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Assisted Living in South Carolina

12th

OVERALL STATE RANK

Overview of assisted living in South Carolina

Assisted living communities in South Carolina offer active retirees a safe, communal, and social setting as they age. The average cost of assisted living in South Carolina is around $4,300 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01]. The national average cost of assisted living is just over $5,100 a month, making South Carolina a relatively affordable choice for seniors seeking assisted living. From beachside residences to communities nestled in historic cities, there are plenty of assisted living options available to South Carolina seniors.
A PLACE FOR MOM

Assisted living state rankings report

12th

Overall state ranking out of 50

State scorecard

How we determine rankings

Our 2023 state ranking for assisted living uses A Place for Mom’s proprietary data collected from our community partners. First, we sorted through our metrics and grouped them into three pillars that are key in a quality assisted living experience. We weighted these pillars differently based on insights from our senior living experts. Then, we used these categories and their weighting to determine how each state ranks.

Read our full methodology

Top ranked South Carolina cities for assisted living overall

Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in South Carolina

6
6 Photos available

Ashley Square

526 Haltiwanger Rd., Greenwood, SC 29649
10
Review Score
38 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Thom - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I couldn't have chose a better place for my mom! She was welcomed to the family from the first time she entered through their front door as we were touring different locations. I have no doubt she is loved...

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8
8 Photos available

The Colonial at Old Camden

209 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020
9.9
Review Score
37 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My loved one is currently a resident at The Colonial at Old Camden and everything has been great for him at this facility. The cleanliness, friendliness and staff are all great. The care services, food and...

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4
4 Photos available

Emerald Gardens

201 Overland Dr, Greenwood, SC 29646
9.9
Review Score
56 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Jen C - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

It was the best decision my family and I made to place our mother at Emerald Gardens. They have been a true extended supportive and caring family to mom . The staff goes over and above to make her feel...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Greenville

See top facilities
18
18 Photos available
2
2 Floor plans available

Oaks at Chanticleer

355 Berkmans Ln, Greenville, SC 29605
9.4
Review Score
63 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

What we like the most about the Oaks at Chanticleer community are the staff, the price and the overall focus on the residents living there. This community does nothing but memory care. 60 beds, all memory...

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13
13 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available

The Legacy at Southpointe Drive

23 Southpointe Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
9.0
Review Score
50 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

They do care about their residents as if they were their own family in my opinion, And I am very thankful to have found this place for my Mom! The staff is extremely friendly and very personal. The...

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19
19 Photos available

The Parker

12 Boyce Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601
8.8
Review Score
46 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

All 5 stars! The main reason we initially chose The Parker was because of the location. [name removed] and [name removed] are key employees who are so kind and helpful!

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Columbia

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10
10 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available

Atria Forest Lake

4405 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
9.7
Review Score
72 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
BH - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I was very pleased with the level of service, wide variety of activities, upkeep of the overall facility and the respite room, and attention to individual residents.The only drawback is that they do not...

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10
10 Photos available
2
2 Floor plans available

Fairforest Grove Senior Living

120 Fairforest Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
9.7
Review Score
49 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I do not reside in SC yet had seen the facility via a face time app. No complaints from family that live there. From what I am able to tell, here is the following. And thank you very much for assisting...

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16
16 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

Merrill Gardens at Columbia

2205 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29201
9.3
Review Score
28 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I live or lived in this community

We of course love everything about Merrill Gardens at Columbia. The place itself and all the things they offer the best senior home in Columbia and surroundings in S.C. Thank you so much for helping me get...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Spartanburg

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11
11 Photos available

TerraBella Spartanburg

104 Dillon Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29307
9.0
Review Score
47 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The only reason the overall experience got a 4 star rating is due to the small room size and my loved ones recliner will not fit. We chose this facility because of the price as well as the location. Staff...

