for homemaker services are $560 lower at $3,813 per month. Another option for individuals with Alzheimer's disease is adult day care, which provides daytime programming at an average cost of $1,343 per month, making it one of the most affordable options for older adults who can live safely in the community.
- Memory Care: $4,375
- Assisted Living: $3,500
- In-Home Care: $3,813
- Home Health Care: $4,000
- Adult Day Care: $1,343
- Nursing Home Care: $7,123
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in South Carolina
Community Choices Waiver
Address: P.O. Box 8206 Columbia, SC 29202
Phone Number: (888) 549-0820
Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov/historic/insideDHHS/Bureaus/BureauofLongTermCareServices/CLTCOverview.html
Community Choices is a long-term care waiver sponsored by Medicaid. This program can help older adults with the cost of personal care, companion services and certain related supports that are provided in a dementia care unit, assisted living facility or other residential setting. These can include emergency response systems, housekeeping and one-on-one assistance with activities of daily living. Community Choices is available to individuals who are 65 years or older and require a nursing home level of care. Income is capped at 300% of the federal benefit rate, and applicants must have limited assets. Referrals and applications are handled by local Health and Human Services Community Long Term Care offices.
Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Address: P.O. Box 8206 Columbia, SC 29202
Phone Number: (888) 549-0820
Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov/historic/insideDHHS/Bureaus/BureauofLongTermCareServices/psc.html
South Carolina residents who are 55 or older and require a nursing home level of care may receive Medicare- or Medicaid-eligible services through a local PACE provider. This managed care system combines primary medical care and long-term care. Services can be provided in a community center or in a variety of residential settings, including memory care and assisted living facilities. PACE covers home health care, personal assistance, medications, transportation, physical therapy and related services. PACE is available in select geographic areas, and individuals must be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid to qualify. A share of cost may be required depending on the member's income.
SC Respite Voucher Program
Address: P.O. Box 493 Columbia, SC 29202
Phone Number: (803) 935-5027
Website: https://www.screspitecoalition.org/programs-services/respite-voucher-program/
South Carolina offers a robust selection of voucher programs through the state Respite Coalition, which is sponsored by the South Carolina Department on Aging and other government agencies. As part of the national Family Caregiver Support Program, this organization offers vouchers worth approximately $500 to caregivers in need. Priority is given to middle-aged applicants and caregivers who have no other respite options or are currently waiting for services. Interested individuals can contact the South Carolina Respite Coalition or their local Area Agency on Aging to learn more.
South Carolina Memory Care Rules and Regulations
In South Carolina, community residential care facilities that offer assisted living or dementia support are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Health Facilities Licensing, which is a division of the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Learn more about the standards that these facilities are required to meet.
Scope of Care | Community residential care facilities provide a comprehensive range of personal services, including assistance with activities of daily living, supervision, recreational activities, transportation and nutritional support. |
Disclosure | The Alzheimer’s Special Care Disclosure Act requires community residential care facilities that have special care units to prepare a disclosure detailing their qualifications, policies and procedures. |
Care Planning | Community residential care facilities must develop a personalized care plan within seven days of the resident's admission. The plan must address the individual's needs and preferences and detail personal responsibilities or objectives. Documents must be reviewed at least twice per year. |
Medication Management | South Carolina allows trained staff members to administer medications as well as certain injections within community residential care facilities. Self-administration may be permitted following a quarterly capability assessment. |
Staffing | Memory care facilities are required to conduct a comprehensive criminal background check on all employees. The facility must maintain an adequate workforce during on- and off-peak hours, and staff members are required to complete training consistent with their job responsibilities. |
Medicaid Coverage | South Carolina's Community Choices waiver will pay for personal care, companionship, housekeeping and related services provided in a community residential care facility. |
Reporting Abuse | Instances of suspected abuse occurring within a licensed residential care facility must be reported to the South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at (800) 868-9095. Long-term care workers are mandated reporters. Failing to report abuse is a crime. |
Free Memory Care Resources in South Carolina
Alzheimer's Association South Carolina Chapter
The Alzheimer's Association South Carolina Chapter offers a wealth of resources to individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Residents can participate in online classes and training seminars to learn more about this progressive disease as well as the latest management strategies. The association also offers caregiver training and respite care grants in partnership with the state's Area Agencies on Aging. Services are available to residents statewide.
Hands on Health South Carolina
Sponsored by the Medical University of South Carolina, Hands on Health South Carolina offers educational materials, medical information and healthy living programs to help state residents improve their well-being. Consumer guides can help seniors plan for end-of-life care, prepare for doctors' appointments and avoid legal issues. It also offers an online directory that connects residents to caregiver support groups and dementia-related resources in their community.
University of SC Office for the Study of Aging
The Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina is home to the Office for the Study of Aging, which offers a variety of age-related events and programs. The OSA manages a statewide Alzheimer's disease registry, hosts community outreach events and offers caregiver training. Its five-part Dementia Dialogues training programs has helped more than 20,000 caregivers statewide. Seniors can also participate in healthy aging seminars and community events.
South Carolina Agencies
South Carolina Department on Aging
Address: 1301 Gervais St., Suite 350, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone Number: (803) 734-9900
Website: https://aging.sc.gov/
The South Carolina Department on Aging is dedicated to enhancing seniors' quality of life while ensuring that local communities are prepared to meet the needs of the state's aging population. The department manages the Alzheimer's Resource Coordination Center, the Family Caregiver Support Program and the ElderCare Trust Fund, which backs innovative programs statewide. The SCDOA supports local senior centers, funds meal delivery services and oversees the long-term care ombudsman. It also connects residents with legal services and unbiased insurance counseling. South Carolina residents can find senior services in their area by visiting GetCareSC.com.
Area Agencies on Aging in South Carolina
South Carolina has 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging that serve seniors, caregivers and disabled adults in designated geographic regions. These government-sponsored nonprofits fund local programs and connect area seniors with supportive services, such as transportation, meals and healthy aging programs. They also offer respite care grants and assist seniors who want to apply for Medicaid waivers that help with the cost of memory care and personal assistance. Residents can visit GetCareSC.com or call (800) 868-9095 to find their local AAA.
Veterans' Affairs Offices in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs is a valuable resource for current and former service members and their families. This state agency helps eligible individuals access medical care and apply for benefits, including pension supplements that can cover the cost of personal assistance and long-term care. In addition to supporting programs through the Veterans' Trust Fund, it engages in education and outreach to empower members of the military community and unite the efforts of veterans' organizations statewide. Visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs online to find a VA office in your county.
Social Security Offices in South Carolina
Social Security benefits provide a vital lifeline for seniors and disabled adults. This federal agency administers retirement and disability benefits as well as Supplemental Security Income payments. Individuals who qualify for SSI may also receive an optional state supplementation that can offset the cost of room and board at a licensed memory care facility. Staff members at local field offices assist with applications and appeals, answer questions and help residents manage their benefits or update their account information. The Social Security Administration provides a convenient online tool to help consumers locate a field office in their area.
Other Cities in South Carolina