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6
6 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

The Springs at Simpsonville

214 East Curtis Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681
9.5
Review Score
14 reviews
Bob - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The staff is very friendly and they work well together to cover for one another when needed. The housekeeping is very good - trash is emptied twice a day, room is always clean. It took a little work to get...

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4
4 Photos available

Brookstone Terrace of Woodruff

80 Medical Center Dr, Woodruff, SC 29388
9.4
Review Score
32 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I have used three different facilities in the Greenville Spartanburg area. This place is the best. The facilities are superb and staff excellent, and I love the way they work with the memory care...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Charleston

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9
9 Photos available
1
1 Floor plans available

Ashley Gardens Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care

2290 Henry Tecklenburg Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
9.9
Review Score
24 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Sallie S - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My family member has been at Ashley Gardens for a year and a half, and I have been very pleased with the care he has received. Everyone from the director to the chef knows the residents by name and always...

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19
19 Photos available
6
6 Floor plans available

Oaks at Charleston

2333 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
9.1
Review Score
33 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Marsha - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My stepfather was a difficult resident and his adjustment to the move made him a challenge. The staff regularly reassured us that they were prepared and able to help him. I say 4 only because it is an older...

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11
11 Photos available
22
22 Floor plans available

Harmony at West Ashley

1925 Essex Farms Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
8.6
Review Score
26 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

We picked this community because of, references from local people, one a nurse who knew families that had members there. I would recommend to others.

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Cost of assisted living in South Carolina

The average cost of assisted living in South Carolina is $4,300 a month, or $51,600 a year, according to A Place for Mom’s most recent internal data from our network of partner communities.[01]

While assisted living costs are inexpensive across the board in South Carolina, they do vary significantly, ranging from about $2,900 to $5,700, depending on a community’s pricing structure, available amenities, and location. Luxury communities, and those in larger cities, often cost more than small, homelike communities or those in rural areas.

The prices listed above are comprehensive totals. They cover a senior’s care needs, nutritious meals and housekeeping services to assistance with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing. Transportation, medication management services, and scheduled social events are also included in these costs.

Eligible South Carolina seniors may qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or other public pay benefits to help cover the costs of assisted living.

Compare costs of South Carolina vs. the national average

Average monthly costs

South Carolina

$4,078/mo

US National average

$4,544/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. nearby states

Average monthly costs

South Carolina

$4,078/mo

Georgia

$3,575/mo

Virginia

$5,072/mo

West Virginia

$4,366/mo

Compare costs of assisted living in South Carolina vs. nearby cities

Average monthly costs

South Carolina

$4,078/mo

Columbia, SC

$3,824/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. other senior care types in South Carolina

Average monthly costs

Let our care assessment guide you

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.

Paying for assisted living in South Carolina

Determining your family’s budget and understanding the financial resources available to your loved one is a good first step to take when seeking assisted living. Your family may be able to access a variety of benefits to help cover South Carolina assisted living costs — even more so if you plan ahead. Below, we’ll explore a variety of public and private payment options available to South Carolina seniors. For further details about how families pay for senior care, explore our complete guide to paying for long-term care.

Private pay resources, like pensions, retirement accounts, and assets, generally cover the majority of assisted living costs.

Selling a house

If your loved one owns a home, they may consider selling it to pay for assisted living expenses in South Carolina.

Reverse mortgage

Equity from a reverse mortgage can free up funds for assisted living in South Carolina.

Health savings accounts (HSAs)

Health savings accounts may cover the cost of some medically necessary services and supplies in an assisted living community in South Carolina.

Life insurance

Selling or surrendering a life insurance policy can help cover the cost of assisted living in South Carolina.

Social Security benefits for assisted living

Social Security benefits can help offset assisted living costs for South Carolina seniors.

Assisted living requirements and regulations in South Carolina

The Board of Health and Environmental Control, Division of Health Licensing is responsible for licensing assisted living communities — also called community residential care facilities — in South Carolina. These communities are designed to provide personal care and room and board to two or more seniors who are unrelated to the facility owner. They support residents’ needs and preferences while maximizing independence and autonomy.[02]

Resident and community requirements in South Carolina

There are several requirements the state monitors when licensing assisted living communities. They include:[02]

Resident admission policies. Communities are designed to be able to manage resident care needs, so seniors requiring high-level continuous care can’t be admitted. This includes people with unstable medical conditions, those who require tube feeding, and those who require “sterile care,” such as Tracheostomy care, sterile wound redressing, or catheter care.

Medication management policies. Medications can be self-administered with written notice from a physician. Trained staff members can administer prescription medications, but can only assist with injections related to diabetes or anaphylactic shock.

Service planning. Residents must be assessed by a member of the direct care staff within 72 hours of move-in, at which point the facility will determine if they’re adequately able to address the resident’s care needs and will compose an individualized care plan.

Staffing requirements for South Carolina assisted living facilities

All assisted living facilities in South Carolina must employ the following staff members:[03]

  • A board-licensed administrator, who’s responsible for facility functions.
  • A recreational program staff member, who’s in charge of coordinating recreational activities and securing activity supplies for residents.
  • At least one trained staff member who’s actively on duty and awake at any time residents are present.

Communities licensed to provide care to Medicaid-eligible residents must also establish a contract with a licensed nurse who visits at least one day a week to develop and monitor care plans for residents enrolled in the Medicaid State Plan.

Let our care assessment guide you

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.

Understanding South Carolina’s system of regulation and records

We developed a system to rate each state on how easy — or difficult — it is to find important assisted living records and reports, and we compiled tips to help you in your search.

States with the most transparent records allow you to look up important information about each assisted living facility online, including inspections, complaints, survey results, violations, capacity, and whether the facility accepts Medicaid.

Access to South Carolina assisted living records: Basic

Public access to assisted living records and reports for the state of South Carolina is exceptional. Here are some key findings that informed this rating:

  • South Carolina was marked down somewhat in our rankings because it does not provide a searchable database of licensed assisted living communities.
  • South Carolina only requires mandatory inspections of assisted living communities every two years.

How to look up South Carolina assisted living licenses and records

  • South Carolina also maintains a second website with sanctions information and a third website with inspections reports.
  • You can compare the status of nursing homes in your area by using Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool.

How we arrived at our South Carolina rating

We developed a standard methodology for state data collection and evaluation, and we based our rating primarily on the objective, state-specific accessibility criteria outlined in these questions:

1. Are licensed assisted living communities listed online in any form? Yes
2. If Yes to #1, is the information updated frequently? Yes
3. If Yes to #1, is the list of licensed communities searchable? No
4. Does the state post inspections, complaints, survey results, or violations online? No
5. If Yes to #4, is the information updated frequently (within 90 days)? No
6. If Yes to #2 and #4, is the enforcement information included in the same place as licensed communities? No
7. If Yes to #4 and No to #6, are violations and inspections searchable at all? Yes
8. Is information about special licensing for care shown? Yes
9. Is capacity shown? Yes
10. Are payment types shown (e.g., Medicaid, private pay)? No
11. Is the administrator/contact name shown? Yes
12. Can the state fine a facility? Yes
13. What is the frequency of inspections? Every 24 months
14. Does the website include pricing of facilities? No

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom Proprietary Data.

  2. South Carolina  Community Residential Care Facilities Committee. (2013, January 4). Assisted living and community residential care facilities, A practical guide for consumers.

Top cities in South Carolina for assisted living

8.9
Myrtle Beach, SC
9 facilities
8.4
Charleston, SC
27 facilities
8.0
Greenville, SC
32 facilities
7.5
Columbia, SC
24 facilities
7.1
Spartanburg, SC
15 facilities
6.2
Bluffton, SC
10 facilities

Find assisted living in other states

Find Assisted Living in South Carolina cities

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.